This collection of four letters relate to the post-Revolutionary War reputation of Dr. Andrew Turnbull, founder of the New Smyrna colony in East Florida. They were principally written by former Governor of East Florida Patrick Tonyn to British officials and include opposition to Turnbull receiving a government salary.
Please see the Contents List for individual item descriptions.
In 1763, the British gained control of Florida in the First Treaty of Paris. In 1767 and 1768, Scottish physician Andrew Turnbull (1718-1792) established the colony of New Smyrna in East Florida with a group of 1,403 Minorcan, Italian, and Corsican immigrants who labored under indenture contracts growing sugar cane, corn, rice, and indigo. The colony suffered from inadequate planning, poor conditions, mistreatment, disease, and conflict with Native American nations, initiating investigation and disfavor with the British officials, particularly Governor of East Florida Patrick Tonyn. In 1777 the colonists were released from their contracts and were resettled in St. Augustine, and the colony was abandoned. The Spanish regained control of Florida in 1783, and Andrew Turnbull removed to Charleston, South Carolina.
Patrick Tonyn (1725-1804) was an army officer and colonial politician. He served as the British Governor of East Florida from 1774 to 1785, with his final years overseeing the evacuation and resettlement of British subjects before returning to London, England.
Evan Nepean (1752–1822) was a British politician who was appointed under-secretary of state in 1782.
William Petty, 1st Marquis of Lansdowne, 2nd Earl of Shelburne (1737-1805) was a British politician, Member of Parliament, secretary of state for the Southern Department, and from 1782-1783 served as Prime Minister. After his resignation, he remained engaged in politics and international affairs.
Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney (1733-1800) was a British politician who served as home secretary from 1783 to 1789.
