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| Feb. 1. |
1,117. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Mr. Spragge to enquire of Mr. Santen what is done about the excise of tin for the present year. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 49.] |
Feb. 2.
Virginia. |
1,118. The Secretary of Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I send the Journals of Assembly and the Acts lately passed. You might have expected to find among the latter an Act empowering the governor and Council to lay a levy of twenty pounds of tobacco per poll on the inhabitants during the intervals of Assemblies, to be accounted for to the next Assembly. Such an Act would have been a great ease to the people, but even though it was fortified by the King's express directions, the Assembly, notwithstanding the Governor's frequent representations, could not be persuaded to pass it. As little could the Governor prevail with them, though for their own safety, so to form the Militia as to render it serviceable against Indians and foreign enemies and awful to unruly spirits at home. Both measures were deemed necessary, but the easy inclinations of some good men were so wrought upon by the insinuations of ill-humoured spirits that neither of them was passed. You will notice an Act to restrain the planting of tobacco after the last day of June. This stuck long with the Governor, though he was much pressed by the burgesses. He would not have consented to it except in consideration that even if full crops should not be planted by the last of June, the crop this year is too large to carry off, so that the overplus of the present crop will make good the deficiency of the next, and the King's Customs will not suffer. As, moreover, the Act lies before the King for confirmation or disallowance, the Governor allowed it to pass, hoping to sweeten the Assembly to discharge the public debt, which is now nearly three years in arrear. Peace having been made with the Northern Indians, the Governor has disbanded the four standing troops. I hope the peace may last. Signed, Nicho. Spencer. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 9 May. Read 18 May 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 58, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 136–139.] |
Feb. 2.
Virginia. |
1,119. The Secretary of Virginia to the Lord President. I transmit the laws passed last session; pray make allowance for them. The country is peaceful, with fulness of plenty, and never with greater hope. Thank you for obtaining for me leave of absence. Signed, Nicho. Spencer. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 11 May 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 59.] |
| Feb. 2. |
1,120. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations on the proposals of the Duke of Albemarle (see No. 1,069). 1. We cannot advise the payment of a gunner in Jamaica by the Office of Ordnance; if necessary, he should be paid from the revenue of the Island. 2. We think that provision should be made for maintenance of the King's houses out of the Island's revenue. 3. We think that a frigate should be provided for the Duke's passage, and allowance made for all that cannot be carried thereon, 4. The Admiralty Office of Jamaica is fully noticed in the Duke's instructions. 5. We think that the Duke may be allowed to repair to other Colonies for his health, but we cannot, in view of the rule as to half salary, recommend an allowance of 600l. a year to the Lieutenant Governor during his absence. Nor can we advise that more than the half salary be given to him from the day of Sir Philip Howard's death; the perquisites must be the Lieutenant Governor's until the Duke assumes the government. 6. We think that Colonel Walker may be added to the Council, and that the Duke, on his arrival, might report on the case of the suspended Councillors. 7. The Duke is asked to bear no more responsibility than that borne by every Governor of a Colony from the first. 8. We cannot advise the despatch of two foot companies to Jamaica, unless a sufficient fund be first provided in the Colony for raising, transporting, and maintaining them. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., pp. 253–258.] |
| Feb. 4. |
1,121. Order of the King in Council. Approving the report of the Lords of Trade and Plantations on the Duke of Albemarle's proposals of February 2 (see preceding abstract), excepting that the Duke's claim of half the perquisites be referred to the Commissioners of the Treasury for report. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., p. 258.] |
| Feb. 4. |
1,122. The King to Lieutenant Governor Stede. Ordering Edward Cranfield to be sworn of the Council of Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 435.] |
| Feb. 5. |
1,123. The King of France to the Count de Blenac. Ordering the observance of the Treaty of Neutrality of 6/16 November 1686, and in particular the execution of Articles 14 and 15 against pirates. Signed, Louis. Countersigned, Colbert. French. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 60.] |
Feb. 7.
