|
May 2.
Treasury
Chambers. |
1,233. The Secretary to the Treasury to William Blathwayt. Forwarding report of Commissioners of Customs of 30 April (see No. 1,227). Signed, Hen. Guy. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 36.] |
| May 3. |
1,234. Lease of the office of Secretary of New England by Edward Randolph to John West for four years at £150 a year. Copy. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 10 October 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 37.] |
| May 4. |
1,235. Copy of the King's Commission to John Usher to be Treasurer and Receiver General of New England. Certified by John West. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 26 May 88. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 38.] |
| May 4. |
1,236. Minutes of Council of New England. John West admitted deputy-secretary. Thomas Waters, a condemned felon, reprived. Order for juries to be returned for the Superior Court of Essex. Fees of the secretary's office referred to a Committee for report. |
| May 6. |
Bills for regulating assize of cask, for regulating of cattle, corn, and fences, and for regulation of weights and measures ordered to be engrossed. Order for return of juries for the Superior Court of Charlestown. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 121, 122.] |
May 5.
Newhaven. |
1,237. John Palmer and James Graham to Governor Dongan. Our voyage was delayed by contrary winds till Sunday last. We arrived at Fairfield on that evening and discoursed with Major Guild and several others of the advantages of a surrender of their charter. We did the like at Milford and here, and find them all of one mind, that it is their interest and expectation to be
joined to New York. But they are so foolishly fond of their charter that they will only be passive and not active; they will submit if the charter be taken from them but they will not surrender it. The Governor is very zealous for promoting your advice. The Council, without the knowledge of the deputy, has already written to the Secretary of State on the whole matter, surrendering their interest to the King's pleasure, and informing him that the deputy is responsible for the obstruction of the rest. On the whole we believe that the King will be forced to proceed to judgment against them, so that it will be your interest to make court at home for accomplishing the matter, their agent having in his last informed them that it was discoursed at Whitehall to annex all to westward of Connecticut to New York. The rest is not worth desiring. We are afraid that their agent, for his own private gains, is a great cause of their stubbornness. We are going to Hartford, however, and shall do our best to persuade them to take your advice. Signed, J. Palmer, Ja. Graham. Copy. Certified by J. Swinton, secretary. 1¼ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 39.] |
May 6.
Whitehall. |
1,238. Order of the King in Council. Admitting the appeal of Captain Charles Talbot from the judgment of the Court of Jamaica as to the seizure of the ship "Swallow." Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. 1 p. Annexed, |
|
1,238. I. Petition of Captain Charles Talbot, H.M.S. "Falcon," to the King. I seized the pink "Swallow" for illegal trading being a foreign built ship, but she was acquitted by the Admiralty in Jamaica as free within the tropics in virtue of a former condemnation of that Court. The judgment is shewn by the Commissioners of Customs to be illegal. I beg to be allowed to appeal to your Majesty in Council. Copy. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., Nos. 40, 40I., and (order only), Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 4–6.] |
| May 7. |
1,239. Bond of Francis Shepheard for the appearance of Lucas Santen before the Lords of the Treasury and of Trade and Plantations from time to time as required. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 41.] |
| May 7. |
1,240. Similar bond of Lucas Santen, in the sum of £4,000. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 42.] |
| May 7. |
1,241. Similar bond of Francis Chamberlain. 1 p. Endorsed. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 43.] |
| May 7. |
1,242. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Henry Brent appointed Deputy Surveyor General in lieu of Thomas Taylor. Order for Taylor to make over to him the records of his office, and for Mr. Brent to take over the duty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 95–97.] |
| May 9. |
1,243. Minutes of Council of Maryland. On the proposed appointment of Allan Smith to be Sheriff of Kent County, the displacement of Edward Sweatnam and the putting in of Mr. Smith was ordered. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 97, 98.] |
| May 10. |
1,244. Minutes of Council of New England. The three Acts engrossed on May 6th were passed. Act for destroying wolves approved. Act concerning possession debated. |
| May 11. |
Act for destroying wolves passed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 122, 123.] |
| May 12. |
1,245. Minutes of Council of Maryland. The sherifts for 1687 were appointed as follows:— |
|
Calvert County—Michael Faney. |
|
Charles County—Robert Doyne. |
|
Baltimore County—Thomas Long. |
|
Cecil County—William Pearce. |
|
Kent County—Allan Smith. |
|
St. Mary's County—Garrett Van Sweringen. |
|
Talbot County—Peter Sayer. |
|
Arundell County—Henry Hanslapp. |
|
Dorchester County—Edward Pindar. |
|
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., p. 98.] |
May 13.
