America and West Indies: June 1686

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 12 1685-1688 and Addenda 1653-1687. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. Public Domain.

Citation:

'America and West Indies: June 1686', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 12 1685-1688 and Addenda 1653-1687, ed. J W Fortescue( London, 1899), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol12/pp200-209 [accessed 29 November 2024].

'America and West Indies: June 1686', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 12 1685-1688 and Addenda 1653-1687. Edited by J W Fortescue( London, 1899), British History Online, accessed November 29, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol12/pp200-209.

"America and West Indies: June 1686". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 12 1685-1688 and Addenda 1653-1687. Ed. J W Fortescue(London, 1899), , British History Online. Web. 29 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol12/pp200-209.

June 1686

June 1.
Boston.
702. The President and Council of New England to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We met at Boston on 25 May, when Joseph Dudley, having been first sworn President, administered the oaths to fourteen members of the Council. Our first duty was to issue a proclamation continuing all constables and Justices of the Peace in their posts. We then committed the militia to trustworthy persons, most of them Councillors, and put the castle of Boston under the command of Captain Wait Winthrop. We find the Government laden with debts and no money to be found, and we are examining the accounts of the Treasury under the late Government. We are providing for the enforcement of the Acts of Trade and Navigation. There is no direction for supply of members of Council except in case of death; we beg that provision may be made to meet cases of absence through sickness and other cause, lest we sometimes fail of a quorum. Mr. Robert Ratcliffe will be duly encouraged by us as you request. This letter will be presented by Mr. Mason, one of our number. Signed, Joseph Dudley, William Stoughton, Robert Mason, J. Winthrop, Ed. Randolph, Secy., Jno. Usher, Ed. Tyng, John Pyncheon, Pet. Bulkeley, Rd. Wharton, Jonathan Tyng. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
702. I. Edward Rawson to the President and Council of Massachusetts. We have perused the copy of the King's Commission that you sent to us, on which we observe. 1. That there is no fixed rule for free administration of justice, which seems far too arbitrary. 2. That subjects are abridged of their liberty in respect of legislation and taxation, there being no mention of an Assembly in the Commission. We think therefore that it highly concerns you to consider whether such a Commission be safe either for you or for us. If you are satisfied with it, we, though we cannot assent thereto, shall demean ourselves as true and loyal subjects. Signed, By order Edward Rawson. Certified copy. 1 p. Inscribed. A scandalous paper made public in New England.
702. II. Proclamation of the President's Council for continuance of constables and Justices of the Peace in their posts. Dated, 25 May 1686. Printed sheet.
702. III. Proclamation appointing Richard Smith, James Pendleton, and James Fownes to be Justices of the Peace for the care of the Narragansett Country, and Richard Smith to be Sergeant-Major in command of the militia, pending further arrangements. Dated, 28 May 1686. Printed sheet.
702. IV. Proclamation for the orderly solemnisation of marriages. Dated, 29 May 1686. Printed sheet.
The whole endorsed. Recd. and Read 23 July. Presented at Windsor, 26 July 1686. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., Nos. 95, 95 I.–IV., and (without enclosures) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 299–301.]
June 1. 703. Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth's speech to the Assembly of Jamaica. I have summoned you to advise how to secure ourselves and estates against the barbarous treachery of our slaves, to keep them in order and to dissuade others from joining such as are rebellious. You know the expense to which we have been put, the mischiefs that have been committed on divers poor families, and our efforts to suppress the rebels under the disadvantages of no money and a crippled power over the militia. I particularly recommend to you the repayment of the money borrowed for those occasions, and a reward to the services of the poor men who were called out to serve without any pay or any consideration other than you may choose to give them. I ask you to pay the little scores the parties have run into to the poorer sort of planters for provisions, and to confirm the rewards promised by the Council, to enlarge the officers' power over the militia, and to provide a certain fund to meet such emergencies in future. The Receiver-General's accounts will be laid before you to show you the true state of the revenue, and the captain of the forts will, if required, report to you as to the stores of ammunition. I have also to propose to you an Act for ascertaining the servitude of the rebels transported from England, and an amendment to the Act for governing the slaves. Your solicitors will also need money. I know there are those who would create divisions among us; but you have known me twenty years; I am one of you, and I can have no design harmful to the Island in anything that I propose to you. Copy. 2½ pp. Endorsed. The Governor's speech to the Assembly the pmo. June 1686. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 96.]