Custom
House. |
1,124. Commissioners of Customs to the Lords of the Treasury. We have perused the instructions to Sir Nathaniel Johnson, and find them agreeable to those formerly drawn for other Governors. Signed, W. Dickinson, Ch. Cheyne, D. North, Jo. Werden, T. Chudleigh, Sam. Clarke, N. Butler, J. Buckworth. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. from the Treasury. 12 Feb. 1686–7. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 61.] |
| Feb. 7. |
1,125. Minutes of Council of New York. Petition of Mr. Santen. The former answer to him repeated (see No. 1,115.). |
| Feb. 8. |
Judge Palmer's opinion read, that John Smith may be endamaged for meddling with the King's revenue. His reasons for his opinion. Resolved that John Smith is answerable to the King for the sums he meddled with; the Attorney-General to lodge an information against him. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 49.] |
| Feb. 9. |
1,126. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Stede's letter of 17 November as to St. Lucia read (see No. 997), also his letter 26 November as to Sir Timothy Thornhill. Agreed to advise that Sir Timothy be brought to speedy trial. Petition of Richard Scott read. Agreed to hear the case on 15 August. A copy to be sent to Colonel Stede. |
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Draft instructions to the Duke of Albemarle read and approved. Memorandum of documents sent and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 49–53.] |
Feb. 9.
Jamaica. |
1,127. Lieutenant Governor Molesworth to William Blathwayt. On the 28th January, Captain Spragge returned to Port Royal, having succeeded in the task that I assigned to him, with Captain Banister and three of his consorts hanging at his yard-arm, a spectacle of great satisfaction to all good people and of terror to the favourers of pirates, the manner of his punishment being that which will most discourage others, which was the reason why I empowered Captain Spragge to inflict it. Banister seemed to have no small confidence in his friends. I find from letters that he wrote to some of them that he intended to plead that he had been forced into all that he had done by the French. How far this would have prevailed with a Port Royal jury I know not, but I am glad that the case did not come before one. There are a dozen or so more of this gang under one Kelly, who are gone up the river Nicaragua, and are expected back at the Mosquitos. They will probably be seized by the Indians and sent here in one of our turtling sloops. The Indians owe a great reverence for the King of England, and would not help Captain Spragge until he had shewn his orders and given them written directions how they were to act. Captain Spragge brought other prisoners with him, who have not yet been tried. One of Banister's men was shot dead for refusing to surrender, and two boys who were with him, under compulsion it seems, I have pardoned. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., pp. 323–325.] |
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1,128. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Governor brought the matter of the parties sent against the rebellious negroes before the Council. The money already expended amounted to 330l., and he had circulated six parties for two months, each consisting of an officer at five shillings a day, a sergeant at half-a-crown, and twelve men at eighteen pence, which amounted to 428l. He asked the Board to agree to send out these six at once, instead of prolonging the trouble by sending only single parties. The Council concurred. Order for the parties to be raised, two by Port Royal, two by St. David's, one by St. Andrew's, and one by St. George's and St. Mary's. Every officer to receive forty shillings, every sergeant thirty, and every man twenty, in advance. Colonel Barry promised
to do his best in the parish of St. Andrew's. Order for instructions for the officers to be drawn up by the military members of Council. Petition of Thomas Griffin, complaining of the capture of his sloop by a Spaniard. Letter of the prisoners at Campeachy, on which the Governor was advised to send for them. Account of money advanced to the Treasury for suppression of rebellious negroes, total 676l. Then Colonel Robert Byndloss was called in, and the depositions as to the interloping ship Hawk were read. Colonel Byndloss said that they proved his case. Colonel Barry denied that he knew anything of the affair. Martin Wilkins and William Elletson gave contradictory evidence. |
| Feb. 11. |
Account of escheats and of pirates' estates presented. Ordered that the Attorney-General be thanked for his good service in putting down pirates, that the bond of 50l. lately belonging to a pirate be given to him, as also the proceeds of the sale of cattle lately taken from another pirate. Order for the preparation of an abstract of the sums due to the King on account of escheats. It was moved that a field officer should be appointed to be commander-in-chief of the parties against the negroes. The Lieutenant Governor said that he would propose it to Major Langley and Captain Orgill. Order for payment of the Provost Marshal, and for collection of fines due to the King. Petition of St. Jago de Castillo, for leave to supply Spanish ships with provisions and produce of the Island. The Governor was asked by the Council to recommend the petition at home, on the understanding that the petitioners should pay customs in England. Rewards were granted to two men for their assistance in seizing the pirate Banister. The Governor reported to the Council the state of affairs in New Providence, and the election of Thomas Bridge to be Governor. A proclamation was ordered for the recall of all men leaving Jamaica for Providence. List of fines due to the King, 1682–1686. Accounts of Jamaica for 1686. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 145–163.] |
| Feb. 10. |
1,129. Depositions of Bartholomew Sharpe and John England, that when Sharpe asked Samuel Trott what reason the country had to libel him, and to ask the Governor to call his Commission in question, Trott answered that it was not aimed at him, but that they designed to shoot at the Governor through Sharpe. Certified copy. Scrap. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 62.] |
| Feb. 10. |
1,130. Minutes of Council of New York. Mr. Santen sent for and ordered to deliver up all bills, bonds, &c., that he has of the King's. In reply to the Governor, Mr. Santen said that he had advised Mr. Richard Rogers not to pay the money in his hands due to the King without an order from the Governor and Council. Mr. Rogers said that he had 140l. ready to pay to the King, and 39l. outstanding, but that Santen had warned him not to pay it, as aforesaid. |
| Feb. 11. |
Major Brockholes being sent to Mr. Rogers, brought back word that he refused to pay the money without an order from the Governor and Council. Order that he pay it accordingly to Mr.
