America and West Indies: September 1693

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1903.

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'America and West Indies: September 1693', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696, ed. J W Fortescue( London, 1903), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol14/pp154-167 [accessed 29 November 2024].

'America and West Indies: September 1693', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696. Edited by J W Fortescue( London, 1903), British History Online, accessed November 29, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol14/pp154-167.

"America and West Indies: September 1693". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696. Ed. J W Fortescue(London, 1903), , British History Online. Web. 29 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol14/pp154-167.

September 1693

Sept. 1.
Virginia.
532. Proclamation of the Government of Virginia. For the suspension of the Act for Ports and the Act for reviving an Act for encouragement of manufactures. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 28 March, '94. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 31; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 847.]
Sept. 1.
Virginia.
533. Proclamation of the Government of Virginia. For proper execution of the Acts providing for the maintenance of the clergy, and for the proper officers to furnish returns with that object. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 28 March, '94. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 32; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 877.]
Sept. 1. 534. Minutes of Council of Virginia. James Blair presented the Royal Charter for erecting of a College, which was read and recorded. Order for the payments directed in the charter to be made. Order for a proclamation to be drafted to put the laws for support of the Ministry in force. On the Royal order to send £500 to New York, as a contribution to defence, from the quit-rents, it was resolved that this had been already obeyed by the previous remission of £600, and the Auditor was directed to reimburse himself for that outlay from the quit-rents. Order for a Commissioner to be despatched to New York for the Congress to fix the quota of the Colonies. Warrant ordered for the transportation of William Dolby and Edward Legge to England. Order for a proclamation to suspend the Acts for Ports and for encouragement of manufactures. Order for payment of £28 to John Povey for fees, etc., in connection with the business of Northern Neck. Writs for an Assembly to meet on 10 October, ordered. Letters from the Commissioners of Customs as to ships suspected of illegal trading, read.
Sept. 2. Embargo ordered for all ships to Europe until 10 November, and that no ship not ready to sail and cleared, and arrived at Point Comfort by that time, be allowed to sail then. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 817–826.]
Sept. 1. 535. Minutes of Council of New York. Report of a Committee upon a certain dispute over some land [names illegible] and order thereupon. Estimate for stockading Albany Fort presented and approved. Estimate of part of the material required for the new battery in the river presented. Order for certain payments, and for a report as to compensation for a wounded soldier. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 455, 456.]
Sept. 2. 536. Commission of the Governor and General Assembly of Connecticut to Major General Fitz John Winthrop to be the Colony's Agent in England. Copy. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 26.]
Sept. 3. 537. The King to the Governors of New England and New Jersey. Ordering them to countenance and assist the officers of the Customs in the execution of the Acts of Trade and Navigation. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. p. 89.]
Sept. 4. 538. Minutes of Council of New York. Dirck Wessells arrived from Albany, to report his interview with the Indians; and, his journal being read, it seemed that the Indians were much inclined to peace with the French. He himself reported that they had declared that they would not make peace with the Governor of Canada, but that if he were minded to do so, he must apply first to another tribe. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 456.]
Sept. 6. 539. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commissioners of the Admiralty and the merchants attended on the question of convoys.
Sept. 7. Memorial of the Commissioners of the Leeward Islands read (see No. 494I.). The Commissioners were informed that no answer could be given till Sir Francis Wheler's return. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 203–204.]
Sept. 6. 540. Minutes of General Council and Assembly of the Leeward Islands. The Council appointed Conferrers to draw up a short supplementary Militia Act, and drew the Assembly's attention to the necessity for repairing the fortifications. The Assembly asked as to the King's gunpowder that it might be stored with that of the country; to which the Council would not assent.
Sept. 7. The Assembly addressed a protest against the holding of special Courts, and against the withdrawal of slaves from Monk's Hill Fort to make guard houses. The Council defended the holding of the Special Court, and the present system of repairing the fortifications. Joint Committee appointed to confer as to the disposal of certain prisoners, French and Indian. The Council refused to agree with the Assembly that they should be set free. The Council and Assembly agreed on the purchase of two heavy guns.
