|
1678.
Jan. 2.
Plautation Office. |
557. William Blathwayt to Colonel Moryson. His report and
narrative concerning Gardner and Drummond have been received.
Though Drummond's guilt be very great, it has been the sense of
the Lords of Trade and Plantations that the case of the poor widow
and her children is very deplorable, and a fit object of His Majesty's
compassion. Draft with corrections. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII.,
No. 1.] |
| Jan. ? |
558. Minutes of the Lords of Trade and Plantations in reference
to the petition and case of Captain Thomas Gardner. He took
Bacon prisoner, who prosecuted him for this injury and loss of
his sloop. Gardner was imprisoned, and gave bond for payment
of 70l. to Bacon. Bacon is attainted, and the bond and rest of his
estate forfeit to the King. Gardner petitions for reimbursement.
To move His Majesty as to the payment of 100l. as a reward to
Gardner. [Col. Papers, Vol XLII., No. 2.] |
Jan. 2/12.
Barbadoes. |
559. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to his last letter of 28th November (see ante,
No. 498). When the French fleet left our coast they sailed directly
for Tobago; the Dutch were very much dismayed, having neither
men nor provisions. The French put 1,000 men ashore, who
entrenched themselves upon a hill near the fort, commanded by
Monsieur Blinart, now General, in the place of De Baas, and the
third shot from a mortar piece fell into a house where Admiral
De Binkes was, and most of the officers within the fort, and where
their ammunition was, which blew up and killed De Binkes, who
deserved a better fate for his behaviour in the former engagement,
with him the officers and 250 men were slain. This put them into
such a consternation that they surrendered at discretion, and the
French carried to Martinique five or six hundred prisoners. They
have demolished the fort, burnt all houses, and carried all the people
and ordnance with them, and so have quit the island, with which
we here are not much displeased. Believes he shall hear next the
French have taken Surinam, a place in no condition to resist.
Cannot tell whether they will attempt Curacao, but conceives they
have more considerable designs in America. Is informed that the
buccaneers, as they are called, are preparing a fleet of 18 sail, and
expect a fleet from France to join them. Passports received from
Count D'Estrées by the Commanders of two Dutch men of war
riding in this road giving leave to the 600 prisoners to be
transported in those two ships to their own country. Encloses the
transactions of their late Sessions of Gaol Delivery; there were
many criminals in prison. The woman that killed her husband
was burnt according to the law. Proofs against the fellow that
poisoned his master were very slender, and, as the chief proof was
a boy not above eleven years old, reprieved the prisoner, "and
more particularly because here wanted a hangman, which is hard
to get here, and he now supplies that office." Has reprieved
Charles Grimlin for killing his maid servant at the earnest
importunity of most of the Ministers and very many gentlemen of
the island. For clippers of money the jury stuck at two things,
whether the Acts of Elizabeth, and later Acts made before any
settlement here, could be extended to these islands, and also whether
foreign coin current here by His Majesty's proclamation shall be
refused within the Act. 3 pp. Encloses, |
|
559. i. An abstract of the whole business heard and determined
before His Majesty's Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer
and General Gaol Delivery for Barbadoes in November
and December 1677. With names of those present, viz.,
Members of the Council, Judges of the Common Pleas,
Justices of the Peace, Coroners, Counsel, Marshals and
Juries of the grand inquest and of life and death. Total,
43 cases. 11 pp. Endorsed, Rec. 24 Feb. 1678. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLII., Nos. 3, 3 I., and Col. Entry Bk.
Vol. VI., pp. 219–223.] |
| Jan. 3. |
560. Representation of the late Commissioners of Virginia to
the Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the several Petitions
herewith given in according to promise when in Virginia to the
poor Petitioners may be read and considered and reported on to
His Majesty—that so they may receive such redress as their
respective cases require, and be mentioned in a general letter to
Virginia or otherwise as may seem most expedient. "The
petitions are in two small bundles delivered in by Sa. Wiseman."
See next Abstract. 1 p. [Col Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 4.] |
| Jan. ? |
561. "Personal grievances of divers inhabitants within His
Majesty's Colony of Virginia, proved before us, His Majesty's
Commissioners by oath, all which we do herewith (according to
their desires) most humbly present, in their own words, as we
received the same, and do give this short abstract as followeth:"
Then follow the abstracts of the several petitions, with, in parallel
columns, the Commissioners observations and opinion. Names
of Petitioners, viz.: Alexander Walker, Henry Jenkins, Otho
Thorp, Thomas Grendon, Thomas and William Dudley, John Page,
William Hunt, Nicodemus Prynne, Thomas Palmer, Sandes
Knowles, William Howard, John Deane, John Williams, Thomas
Bobby, Nicholas Loope, John Johnson, James Barrow, William
Hoare, Edward Lloyd, Thomas Glover, Andrew Godean, William
Rowland, Thomas Lushington, Richard Clarke, and George Seaton.
