|
| July 11. |
1,637. Minutes of Council of New York. The packets for the Southern Colonies delivered to John Perry, and that for Connecticut to Mr. Newton, with money for their expenses. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 266.] |
July 11.
Fort Will.
Henry. |
1,638. Circular letter from Governor Sloughter to the Governors of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I returned hither on the 27th ult., where I left everything in a good posture, and with much difficulty have secured our Indians. I have garrisoned Half Moon and Senectady with some of the hundred fusiliers raised by our Assembly; the remainder and one of the King's Companies are at Albany. By the Indian propositions here sent you, you will perceive their apprehensions concerning your Government and the rest of the adjacent Colonies and how far they think you obliged, as parties to their Covenant, to aid us against the common enemy. My Council agrees with me that you should assist us with 150 men, as your proportion. I need not tell you how important the preservation of Albany is as the only bulwark of their plantations; and if Albany be carried by the French, you will judge how far the Colonies will be endangered. Only Albany keeps the Indians faithful to us; the loss of it means the loss of them, and the loss of them means the loss of the English territory on this Continent. On receipt of a letter warning me of French invasion I raised a hundred men more who, with three hundred Indians, marched into Canada on the 22nd under Major Schuyler, to watch the enemy and improve opportunities of attack. The Senecas have promised to go down the Cadaraqui River and attack at the same time; and I doubt not that this alarm will divert them from their invasion, at any rate until we are in a posture of defence. I have applied to New England for help but can get none, though they were forward enough to help the late usurper. Hereby you may judge of their loyalty, and of our danger unless supported by you, our neighbours to Westward. The Council thinks with me that you should appoint Commissioners to meet and concert with me plans for the general defence of these Colonies, and also agree to the raising of a fund to be made up by the Colonies in proportion, to raise and pay men for this war and so rout the French out of America. All this may easily be done by hearty union among us. You are probably aware how our territory of New York has been narrowed into the bounds of Long Island and the Hudson, yet for all the ruin wrought during the late usurpation the Assembly has given signal proof of loyalty, having established a revenue as formerly and voted £2000 for the fusiliers. The late expedition will cost £2,000 more, so that our annual charge is now £10,000, far more than we can afford, yet not enough to preserve us without your help. I have now received fresh news of the arrival of reinforcements in Canada. There is now no time for delay. I expect that you will send me your 150 men fully armed and equipped for the defence of Albany. The town is in danger: two men have been killed by French spies within seven miles of it. Any failure must lie at your door, and the King must be acquainted with it. Copy. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept., 1692. Printed in New York Documents III., 184. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 39.] |
| July 11. |
1,639. Copy of the foregoing letter. Endorsed. Recd. 13 Jan., 1691–2. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 46.] |
| July 11. |
1,640. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for payment for furniture for the Council room. Sworn statement of the goods plundered by the French at Port Maria Bay presented. The Assembly sent up their four bills, viz. to raise money for defence and repair damage done by the French, to void the Acts of the last Assembly, to raise money for soliciting the Island's affairs, and for making a road from St. George's to St. Ann's parish. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 89–90.] |
| July 13. |
1,641. Petition of Edward Davies and others to Lords of Trade and Plantations. An urgent repetition of their former prayer (see No. 1575), as they are threatened with a miserable fate in prison. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 13 July, 1691. |
|
Duplicate of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 637. Nos. 47, 48.] |
| July 13. |
1,642. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Appointing the 20th inst. for the hearing of Lady Culpeper's case. (See No. 1514 I) and ordering that Lord Howard of Effingham be present. Draft. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 49.] |
July 13.
Antigua. |
1,643. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Bristol is so extremely defective that I dare not detain her, so must defer writing of several matters hinted at in my last. As to the four and a half per cent. duty I must point out that the fund as now settled is for the advantage neither of the King nor of the objects for which it was established. In the Leeward Islands there is very little money, and trade is driven mostly by truck. The merchants keep their books and accounts in sugar or other produce and in that form state all debts due to or from them. I know how beneficial it would be to have our trade settled by money, as in England and in all the Colonies but this, but until this change comes it will be very difficult to sell the produce for ready money here; and when the opportunity by chance comes, the sale must be at less rates, for people who want clothing, etc., buy it with sugar, and those who are in circumstances to furnish themselves in England ship their produce home. At Barbados it is true that there is a money trade, and that produce can be sold, though at a less price than it would fetch in England, as must be concluded from the profit which the buyers here are presumed to make. But white sugar, which is the chief part of the revenue, will not sell for two-thirds of what it would fetch in England, to say nothing of the difference between sterling and Barbados money. My agent at Barbados tells me he has been unable to sell any; and the reason, I apprehend, is that all white sugar is made to be shipped home, and only muscavado is kept for sale on the spot. Again there is a commission of 7 per cent. charged by the Agents that I employ to receive the money from the Commissioners, for, being directed to pay it to me in kind, they refuse to sell it in consideration of the salaries allowed them as Commissioners. You may judge therefore how much the value of this revenue is lessened by disposing of it here.