Sept. 8. The Assembly renewed its protest as to Special Courts and the repair of fortifications. The Council sent the Assembly a complaint that billets had been refused to men of the Blue regiment. The Assembly explained the matter and undertook to remove the grievance. The Assembly sent up a Supplementary Militia Act and an Act for repair of fortifications. The Council passed them both, but refused to pass the Act for relief of renters. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 254–267.]
Sept. 7. 541. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for the removal of the convicted prisoners Henry Head and Daniel Wilcox to the gaol at Boston. Order for survey of H.M.S. Mary. A contract agreed on for thirty shillings a week to be paid for entertainment of three Indian hostages. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 248–249.]
Sept. 7. 542. Minutes of Council of New York. Orders for sundry payments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 456–457.]
Sept. 8.
Whitehall.
543. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Governors of Rhode Island and Connecticut. We hear that there has been of late much violation of the Laws of Trade and Navigation. The King expects that you will enforce obedience to these Acts and give all needful assistance to the officers of the Customs therein. [Board of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 64–66.]
Sept. 11.
Antigua.
544. Hugh Syms to the Board of Ordinance. I lately wrote you an account of our Martinique voyage, wherein I requested some money, for I can get none here upon my bills. Not that they question payment, but the time of payment. I also beg your orders for my return home, for the Islands will not repair more than they have now in hand, which will shortly be finished. I thank God I am in health, only want the use of my hands, which I hope to regain by degrees. The miner, Henry Symonds, died here on 8 December, 1692; the other miner was called from me at Martinique, since which I have not heard of him. I beg you to let my wife have money to supply her occasions at home. Signed. Hugh Syms. P.S.—If you remit me money here, Colonel Bastian Bayer can effect it. In the margin, The Committee of Plantations to be spoke or writ to about Syms's coming home. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 24 Dec. 1693. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 20.]
Sept. 11.
Boston.
545. Governor Sir William Phips to the Earl of Nottingham. On the 27th of July the Queen's letter ordering me to stop further proceedings against the persons accused of witchcraft was duly handed to me. Next to divine Providence it is the stop to these proceedings which has averted the ruin of this province. I have also copy of a letter sent to me by Mr. Blathwayt but not the original nor the King's orders as to Canada, to which reference is made. Thus I could make no preparation for Sir Francis Wheler's fleet, having no intimation of the design until Mr. Blathwayt's copied letter reached me, which was only a few days before the fleet sailed from hence to England. I am much grieved at the loss of this opportunity of subduing Canada. Sir F. Wheler and his fleet arrived here about the middle of June from Martinique, but in very ill condition owing to a contagious distemper among the men. All possible endeavours were made for recovery of the sick and sweetening of the ships, with the result that fleet and land-forces were in perfect health before they sailed. In July last a French privateer from Martinique landed 130 men at Sandwich in this province, but two companies of Militia marched up and took them all prisoners, while H.M.S. Nonsuch under Captain Dobbins, after two days' chase took the ship. I put the men on board the fleet, which was much in need of men. I have received a letter from the Governor of New York asking me to send persons to meet the Commissioners from other Colonies for the settlement of the quota of men to be furnished for defence of New York. I have caused a large stone fort, called Fort William Henry, to be built at Pemaquid, and have kept a force ready to attack the Indians whenever they appear on our frontiers, which it has done with success. The fort is strong enough to resist all the Indians in America and has so much discouraged them that they have laid down their arms and sent their Sagamores to beg for an everlasting peace. I went to Pemaquid accordingly and concluded articles of peace, of which copy is enclosed. This province will now be better able to help the others, though much impoverished by the war. There was lately some danger of a breach between the Maquas and New York, but the matter is now accommodated. The reason why I did not write by the fleet of the miscarriage of the King's letters as to Canada was the sickness of my clerk. Pray move the King to spare us twenty great guns, with ammunition, for Pemaquid Fort. Signed. William Phips. 2pp. Endorsed, R. Dec. 21, 1693. Enclosed,
545. I. Treaty of peace concluded with the Eastern Indians at Fort Pemaquid. 11 August, 1693. Copy. 3 pp. The peculiar marks of the Indian chiefs are faithfully copied.