Most of the Petitions above-named will be found calendared under
their respective dates in March, April, and May 1677. [Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 337–352.] |
| Jan. |
562. Petition of Samuel Wiseman to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. That he went to Virginia with His Majesty's late
Commissioners, and has constantly attended His Majesty's service
there and at home, up to their dismission, as clerk to that
Commission. Has written three reams of paper besides three
large books of their proceedings, one for each Commissioner and
only received 100l. towards all his expenses. Prays for some
further allowance for his services. "Read, 26 Jan. 1678." Col.
Entry Book, Vol. LXXXI. is almost all of it in the handuriting of
Wiseman and is probably one of the "three large books" he refers
to, and a great many papers in the Colonial Correspondence are
also in his handwriting. Annexed, |
|
562. i. Certificate signed by Sir John Berry and Colonel Frances
Moryson, late Commissioners for Virginia. In favour of
and relation to the services of Samuel Wiseman, clerk to
the late Commission, who behaved himself with great
honesty and unwearied industry. 1678, Jan. 3. |
|
562. ii. Colonel Moryson to William Blathwayt ? In favor of
Samuel Wiseman an able clerk to the Commissioners for
Virginia, wherein he carried himself most industriously
and honestly without looking at all to his own benefit but
wholly to His Majesty's service. Persuaded him to undertake the voyage to Virginia upon Sir Joseph Williamson's
assurance that this employment should be but an earnest
to a better; he had only a poor 100l. to set him out
and provide for his family he left behind him, so that he
cannot have sixpence. Thinks a man so qualified might
easily get into some way of living, especially at these
times when there will be use of honest men and good
scribes. The Lord Chancellor told the writer His
Majesty must use Wiseman's services in setting the laws
of Virginia, beseeches his advocacy with the Lords of
Trade and Plantations that there may be a compensation
settled for Petitioner's pains and charge. Together three
papers. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., Nos. 5, 5 1–11. and Col.
Entry Bk., Vol LXXX., pp. 245–248.] |
Jan. 8.
Nevis. |
563. Governor Stapleton to Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Their letter of 10th September (see ante No. 404) came last night.
Gratitude for their Lordships extraordinary care and goodness by
their ample representations to his Majesty on all the public and
private grievances he offered, and for their character of him. Designs
next week to visit all the islands, and then answer their Lordships
enquiries. Has re-appointed the Collector of the 4½ per cent.
Taking of Tobago by the French Squadron when the Dutch
Commander and all his officers were blown up, and the French lost
but one man. The French expect more ships and 500 soldiers.
1 p. Mem.—On 13th March this letter and a list of the French
ships in the West Indies was received and delivered to the Lord
Privy Seal and other Lords and read by them. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLII., No. 6, and Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XLVI., pp. 259–262,
and Vol. CV., p. 222.] |
Jan. 8.
Nevis. |
564. Governor Stapleton to [Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson].
Has received his commands from Whitehall of 30th October 1677,
and expresses his gratitude. Has desired Captain William Freeman to give him a list of the officers blown up at Tobago by a shell
from the French camp which fell in the magazine where there were
1,500 barrels of powder, they design to destroy Curacao and Porto
Rico, if a Dutch squadron which is now in the Indies does not
obstruct their proceedings. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol XLII.,
No. 7.] |
Jan. 8.
Insula Nevis. |
565. Governor Stapleton to William Blathwayt. Has but a
short time to acknowledge their Lordships commands and despatches by this ship. Will gladly serve him in his sphere when
occasion offers. "Rec. 13 March." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII.,
No. 8.] |
Jan. 9.
Whitehall. |
566. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Colonel William
Stapleton, Governor of the Leeward Isles. Enclose petition of
Dame Joan Hall as a matter arising within the limits of his
Government and desire him to make enquiries into the Petitioner's
allegations that by his report their Lordships may be enabled to
represent to his Majesty what is most fit to be done. Enclose, |
|
566 i. Petition of Dame Joan Hall, widow, the relict and
executrix of Colonel Christopher Keynell, late of Antigua,
to Lords of Trade and Plantations. See ante No. 468.
[Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XLVI., pp. 254–257, and Vol. CV.,
p. 197.] |
Jan. 9.
Whitehall. |
567. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Stapleton.