And not only is this a great loss to the King but a great discouragement to the regiment that is to be paid from this fund. The payment is not speedy, as was intended, and even if it were it would be a great hardship to the regiment to receive money in these parts instead of sterling, without a considerable allowance for difference of value. Pieces-of-eight if of full weight (which not one in a hundred is) are worth 4s. 4½d., but generally are worth from 3s. 6d. to 4s. In Barbados, they pass for 5s.; in the Leeward Islands for 6s. The hardship too is the greater, since living here is much more expensive than in England. A piece-of-eight will not purchase what costs 3s. in England, and what costs half-a-crown or less in England costs a piece-of-eight here. So the shipping of the produce home, as was formerly done, will be of great benefit not only to the King, but also to the regiment. If the King will appoint an officer to receive the money and keep it as a distinct fund, part of it might go to pay the salaries of the Governor of Barbados and myself, and the rest, as far as it will go, to the payment of the regiment and of Colonel Hill's company. The regiment will have the advantage that all necessaries that they need will be purchased for them at the cheapest rate, while the balance may be remitted in pieces-of-eight for their subsistence. The regiment has lost much by the farthings sent out, for though they are sterling money, yet six shillingsworth of them will purchase no more than a piece-of-eight and a half; from which it is evident that to send sterling money to pay the regiment is no profit to their Majesties and a great loss to the men; but if their sterling money be disposed of for pieces-of-eight in England the King will lose nothing and the men will gain much; and it is only justice to the men. I have given each company £100 of farthings; the remainder I shall try to dispose of for the best advantage to the regiment. Farthings are of no manner of use for change, for nothing can be bought here for so small a coin, and a quantity of them is troublesome to carry. It is only of late that we have had less than a rial, which passes for ninepence, and the least we have seen is a French sole mark which passes for three half-pence. Farthings would soon be picked up by men who would carry them to England unless the value were increased, which we are careful not to do without instructions. But if a mixed metal coin of the interim value of a penny and of the size of a sole mark were struck, to be used only in the American plantations and to pass as forty eight to the piece-of-eight, it would be a great convenience to the Colonies and of some advantage to the King, and of no less to the regiment; for the latter would be paid at the sterling value of a penny, which penny could pass for three half-pence. I do not think that there would be any complaint of the King's profit, since at present we use foreign coin at a higher rate than its intrinsic value. |
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But to return to the four and a half per cent. revenue—if, as I argue, it will be most profitable to all parties to send the produce home as formerly, then whoever is entrusted with the payment of the regiment here should be entrusted also with the purchase of clothing, provisions and other necessaries for the private soldiers, paying the balance of the pay in pieces-of-eight. The officers should receive as much of their pay as they direct in sterling in England,
and the balance in pieces-of-eight here. Thus justice will be done, and the account of the regiment will be more easily adjusted. For at present the clothes are procured by one hand, the provisions by another, and the money paid by a third. As to the privates, until the cost of clothing and provisions be known, it cannot be ascertained if any balance be due, and until the contingent charges are known, the accounts can not be settled even with the officers. Were any balances due to the privates, it would have been a great encouragement to the poor men to receive it weekly or monthly, while the farthings, but for the loss of them, would have been proper for the purpose; but having no instructions I could make no arrangements, nor make any other payment than to the commanding officer, who I believe is as much in the dark as I am how to settle with officers or soldiers. I hope that you will remedy these inconveniences. If, despite what I say, the revenue aforesaid be still ordered to be disposed of here for the aforesaid purposes, then I have two suggestions to make: (1) that it would be very convenient to apply the enumerated revenue to the same purpose, which I believe was not thought of when the four and a half per cent. revenue was appointed; (2) that the Commissioners of Barbados and the Leeward Islands be directed in consideration of their salaries to dispose of the said revenue, for otherwise they receive their salaries for doing nothing, being now at no pains to ship the produce home; and if they refuse, then the Agents whom I now employ for one per cent. more will do the work. Indeed while the revenue is disposed of here they are of no use but to increase expenses, unless they take the disposal and sale upon themselves. The shippers in Barbados would pay as much, or more, for it as any one else; and the present practice of the Commissioners is, I am told, to raise enough to pay the Governor and their own salaries. If