Erasmus James Philipps (23 April 1705 – 26 September 1760) was the second longest serving member onNova Scotia Council (1730-1760) and the nephew of Nova Scotia GovernorRichard Philipps.[1] He was also a captain in the40th Regiment of Foot. He was a member of theNova Scotia House of Assembly from 1759 to 1760. On the retirement of Lt. Gov.Paul Mascarene, Major Philipps became commander of the forces atAnnapolis Royal, Nova Scotia (1749-1760). He arranged theCape Sable Campaign during theFrench and Indian War. He is the earliest known settler of Nova Scotia (c. 1721) who was buried in theOld Burying Ground (Halifax, Nova Scotia).
Philipps was born inLondon. He was well educated and able to speak fluent French. He entered the army at age 16. He was stationed at Annapolis with the 40th Regiment, serving under Armstrong who was standing in for his uncle. Erasmus wrote rare letters to the Governor while he was in England that are still preserved. He was involved in collecting the oath of allegiance from the Acadians, which they refused in 1727.[2] He was an ensign in the 40th Regiment of Foot stationed in Nova Scotia. In the spring of 1727, he went to Beaubassin under order from lieutenant governorLawrence Armstrong to administer an oath of loyalty toBritain to theAcadians there; the Acadians refused to comply. In 1730, Philipps was named toNova Scotia Council.
He was then posted to Canso with the 40th Regiment (1728). He was appointed to be Advocate for the Vice Admiralty Court in Nova Scotia (1729-1749). He became the secretary for the Nova Scotia Council (1731-1760). He was asked by the Board of Trade to assist in settling boundary disputes between Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire as well as Massachusetts Bay and Rhode Island. He became aFreemason while working on a commission to resolve boundaries inNew England and, in 1739, became provincial grand master for Nova Scotia; Philipps founded the firstMasonic lodge in Canada atAnnapolis Royal.[3]
DuringKing George’s War, Philipps looked after providing accommodation and supplies for the troops during theBattle of Grand Pré (1747). He survived the French attack and returned to Annapolis Royal. When the provincial legislature was reorganized in 1749, Philipps was named to the new Council.
He arranged theCape Sable Campaign during theFrench and Indian War. He was elected to the provincial assembly in 1759 but died in office ofapoplexy inHalifax the following year at the age of 55.