Directing him to administer the oath to the Deputy Governors
under his Government for the due execution of the Acts of Trade
and Navigation for which his Majesty has sent him a Commission
under the Great Seal. Mem.—A Commission was also sent to
several gentlemen of the Leeward Isles to administer the oath to
Governor Stapleton. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XLVI., pp. 257–258,
and Vol. CV., p. 197.] |
| Jan. 9. |
568. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Council of Barbadoes.
Send the King's Commission to administer to Governor Sir
Jonathan Atkins an oath for the due observance of the Acts of
Trade and Navigation pursuant to an order of the Privy Council
of 24th October last. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol., VI., pp. 209–210.] |
Jan. 12.
Whitehall. |
569. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Attorney
General reported the alterations made by him in the laws of
Jamaica, which were all approved. Sir Richard Temple and
Sir George Downing, Commissioners of Customs, attend in relation
to the law for raising a public revenue when their report of
14th December (see ante, No. 521) is read, upon which their
Lordships make certain resolutions. Drafts of the Earl of Carlisle's
Commission and Instructions considered; to be compared with those
to Lord Vaughan. |
| Jan. 14. |
Opinions concerning the power of the Earl of Carlisle, as ViceAdmiral of Jamaica, to erect Courts of Admiralty. Clause in his
instructions relating thereto. Also in reference to Members of
Council suspended by the Government to be incapable, during
such suspension, of being admitted into the Assembly. Additional
article setting the manner of making laws. |
| Jan. 15. |
Draft of instructions to the Earl of Carlisle, delivered by
Secretary Coventry on 12th instant, read, and alterations agreed
to. The 4th paragraph to run thus, "And to communicate such
of your instructions as you shall find convenient to be imparted
unto them" [the Council]. |
| Jan. 17. |
The remaining part of the Earl of Carlisle's instructions taken
into consideration, and alterations agreed to; also his Commission,
to which additions are made, concerning raising money and mines
royal. Mr. Attorney General to be desired to prepare a clause for
settling a mint in Jamaica pursuant to the Order in Council, and
that a clause to the same effect be put in the instructions, and for
the sending over bullion to be coined here for the use of that
island. |
| Feb. 2. |
Mr. Secretary Coventry sent for the Commission and instructions
prepared for the Earl of Carlisle, which were accordingly delivered.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol., CV., pp. 195–204, 216.] |
Jan. 13.
Whitehall. |
570. The King's warrant to Charles, Earl of Carlisle, CaptainGeneral of Jamaica. To cause drums to be beat about the city of
London for raising 200 men for His Majesty's service in Jamaica.
¾ p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIX., p. 230.] |
Jan. 13.
Whitehall. |
571. Commission to Charles, Earl of Carlisle, Captain-General
and Governor-in-Chief of Jamaica and the territories depending
thereon, to be Captain of a company of foot, consisting of 100 men
besides officers, to be raised for His Majesty's service in Jamaica.
[Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIX., p. 230.] |
Jan. 13.
Jamaica. |
572. A like Commission to Sir Henry Morgan, LieutenantGovernor of Jamaica, to be Captain of a company of 100 men
besides officers, Also Commissions to Ralph Fetheronhaugh to be
Lieutenant, to Sir Henry Morgan; Elias Markham to be Ensign
to the Earl of Carlisle, John Tolderoy to be Lieutenant to the Earl
of Carlisle, and Usher Tyrell, gent., to be Ensign to Sir Henry
Morgan. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIX., p. 235.] |
Jan. 13.
Jamaica. |
573. Commission to Sir Francis Watson, Knight, to be MajorGeneral of the Forces employed and to be employed in Jamaica.
Minute only. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIX., p. 237.] |
Jan. 14.
St. Christopher's. |
574. Proclamation of Colonel William Stapleton, Governor of
the Leeward Islands. That all passes granted in St. Christopher's
to ships entered out for His Majesty's plantations, determine within
six months of the date of this Proclamation and passes granted
before this date to ships entered out for Europe determine upon
their return. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVIII., No. 69, p. 16.] |
| Jan. 15. |
575. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Letter of
3rd October last read from the Council and Assembly of Barbadoes
(see ante, No. 421), whereupon ordered that Sir Peter Colleton
and Colonel Thornburgh, who had petitioned for the pikes, give
their attendance when the business of Barbadoes shall be considered.