this principle were extended to the whole it would be less trouble to the Commissioners than receiving and shipping the produce home, as they deserve no further pay; and moreover the charge for storage would be saved. I beg that these points may be submitted to the Lords of the Treasury, and that I may receive instructions. As to the regiment itself, its clothing ought to be very different here from what it is in Europe. The best plan would be not to send ready made clothes from Europe but a sufficient stock of proper material, to be made up here. As to provisions, the men should have the option of receiving them or the pay deducted in lieu. The King would not lose, for provisions bought at a reasonable price in England could be sold at a profit here, and the change would be a great encouragement to the men. Since my return from Guadeloupe I have distributed the men among the Islands, where the inhabitants cheerfully give free quarters to men and officers. The regiment has suffered from the prevailing mortality. [In a different hand. "Here follows the part which recommends the war to Barbados."] (See next abstract.) |
|
As to the squadron I have nothing to add to my last, except to repeat that the command of the land and sea-forces should be entrusted to one hand. If it has been decided to retain the division of command, I hope that the command of the West Indian squadron may be made considerable and advantageous enough to secure a
person of worth and honour, who has the education and breeding of a gentleman as well as of a sailor, who has wisdom and prudence to contrive service for a squadron as well as to navigate and fight a single ship. Two vacancies have fallen in Bolton's regiment. The first I gave to a gentleman who brought the King's Commission from England for the same, the second to the Captain-lieutenant, who has done well and is ready to stay here. Is the company granted me independent of the regiment or not, for if not I presume that it would not be proper for me to hold it? All my predecessors had an independent company, and mine was broken to make up Colonel Hill's. Several officers have been sent out with commissions for vacancies in Bolton's regiment. This is a great hardship on the inferior officers, who according to the tenor of my instructions should rise according to their merit, and not otherwise. As you know, in time of war succession of inferior officers is allowed as a right, and if it be refused it must be a great discouragement in time of action. I have given Major Edward Nott six months' leave of absence to lay these matters before you. Copy. 8 pp. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 33.] |
| July 13. |
1,644. Another extract from the same letter of General Codrington. In my last I fully explained to you the weakness of the Leeward Islands. I have now to add that Barbados has three times as many men as the whole of the Leeward Islands, and must be the chief undertaker in all future action, we giving such assistance as we can. We have so worn out our strength that we have not as many men in the whole of the Islands as we had two years ago in Nevis alone. The Governor of Barbados would be the fittest person to command all future expeditions. The people will work better as principals than as assistants to us, for they will have all the honour and glory. I do not say this to save myself further labour but in hearty zeal for the King's service. We can do little: Barbados has a force sufficient to do great things, and will probably be moved to try her utmost strength if recommended thereto by the King, and placed under command of her own Governors. At the same time let me caution you that without the force, naval and military, that I named to be sent from England, the conquest of Martinique is out of the question. With it we could master the whole of the French Caribbees. I shall give my best zeal and my fullest assistance to Colonel Kendall with double pleasure, since he has always shown generous concern for the King's service at large in these parts. Copy. 1½ pp. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 34.] |
| July 13. |
1,645. Extract from the foregoing despatch (No. 1643) so far as relates to Governor Codrington's recommendations in case the existing arrangement as to the four and a half per cent. revenue be continued. Certified copy. 9 Feb., 1699–1700. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 35.] |
| [July 14.] |
1,646. Memorial from the Agents for the Leeward Islands to the Queen. We thank you for the squadron sent to the West Indies. Since a supply of provisions for the same is on its way we humbly presume that, when fresh ships are
sent to relieve those there, it would be well to appoint a commander hearty in your service and in the prosecution of the war, to direct that he shall consult the Chief Governor of the Islands and to give instructions to quicken the motions of the fleet. We are strengthened in our request by many private letters complaining of the slow proceedings of Captain Wright, as also by a letter from the General Assembly to the Leeward Islands hereunto annexed (see No. 1376). Signed. Bastian Bayer, Christopher Jeaffreson, Joseph Martyn, Richard Cary. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. from the Lord President. 14 July, 1691. Read 24 July, 1691. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 36, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 350–351.] |
July 14.