June 1. 704. The speech of the Speaker of the Assembly of Jamaica to Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth. An expression of loyalty to the King and friendliness to the Lieutenant-Governor, with the usual claim of the Assembly's privileges. Copy. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 96A.]
June 1. 705. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Lieutenant-Governor's speech to the Assembly and the Speaker's reply, containing special profession of loyalty to the King. Sir Francis Watson sworn of the Council. The Assembly sworn; and Mr. Samuel Bernard approved as Speaker.
June 2. Charles Bourchier sworn as Clerk of the Assembly. Message of the Assembly in reply to the Lieutenant-Governor's speech. A new writ issued for the parish of St. James.
June 3. Message of the Assembly that it had appointed a committee to enquire into the negro rebellion, and asking for information.
June 4. On the request of the Assembly a joint committee was appointed to inspect the fortifications. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 111–112 and 113a–115.]
June 3. 706. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Sunderland's letter read reporting the appointment of the Duke of Albemarle to be Governor of Jamaica. Draft Commission and instructions ordered to be prepared to bear date immediately from the death of Sir Philip Howard. Report of the Commissioners of Customs on the proposed cotton manufacture read (see No. 676). Colonel Molesworth's letter to Mr. Blathwayt of 4 March read (see No. 591). Agreed to move the King to pardon the Spanish pirate captain; and also to pardon Charles Hudosn, condemned for the use of treasonable words. [see Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., pp. 155, 156, and 175, 176.]
An abstract of Colonel Cony's letter of 1 April read (see No. 617). Agreed to recommend that in the confused state of Bermuda Sir Edmund Andros be sent thither on his way to New England with special powers to examine disputes and settle the Government. The complaint of James Smailes (see No. 662) to be referred to him.
Draft instructions to Sir Edmund Andros read. The question of his salary referred to the King, with a recommendation that it be paid for the present in England. An instruction to be given to him to appoint churches in New England and report from time to time respecting them.
Report of Commissioners of Customs upon the addresses of Virginia and Barbados as to the new duty on sugar and tobacco. The Lords agree that no alteration should be made until they have tried for at least a year. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVIII., pp. 274–279.]
June 3. 707. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor and Council of New York. Ordering transmission of journals and quarterly returns of transactions and of trade. Signed, Jeffreys, Albemarle, Rochester, Craven, J. Ernle, Tho. Chicheley. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVIII., pp. 132–134.]
June 3. 708. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommending that Sir Edmund Andros be sent to Bermuda on his way to New England with powers under the great seal to settle all differences. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 1.]
[June 3.] 709. Petition of James Smailes, master of the ship Bachelor's Adventure, to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I was driven into Bermuda by stress of weather, though bound to Carolina. At Bermuda, Richard Phillips, a passenger, asked to have his goods unladen, though he was indebted to me for his passage, and though the goods could not be got at without unloading most of the cargo. The Governor, however, being Phillips' friend, without further consideration committed me to prison. A week after I was brought up to the Sessions House to answer a charge of defamation brought by one John England, master of a small vessel, who laid his damages at £1,000. Judgment was given against me by some irregularity, and also in another case brought by the same Phillips, for which the vessel and cargo were seized and I was kept in prison for several weeks. When I was released the Governor employed two pirates, Sharpe and Conway, to prevail with me to take my ship again and give the Governor a discharge, and on my refusal I was committed to prison in a dungeon, loaded with irons and nearly starved. I beg relief. Large sheet. Endorsed. Recd. 3 June 86. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 97.]
