|
| Aug. 1. |
2,374. Commission to Thomas Fotherby to be Commissary General of the stores now sending to the West Indies. Copy. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 18; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 268.] |
| Aug. 1. |
2,375. Rough draft of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 19.] |
| Aug. 1. |
2,376. Account of stores furnished by the Ordnance office for the expedition to the West Indies. Copy. 5 pp. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 20; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 279–283.] |
| Aug. 2. |
2,377. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Bill fixing qualifications of jurors passed. The Governor informed the Assembly of the intended departure of the fleet, and recommended the appointment of a Standing Joint Committee to draw up instructions to the Agents. Bills concerning trade, and to make a present to Sir Timothy Thornhill passed. The Standing Joint Committee appointed. Orders for sundry payments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 307–309.] |
| Aug. 3. |
2,378. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The merchants again attended, on the question of convoys. The East India Company asked to send eight ships and eight hundred men on account of the competition of the Dutch. The African Company asked to send ten ships and four hundred and fifty men, two-thirds of them to be English. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 120–122.] |
| Aug. 5. |
2,379. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for a public thanksgiving for Admiral Russell's victory over the French fleet. Proclamation accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 309, 310.] |
| Aug. 8. |
2,380. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the Lord President to lay the draft Commission for Colonel Beeston before the Queen. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 66.] |
| Aug. 8. |
2,381. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commissioners of Customs attended, in the matter of bonds for trade. Several merchants to foreign parts attended. |
|
Draft commission to Lieutenant-Governor Beeston read and approved. |
| Aug. 9. |
An address from the Council of Assembly of Virginia read, thanking the King for military stores, also Colonel Nicholson's letter of 26 February (see No. 2,075). Copy of the proceedings on the condemnation of the ship Biscay for illegal trading in Virginia referred to the Lords of the Treasury. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 124–131.] |
| Aug. 8. |
2,382. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for a gratuity of £15 to Arthur Frampton, for his good service in forsaking his practice to accompany the expedition against the French. Order for certain payments. Order for building a fort at Mosquito Point, if the ground be suitable. Elizabeth Cornish and John Ayres gave bond to take their trial at the next Supreme Court. Orders for certain payments. |
|
Regulations as to Kingston, that no freeholder have more than one lot laid out for him by the sea side, and that those who held lots on the north side by the sea at Port Royal be
preferred; that all freeholders have as many lots, not exceeding three, as they had in Port Royal; that all the lots be cast at once, and if claimants do not appear, the blanks to be cast to Colonels Beckford and Lawes, to be disposed of by them to the next pretenders; that the quit rent for each lot be ten shillings a year paid to the King; that the Chief Justice draw the necessary conveyances; that the forfeiture for not building be applied to the building of a hospital. Order for the Council to meet at Kingston on the 16th to receive the claims of the people of Port Royal, and that the Receiver General attend with his books and accounts. Order for work on the new path to St. Jago de la Vega since the earthquake. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 204–208.] |
Aug. 11.
Nevis. |
2,383. Governor Codrington to [the Earl of Nottingham?] I have received intimation of the King's grant of Terence Dermott's estate in Montserrat to Sir Michael Cole. I have had an appraisement made as ordered, and passed a patent for the estate to Sir Michael. There is a counter-claim against this estate on the part of one who claims prior ownership to Dermott. Mr. Hutcheson, who bears this letter, can give you full information on all matters of moment. Signed. Chas. Codrington. 1½ pp. Endorsed. R. Dec. 1, '92. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 63.] |
| Aug. 12. |
2,384. William Blathwayt to Henry Guy. Desiring the report of the Commissioners of Customs in the case of the ship Biscay, seized for illicit trading in Virginia. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 228.] |
Aug. 13.