Mem.—This letter was transmitted from Sir Jonathan Atkins by
Mr. Stede, Deputy Secretary of Barbadoes. |
|
Draft of instructions to the Earl of Carlisle (for Jamaica)
delivered by Secretary Coventry. Resolutions on several articles
in reference to communicating his instructions to the Council, that
Members of the Council may be made Judges, the manner of
making laws, and the oaths of allegiance and supremacy for the
Assemblymen, and the laying of customs upon imports or exports to
be left out, "the consideration being now ceased for which it was
recommended to former Governors." |
|
Mem.—On 16th their Lordships sign a letter to several Members
of the Council of Barbadoes transmitting a commission to them for
administering to Sir Jonathan Atkins the oath for the due execution
of the Acts of Parliament concerning trade and navigation. [In
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 209, 210, this letter will be found,
which is there stated to have been signed by their Lordships on
9th January.] |
| Jan. 17. |
The remaining part of the Earl of Carlisle's instructions taken
into consideration, and also his Commission. Mr. Attorney General
to be desired to prepare a clause for settling a mint in Jamaica,
and for sending over bullion to be coined there for the use of the
island. |
| Jan. 19. |
Letter read from Sir Jonathan Atkins, dated 16th September
(see ante, No. 403). Upon the first head their Lordships after
debate agree to write to Governor Atkins signifying their dislike
of this complaint made by him and the Assembly about sending
over pikes, inasmuch as Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Thornburgh
concurred that there was a necessity for them, and their Lordships
cannot but report to the King that the 1,500 pikes be sent, and the
country pay for them according to custom. On the second head
they agree to report that the Assembly may be their own chapmen
for the arms they provide for their own defence. Their Lordships
will also acquaint Governor Atkins that Sir Peter Colleton did not
voluntarily meddle with the proposal of pikes, but was called in
by their Lordships to give his opinion. In relation to the Royal
African Company, Governor Atkins is to be admonished that they
did never accuse him without great cause for injuries not as yet
reformed. On the fourth head ordered that extracts be made of all
Governor Atkins' letters and accounts concerning artillery arms and
ammunition, so that their Lordships may judge how satisfactory
his returns have been. On the fifth article their Lordships will
assure Governor Atkins that all due care is had of his papers, and
such secrecy used as the nature of them requires. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CV., pp. 201–208.] |
Jan 16.
Westminster. |
576. Grant to Robert Ayleway, of the office of Auditor-General
of the Colony of Virginia, during life, with the like fees, profits,
and advantages as Edward Diggs or Thomas Stegg, or any other
heretofore executing said office hath received or enjoyed. 4 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 9.] |
Jan. 16/26.
Madrid. |
577. Sir William Godolphin to [Captain Ccoke]. Has received
His Majesty's new commands about the ship Virgin, and as soon
as things appeared with a clearer face "I presented my new
Memorial on your behalf to this King." It is remitted to the
Council of the Indies. Their defence hitherto has been only certain
arts to gain time. Has spoken earnestly to Don Juan of Austria
on the business, and will use all diligence to draw from them a
positive and plain answer one way or the other. Has received
Secretary Coventry's repeated directions in the affair. Annexed, |
|
577. i. The King of Spain's commission to Don Juan Baptista
de Santiago, Lieutenant-Governor of the Island of Cuba
and City of the Havanna. Commanding him to execute the
former commission of the Queen, late Regent of Spain,
dated 2nd July 1675, for restoring to Captain Edmund
Cooke the value of the ship Virgin and her lading. The
original of this commission was offered by the Lord
President of the Indies to Lord Ambassador Godolphin
in answer to his new instances, but rejected by his
Excellency as insufficient and no ways satisfactory, for
reasons which he gave at large. |
|
577. ii. The King of Spain's order for satisfaction for the ship
Virgin. Madrid 1678, Feb. 15. |
|
577. iii. Order of the King in Council. That Secretary Coventry
take care that in the treaty with Spain now under
consideration provision be made for the losses sustained
by Captain Cooke. Together, four papers. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLII., Nos. 10, 10 i., ii., iii.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
578. Order of the King in Council. Approving Report of the
Lords of Trade and Plantations of 20th December 1677, on petition
of Captain Thomas Gardner, and directing payment of 100l. by
Gawen Corbin out of the public stock of Virginia to Petitioner.
