|
July 1.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Capt. Fletcher offers his services. Mr. Hunt's answer to the charges drawn up by Mr. Treasurer, and judgment. Hunt discharged from further attendance. His propositions concerning the profits of his plantation. The act of restoring Lieut. Rous to his place at the Council table in Providence, by the Governor of the island, notwithstanding his refusal to submit to the sentence against him, is considered illegal. Ordered that Rous be suspended until he makes a public acknowledgment, according to the censure, and that the Governor be sharply reproved for having thus acted "in an undue manner." [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 160-62.] |
July 2.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Proposition by Sam. Symonds, late a planter in the Somers Islands, concerning himself and the public state of Providence. Desires better allowance for his office of Sheriff, with power to sell his plantation, and that a minister and surgeon may be sent over. Committee appointed to peruse the records as they arrive, and report to the Company what "they conceive fit to be put out." Proceedings concerning a charge against Sarah Butcher, for which he was afterwards cleared, ordered to "be taken off record." Finance. Business connected with the voyage of the Robert. Commission granted to certain persons to contract for all tobacco that comes to England; but thought fit that dilatory answers be given to the Commissioners until Michaelmas term. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 162-64.] |
July 5.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Petition of Rich. Manning for payment of certain money received by the Company for tobacco, and belonging to him as executor to John Essex, deceased, referred to Lord Brooke. Sealing of the "charter part" [of the Robert]. The Company, taking into consideration the many noble favours of the Earl of Holland, their Governor, although he has not paid any money into their stock, conclude to repute him, in all dividends, an adventurer of one entire share. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 165-66.] |
| July 9. |
Minutes as above. Answer to petition of Ric. Mannings, for recompence as overseer of the public workmen. Letter from Capt. Axe, concerning the accounts for his tobacco, the money to be paid forthwith. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 166] |
| July 10. |
20. "Relation of certain passages between the Governor of Virginia, Capt. Yong and Capt. Mathews," concerning the employment by Yong in Virginia of a planter's man, who was a ship carpenter, and the disputes between the Governor and Capt. Mathews about Yong's commission. Signed by Thos. Yong, and certified by Thos. Cornwaleys, Thos. Purify, and Robt. Evelin, as being present when part of the discourse took place. |
| July 10. |
21. Petition of George Griffith and Company, proprietors of the Warwick, of London, to the Admiralty. Three years past they set forth a ship to New England and Virginia, for trade and discovery, and appointed Henry Fleet their factor, with commission to return within one year, but by authority of Sir John Harvey, Governor of Virginia, Fleet has restrained the vessel and profits to the petitioners' great loss. Pray that the examination of the premises in perpetuam rei memoriam may be referred to Sir Henry Marten, Judge of the Admiralty. Endorsed, "Rec. 1634, July 10." |
July 14.
Virginia. |
22. Gov. Harvey to [Sec. Windebank]. Improvements of the colony during his government. Fortifications. Strong palisades for the safe range of cattle, "near as big as Kent," have been erected. Excessive planting of tobacco has been lessened, and the growth of corn increased, ten thousand bushels having this year been sent for relief of New England. "Virginia is now become the granary of all His Majty's northern colonies." There is great plenty of beeves, goats, hogs, and all sorts of poultry, and a begining has been made of oranges, lemons, figs, vines, and all kinds of fruit. The country generally unprovided with munition. Had a grant of 1,000l. per annum out of the customs of the colony, but has not received any for five years. Meets with great opposition from his assistants. All things that come to the colony sold for at least three times what they cost in England. Capt. Yong arrived about 3rd inst. with two ships; he has already built his shallops, and will be gone within two days. |
July 14.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. Finance. The Secretary to demand "at the counting-house of the Royal Exchange" the rent due from Mr. Slaney for the Company's shares in the Somers Islands. Ships from Association to be stayed, that a course may be taken for satisfaction of debts due to the Company from planters there. John Symonds to go the next voyage to Providence, with two men and one boy; fifty men to be also provided. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 166-67.] |
| July 18. |
Minutes as above. Rich. Manning's account. Mr. Darley, intending to go to Holland, is entreated to make stay of ships from Association until the Company's debts in that island are satisfied. John Edwyn appointed purser of the Long Robert, and Gray Fitch, surgeon. Mr. Treasurer desired to pay the owners 100l. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 167-68.] |
| July? |
23. Petition of Capt. William Button, employed by the planters of Virginia, to the "Lords Commissioners for plantations in general." Prays that letters may be sent to Virginia to assure the planters that they shall be again incorporated, and enjoy their estates and privileges as before the recalling of their patents; that orders be given to the Governor and Council of Virginia to dispose of lands to planters being freemen, as they had power to do before 1625, and that he may have a grant of land on either side of the river Appamatuck. |
July 22.
