Henry Osburne of H.M.S. Squirrel was appointed gevernor. Rev. Moses Harvey, in his history, says that the first mention of a sealfishery is by L' Abbe Raynal, who tells us that as early as 1763 some English fishermen used to repair to certain parts of Newfoundland, during winter, for the prosecution of the sealfishery. This was principally catching seals with nets. In 1807 about 50 small schooners were engaged seal hunting. Fifty years afterwards 400 vessels were engaged , employing about 14,000 men.
Steamers only prosecute it now.
Supreme Court of Judiculture appointed Chief Justice Reeves first President Supreme Court. Fort Amherest Light House at the entrance of St. John's Harbour was built. BIG FIRE AT ST JOHN'S 1816. About 120 houses were destroyed involving a loss of 100,000. Nov. 7th a destructive fire broke out and in a few hours 140 dwelling houses besides stores and wharves were burnt to the value of 500,000 Stg.