Delancey, who reported that Rogers refused to pay without an order signed by the Governor and every member of Council, or by Mr. Santen. Order for enquiry whether Mr. Santen had taken any security from Rogers. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 49.] |
Feb. 11.
Whitehall. |
1,131. Order of the King in Council. Authorising Lieutenant Governor Stede to proceed with the trial of Sir Timothy Thornhill at the Court of Grand Sessions. Signed, John Nicholas. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 405, 406.] |
| Feb. 13. |
1,132. Instructions to Sir Nathaniel Johnson, Governor of the Leeward Islands, for the enforcement of the Acts of Trade and Navigation. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 234–241.] |
| Feb. 14. |
1,133. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Mr. Santen to deliver all papers relating to the King's revenue that are still with him. Depositions as to the papers seized. Order for the Attorney-General to draw up a bill for the continuance of the revenue, making one witness sufficient proof. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 49.] |
| Feb. 14. |
1,134. Minutes of Council of Antigua. Order for an inquiry into an alleged conspiracy of negroes, Colonel Rowland Williams, Captains John Frv and Henry Simes, and Mr. Henry Winthrop to be commissioners for the purpose. Order for pursuit of the remaining negroes by two or three parties of men under Captain Carden, and that the inhabitants keep their negroes from leaving their estates, and allow no drumming or noise therein. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 95, 96.] |
Feb. 15.
[Bermuda.] |
1,135. Attestations against Captain Edward Conway, as a pirate. Large sheet. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 63.] |
Feb. 15.
Nevis. |
1,136. Governor Sir James Russell to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Finding the Dartmouth with no more stores than sufficient to take her home. I have ordered her to the Downs, which I hope will be approved, as it is the result of mere necessity. I have supplied Captain St. Loe with all the powder that I could spare, leaving the forts as bare as safety would permit. Nor can I buy any more than what I have supplied, thirty barrels. I enclose the trials of Captain Bartholomew Sharpe, one for his life and one for his ship, but he was cleared in both. To encourage the King's evidences, I gave three of Sharpe's men chosen by Captain St. Loe the enclosed pardon for their lives. Two refused it, but the third accepted, and gave me such evidence as he could, but to no purpose. An account of my disbursements for the Dartmouth and of the King's share of all seizures made since my coming accompanies this. Signed, James Russell. Endorsed. Read 19 July 1687. Annexed, |
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1,336. I. Copy of proceedings against Captain Bartholomew Sharpe, at a Court of Admiralty held at Nevis 10 and 12 February 1686–7. 11 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 22 March 1686–7. |
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1,136. II. Copy of the pardon granted to three of Sharpe's men to turn King's evidence. Signed, Ja. Russell. 2 pp. Endorsed. 22 March 1686–7. |
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1,136. III. Copy of proceedings against the ship Resolution, captured and libelled for piracy by Captain Bartholomew Sharpe at a Court of Admiralty held at Nevis 3 February 1686–7. Verdict, guilty of piracy. 10 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 22 March 1686–7. |
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1,136. IV. Account of disbursements made for H.M.S. Dartmouth, and of money made by seizure of ships. Signed, Ja. Russell. 2 pp. Endorsed as the foregoing. |
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1,136. V. Account of debts incurred by the Dartmouth, being part of the foregoing account. Signed, G. St. Loe. 1 p. Endorsed as the foregoing. |