Barbados. |
2,385. Narrative of proceedings taken against Colonel John Hallett. In February, 1697, the Island being much depopulated by sickness and war, and there being intelligence of a large French fleet at Martinique, the Governor used his utmost diligence to discipline the militia and improve the defences of the Island. Observing that the sea-shore to leeward was generally unfortified, he laid the question of erecting defences before the Council, who agreed with him, Colonel Hallett among the foremost. An Act to raise labourers for the purpose was passed by the Assembly, and, though the sites and natures of the defences were left to the Governor, Commissioners, of whom Colonel Hallett was one, were appointed to regulate the manner and time of employing the labour. The work was accordingly taken in hand, a dry ditch was dug and a parapet or banquette raised, which necessitated the clearing of the brushwood for many miles. No difficulty was met with until September, when there rose a question of clearing away brushwood on some of Colonel Hallett's land, when, though he had agreed to clear it away everywhere else, he declined to concur in the work until he had conferred with the Governor. Such action, mean in anyone, was especially mean in Colonel Hallett, a man of great estate; but the Governor in his esteem for him promised to visit the spot and if possible fortify it without clearing the brushwood. The Governor however decided that it must be cleared, and declined to accede to Colonel Hallett's proposal to erect a fort on the ground of the expense to the Island; and gave orders for the brushwood, which was not worth ten pounds, to be cleared.
Colonel Hallett grew very angry and said that he would resist, and, though sharply rebuked by the Governor, prevented the workmen from proceeding, by force. The Governor at once rode to the place and found a number of men of Colonel Hallett's drawn up to protect the trees. Their leader said that they would obey Colonel Hallett's order, whereon the Governor drew out a pistol and fired it. On this Hallett's people ran away, and the work was proceeded with. On the 27th October the Governor reported Hallett's behaviour to the Council and taxed him with breach of his oath as Councillor in opposing a law passed for the public benefit and the Governor in the execution of it, and then and there suspended him from the Council and from all public trusts. So the matter rested until April 1692, when the Governor finding that his clemency had produced evil effects in Hallett and other factious people decided to bring him to trial. Accordingly Judge St. John sent for Hallett and bade him find security to take his trial at the next general sessions. Hallett refused, but after three days' detention in custody, found security for his appearance and for his good behaviour meanwhile. In June while Colonel Hallett's wife and daughter were riding down St. Michael's St., the black slave running before them rudely shoved one Richard Allen aside, who resenting such treatment followed the ladies to Hallett's house, where he insulted him further. Hallett presently came to the door, and without a word of question broke Allen's head with his stick and beat him severely. Allen being a servant of the Governor's complained to him, who told him to go to the nearest justice. Judge St. John and another justice on hearing the matter conceived that Colonel Hallett had forfeited his recognisance. As the Court of Exchequer sits but rarely the case has not yet been tried. On the 6th July the Governor issued a commission of Oyer and Terminer. Colonel Hallett's relatives and friends were his judges and choosers of the Grand Jury. The jury found the facts alleged against Hallett to be true, but objected to the words saying that they were rebelliously and maliciously done. They prolonged this dispute till the commission was near expired, so that the Governor was obliged to prolong it. They then brought in a true bill, and a petty jury soon found a verdict of guilty. Whereupon he was fined £350. Signed. Rd. Hooper, Attorn. Gen. 3½ closely written pp. Endorsed. Recd. 31 Oct. 1692. The date either of this or of No. 1861 must be incorrect. Annexed, |
|
2,385. I. Depositions of Richard Allen, as to the assault made on him by Colonel Hallett. 2 July 1692. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 31 Oct. 1693. |
|
2,385. II. Duplicate of the preceding. Endorsed. Recd. 25 Mar. 1693. |
|
2,385. III. Deposition of Sarah Young, in confirmation of Allen's evidence. 1 p. Endorsed as the preceding. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. Nos. 86, 86. I.–III.] |
| Aug. 15. |
2,386. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The East India Company attended with a request for four or five ships to trade with four or five ships, and were ordered to specify the freight and destination of the ships. |
|
The Commissioners for Victualling the Navy attended with a list of ships which have agreed to carry stores and soldiers in the King's service to the West Indies. It was agreed that the list should be laid before Council at next meeting, that the embargo may be taken off and the ships be ready to sail at the end of the month. |
|
Revised regulations as to prizes considered. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 131–133.] |
| Aug. 16. |