Hartford. |
1,647. The Governor and Council of Connecticut to Governor Sloughter. We are glad to hear by yours of the 11th that Albany is in a good posture of defence, for we are in daily alarm of a naval attack by sea or our ports of New London and Stonnington. As to providing our quota of 150 men, we have always been ready to grant help for the defence of the King's subjects. We have expended a large estate therein formerly at Albany, and for the last three years running at Deerfield and Northfield; and in case of invasion we should be ready to grant all assistance in our power. But we do not see our way to incur such expense upon every report of an enemy. Besides there has been such a frequent passage from Canada to these towns up this river that they are in imminent danger, and we are bound to assist them. Also our neighbours to Eastward and Massachusetts have, as we hear, lately lost twelve men by the enemy, all of which increases our difficulty and expense and makes us unwilling, unless necessity urges, to be at so great a charge as you require. Moreover we cannot provide our soldiers with ammunition and victuals to march out of the Colony, having scarcely enough for our own defence. We doubt not that you can spare men from Long Island for Albany. You tell us of your great charges; we could tell you of ours, but that will not make them less. You have a great trade; we have not. We live by hard labour at the earth, which is much shortened by blasts and other accidents. This Colony also has had its boundaries narrowed to East and West. The concerting of common measures for defence is worthy of good consideration, but you mention no time or place of meeting. We shall lay the matter before the General Assembly, for it will need money. If a sudden invasion of ourselves or our neighbours should come we will venture our all in defence. Signed. John Allyn, Secy. Copy. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Read 6 Sept., 1692. Printed in New York Documents III., 786. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 40.] |
| July 14. |
1,648. Minutes of the Council of New York. Order for all who have received the King's money during the late trouble to bring in their accounts; and auditors appointed to examine them. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 266–267.] |
| July 16. |
1,649. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Bills sent up by the Assembly were read and committed. At the request of the Assembly three members were appointed to administer oaths to
witnesses before the Committee of Grievances. Peter Beckford, Andrew Orgill and Nicholas Lawes took the oath of allegiance and supremacy. A petition for compensation for damage done by the French referred to assessors. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp 3. 90–92.] |
| July 17. |
1,650. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to report that a patent may be passed to Sir Joseph Hern, according to his petition. |
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On the charter of Massachusetts, the Lords agreed on the following minutes. (1) The Agents to name freemen, not exceeding one hundred, who, though not free holders, may have a vote in elections to the Assembly. (2) The General Court to meet the last Wednesday in May, but the powers of convening, adjourning, proroguing and dissolving to remain in the Governor. (3) The Secretary to be nominated by the King, and on a vacancy the Governor to appoint pending the King's pleasure. Order for the Attorney-General to amend the draft charter accordingly, satisfy the Agents as to the reasonableness of the minutes, and if they do not acquiesce, to report their objections. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 34, 35, and (as far as relates to New England) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 276.] |
| [July 17.] |
1,651. Abstract of the occurrences in New York from the arrival of the two foot companies to the indictment of Leisler and Milborne. Draft with corrections. 6½ pp. Endorsed. Sent to My Lord Sydney, 17 July, 1691. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 41.] |
| [July.] |
1,652. Rough draft of the beginning of a similar abstract. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 42.] |
| [July.] |
1,653. Fair copy of the statement begun in the foregoing. 3½ pp. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 43.] |
| July 18. |
1,654. Minutes of Council of New York. Warrant for payment of several incidental charges. Peter de la Noy produced vouchers for payment of £4,373 of public money collected during the late troubles. The Council declared them to be void and committed him to custody till he should find security for payment of the amount. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 267.] |
| July 21. |
1,655. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for enquiring into two petitions for payment for guns taken for defence of Albany during the late troubles. Order for payment of £25 to Christian Laurier for hire of his sloop for the King's service. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 268.] |
| July 23. |
1,656. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Bill for raising money for defence reported with amendments, and recommitted. Report on the accounts of the late Receiver-General. The three remaining bills reported and read a second time. |
| July 24. |
Robert Compere sworn of the Assembly. A new writ issued for election of a member in lieu of John White. The accounts of the late Receiver-General presented, as passed by the Auditor, and
entered into the Minutes. Order for payment of the Governor's salary. The expenses of victualling privateers for the expedition against the French, amounting to £700, were presented. Bill to raise money for defence, with amendments, passed and sent to the Assembly. Here follow the amendments. Bill for the road at St. George's passed. |
