|
| March 16. |
956. Agents for Governor Christopher Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Asking for a copy of Stephen Duport's petition that they may present their remarks thereon. 1 p. Inscribed, Recd. 16 March, 1693–4. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 36.] |
| March 16. |
957. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft of a letter to the Lieutenant-Governor and Council of Bermuda, concerning Mr. Richier's petition, read and approved, also draft of a letter to the Governor of Barbados concerning John Kirton. |
|
Sir Edmund Andros's letter of 23 October read (see No. 637), also an extract of a letter from him asking leave to be absent from his Government for two months in the year, which it was agreed to recommend. |
|
The parties concerned in the importation of Naval stores were again called in, and the business further considered. |
|
The Agents for Barbados were desired to bring their proposals for raising men for that Island, in writing. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 279–281.] |
| March 16. |
958. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To recommend that permission be given to Sir Edmund Andros to leave Virginia for any of the neighbouring Colonies for two months in the year. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 248.] |
| March 16. |
959. Order for summoning Sir H. Ashurst, Sir William Warren, Sir Stephen Evans, Colonel Francis Nicholson, Mr. John Taylor, Mr. Gilbert Heathcot, Mr. Samuel Allen, Mr. Paggen, Colonel Dudley, Mr. Gerard Slye, and Mr. Gabriel Bernon to attend the Committee of Trade and Plantations on the subject of Naval stores. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 77.] |
| [Mar. 16.] |
960. Proposals of Gabriel Bernon, merchant of Boston. That the Naval stores sent by him to John Taylor may be tested, for he will undertake to send as many more as may be needed. He has no wish but to serve the Government if the King will encourage him. Signed. Gabriel Bernon. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 23 Feb. Read 12 and 16 March, 1693–4. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 78.] |
| [Mar. 16.] |
961. Memorandum of Gabriel Bernon. The encouragement for which he asks is an order from Their Majesties to manufacture rosin and other Naval storesin all places where he may think fit, without molestation, saving always the rights of others. French. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 79.] |
| March 16. |
962. William Blathwayt to John Taylor, Sir Stephen Evans, Samuel Allen and Gerard Slye. Forwarding a list of Naval stores, with a column to be filled with the prices at which they are ready to supply the said stores in America and England. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 338–339.] |
| March 17. |
963. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Montserrat. The Assembly, being asked by the Council to provide for the quartering of the King's soldiers, prayed that the old billets should be
withdrawn and new billets issued by an Act for that purpose, and that a house might be hired in Kingsale for sick soldiers. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 327.] |
| March 18. |
964. Memorial of the Agents for Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The King having granted that 500 men shall be raised and transported to Barbados, and as such of the men as are and can be raised in time may be shipped on board the merchantships now bound thither, we beg you to procure us an order for the men to be victualled by the Victualling Commissioners. We hear the H.M.S. Hampshire, which was ordered to convoy the fleet to Barbados and the Leeward Islands, has now been ordered to sail directly to Jamaica. We beg that she may wait a fortnight to join the Bristol for convoy to the said fleet, after which she may proceed to Jamaica with little delay. If the King will order that the fleets to the Islands and to Virginia, which will all be ready to sail in twenty days at latest, shall sail together, their convoy will be the stronger to oppose any enemy until they separate; it would be well also if single ships were forbidden to slip away without convoy, as several bound for Barbados have lately done. 2 pp. Endorsed, Directed, 18 March, at Kensington. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 63; and 44. pp. 62–63.] |
| March 19. |
965. Minutes of Council of New York. Committee appointed to enquire as to the arrears of taxes. The Governor announced that he must shortly go to Pennsylvania, and suggested commissionating certain gentlemen to take charge of military affairs in his absence, which was approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 513.] |
| March 19. |
966. Minutes of General Assembly of New York. Message from the Governor to the Representatives, asking them to expedite their subsidy for the forces at Albany, to provide a fund for paying them up to the 1st of May, and to lay all business but that of the frontiers aside for the present. |
| March 20. |
Bill against unlawful laws read a third time and passed. The Governor signified that the Representatives had voted 120 men for Albany, and that he could not undertake to defend the post with that number. The Council agreed that the number was too small, and a message was sent to the House to that effect, and asking how it was proposed to dispose of the £2,400 voted by them. Bill for settling establishments rejected. The Representatives attending, the Governor pressed them to provide more men for Albany, as no dependence could be placed in the help of neighbouring Colonies. |
| March 21. |
Message to the Representatives, setting the least number for the frontier at 200 men, including the 30 from New Jersey, and that more money was required than had been voted for the Indians and other purposes. |
| March 22. |
The Representatives refusing to provide more men for Albany, the Governor asked the Council if they knew of any reason for weakening the garrison; to which they replied that it was a time rather for strengthening than weakening it. The Governor summoned the Representatives and made them a speech, rebuking them for their obstinacy and showing the folly of their letting their house
be destroyed because their neighbours would not help to quench the fire. He asked them for money for presents for the Indians on his approaching visit to Albany, and begged them to get to despatch of business. |