2,387. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Council met at Kingston. Order for the erection of a market to be held daily at Kingston, and for Edward Yeamans to be clerk thereof. Thomas Clarke provisionally approved as naval officer in the room of Thomas Lamb, deceased, and also as Collector of Customs. Deodatus Stanley appointed bell-man of Kingston. Orders for sundry payments. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 208, 209.] |
| Aug. 16. |
2,388. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Five members absent through sickness. The seizure of the ship Catherine by Captain Finch reported, and orders given thereon. A petition of the master for his wages rejected, but some of the crew, who gave information, told that they would be remembered. Order to Captain Finch to keep his ships well manned and the men properly fed. Order for Christopher Wormeley and Edward Hill to appoint deputy-collectors, since they live so far from their districts, and for Colonel John Lear to keep a deputy at Kiquotan, and for all collectors to be watchful and diligent. The bond of a ship trading illegally ordered to be put in suit. Commissions for Public Notaries, and Henry Whiting's commission as Treasurer approved. A letter from the Governor of Providence asking for a frigate from Virginia temporarily, was read. Order for payment for mounting guns at Tindall's Point. The depositions as to the death of William Marshall read. On intelligence of an invasion of Indians the Lieutenant-Governor was requested to raise as many men as he thought fit. Order for a proclamation for arrest of straggling seamen and delivery of them to Captain Finch; for directions to be given for stricter regulation of marriage licences; and for strict enforcement of the law against swearing and cursing. The Governor reported his recent visit to the country, and the visit that he now intended to make. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 754–765.] |
| Aug. 16. |
2,389. Copy of the Minutes of Council of Virginia for the 16th August. 11 pp. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 123.] |
Aug. 16.
Kensington. |
2,390. The Queen to the Governor of Virginia. Returning the two Acts for Amendment according to Order in Council of 30 July. Countersigned. Nottingham. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 172.] |
| Aug. 17. |
2,391. Minutes of General Assembly of New York. The Representatives attending, the Commander-in-Chief made them a speech. (See next abstract). Adjourned to September. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 638–640.] |
Aug. 17.
Fort William
Henry. |
2,392. Speech of the Commander-in-Chief to the House of Representatives of New York. The Royal settlement of this government being not yet arrived, the care thereof still rests with me. In the spring I went by advice of the Council to Albany, where I found great disorder, the people discontented, the fortifications out of repair, the Indians weary of the war, and all the out-settlements forsaken. To remedy this I reinforced Senectady with thirty men and the Half Moon with forty men more. I found it necessary to station a garrison at Conastagione but could not do so for want of men, the two hundred men voted by the Assembly being 50 men short of their complement, so that that place, which is as important as any, is deserted. In my negotiations with the Indians I found them very difficult and much inclined to peace, but with great industry have reclaimed them, and doubt not to have made them firm and steady till our directions arrive from England. This expedition has cost near £1,000, and there being no money in the public coffers I was forced, as you and the Council advised, to raise near £700 at ten per cent. I must therefore remind you of your promise and ask you to provide for the speedy defrayal of this charge, for if you fail or are dilatory to support our credit, our reputation is gone for ever. I am sorry that your laws for the security of the Province are so little regarded that of all the money to be raised only £1,625 has been paid. The pay of the forces actually employed amounts to £3,500. Pray look to this, for a law without execution is like a body without a soul; I cannot secure the frontiers unless you pay the soldiers. Hitherto, with the Council's advice, I have borrowed money not doubting that levies would come in to reimburse it, and now I fear that we shall not obtain the like credit in the future. Pray look strictly into this, for laws made by representatives of the people should not be disesteemed. I must confine myself to pressing necessities though there are many matters that require attention. It is absolutely necessary first to secure the frontiers at Albany. The levies raised for that service expire on the 1st of October. There must be at least 300 men to secure it this winter, and I hope that knowing the importance of the post to us and to our neighbours you will make provision for its defence. The cost will be near £3,500. The debts of government on the 25th of March last, after all revenue expended, amounted to £3,000. I hope I need use no more arguments to persuade you to provide for these sums. Copy. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 16 Dec. 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 120.] |
Aug. 18.