June 3. 710. Commission to Sir Edmund Andros to be Governor of New England. The Governor is empowered to impose taxation by the advice of the Council only. Liberty of conscience is allowed. Marriages performed by magistrates are confirmed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 270–281.]
[June.] 711. Commission to Sir E. Andros to be Vice-Admiral of New England. Latin. Undated. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 316–317.]
June 3. 712. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To move the King for the payment of a salary to Sir Edmund Andros from the Treasury in England until a sufficient revenue be settled in the Colony. The amount was fixed by the King on 7 June at £1,200 a year. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 281–282.]
June 3.
Boston.
713. Order of the President and Council of New England for the printing of the President's speech to the Assembly at Boston. Copy of the speeches delivered on May 17th and May 25th, commending the new form of government. The wholeprinted pages. Endorsed. Recd. 5 Aug. 86. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 98.]
June 4. 714. Report of the Committee of Assembly on the state of the forts in Jamaica. The forts are in so good a condition that they cannot be improved without making them new. The number of guns and stores is enclosed (see No. 716). Signed, Cha. Modyford. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., p. 168.]
June 6.
Windsor
715. Order of the King in Council. That in consequence of the confusion of the Government of Bermuda, Sir Edmund Andros do go thither with full powers to hear all complaints and settle all differences, and that his Commission and instructions be prepared as soon as possible. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 99, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 2.]
June 6.
Port Royal.
716. An account of the ammunition, small arms, and military stores in the Fort Jamaica. Fort Charles, 38 guns mounted, Fort James 26 guns mounted, Fort Carlisle 14 guns mounted, Fort Morgan 16 guns mounted, Fort Rupert 22 guns mounted. Total, 116 guns. 1½ pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 100, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., pp. 168–171.]
June 8.
Jamaica.
717. Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth to the King. Hearing that on passing our accounts at the Treasury some doubts did arise concering my salary, I beg you to take the matter into your own hands and to hear from Sir Charles Littleton the reasons that induced me to believe that the whole belonged justly to me, and therefore to live up to it. If I am mistaken I beg you to supply by grace what I want by right, for there is no one but myself who has the slightest pretension to it. Signed, Hder, Molesworth. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 101.]
June 8.
Jamaica.
718. Memorandum by Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth of his reasons for taking the whole salary of Governor. Stating the terms of his commission and the inapplicability of the rule as to half-salary to his case. Four heads. Signed, Hder. Molesworth. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 102.]
June 9. 719. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Lieutenant-Governor Stede. We send you for your report copy of a petition from Theophilus Hopkins, setting forth that the execution of fines and recoveries in the Plantations will be of great ease to the King's subjects there. Signed, Jeffreys, Albemarle, Craven, Rochester, Ormonde, J. Ernle, Tho, Chicheley. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 377–378.]
June 10. 720. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Clarendon's letter of 16 March read (see No. 599) with its enclosures, and the reports of the Commissioners of the Customs in Ireland of 29 March and 12 May (see Nos. 613, 670). The Lords agree to advise that the revived Act be not dispensed with.
Report of the Attorney-General on Mr. Richard Wharton's draft for confirmation to himself of Pojebscot, Maine. Ordered that it be referred to Sir Edmund Andros for report on his arrival in New England.
Memorandum of documents read and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVIII., pp. 280–284.]
June 10.
Council
Chamber.
721. Circular. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Governors of the Colonies. Forwarding copy of the petition of Theophilus Hopkins (see No. 660) for report. Signed, Albemarle, Middleton, Craven. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVII., pp. 234–235.]
June 10. 722. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Secretary of New York. Ordering transmission of quarterly returns of the transactions of his office. Signed, Jeffreys, Albemarle, Rochester, Ormonde, Craven, J. Ernle, Tho. Chicheley. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVIII., p. 135.]