| March 23. |
The Representatives sent up a bill for the City and County of Albany, which was passed with one amendment. |
| March 24. |
On the news of the intrigues of the Indians with the French, a message was sent to the Representatives to apprise them thereof, and that the Governor was starting forthwith for Albany and thence for Pennsylvania, and that at least £600 would be wanted for the Expedition. Bill for raising 170 men received from the Representatives, amended and passed. Conference appointed to consider the charge of the Governor's journey to Albany. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 680–690.] |
| March 20. |
967. John Taylor to John Povey. I have received a list of Naval stores, with blank columns for me to fill up the prices at which I would undertake to furnish them. I have not heard that hemp grows in New England, but I know that hemp and cordage are the best commodities that I can send thither. As to tar, the gentlemen of New England engaged to furnish it at 4s. or 5s. a barrel, but their barrel is of six to eight gallons, whereas the Swedish barrel is of thirty to thirty-two gallons, which is sold in Finland at half a dollar. Ships' masters tell me that a gallon of Swedish tar is worth two of New England. I send pitch and tar to New England for my own use. New England plank is not esteemed here, being generally worm-eaten and bad. Deals and masts may doubtless be had in any quantity in New England. Now as to prices in New England and England, the first is not my business; and to speak as to the second I must be assured that the commodities are to be obtained in New England, and of fit quality; I must know what price they will stand me in before they are shipped and when they will be ready for shipping. Hemp, tar and pitch can hardly be called products of New England yet. Masts and timber are more certain, but even for them some time must be allowed, for masts must be hauled out of the woods when the snow is on the ground. I always allow a year for getting them out of the woods and preparing them for shipping. I hope therefore that I may be pardoned for not making rates, much less undertaking the delivery of the stores. I was bred to the trade of importing Naval stores, and think I know more about it than the gentlemen who expect a charter on the merit of importing them from New England. I do not pretend to love my country so much better than myself as to encourage a trade which would be to my prejudice; but the supply of stores would not be so, but merely a transferring of my trade. I would gladly see this Kingdom independent of Sweden and Denmark, but I must speak as a merchant who judges his trade only by the measure of profit; and then arises the difficulty how we shall bring bulky goods from a very remote part as cheaply as from countries near us. I cannot solve the difficulty because (1) The commodities are more plentiful in Sweden and Denmark than in New England. (2) Labour costs but one sixth of the price. (3) One voyage to New England costs
as much as four or five to the Baltic, and the difference would be still greater if the Swede and Dane lowered their duties. True, building of ships in New England may abate the difference some-what, but this is done in the other countries also, and much cheaper than in New England. I take the King's chief end in having Naval stores from New England was to be supplied from thence in case of necessity, with more regard to getting it than to the price; and this may be done by encouraging the manufacture of pitch and tar. New Hampshire has the best facilities for transportation. Wooden ware is a question only of the time needed to convert it. Hemp could be better furnished from Ireland. Signed. Jno. Taylor. 3½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 21 March, 1693–4. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 80.] |
March
20–21. |
968. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Orders for sundry payments. Bill for raising a levy committed for amendment. Order passed for payment of £100 to the Committee for receiving Colonel Russell. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 449, 450.] |
March
20–21. |
969. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Bill for a levy on negroes passed, and sent to the Council, which returned it for amendment. Adjourned to 17 April. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 365, 366.] |
| March 20. |
970. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for an Assembly to meet on 7th May. Sundry accounts passed. Order for all who have claims against the revenue to bring them in. |
| March 21. |
Adjourned till to-morrow. |
| March 22. |
The Governor reporting that an intercepted letter from Mr. Stapleton implicated Colonel Edward Stanton, it was ordered that Colonel Stanton be arrested and his papers seized. Order for an embargo on all shipping in Port Royal. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 271–273.] |
| March 21. |
971. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Taylor's reply as to Naval stores read. |
|
Petitions of Sir E. Andros and Mr. Usher read (See No. 973). Agreed that a letter be sent to Massachusetts ordering their accounts to be examined and payment to be made. |
|
The Barbados Agents attended, and were heard as to the Barbados freight Act. Agreed to recommend that it be disallowed. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 281–283.] |
| March 21. |
972. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To move the King in Council to disallow the Barbados Act for limiting the price of freight. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. p. 69.] |
| March 21. |
973. Petition of Sir Edmund Andros to Lords of Trade and Plantations. When I left New England several sums of money were due to me for the public service; and my petition and accounts were referred to the Governor and Council of Massachusetts. A Committee was appointed to examine them, but I have not been able to
obtain any payment. I beg that orders may be given to bring my accounts to a final determination. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 21 March, 1693–4. Attached, |
|