| July 25. |
The Assembly sent a message desiring a conference on the Bill to raise money for defence. Conferrers appointed. Message from the Assembly, requesting that some privateering sloops might be sent to the South Cays, where French vessels were reported to be, and offering encouragement for the same. Ordered accordingly. The conferrers reported that they had agreed with the Assembly as to the Bill to raise money for defence. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 92–101.] |
| July 23. |
1,657. Minutes of Council of New York. On the sudden death of the Governor, Major Ingoldsby was made military Commander-in-Chief and absent members of Council were summoned, with all speed. Mrs. Sloughter, in reply to offer of the Council's service, said that she desired nothing but that her husband's body might be so buried that it could be carried to England later. The news was at once despatched to Albany. A post mortem examination of the body was ordered. |
| July 24. |
Order for Mr. Nicolls and Mr. Graham to inspect the late Governor's papers relating to the public, and bring them to the Council. Resolved that the body be buried in Governor Stuyvesant's vault in the Bowery. |
| July 25. |
Order for reporting the Governor's death to the Governments of New England. The Governor's papers were brought in. |
| July 26. |
Major Ingoldsby sworn as Commander-in-Chief. Order for proclamations of his assumption of office and to continue all officers in their posts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 268–271.] |
| July 24. |
1,658. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Decision taken as to the West Indian squadron and the recruiting of the Duke of Bolton's regiment. |
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The Attorney-General presented his report on the Abstract of the Minutes for the Massachusetts charter. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. p. 35.] |
| July 24. |
1,659. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The squadron to remain in the West Indies; the Commander to obey the general; the regiment to be recruited. Memorandum of the wishes of the Commissioners for the Leeward Islands. Draft. 1 p. [America and West Indies, 551. No. 37.] |
| July 27. |
1,660. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lady Culpeper attending, the Lords resolved to consider her business at next meeting. [Board of Trade. Journal 7. p. 36.] |
| July 27. |
1,661. Proclamation of the Council of New York. Appointing Richard Ingoldsby Commander-in-Chief, on the death of Colonel Sloughter. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 44.] |
July 27.
New York. |
1,662. Proclamation of the Council of New York. Confirming officers in their posts on the death of Governor Sloughter. Copy. Large sheet. Endorsed. Received 6 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 45.] |
| July 28. |
1,663. Order of the King. Referring the petition of George Harris, who complains that Lord Inchiquin has allowed his private secretary to encroach on his office, to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Nottingham. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 14.] |
| July 28. |
1,664. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Mr. Graham and Mr. Pinhorne to go on board Captain Hicks and convince him that it is his duty to obey the orders of the Commander-in-Chief; also that enquiry be made into Captain Hick's complaint that the victuals supplied to him were insufficient. Order for payment of £30 to Mrs. Sloughter on account of the late Governor's salary. |
| July 29. |
Order for Colonel Bayard and William Pinhorne, Colonel Smith and Mr. Nicolls to amend certain unfinished letters of Colonel Sloughter to England, also that the Attorney General draft two fresh letters from the Council. Order for the fleet to sail for England on Monday next. The Collector's accounts passed, with the exception of the charge for Mr. Blathwayt's salary. |
| July 30. |
£50 allowed to Mr. Graham for expense of his journey to Albany. The doctors reported that Governor Sloughter's death was occasioned by some glutinous tough humour in his blood which stopped the passages thereof and occasioned its settling in his lungs, which by other accidents increased until it carried him off. Order for payment of eight guineas to them, and for £200 to be sent to Albany for payment of Major Schuyler's soldiers on their return. |
| July 31. |
Order for return of twenty men illegally pressed by Captain Hicks. The masters of the fleet for England declined the convoy of the Archangel for less than a distance of 120 leagues out to sea, so it was resolved that they sail without convoy as soon as possible. |
| Aug. 1. |
The Council refused to discharge Captain Hicks from the defence of the Coast to convoy the homeward fleet, as beyond its powers. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 271–274.] |
| July 29. |
1,665. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Charter of Massachusetts considered. Agreed that it be provided that the King's disallowance of Acts be signified within three years of their presentation in Council. The Lords then agreed upon their report (see next abstract). Ordered that copy of Mr. Samuel Allen's memorial, that he may be Governor and John Usher Deputy-Governor of New Hampshire, be referred to the New England Agents. |
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Agreed to send Lady Culpeper's papers to the Lieutenant-Governor and Council for reply. The petition of Edward Davies and others to be laid before the Queen in Council. |
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Draft patent to Sir John Hoskins referred to the Attorney-General. |