3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 11, and Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXX., pp. 219–221.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
579. Order of the King in Council. Upon a Report of the
Lords of Trade and Plantations, dated 11th December 1677, in
reference to the Colony of Virginia, and several papers, letters, and
narratives, transmitted to Secretary Coventry by Colonel Jeffreys,
Sir John Berry, and Colonel Moryson, His Majesty's Commissioners
for Virginia, but particularly as to three laws made at Green
Spring, 20th February last, viz., of indemnity and free pardon; of
attainder; and inflicting pains, penalties, and fines upon great
offenders; approving said Report, and directing that said laws and
all others made in Virginia, either disagreeable to the powers
residing there or derogatory to His Majesty's Proclamation of
Pardon, be in due time abrogated and made void; and that all
persons, whether tried or not, be rendered capable of the conditions
in said Proclamation in relation to His Majesty's pardon and
restitution of all confiscations made by Governor Berkeley upon
his proceedings contrary thereto. Also that a new Proclamation
be immediately issued out confirming the former and restoring the
persons who have been confiscated contrary thereunto; that the
Government in Virginia countenance prosecutions against such of
the rebellious party as possess the goods of honest men; and that
laws be prepared for the punishment of those who persisted in
abetting said rebellion and contemned the offer of pardon. 7 pp.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp. 222–229.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
580. Order of the King in Council. On Report of Lords of
Trade and Plantations to the King of 18th December 1677, in
reference to including the neighbouring Colonies to Virginia in
the late Peace and any other treaties for peace with the Indians,
approving same, and directing Secretary Coventry to proceed
therein according to their Lordships' opinion and advice. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp. 243–245.] |
| [Jan. 18.] |
581. Petition of Rowland Simpson to the King and Privy
Council. Sets forth the depredation committed by Captain Bernard
Lemoine, a French privateer, in seizing 309 hogsheads of sugar on
board the Golden Lion, and carrying said ship into France, where,
ever since January 1674 petitioner has been endeavouring to obtain
satisfaction, and prays that letters of marque or reprizal be forthwith granted to him. "Rec. 18 Jan. Read at the Committee
21 Jan. 1677–8." Annexed, |
|
581. i. Minutes of the Lords Committee of Trade and Plantations. After consideration of the above petition and very
long debate it is thought fit to propose to Sir Thomas
Exton and Sir Richard Lloyd, Judges of the Admiralty,
the question whether Petitioner's goods under the circumstances set forth be subject for letters of reprizal. Two
papers. Draft and fair copy. "Read in Council,
8 Feb. 1677–8." |
|
581. ii. The Report of Sir Richard Lloyd and Sir Thomas Exton
on the above question of law. That there are just
grounds for granting to Simpson letters of reprisal.
Doctor's Commons, 1678, 29th January. |
|
581. iii. Petition of Rowland Simpson to the King and Privy
Council. Sets forth what has been done on his previous
petition, incloses report of the Judges of the Admiralty,
and prays that letters of marque or reprisal be forthwith
granted to him that so Petitioner and his family may be
preserved from ruin. "Read in Council 8 Feb. 1677–8." |
|
581. iv. The Report of the Judges of the Admiralty above
referred to. Duplicate of Inclosure No. 581 II. Together,
five papers. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., Nos. 12, 12 I–IV.,
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 209–210.] |
Jan. 19.
St. Christopher's. |
582. Governor Stapleton to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Is
now going from one island to another to obey what their Lordships
require of him. The 57 soldiers are arrived, as he has informed
Lord Craven, by whose orders they were shipped, "but my Lords
in that condition that never soldiers were sent without arms,
ammunition or money to subsist withal not as much as a sword
nor the ammunition loaf to a place where there is no magazine or
any stores to be purchased." The two companies they have
completed have hardly any themselves, arms decay here more
than anywhere. Submits to their Lordships serious consideration
how dishonourable to the King and nation to send soldiers to
garrison where French and Dutch are spectators of such their naked
condition. They have given him one of the greatest confusions he
ever had. Sent to Tobago to purchase French or Dutch muskets,
but the island is deserted of both nations. Captain Haddock, of
the Quaker Ketch, brought instead seventy or eighty negroes the
Indians were carrying away. The Count d'Estrées expected in the
French part of this island, from thence to Porto Rico or Curacao or
to both if successful in the first. The 300 malefactors when arrived
will be benefactors, as they will increase our numbers. The arms
and ammunition, the seal and 500l., for erecting a fort, are wanting.
A fort begun. Forts building in the French island under an
engineer sent by the King of France. Necessity of a fund being
settled for the soldiers' pay. "Rec. 1 April 1678." 1½ pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 13, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI.,
pp. 262–265.] |
Jan. 21.
