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| June 1. |
Similar Orders. Warrant to be granted to Wm. Penoyre, Rich. Hill, and Michael Davison, merchants, to export 30 nags to Barbadoes, for the use of the sugar mills there; also to Capt. Geo. Pasfield to export thither 300 dozen of shoes. [Ibid., pp. 179, 180.] |
| June 2. |
Order of the Council of State. The business of Newfoundland to be considered on the 7th. [INTERREGNUM, Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 187.] |
| June 3. |
The warrants for Penoyre, Hill, and Davison; also for Capt. Pasfield, above mentioned. [Ibid., p. 198.] |
| June 3. |
Warrant to permit the Recovery, of Poole, Roger Baker, master, to proceed on her voyage to Newfoundland, notwithstanding the late embargo to the contrary. [Ibid., p. 200.] |
June 3.
Barbadoes. |
53. Governor Dan. Searle to the Council of State. Has opened their letter of 13 Feb. to Sir Geo. Ayscue, who left with the fleet on 29 March last, leaving him in the government. Has communicated the news of the battle of Worcester to the Council, and, with himself, they "cannot but rejoice much therein." The island still in peace, and the people sensible of their former evil and folly in opposing the interests of the Commonwealth. Requests the Government will add a further blessing to the island by sending four or more faithful ministers. Some Holland ships of war that had been near 11 months on the coast of Brazil against the Portuguese, were allowed to take in supplies at Barbadoes. Three Hollanders, merchant ships, for trading with the Indians, had been seized as lawful prizes, as also the Mary, of Amsterdam, laden with French wine and brandy. A court of Petty Sessions and General Sessions for the gaol delivery and common pleas have been held. Isaac Cloake, serjeant of a company of his regiment, found guilty of high treason, and condemned to death; the bill of indictment, and his petition to Parliament for pardon, are inclosed; recommends him to mercy. News of five or six sail of ships making for Barbadoes, "believed to be Prince Rupert's fleet." Lord Willoughby having been ordered to quit the island, left on 27 March last for Surinam, but returned yesterday for provisions, which were granted; he had been ordered that day to withdraw, and goes to Antigua, and so for England. Requests instructions as to his successor in the government, in case of his death or sickness. Incloses, |
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53. I. Bill of indictment against Isaac Cloake, of Barbadoes, victualler, for the premeditated purpose of taking off the affections and obedience of one foot company of the trained bands of the island from the authority of Parliament, by traitorously rehearsing aloud these wicked, seditious, and treasonable words, "For God and King Charles, God bless King Charles, God bless our Sovereign, and Hey for King Charles," contrary to an Act published in Barbadoes, 14 Feb. 1652, prohibiting the proclaiming of any person to be King of England, &c. Upon which by "the jury of life and death" he is found guilty of treason. |
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53. II. Petition of Isaac Cloake, of Barbadoes, to Parliament. Confesses that, excited by overmuch drink, he did extravagantly revile into seditious expressions against their authority, but was innocent in his heart, and no person took notice thereof. Prays for pardon, that a destitute wife and three small infants may receive some comfort. |
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53. III. "Journal touching the Barbadoes business." Full account of what took place from 16 Oct. 1651, the day the fleet arrived off Barbadoes, to 13 Jan. 1652, when the island was delivered up, the substance of which will be found in Capt. Pack's letter, abstracted, p. 374, No. 43. |
| June 7. |
Orders of the Council of State. Desiring the Committee for Foreign Affairs to report what is fit to be done for securing the interest of the Commonwealth in Newfoundland, and how the fishery there may be encouraged; and granting liberty to the men of Plymouth to send away four or five vessels bound to Newfoundland. [INTERREGNUM, Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., pp. 213, 215.] |
| June 11. |
Minutes of a Committee for Foreign Affairs. The interests of the Commonwealth in Newfoundland, and the encouragement to the fisheries there, are considered. Sir David Kirke and Lord Baltimore, who pretend private interest, agree that the proceeding therein will be no inconvenience to them. Sir David desires leave to go over himself, or to send servants to see his goods disposed of, as may be directed. Instructions are ordered to secure the above object, and liberty is given to Sir David Kirke to send over his wife or some others in his behalf, to take care of his estate. A sub-committee is appointed to prepare the instructions. [Ibid., Vol. CLIX., p. 7.] |
| June 11. |
Orders of the Council of State. Ships bound to Newfoundland to be allowed to proceed on their voyage, notwithstanding the general embargo. Petition of Mary, wife of Daniel Searle, Governor of Barbadoes, with papers annexed, to be referred to Committee for Irish and Scottish Affairs for their report upon what money is due to Mr. Searle from the Commonwealth, and out what treasury it should be paid. [Ibid., Vol. LVI., pp. 68, 74.] |
| June 12. |
Similar Order. The letters and papers from Sir Geo. Ayscue concerning the business of Barbadoes, of Antigua, St. Christopher's, and Nevis, to be reported to Parliament. [Ibid., p. 81.] |
June 16.
