|
| Oct. 1. |
731. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for the retention of John Sackler, Matthew Hudson, and Bartholomew Austin in custody failing their ability to find bail in 500l. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 132.] |
Oct. 1.
Port Royal. |
732. Reginald Wilson, Auditor-General of Jamaica, to Sir Thomas Lynch. I send you the account of shipping from 5th April last to the 29th September. When on taking over the office from the last naval officer, Captain 'Hodgskings.' I asked him for the books and papers belonging thereto, but he said he had non but loose papers. On his death, since your arrival, I had your orders to have his papers looked over, but found nothing of any consequence belonging to the office. I have now sent copy of his last six months' accounts from 29th September 1681 to 29th March 1682, but there were no bonds that I could find, from the time when Lord Carlisle turned me out for seizing piratical goods and put in first Richard Butler and then Hodgskings. There is no account to be found of the imports or exports of ships and their cargoes, but Captain Hodgskings' account now enclosed. As to the orders issued to the office for the composition of returns during Lord Carlisle's and Sir H. Morgan's time, I can find nothing, so I send the present according to the old method which I used in your Excellency's time and Lord Vaughan's. I beg you to ask the English Commissioners of Customs to inform me what method I am to follow, for the entries of shipping in the naval office made by my predecessor are not discoverable. As Mr. Blathwayt's deputy I cannot well inspect the accounts of the King's Receiver. I cannot find in Hodgskings' accounts any returns of vessels carrying Jamaica produce to other Colonies and paying customs here, but I have now sent a peculiar account of such vessels since my restoration to this office. I could have put both returns into one, but judged the other method more convenient in the absence of instructions. I find certificates here from several custom-houses in England for the carriage of Jamaica produce homo. Some of the bonds contain the word "Ireland," those, namely, from Bristol and Chester, others not. I beg your instructions. Signed, R. Wilson. 3 pp. On the back, draft of a letter to William Blathwayt. 12 Nov. 1682. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 72.] |
Oct. 3.
[St. Jago de la
Vega.] |
733. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Ordered, that in consequence of privateers lying off the Island the ships now in Port Royal do not sail till Monday next. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., p. 8a.] |
Oct. 3.
St. James's. |
734. Commission of Vice-Admiralty to Colonel Thomas Dongan. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXX., p. 41.] |
Oct. 3.
St. James's. |
735. Commission empowering Thomas Dongan to appoint a Judge, Registrar, and Marshall of Admiralty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXX., p. 41.] |
| Oct. 3. |
736. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for remitting 216l. 3s. 9d. to Robert Chaplin in payment for arms bought by him in 1677. |
| Oct. 4. |
The Assembly brought up Acts for a Committee of Public Accounts and for ascertaining the gauge of casks. Address of the Assembly. Declaration of the Assembly. Warrant for payment of money due to Edward Clipsham and Michael Terrill for services connected with the fortifications. The Bill for securing negrocs divided into two Bills. Petition of Richard Bate referred to a Committee. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 551–555.] |
| Oct. 3. |
737. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Christopher Codrington elected Speaker. The Committee appointed to consider the gauge of casks presented their report. |
| Oct. 4. |
Act for regulating the gauge of casks read and passed. Act to continue the Act for a Committee of Public Accounts read and passed. Declaration of the Governor, Council, and Assembly that in the Act for an imposition on wines there is no intention to abridge the Treasurer's power to grant bills of stores. Address to the Governor asking that 500l. be taken from the money voted for building a magazine, and remitted to London for purchase of field pieces, and the same made good to the magazine from the imposition on wines; also that the present to His Excellency be paid forthwith. Adjourned to 31st October. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 501–503.] |
Oct. 4 to
Oct. 13. |
738. Minutes of Council of New Hampshire. Mr. Edward Cranfield's commission was read and was sworn by the gentlemen appointed to the Council. Robert Mason, Richard Waldern, Thomas Daniel, William Vaughan, Richard Martin, John Gilman, Elias Stileman, Walter Barefoot, and Richard Chamberlain were also sworn. The old seal was given up and a new one produced. Order for a proclamation announcing Mr. Cranfield's assumption of office. Adjourned to 10th October. |
| Oct. 10. |
The Governor took the oaths of office and signed the test. Ordered that the commissions of Mr. Cranfield as Governor and Vice-Admiral, of William Blathwayt as Auditor-General, and of Edward Randolph as Collector, be recorded; also the letters from the Treasury and the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Richard Waldern and Richard Martyn were suspended from the Council pursuant to royal instruction. Order to the Constables of the five towns for the election of deputies to a General Assembly, and to administor the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants. Order for constables to use their authority in collecting taxes. Captain Daniel and Mr. William Vaughan to choose a suitable house for the meeting of the Assembly. |
| Oct. 13. |
Elias Stileman delivered up the books of records to the Secretary. List of the records. Ordered that Richard Chamberlain record all bills deeds of sale, mortgages and wills, as perquisites of his office, also that he be clerk of all the Courts of Judicature. Order for Richard Martyn and Elias Stileman to deliver their accounts to Richard Chamberlain for audit. 4 pp. Inscribed. Recd. Jan. 7, 1682–83. Damaged by tearing away of the seal. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 73.] |
| Oct. 4. |
739. Duplicate of the foregoing. Undamaged. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 74.] |
Oct. 5.
