|
Aug. 1.
Rhode Island. |
1082. Governor Cranston to the King. We received your
Majesty's letter of 12th February 1678/9 (ante, No. 890) by Captain
Randall Holden and Captain Greene, also the letters to the
Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Connecticut, which have been delivered to the several Governments. The late war with the Indians
began in June 1675 between the Sachem Philip and New Plymouth,
and was prosecuted by the three united colonies (as they term
themselves). Afterward several other nations of the Indians joined
in the war, but this colony was not concerned in the war, except as
necessity required, for the defence of our lives and what we could
of our estates, and as countrymen and fellow subjects to assist and
relieve our neighbours, so that we cannot at present render a full
account of those affairs. We will say only that Sachem Philip was
slain by an Indian belonging to Rhode Island under the command
of a captain who was with a company of volunteers with the
Plymouth forces. We humbly beg pardon for our remissness in not
giving an account sooner. The contents of Mounthope are about
7,000 acres, a plot whereof we have caused to be taken and herewith
present; the soil for the most part fertile, the value esteemed to be
3,000l., as now it is, being uncultivated; it lies on the east of the
Narragansett Bay and the greater part of it we conceive comes within
our limits, but it was granted by the Commissioners to Plymouth.
We beg your Majesty's protection against the confederate Colonies
who endeavour to insult over us and forbid us the exercise of
government in the King's province, as settled by the Commissioners;
and pray that the privileges and liberties of the free and clear enjoyment of the possession of those lands may be granted to us, many of
the youth of our Colony having been constrained for want of lands to
remove themselves, to the great impoverishing of the Colony, and
that such as want lands there may be supplied out of the vacant
lands in the King's Province before any others. We return praises
to God for your Majesty's wonderful preservation from that late
hellish conspiracy against your life and the subversion of the
Christian religion. Signed by order of the General Assembly,
John Cranston. Endorsed, Recd, from Mr. Colston 23 Dec. 1679
by Mr. Blathwayt and deld. unto Mr. Secy. Coventry from whom it
was again received this 2nd Jan. 16 78/80, Read 2nd March 16 79/80.
3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII, No. 100; and Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXI., pp. 23–27.] |
Aug. 4.
Westminster. |
1083. The Dutch Ambassador Van Leyden de Leeuen to the
King. Further representations respecting the behaviour of Captain
Hampton in seizing the person and ship of John Rodes (see ante,
No. 986) in the Dutch possessions in Acadia. The representation
of Sieur Van Benningen having remained unanswered, the
Ambassador presses for a fair and just end to be put to the matter.
Translation. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 101.] |
Aug. 6.
Windsor. |
1084. Petition of Sir Philip Howard to the King. Prays
for His Majesty's interest in the forfeiture of the ship Robert and
Richard of Barbadoes and her goods, lately arrived in London, seized
as a foreign built ship not made free. With reference to the Lords
of the Treasury to report what His Majesty may fitly do for
petitioner's gratification. ½ p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol.
LV., p. 36.] |
Aug. 6.
Whitehall. |
1085. Order of the Privy Council. That an Act of Assembly
begun at James City 25th April last, entitled An Act enabling
Major Lawrence Smith and Captain William Bird to seat certain
lands at the head of Rappahannock River and James River be
forthwith suspended until His Majesty's further pleasure be
signified, and that no Assembly be called in Virginia before
1st January next, of all which Secretary Coventry is to give
intimation to Sir Henry Chicheley, Deputy Governor of that
Colony. Also to signify that His Majesty has received the address
concerning the pay of the soldiers (ante, No. 994) there, and the
arrears of quit-rents. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., p. 359.] |
Aug. 6.
Whitehall. |
1086. Order of the Privy Council on letter from Sir Henry
Chicheley of 20th May last, and address of the Assembly of
Virginia enclosed (ante, No. 994), that a letter be prepared for
the King's signature to Lord Culpeper, to acquaint the Assembly
on his arrival that His Majesty, before the receipt of their address,
had taken care for payment of the arrears due to the soldiers and
for the continuance of the same for the future; and that as to the
quit-rents His Majesty had long had that matter under consideration, and will shortly give orders therein for his own service and
the ease of the people. Also that he has sent some laws to them
to which he expects a cheerful and ready compliance, assuring
them of his particular care and kindness for his Colony. That an
instruction to Lord Culpeper be prepared, to forbear the publication
of his additional Commission for six months after his arrival if he
think fit. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp. 363, 364.] |
| Aug. 7. |
1087. Pass for Edward Randolph to go to New England as
Collector, &c., of Customs. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Vol. LI.,
p. 284.] |
Aug. 9.