June 10. 723. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Dongan. Asking for quarterly accounts of transactions. Signed, Jeffreys, Albemarle, Craven, Rochester, Finch, J. Ernle. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXIV., pp. 1–2.]
June 10. 724. Commission to Colonel Thomas Dongan to be Governor of New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXIV., pp. 2–17.]
June 10. 725. Minutes of Council of Assembly of St. Christopher's. Proceedings of a Court of Admiralty for the condemnation of a sloop unqualified to trade. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXVIII., p. 57.]
June 10. 726. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Colonel Thomas Freeman took the oaths of councillor. Report of the Committee on Fortifications. Dated, June 4 (see No. 714). [Col. Entry Bk, Vol. XXXVI., pp. 115–117.]
June 10./20. 727. Mons. de Denonville to Governor Dongan. I have received yours of 22 May. You will see from what follows that your intelligence of our pretended designs is baseless, and that the accounts given you by our deserters should be most cautiously received. You are too old a campaigner to take umbrage at the stores which I have sent to Katarokouy for the subsistence of my soldiers there. You understand the Indians well enough to know that it would be most imprudent for me to leave this post without stores and ammunition for a year, and, as you know, one cannot get up to the post at all seasons of the year. Had I to transport stores thither for a large force I should have chosen a different mode of transport. The perfidy inseparable from a people that has no religion sufficiently forbids me to trust them and justifies me for taking precautions against their unrest and caprice. On the 6th inst. I informed you of my master's zeal for the advancement of religion. I trust that of your piety you will not oppose the work. Can the missionaries have as great success so long as the Indian villages are allowed no rest? When I arrived here I thought that peace between the Iroquois and ourselves and allies was assured. The behaviour of the Iroquois at this juncture makes me ask you whether you think that I am wrong to distrust them. They are alarmed at the prospect of war with me. Nothing but their own consciences can have created this alarm in them. I have not taken the least step that could have caused it, and I wish for nothing better than to see peace established in the country. What have I done to give them the least uneasiness, and what do they want? As regards your claims to territory, no doubt you are not well informed as to the possessions taken by the King, my master, and of the establishments which we have settled in the country and on the lakes. I gladly consent to refer all such difficulties of boundaries to our masters, and I wish nothing more than that you and I may live on as good terms as they. But meanwhile it would be very fitting for so honourable a gentleman as yourself not to give protection to all the rogues and rascals who desert us to take refuge with you, and who to gain themselves some favour in your eyes think they cannot do better than relate to you impertinences against us, impertinences which will never end so long as you are willing to listen to them. My letter of 6 June should suffice to apprise you fully of my intentions. I should not have needed to answer your letter had I not wished to mark my respect for you. Signed, le M. de Denonville. French. 3 pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 103.]
June 11.
Hartford.
728. The Governor and Council of Connecticut to [Edward Randolph?]. After some delay owing to the illness of the Governor and the distance of the residences of some of the Council, we have met to-day and considered your letters of 27 May and 2 June. We rejoice to hear of your safe arrival from England, and of the peaceable accession of the President and Council of New England. We knew not what to reply to you concerning the quo warranto against the Colony, but you may be sure that we shall demean ourselves as good and loyal subjects of the King. Signed, John Allyn, Secretary. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 104.]
June 14.
New Haven.
729. The Governor of Connecticut to Governor Dongan. I am glad to hear of your safe return from Albany., As to Mr. Randolph's letter, written in great haste and as a private letter to myself and two others in my absence, we know not of any calamity to New England, if Connecticut Colony must fall and part of it to westward; but it may be as easy for us to fall that way as eastward. I think I may say that Mr. Randolph's endeavours to move us to incline eastward have not prejudiced us against you or your Government, with whom we have been, and are, on so friendly terms. Mr. Randolph informs us of a quo warranto against us, but we have seen nothing yet, and we remain as ordered by proclamation, awaiting with silence and patience what may come, and hoping that we shall approve ourselves good and loyal subjects. Pray commend us to the royal protection by the next ship, and thank you for your good counsel. Signed, R. Treat. Copy, unpunctuated and hardly intelligible in parts. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 9 May 1887. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 105.]