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1,136. VI. A fragment of another account for storage of the Dartmouth's stores. Signed, G. St. Loe. Scrap, endorsed as the foregoing. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., Nos. 64, 64I.–VI., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 253.] |
| Feb. 15. |
1,137. Captain St. Loe's receipt for a packet of letters entrusted to him by Sir James Russell. Signed, G. St. Loe. Seal. Scrap. Endorsed. Recd. 22 April 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 65.] |
| Feb. 15. |
1,138. Sailing orders of Sir James Russell to Captain George St. Loe. 7th February. You will make all arrangements to sail with H.M.S. Dartmouth for England on the 12th inst. 15th February. You will weigh anchor and proceed direct to England, without stopping at any of the Islands. Signed, J. Russell. Copies. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 22 April 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 66.] |
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1,139. Relation of the apprehension and trial of Captain Bartholomew Sharpe for piracy. The charges were for piracies committed at Jamaica in October 1684, and at Campeachy and on the high seas in October 1685. Five witnesses were called, but only one was forthcoming, a mulatto, whose evidence, by a law of the country, was not good against a white person. The bill was, therefore, thrown out by the Grand Jury. Captain St. Loe being dissatisfied, proposed to the Deputy Governor that a pardon should be offered to some of Sharpe's men, and another indictment was preferred against him on 12 February 1687, and the Grand Jury brought in a true bill against him, but the petty jury found him not guilty. 3 pp. Undated. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 67.] |
| Feb. 16. |
1,140. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for payment of 18l. 6s. 8d. to William Siston for accommodating the Committee of public accounts. Examination of the evidence of Sir Richard Dutton, in the case of John Daniel. John Farmer, Richard Evans, and Henry Nelson gave their evidence, after which Sir Timothy Thornhill said he would produce no further proof, and that he did not believe Mr. Daniel to be guilty of the crimes alleged by Sir Richard. Witnesses for Mr. Daniel were examined, John Reid, William Howe, William Foster, William Chester, and others; and documents were put in. |
| Feb. 17. |
A committee was appointed to examine the complaints of the Quakers, as set forth in their petition to the King. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 12–20.] |
| Feb. 17. |
1,141. Journal of Council and Assembly of Nevis. The Assembly, at the proposal of the Governor and Council, assented that an Act should be made to validate wills which, through the ignorance of testators, were insufficiently attested. The Governor announced that as he intended to go to Barbuda, he would be glad to hear any proposals of the Assembly. The Assembly proposed that it should be unlawful for anyone to retail provisions until they had been imported eight days, and that an Act should be passed to restrain the insolence of negroes. The Governor and Council assented. Order for a joint committee to draw up the necessary Bills. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 126, and (under date Feb. 15) pp. 133–135.] |
| Feb. 21. |
1,142. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Governor reported that two parties were already prepared to march against the negroes, and was asked to issue commissions to the officers. Major Ryves was instructed to pay the advance-money to officers and men, and the rendezvous was fixed and communicated to Major Langley, the commander-in-chief. Arrangements for contributions for the support of the parties and for subsisting them. Colonel Barry gave in his answers to the depositions against him in the matter of the interloping ship Hawk. Order for payment of sundry salaries. Order for any five of the Council to meet and draw up a report as to Colonel Byndloss's business regarding the interloping ship Hawk. Proclamation for the recall of Thomas Bridge and others from New Providence. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 164–166a.] |
Feb. 22.