Office of Ordnance. |
583. An account of the ordnance, carriages, shot, powder,
and other stores and habiliments of war issued out of His
Majesty's stores and shipped on board the Unity of London,
Arthur Haire, Commander, to be transported to Nevis and delivered
to Governor Stapleton, since the time of his government, which
began in 1672. Total, 1,039l. 12s. 2d. "Rec. from the Office of
Ordnance, 15 April 1678." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 14,
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 270.] |
| Jan. 22. |
584. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Governor
Atkin's letter of 132/3 May last (see ante, No. 241) considered, and
having read answer of Royal African Company (see ante, No. 369),
and opinion of the Solicitor-General (see ante, No. 346), that negroes
ought to be esteemed goods or commodities forbidden to be exported
out of His Majesty's Plantations in other than English shipping,
their Lordships will report that this trade with the Spaniards ought
not to be permitted, and also upon this pretence the Spaniards may
entertain a trade for all other commodities upon the island. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. CV., p. 211.] |
| Jan. 22. |
585. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Present, Sir
Jonathan Atkins, Governor, Henry Drax, Samuel Farmer, Samuel
Newton, John Peers, Simon Lambert, and John Stanfast. Ordered
that John Witham be sworn a Councillor, and he accordingly took
the oath and his place in the Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI.,
p. 297.] |
| Jan. 22–24. |
586. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. The House, apprehensive of a war, conclude it of absolute necessity to provide for
defence of the island by repairing the forts and erecting new ones
furnished with arms and other necessaries. Ordered by Governor,
Council, and Assembly, that John Hallett, Treasurer, send for
England for 1,000 iron shovels for the fortifications and 500
ammunition swords, the charge to be allowed out of the moiety of
the duty on wines and liquors reserved to public use, also 4,000
steel lance heads according to pattern. Ordered, that a Bill be
prepared for assessing the labour of hands from the owners of land,
and for setting a tax on the towns for repairing the fortifications.
The Jews to be rated by the vestries. The Bill entitled an Act
for the Supply of Labourers for Repairing Fortifications and Building
new passed. |
| Jan. 24. |
An Act appointing a committee for settling the public accounts
of this island, passed. Also an Act to continue an Act for allowance
of a second free entry of the dead productions of this island lost or
taken, and relating to the four-and-a-half per cent. Petition of
Cornwall Somers granted, and Colonel William Bate, treasurer, to
give credit for the duty of three pipes of Madeira, and John Hallett,
treasurer, to give petitioner credit for ten pipes. Thomas Larkham,
gunner of Charles Fort, William Bragg, gunner of Willoughby's
Fort, Henry Cross, gunner of James Fort, and John Hare, gunner
of New Battery, to be paid their respective salaries. On petition
of Jane, widow of Richard Barnes, killed by a great gun in one of
the forts, ordered that Petitioner be paid 3,000 lbs. of muscovado
sugar per annum during her widowhood. Petition of Mrs. Dorothy
White to be recommended to the Governor and Council to be
tender of the privileges of infancy, and not to subject estates of this
country to debts further than by law they are subject. Petitions
of William Brooking, purser of H.M.S. Constant Warwick, to be
allowed 9l., duty on five hogsheads of brandy, and of Captain
John Johnson to be allowed duty on thirty tons of beer, sour
and unsaleable. Adjourned to 19th February. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XIII., pp. 289–294.] |
Jan. 23.
Whitehall. |
587. Order of the King in Council. On enclosed petition of
William Stoughton and Peter Bulkeley. That copies of said
petition and papers annexed, and also of a petition of Mason and
Gorges relating to the government of the Provinces of Maine and
New Hampshire, be delivered to the Lords of Trade and Plantations,
to consider the matter of both petitions and the true state of that
Colony, and report their opinion thereupon. Enclosed, |
|
587. i–ii. Petition of William Stoughton and Peter Bulkeley to
the King. Having received a signification of the King's
promise of pardon to the Massachusetts Government, and
particularly of the offence of coining money without the
King's authority, with His Majesty's license for setting
up a Mint within said Colony for coining gold and silver
with such impress as His Majesty shall think fit to
pass current in said Colony only, and the matter between
the Company and Mr. Mason and Mr. Gorges being
settled by the Lords Chief Justices' Report, that denies
Mr. Mason's right of government, but excludes from the
bounds of the Massachusetts the four towns of Dover,
Portsmouth, Exeter, and Hampton, the inhabitants of
which by the annexed petitions have prayed to be continued under the Massachusetts; implore His Majesty
to add the grant of these four towns, with the land and
royalties, and the liberty of coining there. With the underwritten reference:—"His Majesty hath thought fit that
this Petition and the Papers thereunto annexed be brought
into the Councell with all convenient speed, to be there
considered and such resolution taken thereupon as shall
seeme best for His Majesty's service and the good of that
his Colony in New England." Signed by H. Coventry.
Whitehall, Dec. 16, 1677. Two copies. |
|
587. iii. Petition of the Inhabitants of Dover upon Piscataqua
to the King. That through the goodness of God and the
favour of His Majesty, "which like the sweet influences
of superior or heavenly bodies to the tender plants have
cherished us in our weaker beginnings, having been
continued through your special grace under your Majesty's
protection and government of the Massachusetts, to which
we voluntarily subjected ourselves many years ago, yet
not without some necessity in part felt for want of
government and in part feared upon the account of
protection." Are earnest suppliants to be continued
under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts as formerly.