June 14.
Custom
House.
730. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of Trade Plantations. We have considered the proposal to employ a magazine-ship for Bermuda and compel them to bring the tobacco to English ports, and think it to be good, provided that the master of the ship give bond according to the Act of Navigation. Since we wrote this report a Mr. Bysshe and a Mr. Burghill appeared saying that they had something to offer against the proposal, but though desired to put the same into writing they have so far sent us nothing. Signed, Ch. Cheyne, D. North, Jo. Werden, N. Butler, T. Chudleigh. 2 pp. Endorsed. Read 6 July, 1686. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 106, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 23–24.]
June 15.
Jamaica.
731. Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth to [William Blathwayt]. The Assembly met on the 1st instant. I was led to expect a great deal of trouble from them, more pains having been taken in the choosing of them than of any previous Assembly, thereby to serve the interest of the discontented party who do all they can to obstruct affairs in general and to make a disagreement between the Governor and the people, though as I hope without success. I called them only to do their own business, so they must be wilfully blind if they can be led away by false pretences against the common good. Yet such things have happened on sudden expected changes, in the hope of doing better or of gratifying the man that will best be able to serve them. I have been unfortunate throughout my government in being considered one who may at any time be removed, and this has been a great dis- advantage to me. At the first meeting I told them plainly what I expected from them, which they took so well that they sent me their thanks by half the house, and asked for a copy of my speech. So far they have done little beyond the appointment of committees. They have prepared two bills, one to deal with trausported rebels, and another for recovery of fines or forfeitures. They appointed a committee to view the fortifications, which reported as favourably as possible and gave an account of warlike stores. The committee in the Receiver General's accounts return no money in cash, and the revenue is behindhand, though when the office was delivered over to him 2,400l. in cash and good bonds and Martin's debt, which was ten or eleven hundred more. However the Assembly is satisfied so we shall not differ upon these accounts. Extract. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. XXXI., pp. 158–161.]
June 17. 732. Colonel Beeston's receipt for the new Great Seal of Jamaica. Signed, Wm. Beeston. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 107, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., p. 153.]
June 18. 733. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Assembly sent up two Bills for ascertaining the servitude of rebels from England, and for recovery of fines and forfeitures, which were read and amended. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 116a–117.]
June 19.
Hampton
Court.
734. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of? Trade and Plantations. We recommend that the Act of 22 and 23 Car. II., lately revived, be not dispensed with (see No. 670). Signed, Jeffreys, Sunderland, Rochester, Craven, Middleton, Godolphin, J. Ernle. Ordered accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVII., pp. 225, 226.]
June 19.
Boston.
735. The President and Council of New England to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We beg to press our former representations as to the necessity of a supply of members for the Council. and beg to nominate eight persons as fit to fill vacancies. Mr. Bradstreet, Major Saltonstall and Dudley Bradstreet do not accept the Commission. Mr. Champernoun is too weak and unwell to act. We suggest to take their places, Samuel Shrimpton, William Brown, junior, James Russell, Samuel Sewall, Simon Lynds, Thomas Graves, Nicholas, Page, Richard Smith. Signed, Joseph Dudley, William Stoughton, J. Winthrop, Ed. Randolph, Secy., Wait. Winthrop, Rd. Wharton, Jno. Usher, Edward Tyng. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Aug. 86. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 108, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 303.]
June 20.
Windsor.
736. Order of the King in Council. That the fort and county of Pemaquid shall henceforth be annexed to the Government of New England. Signed, John Nicholas. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 109, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 282.]
June 20. 737. Additional instructions to Governor Dongan for the enforcement of the Acts of Trade and Navigation. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. LXVIII., pp. 136–147.]