Nevis. |
2,393. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since mine of February 19th I have reported occurrences to the Agents for these Islands, who will doubtless have communicated them to you, and have written to them by the present conveyance also, with orders to give you an extract of all that is important. This method I propose to follow in future to save you the trouble of two tedious perusals at once. Anything of singular importance I shall report to you direct. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 21 Nov. 1692. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 64; and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. pp. 108–109.] |
| Aug. 19. |
2,394. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That Governor Richier give reasons for pronouncing three Acts of Bermuda to be prejudicial in his letter of 26 May. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 28. p. 45.] |
| Aug. 19. |
2,395. Lords of Trade and Plantations to John Palmer, Secretary of the Leeward Islands. Requiring him to furnish all returns and documents required from his office. Signed. Pembroke, C.P.S., Bath; H. Goodrick; J. Boscawen. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. pp. 50, 51.] |
| Aug. 19. |
2,396. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition for payment of bills drawn in Virginia by Captain Rowe of H.M.S. Dumbarton on the Commissioners of the Navy, referred to the Admiralty. |
|
Petition of the Company for working mines in America read, and reserved for further consideration. |
|
Colonel Beeston's proposals read. The Lords agreed to report favourably on them. Colonel Beeston's instructions read and approved. |
|
Governor Richier's letter of 26 May read, reporting that three Acts lately passed in Bermuda were prejudicial to the Royal interest. Ordered that he report wherein the prejudice lies. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 134, 135.] |
| Aug. 19. |
2,397. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the Lord Privy Seal to lay before the Queen in Council Colonel Beeston's proposals for the despatch of military stores and a frigate to Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 78–79.] |
| [Aug. 19.] |
2,398. Colonel Beeston's proposals as to Jamaica. After the terrible visitation of the earthquake at Jamaica, I beg that succour may be sent for its defence, one fourth rate ship to anchor in the harbour, two fifth rates as cruisers, and three or four merchant ships with tools, &c., for rebuilding houses and sugar-works. I beg also that the Queen will bestow on us a certain quantity of small arms, ammunition and gun carriages. And since the Treasury is utterly destroyed, and not only the money but all the books and papers lost, I beg that the Queen of her compassion will bestow a sum of money on us for the fortification of the Island. Also I beg that the King would grant us two companies of foot. The expense would only be for their passage and their pay to the end of it, for on arrival, they may make two or three shillings a day as labourers, and still more as skilled workmen. I trust also that the Queen will recruit our stores from time to time. In the proclamation for pardon of deserters, the Governor and Council should have power to exclude notorious offenders. I should like to have leave to pass the indefinite revenue bill de novo with the rest of the indefinite acts, as it would silence all disputes about the validity of former elections. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 19 Aug. 1692. |
|
Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 107, 108; and 53. pp. 74–77.] |
| Aug. 19. |
2,399. Minute of Board of Trade and Plantations. Desiring the Lord Privy Seal to lay Colonel Beeston's proposals as to judges before the Queen in Council. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 77.] |
| [Aug.] |
2,400. Colonel Beeston's proposals concerning his instructions. Many of the judges are in the Council; it would be very acceptable if they were directed not to sit and vote in appeal cases, but only be present and give their reasons for their judgment. Most of the laws, except that of the revenue, expire about twelve years hence; I should like powers to consent to make all that body of laws indefinite. A Great Seal is required. The proclamation for pardoning deserters from the Island is not in my instructions. Powder is scarce, as few ships call in these times of war; I beg for the grant of a fresh store. ½ p. Endorsed. Read 19 Aug. 1692. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6, No. 106; and 53. p. 73.] |
Aug. 20.