Virginia. |
1,143. Governor Lord Howard of Effingham to the Earl of Sunderland. The Acts, for the King's approbation or disallowance, are sent herewith. My efforts have not been wanting to make them pleasing, but I failed to obtain an Act empowering the Governor and Council to raise a levy of twenty pounds of tobacco per poll without an Assembly. I failed also to obtain a good Militia Act, the burgesses actually refusing to continue the Act of 1684, making the burgesses liable to make good expenditure sanctioned by the Governor and Council on emergency. The Assembly met in much the same temper as when it parted last time, as you will see by their continued exceptions to the payment of the King's quit-rents. When I received the Royal order to repeal laws by proclamation, I hindered them from trenching further on the Royal prerogative, reserving my assent till Bills had passed the Council. I did not receive the King's orders for the dissolution until the 10th or 12th of November, when they were so near a closure that I deferred it till business was finished. I could not have called another Assembly in time to have laid the levy on tobacco before the tobacco would be disposed of. But after the Acts were passed, I read them the King's letters, and told them they were the first Assembly that had been so dissolved by the
King's special command, and would be, I hoped, the last to deserve it. I ordered copies of the Royal letter to be sent to all the County Courts, that everyone might know of the King's displeasure. I have displaced Beverley from all public employment, but have proceeded no further yet, hoping that this will be a warning to him and to others. |
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I have suspended Colonel Philip Ludwell from the Council, having great reason to believe him an abettor in fomenting those disputes over which the Assembly was so obstinate. Apart from credible information as to his private meetings with the most refractory members of the Assembly, I observed that he countenanced them both by word and action. I give but one instance out of many. At the first meeting of the Assembly, in November 1685, he seldom attended the Council or General Court, and on my remonstrating, he told me before several of the Council that he had affairs of his own at home, though it was known to the whole Council that he was in Jamestown almost every day. Even when he attended, it was rather to oppose than support the King's interest. After the prorogation, I ordered him to put Major Allen, who had been forward in promoting the dispute between the Assembly and myself on the subject of the Royal veto, out of his office of Survevor. He thereupon put in Major Swan, as troublesome a man as the other, and that (as I am informed) just for the convenience of Allen, who is a near neighbour. Again, no sooner does the King declare Robert Beverley to be incapable of public employment, but he presently gives, as Mr. Culpeper's deputy, his Survevor's place, which is the best in the country, to Beverley's son. Again, he was the only person in the Council who argued the least for the undutiful address sent to the King by the Assembly in May 1684, contrary to my order. This conduct he has still more or less pursued, and now so palpably that I could not suffer it any longer. I have waited so long as I have only in the hope that he would be more careful, and from caution lest I should seem to act from private dissatisfaction. On Colonel Bridger's death last spring, I gave him a Collector's place in the hope of gaining him, but since his open display of favour to the friends of Allen and Beverley, I thought it best to displace him from this office, as well as from the Council. When I took the oath of Governor at the Council table, Lord Keeper North and several others asked me if I would not have Ludwell put out of the Council, and if I knew of objections to him. I replied that I knew nothing of him, though I had heard of his opposition to former Governors; but that I had power to displace him if necessary, and should use it. I am satisfied that my reasons will be judged sufficient in the present case, though I now see that the lords who spoke to me knew more of Ludwell's temper than I. I shall appoint Colonel Isaac Allerton to the Council in Ludwell's place, he being ordered in my instructions to be called to the first vacancy. I find his character quite as high as was represented by Lord Culpeper. I am sorry to have written you for two years such unsatisfactory accounts, but I hope they may be better in future. I shall not have so many Assemblies, unless required by special
circumstances. Signed, Effingha m. Holograph. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 11 May. Read 18 May 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 68, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 125–133.] |
| Feb. 22. |
1,144. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Assembly presented John Farmer as their Speaker, who was approved. The Governor commended to them the renewal of the Act for an impost on liquors. The Assembly brought up a Bill of Excise. |
| Feb. 23. |
The Bill of Excise passed. Order for the trial of George Parris for piracy by the Court of Pleas of the Crown. Orders for payment of Thomas Seawell for two negroes executed, and for payment of six months' salary to the Clerk of Assembly. Sir Robert Davers was granted leave of absence to go to England. Order for publication of the Treaty of Neutrality. John Reid sworn of the Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 21–24.] |
| Feb. 22. |
1,145. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Colonel John Farmer elected Speaker. Resolved that Richard Salter be Treasurer, and that his commission be six per cent. Act for an impost on imported liquors carried for a year. The Committee reported as to the cleansing of St. Michael's Harbour. Additional Act for Vestries rejected. The Council's amendments to the Act for an impost rejected, and a committee appointed for a conference. |
| Feb. 23. |
On the report of the Committee, the rate on shipping for the expense of cleansing St. Michael's Harbour was fixed at sixpence. Order for a Bill to empower Commissioners to carry out the recommendations of the Committee. The quorum for the Committee on the laws reduced to three. Adjourned to 17 May. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 168–169.] |
Feb. 22.