St. Jago de la
Vega. |
740. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Bill for Public Impost read three times and passed. Bill for soliciting the Island's affairs in England read three times and passed. The Assembly desired members of Council to be appointed to join them in preparing a joint address to the King. Sir Charles Modyford, Robert Byndloss, Samuel Long, and Hender Molesworth appointed. Ordered, that Sir Charles Littleton and Colonel Beeston take care of the Island's affairs in England. Order for Bill to be prepared for relief of Peter Fountaine. |
| Oct. 6. |
Bills for relief of Peter Fountaine, and for lease of the lands of Bartholomew Sharpe read three times, passed, and sent to the Assembly. The address to the King read and recommended to the Assembly, and its concurrence desired in advancing 760l. for the soliciting of the Island's affairs in England. |
| Oct. 7. |
Ordered that the Provost-Marshal have forty pounds, the Clerks of Council and Assembly each twenty pounds, and the Messenger of Assembly five pounds. The Speaker and the Assembly attended, and the Governor gave the royal assent to the Bill for a Public Impost and for soliciting the Island's affairs in England. His Excellency then gave them abundant thanks and prorogued the Assembly to the 4th May. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 9, 10a.] |
Oct. 6.
Sadler's Hall. |
741. A clause of the letter written by the Somers Islands Company to the Governor and Council. We order that neither Mr. William Milburne nor Mr. Samuel Trott be admitted to plead on behalf of any person; and if they do not yield obedience to the King's Order in Council of 25th February 1680 and forbear disturbing of the Government, we shall take such course as will reduce them to obedience. Signed, Gerard Conyers, John Chandler, S. Smith, Saml. Menerell, Henry Dandy, Hugh Nodin, J. Heydon, Samuel Smith, sen., Jo. Browning, Jo. Meredith, Richard Beauchamp Rich. Chandler, Gilb. Gerard, Deputy. Copy. Certified by John Tucker, Secretary. March 2, 1682–83. ½ p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 75.] |
Oct. 6.