Whitehall. |
Instructions to Walter Sikes, Robert Street, Capt. Wm. Pyle, and Capt. Nicholas Redwood, Commissioners for managing and ordering the affairs and interest of the Commonwealth in Newfoundland for the year ensuing. To repair thither immediately, and take possession of the ordnance, ammunition, houses, boats, stages, and other appurtenances belonging to the fishing trade. Collect impositions until Parliament declare their further pleasure. Take care for the government and well ordering of the inhabitants. Secure the fishery against Rupert, or any others. Discover what is due to the Commonwealth upon the adventure of several delinquents, and alleged to be in the hands of Sir David Kirke, who is to be permitted, by himself or deputies, to manage his estate there, subject to rules and directions from themselves. To administer the engagement to all the inhabitants; give a full account of their proceedings from time to time; admit Sir David Kirke to cross-examine witnesses; and inquire into complaints. [INTERREGNUM, Entry Bk., Vol. LVII., pp. 11–14.] |
June 16.
Whitehall. |
Laws, Rules, and Ordinances, whereby the affairs and fishery of Newfoundland are to be governed, until Parliament take further order. [Ibid., pp. 15–18.] |
| June 16. |
Minutes of a Committee for Foreign Affairs. Robert Street, Walter Sikes, Capt. Wm. Pyle, and Nicholas Redwood, are appointed Commissioners to go to Newfoundland. Sikes to return a just account of what he received last year in Newfoundland to the use of the Commonwealth. Sir David Kirke to have liberty to go over, or any other in his behalf, to look after his estate, upon giving security to answer whatever may be objected against him, and to pay such sums as shall appear to be due from him to the Commonwealth. [Ibid., Vol. CLIX., p. 8.] |
| June 16. |
Order of the Council of State. Walter Sikes to go as Commissioner to Newfoundland, and to give security for monies and goods received by him there, for the use of the Commonwealth. Sir David Kirke to have liberty to cross-examine witnesses. The Commissioners about to go to Newfoundland to examine complaints of strangers there, and report thereon to the Council. [Ibid., Vol. LVII., p.10.] |
| June 17. |
54. Petition of Richard Gregory, planter, of Barbadoes, to the Council of State. Was forced to fly from Barbadoes for his affection to the Commonwealth, when Lord Willoughby came to demand the government, leaving behind his wife, children, and whole estate, to the value of 1,000l. Being about to return, he prays for licence to import 40 draught horses, much wanted and formerly supplied from Holland. Annexed, |
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54. I. Order of the Council of State, referring the above petition to the Committee for Foreign Affairs for their report. 1652, June 25. |
| June 17. |
Orders of the Council of State. Sir David Kirke's return to England with the Commissioners to be part of the condition of his bond. The instructions for the care of Newfoundland to be continued until 24 June 1653, unless Parliament or the Council determine otherwise. The Commissioners for Newfoundland to have power to load upon convoys, goods they have occasion to bring into England. [INTERREGNUM, Entry Bk., Vol. LVII., pp. 22–24.] |
| June 19. |
Similar Order. For a warrant to Nicholas Skinner to protect ten men and a boy of the Thomas and Richard, bound to Newfoundland, from being impressed. [Ibid., p. 31.] |
| June 21. |
55. Petition of the Guinea Company to the Council of State. About March 1652 Prince Rupert, with a fleet furnished by the Governor of the island of St. Jago, surprised the Friendship and two pinnaces in the river Gambia, and seized all the petitioner's goods, amounting to above 10,000l. The Portuguese, by order of the Governor, afterwards murdered seven mariners. Pray for reimbursement from the King of Portugal for their losses, which has been done for other merchants whose ships have been taken by Prince Rupert. A note on the margin directs that this petition be recommended to the Commissioners appointed to receive claims of such as have sustained loss by the King of Portugal, to receive proofs, and insert them with others of a like nature. |
| June? |
56. Remonstrance of the Guinea Company to the Council of State. Account in detail of the setting forth, value, and seizure by Prince Rupert of the Friendship, of London, John Blake, commander, with two other pinnaces. Pray for reparation for their loss of 10,000l.; and that they may henceforth have free trade upon the coast of Guinea, and the adjacent islands belonging to the King of Portugal. |
| June 22. |
Order of the Council of State. For a warrant to permit Wm. Hubberly, master of the Elizabeth, bound to Barbadoes, to keep aboard his ship 30 men, free from imprest. [INTERREGNUM, Entry Bk., Vol. LVII., p. 37.] |
| June 28. |
Similar Order. Referring draft of commission for Capt. Jas. [sic] Holdip to be Governor of a plantation in America, to the Committee for Foreign Affairs. [Ibid., p. 50.] |
June 30.