973. I. Letter from Dirck Wessels to Sir E. Andros. New York, 5 May, 1691. Enclosing the accounts for his last journey to Quebec, and entreating Sir Edmund's good offices to obtain for him payment. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. Nos. 23, 23I.; and (without enclosure) 35. pp. 105–107.] |
| March 21. |
974. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the petitions of Sir Edmund Andros and Mr. John Usher it was agreed to move that a letter be written to the Governor of Massachusetts, instructing him to examine their accounts and pay what is justly due to them out of the public revenue. [Board of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 110, 111.] |
| March 21. |
975. Proposals of Samuel Allen and Company, stating the price at which they will furnish Naval stores. 1 p. Endorsed, 21 March, '93–4. Read same day. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 81.] |
| March 21. |
976. Gerard Slye to John Povey. I return the price list of Naval stores with the column for Maryland filled up. Pitch, tar and deal plank can be better supplied by New England than by Virginia and Maryland, though the reverse is true of masts and bowsprits. The land will produce the best of hemp, and there is oak enough, if the charge of exporting it be not too great. It would save half the charge if the men-of-war were built out there. Signed. Gerard Slye. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 21 March, '93–4. Annexed, |
|
976. I. Price list of Naval stores and timber in Maryland. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 21 March, 1693–4. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. Nos. 82, 82I.] |
| March 21. |
977. Minutes of Council of New York. Patent for land granted to Colonel Thomas Willett. |
| March 22. |
Order for discharge of Nathaniel Cole, junior, on his penitence and submission. |
| March 23. |
Patents for lands granted to William and Apollonia Welsh and to Hendrick Cornelius Bogard. |
| March 24. |
Order for payments. Committee appointed to consider as to goods suitable for presents to the Indians. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 513–515.] |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
978. Order of the King in Council. Repealing the Barbados Act for limiting the price of freight. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 70–72.] |
March 22.
Whitehall. |
979. Order of the King in Council. Granting leave to Sir Edmund Andros to leave Virginia and go to any of the neighbouring Colonies for two months in the year for the benefit of his health, provided that the state of his Government permits it. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 249.] |
| March 26. |
980. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The proposals of Sir Henry Ashurst and Sir Stephen Evans as to importation of Naval stores read, and decision taken. The letters in favour of Sir E. Andros and Mr. Usher were signed. |
|
A new decision taken as to John Kirton's Act in Barbados. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 284–286.] |
| March 26. |
981. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To move the King to assent to the Barbados Act concerning John Kirton, without insertion of the clause formerly proposed to save the rights of the Crown. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 72, 73.] |
| March 26. |
982. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the question of providing Naval stores from New England, it was agreed to recommend that the proposal of Sir Henry Ashurst and Sir Stephen Evans be accepted, viz., to bring a ship-load of Naval stores and knee timber to the port of London within one year, with a certified account from the Governor and Assembly stating what quantity they will be prepared to send over yearly—that the Treasury be instructed to reimburse them the first-cost interest and insurance charges, and that the Governor of Massachusetts be instructed to give all possible assistance in the undertaking. [Board of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 58–60; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 340–342.] |
| March 26. |
983. Sir Henry Ashurst and Sir Stephen Evans to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The ruin of Massachusetts will inevitably follow if any persons in England receive a patent enabling them to engross the mines and trade of New England. We undertake within a year to bring over a ship-load of all the Naval stores there with an account under the hand of the Governor and Assembly of the quantity that they will send over yearly, if the quality be approved. We shall constantly undertake the service of the Crown in the matter of these stores, and having no interest of our own therein, we propose that on our producing a bill of our first cost, interest, charges and insurance of the said goods, the same may be repaid to us by the Treasury, and that if the goods be approved the King shall grant us what he thinks fit for our pains and hazard. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 26 Mar. '94. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 83.] |
| [March.] |
984. Reasons why Sir Matthew Dudley and others should not be delayed in obtaining their patent. The matter has been in agitation six years and has been thoroughly examined in various quarters. The scheme was contrived in New England before it was set on foot here, and several gentlemen of the Government are privy to it and subscribers. Sir William Phips and Mr. Usher and others have seen and read our proposals and heads of a charter, which the Attorney General has reported not to encroach on the Charter of Massachusetts; so that it cannot be said that people out there were ignorant of the design. Sir Henry Ashurst made the same request nine months since, in which time he might easily have sent copies of our proposals to Massachusetts and obtained an answer, so that
his object is evidently only delay. The Treasury have pronounced our patent not to be prejudicial to the Royal revenue. 1¼ pp. Undated. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 84.] |
| March 26. |
985. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir William Phips. Ordering him that the accounts of Sir Edmund Andros be examined and that the amount justly due to him be paid, or that, if this order be not complied with, the fact shall be reported and reasons given. |
|
Similar letter in favour of John Usher. [Board of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 111–114.] |
March 26.
