History
Early in June 1610, Guy, his brother-in-law, Colston
and thirty-nine people set sail for Newfoundland. They
did not settle in St. John's, but went to a beautiful
little harbour then known as Cupers Cove, in Conception
Bay. This was the site of the first official English
settlement in all of Canada. Here Guy built a fort and
mansion which he called Sea-Forest House. He also built a
saw-mill, a grist-mill, boats and cleared land for a garden.
But John Guy had difficulties as great as making oil from the
hazelnuts of Newfoundland. He was harassed by pirates who not
only stole his property, but carried off some of his men as
well. The fishermen would not obey his orders. He had tried
to protect both the fish and the forests of the Island, but
the fishermen were only concerned with getting the best places
on the beaches. They looked upon Newfoundland as their own and
did not want colonists there. John was an ambitious fellow and
did not stay long in the new colony. Already an alderman of
Bristol, he returned home and was soon made mayor of the ancient
town. Captain Mason who afterwards founded the State of New
Hampshire became the next governor of that infant colony in
Newfoundland.