June 21. 738. The King to the Governor of New York. Announcing the appointment of William Blathwayt as Surveyor and Auditor- General of the royal revenues in America, and ordering obedience to his orders and attention to the business of those revenues. Countersigned, Rochester. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. LXXIII., pp. 18–21.]
June 20.
Windsor.
739. The King to Lieutenant Governor Molesworth. Granting a pardon to the captain of the Spanish galley, condemned for piracy. Countersigned, Sunderland. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. XXXI., pp. 151–152.]
June 20.
Windsor.
740. Warrant of the King to Lieutenant Governor Molesworth for the use of the new Great Seal of Jamaica. Countersigned, Sunderland. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. XXXI., pp. 154–155.]
June 22.
Jamaica.
741. Henry Egleton to William Blathwayt. I send the Minutes of Council; those of the Assembly will follow later. Last Sunday we received the news that on Sir Philip Howard's death the King had appointed the Duke of Albemarle to this Government. This has as much pleased as surprised Colonel Molesworth, who, wishing to return to England, could not make a more honourable dismission of his government. I beg you to mention me to his Grace for his favourable countenance. Holograph 1 p. Endorsed. Received 2 Sept., 1686. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., No. 110, and Col. Entry Book, Vol. XXXI., p. 176.]
[June 26.] 742. Petition of the Quakers in Barbados to the King. We beg to represent our sufferings for conscience sake, and to pray that the late Act for the settlement of the Militia may not be confirmed. 1 p. Annexed,
742. I. "The case of the people called Quakers in the Island of Barbados, humbly presented to the tender consideration of the King and Council." Being unwilling to bear arms for conscience' sake we have for years been grievous sufferers through an Act to settle the Militia by which we have lost some thousands of pounds sterling. But our present complaint is especially of a late Act of 17 June, 1685, wherein the penalties exceed those of all former Acts. If confirmed it will not only disable us from managing our plantations, but also impair the King's customs. For it not only provides that any footman not appearing in arms when summoned shall forfeit five shillings and every horseman ten shillings, but by a clause aimed at stubborn and wilful offenders the penalty is increased fourfold upon such as do not send men at all. The forfeiture of a footman here is for the first offence ten and for the second twenty shillings, and of a horseman twenty shillings for the first offence and forty for the second. We are required by law to appear in arms six times a year as well as on extraordinary occasions, so that a poor man cannot earn enough in the year to satisfy these demands. Again, the Act requires every apprentice to serve as well as his master, and on his failure to appear the master is fined; consequently we are unable to take apprentices and are obliged to take negroes, whereby our young people are forced to leave the Island. The execution of the Act also is severe, our most serviceable negroes, worth forty or fifty pounds, being taken and sold for twenty, and our negro women torn from their children and sold also, which causes great distraction in our negroes and loss to us. The penalty might very well be levied on sugar. Our horses and cattle are seized and sold in the same way, and we are ruined, without profit to the King and country. We are also persecuted for refusing to swear and to observe days, and many have suffered and are liable to suffer for refusing to pay the priests' wages whom their conscience will not permit them to hear. We beg relief, for we suffer not from wilful opposition but only from a tender conscience towards God. 3 large pp. Endorsed. Recd. 26 June. Read 6 July, 1686. [Col. Papers, Vol. LVII., Nos. 111–111 I.]
June 29. 743. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. James Davis sworn of the Assembly. The two Bills sent up at last meeting (see No. 733) read a second time. Return of Charles Knight as member for St. James's.
June 30. The report of the two frigates sent after the pirate Banister heard. Resolved that they be sent again, but with one sloop only. Order in Council of 19 March 1686 read, directing enquiry to be made into the petition of Roger Elletson for readmission to his practice at the bar. Copy of the petition. Amendments to the Bill for ascertaining the servitude of rebels. Order for an embargo on all ships of the harbours of Port Royal.