Barbados. |
986. Edward Cranfield to the Duke of Shrewsbury. News has arrived that several ships of the fleet that sailed on 30 August last are missing, and it is feared that they have been lost in the storm, which they met in latitude 34°. I have already written to you that at the first meeting of the Assembly they presented the Governor with £2,000, and that every thing had then the appearance of a peaceful settlement; but in meetings since they have trifled away their time without raising money for the payment of the Island's debts due to artisans and poor labouring men, or for putting the Island into a state of defence. All good motions have been rendered ineffectual by some few turbulent-spirited men. Doubtless the Governor will have given you details, and has asked for two sixth-rate frigates, instead of one fourth-rate, and that in future all ships from England may sail soon enough to return before winter, so as to avoid hurricanes, storms and privateers. Signed. Edw. Cranfield. Endorsed, R. 29 May, 1694. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 54.] |
| March 26. |
987. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for pressing a ship for the King's service, the Council undertaking to indemnify the owner in case of her loss. Two members appointed to examine and report on Colonel Stanton's papers. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 273, 274.] |
| March 26. |
988. Minutes of Council of New York. Orders for sundry payments. The widows of Leisler and Milborne were referred to their legal remedy for recovery of their goods. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 515, 516.] |
| March 26. |
989. Minutes of General Assembly of New York. Bill for the continuation of the additional duty read thrice with an amendment, and passed. The Bills for 170 men and concerning Albany were also formally passed. The Governor summoned the Representatives and made them a speech as to the Bills just passed, regretting much that they had reduced the pay of the soldiers at Albany from one shilling to eightpence, but thanking them for other enactments. He then adjourned them to 25th September. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 690–693.] |
| March 28. |
990. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor took leave on his departure for Albany, and reported that he had given the detachments orders to be in readiness. Additional patents for land granted to Thomas Hicks and Hendrick Cornelius Bogard. Orders for payments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 516–517.] |
March 28.
New York. |
991. Governor Fletcher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Five Nations are now so weary of the war and have been so far prevailed on by the presents and power of the French in Canada that it is impossible to engage them to turn their arms that way. The enclosed papers will show you what steps the Indians have already made towards a peace. I have been at great pains and charge to divert them hitherto and am now going to meet them at Albany. Those of greatest experience in this country believe that we must give way to their humour of making peace with Canada, including the safety of this province—provided neither French nor Indians make incursions on us nor come on this side of the lake; but I doubt they cannot be neutral. Nothing has more discouraged the heathen than the weakness of our forces. The neglect of our neighbours has left the whole war to a small handful of people in this province who, being the first line of battle, must defend themselves, while their neighbours sit at ease. Our Assembly was lately sitting, and in hope of speedy relief ordered subsidy for 170 men for one year from the 1st of May next. I hardly know where to find the men or money without the ruin of a great many families. Most of our youth are returned into neighbouring Colonies to avoid payment and service, and except thirty men from New Jersey we are likely to have little assistance from them. Here the complaints against the neighbouring Colonies are repeated as in letter of 22 January and in former letters. In the time of Leisler's rule Connecticut assisted him at Albany with 100 men and maintenance, but since the arrival of Governor Sloughter with the King's Commission she has not sent a man nor a farthing, though much nearer to our frontier than Long Island (now called Nassau Island) which forms over two-thirds of this Government. Pray remember my requests for relief and defence of this province, and especially the pay of the two companies of Grenadiers. Signed. Ben. Fletcher. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June. Read 18 June, 1694. Annexed, |
|
991. I. Information of Johannes Luykasse. Abstracted above. No 829. IV. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, '94. |
|
991. II. Minutes of the meeting of the Five Nations at Onandaga, by the Jesuit Milet. Abstracted above. No. 829. VII. Translation. 1½ pp. Same endorsement. |
|
991. III. Information of Joseph, a Christian Mohawk who was sent messenger to Oneida, on his return to Albany, 2 December, 1693. I delivered my message to the Sachems of Oneida and told them they were to meet at Albany, as agreed this summer, and that the messenger from Canada with the French letters was to be sent there too. They replied that they knew of no letters from the Governor of Canada, but only of a belt of wampum which was sent to Onandaga at the meeting of the Five Nations. I had some discourse with the messenger from Canada who said that as soon as he reached Montreal he was met by a number of officers, who asked him where were the 800 men of the Five Nations that were to fall on them, since there was a report that he had come to betray the French, and that he would no sooner return than a great party would come to destroy the French.