Whitehall. |
The Privy Council to the Governor and Council in Virginia. The planters may for the present enjoy their estates and trade with the same privileges as before the recalling of their patents. Authorize the Governor and Council to dispose of proportions of land to planters being freemen, as they had power to do before 1625. Capt. William Button, for his services to the plantation, allowed land on either side of the river Appamatuck most convenient to himself, as hath been usually granted for himself and the servants transported by him. Will acquaint them with the King's pleasure upon their "farther powers." [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. LXXIX., p.211.] |
| July ? |
24. Petition of Henry Woodhouse, Muster-Master of Suffolk, to the King. About three years past his Majesty promised the petitioner the place of Governor of Virginia. The present Governor having enjoyed his commission five years, which time few have exceeded, Capt. Talbot possessing the fort at Tilbury, and the petitioner never having received a penny for his employments at Rhé and Rochelle, prays for a commission to govern Virginia. [Endorsed by Sec. Coke. See also July, 1635, p. 213, No. 75.] |
July 30.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. Mr. Lidsey's petition, a request of Gray Fitch, and "the perfecting of the list" referred to Lord Brooke and Mr. Treasurer. Lieut. Rous, at the request of Mr. Treasurer, is pardoned with a caution. A magazine to be sent [in the Long Robert]. Means of raising money. Names of the members, and the sums they adventure. Finance. Committee authorized to manage everything concerning the voyage, and to write letters to Association. Warrant to John Lydsy [?Lidsey] to take out his tobacco. The Falcon to be sold for 200l. Serjt. Whitehead entertained lieutenant of the fort at Black Rock with six servants Sam. Symonds to have three servants free, as appertaining to his office of Sheriff. Mic. Archer to have liberty to go the voyage with three servants. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 168-70.] |
July 30.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to the Governor and Council there. Are thankful to find, by their letters of 18 December last, that the colony is in safety, plenty, and health. Directions to complete the fortifications. Ric. Field and Jos. Hinckson, gunners, permitted to come home; others appointed. Supply of captains' places. Recommend more time to be bestowed upon "the raising of profit;"the planting of tobacco to be restrained; and cotton and silkgrass to be called Camock's flax, if it will grow there, to be attended to. "God's blessing rest upon it as a merchandise abundantly sufficient to give both us and you contentment." Cultivation of "other drugs," to be transplanted from the main, including indigo, Guinea pepper, and jalap. Oilseeds to be discontinued. Directions for curing the flax. Distribution of the Company's magazines. Price set upon the commodities of the island; cotton 6d. per 1b., tobacco, "an uncertain commodity" 10d. per lb., but for this year only. A magazine now sent, whereby it will be seen they have not been left like forsaken Indians ("which term you might well have spared"). Care in distribution. Market days appointed for sale of stores. Storekeeper's accounts. Debts of those leaving the island. Capt. Elfrith and Mr. Rishworth appointed to get in the old debts. As many men sent as could be conveniently got; the discouraging informations in the planters' letters have prevented more from going. Men and ammunition promised, in case a good quantity of flax or other merchantable commodities are grown. Distribution of the servants now sent over. Encouragements to those who have purchased their freedom to remain. Approve of the order of Council for no less than five to compose a family. The men taken by Capt. Camock replaced. Cannot supply the island with sawyers. Have not sent a boat as desired, but a shipwright goes with Mr. Gates. Time must be allowed new comers for building and clearing their ground before their services in the public works are required. Desire that the Indians upon no pretence be furnished with weapons or means to practise the use of gunpowder. The late Mr. Hart's accounts. Concerning servants and the disposal or management by agents of plantations. Liberty to Capt. Rudyerd and Mr. Hunt to sell their plantations; that of Ed. Williams to be disposed of. Accept Mr. Rishworth's services as secretary. Rejoice at the affection for Mr. Roote; he cannot return by this ship. To obtain good ministers for the island is