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| April 1. |
997. Statement of the pay for five companies of the Barbados regiment, each company consisting of a captain, two lieutenants, three sergeants, three corporals, 2 drummers, 100 privates. Total cost per annum (including field and staff officers) £8,988. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. p. 89.] |
| April 1. |
998. Warrant for the establishment of four companies of foot for New York, and for a chaplain, surgeon, storekeeper, armourer, gunner and two matrosses to be maintained out of the surplusage due to the difference of 30 per cent. between the value of English and New York money. Each company is to consist of a captain, 2 lieutenants, 3 sergeants, 3 corporals, 2 drummers, 100 privates. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. pp. 155–157.] |
| April 2. |
999. The Attorney and Solicitor General to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have inspected the charters of Rhode Island and Connecticut and the grants of East and West New Jersey with a view to uniting the strength of these colonies with New York for purposes of defence. By the charters of Rhode Island and Connecticut the governors and officers of the Companies are empowered to nominate commanders of the militia; but Sir William Phips's commission appointed him commander-in-chief of the forces of both colonies, until in 1693 the power, so far as regards Connecticut, was transferred from him to Governor Fletcher. The representatives of the colonies now agree to furnish the quotas suggested by Mr. Blathwayt, but desire that, except in time of actual invasion and imminent danger, the militia shall remain under the command appointed by their charters, and that at all times a good portion thereof may remain so. We think therefore that the command of the militia rests with the several provinces, but that in times of urgency the King may appoint a commander-in-chief to take command of all. [Board of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 155, 159.] |
| April 2. |
1,000. The King to Governor Russell. To discharge George Andrews and John Bromley from their recognisances, and suspend all prosecutions thereupon; and to report on the case for the signification of the King's further pleasure. Countersigned. J. Trenchard. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 82–84.] |
April 3.
New York. |
1,001. Council of New York to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Governor having gone to Albany to meet the Five Nations, we on his behalf enclose copy of a letter which he has received from Connecticut. We know very well that twice as much can be had or done in this country for ready money as for "country pay," which is their £600 rates. Some pay wheat for this rate, some Indian corn, some beef, pork, pease, butter, cheese, flax, hemp, hides, tallow, soap, tar, etc., at double the value of their purchase for ready money. We are now sending sloops along that coast to gather them up. When the charges are defalcated the net produce of this £600 will scarce amount to £300 New York money,
which is the first assistance from that Colony since Governor Sloughter's arrival. We believe that the Governor has sufficiently represented to you the state of the province; he is unwearied in his service, but the country is so exhausted that it cannot answer his proposals for its defence. It is unfair that the burden should be wholly on us, for if we sink the rest must follow. Signed. Frederyck Flypse, S. van Cortlandt, Wm. Smith, Chid. Brooke, W. Nicolls. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 April [mistake for June]. Read 18 April, 1694. Enclosed, |
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1,001. I. Secretary of Connecticut to Governor Fletcher, Hartford, 20 March, 1694. In obedience to the Royal order our General Court has granted towards the maintenance of the frontier at Albany £600, to be paid as it shall rise in the rate and at the price of the last county rate, to be delivered in our ports and shipped at your risk and charge. All is gathered and ready to be shipped as soon as you shall send vessels, which we beg that you will speedily. Signed. John Allyn. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,001. II. Address of certain loyal subjects of Hartford County, Connecticut, to Governor Fletcher. Our hearty thanks to Their Majesties for the commission of lieutenancy in our militia, and to yourself for your speedy visit to us as an earnest of Their Majesties' intention to restore their immediate government over us. We know your wisdom, vigour, and moderation in the government of New York, and we observe with regret what exception the Royal favour has met with in Connecticut. Your proclamations as to your commission have not been published as you expected, and are only lately and by accident come to our hands. We hasten to acknowledge it, and to acknowledge thus King William and Queen Mary to be our rightful sovereigns and yourself commander-in-chief of the militia. But it is hard for us to serve two masters, and we hope that you will represent our state at home. We desire no revenge, but we claim to receive justice in the Royal Courts and by the Royal laws for the security of our lives, liberty, and property, which can never be when the administration of justice is monopolised by a corporation. We beg therefore your intercession with Their Majesties on our behalf. Signed. Gershom Bulkeley. and by 34 others. Copy. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June, 1694. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. Nos. 49, 49 I., II.; and (without enclosures) 48. pp. 108, 109.] |
| April 3. |
1,002. Receipt for a packet to be delivered to Sir William Phips at Massachusetts. Signed. Robert Maxwell. Scrap. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. No. 25.] |
| April 5. |
1,003. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir William Phips. Directing him to give all possible assistance to Sir Henry Ashurst and Sir Stephen Evans in providing Naval stores (see No. 983). [Board of Trade. New England, 35. pp. 61–62; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol C., pp. 341–343.] |
April 5.