Whitehall. |
1088. Secretary Coventry to Sir Henry Chicheley, Deputy
Governor of Virginia. Has received his letter of 20th May last,
wherein he enlarges upon the matter of the Address from himself
and the Assembly concerning the pay of the soldiers there and the
arrears of the quit-rents, to which His Majesty has ordered his
answer. Will endeavour to deserve his good opinion by showing
his hearty inclinations for the welfare of Virginia, and also to his
own particular. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 307.] |
Aug. 9.
Wurinam. |
1089. Muster roll of Lieutenant-Colonel Scot's company in
Colonel Thomas Fuller's regiment:—1 lieutenant-colonel and
captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 2 sergeants, 3 corporals, 1 drummer,
67 privates, "the gentleman at arms included." "Mustered at
Lacovia, 9th August 1679." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 102.] |
| Aug. 9. |
1090. Muster roll of Captain John Gale's company:—Captain,
lieutenant, ensign, 2 sergeants, "an esquire—a clerk," 3 corporals,
1 drummer, 30 privates. "Taken at the Burnt Savanna, 9th
August." (The captain cannot sign his name, but attests the muster
by his mark.) [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 103.] |
Aug. 9.
Whitehall. |
1091. Secretary Coventry to Sir Henry Chicheley, Deputy
Governor of Virginia. Is commanded by the King to signify to
him that an Act enabling Major Lawrence Smith and Captain
William Bird to seal certain lands at the head of Rappahanock
River and James River be forthwith suspended, so that no proceedings may be had thereupon until His Majesty shall signify his
further pleasure. That no Assembly be called or held in Virginia
before 1st January next, and that, having been received an Address
concerning the pay of the soldiers there and the arrears of quitrents, such order will be taken therein upon the arrival of Lord
Culpeper as shall be for the good of His Majesty's subjects there.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 307.] |
Aug. 10.
St. John's, Newfoundland. |
1092. Extract of letter from Captain Lawrence Wright, H.M.S.
Reserve. Has already sent some copies of the Orders in Council
touching the commanders of the merchant ships keeping close to
their convoys, to some of the fishing ports distant from St. John's,
and will send more. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 104.] |
| Aug. 12. |
1093. Muster roll of Major Vassall's company in Colonel
Thomas Fuller's regiment:—1 major and captain, 1 lieutenant,
1 ensign, 3 sergeants, 2 corporals, 2 drums, 60 privates, "mustered
at Surinam." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 105.] |
Aug. 13.
St Jago de la Vega. |
1094. Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Coventry. On the
8th instant acquainted the Council with the King's Order of
29th March, and the Committee's Order of same date (ante, No. 950),
prohibiting further cutting of logwood, inviting all privateers home
by offering them a double proportion of land if they would plant,
and continuing Lord Vaughan's laws that expire in September next.
Has prolonged martial law from the 10th instant to the Assembly's
meeting on the 19th, to ensure completion of the new battery at
the Point; and ordered for the benefit of the planters, who have
met this year with many disappointments, that the Supreme Court
be put off to November. No letters from Coventry since 4th April.