545. II. Duplicate of Enclosure No. I. Endorsed, Recd. 19 Dec. 1693.
545. III. Triplicate of the same. Endorsed, Recd. 5 Jan. '93–4.
545. IV. Declaration of peace by Sir William Phips on the said treaty. Copy. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 561. Nos. 37, 37 I.–IV.]
Sept. 11. 546. Minutes of Council of New York. The King's letter to Connecticut and Rhode Island read, ordering them to give assistance to the frontier garrisons. Resolved to send them by special messenger who will report how they are received. The Governor ordered a letter to be prepared requiring from Connecticut 100 men, armed and provisioned, for defence of the frontier this winter. Resolved to write to the Governor of Maryland that the contribution sent by him from that Colony is very disproportionate to the expense of defending the frontier.
Sept. 12. Order for a patent to be issued to Anthony Tyre for land.
Sep. 13–14. Orders for sundry payments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 457–459.]
Sept. 12. 547. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for Charles Sadler, late Provost Marshal, to attend next Council and bring accounts of all moneys received by him in virtue of his office. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 257.]
Sept. 12. 548. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Burch Heathersall sworn of the Assembly. Act for repair of the defences passed, and Act appointing John Pilgrim controller of the liquor duty rejected. Orders for sundry payments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 430–432.]
Sept. 14. 549. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Governor sent down certain letters received from England. Bill for repair of fortifications passed. The House elected Charles Thomas as controller of the liquor duty in the room of John Pilgrim, rejected by the Governor, and the bill for the purpose was twice read. Committee appointed to consider measures for rewarding freemen and slaves who behave well against the enemy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 353–355.]
Sept. 14. 550. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for audit of the accounts of Nathaniel Hall, surgeon, and for the payment of their commission of three per cent. to the Committee for debentures. Advised, in reply to Governor Fletcher's application for help, that he be apprised that the Colony is too heavily burdened to be able to promise it; and that the same be represented to their Majesties. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 250–251.]
Sept. 14. 551. Report of the Attorney-General on the petition of Sir Matthew Dudley and others (see No. 249 I.). Having heard the petitioners I find that they waive their request for grant of lands, mines and minerals in New England, but pray to be incorporated as a joint-stock Company to work mines, grow hemp and flax, dig salt-petre and produce naval stores. As to the heads of incorporation suggested by the petitioners I see no objection to the three first now that the grant of land is waived, nor to the fourth, which gives them liberty to trade, provided that they enjoy no privileges not accorded to all other subjects. The fifth head which obliges the company to furnish the King with naval stores, I conceive to be for the King's service. I see no objection to the sixth and seventh clauses, granting jurisdiction as Justices to the Company's officers over their workmen, but I think that the exemption of their workmen and servants from serving on juries should be conditional. The eighth head secures to the King a royalty on the produce of mines. The ninth clause, giving the Company liberty to coin small copper, is waived by the petitioners. The tenth clause being unnecessary is waived. The Agents of New England see no objection to the charter except the clause exempting the company's servants from service in the Militia, which the petitioners have accordingly waived; but they wish the charter to be submitted to the Government of Massachusetts before it be passed. The petitioners protest against this delay, and I cannot see how the charter can injure anyone in New England. Signed. Edw. Ward. 2½ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 74; and 35. pp. 28–37.]
[Sept. 14.] 552. Heads of a charter of incorporation from Sir Matthew Dudley's Company, drawn by the Attorney General. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 15 Sept. 1693.
Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 75, 76; and 35, pp. 41–47.]
Sept. 14. 553. Order of the Queen in Council. Referring a presentment of the Commissioners of Customs, with its enclosures, to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. Annexed,
553. I. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. 6 December, 1692. We submit three several affidavits in proof of violation of the Acts of Navigation by Governor Richier of Bermuda. We beg that the King's former letter for countenancing the Collector in Bermuda be renewed, and that the several matters contained in the Circular of 26 November, 1684, for enforcement of the said Acts, may be sent to the Governor of Bermuda. Signed. Jo. Werden, Robert Southwell, J. Warde, Robt. Clayton. 1½ pp.