He was then at once sent down to Quebec, where he delivered his belt of wampum to the Governor and told him that the Five Nations had decided not to hearken to any peace, and that if the Governor were minded to discourse of it he must do so at Albany. The Governor was very wrath and turned his back upon the belt, refusing to receive it, but after consulting with the Jesuits who had formerly been among the Five Nations he took up the belt, and signified his pleasure by sending another belt repeating his demands, viz. that two of each Nation should come to Quebec, acknowledge their error and beg peace, when he would receive them again as children and further send to the children of the Five Nations, who are strangely deluded by the Governor of New York, which Governor has assumed a new and strange name never used by former Governors. "Will you (ran the message) wage war with the French, who have supplies daily from France? If you are killed where have you any recruits to supply your place? You are made to believe that we have war with you, but we have not begun yet. Now I will hang over the great kettle of war and show that I am an enemy to the English; for they of Boston have been here to visit me and promise to come again, but I see none of them and therefore I must go and visit them this winter." Great preparations were making by the French for some design, by their own account against Boston, but more probably against Albany. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd, 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. IV. Peter Schuyler to Governor Fletcher. Albany, 4 December, 1693. As soon as the Indian messenger from Canada arrived I sent for him and for the letters, and desired that two of the principal Sachems should come with him to hear their contents. They say there are no letters, but Joseph tells me that he believes the Sachems will come. Pray tell me what should be said to them if they do come, or what answer shall be sent to them if they do not, for I find that the Indians in general are inclined to peace with the French. I have sent the messenger back to Onandaga with seven bands of wampum for the Sachems, desiring them to come down, reminding them of their promise to meet here and no where else, and telling them not to let themselves be deluded by the French. We have an answer to the belt sent by you to the Onandagas. The four Sachems send you four beaver skins with their thanks, and they say they will come with presents in the spring to treat with you. They say they have peace with New England but that some of their Castles are still at war, and that four of the Sachems were gone to treat with the English. The Jesuit who was among them is gone home to Canada, for as soon as the Indians got rum at Pemaquid they became abusive to him and he was forced to retreat. The French labour hard for a peace with our
Indians: I wish they may not gain their point to our prejudice. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. V. Journal of Major Peter Schuyler's intended journey to the Five Nations, begun 4 January, 1693–4. Having waited fourteen days for the Sachems to come to Albany as they had promised, I set out for Oneida with Major Wessells and an interpreter on the 4th of January and arrived that night at Senectady. Jan. 5. Left Senectady and came to the Maquas' Castle of Tionondoroge. Jan. 6. Went on to the last Castle of the Maquas where we met the Sachems and young Indians convened, who received us kindly, making a long speech. They said, We are discomfited. We thought it was understood that no messages from the Governor of Canada should be received except at Albany, but now we heard that the messenger from Canada is again come to Oneida, and that the French Governor insists for Commissioners to be sent to him from the Five Nations to speak of peace. We doubt not that they are sent by the Four Nations, and we are much troubled that your journey will be hindered by the deep snow. |
|
I answered as follows. You say you lie discomfited, so I come to set you on your feet. You will go with me to the General Meeting which I have called at Oneida. It is true that the messenger is returned from Canada to Oneida, and that the Four Nations have asked the Governor to send Commissioners to a meeting at Onandaga. But before the messenger came to Albany I had sent an express to the Sachems that I expected them and the messenger to come down to Albany. But instead of coming, the Sachems sent us a resolution, written by the Jesuit, asking our advice on it. I have therefore the Governor's orders to make this journey, and I want you to go with me to a meeting which I have called together. |
|
On this the Sachems asked me to stay over Sunday, the 7th, and on the 8th they deputed four of their Sachems to go with me. Jan. 9. Came to the last Castle of the Maquas, which was burnt by the French last spring. Jan. 10. After twelve miles travelling I found the snow so deep that I almost resolved to turn back. On the way an Indian brought us the news which I wrote to you on the 10th, telling us further that the snow was so deep that we could not possibly get on. I therefore sent a belt of wampum to the Four Nations to say how far I had come, and bidding them send me 100 brisk young Indians to Albany and be sure not to send to Canada before first seeing us here. So we arrived at Albany on the 12th. Copy. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. VI. Major Richard Ingoldsby to Governor Fletcher. Albany, 15 January, 1693–4. Since my last Major Schuyler has returned. His own letter will explain the matter. The people here are in great consternation for fear of the enemy, of whom we hear no more, nor believe that we shall. However we are ready for them. I fear nothing