As soon as H.M.S. Hunter returns from her cruise round the
coast in search of privateers, proposes to send her to Carthagens,
where several masters of sloops belonging to Port Royal are
said to be detained as prisoners, which much exasperates the
people's heart against the Spaniard. The Spaniards seize our ships
for cacao as well as logwood. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX.,
p. 324.] |
Aug. 19.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1095. Journal of the Assembly of Jamaica. Assembly summoned
to the Council Chamber, and having taken oaths of supremacy and
allegiance chose William Beeston their speaker, Charles Boucher,
clerk, and George Redworth, messenger. |
|
Members of the Assembly,— |
|
Robert Whitefield |
St. Thomas. |
|
Edward Stanton |
|
Thomas Ryves |
St. David's. |
|
Eleazar Wignall |
|
Samuel Barry |
St. Andrew's. |
|
William Parker |
|
William Beeston |
Port Royal. |
|
Samuel Bach |
|
Reginald Wilson |
|
John Burdon |
St. Katharine's. |
|
Samuel Bernard |
|
Edmund Duck |
|
John Colebeck |
St. Dorothy's. |
|
Theodore Cary |
|
Thomas Ayscough |
St. John's. |
|
Francis Price |
|
Robert Alewyt |
St. Thomas in the Vale. |
|
Fulke Rose |
|
Peter Beckford |
Clarendon. |
|
Jonathan Ashurst |
|
George Fawcett |
Vere. |
|
Andrew Knight |
|
John Borrow |
St. Elizabeth's. |
|
Thomas Raby |
|
Richard Guy |
St. James'. |
|
Augustine Gavell |
|
John Gauden |
St. Anne's. |
|
Benjamin Smith |
|
John Bathurst |
St. Mary's. |
|
John Fountain |
|
Andrew Orgill |
St. George's |
|
Edward Broughton |
|
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII., pp. 215, 216.] |
| Aug. 20. |
1096. Heads of Lord Carlisle's speech to the Legislature of
Jamaica. He had hoped to do more for them, but for the delay of
advices from England; so far he had only received a letter saying
that the Committee of Plantations was still of opinion that the
model of Ireland was best for Jamaica, and was preparing reasons
to convince the Assembly. The Governor proposed that the Act of
Revenue should be continued for 18 months, for he had sent Sir
Francis Watson to England to negotiate the ancient system of
making laws, and intended if Sir Francis failed, to go himself next
March, so that there would be no occasion for an Assembly in, his
absence. He also recommended the building of a fort. [Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. XXXVII., p. 216.] |
Aug. 21.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1097. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. The whole House
waited on his Excellency by its own request to hear what he
could tell them of an alarm of the French fleet; whereof he knew
nothing excepting from a letter written to Sir Thomas Modyford
that the French designed to attack Jamaica, but he believed it to
be probable and thought the Island not safe. A committee
appointed to examine the accounts of Mr. Martin (Receiver
General). Debate on the Act of Revenue. Voted that it be
continued for six months from the 1st September, that the House
appoint a collector, and that an account of the money be rendered
to the House when demanded. |
|
Forty-five barrels of powder to be brought and distributed to the
Captains of horse and foot. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII.,
pp. 215–218.] |
| Aug. 22. |
1098. Extract from the Journals of the Assembly of Jamaica.
The Committee appointed to examine Mr. Martin's accounts, reported
that Mr. Martin appearing before them said Lord Carlisle had
ordered him to tell them, both from the King and himself, that he
was not obliged to shew his accounts to the Assembly, and that he
had given the accounts to his Excellency, who had told him that
if any of the Assembly desired to see them they would see them
there. The House considering the return of the Committee resumed
the debate and thereupon did vote, that notwithstanding my
Lord's (Carlisle) answer by Mr. Martin to that Committee it was
and is their undoubted and inherent right, that as all bills for money
ought and do arise in their House, so they ought to appoint the
disposal of it, and to receive and examine all the accounts concerning
the same. Reed, from Mr. Secretary Coventry, 11 Dec. 1679.
Read 20 Dec. 1679. Certified true copy. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 106, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 341.] |
Aug. 22.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1099. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. The Committee
appointed to inspect Mr. Martin's accounts reported that he had
received the Speaker's warrant to appear before them with his books
and papers, but that he had been with the Governor, who had
ordered him to tell the Committee, both from the King and from
his Excellency, that he was not obliged to show his accounts to the
Assembly. He had given the said accounts to the Governor, who
had told him that if any of the Assembly desired to see them they
might see them there. |
|
An Order of the Council desiring the Assembly to appoint a
committee to join with its own committee to consider what
fortification was necessary for the Island. Committee of nine
appointed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII., pp. 215–218.] |
Aug. 22.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1100. Order of Council of Jamaica. Present, the Earl of Carlisle
and nine members. Mr. Speaker moving his Excellency in Council,
by desire of the Assembly, to adjourn the next November Grand
Court on behalf of the Planters in general of this Island, owing
to the great suffering under the long and present drought, which
will not permit them to work before March next: After debate
unanimously agreed, That all the Courts in the Island be put off
until the last Tuesday in February next, excepting the Court of
Port Royal, and that no process be granted there but in a certain
specified case. Signed, Rowland Powell, Cl. Council. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 107.] |
| Aug. 23. |
1101. Report of Committees of Council and Assembly for defence
of Jamaica to Governor Lord Carlisle. Seven specific recommendations, for strengthening the breastwork, arming the new
works, providing four fire-ships. Signed, Hen. Morgan, Tho.