Plymouth. |
742. Lord Culpeper to Sir Leoline Jenkins. After losing a fair wind on Monday se'nnight for want of beer and provisions I set sail from Dover last Monday night, between nine and ten, and arrived here on Wednesday at four after dinner. With much difficulty we have despatched all business here and are just setting sail. I have heard from many quarters of a severe but very unnecessary order sent to the captain of the Mermaid about me. I aver to you that from the night I last saw you there had not been a pretence of omission on my side. I had been on board as directed on the day following, being Thursday 8th September, but that the captain was to be at a council of war at Deptford about Captain Billop the day following, and I was actually in the frigate on Saturday long before Captain Tyrrell, from whence, without staying to see him for expedition, I went to Leeds Castle and thence to the Downs, one day before the ship, the wind being contrary both ways. I tell you this because it is true; once out of London I needed no quickening. I shall do my best in Virginia, and hope to give a good account of my business, notwithstanding this hard usage. I never thought that the not going to Virginia in any capacity was a punishment. I suppose a continuance there will be a reward. I have not the additional commission mentioned in my instructions. I often called for it at Mr. Johnson's, but fees were expected, 70l. in all. I offered to pay the clerks for writing, but that would not satisfy, and as it is wholly the King's business, and my salary is in great arrear, I was not very willing and even less able to pay the money, especially considering the difficulties that I have in payments of a more reasonable nature. I conceive on reading my orders that these instructions are absolutely necessary to me. You might send them after me by next ship. By letters of 14th August from Virginia I hear that all is quiet, and that there will be a great crop, almost as great as if there had been no plant-cutting. Two additional ships are sailing thither with us in consequence. I shall hasten thither without losing a moment for it is important for me to arrive before the Assembly meets. Signed, Tho. Culpeper. Holograph, 2½ pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 76.] |
| Oct. 7. |
743. Sir Thomas Lynch's speech proroguing the Assembly of Jamaica. The sudden and happy ending of this session has alleviated the disorders of my head, and the misfortunes of my voyage. We have fluctuated for many years between fears and jealousies, but you have set matters right by separating your laws from your revenue in submission to a King who has given us many benefits. God I hope will give you the blessing promised to peacemakers. You are prorogued to 4th May next. 3 pp. Inscribed and endorsed. Recd. 8 Jan. 1682. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 77.] |
| Oct. 7. |
744. Printed pamphlet, containing Sir Thomas Lynch's speech of 21st September, the Speaker's reply of same date, the Assembly's address of 6th October, and the Governor's speech of 7th October (see Nos. 699, 700, 743, 745 I.). Printed in London, 1683. 6 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 78.] |
Oct. 8.
Jamaica. |
745. Sir Thomas Lynch to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I wrote ten days ago, but the ships have not sailed, so I have detained them till to-morrow, to report to you the Assembly's business. The Assembly has passed but two Bills, the first that of the Revenue, without tacking the laws to it or appointing annual Assemblies, which I suppose will be to your liking. The other is for raising sixteen hundred pounds on the parishes in three years. Colonel Long is to have five hundred pounds of it, in consideration of his services in London, where the business of the country kept him much longer than he expected. The remainder, after all deductions, will amount to about seven hundred pounds, which will be placed into the hands of Colonel Beeston and Sir Charles Littleton to whom the Council has entrusted the solicitation of the Island's affairs. The Assembly have also sent an address to the King through your Lordships. The revenue is for seven years, though I told the Assembly that they might pass it for six if they would. A perpetual bill I would not suggest, as I could not put them into the train of rejecting my proposals; moreover, I thought that you will certainly send back their laws, and that on receiving them they will themselves offer it. It can never be done otherwise; pressing it is the certain way not to have it. I have told them that such a Bill is not for the King's interest, and I think that you should first see the rental of the quit-rents and consider whether the King should not be often thanked for so great a bounty. The Assembly had divers petitions before it, but deferred them. They were anxious to disperse as the rains were setting in, and I as anxious that they should, for the illness of my head and the swelling of my legs disorder me so much that I have hardly been able to write. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed with a long précis. Recd. 8 Jan. 1682. Read 12 Jan. 1682–83. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 79, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXX., pp. 96–98.] Enclosed, |
|
745.I. Address from the Assembly to the King, praying him to accept a late and humble tender of their duty. Signed 6th October 1682 by Sam. Bernard, Speaker, and Rowland Powell, Clerk. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXX., pp. 99–101.] |
| Oct. 8. |
746. Duplicate of foregoing letter. Endorsed. Recd. 29 Dec. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 80.] |
| Oct. 9. |
747. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Somerset Davies, and John Cockin, arrested under order of 30th September, committed to custody. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 131.] |
Oct. 10.
Falmouth. |
748. Journal of Council and Assembly of Antigua. The President and Council, on the motion of the Assembly, fixed a day of humiliation and thanksgiving for deliverance from hurricanes. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 81.] |
Oct. 13.