except our Indians betraying us. They have certainly concluded a peace with the French. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. VII. Father Milet to Godefridus Dellius. Oneide, 31 January, 1694. I write unwillingly for I have received no answer to my former letter to you. My brothers, Bannasitiren and Tarsha, make me take pen in hand to ask you what is the meaning of several false reports and ill discourses which dishonour some of the Iroquois. They called me to Onandaga, where they were assembled, and made me write in full council. A Sachem then asked my leave to send the paper to Albany. I told him that it was his wish rather than mine, because I did not approve their reasons in the explanation of the first belt, as being against true Christian speech. The Sachem had ordered the messenger to bring back the said paper and to make three, so that the minister at Albany might inform us in French or Iroquois what they disliked, so that it might be corrected in Council, if convenient. They endeavour to do things so well that they may not be reproached; we are seen from Heaven and from far off upon earth. The messenger in going by said that Major Schuyler was bringing the paper and letters not only from the minister but also from Bonando. All this proves false. They make me write this letter to know what is the truth, and what has been disliked in the explanation of the three belts, for all is not so firmly done that it cannot be altered. I hear that it is discoursed at Albany that my letter must not be carried to Canada; and that the Indians desire to know who is the author of these reports, and if he would have the Ambassadors ill-received or would have them not return. It is well known that without my letter the messenger had not returned as he did; and his return shows the malice of these calumnies and of many others. The Council of Oneida have resolved to send me with the Ambassadors to Canada, so I may be the bearer of your letter myself. Signed. Pierre Milet. P.S.—I have six Spanish pistoles given me to assist the poor, the orphans and the other unhappy wretches of this mission. Pray give them to your lady that she may buy some shirts and some stockings as cheap as possible. I will write to Canada what I shall receive, and they will partake of the benefit and of the glory which will return to God. If this messenger and one of my Indian sisters cannot carry all, pray tell me what is left that I may send for it later. They sent Spanish instead of French gold this time that there might be no suspicion. Our profession obliges us to be obliging to all and to offend none. Why do they then despise us, and why do they endeavour to cry us down by false imputations? It is not enough that we have suffered within these five years. You spoke to me about endeavouring my deliverance, but if these slanderers had been believed my bondage would have been increased rather than relieved. What will these
gentlemen say to God when He makes them sensible of the good treatment given me by the Indians in comparison with what they have said and done against me? Translation. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. VIII. Account of the meeting of Major Peter Schuyler, Mayor, and the Aldermen of Albany, with the Five Nations. Albany, 2 February. The Sachem of the Onandagas spoke as follows. We the representatives of the Five Nations are come to tell you that the Oneidas have of their own accord sent a messenger to Canada, who brought us back a belt of peace from the Governor there. We told him that we could not treat without Governor Fletcher. When Tarrika, the messenger, came to Quebec and gave this answer to the Governor, he was angry and said that he would treat only with the Five Nations, that he was sorry to see the Five Nations so degenerate as to receive the English among them, and that we had done ill in letting the English triumph over us. Finally he bade the messenger tell us to come speedily and speak of peace, or he would stop his ears; and that unless we came before spring he would turn all his force against us and destroy us. Thus far said the Governor of Canada. We make our apology for not taking the letters from Tarrika and for not coming to Albany as soon as the Governor of Canada sent his second belt. The reason was that the chief Sachem, being lame, could not travel, so I, the speaker, took upon me to summon the meeting at Onandaga. At that meeting the Senecas, Cayonges and Oneidas asked why the meeting was not at Albany, and the above reason was given. The same three Nations asked if the Onandagas were resolved to send an answer to Canada, and being told that they were, whereupon they agreed to do likewise. The Onandagas thanked them but said they must first consult the Maquas and obtain the consent of their brethren at Albany. They therefore resolved to send to Albany an account of all their proceedings, for they had determined to send (though not without Major Schuyler's approval) three belts to the Governor of Canada. The first belt was to explain why they had not come before, the second and third to ask for peace not only among the Indians but between the English and French. The Jesuit Milet, who had been sent for, insisted much that he should carry two belts and two proposals to Canada (for he counts as a Sachem) and he spoke as he has written, only with the distinction that Father Lamberville was to return from France not to Onandaga but to Montreal. |
|
The speakers then proceeded to a long discussion as to the private intelligence they had received of the preparations of the French against the Five Nations if they did not make peace, and resumed. This is the true account of all our messages to and from Canada. We now see by his own letters that Milet has deluded us, as Governor