Hudson's Bay
House. |
1,246. The Hudson's Bay Company to [the English Treaty-Commissioners?] You have doubtless heard of the many insults committed by the French on the King's subjects in Hudson's Bay, and of our repeated petitions for redress. The King promised us reparation in his gracious letter of February last, and we have therefore prepared fresh supplies of provisions for our factors and fresh cargoes of merchandise. But we must beg your attention to the following points. (1.) Our usual time for despatching ships is at the beginning of May, for if not early despatched they will be frozen in. (2.) We have delayed them as long as possible this year by reason of the treaty you are now entering on, but our contract is that the ships shall sail at latest on the 25th instant, and if we detain them we are liable for demurrage, to say nothing of loss of one voyage. We know that the settlement of the treaty will take time, so we ask only for a positive mandate from the French Plenipotentiary for the restoration of the ships, forts, merchandise, etc., taken from us. This, we think, will hardly be refused, for the French never claimed nor visited the territory until last summer, when they destroyed our factories. If our servants could live at Hudson's Bay without provisions it would be most imprudent of us to send any ships thither without such a mandate; for the French will have received the Treaty of Neutrality, and will therefore treat our men as enemies, and then we shall find it very difficult to engage hired ships and crews that will expose themselves to the risk. Signed, E. Dering, Dep. Governor, Jo. Husband, Wm. Young, Rich. Cradock, Jo. Letten, Stephen Pitts, Mi. Hayward, Sam. Clarke. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXV., pp. 8–10.] |
| [May 13.] |
1,247. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor James Colleton. We have agreed to grant Mr. John Price forty thousand acres of land on certain conditions herewith transmitted to you. Signed, Craven, Albemarle, Bath (for Lord Carteret), P. Colleton, John Archdall, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 113.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
1,248. The King to Lieutenant George Beach, R.N. We are advised that the ship "Hardereen," taken by Captain Temple at St. Vincent, should not be deemed a prize. You will therefore have her carefully appraised and handed over to the custody of the Governor of Barbados for restoration to the owners. Any part of her cargo or fittings that have been disposed of must be recovered and also handed over to the Governor, and if the goods cannot be recovered, then their value in money; though the usual payment for salvage will be allowed to you and to your crew. Countersigned, S. Pepys. Copy. 3½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 44, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 416–418.] |
| May 17. |
1,249. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Sir Nathaniel Johnson's Commission was read. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 147.] |
| [May 17.] |
1,250. Address of the Mayor and Corporation of New York to the King. Humble thanks for the preservation of the ancient rights of the city. Our trade is much decreased by the impetuous encroachments of East and West Jersey, Pensylvania, and Connecticut. The efforts of the Governor have been our only protection. An address from the Governor and Council and a map sent with it will, we doubt not, convince you of the absolute necessity that the adjacent parts of Connecticut, the Jerseys, and as much of Pennsylvania as extends from the falls of the Susquehanna should be added to this province. This will not only secure the government, but will be formidable to all enemies and of great profit to the Treasury. We beg to lay before you the late encroachments of the French upon our Indian trade on pretence of promoting the Christian faith. The Indian trade is the best branch of your revenue; and the means suggested by the Governor will certainly restore it to its former channel. We understand that certain ill people have brought charges against the Governor, that he had given the dock to this city to the prejudice of the inhabitants. This is wholly false. The dock was made by the inhabitants and is maintained by them. We are contented with our Charter, and no one finds fault with it except those who raise these charges. Signed, N. Bavard, mayor, B. Bayard, assistant, Ja. Graham, recorder, John Wolfe, town clerk, R. D. Lanoy, assistant, W. M. Cox, assistant, Thomas de Key, assistant, Johnannes Haisellenhoig, assistant, Johannes Vanbrugge, Franc?ois Rombouts, W. Cortlandt, Thomas Crundall, Isaac van Vlecq, aldermen. Postscript. Asking for suppression of the peltry trade in Pennsylvania. Large sheet. Endorsed. Recd. 17 May 87. Printed in New York Documents III., 424, 425. [Col. Papers, Vol., LX., No. 45, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVIII., pp. 153–158.] |
| May 17. |
1,251. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Bill for duty on shipping considered. Carried that it come into force next July. The Bill was then passed. An Act to continue expiring Acts passed. Adjourned to 14 June. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 169, 170.] |
| May 17. |
1,252. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Precepts ordered to be drawn for holding Grand Sessions on the 7th June. The Lieutenant Governor acquainted the Council of several affronts
and abuses against him published by Sir Timothy Thornhill. Ordered that Sir Timothy be summoned by the Provost Marshal to answer for the same. Orders for sundry payments for fortifications, and for a negro executed. |
| May 18. |
Sir Timothy Thornhill was brought before the Council, and failing to clear himself, was committed to custody. Order for payments on account of fortifications. Edward Cranfield sworn of the Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 40–43.] |
May 18.