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Agreed to recommend Sir Thomas Lawrence as Secretary of Maryland. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 37–40.] |
| July 29. |
1,666. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the petition of Edward Davies and others, the Lords report to the Queen that they concur with the Treasury in thinking that the prisoners did not comply with the provisions of the proclamation for surrendering themselves, but that their intention was to surrender to the Government of Virginia and that their goods therefore should be reckoned to be their property. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 65, 66.] |
| July 29. |
1,667. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To recommend that all the papers connected with the matter of Lady Culpeper's petition be sent to the Governor and Council of Virginia for their reply. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 75.] |
| [July 29.] |
1,668. Petition of Samuel Allen to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The claims of myself and of the Agents for Massachusetts to New Hampshire were heard on the 13th inst. I submit that the claims of Massachusetts were not made out; and I beg that New Hampshire may be erected into a separate Government, though subject generally to the Governor of New England, as in the case of the Leeward Islands; also that I may be appointed Governor and that the settlement of the country may no longer depend on the backwardness or delays of Massachusetts. Signed. Samuel Allen. 2½pp. Endorsed. Read at the Committee, July 29, 1691. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 4.] |
| [July 29.] |
1,669. Report of the Attorney General on the Minutes for the Charter of Massachusetts. The Agents accept the following propositions. That the Governor and Deputy-Governor be appointed by the King; that an Assembly be chosen by the freeholders of £40 a year, and inhabitants worth £100 in money, to meet on the last Wednesday in May, or oftener if the Governor think fit; that all officers except judges, justices and sheriffs be chosen by the Assembly (though the Agents would have the Assembly choose these officers also); that laws be transmitted by the first opportunity; that the Governor have authority over the Militia except in case of moving them outside the Colony, which shall not be done without their own consent, that of the General Assembly, nor without Martial Law approved by the Council; that all Admiralty rights be in the Governor; that affairs of probate be in the hands of the Governor and Council; that appeals be allowed; and that liberty of conscience be granted to all Christians but Papists. The Agents do not accept the following propositions, viz. that the time of the King's confirmation of laws be indefinite; that the Governor appoint judges, justices and sheriffs with the consent of the Council; that the Council be chosen by the Assembly with the Governor's approval; that the Governor have a veto on all Laws and other Acts passed by the Assembly. Signed. Geo. Treby. The words "accepted of" or "not accepted of," are written in the margin against each proposition. Signed. Geo. Treby. 1½pp. Endorsed. Read 29 July, 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 176.] |
| July 29. |
1,670. Report touching the Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations for the Massachusetts Charter. The Lords have, in pursuance of the order of 30 April, met several times to prepare a
charter for Massachusetts, and have drawn up minutes of the same for the Attorney-General, who proposed several powers for the King's Governor, which the Agents refused to accept, viz.:— (1) The Committee agreed that all officers, except judges, justices, sheriffs and officers more especially relating to the Governor and Council, should be chosen by the Assembly. The Agents insist that all officers shall be chosen by the General Assembly, without any exception. (2) The Committee agreed that Assistants or the Council should be chosen by the General Assembly, with the Governor's approbation. The Agents insist that the Governor's approbation shall not be necessary, being unwilling to allow him a negative voice in anything but the passing of laws. Before proceeding further, therefore, the Committee desires the King's instructions. 1½pp. Endorsed. Read July 30, 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 177; and Col. Entry Bk., LXII., pp. 277, 278.] |
July 29.
New York. |
1,671. The Council of New York to Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the 23rd inst. Colonel Sloughter died suddenly, when in accordance with instructions we unanimously declared Richard Ingoldsby Commander-in-Chief, who was sworn on the 27th. The late Governor found the province in great disorder. Here follows a repetition of previous reports of Leisler's past misdoings, surrender and trial. The Assembly met on the 9th of April, and the laws made are now transmitted for approval. The Assembly have addressed their Majesties on the state of the country, and we have presumed to do the like. The Governor had no sooner settled affairs here than he went to Albany with several of the Council, where he met the Indians, and notwithstanding the efforts of the French to gain them, we have reason to believe they will be constant to us. The late Governor saw Senectady, the Half Moon and other places which were in a miserable state, owing to the recent depredations of the French. He heard reports of recruits arrived in Canada and of 400 canoes making at Montreal to come and take Albany. He therefore fitted out 130 Christians and 300 Maquas and River Indians under command of Major Schuyler, who went into Canada on the 22nd ult. and were to meet about 500 Senecas, who promised to go down Cadaraqui river to meet them. We hope