Fletcher had warned us, but we shall not trust him again. Let all our misunderstandings caused by him be forgotten, and let no evil stories of us be believed by you. And give us your advice what we shall do. |
|
3 February. Major Peter Schuyler addressed the Sachems as follows. When the second belt from Canada arrived I sent to inform Governor Fletcher, but I never thought you would have been so treacherous as to call a meeting at Onandaga after your late promises to him. You would have done better to have persuaded the Oneidas to deliver up the Jesuit to us than to accept their advice as you did. I need not enumerate the many things that Governor Fletcher has done for you. This Government has always been true and faithful to you, whereas the French have always been perfidious. When they speak of peace they have war in their hearts. Was it not so at Cadaraqui? I was ashamed to find the Maquas abject and discomfited three weeks ago. It is shameful for you to truckle to the French. If they speak with you in your own country Governor Fletcher will give them passes to do so at Albany, and I now summon you to meet him there in seventy days. Remember two things. Be faithful to your promise to have no correspondence with the French; and be sure to meet Governor Fletcher here in seventy days. |
|
5 February. Answer of the Five Nations to Major Schuyler. We accept your proposals to cease correspondence with the French, and to meet Governor Fletcher here in seventy days. We did not expect the first, but if before the seventy days are gone the enemy do any mischief, let no one complain and let us not blame one another. If there be anything further to be proposed for the common security, let it be done now. Major Schuyler then asked if it was agreed that there should be no correspondence with the French for seventy days; to which they said that they would hinder it. |
|
6 February. Major Schuyler spoke as follows. I am not satisfied with your dubious answer yesterday, and I would have you consider of it and be plain. The heavens are propitious to us, for to-day the fore-runners of the Shawanees are come, saying that a thousand souls are on their way to us. |
|
7 February. The Sachems of the Five Nations said, We have considered what you said yesterday, and beg you to grant what we have considered and desired. Major Schuyler answered that he would gladly grant anything that was right. The Sachems then continued. We accept Canada as closed to us, but we think it necessary to let the Praying Indians know that we shall not come thither in the spring, as the Jesuit Milet has played us false herein. We beg that this may be granted. Major Schuyler thereupon consulted the Aldermen and Justices present, who were unanimous that the request might be granted. The
Indians were accordingly answered that their request was granted, on condition that neither the priest nor any Indian should go or send to Canada until they had spoken with Governor Fletcher, and that the Praying Indians should be told that the Five Nations would not send Commissioners to Canada, and that if the French wished to meet them they must come to Albany. To this the Indians agreed, desiring it to be added, that there be a cessation on both sides till the messengers' return. |
|
9 February. The explanation of the three belts to be sent to the Praying Indians was agreed on and written down, and the messengers started with them on the 10th of February. 12½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. IX. Godefridus Dellius to Father Milet. Albany, 9 February, 1694. You complain that I have not answered your letter. Your own measures obliged me to the contrary, when you write that if the English did not take care they would make themselves sole authors of the war, and so multiply difficulties for themselves that they could not withdraw without recourse to God's mercy. You ought to know that the English do not fear the French, being strong enough to resist them, as was seen in the forest last winter. Moreover the King has ordered the forces of the other Colonies to join those of Albany, so that they are not yet reduced to implore the clemency of your King. You ask my advice as to your explication of the three belts. I tell you sincerely that it is opposed to peace and to your professions of friendship towards the English. Take the words upon the first belt. It gives Count Frontenac a fine game to play in taking the Iroquois as his children, re-establishing their affairs and so forth. Then again the words of the second belt, that they need Father Lamberville for their pastor, are equally open to objection. I leave it to you to judge if these be true methods to advance peace. They are better fit to kindle than extinguish war, so that there is no hope of peace while you continue them. If the French desire peace let them consider the three belts which have been sent this day by the Five Nations to the Praying Indians, of which the signification is written down. I have bought the shirts for you and have sent them by your messengers. Copy. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. X. Godefridus Dellius to Governor Fletcher. Albany. 12 February, 1693–4. While the Indians were here I received the enclosed letters (No. VII.) from Milet, and have written him the enclosed reply (No. IX.). I have written also a French translation of the explanation of the three belts sent to the Praying Indians, at the express desire of one of the messengers. It is almost incredible how much the Indians are inclined to make peace with the French. To divert them I have told the proselytes and other Maquas that they have every reason to be dissatisfied with the other Indians for treating of peace without consulting them.