Whitehall. |
1,253. William Blathwayt to the Secretary for the Treasury. Forwarding the Virginian Acts for the appointment of ports, and for restriction of planting tobacco for report of the Commissioners of Customs. Signed, William Blathwavt. 1 p. Annexed, |
|
1,253. I. Copy of the Act for restriction of tobacco planting. 3½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., Nos. 46, 46I.] |
| [May 18.] |
1,254. Memorandum.—The French King having appointed M. de Barillon and M. de Bonrepaux Commissioners to adjust all differences between the two nations in America, his Majesty appointed the Earls of Sunderland and Middlesex and Lord Godolphin as Commissioners to meet them. The first conference was held 18 May. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 166, 167.] |
| May 18. |
1,255. Memorial of Mons. Barillon and Mons. Bonrepaux. We are ordered by the King our master to ask satisfaction for the proceedings of Captain Temple in making a descent upon St. Lucia and driving the French from it contrary to the Treaty of Breda and the good understanding between the two Crowns. These proceedings are the more remarkable since the French, by the King's purchase of the island in 1650, have been the sole occupants and possessors of the island. The English, it is true, have made descents on the island, but no settlement. In 1664 the Governor of Jamaica drove the French from it, but he afterwards invited them to return. The island is now secured to the French Crown by the 12th article of the Treaty of Breda in 1665, apart from its restoration by the English in 1669. 2 pp. French. Endorsed. Given in 18 May 1687. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 47.] |
| May 18. |
1,256. Copy of the preceding. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 48.] |
| [May 18.] |
1,257. Petition of the Hudson's Bay Company to the King. The ports and places within Hudson's Bay were first discovered by English subjects. We have traded thither for over twenty years and expended two hundred thousand pounds on erection of forts and factories. We were never disturbed until 1682 when Mons. de la Cheney and other private merchants of Canada, without any commission, burnt our buildings and robbed us of our trade at Port Nelson. Several memorials on the subject were sent to the Court of Versailles by the late King. In November 1685 we renewed our complaints, having received intelligence that the French had seized one of our ships and carried her to Quebec. The French King answered that he would order an enquiry and reasonable redress, but instead of that several of the
crew were kept prisoners at Quebec on bread and water for eleven months, and then sent slaves to Martinique. This is proved by the evidence of the mate, Richard Smithsend, who escaped from Martinique, and is arrived in London. In February 1686 we again brought our case before your Majesty, and we hear that a ship has arrived from Canada which must have brought a report to the French King. Your Majesty assured us of your protection, so we have now to represent that within the last ten months we have received repeated intelligence that the French in Canada have despoiled our forts and factories at the bottom of Hudson's Bay, have taken three of our ships, and turned fifty Englishmen adrift in a small vessel to perish. The French, too, have given out to the natives that they mean to have the trade of Hudson's Bay in their own hands. We beg for your protection and your assistance in procuring us satisfaction, and that the French King may be asked to forbid positively any further attacks on our territory. Signed, Churchill, Governor. This document was laid before the Commissioners of the two Crowns at their first meeting in 18 May 1687. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXV., pp. 1–7.] |
| [May.] |
1,258. Memorial presented to the French Commissioners as to the King of England's right to Hudson's Bay. (1.) The northern part of America, where Hudson's Bay lies, was discovered by Sebastian Cabot, holding commissions from King Henry VII. in 1497. (2.) In 1610 Henry Hudson, an English subject, sailed into the straits and bay and took possession. (3.) In 1612 Sir Thomas Button, an Englishman, sailed into the straits and bay and took possession of Port Nelson and the territory adjoining. (4.) In 1631 Captain Luke Fox, by command of King Charles I., made a voyage to Hudson's Bay, entered the river to Port Nelson and found a cross set up by Sir Thomas Button. He then set up a new cross declaring the King's right and possession. (5.) In 1667 one Zachary Gilliam, an Englishman, sailed to a river in the bottom of the bay and called it Rupert river in honour of Prince Rupert. He built a fort there called Charles Fort. (6.) In 1669 Captain Newland entered Port Nelson and declared the King's right thereto. (7.) In 1670 the King gave a charter to the Hudson's Bay Company and made over the territory to them. (8.) In 1673 Charles Bayly was sent by the Company as Governor of the factories there, and maintained good correspondence with Mons. de Frontenac, the Governor of Canada, without any complaints of injury done by the Company. (9.) In 1680 Captain Draper, with one of the Company's ships, entered Port Nelson. (10.) In 1682 the Company's factors built a fort and were settling a factory in Port Nelson when they were first disturbed by the French, the adventurers having spent nearly ?200,000 during the past twenty years in building forts and factories. (11.) The King's right, therefore, may be deduced without any interruption or dispute till 1682, and is confirmed by subsequent treaties, in particular by that of 16 November 1686. If any objection be made to the facts and agreements herein set forth, the Company begs for an opportunity of making a reply. 3 pp. Endorsed. 1687. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 49, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXV., pp. 14–17. French translation, ibid., pp. 11–14.] |
| May 18. |
1,259. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Howard of Effingham's letter of 22 February read (see No. 1,143). The Lord President desired to move the King to confirm the suspension of Colonel Ludwell and the appointment of Mr. Allerton to the Council in his stead. Report of the Commissioners of Customs as to foreign coin in Virginia read (see No. 1,227). The Lords concurred with it, and asked the King's directions thereon. Lord Howard's and Mr. Spencer's letters of 2 February read (see No. 1,118), and referred to the Commissioners of the Treasury together with the bill for appointing ports in Virginia. |