Boston. |
749. Edward Randolph to Governor Bradstreet. Proposals relating to disbursements made for the King's service. Having paid money in security for damages previous to prosecuting for the King's service I would propound—(1) whether the exaction of such security were not illegal, there being no law under which it may be levied; (2) whether the Court will obey the King's deliberate order and repay me that money. I am surprised, too, that the moiety of a fine of 10l., due to me as prosecutor in the case of Timothy Armitage, is so long withheld from me by Mr. Russell. Signed, Ed. Randolph. On next page. To the first proposal they answer nothing. On the second they grant me the moiety of the fine, but say that if I have special Courts I must pay for them. In 1680 I held over one case till the ordinary Court, but was cast and arrested on an action of 800l. by the master for demurrage so that I was forced to have the cases tried at once. Signed, Ed. Randolph. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Copy in Randolph's hand. [Col, Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 82.] |
| Oct. 14. |
750. Journal of the Assembly of Nevis. Present:—Samuel Gardiner, Speaker, James Walker, John Abbott, John Cocker, John Smargin, Geoffrey Shakerley, William Kitt, Simon Brown, Walter Symonds. Agreed, on the motion of the Speaker, that the negroes be taken off the work at Charles Fort and Pelican Point. Agreed that the charge of the warders for taking up and bringing in runaway negroes be taken off. Proposals as to the allowances to the gentleman that attend the Governor to Antigua. Agreed that the country present His Excellency with 200,000 lbs. of sugar to be paid in March next. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 83.] |
Oct. 16.
Barbados. |
751. The Secretary of Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Transmitting quarterly returns of the transactions of Council. Signed, Edwyn Stede. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 12 Jan. 1682–83. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 84, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 182.] |
| Oct. 20. |
752. William Blathwayt to the Attorney-General and the King's Advocate. Captain Billop, to whom the enclosed papers refer, was tried by Admiralty court-martial for the offence of embezzling the cargo of a prize before the depositions respecting it had been sent by Sir William Stapleton. I am now to ask you for your opinion as to what legal prosecution will lie against Captain Billop for this embezzlement. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 60.] |
| Oct. 20. |
753. Deposition of Edward Randolph. That in the prosecution of John Endigot and John Curtis, of Boston, in April 1682, under an Act of Trade, he produced his letters patent as Collector for a warrant, which was disallowed in Court by one of the magistrates, Mr. Nowel. Also, at the trial of the ketch Newbury, his appeal to the King was refused, and his commission under the broad seal not recognized. Sworn before Walter Barefoot and Richard Chamberlain. Additional deposition of 22nd October, that the General Court had refused him reimbursement of the money ordered by the King. 1½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 84.*] |
| Oct. 21. |
754. Journal of Assembly of Nevis. The proposals of last meeting were sent up to the Governor and Council, who agreed that the negroes should be taken off the fortification when they were finished, and that runaway slaves should be taken to the common gaol, where their masters should pay four pounds of sugar a day for their maintenance, or if taken to their owners the charge to be six shillings a head. The present to His Excellency agreed to. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 83.] |
| Oct 21. |
755. Articles of high misdemeanour against Richard Waldern and Richard Martyn. (1.) They refused to accept the King's Commission, of September 1679, to John Cutt which was presented by Edward Randolph on 27th December 1679. (2.) At a trial between the King and Mark Haukins they would not recognise Edward Randolph's commission from the Commissioners of the Customs, but contrary to plain evidence gave judgment against the King and refused to admit the plea of the general issue. (3.) They also disallowed Edward Randolph's deputation to Walter Barefoot, fined him for doing his duty and imprisoned him pending payment. (4.) They liberated two vessels seized under the Acts of Trade, and Waldern said that if he had been present when the seizure was made he would have imprisoned Randolph's deputies. (5.) Waldern disowned the King's patent to Randolph of 15th October 1681, and released a vessel which he had seized on that ground. Signed, Ed. Randolph. Inscribed in his hand, "Delivered to the Governor at Piscataqua, 21st October 1682. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Jan. 1882. Read 17 Aug. 1683. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 85.] |
Oct. 23.
