After serving in the army and advancing to the rank of captain, George Cartwright made his first visit to Labrador in March, 1770, after entering into partnership with a Lieutenant Lucas, and Perkins and Coghlan of Bristol, to carry on business in Labrador under the name of Perkins, Coghlan, Cartwright and Lucas. During his time in Labrador, he wrote a three volume diary: Journal of Transactions and Events During a Residency of Nearly Sixteen Years on the Coast of Labrador, which was published in 1792. In 1911 C.W. Townsend published an edited version which is no longer available. Cartwrights's Journal is so interesting and provides such a wonderful insight into his daily life in 1770's Labrador it is well worth another printing. Newfoundland historian, Judge Daniel Prowse called the Journal one of the most remarkable books ever written. English poet Samuel Coolridge applauded what he called its “strange simplicity”.