|
Petition of Robert Orchard read. The Lords agreed to recommend his case to Sir Edmund Andros for enquiry and redress. Letter from the Colony of Connecticut of 26 January read (see No. 1,197 vi.). The Lords agreed on this report (see June 18). The Lords desired to know the King's pleasure as to the writs of Quo Warranto issued against several Corporations in America. |
|
Colonel Dongan's letter of 22 February read (see No. 1,146). Also addresses from the Indians of August 2, 1684, from the Commissioners at Albany, from the French Protestants, and from New York City were read. Colonel Dongan to be ordered to transmit the names of the Protestants. Petition of John Palmer read respecting a farm in East New Jersey, and referred to the Lords of the Treasury, together with the petition of the Judges for increased salary. |
|
Draft circular ordering the publication of the Declaration of Indulgence read and approved. |
|
Colonel Molesworth's letter of 9 February read (see No. 1,127). Memorandum of documents sent and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 66–80.] |
| May 18. |
1,260. Circular. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Governors of Colonies. Ordering the publication of the Royal Declaration of Indulgence. Signed, Jeffreys, Sunderland, Arundell, Albemarle, Powis, Bath, Middleton, Huntingdon, Preston, J. Ernle. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVII., pp. 238.] |
| May 19. |
1,261. The King to Lieutenant Governor Stede. Ordering Robert Rich to be sworn of the Council of Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 435.] |
May 20.
New York. |
1,262. Governor Dongan to the Earl of Sunderland. Since my last the Council has decided to send Judge Palmer, Dr. Butler, and Mr. Graham to Connecticut with instructions to get them to submit. I have received the enclosed shewing the result. The people themselves, knowing the necessity for the giving of Connecticut to New York, make no objection, but are rather forward for it in case they lose their charter, which they cannot expect to keep. They had resigned it before now but for their solicitor in London, who for his own sake buoys them up against surrender. Sir Edmund Andros cannot well deny that Connecticut is necessary to New York, for reasons shewn in my answer to the queries (see p. 329). The only objection made is that if Boston have not Connecticut it will be undone for want of corn, but that is mere pretence. They can be as well and as freely supplied with corn
if Connecticut be under this government as they are now. Boston can load thirty or forty ships a year for Europe, whereas we cannot load above three, and those only with whale-oil taken at the east end of Long Island, which they are angry that they cannot take from us. We must have exports to England to buy linens and woollens, which they make for themselves. Our people would do the like if permitted. Again, all the King's revenue comes by our trade, and we are very honest in obeying the Navigation Acts. I send you the proposals made by the Maquas, which will shew you how necessary it is to send some religious men among the Indians. The great dispute between the French and us is which shall have the Five Nations, and their priests are a great advantage to them. I have certain information that if our people, who are gone to the few Indians, can prevail with them to come to Albany, we shall take the trade from the French. I am sorry to say that we have not yet done finding out Mr. Santen's faults. Not a farthing of the outstanding debts which he spoke of is to be had. The present managers of the revenues will, I hope, obtain more from it than has ever been obtained yet, and I am sure that it is necessary, for I am in debt head over ears in the King's account and my own, it having been my misfortune to come to a place where everything was out of repair. Truly this place is expensive, and everything very dear. If the King would raise my salary to the rate of other Governors here, it would be no more than reasonable, for their perquisites are infinitely larger than mine, and their expense much less. Signed, Tho. Dongan. 2 pp. Annexed, |
|
1,262. I. The Governor of Connecticut to Governor Dongan. Hartford, May 12, 1687. I have communicated yours of 12 April to the Assembly, Judge Palmer, Dr. Butler, and Mr. Graham being present. We thank you heartily for your friendly advice. We do not see our way at present to be active in any change, but leave matters where they are, in the King's hands. Your continued neighbourhood is very acceptable to us, but if you should return to England we beg you to solicit the King for us to leave us as we are, or if that may not be, to annex us to some government. It would be very prejudicial and indeed destructive to some plantations to divide our Colony. We beg also that we may have liberty to worship God according to our consciences, and that our property may be continued to us, and that we may have free trade, paying the King's customs. Signed, R. Treat. Holograph. ½ p. |
|
1,262. II. Propositions made by certain Sachems of the Maquas to the Magistrates of Albany, 15 April 1687. (1.) We are come according to the ancient custom. We cannot forbear to acquaint you of the pains that the Jesuits take to entice our Indians to Canada upon pretence to convert them to their religion. We desire it to be hindered. We wish your people a happy journey to Ottawa and hope they will do no harm to anyone; then they will go in peace. Here they gave a belt of wampum
twelve deep. (2.) Renew the covenant of the Governors of Boston, Maryland, and Virginia with the Five Nations. Here they gave a belt of wampum thirteen deep. (3.) You, Corlaer, are the head of the covenant; let its chain be kept bright. We come to grease it that it rust not. Here they gave a belt of thirteen deep. (4.) We have now renewed the covenant. Our old Sachem Canondondawe is dead, and Tahaiadoris is come to perform the ceremony in his stead. (5.) Another complimentary speech, and the gift of a fathom of wampum. ANSWER TO THE MAQUAS.—We shall send to the Governor General, and if the Jesuits strive to entice away your Indians, you are Sachems, you must not allow them to go. Tell them that if they leave their country with the Jesuits they will anger Corlaer exceedingly. Our people going to Ottawa will do you no harm. You never find the covenant on our side rusty, but always bright. Here was given 25 fathom of wampum string and one cask of rum. Certified copy. 2½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., Nos. 50, 50I., II.] |
May 21.