Portsmouth
[New Hamp-
shire.] |
756. Governor Cranfield to Lords of Trade and Plantations. After six weeks and five days from Plymouth, H.M.S. Lark anchored in Salem Harbour, fifteen leagues to southward of Piscataqua on the 1st October. The wind being foul I went overland and reached Portsmouth on the 3rd at night. Next morning I wrote a letter to Mr. Waldern and the Council who were convened (except Job Clements who is dead), ordering them all to meet me at George Snell's house for transaction of business. (Copy of the letter is given in full.) Before my letter was delivered Mr. Waldern sent his son and another to invite me to the house where the greatest part of the Council were met. The whole of them being assembled my commission was read, and I asked any five of them to administer to me the oath of allegiance and supremacy, and the test. At this Mr. Waldern made a pause and said that the Council desired first to be satisfied how and by what method the people were to be governed. I told them that the King had provided for that by commission, and that his first instruction was that any five of them were to swear me; if they refused, I should know what to do. They then complied, though for want of the statute book I could not sign the test till next meeting. My next steps were to proclaim my assumption of government and to suspend Waldern and Martyn. I have not had time to examine matters so as thoroughly to answer your enquiries, but I give the following brief information:—1. As to Courts of Judicature. The Council determines all judicial matters, civil, criminal, and appeals. 2. The horse and foot number about four hundred and fifty, of which sixty are horse. Most of the foot are ill-armed and exercised. 3. Fortifications. At the mouth of the Piscataqua, one fort built of timber, eight guns, extraordinarily well situated. Nature has done so much that the mouth of the river could be fortified at small expense. All ships must pass within musket-shot of New Hampshire side, and pistol-shot of Maine side, on which latter is an eminence well suited for a fort. This river well fortified could secure both provinces. Maine, if put under the King's authority, would be valuable. It has the fisheries, abundance of fine harbours and rivers, the best soil in New England and plenty of timber. 4. The neighbours, French and Indians, are considerable both in numbers and strength. The French prohibit trade with us. 5. Muskets are the most valuable weapons, but there are not many here, and ammunition is scanty. 6. This province is but seventeen miles broad, and the Piscataqua is the only outlet to the sea; and to that Massachusetts claims equal rights. None of the Islands of Sholes pay obedience to this government, so we have no fishery. Maine has fisheries and in every way is ten times more considerable than New Hampshire. I had intelligence from Boston that they were alarmed at my coming, thinking that I had brought a quo warranto against them, and that Maine was included in my patent. The inclusion of Maine would be of great advantage to the King. Signed, Edw. Cranfield. 3½ pp. Inscribed. Recd. 6 Jan. 1682. Read 18 June. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 86, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 72–76.] |
Oct. 23.
Jamaica. |
757. Sir Thomas Lynch to the Bishop of London. I received yours by some Frenchmen. I have told them that I am obliged to show all duty and respect to your commands, and that they are sure of my good offices, but it is difficult for gentlemen that have neither trades nor money to settle themselves. Artificers can do well enough. Colonel Beeston will give you an account of this, of what encouragement the French can have here, and also details of the state of the Church and ministry. You may be pleased to credit him as Dr. Beeston's brother, and a very ingenious man, to whose skill and zeal we owe the building of our church at Port Royal, the handsomest in America. I have instructed him to wait on you. Your Lordship need not apologise for the chaplains that came with me. My countryman, Mr. Zaragold, basely gave us the slip in London. Mr. Turner, the frigate's chaplain, being of the stamp of the rest of the officers, I did not keep here. Mr. Cooke I left at Madeira with my wife, and expect to come here on her arrival in England. I shall provide for him here as a virtuous, modest and good man. The books you sent have been delivered to the several parishes, which are very thankful for them. We have only fourteen parishes, which in my time were obliged to give at least 100l. a year to a minister; this is now reduced in many parishes to 80l., though the parishes are much richer than they were. As yet but seven of them are supplied. Mr. Johnson, a Scotchman, is minister of St. Thomas; he has by law 100l. a year, the parish being large; he preaches alternate Sundays at Morant and Point Morant. The churches in both places are pitiful, though better are preparing. He is an honest man, a reasonable preacher, and indifferent rich. At St. David's is Mr. Bennet, a well-beloved ingenious man, as you know. By law he has but 80l. a year, but 20l. has been added since I came, though the parish is ruined with droughts this year. He lives with Mrs. Freeman which makes him (as he tells me) easy and of good humour, and I hope your Lordship too. Mr. Longworth is at Port Royal; he has 250l. a year, and, it is said, perquisites worth as much again. The church was first designed in my time, and not yet quite finished though it soon will be, and will be