Nevis. |
2,401. Governor Codrington to the Agents for the Leeward Islands. I have received yours of 12th December. First as to Captain Wright. I have sent you the substance of any charge that I have made against him, and depositions. Mr. Hutcheson can also be heard riva voce and any officer of the old squadron that he can find on his arrival. You will find the most material points against him proved, except what depends on Capt. Wickham, who has not been near this since Captain Wright's departure, or I should have obtained a deposition from him. When he was at Barbados I wrote asking for his deposition from thence. He sent me a letter but no depositions; but in a few days I shall write to Governor Kendall to obtain his deposition for me. You must give me leave to differ from you in opinion that sending home the depositions against Wright by the Tiger was a matter of greater importance than the regulation of the pillage, which then occupied me. There was then a Council of War and a General Council and Assembly attending on the matter; and not to have ended it with all despatch would have put not only the Blue Regiment but all the inhabitants of the Island into mutiny and confusion. Indeed owing to the practice of certain ill instruments they were in very much the mood for it. I think that this and attention to a public matter affecting also my private reputation was more important than the depositions against Wright. As you have observed, there is no evidence in any criminal process against him, nothing but credible informations; and I believe the general cry of Barbados and these Islands against him amounted to that, especially with the confirmations of certain particulars in my letters. Other details were self evident, as for instance that he took no ship nor lay in wait for any and that he left Guadeloupe against my orders. Had you called Lord Archibald Hamilton on oath, you might have expected proof of things affirmed to have happened on board Wright's ship, and you might have called other of the officers. You seem to wonder that I mentioned no individuals to you as witnesses. Truly I know of none beyond the officers of the squadron who are now at home. I could not attend to the matter till the question of pillage was settled, and by that time the witnesses were dispersed. I have had plague enough of late to defend myself from the attacks of ill-men at home, and to keep things right here, to say nothing of the daily
business and frequent alarms. I and those employed with me have not had many leisure hours. Hence my delay in sending the depositions against Wright till now. I daresay the trial will be over, but they will shew that I had good grounds for my charges; for more they would have been useless, not being evidence in law. |
|
You seem to be astonished at my suggestion in my letter of 12 September that the prosecution of the war should be given over to Barbados, as though I were weary of my government. I know not how such construction can be put on my words, since I show no lack of zeal, and only ask that the burden of the war may not lie wholly on these poor Islands. I shall cheerfully do all that I can for their Majesties; but I am not therefore justified in concealing our true condition or omitting proposals for the public good. I should be highly pleased to hear that my worst enemy had the honour of destroying the French Islands, though I confess it would be more satisfactory to me to do it myself. Pray write to me of affairs at home, and represent affairs here according to the reports of myself, the Councils and Assemblies; and pay no heed to the reports of malicious and disgusted persons, for such there are and always will be in every government. You told me that the Duke of Bolton was writing to me about charges against Colonel Holt, in order to have them proved here; but I have received nothing about the matter, though one letter is described as having been sent to me. As to the clamour against me about the pillage, I think that my former letters and Mr. Hutcheson will convince you of its injustice. If you want to be satisfied in brief, without reading a tedious narrative, you have only to cast your eye over the accounts and certificates enclosed, to see that the matter is brought to a final conclusion. As to the clamours of former inhabitants of St. Christophers against me, I know of no occasion for them but the kindness which I have always used and expressed towards them. To Major Crisp, who is the noisiest of them, I showed most kindness of all, though he has committed several crimes. I send you papers which will show how worthy and deserving a person he is. A letter from the Council and Assembly disposes of his claim for £2,000, which is a piece of shameless impudence. Even if the sum were due to him I wonder why its payment should be expected from me. I should have a fine time of it, if I were expected to satisfy all public debts. As to Sir Timothy's clamours on his own and his regiment's account with regard to the pillage, what is lacking to complete them will be found in the accounts of the Commissioners; and his complaints about the vessels are dealt with in a letter from the Council and Assembly. My former letters and Mr. Hutcheson's evidence will silence the clamour of the marine regiment. Mr. Hutcheson's letter will also satisfy you as to the clamour of the Blue Regiment for pay and plunder. The charges of Sir Timothy and his confederates about the Acts of Trade are, I think, sufficiently refuted by former letters. These are the most material clamours against me. To little scurrilous slanders of slighting the Council, advising with mean companions and keeping sloops to the prejudice of the Army, I shall not be careful to answer, for there is not the slightest foundation for them. My sloops during