Virginia. |
1,263. The Secretary of Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I send the minutes of Council. Everything is quiet here. Signed, Nichs. Spencer. Holograph. ¾ p. Endorsed. 5 August 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 51, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., p. 144.] |
May 21.
Virginia. |
1,264. Governor Lord Howard of Effingham to the Earl of Sunderland. The ungovernable tempers of certain persons have forced me to trouble you again thus early. Some officers of H.M.S. Deptford, whereof Captain Crofts is commander, came to me and complained of his ill usage of them and of some misdemeanour committed aboard the ketch by one whom he owned as his wife, to the hazard and danger of the ship and ship's company. I accordingly summoned Captain Crofts before me on the 21st April to decide the differences between them, but Captain Crofts neglected to obey my orders, and sailed away to Maryland. Finding that he did not intend to comply with them, I sent an order to him at Patuxen to appear before me on 28 April at Jamestown to answer the complaints of Mr. William Martin, merchant of Plymouth, and of William Gynnes, master of the ship "Daniel and Elizabeth." He not only refused to receive and obey the order, but treated the officer charged with the message as you will see by his letter. The letter is somewhat damnified by getting wet in the messenger's pocket, but I thought it better to send it rather than a copy. Captain Crofts showing himself so absolute and desperate, I ordered Captain Allen, of H.M.S. Quaker, then lying in James river, to attend me that I might advise with him as Crofts's superior officer as to what should be done. As he was too ill to come, I summoned a Council, the proceedings of which are enclosed. Captain Crofts has so frequently used unruly and unworthy discourse of the King's Commission to me that I wonder he has not sooner turned his words into acts. I reproved him sharply before some few of the
Council in private last spring, adding warnings which he received at the time with thanks and promises of amendment. But I cannot suffer the authority of this government thus to be lessened. Signed, Effingham. Holograph. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 10 August 87. Enclosed, |
|
1,264. I. Deposition of Reuben Bennett, gunner of H.M.S. Deptford. As to a quarrel between Captain Crofts and his wife, when, after throwing everything in the cabin down to destroy it, she at last threw the fire in the hearth on to the floor of the cabin. The sailors then complained to deponent and asked him to protest. Deponent ascertained the truth from the cabin boy, and gave him orders to let him know if fire was ever thrown about in the cabin again. Presently the boy came and said that she was throwing it about again. Some time after, deponent, the cockswain, and the boatswain protested to Captain Crofts against the danger of allowing such things to be done, whereupon the Captain called him rogue and rascal and threatened to break his head and threw a can of water at him. Further evidence that Captain Crofts had repeatedly beaten and abused deponent, and refused him his allowance of provisions. Signed, Reuben Bennett. 2 pp. |
|
1,264. II. Deposition of John Abbott, carpenter's mate of H.M.S. Deptford. Complaining of the stoppage of his allowance of food and other ill-treatment by Captain Crofts. 1 p. |
|
1,264. III. Deposition of John Wood, boatswain of H.M.s. Deptford. As to an attack made on him by Captain Crofts with a drawn sword, for no reason whatever, and the stoppage of the King's allowance of provisions to the ship's company, so that they would have been starved but for the relief given by the planters. ½ p. |
|
1,264. IV. Deposition of John Will. As to the extortion of money by Captain Crofts from a ship's master under threats. Sworn 14 March 1686–7. ½ p. |
|
1,264. V. Lord Howard of Effingham to Captain Crofts, April 11, 1687. I hear that you are sailed out of the bay. I hope that you do not mean to evade my order to attend me. Signed, Effingham. ½ p. |
|
1,264. VI. Lord Howard of Effingham's order in the King's name to Captain Crofts to appear in the Council Chamber at Jamestown on 28 April. Signed, Effingham. Seal of Lord Howard, a good impression, but broken. |
|
1,264. VII. Lord Howard's order for the delivery of the preceding to Colonel Isaac Allerton, 12 April. Colonel Allerton's further order to his emissary, 14 April 1687. |
|
1,264. VIII. Benjamin Blanchflower to Colonel Allerton, 18 April. Your letter was delivered to Captain Crofts on the 15th, as he was going on board the ketch at Wichacommow, Maryland. The messengers could get nothing from him but "sirrah" and threats to break their heads, but at last he bade them go on board the ketch, where
he told them that they might take the letter to the place whence it came, and deliver a rude message to the man who sent it. 1 p. Much stained. |
|
1,264. IX. Lord Howard of Effingham's order to Captain Thomas Allen, of H.M.S. Quaker, to attend him, 22 April Copy. 1 p. |
|
1,264. X. Captain Thomas Allen to Lord Howard of Effingham. Excusing himself from attendance on the plea of illness, 23 April 1687. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 4 August 87. |
|
1,264. XI. Petition of William Gynnes, master of the ship "Daniel and Elizabeth," to Lord Howard of Effingham. Complaining of the extortion of money and goods from him by Captain Crofts, who stopped his ship without the slightest cause, everything being regular. Crofts took to the value of £60 from him. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 10 August 1687. |