Signed by John Evens, William Shuckford, and thirty-seven
others. Dover, 1677, Oct. 22. |
|
587. iv. Petition of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth on Piscataqua
to the King. "The fear of losing the long enjoyed and
still desired benefit of the Massachusetts Government hath
occasioned us to adventure to speak unto our Sovereign
Lord the King; it may be the words of our Lord the
King may be comfortable to us, and He may perform the
request of his servants that we may be continued and
settled under the same jurisdiction as formerly unto which
we at first voluntarily subjected ourselves and have never
yet had any cause to repent of our so doing." Signed by
Joshua Moody, Tobias Leare, and fifty-four others.
Portsmouth in Piscataqua river 1677, Oct. 22. |
|
587. v. Memorial of the Inhabitants of Exeter. Desiring that
their names be inserted should an address be sent to the
King praying that they may be continued under the
Massachusetts Government. Signed by Samuel Dudley,
John Gillman, and thirty others. |
|
587. vi. Petition of the Inhabitants of Hampton (co. Norfolk),
New England, to the King. "Awed by the Divine
aphorism of that wisest of Princes who hath commanded
us to fear God and honor the King and not meddle with
men given to change," beseech if it may consist with His
gracious pleasure and their allegiance and duty that
they may be continued under the Government of the
Massachusetts. Signed by Seaborne Cotton, Christopher
Hussey, and forty-seven others. Hampton, 1677, Oct. 22. |
|
587. vii. Petition of Robert Mason and Ferdinando Gorges to
the King. It having been decided that the Massachusetts
Government have no authority over the rich and extensive
Provinces of New Hampshire and Maine, Petitioners,
sensible of the mischief that has befallen those Colonies
from a divided Government, offer to surrender to the
King their right to government, when it shall please him
to establish a General Governor in those parts. Pray
that, if it is not the King's pleasure to establish a General
Government over all New England, a Governor may be
appointed over the two Provinces of New Hampshire and
Maine; for the great damage sustained by the usurpation
of the Massachusetts, they submit the manner of their
reparation to the King's pleasure. Underwritten:—"Read
9 Jan. 1678. Referred to the Comtee. 23rd." Together,
eight papers. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., Nos. 15,
15 I.–VII.; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX., pp. 239–247.] |
Jan. 24.
Nevis. |
588. Governor Stapleton to Lords of Trade and Plantations.
How the five ministers sent over by the Bishop of London are
disposed of. In St. Christopher's, Mr. Davis and Mr. Milward; in
Nevis, Mr. Foster: in Montserrat, Mr. Mollineux; in Antigua,
Mr. Jones and one Mr. Lambert, "who is none of the six nominated"
by the Bishop, the sixth being left behind: if Mr. Grief comes he
shall be provided for as well as any. Does not question but that
each will have as good as 100l. sterling per annum or 16,000 lbs.
of sugar, besides the perquisites of marriages and funeral sermons.
"Rec. 1 April 1678." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 16, and
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 265, 266.] |
Jan. 26.
Whitehall. |
589. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. In reference
to a petition of Samuel Wiseman, late Clerk to the Commissioners
for Virginia, praying for a reward for his services; also certificate
of Sir John Berry and Colonel Moryson in favour of Petitioner for
preferment. Agreed to represent Petitioner to His Majesty as a
person fit to be employed in His Majesty's service. |
|
Report made by their Lordships on the ship Sherrard of Boston,
and letter ordered to be sent to the Judges of the Admiralty.
On the ship Sherrard being condemned upon revision in France
without other reason given than that she had not touched at an
English port since her purchase in Holland, the following points
arose:—(1) whether every prince in war has not power to make
what laws he please as to the trade and commerce that friends
or neuters are to exercise with his enemies; what good to be
prohibited, and under what sorts and degrees of penalties even
though such goods be not otherwise according to the general law
of nations contraband, supposing there is no treaty of commerce
between such prince and his allies; (2) what sort of publication is
necessary for such prince to make his allies concerning these
laws; (3) whether there be any ordinance in France forbidding to
purchase foreign ships that can justify the capture and confiscation
in this case. The opinions of the Judges of the Admiralty are
desired herein. Council Chamber, 1678, Jan. 26. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CV., pp. 212–213, 215.] |
Jan. 30.