Freeman, Charles Whitfeld, Sam. Long, Hender Molesworth, John
Colbeck, Raphe Whitfeld, Sam. Barry, Sam. Bach, Thomas Ryves,
Pe. Beckford, Reginald Wilson, Edward Broughton, The. Cary.
Certified true copy. Recd. 11 Dec. 1679. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 108.] |
Aug. 25.
Boston. |
1102. The Commissioners of the United Colonies to the Earl of
Sunderland, in answer to the King's letter of 12th February 167 8/9
about Mounthope and the Narragansett country. "Emit" the
causes and the printed narrative of the war, which, though by a
private hand, truly sets forth the same; have ground to conclude,
without breach of the rules of charity, that those malicious
designers, the Jesuits, have had their influence in the contrivement
of the war, as they are credibly informed both by Indians and
English. The lands of Mounthope, though possessed by Philip
and his Indians, are not so properly to be called conquered lands,
but such whose Indian claim and title thereto are forfeited into the
hands of the English by breach of covenant, for these reasons:—(1) That the lands are indubitably within the limits of New
Plymouth as contained in their charter, and within the bounds of
an English town in that Colony planted by them near 40 years
since, called Seacouck and Swansea; (2) Philip and his Indians
were orderly subjected to the government there settled; (3) The
necessity and justice of the war for the preservation of the lives
and estates of the King's subjects there settled will appear from
the printed narrative. The contents of Mounthope have been
estimated at 7,000 acres, but on survey appear to be of less
quantity, and for value its advance is the more considerable,
because of its situation near the sea, and so may be some accommodation to that Colony for a place of trade, otherwise the
improvement and benefit would be very inconsiderable and an
"invaluable" sum towards New Plymouth's part of disbursement,
which in the whole has been more than 100,000l. As for the
proposal made on behalf of William Crown, neither his former
losses, which were rather imaginary than real, nor his present
demeanour seem such as should highly deserve of His Majesty, he
being rather a burden and disservice than otherwise, and particularly
to one of their plantations settled before the war. As for the
Narragansett lands, they are included in the Charter granted to
Connecticut, and so regularly under its government, and before
the war peaceably settled in several parts in right of purchase
from the Indians. They were likely to have been a flourishing
plantation, but since the war those parts are disturbed by those
who do intrude themselves upon them by alleged countenance of
Rhode Island, and are an ungoverned people, utterly incapable to
advance His Majesty's interest or their neighbours' peace and
happiness. As for the acts of His Majesty's Commissioners in
1664, hope that none of their conclusions were intended to
contradict the charters granted them, especially considering
Colonel Nicholls' absence, which by their commission invalidated
their conclusions. Humbly propose that it will be most difficult
for the claimers of right in that country to defend their interest in
England, the whole estate of many of them not being sufficient to
transport them over seas or supply the management of an easy
defence at such a distance. The English of these Colonies, having
by His Majesty's good leave under security of letters patent
removed themselves into this remote wilderness near 50 years past,
have confidence that their adversaries' malice, by their private
insinuation and unjust reproaches, shall not now prevail to disturb
them in their so orderly a settlement. Ask these brief intimations
to be laid before the King; will refer a more full and particular
answer to their General Courts. Signed, Thos. Danforth, Presidt.,
Joseph Dudley, John Allyn, Josiah Winslow, James Richards,
Thos. Hinckley. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Bridgman, 14 Jan.
