Complex sentence: The governor of Newfoundland, although seeking to encourage trade and end hostilities between the Beothuk and the English, had approved an expedition led by captain David Buchan to recover a boat and other fishing gear which had been stolen by the Beothuk.
Split into simpler sentences: The governor of Newfoundland was seeking to encourage trade and end hostilities between the Beothuk and the English. But, he approved an expedition, to be led by captain David Buchan, to recover a boat and other fishing gear which had been stolen by the Beothuk.