Jamaica. |
1,004. Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Beeston to Lords of Trade and Plantations. My last was of 12 February. Since then we can get no men to man our armed sloops, so that the money raised for that purpose now lies still. I have therefore issued writs for an Assembly for 7 May next in order to devote the money to some other purpose. I shall also bring the collection of the quit-rents and other matters before them. Not being able to make our attack in Petit Guavos, we feared that the French, being collected there for defence, might turn and attack us. I therefore at the country's desire proclaimed martial law, though I shall take it off on the 7th May because of the elections. Meanwhile it has greatly helped forward the second new bastion of Fort Charles. One Captain Stapleton, a Roman Catholic, has lately run away to the French, with a vessel belonging to this Island and £1,000, out of which he has cheated his friends. By intercepted letters to his wife I find that he threatens us hard. I have written to Colonel Codrington to confiscate an estate that he owns in Montserrat. He has also money in England, which can be found by enquiry of the Jamaica merchants. I have received no directions from you nor from the Admiralty since my coming, so I am obliged to use my own judgment in all things and hope that you will put a good construction on my intentions. The country has of late been finely freed of the "shakes," which by degrees seems to abate. We are very healthy, if the coming in of hotter weather do not alter it, and we are very peaceable among ourselves; but if we continue to decrease and the French to increase, what is to become of the country? We have no news yet of the men-of-war and ships from England. The delaying of them till so late is a vast prejudice, for it means that they arrive here in the summer and go home in the winter. The extent of the Island and the planting of it by the coast tempt people much to break the law by sending produce by stealth to Curaçoa and bringing back European goods. It is impossible to watch the whole Island, but the officers have lately seized two sloops, which have been condemned. I beg to be allowed the King's share to pay for the attendance on the sick men of the Falcon and to put the King's house into tolerable condition. Signed. Wm. Beeston. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 June. Read 14 Aug. 1694. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 31; and 53. pp. 189–191.] |
April 5.
Treasury
Chambers. |
1,005. Secretary of the Treasury to William Blathwayt. Forwarding copy of a presentment from the Commissioners of Customs on a proposal of Virginia merchants. Signed. Hen. Guy. ½ p. Endorsed, Read 18 June, 1694. Annexed, |
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1,005. I. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. 22 February, 1694. The principal merchants of Virginia and Maryland have complained that their trade is greatly injured by ships trading directly from Scotland and Ireland to Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania and from thence back again, without paying duty. To prevent this they suggest that a small vessel of competent force and under a competent commander may cruise where necessary, and that the books of the Collectors may be inspected by
the same; it being alleged that former commanders of the King's ships were too unskilful in such matters and the ships themselves of too heavy draught. We agree in this recommendation, and we beg also that letters may be written to the Government of Scotland on the subject. Signed. Robert Southwell, R. Temple, Jo. Werden, J. Warde. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Original read, 18 June, 1694. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. Nos. 46, 46I.; and 36. pp. 259–261.] |
April 5.
Whitehall. |
1,006. Order of the King in Council. Referring the memorial of John Taylor to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. William Bridgeman. ½ p. Annexed, |
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1,006. I. Memorial of John Taylor to the Lords of the Admiralty. Praying for an order that his agents and workmen may not be molested in New England, where he has a contract for supply of masts and bowsprits, and has already built one fourth-rate ship. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 16 April, 1694. Read 15 May, 1694. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. Nos. 85, 85 I.; and (without enclosure) Col. Entry Bk., Vol C., p. 346.] |
| April 6. |
1,007. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor before his departure recommended to the Council the consideration of the management of the £600 granted by Connecticut, and hereon it was ordered that a letter be written to the Lords of Trade pointing out that this contribution is the first given by Connecticut since Governor Sloughter's arrival, and that being paid in country rates, with expenses of collection deducted, the amount will not exceed £300 New York money. Two members set apart to go to Connecticut for the money. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., 517–518.] |
| April 7. |
1,008. Minutes of Council of Assembly of Montserrat. Acts passed to prevent adulteration of indigo, for billeting officers and soldiers of the King's regiments, to prevent abuses that may arrive through persons returning in the lists of their families (sic), and to raise a levy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 327.] |
April 9.