16 79/80. Read 2 March 16 79/80. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 109, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 30–34.] |
Aug. 25.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1103. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. Bill of Revenue read
first time. Report of the Committee of Fortification, with seven
recommendations, brought up, and the scheme voted. |
|
Debate on the Report of the Committee of Accounts; voted
nemine contradicente that notwithstanding his Excellency's answer
by Mr. Martin, it is and was the undoubted inherent right of the
Assembly, that as all bills for money ought to arise in that House,
so they ought to appoint the disposal of it, and receive and examine
all the accounts concerning the same. |
| Aug. 26. |
Bill of Revenue read a second time. Message to the Governor
requesting him, now that all the field officers are in town, to call a
council of war, to which his Excellency consented. The Bill of
Revenue read a third time and carried to the Governor, who
returned it to the House with a request that a clause for the continuation of the Act of Fees might be expunged. It was voted
after debate that the clause be put in and that the House adhere
to their Bill; which being told to his Excellency he said he was
sorry for it, and would consider the matter till to-morrow morning. |
|
The new orders from the King as to the making of the laws
communicated to the House at its own request by his Excellency.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII, pp. 218–220.] |
Aug. 28.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1104. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. Address to the
Governor, informing him that the House judged the new orders
from the King in Council to deserve the weightiest consideration,
for which the present apprehensions of danger from the French
gave insufficient time, and therefore begged either for prorogation
or for leave to adjourn for two months or other suitable period.
For this purpose the House would renew the Revenue Bill for four
or six months, as his Excellency might judge best. His Excellency,
after taking advice of his Council, informed the House that he
accepted their address, and desired them to despatch the passing of
the Bill of Impost for six months, after which he would prorogue
them according to their wish. |
|
Voted that the following message be sent to his Excellency: That
the Militia Bill is plain and needs not any construction, and that
the House sees no need of a fund till there be an expense. |
| Aug. 29. |
The House prorogued until the 28th October next. [Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. XXXVIII., p. 22.] |
Aug. 28.
Jamaica. |
1105. Address of the General Assembly of Jamaica to Governor
Lord Carlisle. The General Assembly, having entered into some
discourse about the orders communicated to them yesterday by your
Lordship from His Majesty, think they require great consideration,
and finding the present juncture of time insufficient to debate so
great a business, being under apprehension of danger from the
French fleet, beg either to be prorogued or to be permitted to
adjourn for two months or such time as the Governor shall think
fit, and meanwhile are ready to renew the existing Revenue Bill
for four or six months according to the Governor's choice. Certified
true copy. Inscribed, "Recd. in a letter from the Earl of Carlisle,
dated 15 Sept., 1679. Read 11 Dec. 1679." [Col. Papers,
Vol XLIII., No. 110. Duplicates.] |
Aug. 29.
Whitehall. |
1106. Commission to Sir Henry Chicheley appointing him
Captain of a company of foot raised and to be raised for His
Majesty's service in Virginia consisting of one hundred men besides
officers. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIX., p. 324.] |
Aug. 30.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1107. Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Coventry. The
King's letter of 31st May, Order in Council of 28th May, with
animadeversions of the Council of 22nd May, and two letters from
yourself, were received on 26th instant. I read them in Council
next morning and the Order in Council and King's letter to the
Assembly. I send you copy of their address (ante, No. 1105); and
finding them nettled and warm, I thought it discretion to let them
take time to digest their thoughts, so having passed the Revenue
Bill prorogued them to the 28th October. The apprehension of
the Island from the French fleet is very great, and hence the
Assembly desired not only the putting off all the grand courts, as
you will perceive by enclosed Order in Council (see ante, No. 1100),
but that a council of war should be called and martial law
constituted, for putting the Island into a posture of defence, which
is now our present purpose and business. I returned late last
night from viewing the several parts where it may be most proper
to strengthen old works or erect new for the safety of Port Royal.
I doubt not of our success, to the great contentment of the inhabitants here who are very angry with the Spaniards and not less
jealous of the French. Pray send me copies of all treaties that I
am likely to want, also of Colonel Doyley's instructions, and a
commission under the Great Seal of England for the trial of pirates.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 111, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX.,
p. 382.] |
| Aug. ? |
1108. A list of the sack ships in St. John's and the other ports
of Newfoundland. With a paper summarizing the same, as
follows:—Total of ships, 138; total of tons 200 to 40, 10,017;
total of men, about 1 man to 5 tons, 1,595; total of guns, 569;
total of quintals, from 4,000 to 500, 159,059; value at 12s. a
quintal, 94,435l. 8s.; dead freight, 1,960 quintals. The return
is a large parchment sheet. Signed Law. Wright. [Col Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 112.] |
