Hi Thomas,
Thank you for your analysis of the data and the very useful suggestions. I do think there might be more material that has been overlooked that might exist in the Halifax Archives, but I don't know whether I will get a chance to sift through them in a meaningful way.
If you ever encounter any reference to a black family living in Miramichi 1784-1794, do note it. Mind you none of the records I have about Peter Long so far in N.B. mention his race.
Similarly, I found nothing about his presence on the Saint John River, but again, he could have served there on a ship and not lived there.
So many unknown. I know he was born in Massachussets, but the name Long is so common there, that unless I can link him to N.S. I don't think I could find a connection.
Thank you very much, you have been extremely helpful.
G.