Jamaica. |
1,009. Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Beeston to Sir John Trenchard. One Captain Stapleton has lately deserted us (see No. 1,004). The Jamaica merchants can tell you in whose hands his estate in England lies. One Henry Badger has also been here and has beaten a man to death. He was tried and sentenced to death, but was recommended to mercy, so I have reprieved him pending signification of the Royal pleasure. I know not to whom application will be made for him, for he is very poor and no more than a waterman. The country is very peaceable but the French constantly land and plunder us, and we are very weak in men. We much want the fleet from England, which by arriving so late will, I fear, again endanger the health both of sea-men and passengers. H.M.S. Advice has lain in Port Royal for months for want of seamen and I have not been able to man our two Island sloops for the same reason, in spite of high wages and a
promise of full share of all captures. You see our danger if we get no recruits. Signed. Wm. Beeston. 1½ pp. Endorsed, R., 12 June, 1694. [America and West Indies. 540. No. 38.] |
April 12.
Whitehall. |
1,010. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Major Joseph Crispe to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ¼ p. Annexed, |
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1,010. I. Petition of Major Joseph Crispe to the King. I was sent from St. Christophers to Barbados to raise a regiment for the security of the Island, which by the help of Governor Stede I did; but meanwhile the rebellious Irish rose, the French took the Island, and I, who had made £20,000 there, was ruined. I had nothing left but the ship which carried me to Barbados, which was taken up as a transport for your Majesty's service, and since has been lost. No compensation has been paid to me. I beg that the value of the vessel and of what I lost in her may be made good to me from the casual revenues of Barbados and the Leeward Islands. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 13 April, 1694. Read 17 Aug. 1694. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. Nos. 37, 37 I.; and (without enclosure) 44. p. 183.] |
| April 12. |
1,011. Report of the Attorney General. On the petition of Stephen Duport, I am informed by Mr. Archibald Hutchinson that all the negroes in the Island were divided among the soldiers as pillage, and that the accounts for the same have been passed. Though he thinks it hard that he should lose his property, which was always his own and was never taken by the French, yet he submits to this so far as concerns such portions thereof as were bona fide made over to the army, only asking for such portions as cannot be claimed by the army, which I think may be granted. Signed. Edwd. Ward. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. pp. 175–178.] |
April 12.
Whitehall. |
1,012. Order of the King in Council. That the Attorney General prepare a suitable letter on Stephen Duport's behalf. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. p. 178.] |
| April 13. |
1,013. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The West Indian merchants attended on the business of convoys. |
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Governor Fletcher's letter of 22 January read (see No. 829) and decision thereon taken. The quotas to be furnished by the various Colonies fixed. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 285–288.] |
| April 13. |
1,014. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To recommend that the Jamaica convoy may be allowed to accompany the Barbados convoy within sight of Barbados, and that they sail from the Downs on the 20th of April at latest; and that the Jamaica convoy do not stop at Barbados, except in case of necessity, and that none of the men belonging to it be allowed to be pressed at Barbados without the Governor's leave, which shall not be granted except on the greatest exigency. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 32.] |
| April 13. |
1,015. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The present condition of New York and the Charters of Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Jersey having been considered, together with the opinion of the law-officers as to the command of the militia therein, it was agreed to advise that suitable directions in accordance there-with be sent to the Governors of New York and Connecticut and that the quota of Connecticut be fixed at 120 men. 1¼ pp. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 50; and 48. pp. 114, 115.] |
| April 14. |
1,016. Minutes of Council of Virginia. William Randolph sworn Attorney General. Order for the ships assembled at Point Comfort to sail on May 8th. The justices of two counties ordered to see to the punishment of certain negroes, for whose trial a special commission is judged unnecessary. Order for a proclamation for furthering the laws concerning negroes and for restraining the licentious liberty granted them by several masters. (Copy of this proclamation 15 April, 1694. p. 875.) An account of certain riotous proceedings in Elizabeth City County referred to the Attorney General for prosecution of the offenders. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 851–854.] |
| April 16. |
1,017. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for sending bills of exchange for £250 immediately to New York. List of the bills. Roger Newman appointed to be the bearer of them. James Bigger appointed Ranger on the west side Patuxent River, with orders to sell all unmarked horses for the King, instead of marking them or turning them out as heretofore. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 13. pp. 10–12; and 12. pp. 63–71.] |
| April 17. |
1,018. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Orders for sundry payments. The Assembly brought up the bill for raising a levy, which was passed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 451, 452.] |
| April 17. |
1,019. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The bill for a levy passed as amended by Council. Order for payment of £100 to Captain Charles Coates for his good service to the Island against the French. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 366, 367.] |
| April 17. |
1,020. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Petition of the prize-master for a Court of Admiralty for condemnation of a prize taken by H.M.S. Wolf. Sentence of the Court condemning the vessel. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 286, 287.] |
| April 17. |
1,021. Minutes of Council of New York. Resolved to send salt provisions up to Albany for the troops, and that Peter Schuyler be required to provide them with pease. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 518, 519.] |
April 19.