the war were employed for the public service, often at my own cost; and I have done little without consultation with my Council. |
|
You tell me that Sir Harry Goodrick expects an account of the stores sent me here. I can easily do so in a few articles; but if he expects an account showing how every pound of powder was expended and when, I can only say that the practice is unknown in these parts and that he must send out some fit man with a salary for the purpose. The provisions sent out for the regiment were placed under proper care at Nevis, and have been expended, except a small proportion which decayed. I supplied them to the value of £500 after these provisions were expended and before the next consignment came out. I enclose my receipt for the last consignment, but as no letter or invoice was sent me, I do not know if the full quantity was landed. Little of them will be consumed except by the companies. I have also had to supply the Norwich with a month's bread. The clothing sent by the Duke of Bolton's agent has duly arrived. It is extremely good, but too heavy for the climate. In future if some coarse oxenbriggs clothes were sent for everyday wear, with some cheap stuff for better occasions and a long gown of baize for them to sleep in, it would be very convenient. It was June before we received our recruits and then only 160 of them. Such as died not by the way or in Barbados, absconded there, to which I believe they were encouraged by the inhabitants. In future recruits should not be put ashore till actually arrived at one of these Islands. From the first arrival of the regiment until our return from Guadeloupe I made some few reviews but took no regular musters, having no time for it; but I have since mustered them exactly in Antigua and given directions to the Lieutenant-Governors to do likewise, which they have done. Colonel Netheway alone was remiss about it, but I have endeavoured to supply the need, and am forwarding the rolls for two years beginning at June, 1690. As to the musters for the other year some of the Captains are prepared to give in muster-rolls on oath, but all are not willing, and indeed most of them cannot, owing to the frequent changes in the companies. They have all engaged to give me rolls on honour, which I shall transmit. I send the account of the four and a half per cent. revenue. Barbados receipts amount to £13,033; Leeward Islands receipts to £3,122. The £2,500 of farthings sent to me I have divided into three different accounts as sterling money. Barbados money and these Islands' money all differ in value. I send vouchers for all my accounts. I wish that someone here could be authorised to account with me and discharge me annually. The payments towards my own salary and Mr. Blathwayt's as auditor of the plantations and to the regiment and the company are all precisely according to my instructions. The other payments are not, but I presume there can be no objection to them as necessary disbursements for the King's service. The powder sold to Antigua shall be debited to the revenue. I paid the Regiment according to last year's musters, the officers a full year's pay and the privates the same at fourpence a day. I have enough remaining to clear off last month's pay, but I believe it will be more acceptable two or
three months hence, as at present they are pretty flush. Thus you will see how much the regiment is in arrear. The revenue of Barbados and the Leeward Islands is only enough for a present subsistence, so the Duke of Bolton should be informed, that the past arrears may be paid, as also the amount which the revenue aforesaid cannot pay. You will notice that until St. Christophers can be resettled the King will be at some expense for the fort there. My instructions should be modified accordingly, as also to empower me to make other disbursements from the revenue for the King's service. I have no revenue but the four and a half per cent, and I cannot be expected to defray the charges from my own purse. I sent Colonel Holt's accounts to give further satisfaction as to the payment of the regiment. I also forward certain acts, letters and addresses of the General Assembly of Antigua. |
|
We have shipped seventy hogsheads of sugar and are sending thirty more, which will suffice for our share of the fund for this year and last. Montserrat sent enough for last year, and the treasurer though hitherto negligent has promised to send a full contribution in indigo. I have little to add as to our own and the enemy's condition to what I have frequently repeated in former letters. The Assembly has been froward and some malignant spirits have done their best to thwart me, but I can sway them though it causes delay. I have sent a memorial of my expenses, and enclose a certificate of my receipts. I hope that the King will take my claims into consideration. I have written a few lines to their Lordships. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 13 pp. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 65.] |
| Aug. 20. |
2,402. Abstract of the foregoing. 6 pp. Rough draft. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 66.] |
Aug. 22.
