|
| Nov. 13. |
Similar Order. Directing the Committee of the Admiralty to ascertain what goods are in the Custom House belonging to any planters of Barbadoes, and the affection of the owners to the Commonwealth, and to take measures for the delivery of such goods to the use of the proprietors. [Ibid., Vol. XLI., p. 2.] |
| Nov. 15. |
Similar Order. Directing report of the Council of Trade concerning the Guinea Company, to be heard on the 20th, when the Council [Company?] is to be summoned to attend. [Ibid., p. 17.] |
| Nov. 20. |
23. Humble desires of merchants of London and planters interested in Barbadoes to the Council of State. For permission to trade there with five or six able ships, upon submission of the "islanders," and, in case they refuse to comply with certain propositions, for letters of marque to exercise acts of hostility against them. These propositions are four in number. The Governor to repeal all acts to the dishonour of the Commonwealth, or the prejudice of those attached thereunto; to renounce all obedience to Charles Stuart, and acknowledge the supreme authority of the present Parliament; certain "active incendiaries in the late troubles there" to be banished and their estates employed to those who have suffered through them, who should be recalled and henceforth enjoy the same rights as any other inhabitant. Signed by Nicholas Blake, Geo. Marten, and 37 others; among them, Rich. Ousley and Sam. Eames, whose names have been afterwards struck through with a pen. |
| 1650? |
24. Propositions of [merchants and planters interested] in Barbadoes, made by command of the Council of State, in answer to the above "humble desires." Cannot make any just exception to them, but that they may be instrumental in reducing the island to obedience. Request that the merchant ships may join those to be sent by the Council for that purpose. Also that licences may be granted for the transportation of cattle and horses for the supply of Barbadoes free of impositions; and that they may enjoy such privileges and immunities "as the free people of this nation." Signed by Jas. and Wil. Draxe, Rich. Ousley, Sam. Eames, Thos. Mathew, and 24 others. |
| Nov. 22. |
25. "Humble proposals of several Barbadeans" to the Council of State. Have just cause to fear that some persons labour to continue Francis Lord Willoughby in the Government of Barbadoes, which, although now in a banished condition, would for the future be destructive to their rights in the island; in support of which several reasons are given; also for the removal of Lord Willoughby, after whose arrival there, towards the latter end of April, "the rebellion broke out," viz., on the 1st May, and on the 7th May Charles Stuart was proclaimed lawful king of England, the trumpeters receiving money and as much wine as they could drink from Governor Willoughby. Other acts, described in detail, committed, "dishonourable to the present established Government of this Commonwealth." To the affirmation that Lord Willoughby displaced several of the principal actors in the late rebellion, as the two Walronds and Ellice, it is replied that Col. Shelley and Capt. Henry Guy, "as bad or worse than they could be," were elected Councillors. Concerning Col. Walrond's command of a regiment in the island, and the fortifications there. It is desired that the government may be established in the hands of Edward Winslow, "a person of approved fidelity to this Commonwealth." Reasons for moving them to petition to that purpose; also why the Government should remain in one person, as formerly, or more; and on the substance of Capt. Geo. Marten's message, who is come home as an agent from Barbadoes, only to invite those that had fled and were banished from thence to return. [Bradshaw has written on part of this document numerous marginal notes, and has also endorsed it, "Mr. Bayes, his papers touching Barbadoes;" adding two queries "Whether Mr. Marten have any instructions in writing or declaration," and "If the Lord Willoughby have power there, how came more banished persons over."] |
| Nov.? |
26. John Bayes to [John Bradshaw]. Reasons for not having subscribed to the [above] proposals of the merchants and planters interested in Barbadoes. Does not deny that they may be instrumental [in reducing the island to obedience], but desires to be satisfied in certain particulars concerning them, on which he argues at some length. With marginal abstracts in Bradshaw's hand, who has endorsed it, "Mr. Bayes his observations touching the Barbadoes." |
| Nov.? |
27. Notes and arguments [by John Bayes]. Concerning the invitation brought over by Capt. Marten to those in England who had been banished from Barbadoes, to return thither; the means to be taken for reducing the island to the obedience of the Commonwealth, and the continuance of the government there. Bradshaw has added these marginal notes; "banished persons came in Marten's ship;" "nota, move no ship may go till merchants and planters fall upon a course for reducing, &c., and that a new Governor may be appointed." |
| 1650? |
28. Thoughts of Will. Hilliard concerning Barbadoes, presented to [Bradshaw]. The force proposed cannot reduce Barbadoes; the island, with the countenance of the ships, must reduce itself. Offers for consideration what he conceives most convenient to be done in managing that design, both in the case of non-submission and when reduced to keep the island in obedience. Endorsed by Bradshaw, "Mr. Hilliard's proposals for reducing Barbadoes." [On 3rd Oct. 1650 a fleet was ordered by Parliament to be dispatched with all speed to reduce the island, and on 22 Jan. 1651, seven ships, mounting 236 guns, and manned with 820 men, were reported from the Committee of the Navy as ready to go to Barbadoes, but they were made use of for the reduction of "Sillies," [the Scilly Islands], and were finally ordered to Barbadoes on 19 June 1651. See Commons' Journal.] |
| Nov. 27. |
Order of the Council of State. Appointing Sir Peter Wentworth, Sir Henry Vane, Mr. Marten, Mr. Robinson, Sir Hen. Mildmay, Mr. Challoner, Mr. Heveningham, Sir Wm. Masham, and Sir Wm. Constable, or any five of them, a committee to consider of the most speedy means to reduce Barbadoes, and to prepare instructions for those entrusted with the management of that service, for the approbation of the Council. In the margin is written, sent to Sir Peter Wentworth by Mr. Jenings. [INTERREGNUM, Entry Bk., Vol. XLI., p. 68.] |
| Nov. 28. |
Draft of licence for the inhabitants of New England to trade to Barbadoes, Virginia, Bermudas, and Antigua, until the last day of July 1651, notwithstanding the Act of 3 Oct. 1650, prohibiting such trade, by reason that the distance being so great they cannot have any certain knowledge of that Act as to observe the times therein limited. [Ibid., p. 79.] |