Barbadoes. |
57. Governor Dan. Searle to the Council of State. Has received certain intelligence since his former letter that the six ships therein spoken of were Prince Robert's [Rupert's] fleet; they had surprised two small vessels at Montserrat, but were denied by the Governor a supply of provisions, and from thence sailed to Nevis and St. Christopher's. Has given orders for some guns to be mounted in the bays of the island for preservation of merchant ships. "What the design of this grand pirate is we cannot imagine." Conceives Rupert's chief aim was either for Barbadoes or Virginia; but being now prevented he may go either to Guadaloupe, Martinique, or Dominica, some of the French colonies, for supplies. Recommends some frigates to be sent to prevent obstruction to trade. Will have them manned with additional numbers of men for small shot, Col. Lewis Morris, whose personal valour at Scilly was taken notice of, having volunteered to command them. Is not in the least distrustful of what Prince Rupert can do; since the noise of his being so near, some persons have been secured, who "out of the abundance of the heart have not been able to refrain speaking." Others have left the island in boats by night, "which is a good riddance." Assurances of his faithfulness and endeavours to the utmost hazard of his life. Sends bill of exchange for 1,102l. 12s., sale of prizes, also list of debts ordered to be paid out of the proceeds of the prize goods. Incloses, |
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57. I. Account of sugar ordered by Sir Geo. Ayscue and Capt. Michael Pack to be paid for provisions, ammunition, and other necessaries for use of the State's fleet. Signed by Nathaniel Silvester and John Bayes. |
| June 30. |
58. Governor Searle to [John Bradshaw?]. Similar in substance to the preceding. |
| June 30. |
59. John Bayes to the Council of State. Grievances of the people of Barbadoes, through the proceedings of the Assembly, who "suddenly became tyrants" when called to account by their parishioners; but, being so cemented with the Council under Governor Capt. Philip Bell, "a weak old man and fearful," the one could not be dissolved without the break-neck of the other. Parliament then took cognizance of their sufferings, and they were established in their just rights and liberties by Sir Geo. Ayscue. Complains of the choice of "this parliamentary assembly," made during Ayscue's government; the "outing" of Lord Willoughby, the Walronds, Ellice, Shelley, Byham, and many other malignants, was of great future security to the place; but they fell to making laws, and now will not be removed without some clashing. Believes the greatest part of the Assembly to be old, overgrown, desperate malignants. The privilege afforded to those bringing actions at common law, of appeal to the Governor and Council as a court of equity, has been taken away by a late Act of Assembly. Addresses to the Governor are thus taken off. Evils of the system. They call themselves the representatives of the island, but believes, if suffered, they will in time become the sole power. State of feeling among the inhabitants; many, if they could have preserved their families and estates from ruin, "would never have complied with you, for their hearts are not with you." Some persons had a design to make this place a free state, and not run any fortune with England, either in peace or war; "this I know to be a truth." Those men now in the chiefest places of trust under the Government allow the Governor to be but a single person. Speaks in high terms of Governor [Searle], "a man faithful to his trust," but contends that he must have "power in his management," an absolute power to choose his Council; for when any dispute arises at the council table, he is over-voted. Craves pardon, as one zealously affected to their Government, and "that has had three and twenty years experience here," if over-bold in offering these considerations. If he sees not a change of faces 'ere long, and more respect to England's authority, will suddenly and as diligently wait upon the Council of State for the removal of several persons now in power as ever he did for the fleet going thither. Desires great care may be taken for safety of the island, as for any place "within your own bowels," which cannot be secure until the Governor's commission is enlarged. |