Through the same means I have infused it into the Four Nations that they cannot make peace with the French without making the English and all the Indians in English territory their enemies; and thus if they again fell to war with the French (as experience teaches that undoubtedly they would) there would be none to whom they could fly for succour. These reasons have prevailed with them for a time, but I fear that they may be upset by the delusive teaching of the Jesuit. I hope that affairs may stay as they are until you come and meet the Indians yourself. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. XI. Major Peter Schuyler to Governor Fletcher. Albany, 14 February, 1694. As the enclosed proceedings will shew you, I have struggled for ten days with the Five Nations. They are weary of war and distrust our ability to protect them. I would not for anything have gone to their meeting at Onandaga. There I should quite have despaired of ever effecting what I have now done, for I never heard them speak with more hesitation. Yet I have gained the time till you come up to meet them, and the message to the Praying Indians will shew the French that their words are not trusted. While we were treating, Luykasse arrived with the news that a good many of the Shawanees will be here next summer and good store of beaver. Many of our young men long to go and meet them. Please give me your orders that not above five or six are to go to Luykasse to meet them, for we know not how we may want our men next summer. I should like to see this place well garrisoned, but fear that our neighbours will continue obstinate. Milet does us a deal of mischief. He wanted to go himself to Canada, which made me the readier to grant their request of sending this way to stop that road. I have sent in the accounts for my journey and entertainment of the Sachems; but I shall think myself well rewarded if I earn your approbation. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. XII. Robert Livingston to Governor Fletcher. Albany, 14 February, 1693. I am apt to think all danger over for this winter. I fear not the French while we have the Five Nations secure, which I hope we shall when you have met them. After ten days' stay they have promised faithfully (but little faith is in them) to hold no correspondence with the French and to meet you here in seventy days. I fear that nothing will prevent their inclination to peace, unless we could make some spoil of the French and make us formidable in their eyes. I blush to think how base people are grown, and that they should so palpably discover it as they do now, by their voluntary gift, as they call it. Never were people more generous than they were to a Papist Governor, who never did nor designed them any good, and now that Heaven has given us a Government of our own religion, we know not what pretence to make to shuffle it off. They may repent
it when too late. The magistrates have appointed persons to view our stockades and I have written warrants for such numbers as are wanting. All our men are in health, not-withstanding that they are on duty every other day. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. |
|
991. XIII. Major Richard Ingoldsby to Governor Fletcher. Albany, 14 February, 1693–4. I have been as cautious as possible in the matter of harassing the people or tiring the men, knowing very well that if they be jaded they will not be fit for service; but the scouts returning before their time owing to the departure of the Indians, the people were so uneasy and timorous that I could have no rest till I doubled the guards. Everyone told me that we could not know within half an hour of the enemy's coming, and this caused me to send for forces from Ulster to be in readiness here. For if they be not in the town at the news of the enemy's approach they can do us no service, for without scouts continually at the lake, we cannot know of the enemy's coming. We have had the Sachems of the Five Nations here, and hope that they may be stopped from correspondence with the enemy till you meet them next spring. They are much terrified by the growing power of the French, and nothing will be more acceptable to them than a peace. In spite of the burden of business laid on you I believe that your presence at the appointed time will be very requisite. If we lose the Five Nations our neighbours that neglect us will smart for it. There are 100 men who came up in October last and were to be relieved on 15 March. Shall I keep them till May and until new relief come up, or will you send me the money to clear them? I hope to wait on you in the middle of March. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. Nos. 47, 47I.–XIII.; and (without enclosures) 48. pp. 105–107.] |
| March 28. |
992. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Colonel Stanton being called in made his defence, and the question was deferred. |
| March 29. |
Several accounts passed and payments ordered. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 274–276.] |
| March 29. |
993. The King to Sir Edmund Andros. Granting him leave to go to any of the neighbouring Colonies for two months in the year for the benefit of his health. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 250.] |
March 29.
Whitehall. |
994. Order of the King in Council. Approving the proposal of Sir Henry Ashurst and Sir Stephen Evans, for the importation of timber and Naval stores, and directing the Lords of the Treasury to see that they are satisfied for the same. Signed. William Blathwayt. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. No. 24; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 342–343.] |
| March 29. |
995. Order of the King in Council. Confirming the Act of Barbados concerning John Kirton. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 73–74.] |
| March 30. |
996. Receipts for packets entrusted to him for the Governors of Massachusetts and New York. Signed. Charles Lodwick. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 48.] |