553. II. Copy of the Circular of 26 November, 1684. Calendared in former volume. 1½ pp.
553. III. Affidavit of Nicholas Trott, senior. As to the refusal of Governor Richier to recognize the Collector of Customs, and his overruling of that Collector's authority. 1½ pp.
553. IV. Affidavit of Nicholas Trott, junior. To the same effect. 1 p.
553. V. Declaration of Samuel Trott. To the same effect. 2¼ pp.
553. VI. Copy of the King's letter to Governor Richier of 27 October, 1690, ordering him to admit and support Samuel Trott as Collector of Customs in Bermuda. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 2. Nos. 12, 12I.–VI.]
Sept. 15. 554. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Address from Rhode Island read, and copy ordered to be sent to the Attorney General to report as to it with relation to the Charter of the Colony.
Proposals of the New Jersey Company and the Pennsylvania Company as to Naval stores referred to the Admiralty.
Governor Copley's and the Council of Maryland's letters of 19 October and 21 December read, together with the charges against Sir Thomas Laurence, and orders given thereon. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 205–207.]
Sept. 15. 555. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Recommending that the Governor of Barbados be directed to furnish copies of all proceedings in respect of the prosecution of John Hallett, that meanwhile the money deposited by him in the Courts of the Island be not disposed of, and that permission be given to gather evidence in Barbados on his behalf. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 360, 361.]
Sept. 15. 556. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the letters of the Governor and Council of Maryland of 14 October and 21 December, 1692, and 11 April, 1693, the Lords find no ground for such proceedings as have been taken against Sir Thomas Laurence, even if the articles against him were true; they find also that the action of the Governor and Council has been illegal and arbitrary, and they recommend that they be ordered to furnish Sir Thomas Laurence with a copy of the articles against him that he may answer them and that meanwhile he be restored to all his places without molestation and have permission to take all evidence that he requires. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. pp. 120–121.]
[Sept. 15.] 557. Memorial of Charles Lodowyck to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Setting forth the matters prescribed in his instructions (see No. 414) and asking that the stores of war already requested may be sent, that four companies of foot may be sent to reinforce the garrison and kept there in the King's pay during the war, that Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania may be annexed to New York, that money may be sent yearly during the war for presents to the Indians, and that all the Governments on the Continent may be ordered to contribute proportionately in men and money for the defence of Albany. 2¼ pp. Endorsed, Presented 15 Sept. 1693. Read same day. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 27; and 48. pp. 50–53.]
[Sept.] 558. Petition of inhabitants of Elizabethtown, East New Jersey, to the King and Queen. Our predecessors came hither by invitation of Governor Nichols in 1664, and obtained patents from him for purchase of their lands. But the proprietors have now separated us from the Government of New York; they grant our lands to newcomers and require us to take new patents from them at a halfpenny an acre per annum since 1670. We were sorry to be cut off from New York and do our best to assist her, but the proprietors exempt all their own land from that and from every other public charge. 23 signatures. Large sheet. Endorsed, Presented at the Committee by Mr. Lodowyck. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 28.]
[Sept. 15.] 559. Boundaries of the provinces of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Plymouth. A description of the limits of each province set down in a few lines. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 77.]
Sept. 560. Memorandum as to the Northern Provinces of America from New Hampshire to New Jersey. These provinces should all have English laws and the same dependence on the Crown; and all are equally concerned in danger from French and Indians. Yet their laws vary greatly and also the forms of administration in great as well as small matters. There are frequent jars between royal governments and proprietary and chartered governments; there is great disunion and inequity in military service, some villages paying £500 per annum in time of war, and others as wealthy not one farthing. Massachusetts has now been settled by the King; but the English Common and Statute law should run in all the provinces, and they should send up to the Crown not Magna Charta or Capital laws, but bylaws such as are necessary to make good omissions in the English law. All money granted to the Crown should be accounted for in the English Exchequer. Loyal persons only should be employed in the government. If persons unskilled either in law or in the sword be employed, loyal persons will be discouraged; and it may come to pass in time that some province will set up for itself, and the example of one will have dangerous influence on the rest. Unsigned and undated. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 78.]