that they will divert this invasion until we are in a better posture of defence. We have written to the neighbouring colonies for defence, but Rhode Island and Massachusetts flatly refuse us. We expect better from Virginia and Maryland, for it is absolutely necessary to put a garrison of 500 men into Albany, and we cannot raise or maintain them as the province is now limited. The post is so important that the loss of it would endanger the whole of the Colonies. We beg you to think of our present state. We have groaned under intolerable ills ever since the union of this province to Boston, when the dominion was so large, and the means of communication so difficult that one end of it might have been destroyed before the other could have notice of it. The Boston people have so poisoned these western parts with their seditious and antimonarchical principles that all our subsequent misery must be attributed to that union. Our address shows our wishes. If the Colonies formerly under our
Government be reunited to it this place will be the centre of the whole, and but 160 miles from Senectady, which is the Easternmost part of the whole. We are in great want of stores, for the quantity brought by Colonel Sloughter was small. Signed. Rich. Ingoldsby, Fred. Flypse, Steph. van Cortlandt, Rich. Bayard, Chid. Brooke, Gab. Menville, Will. Pinhorne. Copy. 3½pp. Endorsed. Recd. 26 Feb. 1691–2. Read 27 Feb. Printed in New York Documents III., 791. Annexed, |
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1,671. I. Copy of an unfinished letter from Governor Sloughter to William Blathwayt. Recounts the story of his dealings with Leisler on his arrival, and proceeds. On the representation of the Council and Assembly that it would be a great discouragement to loyalty if the ringleaders of the late usurpation were not punished, I ordered the execution of Leisler and Milborne, who were hanged on the 17th of May. The Assembly have established a revenue for two years and passed several laws, among them one to undeceive the people of the error propagated by New England, that the Crown has nothing to do with the people here. We have also joined in an address showing the expediency of reuniting the Colonies as in the Duke of York's time. After, I went to Albany, where I found the place full of disorder, the people ready to desert the place, and 150 good farmers destroyed by the last inroad of the French. The Indians met me, and were at first very cool, but I have now firmly united them. On an alarm of French invasion I have sent an expedition to Canada under Major Schuyler. I have written to the neighbouring Colonies for help, but Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut flatly deny me. The security of Albany is the only safety of these Colonies, and it is hard that this poor province must be bulwark for all. New England is so divided and so averse to any service for the King, that unless he takes it under his immediate charge they will by their folly lose their own country, and endanger the loss of their Majesties' empire in America. I therefore send this gentleman, Mr. Graham, over, a very loyal servant of the King, who has neglected his own profit for the public service. In our address we set forth our chief needs, viz. that the Jerseys and Pennsylvania be joined to us, or the three lower provinces of the Delaware. Pray forward this, and try to obtain for us the King's mandatory letter to New England, Virginia and Delaware to assist us. 2½pp. Printed in New York Documents III., 789. |
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1,671. II. List of military stores required in New York. Signed as the covering letter. 1 p. Printed in New York Documents III., 793. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. Nos. 47, 47 I., II.; and (without enclosure No. I) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 304–308.] |
| July 29. |
1,672. Duplicate of the preceding letter and enclosures. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. Nos. 48, 48I, II.] |
| July 29. |
1,673. The Committee of Maryland to Governor Sloughter. Thank you for your account of your negotiations with the Senecas and for including us in the treaty, though we observe that the Sinnondewannes, the most considerable tribe of all, are not included. As regards your request for help we will be as forward to aid you as we can, but by the constitution of this province no force can be raised but by a General Assembly. We have accordingly convened it and will report to you the result. But you seem to have been ill informed as to the true state of this province since you equalise us with Virginia, which has four times our wealth and population, and prefer us to Pennyslvania, which much excels us in either. However we shall not be backward in the King's service, and hope the Assembly will answer your application satisfactorily. We send Mr. Blakiston to consult with and be advised by you, that he may represent everything to the Assembly, and recommend him to your kind reception as a person to whom you may communicate all that concerns us. Signed. Ne. Blakiston. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. Read 6 Sept., 1692. Printed in New York Documents III., 788. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 46.] |
| July 29. |
1,674. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Governor sent a message to the Assembly to despatch the bill to raise money for defence, as the Quaker ketch was nearly ready to sail for England. Message from the Assembly begging the Governor and Council to expedite the bills before them. The Governor said that this was an indignity and an affront, and summoning the Assembly, after a reproachful speech threw back their message, and dissolved them. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 101–104.] |
July 30.