|
1,264. XII. Declaration of the same William Gynnes to the same effect in greater detail, April 25, 1687. Large sheet. Endorsed. Read 10 August, 1687. |
|
1,264. XIII. William Martyn to Nicholas Spencer. Recapitulating, as owner, the complaints of Gynnes as captain of the "Daniel and Elizabeth." Copy. 2½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding. |
|
1,264. XIV. Deposition of Francis Jones, servant to William Martyn. As to a bill drawn by Gynnes for Captain Crofts, Gynnes thinking it better to pay him so much, than allow the ship to be unladen, 25 April 1687. Attached. Copy of Crofts's certificate of clearance for the "Daniel and Elizabeth." 12 May 1686. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. |
|
1,264. XV. Extract of minutes of Council of Virginia. Jamestown, 25 April 1687. The Governor laid before the Council the behaviour of Captain Crofts. The Council unanimously agreed that it be represented to the King, the daily complaints of merchants against Captain Crofts, showing him to be intolerable. 2¼ pp. Endorsed as the preceding. Entered in Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 171–174. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., Nos. 52, 52I. –XV., and (covering letter only), Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 162–167.] |
| May 21. |
1,265. Minutes of Council of New England. Robert Mason and John Greene sworn of the Council. Order for the King's declaration for liberty of conscience to be published. Order for cancelling Mr. John Usher's bond to the deputy president for some wines seized. Mr. Randolph's account for fees for several commissions referred to a Committee. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 123, 124.] |
May 23.
Boston. |
1,266. John West to William Blathwayt. I enclose copies of the laws made since my appointment as Deputy Secretary by Mr. Randolph. I am gratified by your approbation of my services
while I was Secretary at New York. Signed, John West. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 19 July 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 52, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 356.] |
May 23.
Boston. |
1,267. Memorandum of the persons commissioned as Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature of New England, viz., Joseph Dudley, William Stoughton, Peter Bulkeley. The last named had not yet officiated by reason of sickness. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 19 July 1687. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 53, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 352.] |
| May 25 |
1,268. Minutes of Council of New England. Act as to the purchase of land from Indians ordered to be engrossed. Bills ordered to regulate the assize of boards and to forbid the keeping of schools without permission. Order for the records of the last Government to be brought to the secretary, for a small vessel to be kept for the King's service on the coast, and that licences for public houses shall be granted in open Sessions. A bill concerning wills read. Mr. Randolph's account for fees for commissions to be paid. His table of fees for the Customs Office approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 124, 125.] |
| May 26. |
1,269. The Secretary of Virginia to the Earl of Sunderland. All is quiet and trade is flourishing, as the returns of the King's dues will shew; but I have to bring before you the ill behaviour of Captain Crofts of H.M.S. Deptford, as shewn in Mr. William Martyn's letter (see No. 1,264XIII.). Many merchants have suffered from Captain Crofts, but none have taken so good resolution as Mr. Martyn to have justice done. Recapitulates the story of Crofts' misdeeds, and urges the ill effects to trade and authority of such conduct as his (see No. 1,264). Signed, Nicho. Spencer. Holograph. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 10 August 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 54, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 167–170.] |
May 27.
Long Island. |
1,270. Governor Dongan to the Earl of Sunderland. Judge Palmer and Mr. Graham are just returned from the General Court at Hartford. They had so far persuaded the Assembly to surrender their charter and be annexed to New York that the letter to that effect was actually written and waiting to be signed. Then, however, some of their clergy came among them and overthrew all that they had done, telling them that it would be a grievous affliction to them to whatever province they were annexed, but that if they received it as they ought it might be sanctified to them and turn to their advantage; they should, therefore, not be active themselves, for then they might expect utter desolation, with such like canting expressions. Whereupon the Assembly sent the letter which has been enclosed to you (see No. 1,262I.). As to the Governor's requests, the King should not grant too many ports, for they require more officers than the revenue will bear. What they say about payment of customs is a renewed argument for the annexation of Connecticut to New York, for our revenue is raised in that way, whereas that of Boston is raised
on lands and heads. Our situation and our need of English to balance the Dutch are equally strong arguments. I hear from some of the Council of Connecticut that they will not submit till their charter be voided. The King has given away to Boston a great part of this government to the eastward; and unless Connecticut be added the province will be very inconsiderable, Signed, Tho. Dongan. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 55.] |
May 27.