[Sept. 15.] 561. Memorandum by Christopher Almy, giving reasons against taking the control of the Militia out of the hands of the Rhode Island Government. Rhode Island having a frontier to the sea is open to an enemy, and having a small population would be endangered if men were withdrawn from it. Our forefathers were driven from Massachusetts many years since by the cruelty of the people; and Boston has an "untipothy" to us because we differ from it in religion and in our attachment to the Crown of England. We have never had assistance from Massachusetts in time of war, against either French or Indians, but Massachusetts has made war against Indians in our Colony without our consent and contrary to our charter. Yet we "suckered" their armies with men and provisions during the Indian rebellion and have supplied them with what we could spare in the expedition against Canada. 1 p. Endorsed, Mr. Almy's paper. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 79.]
Sept. 15. 562. Gilbert Heathcote to John Povey. I was asked to speak a few words at the delivery of the Jamaica address to the Queen. I expressed myself as you see in the enclosed paper. The Queen was pleased to receive an address graciously and to say that she was very glad—but she beginning then to go away, the noise was so great that I could not hear what more she said. Signed. Gilbert Heathcote. ½ p. Enclosed,
562. I. Speech of Gilbert Heathcote on delivering the address from the Council and Assembly of Jamaica. A few sentences to the effect that the merchants in England join in the address, and that the Island has lately suffered great calamities from the earthquake but is now beginning to recover. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. Nos. 23, 23 I.]
Sept. 15. 563. John Povey to the Attorney-General. Forwarding copy of the address of the Governor and Company of Rhode Island (see No. 524 II.) and desiring his report on the charters or grants of East and West New Jersey, Rhode Island and Connecticut. ½ p. Annexed,
563. I. Copy of the address above mentioned. 4 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16 Sept. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 80, 80 I.; and35. p. 126.]
Sept. 18. 564. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The merchants trading to the Colonies brought forward their various proposals as to convoys, together with the Admiralty's report thereon.
Sir William Beeston's letter of 24 May read (see No. 359). Order for the passages as to the men of war to be extracted and sent to the Admiralty.
Mr. Sotherne's letter of 22 June read, and decision taken as to the protection of Piscataqua.
Governor Codrington's letter of 15 May read (see No. 347). Agreed to refer that portion of it which refers to the pay of Lloyd's Regiment to the Treasury, for speedy settlement of the matter.
Governor Kendall's letters of 10 April and 9 May read. Extract of the portions relating to shipping to be sent to the Admiralty.
The Circular as to enforcement of the Acts of Trade signed. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 208–217.]
Sept. 18. 565. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Recommending that extracts from Sir William Beeston's letter of 24 May concerning H.M. ships Guernsey and Mordaunt and the behaviour of Captain Oakley be sent to the Admiralty. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 163.]
Sept. 18. 566. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To move the Queen in Council to order one of the frigates on the New England coast to be stationed at Piscataqua for the protection of the harbour, in case the said protection be not afforded as heretofore by soldiers from Massachusetts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 226.]
Sept. 18. 567. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Recommending that extracts from Governor Kendall's letters of 10 April and 9 May as to the expediency of sending five frigates to Barbados about October, be sent to the Admiralty for their report. Mem. The above was ordered in Council, 5 Oct. 1693. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 372, 373.]
Sept. 18.
Barbados.