then the best English church in America. It is a pity that there is no provision for a curate, for the place requires great pains as well as preaching and exemplary living. The town is big, and being the chief port is always full of merchants and sailors, many of whom are dissenters. Quakers and Independents are the chief sects. They are all very submissive to the civil government and enjoying toleration, are less virulent and more complacent than in England, and may perhaps be won back, by the preaching and virtuous lives of our ministers, to the Church. On the north side of Port Royal harbour lies St. Andrews, where Mr. Cellier, a Swiss, is minister. It is the pleasantest part of the Island, with an ordinary church and a pretty parsonage house. The minister has 100l. a year, he is an honest man and well beloved. Colonel Beeston can tell you about him. At St. Jago de la Vega the minister is also a Swiss, Mr. Howsyer (? Housier), he has 140l. a year by law, and, since I came, 150l. He is a reasonable preacher, a good liver, well esteemed and very rich. The church is a Spanish church, and the parsonage good. The Parish is called St. Catherine's. St. John's parish, or Guanaboa, is supplied by Mr. Lemon, who has 100l. a year by law. He had some advantages by a school built by Colonel Cope, but on the failure of that and his marriage with a poor gentleman's widow he has been a little uneasy. However, since I came he has sold some land I gave him for 500l., so that he is in a reasonably good condition. For all I have heard, he is a very honest, sober, fair-conditioned man, and esteemed the best preacher in the Islands. I think he has a parsonage, but the church is decayed and he preaches in the school-house. At St. Thomas-in-the-Vale they are designing a handsome church, and another at St. Dorothy's, but neither have ministers nor do they much press for any as yet, for these two parishes are taken out of St. Catherine's, and they fear the taxes may rise too high. They will be more able shortly and then I doubt not that they will incur so necessary an expense. In Clarendon is Mr. Towers, whom your Lordship best knows. He has 80l. a year by law, but the vestry has made it 100l., and advanced 50l. for his encouragement. He is in a good house and family, where he has all conveniency for nothing and 30l. a year, so that I fancy he ought to be pleased and easy, if any minister can be so in Jamaica. They are designing to build a church and I hope a parsonage house, though he needs it not. The next parish is Vere where there is an ordinary church, one of the first, a parsonage house and 80l. a year. The gentlemen of this parish have asked for Mr. Cooke (who is with my wife) when he comes, and I have promised it provided that he lives with one of them and that his salary is raised to 100l. St. Mary's and St. Anne's may speedily need ministers for they grow rich there, and glebe lands are laid out by my order. St. George's and St. James's are poor and so thin of people that I cannot yet judge when they will be fit for a minister. St. Elizabeth has a regiment of men in it, but the planters are forced to settle at a great distance because the land and convenience lies so. It is impossible to place a church and a minister to serve all, and the expense cannot be borne by a few. When they grow a little richer and more numerous there must be two or three churches at least, for this parish is not much less than Yorkshire. In fine all the parishes must be divided again. The planters' estates I hope will bear it and their piety desires it. I know you foresee this and would provide for it betimes, it being easier to guide men into good methods when they have none than to seduce them from wrong methods. My duty is to keep you informed of this infant church, but this would be better done by a minister or two, were such sober and learned men sent over. A Governor may be overcharged with other business, or negligent, or irreligious. If some cure or prebendship were set apart, it would encourage the needed men to come. You could prevail with their Lordships to establish a permanent system of church government. The want of such a system of civil government has led to seven years of disputes. I believe that in time we may have thrice as many parishes and six times as many people, for this is the most populous and prosperous colony in America except New England. 5 pp. Holograph copy by Sir T. Lynch, unsigned. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 87.] |
Oct. 26.
St. Jago de la
Vega. |
758. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Captain William Bragg approved as security for Thomas Martin, the Receiver-General. Order for payment of 125l. to Lord Carlisle for salary to 2nd September 1681; of 125l. to Sir Francis Watson in full discharge of money due to him as Major-General to 14th May 1682; of 64l. to Robert Byndloss for his salary as Chief Justice; of 8l. to Samuel Long. Sir Henry Morgan demanded 533l. 6s. 8d. for arrears of salary. He was answered that he had money of the King's in his hands taken from the pirates in the South Sea, for which he produced a sworn account (copy inserted). The Governor announced that he was forced by the necessity of suppressing privateers to order Captain Charles Morgan to furnish certain stores to Captain Johnson, who was employed in that service. Military establishment for the forts at Port Royal settled. George Bayly appointed to inspect materials for fortifications. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 10–12.] |
Oct. 26.