Barbados. |
1,271. Lieutenant Governor Stede to the Earl of Sunderland. I have only lately received your commands in favour of Sir William Booth and Captain James Kendall relating to a very unhappy consignment of convicted rebels made by them. I have done what I could for them, but they have shewn no reasonable cause for revoking the administration granted in Browne's estate, who was-one of the factors to whom the convicts were consigned. [Here follow elaborate details.] I have duly published the Treaty of Neutrality; but in spite of all my measures I have still the same contest with the French over St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Dominica, who continue their claim to these islands, and send men to cut wood, hunt, and fish there, whenever H.M.S. Mary Rose is not there. They say the islands belong to them, though when the treaty was made at Whitehall I was actually in possession of the islands, and had driven the French from them. Shortly after I sent a fleet of merchant ships under convoy of the Mary Rose to cut timber there. They stayed from November till January, and while they remained no French ships were allowed to come there; but directly they were gone the French came back. I therefore sent Captain Beach, of the Mary Rose, to remove the French again from these islands, destroy the new settlements, and inform the French that if they came again, after proclamation of the Treaty of Neutrality, their vessels and goods would be made prize. Yet I am told that they have returned, and are going on as before, but I shall send the frigate to remove them again, and to confiscate anything of value. I have ordered Sir Timothy Thornhill's trial for the 7th of June. Due punishment of such hotheaded, furious, and disorderly subjects as he would have a good effect. He is the most profane and execrable and extravagant swearer, drinker, bad-company-keeper in the island, and since he was bound over to good behaviour has behaved worse than ever by spreading false and unjust reports of me. For this the Council committed him; but even now, as his trial draws near, he defies all things and persons that are not his friends. What ground he has for confidence I know not, for his late ill-carriage does not bespeak his innocence in the former charge; but he boasts of his interest in England and so concludes that he will be declared innocent there, whatever may happen here. I hope that Sir Thomas Montgomery has acquainted you of my efforts to serve him. Through inadvertence he has been a little misled and engaged to a complacency with Sir Timothy Thornhill, even to neglect of me, but I hope that he will return to the right path. Signed, Edwyn Stede. Holograph. 6 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 18 July. Read 19 July 1687. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 56, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 418–422.] |
| May 27. |
1,272. Lieutenant Governor Stede to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We are quiet and fairly healthy, but in great straits for want of rain, which we have been without for five months. There is consequently neither water nor green meat for our cattle, and we fear a great loss among them. The crop, too, is small, and in some plantations they can hardly make sugar, the caues being so spoiled and tainted by the long drought that they have little juice in them; so that is a very hard time in this island at present. I have published the Treaty of Neutrality, but have the same difficulties with the French in St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Dominica. They visit the islands when we are not there and stir up the Indians against the English, which we suspect is the reason why they cut the throats of eight men of the Mary Rose, though Captain Beach was greatly to blame for the loss of them. I beg for the King's instructions as to these proceedings of the French, and meanwhile shall send the frigate again to the islands. [Repeats much already written in the preceding letter on this subject, and on that of Sir Timothy Thornhill's behaviour.] I have received your orders as to cause between Richard Scott and Samuel Dyer. Signed, Edwyn Stede. Holograph. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 57, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 423–425.] |
| May 27. |
1,273. Journal of Council and Assembly of Nevis. On the proposal of the Governor and Council the Assembly agreed to the appointment of a joint committee to arrange for the reception of Sir Nathaniel Johnson. The Assembly resolved to petition the King that its grants to Sir James Russell and Colonel William Burt may be confirmed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 128, and under date May 7, pp. 137–139.] |
| May 27. |
1,274. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Captain Michael Smith and Mr. Thomas Cole withdrew from the Council, not being included among the Councillors nominated by the King. Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson took the oaths of office, and dissolved the Assembly. Order for continuance of officers in their posts. Order for the new Assembly to be sworn, and for the troops to be drawn out in arms on 9 June next. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 148–151.] |
May 28.