568. Governor Kendall to Lords of Trade and Plantations. In my last I told you that I had at last got a legal Assembly, but I was mistaken, for at the beginning of July there arrived a packet from Sir Peter Colleton (as I was informed) to Mr. Bond, with an order in Council disallowing the Elections Act passed here in 1692. I never saw nor heard of this order till it was delivered to me on the 2nd August, though it appears now that in that time it was shewn in triumph to all the enemies of the Government and called the Damnation of the Sacrament Act. After consulting together how they might do further mischief they delivered the order to me, who received it of course with all dutiful respect; though if you had seen my letter to Mr. Blathwayt, or Mr. Bridges had been heard concerning the Act, I feel sure that the reasons for its confirmation would have appeared sufficient. But it seems that Mr. Bridges had no notice of the hearing, and that Mr. Littleton, the other agent for this country, betrayed his trust by keeping silence, though present. For this they intend to discharge him from the service. When I examined Mr. Bond how he durst detain the King's order so long before he presented it to me, he answered that he was directed to do so by Sir P. Colleton, and having done no more than his duty, hoped that I would pardon him, adding that he had communicated it to none but persons interested, for that Sir P. Colleton had joined three others with him in conducting the business. Now if Sir P. Colleton is entrusted with any superintendence over this Island I must submit to it; but if not, I conceive he cannot answer for not sending the King's order directly to me, much less for directing it (for private and sinister ends) to be kept from me, as it was, for more than twenty days after its arrival. On the whole it is strongly to be presumed that this order has been surreptitiously obtained, and your Lordships and the King surprised in it. All the honest men in the Island are extremely mortified that an Act should be so abrogated without hearing of their case therein. Again Mr. Blathwayt might have informed you that in Sir Jonathan Atkins's time two laws, which were not approved by the King, were sent back here to be repealed, to preserve the honour and reputation of the Government. I am sorry that on a similar occasion I shall be worse used, for I do not think that I deserve it. If a Governor's reputation be not maintained and the people, as a natural consequence, despise him, he cannot perform the King's service as he ought. At the first sitting of the Assembly I perceived why the order had been so long stifled, for they were consulting how to raise fresh obstructions and had debauched many with the notion that as the Act was repealed the Assembly was dissolved. The same doctrine was broached in Council by Messrs. Bond, Farmer and Gibbes, but was exploded both there and in the Assembly. For particulars I refer you to the Minutes of Council herewith enclosed, and shall only add that notwithstanding all their pernicious arts to disturb the Government, these few representatives who had been seduced are now undeceived. The Island is healthy and prosperous. Martinique is very sickly and so short of provisions that salt beef is sold for twenty pence a pound. If we have some frigates here at the end of October to intercept the reliefs from France, the Island will be reduced still lower. Signed. J. Kendall. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 21 Nov. Read 27 Dec. '93. Annexed,
568. I. Extract from Minutes of Council of Barbados. Speech of the Governor on the question raised by certain members of Council, that the disallowance of the Elections Act of 1692 dissolved the Assembly. Declarations laid before the Council by the Governor and signed by them, disavowing any such construction of the royal action. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 21 Nov. Presented with the letter of 18 Sept.
568. II. A second copy of foregoing enclosure. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 27, 27 I., II.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 379–383.]
Sept. 18.
Barbados.
569. Governor Kendall to Earl of Nottingham. This letter opens with a transcript of the letter to Lords of Trade and Plantations of same date, and continues as follows. Since writing the above a box of letters has arrived, which the packet-master said were all for me, so I was not a little surprised to find one addressed by you to Sir W. Beeston; but on my honour I did not read it, and resealed it at once. I beg your forgiveness for my mistake. I am glad to learn by your letters of 22 April and 18 May that my conduct has been approved; but I am barbarously used by the Commissioners for Victualling and for the Sick and Wounded, who have long owed me over £1,600. I again beg for your protection herein. Signed. J. Kendall. 3½ pp. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 53.]
Sept. 18.
Boston.
570. Governor Sir William Phips to Governor Fletcher. A ship from Cadiz confirms the unhappy news of the loss of the Straits fleet of English and Dutch. As to your proposal for a meeting of commissioners from the various provinces to agree on a quota of men and money for defence of the frontiers, the fatal epidemic sicknesses and other calamities among us make it difficult for anyone at present to attend such a Congress. Moreover the transfer of the militia of Connecticut and Pennsylvania seems to make it less reasonable to require assistance for the defence of Albany from this province, which has borne the loss of a long war almost without assistance, and is saddled with the guarding of the frontiers and the maintenance of a garrison at Pemaquid. For though we are at peace with the Eastern Indians, we are still liable to attack by the French. I shall not be backward to contribute what assistance I can, and had the militia of Connecticut remained under my command I should have sent some of them to reinforce your posts. Copy. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 20 Dec. '93. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 81.]