St. Jago de la
Vega. |
759. Extract from the Minutes of the Council of Jamaica, showing the expense of the military establishment. Five captains of forts and four gunners at a total cost of 328l. per annum. Order for George Bayly to be superintendent of material for repair of forts on a salary of two shillings and sixpence a day. 1½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 88.] |
| Oct. 28. |
760. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Secretary Jenkins reporting that there is nothing in the Act for the better resettlement of St. Christophers inconsistent with the Treaty of Breda, the Lords agree to recommend it for confirmation. Sir William Stapleton's letter of 16th August (see No. 654) read. Agreed to recommend that a man-of-war be sent to the Leeward Islands. |
|
The Acts of Jamaica passed by Sir Henry Morgan considered. The Lords notice that one of the objections of the Assembly against the Act for a public impost is the little care that has been taken for the reparation of the forts, on which the 600l. allowed for the purpose had never been spent. Agreed to recommend that the several Governors be required to account for this sum. The Jamaican Act of Revenue considered. The Lords object to it (1) because the other laws are tacked to it; (2) that it is provided that if any of the laws so tacked be altered or diminished the Revenue Act shall be void; (3) the Assembly tries to force the confirmation of the Act under the Great Seal instead of the Seal of Council; (4) the effort to oblige the King to confirm all the other laws to perpetuity is unjustifiable; (5) the clause providing for an annual meeting of the Assembly is an encroachment on the prerogative. Agreed to report that the King disallow this proceeding in reference to the calling of Assemblies and the passing, confirming, and disallowance of laws. The Act declaring the laws of England to be in force is also prejudicial to the King. Agreed therefore to recommend its disallowance together with that of all the other Acts mentioned, but first to receive the opinion of the Commissioners of the Treasury respecting the Revenue Act. Copy of the Act sent to the Treasury accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVII., pp. 66–70.] |
Oct. 28.
Council
Chamber. |
761. William Blathwayt to Henry Guy. The Lords of Trade and Plantations do not think the enclosed Act for raising a public impost in Jamaica to be fit for the Royal Assent, but are unwilling to make any recommendation as to the King's revenue without the opinion of the Lords of the Treasury, to which end I send you the Act. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXX., p. 75.] |
| Oct. 30. |
762. The Attorney-General and King's Advocate to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We find that the ship Providence was condemned in the Admiralty Court of Nevis by Vice-Admiral Sir William Stapleton, and that the Vice-Admiral made complaint of embezzlement, which appears established by the report of the Commissioners appointed by him to inquire into it. Captain Billop was, however, acquitted of the charge by a court-martial held on 30th August. We are of opinion that, as the Admiralty Court is empowered to hear such causes, the proceedings of the court-martial should be set aside, and that orders should be given to the Admiralty Court at Nevis to prosecute Captain Billop. We think, too, that the court-martial should have given us notice before proceeding to trial. Signed, R. Sawyer, Tho, Exton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 61, 62.] |
| Oct. 31. |
763. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lords notice the delay in passing Lord Culpeper's commission, and refer the question of fees to the Attorney-General. |
|
The report of the Law Officers respecting Captain Billop read (see No. 762). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVII., pp. 70–72.] |
Oct. 31.
Council
Chamber. |
764. William Blathwayt to the Attorney-General. Lord Culpeper's Commission has not been passed, through want of payment of the fees; and it is believed that for the same reason there has been great delay at the Crown Office in passing a Commission for swearing the Company of Merchant Adventurers at Hamburgh. I am to ask you to certify whether such fees can of right be demanded. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXII., p. 90.] |
| Oct. 31. |
765. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Samuel Hanson was brought up in custody to answer for his conduct in divulging a letter to the Governor from John Cressett, and remanded to custody till he find security for good behaviour. The Assembly desired a conference as to the separated Bills concerning negroes. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 555–557.] |
| Oct. 31. |
766. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Council returned the Bill for the better governing of negroes with amendments. Amendments rejected, and a Committee of five appointed to confer with a Committee of the Council. Adjourned to 12th December. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 503, 504.] |