Virginia. |
590. Daniel Parke to Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson. Encloses,
in obedience to his commands, the best account he can give of
Virginia. Enclosed, |
|
590. i. D. Parke to Secretary Williamson. Arrived in Virginia,
25 October 1677, and waited upon the Governor next day,
whom he found very sick and weak and very unfit for
business, the Assembly was then sitting. The King's
letter making void Sir W. Berkeley's Proclamation and
assuring his subjects of His Majesty's grace and mercy was
concealed for some time by order of the Council, the
Secretary and his brother Colonel Philip Ludwell saying
it was procured from the King by false information; but
has since been published to the great joy of all the burgesses
and people except Sir W. Berkeley's party. Evils the
country has suffered through the King's letter having been
concealed; fears of Berkeley's return and confirming all
done by the Assembly at Green Spring. Great poll-tax
levied upon the people, very heavy upon the poorer sort.
Together 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., Nos. 17, 17 i.] |
Jan. 30.
Derby House. |
591. Samuel Pepys to Matthew Lock, Secretary at War. Is
commanded by the Duke to ascertain the names of the ships ready
to transport 425 soldiers for Virginia. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLII., No. 18.) |
Jan 31.
Barbadoes. |
592. Governor Sir J. Atkins to Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Finds they are not satisfied with all his particulars and that he
misunderstood the word Journal "which being given in general
terms till I had your Lordship's explained pleasure therein 'tis
possible I might." 'Tis the common fate of missions by letters
that men are often mistaken in the meaning, which is his misfortune
who not being able to receive their Lordship's meaning but by a
second discovery nor give them his but by a second address, he
sometimes lyes under a fatal misconstruction. If anything has
fallen from his pen they approve not, hopes they will charitably
interpret 'tis the language of a soldier not of an orator, and that it
comes from intentions zealously inclined for the King's service and
solidly disposed to give all respect and reverence to their Lordships.
Has given them from time to time the best account of all
occurrences but did not know they wished to have all acts of
Council. There are here five Courts of Judicature besides the
Chancery, which consist of a judge and four assistants in each
Court, and trial by jury as in England. Explains why, when he
sent the laws, he did not send the reasons for making them. Most
of the laws are for ordering their slaves and distinguishing their
property for therin consists their wealth, therefore have made them
all chattels and real estate of no such practise in England, and
therefore may be esteemed erroneous. Explains the necessity of
doing so. The Act made expressly against Quakers seems severe,
but is necessary, there is not a more deceitful people. Explains
their designs with the slaves which might have brought in question
the ruin of the place for they drew hundreds of negroes to their
meetings who, when they had no mind to work, claimed the
privilege of going. Ten days ago the French were at Martinique
and Grenada. Expects his Majesty's frigate. Endorsed, "Rec.
11 April 1678." 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 19; also
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 224–228.] |
Jan. 31.
St. Christopher's. |
593. Minutes of the Council of St. Christopher's. Ordered that
1,000 (lbs.) weight of bullets and 10,000 flints which Captain
Joseph Crispe has promised to deliver be put into the magazine at
Sandy Point, and that order be drawn on John Vickers, treasurer,
for 6,000 lbs. of muscovado sugar for payment of same. The
gunner at Sandy Point to render account of the country store to
Captain Joseph Crispe, Captain Christopher Jeaffreson, Thomas
Soley, and William Colhoun who are ordered to examine Major
Roger Elrington's account. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVIII., No. 69,
pp. 16–17.] |
| Jan. ? |
594. Case of Sir Arthur Ingram in reference to a debt due to
him from George Needham. Sir Thomas Modyford, and Samuel
Barnard at Jamaica, are authorised by Ingram to recover said debt.
The interest allowed by law in Jamaica was 15 per cent. now
reduced to 10 per cent. Principal 640l., and interest for nine years
576l. Total, 1,216l. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 20a.] |
| Jan.-Feb. |
595. Deposition of Christopher Martin of Cockington, Devon,
mariner, concerning the Newfoundland fishery. That the Masters
and Companies of the fishing ships are faulty, and he believes have
done co-equal spoil to stages and flakes and boats, as much as the
inhabitants and were it not for the inhabitants, men could not be
ready to fish by a considerable time so soon as they do, for they
now take care to preserve the stages that the ice would in the
winter otherwise throw down, and the sea carry away. Advantages
of the inhabitants living there. 1678, Jan. 28. |
|
Deposition of Thomas Martin. That in his judgment there is an
absolute necessity for settling and encouraging the inhabitants by
reason of the potency of the French there or any other enemy.
1678, Jan 29. |
|
Deposition of Nehemiah Troute of Plymouth purser of H.M.S.
Swan. That there is a necessity of the inhabitants being continued
for the reasons at length stated. 1678, Feb. 1. Endorsed:—"Rec. 6 Feb. 1678." Together 3 papers. 7 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLII., Nos. 20, 21, 22.] |