the chief business of the Company. Mr. Gates allowed to return, but not yet to be restored to the Council. Approve of the choice of Marshal. Directions concerning the records. Mr. Ditloff's proceedings with Mr. Sherhard. All passages reflecting upon Mr. Rous, deceased, ordered to be taken off record. Lieut. Rous to be suspended from the Council for striking Forman in the Governor's presence, notwithstanding the Governor has reinstated him. Indecent entries in the examination of Sarah Butcher to be taken off record. Capt. Rudyerd to blame for scandalizing Mr. Halhead. Goodman's conduct disliked. Fines and forfeitures to be levied by the Sheriff for the Company's use, and distributed for public charges. Those of Capt. Axe and Lieut. Rous, about poisoning, remitted because of their many good services. If Capt. Axe return, and acknowledge his miscarriage in opposing the Governor, he is to be reinstated in his offices; if not, to be at liberty to sell his plantation. Wages of public servants. Demands of Chas. Wettenhall, the late Marshal. Complaint of the parents of Edw. Bragg. Capt. Bell to continue in the government until further orders. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 61-66.] |
| July 30. |
The Company of Providence Island to Governor Bell. Have received his letter of 2nd Jan. Are unable at present to complete his portion of servants, the reputation of the island having been weakened by discouraging letters from thence. Will think of some way of rewarding his services. Employment of negroes provided by Capt. Hilton. Distribution of the magazine. Upon the Councillors not observing the respect due to his office. Find that in readmitting Lieut. Rous to the Council he seems to have grounded his authority "upon a supposed privilege which you call prerogative as annexed to your place ... neither do we like the use of that word." Commend his discontinuance of a guard, the employment of miners, and the monthly inspection of every man's plantation. Those who will not work not to have supplies from the stores, "according to the Apostle's rule-he that will not labour, let him not eat." Very much approve of his proclamation for preventing mixed dancing and other vanity. The ministers should second his authority. Concerning women going over "as our servants" to be married, and assaults committed in the island. Punishments. Privately instruct him on this head, "least a gap be opened to more liberty." Mr. Floud. Proposition concerning Henrietta. Encouragement to Mr. Roote. Have sent a chest of wax lights. Petitions from Mr. Kendrick, Hen. Clark, Wil. Wyatt, and seven others, for leave to return to England, granted. Ed. Forster goes over as surgeon, and Mr. Darly, brother to a "member of our society." [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 66, 67.] |
July 30.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Sussex Camock. Are glad to hear of his safe arrival at the Cape, and good entertainment amongst the Natives. Approve his having erected a place of defence. Commend to his care the good usage of the Indians, and by all means to restrain offensive or wanton carriage towards the women. Commodities received are all of value, especially the silk grass, which they will have called Camock's grass "for his honour and encouragement." Directions to procure as much as possible. Wish him to confer with John Elfrith, who says there is great store in Monkey Bay. Vessels sent for boiling and cleansing the flax. Other commodities not to be neglected. Gray Fitch, the surgeon, appointed to make experiments upon the main. Notice of a balsam useful in surgery, and a soft gum. Desire a particular account of all commodities of the several nations with whom he trades, upon what terms, and those dealt in. Good plants and seeds to be sent to Providence. The flax alone sufficient to enrich that island. Have sent a ship of 200 tons; hope she will return home fully freighted. Commodities to be assigned wholly to the Company. Officers appointed to receive goods. Have sent the supply as requested. Directions for the distribution and payment. Will allow 2s. per lb. for flax. Cannot settle the rates of other commodities. Have been careful to send a good minister; also ordnance. No violence to be used towards the Spaniards, or any other nation. Will call Harbottle to account for trading at the Cape. Interlopers. Dissensions in Providence. Great discontent and discouragement caused by taking so many men from that island, and the necessity of strengthening it. Hope Capt. Axe may be spared to return to Providence for practice of his art in fortifications. Agreement with Albertus Blufeild ratified. Commend his own carriage. Disorderly persons. The fugitive Spaniard. Williams has been sent back to Association. Authority to punish him should be misbehave himself. Send a rundlet of sack, and a case of strong waters as a token of their love. Instructions in case no good come of this design, "which God forbid, and we cannot yet imagine." [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 68, 69.] |