Sept. 19. 571. Minutes of Council of New York. Letter from Godfrey Dellius read, reporting that the French have prepared 100 batteaux for transport. The Governor said that he understood their designs to be against our frontiers, and asked the Council's opinion as to the expediency of his going to live at Albany this winter. Order for an agreement to be made with the weigh-master for a salary not exceeding 50l. per annum.
Sept. 20. The special messenger returned from Connecticut with a letter signifying that Colony's readiness to send a Commissioner, but refusing to send men and supplies to Albany.
Sept. 21. John van Comp's petition as to land referred to a Committee. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 459–461.]
Sept. 20. 572. Journal of the House of Assembly of Maryland. List of Members present. The House sent a message to the Council, who desired their attendance to-morrow.
Sept. 21. Message to the Council desiring to be informed as to the condition of the Government on the death of Governor Copley.
Sept. 22. Orders for a Committee of Grievances and for summoning of absent members. Agreed to hold a full conference with the Council to-morrow. The complaints of Sir Thomas Laurence examined by the Committee of Grievances.
Sept. 23. Message from the Council that Sir E. Andros had announced that he was on his way to assume the Government. The complaints of Colonel Jowles examined by the Committee of Grievances. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 237–250.]
Sept. 21. 573. Minutes of Council of Virginia. On a letter from Maryland reporting the death of Governor Copley and the disorder consequent thereupon, it was resolved after examination of the Governor's Commission that he set out for Maryland forthwith. Mr. Randolph's letter as to the escape of a ship which he was about to seize for illicit trading read and referred to Colonel Christopher Wormeley. Proclamation ordered, declaring Secretary Wormeley President of the Council, which will take over the administration during the Governor's absence. Petition of John Edmeston for restoration of his vessel, seized by Mr. Randolph, referred to Mr. Randolph. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 826–829.]
Sept. 23. 574. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for detention of the merchant ships till a convoy be ready for them. Order that the French officer who has arrived with a flag of truce to buy provisions have permission to buy the same, and also a ship and cargo for which he is in treaty. Order for payments. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 257, 258.]
Sept. 25. 575. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to postpone the consideration of the time for departure of London ships for Virginia and Maryland for a fortnight.
Report of the Attorney General on the heads of Sir Matthew Dudley and Company's Charter, with his counter-proposals, read, and decision thereon taken.
Mr. Lodowyck attended from New York and gave in a report of matters there. Order for the Attorney General to hasten his report on the Charters of Rhode Island and Connecticut and the grants of New Jersey.
Agreed to recommend that the appeal of Sir Richard White against a judicial decision in Jamaica be admitted. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 218–220.]
Sept. 25. 576. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Recommending that Sir Richard White be admitted to make his appeal on giving the usual security, and that authentic documents as to the case be ordered to be sent from Jamaica (see No. 490). [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 166.]
Sept. 25.
Whitehall.
577. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to recommend that the heads of a charter proposed by Sir Matthew Dudley and Company, together with the Attorney General's report thereon, be referred to the Lords of the Treasury for report. [Board of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 37, 38.]
Sept. 25.
Boston.
578. Governor Sir William Phips to Lords of Trade and Plantations. As the principal reason for sending the squadron and forces under Sir F. Wheler was that an attack should be made on Canada, I regret greatly that the affair should have been disappointed. But I knew nothing of the royal intentions till the fleet arrived, when Sir Francis Wheler told me that he wondered that no express had been sent to me; and I had no intimation till the end of July, when I received a copy of Mr. Blathwayt's letter saying that the King's letter was sent to me by way of Virginia. As I had no news of its arrival there and as it was too late to think of the expedition, I did what I could for the speedy despatch of the squadron from hence, to save the expense of so large a force. Had the King's commands reached me in time there is no object for which I would have worked more gladly, but his letter never came to my hand until the 24th inst. I humbly acquiesce in the King's pleasure to place the militia of Connecticut under command of the Governor of New York. Here follow details of a descent by a French privateer, the treaty with the Eastern Indians and the building of Fort Pemaquid as in letter of September 11th (see No. 545). The 18th October next is fixed for the meeting of the Commissioners to settle the contributions of the Colonies towards the defence of New York. Mr. Benjamin Jackson, my agent, can inform you as to all the other matters. Signed. William Phips. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 5 Jan., 1693–4. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 82; and 35. pp. 85–88.]