Hampton
Court. |
1,275. Order of the King in Council. For the prosecution of the Quo Warrantos issued against Maryland, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. LII., p. 110, and Vol. XCVII., p. 240.] |
| May 28. |
1,276. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord Howard of Effingham. Ordering him to publish the King's proclamation against pirates. Signed, Jeffreys, Sunderland, Albemarle, Arundell, Huntingdon, Mulgrave, Powis, Wm. Bridgeman. Original. 1 p. Endorsed. Memo. Before this could be sent these powers were recalled by others granted to Sir R. Holmes. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 58.] |
| May 28. |
1,277. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Governor of Bermuda. Ordering him to publish the King's proclamation for
the suppression of pirates and privateers. Signed, Jeffreys, Sunderland, F. Arundell, Albemarle, Mulgrave, Powis, Bath, Wm. Bridgeman. 1 p. Endorsed. Annexed, |
|
1,277. I. Copy of the proclamation in question. Dated 22 May. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., Nos. 59, 59I.] |
| May 28. |
1,278. Memorandum. That this day the circular letters to Sir Nathaniel Johnson respecting the King's declaration of indulgence and the royal proclamation for suppression of piracy were signed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 262.] |
|
To the Governor of Bermuda. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 101, 102.] |
|
To the Governor of New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVIII., pp. 150, 151.] |
|
To the Governor of New England. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 341.] |
|
To the Governor of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 122, 123.] |
|
To the Governor of Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 408.] |
| May 30. |
1,279. Petition of the Proprietors of East New Jersey to the King. We have spent large sums in building a town called Perth, in a harbour within Sandy Hook. Though we are not conscious of any violation of the Navigation Acts, Governor Dongan on 2 November last sent several soldiers to seize a vessel which had just arrived at Perth from Ireland, and made her enter at New York; and he threatens to seize all ships likewise that do not enter at New York. This is an infringement of our privileges, which we by permission to enjoy. In the margin. A reference of the case to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed, Middleton. Whitehall, 30 May 87. Inscribed. Read 15 June 87. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 60, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 118.] |
May 31.
Doctors'
Commons. |
1,280. Sir Richard Raines to the King. I have examined the case of the ship Resolution, seized by Captain St. Loe. On her arrival in London from Antigua she was arrested by her owner, one Kirwan, and Captain St. Loe failing to give bail in the Court of Admiralty, the ship was decreed to Kirwan. The cause was to have been finally settled on April 21st, but hearing that Captain St. Loe was daily expected, I deferred the sentence. Captain St. Loe came, and on examining his proofs I am of opinion that the ship is English built and free, and therefore Kirwan's property. But the English Court of Admiralty is not a Court of Appeal, so I see no way of relieving Kirwan in this case from the condemnation of the Admiralty Court in the Leeward Islands, except by the royal prerogative 1 closely written page. Endorsed. Read 15 June 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 61, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 266–268.] |
| [May.] |
1,281. Report of Captain George St. Loe on the defrauding of the royal revenue in the Leeward Islands. There are generally several great ships lying at Statia, any two of them large enough to carry a year's produce of that island. All the rest take in
their load for the British Colonies. On their way from Holland they generally touch at all our islands on pretext of watering. They generally stay a week, when all the planters go aboard and not only agree for what is on board, but watch their opportunity to get it ashore, to the loss of the revenue and of the merchants, who, having paid duty, cannot sell so cheaply. Having disposed of their cargoes the ships go to Statia, where they wait for the planters to send their sugar, which they very punctually do, though the English merchants, their creditors for some thousands, cannot get a pound of sugar from them. Most of the islands have so many bays and inlets that it is impossible for the Custom-house officers to check the shipping off of the sugar, and the Dutch ships generally send their long boats to St. Christopher's once or twice a week, on pretence of getting water, though one boat load of water would last them a month, but in reality to load sugar. Being loaded, the Dutch ships sail direct to Holland without paying the King a penny of duty. Brandy and wine are also smuggled into the islands from French St. Christopher's. It is impossible for the Custom-house officers to check this traffic unless they have two or three small vessels, good sailers, to cruise up and down and examine all sloops and boats passing to and fro. Copy. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 19 July 87. [Col. Papers, Vol., LX., No. 62.] |
| May ? |
1,282. Father Dablons to Governor Dongan. I learn from letters of the two fathers Lamberville, who are with the Iroquois of Onnontage, of your goodness to them and your protection in their distressing experiences. As they are under my orders they have let me know how far you have pushed your affection for them and the pains that you took to rescue the younger brother from the peril in which he stood. I know that you tried to save them from a thousand outrages to which they are exposed during the drunken debauches of the Indians; in a word they have told me that you spare no pains to procure them the peace necessary for the exercise of their functions, thereby enabling them to send many a soul to Paradise. These are the reasons which oblige me to write and thank you for your good offices, and to entreat you to continue them by the precious blood of Jesus. I do not think that I can ever recognise them as I ought, but I assure you that I shall pray God to be your great reward in this world and the next. Signed, Claude Dablons, of the company of Jesus. French. 2 pp. Torn. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 63.] |
| [May.] |
1,283. Abstract of Lucas Santen's charges against Governor Dongan and of Governor Dongan's answers. Arranged in parallel columns. 4½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 64.] |
| [May.] |
1,284. Abstract of the articles against Lucas Santen with the proofs, and his answer. 7½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 65, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 130–137.] |
| [May.] |
1,285. Abridgment of the charges against Lucas Santen. Four large sheets. [Col. Papers, Vol. LX., No. 66.] |