Whitehall. |
1,675. Order of the Queen in Council. On the report of the Attorney-General as to the draft charter of Massachusetts (see No. 1669) the said report is referred to Lord Nottingham who will send it to the King by first conveyance for his decision. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 279–281.] |
| July 30. |
1,676. Order of the Queen in Council. Referring the petition of Richard, Lord Gorges, to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. William Blathwayt. ½p. Annexed, |
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1,676. I. Petition of Richard, Lord Gorges, to the Queen. The Council established at Plymouth, Devon, for the governing of New England, by deed of 20 April, 1635 sold to my father, Edward, Lord Gorges, and his heirs a large tract of land about Narragansett. Also my father is entitled for a thousand years from the 6th of June, 1638, to a tract about the Kennebec river. I beg that no part of this may be granted away until I be first heard. Copy. 1½pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. Nos. 178, 178 I., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 290–292.] |
| [July ?] |
1,677. Petition of Ferdinando Gorges to the Privy Council. My grandfather, Sir Ferdinando, spent much time and money in the settlement of New England and obtained the grant of several tracts of land; but the Governor and Council of New England have persistently striven to take from me and my father all those lands. Twenty years ago I sent Mr. John Archdale as Governor of the
Province of Maine, from which the Government of New England drove him by force of arms. My rights were made clear at the time to King Charles II. and his Council. At last I accepted £1,500 and sold Maine to Mr. John Usher, who sold it, I believe, to the Government of Massachusetts. Since the making of the conveyance the right of Massachusetts has, I learn, been forfeited; whereby I am advised that Maine reverts to me. I beg that before the new Charter be granted I may be heard by counsel, and have liberty to inspect the records of Plymouth and New England. 1 p., undated. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 179.] |
| July 30. |
1,678. Order of the Queen in Council. Referring the petitions of Nicholas Laurence and Nicholas Page to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. William Blathwayt. ½ p. Annexed, |
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1,678. I. The petitions above-named, addressed to the King and Queen. Nicholas Laurence was trading legitimately with the ketch Salisbury from Liverpool to Boston, when in February, 1690, the vessel was seized by one Jahleel Brenton, who styled himself Collector of New England, and prosecuted him before the Court of Assistants at Boston on the ground that the goods were not bona fide laden in England. Petitioner produced my cockets from Liverpool, but the jury found against him, and the ketch and goods were pronounced forfeited. He appeals against this judgment. Copy. 2¼ pp. The whole endorsed. Read 24 Aug. and 16 Nov., 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. Nos. 180, 180 I.] |
| July 30. |
1,679. Order of the Queen in Council. That all the papers connected with Lady Culpeper's petition (see No. 1514 I) be sent to the Governor and Council of Virginia for their reply. Signed. William Blathwayt. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 75, 76.] |
| July 30. |
1,680. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Letters from Governor Sloughter as to negotiations with Indians and his need of assistance read, together with other letters from New York. The complaints against Captain George Purvis, R.N., deferred. |
| July 31. |
Resolved that the country cannot afford to equip and send men to New York, but will send £102, being all that remains in bank of the revenue for support of the Government. Order for a proclamation to ascertain the estate of Captain George Purvis, that the salvors of H.M.S. Wolf may be paid, and for representation of his refusal to pay them to the Lords of Trade and Plantations, that the money may be stopped from his pay. Ordered, in view that ships are constantly sailing from Maryland and that there is consequently no prospect of making up a fleet to sail in September, that all ships be cleared when ready to sail; ordered further that the behaviour of Maryland herein be represented to the King. Order for commanders of militia to return the names of their captains and other officers. Commissions to several officers read and approved. Several justices of New Kent County having declined to be sworn, others were appointed in their place. Order for valuation of the fort-house at Tindall's Point. |
| Aug. 1. |
Captain John Stone's warrant, commanding the keeping of the peace in Rappahannock County, read and approved. Order for arms to be delivered to William Byrd and Edward Hill for distribution. Draft pilots' commission read and approved. Resolved in view of the lack of clothing through failure of ships, several families having not one whole shift, that the Lords of Trade and Plantations be requested to allow the £102 sent to New York to be repaid out of the quit-rents, and that the quit-rents, being the only fund to hand to defray the contingent charges of government, may be applied to no other purpose. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 565–587.] |
July 31.
James City,
Virginia. |
1,681. Lieutenant-Governor Francis Nicholson to Governor Sloughter. I have received your letter asking us to supply our quota against the Indians. I at once convened the Council, which decided that this Government is incapable of supplying the quota of men or maintaining them. Copies of the Orders of Council are enclosed, which I hope will be satisfactory to you. I enclose a bill of exchange for £102 15s. 9d. which is all that remains in bank of the Royal Revenue. Copy. 1 p. On the back, |
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Extract from Minutes of Council of Virginia, 30th and 31st July. Governor Sloughter's letter asking for an aid of 150 men was considered. The Council decided that, while always ready to help as far as possible, it could not without great difficulty raise and transport soldiers, much less equip and maintain them, since it has no funds; and funds cannot be found but by an Assembly which can only be convened after forty days' notice and at great expense. Nor is it likely that the Assembly will consent to do more than provide for the safety of its frontiers. The quit-rent paid cannot be drawn upon, but the Lieutenant-Governor is requested to send to New York the balance of the King's revenue-account, for Governor Sloughter to spend on the Indians as he thinks best. Copy. 2½pp. The whole endorsed. Read 6 Sept., 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 49.] |
| July 31. |
1,682. Copy of Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson's letter above abstracted. 1¼ pp. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 50.] |