New York. |
1,146. Governor Dongan to the Earl of Sunderland. The continued delay of Mr. Santen in presenting his accounts has delayed Mr. Spragge's departure for England with the Acts for at least twelve months, but I have at last forced his books and papers from him, and by the audit of his accounts he is found to be nearly 3,000l. in debt to the King. This is a great hardship on me, coming just when things are in great disorder, and before the revenue was settled. I was, therefore, obliged to spend the little stock I had and to pledge my own credit to satisfy other expenses necessary for the King's service. I refer you to the charge against the Collector, the orders of Council that relate to him, my answer to the heads of inquiry sent to me, and to several other papers referring not only to this but to other parts of America. The Council has been much straitened by the limitation of the number to seven. Mr. Santen was thought unfit to be sworn. Mr. Young is very old, and lives far away; two others are so much engaged with their own business that they cannot always attend Council, and either Captain Brockholes or Captain Baxter must be at Albany. I therefore beg the addition of Messrs. John Palmer, James Graham, Nicholas Bayard, Gabriel Minivell, William Smith, Francis Rumbouts, and Matthias Nicolls, or as many as the King pleases; with some allowance to the Council.
Such allowance is reasonable if they neglect their own business for the King's. If Connecticut and East Jersey be added, the expense will easily be defrayed by the Government. I beg that Mr. Spragge may be allowed to return here as soon as possible, for he is much needed. My accounts shall be sent to Mr. Blathwayt by the first opportunity. Believe me, I have been a better husband in managing the little revenue of this place than I ever was in any affair of my own. In searching the papers relating to the King's revenue (of which we could not find many), I saw a charge against myself, a letter to the King and a letter to you, which I take the liberty of sending. Signed, Tho. Dongan. P.S.— I send a petition from the judges here, and beg that something may be done for them, or they cannot live in so expensive a city; also petitions from the French inhabitants and from Judge Palmer, relating to a suit of his in Chancery. I would not spare him to give him leave of absence, so recommend him to you. Since I began this letter, Santen has been so troublesome that I am forced to send him home. I now find that not one of the debts which he pretends to be outstanding will be received; he has either received them himself or they are hopelessly bad. He is very abusive; rogue and rascal are the civillest terms that he gives me or any of the Council, and he threatens us with chains at least, for what we have done to him. I find that there was no letter to you; only one to the King. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 9 May. Read 18 May 87. Printed in New York Documents III., 420, 421. Annexed, |
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1,146. I. Names of the new Councillors recommended by Governor Dongan in the letter; with an intimation that he has already appointed Judge Palmer and Nicholas Bayard to the Council. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. from Mr. Spragge, 9 May 1687. Read 18 May 1687. |
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1,146. II. Petition of Judge John Palmer. Praying remission of a fine of ??50 incurred in consequence of the grant to him of the reversion of a farm in East New Jersey. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. |
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1,146. III. Petition of the same. Begging for leave to return to England, where there is a Chancery suit depending, wherein he is much concerned. Signed, J. Palmer. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. |
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1,146. IV. Petition of the French Protestants to Governor Dongan. That masters of vessels, merchants established in the province, and others, may have liberty to go to and fro and trade in all the King's dominions in North America without molestation or difference of treatment from that of British subjects, petitioners recognising the King as their protector, benefactor, and Sovereign. Also that Governors may be instructed to receive and encourage them on their arrival. Signed, Jean Bouteillier, pour touts. Large sheet. Endorsed as the preceding. Printed in New York Documents III., 419. |
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1,146. V. Petition of the Commissioners of the Town of Albany to Governor Dongan. Of late years the French, under pretence of propagating the Gospel among the Indians,
have encroached greatly on our Indian trade and drawn many of our Indians to their side, whereby the trade of this place is much diminished and the King's revenue obstructed. The only remedy is that your Honour would cause the French priests in the Indian Castles to be removed, and their places supplied by English, according to the repeated requests of the Indians themselves. We beg that this may be done. 1½ pp. Somewhat damaged. Endorsed as the preceding. Printed in New York Documents III., 418. |
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1,146. VI. Copy of the foregoing. |
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VII. Copy of propositions of the Onandagas and Cayonges. 2 August 1684. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., Nos. 69, 69I–VI., and (letter only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 146–148.] |
| Feb. 22. |
1,147. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for a warrant for the delivery of Lucas Santen to John Wake, for conveyance to England. Bill for defraying the necessary charges of the Government read a first time and amended. Bill against privateers read a second time. Petition of people of Madnand's Neck. Ordered that the Minister of Hempstead preach to them once a month. |
| Feb. 23. |
Warrant for delivery of Lucas Santen signed. Act of Revenue read a second time. Mr. Cortlandt reported that Santen said the obligations as to the revenue would be found among his papers. Mr. Swinton reported that Santen refused to say who were his deputy-bookkeepers. |
| Feb. 24. |
Return of the inhabitants of Flushing read and approved, so long as the commonage do not exceed 500 acres. Address of the Quakers read. Resolved that no man can be exempted. Revenue Act read a third time. Act against privateers passed. Order for a warrant for the delivery of Pemaquid. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 49.] |
Feb. 23.