[Sept. 25.] 579. Abstract of the foregoing. 1¼ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 83.]
Sept. 25. 580. Lords of the Treasury to the Queen. On the petition of Sir John Fleet (see No. 230) we have received a report from the Commissioners of the Navy, and we recommend that it be first ascertained whether the petitioners' demands have been paid in Jamaica, before your decision is given (see No. 286). Signed. Godolphin; R. Hampden; Phil. Montague. 1 p. Endorsed, Read in Council, Oct. 5. 1693. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 24.]
Sept. 25. 581. Proclamation of the Governor of Virginia. Appointing the Council to administer the Government with Ralph Wormeley as president, during his absence. Copy. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 33; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 879.]
Sept. 25. 582. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor reported that he had fixed the day for the Commissioners to meet and agree as to the quotas for defence of the frontier, and caused a letter from Sir William Phips, refusing to send any assistance, to be read. Ordered that the letter be sent home. The Governor again submitted to the Council the question of his going to Albany for the winter. Resolved to settle £50 a year on the post-office for its encouragement. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 461, 462.]
Sept. 25. 583. Journal of House of Burgesses of Virginia. The examination of grievances was continued.
Sept. 26. After some minor business the House attended Sir E. Andros, who after a short speech dissolved the Assembly. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 250–252.]
Sept. 25. 584. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Sir Edmund Andros produced his commission and was sworn, after which he swore in the eight Councillors present.
Sept. 26. The Order in Council of 2 March relating to Sir Thomas Laurence was read, recorded and ordered to be complied with. The fees fixed in the book of laws for the Keepers and Naval officers were then compared with the Order in Council aforesaid.
Sept. 27. Resolved that the publication of the disallowance of the Act for ordinary-keepers, enjoined by the said Order in Council, be deferred until the King's pleasure be known, but that meanwhile the fees go to Sir Thomas Laurence. The Order of the Council of 17 August, 1692, as to fees in Chancery was cancelled. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 1–3.]
Sept. 25. 585. Minutes of Council of Maryland in Assembly. Sir Edmund Andros's commission was read and himself sworn.
Sept. 26. Proclamation for continuing all officers in their posts. The Speaker and burgesses then attended according to summons, when Sir Edmund explained the present circumstances and dissolved the General Assembly. Proclamation announcing the dissolution. Sir Thomas Laurence's business considered.
Sept. 27. Sir Thomas Laurence's business again considered and the Order in Council concerning him read.
Sept. 28. Order for John Llewellin to proceed forthwith to complete the records of the Council and then deliver them to the present clerk. The King's letter as to furnishing a quota of men to New York, and Governor Fletcher's letter as to a congress were read, when it appeared that owing to Governor Copley's long illness and death, no steps had been taken for sending a Commissioner. Order for the Collectors to bring in their accounts. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 11–25.]
Sept. 27. 586. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Few Representatives of the Assembly being present owing to the stormy weather, the Court was not held; and it was ordered that it be convened for the 8th of November. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., p. 251.]
Sept. 28. 587. Minutes of Council of New York. Orders for sundry payments. The Governor again pressed the question of his residing at Albany for the winter. The Council decided to meet by themselves and give their opinion thereon in writing. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 462, 463.]
Sept. 28.
Whitehall.
588. Order of the Queen in Council. Approving the report of Lords of Trade and Plantations as to Sir Thomas Laurence (see No. 556) and ordering accordingly. Copy. 1½ pp. Subscribed. 21 May, 1694, a true copy by me, Thomas Laurence. Endorsed, 8 June, Read 13 June, 1695. [America and West Indies. 556. No. 17; and Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. pp. 121–123.]
Sept. 29. 589. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for inspection of the Provincial Court Office and Chancery Office, and for report thereon.
Sept. 30. The report as to the state of the records in the above offices was read. The former officers undertook to complete the records up to the time of their leaving office. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 3–5; and pp. 25–29.]