Custom
House. |
2,403. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. The ship Biscay seems to us to have been justly seized in Virginia for illegal importation of brandy, and we recommend that her forfeiture be insisted on. Signed. G. Boothe; Jo. Werden; Robert Southwell; Robert Clayton; J. Warde. 1 p. The date in the Entry Book is altered to 25th August. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 124; and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 229–230.] |
| Aug. 23. |
2,404. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for sale of the goods brought into the King's storehouse at Port Royal in virtue of the late proclamation, and payment of £200 to the poor of Port Royal and Kingston. Order for further payment of £50 to the same. Order for trial of the negroes now in custody on suspicion of murder and felony. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 209–210.] |
| Aug. 23. |
2,405. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the request for military stores for Jamaica to the officers of Ordnance. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 79–80.] |
| Aug. 23. |
2,406. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the request for frigates for Jamaica to the Admiralty for report. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 81–82.] |
| Aug. 23. |
2,407. Order of the Privy Council. For the preparation of a warrant to carry out Colonel Beeston's proposals as to judges when sitting in Council in Jamaica. (See No. 2,400.) [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 77.] |
| Aug. 23. |
2,408. Colonel William Beeston to the Earl of Nottingham. The Lords of the Committee did not seem to like my proposal that the companies of foot should be sent to Jamaica. I therefore beg you to recommend it to the King. Signed. Wm. Beeston. Inscribed. Colonel Beeston was told that if he will procure 100 men to go to Jamaica, the King will bear the expense of transporting them thither. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed, 23 Aug. 1692. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 109.] |
| Aug. 24. |
2,409. Sir Charles Hedges to the Admiralty. I can find nothing in our records similar to enclosed extract of Colonel Beeston's patent as to powers of Vice-Admiralty. It may belong to some obsolete period, but in my opinion he should receive a patent of Vice-Admiralty from you like other Governors. Signed. Ch. Hedges. |
|
Extract of the clause in Colonel Beeston's commission granting him powers of Vice-Admiralty. [Col. Entry Book. Vol. 6. pp. 297, 298.] |
Aug. 24.
Admiralty. |
2,410. Mr. Sotherne to John Povey. The £600 granted to the ships that recaptured the Tiger has been stopped as you desired. The two Commanders are neither of them in England at present. Signed. J. Sotherne. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 21.] |
| Aug. 24. |
2,411. Commissioners of Ordnance to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The magazines have been of late much drained, and further supplies may still be expected from us, but we hope to furnish the necessary arms if Jamaica will reimburse the expense of freight and shipping according to the usual rule. Signed. H. Goodrick, Tho. Littleton, Ch. Musgrave. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 80–81.] |
Aug. 25.
Whitehall. |
2,412. Order of the Privy Council. That two clauses relating to powers of Admiralty be expunged from Colonel Beeston's Commission. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 67.] |
| Aug. 25. |
2,413. Order of the Privy Council. For the despatch of the required military stores to Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 81, 82.] |
| Aug. 25. |
2,414. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for payment to the master of the sloop Pembroke, and that he go at once in pursuit of Nathaniel Grubing. |
| Aug. 26. |
Orders for payments, for attendance of certain persons at Council, for leave to depart the Island, and for sale of unclaimed goods at Port Royal. Order for forty men to be pressed and victuals to be provided for H.M.S. Guernsey. Letter to Lords of Trade and Plantations. (See under date 20 September.) [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 210–212.] |
Aug. 26.