New York. |
1,148. Governor Dongan to the Earl of Sunderland. Mr. Santen having been discovered by the Auditors as considerably indebted to the King, and having been convicted by the Council on several other charges, I have suspended him from his office, and send him home under custody of John Wake, commander of the ship Elizabeth and Catharine, to abide the King's pleasure. Signed, Tho. Dongan. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 9 May 87. Printed in New York Documents III., 421, 422. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 70, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 149, 150.] |
| Feb. 23. |
1,149. Minutes of Council of New England. The question as to the value of foreign coin debated. |
| Feb. 25. |
Bills for continuing rates and duties, for giving justices of the peace jurisdiction in disputes to the value of forty shillings, and for establishing courts of justice, read and committed. [Col. Entry Bk. Vol. LXIV., pp. 113, 114.] |
| Feb. 25. |
1,150. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Lieutenant Governor Stede. Giving notice of the King's Order in Council of 21 January, as to Richard Scott's petition, and ordering the parties to be apprised thereof and depositions to be taken. Signed, Jeffreys, Sunderland, Bath, Berkeley. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 407.] |
| Feb. 27. |
1,151. Warrant for the delivery of the Seal of the Leeward Islands to Sir Nathaniel Johnson. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 245.] |
Feb. 28.
Virginia. |
1,152. Governor Lord Howard of Effingham to the Earl of Sunderland. I have written to their lordships an impartial account of the behaviour of Colonel Ludwell, and of my suspension of him from the Council. My reasons, I question not, will be thought forcible enough. I fear the King may not approve the Act for restraining the planting of tobacco after the last of June, but so much is planted that the ships never want for cargo, and the amount left behind keeps the price low. As the King's Customs will not suffer, the planters hoped that the King might approve. I hear that Lord Baltimore is likely to forfeit his charter of Maryland. If so, and if the King has any thoughts of making it an adjunct to this Government, and of allowing the Governor here an proportionate allowance of salary, I beg you to remember me. I speak with not the least design to the prejudice or dishonour of Lord Baltimore, but if the charter is forfeited, I dare, through your favour, to be a candidate for the post. Signed, Effingham. Holograph. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. and read 18 May 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 71, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 139–142.] |
| Feb. 28. |
1,153. Extract from the foregoing letter, relating to the Act for restraining the planting of tobacco. Copy. ½ p. Misdated. 26 Feb. 1687. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 72.] |
| Feb. 28. |
1,154. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for the audit of the accounts between the Governor and the King by Messrs. Bayard, Graham, and Cortland. Order that they receive ??20 each for auditing Santen's accounts. Judge Palmer and Nicholas Bayard sworn of the Council. Mr. Santen again released to give up his bills to Mr. Cortlandt. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIX., No. 49.] |
| Feb. 28. |
1,155. Minutes of Council of Maryland. An order from Lord Baltimore read, granting Mr. William Digges a lease for sixty-one years of his house at St. Marie's. Order for the lease to be drawn accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 84, 85.] |
