THIS IS A COPY OF A LETTER SENT FROM PHILLIP SENIOR TO OUR GASPE PHILLIP

 
                        (As translated from the original “Jerry”  language)

Jersey, April 26,  1808

             I received your letter through Captain LeFeuvre last fall. You are no better at writing, although letters are written to you. I thought you would send me some fish at the same time, in return for past favours; but anyhow .if you are able to do so later on , do so. Mr Mauger would have taken care of a small package of fish had you had some to send. If you could get me a barrel of cod liver oil on old Chaleur Bay debts ( a small one or a large ) that would suite me fine. Several people still owe me. Louis Roussy owes me a hundredweight of Marie-Pierre Du Guet,Jr,. 4%. Take from anyone anything you can get. I am quite satisfied with your staying there this winter. If I were in your shoes, I would remain another ten years rather than return in wartime. You are where money is to be earned; whereas here your youth would be wasted. There isn’t a cent to be made, and we are continually harassed. Furthermore, you would undoubtedly have had  to run for your life.  How often would you regret not having taken my advice. That is why I urge you to take it; and as long as there is money to be earned over there, do not return home unless we are at peace, of which there is no sign. I myself would like to be well-paid in Canada. I wouldn’t return here. No need to tell anyone this. Keep it a secret.

 I am not sending you anything. Personal effects are much the same here and there. Where you are , take good care of your possessions, as I have always taught you to do; otherwise, what is the point of  earning if you do not economize. You are now earning your own money; you are making good wages. I am satisfied with what you are getting. You would be twenty years in Jersey before you would make the money you do now in a year. Now you can put away 900lb. a year, and when peace comes you may find employment with some fine person in Jersey, or elsewhere; but here is my advice to you:    Beware of those nasty Paspebiac girls, who are libertines almost all of them; they would lead you astray. Avoid them; do not associate with them. I was told that you are courting Jean Poingdestre’s young daughter. I don’t believe it. I hope you won’t be led astray by that. I would never want to see you again. I hope to leave you some property, but you would not get a cent if you contracted such a union. You have a fine example before you in Jean Poingdestre, himself. Those children of his have cost him a pretty penny. I hope you will be more prudent than that. You have my counsel always before your eyes. Don’t forget it then. Keep in the best of company always. You will be better for it. Do not mix with vulgar people and do not tire of helping Mr. Day on a Sunday, as has been your habit. You will be better for it

            Remember me to Mr. François Gallie. He is a good man He would do well to marry over there. He would be better off than in Jersey, a thousand times. To Mr. Jacques Ahier, as well. If you see Mr. LeMaistre, do not fail to greet him for me. Captain Robin, Mr. Day and all in general—French and English. I may be able to go to Gaspe during the year. I have been asked to do so, but I am not yet sure of going. If I decide to go, I will let you know All your relatives and friends are well. Your Grandmother is still active. She certainly would like to see you, and your cousin Marguerite and all of them. Your uncles are all well. I do not think your uncle Samuel will be going to Gaspe this year. They certainly all would like to see you, but still they would rather see you stay where you are, less you be trapped here. I see by your letter that you received 1&5d on my account. Make good use of it,and be careful not to waste your money, which will not happen if always avoid bad company.

            I am- with all the tenderness of a father- my son, your dear father,

Philip Béchervaise

My regards to Mr, James Robin and all the Captains.