Jamaica. |
2,415. President and Council of Jamaica to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Abstracted below. No. 2,499. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 110.] |
| Aug. 29. |
2,416. Lords of the Admiralty to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We think it very fit that three or four merchant ships should accompany the squadron designed for the West Indies, but as to the frigates for defence of Port Royal, we do not know that the squadron can spare so many, so we think it best to give orders to the commander to send such ships to relieve the ships at Jamaica as he shall think best for the King's service. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 111; and 53. p. 82.] |
Aug. 29.
Barbados. |
2,417. Record of a Court of oyer and terminer held 25th to 29th August, 1692, for the trial of Colonel John Hallett. True bill. Verdict, guilty. Sentence, £350 fine. Three large sheets. Endorsed. Recd. 31 Oct., 1692. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 87.] |
| Aug. 30. |
2,418. Petition of certain Jews of Jamaica to the Queen. To be admitted as denizens, in consideration of their misfortunes through the earthquake. ½ p. Inscribed, Order of the Queen referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Nottingham. Annexed, |
|
2,418. I. Memorandum. That the Jews have long enjoyed liberty to trade in Jamaica, but that lately there has been a movement, supported in the Council, to deprive them of their privileges. ½ p. |
|
2,418. II. A list of the Jews' plantations and houses in Barbados and Jamaica. The names number twelve in Jamaica, and nine in Barbados. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 112, 112 I, II.] |
| Aug. 30. |
2,419. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. Forwarding the petition of John Brunskill and another praying for payment of bills drawn by Captain Rowe of H.M.S. Dumbarton. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 10.] |
| Aug. 31. |
2,420. William Blathwayt to Henry Guy. Governor Beeston has made a proposal that the Queen grant a sum of money to Jamaica as bounty for the fortifications. Copy forwarded for report of Lords of the Treasury. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 72.] |
Aug. 31.
St. Christopher. |
2,421. Lieutenant-Governor Thomas Hill and his officers to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We beg your intercession for our independent company, which is reduced to very hard circumstances for want of being paid daily, and we beg the regulation of the matter may be placed in Colonel Bayer's hands, that we may have some constant dependence, and that the old arrears may be paid to him for clothing, for the poor soldiers are almost naked, and there is nothing to be procured here, or only at such excessive rates as prevent them from being completed in such garb as the soldier ought to appear in. Signed. Tho. Hill, Hen. Burrell, Jno. Walbancke. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 12 Nov., 1692. [America and
West Indies. 551. No. 67 ; and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. pp. 107–108.] |
| [Aug. 31.] |
2,422. Petition of Lieutenant-Governor Hill and of his officers to the King. Your Majesty appointed the fund of the four-and-a-half per cent. duty for our pay. We beg that part of it may be placed in the hands of Colonel Bayer for us. Signed. Tho. Hill, Hen. Burrell, Jno. Walbancke. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 12 Nov., 1692. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 67A.] |
| [Aug.] |
2,423. Report of the Law-officers of the Crown to the King. As to the proposal to grant escheats for the support of the proposed College in Virginia, we are of opinion that it cannot be done without alienation of seignory, which we suppose is not intended. Signed. J. Somers, Tho. Trevor. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 194–195.] |
| Aug. 30. |
2,424. Minutes of Council of New York. Governor Benjamin Fletcher took the oath and swore in the Council. Order for all officers to continue in their appointments. |
| Aug. 31. |
Orders that Peter de la Noy account for the public money received by him; that Colonels Bayard and Van Cortlandt report as to the fort and the military stores; and that William Pinhorne attend to show cause why James Graham should not take his place as recorder. |