July 30.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Sam. Axe. Are sorry to hear that he has left Providence. Accept his information concerning the state of the island, and desire that he will continue it, wishing him only to avoid bitterness and general accusations. "We do value your parts, and when occasion serves we shall show our esteem of you." The cause of his suspension differently represented by the records. Disallow any behaviour or language tending to weaken the authority of Government. Dislike that men of art should be checked and slighted by those not able to direct, especially in matters of fortification, but forbear entering into examination of complaints. "The poisoning business" charged against Nic. Goodman. Have remitted his fine in regard of his many former good services. Division of the magazine. Have taken care "that diligence may be supplied, and the sluggard clothed with rags." Thank him for setting out the works, particularly Warwick Fort. Earnestly propose that he return to the island, in which case he shall be restored to all his places. Liberty to sell his plantation if he resolve not to return. Request him to send particular information of the commodities, patterns of which have been received, above all of Camock's flax. Are assured that by that alone the island will be enriched. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 70.] |
July 30.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Elfrith. Thank him for promising to finish the Black Rock, and for his good advice for the advancement of the plantation. Proposition about Henrietta. Hope the soil of the island will be apt for the production of Camock's flax. Tobacco. Have followed his advice for the issue of store goods. Must stand excused if the supply of men be small; the cause arising from the planters' letters, "whereby the whole business is reputed forlorn." Have received three ragged pearls of no value. Wonder at the scantiness of clothing complained of. Directions have been given to prevent it in future. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 71.] |
July 30.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Hope Sherhard, minister. Acknowledge his worth and industry, and commend the propagation of Christianity among those neighbouring people who have as yet no knowledge of God. Earnestly desire that he will remain in the plantation. Mr. Roote will stay some time in England. Will embrace all counsel that may tend to the reformation of the people or the advancement of his comfort. The hopes of the plantation exceedingly weakened of late by letters from some planters and the discourse of some passengers. Evils likely to ensue from his sudden removal. Encouragement. Have remitted his debt to the stores, and are ready further to evidence their love and good opinion as occasions offer. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 71.] |
| July 30. |
Instructions from the Company of Providence Island to Jos. Collins, chief pilot and commander of the [Long] Robert, of London, bound thither. To sail beginning of August direct for the Caribbees, and there discharge passengers, take in salt at Tortuga, and send the catch immediately to Providence and thence to Association, deliver the Company's letters, take on board any negroes bought on their account, and if the inhabitant are "purposed" to desert the island, ship them with the six pieces of ordnance to Providence. To demand an account of certain goods previously transported. Permit Edw. Williams to go with him to Capt. Camock. Thence to the Mosquitos, and there deliver the goods from Capt. Camock for the main. Freight for the return voyage. If laden with salt from Tortuga, to touch at Virginia on his way home, and sell it there. To transport any willing to go from St. Christopher's or Association as servants to Providence. To purchase not more than 30 negroes at Association for Providence. Trade at the main prohibited. Seamen to pay 10s. for every parrot brought to England, "that so your ship may not be unnecessarily pestered." [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 72, 73.] |