Whitehall. |
1,022. Order of the King in Council. On the petition of the Colony of Connecticut, the report of the Attorney and Solicitor-General was read, as follows. 2 April, 1694. We have examined the Charters of Connecticut, Rhode Island and East and West New Jersey, as ordered, and we have heard Colonel Winthrop and his counsel on behalf of Connecticut, Mr. Almy and his counsel on behalf of Rhode Island, and Dr. Cox on behalf of the Jerseys.
Colonel Winthrop and Mr. Almy are prepared to agree to the quotas suggested by Mr. Blathwayt but desire that the rest of the militia may remain under the same control as heretofore. We think that the charters of these Governments give the ordinary power over the militia to these Governments, but we think that the Crown has power to appoint a Commander-in-Chief over the quotas to be furnished in time of war and at times of great emergency over the whole of their militia, but that in time of peace the command of the militia ought to revert to the Governors of the several Colonies. |
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Report approved; and it was ordered that the quota of Connecticut be 120 men at all times during war, to be commanded by the Governor of New York. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. pp. 116–126.] |
| April 19. |
1,023. Order of the King in Council. For hastening the despatch of the recruits and the two additional companies to New York. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. p. 158.] |
April 19.
Whitehall. |
1,024. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of William Alexander to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Annexed, |
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1,024. I. Petition of William Alexander, on behalf of himself and of the younger children of the late Earl of Stirling, to the King. For the grant of a tract of three degrees of latitude and six of longitude, adjoining on the north west bounds of Pennsylvania; in lieu of the propriety of Long Island which the late Earl conveyed to James, Duke of York, in consideration of an annuity which has never been paid. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. and read 22 May, 1694. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. Nos. 51, 51 I.; and 48. pp. 100–102.] |
| April 21. |
1,025. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The Attorney General was ordered to prosecute two men for incestuous marriages. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 854–855.] |
| April 23. |
1,026. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The prosecution of Tony, a negro, for breaking and entering, referred to the County Court of York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 855.] |
| April 24. |
1,027. The King to Governor Codrington. Directing him to restore to Stephen Duport his plantation, and such other of his property as cannot be claimed as pillage by the army. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. pp. 179–181.] |
| April 24. |
1,028. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Thomas Smith. We are surprised to hear of yours of 12 October of the strong ferment of discontent among the people, of your despair of allaying it, and of your intention to move with several others to some different part of America. We hope that this will find the country quieter and your fears abated. Inform us of the people's grievances, and we doubt not to satisfy them. You will assist the Receiver-General to collect our quit-rents, and also by degrees the four years' arrears also. We expect two years' arrears by next Michaelmas, and so on till all be paid in full, and we think this reasonable, as at the
beginning of our planting people were given their land rent free for fifteen years. We desire an account of the lands said to be taken up on our account, and we cannot understand how the general pardon, which was sent in the same box with the other writings, has failed to reach you. You say the people complain that no rent or purchase money can be paid, as the Lords have not joined in the power sent by them; but these complaints have no ground whatever. We are willing to amend our orders as to our wharves, to meet people's wishes. Lord Bath is admitted a proprietor. Sir Peter Colleton is dead, and has bequeathed his proprietorship to his son Sir John. Signed. Craven, Bath, Ashley, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 13.] |
| April 24. |
1,029. The same to the Governor and Deputies. Amending the rule as to wharves at Charlestown. Signed as the preceding. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 14.] |
| April 26. |
1,030. Minutes of Council of Nevis. The Assembly agreed to the Council's nomination of James Bevan (?) to be Treasurer. Articles describing the duties to be performed by the Treasurer. Joint Committee appointed to inspect the Island's accounts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 287, 288.] |
| April 26. |
1,031. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for money to be sent up to Albany for payment of the troops that are to be discharged on 1st May; and for sale of the grain from Connecticut to the best advantage. Warrant ordered for issue of ammunition. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 519.] |
| April 26. |
1,032. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Philip Ludwell. We are sorry to hear of the differences among you. We send copy of a paper signed by us in your favour, which will show you that we look upon evil reports as a result of their unhappy animosities. Sir Peter Colleton is dead and Lord Bath admitted a Proprietor. Signed. Craven, Bath, Ashley, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 14.] |
| April 26. |
1,033. Minutes of Council of Virginia. On consideration of a letter from Governor Fletcher, ordered that £500 be remitted to him. Order for exempting the College lands in Pamunkey Neck and to south of James River from the restraints otherwise imposed thereon. Order for the documents as to the College, which are in the Secretary's office, to be delivered to the Governors. The Council concurred with the Governor that it would be well for him to go to Maryland. |
| April 27. |
William Heslett appointed Surveyor of the south west side of Elizabeth river, and William Lowry, appointed Surveyor of Warwick and Elizabeth City Counties. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 856–859.] |
| April 27. |
1,034. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Governor and Deputies of South Carolina. Authorizing them to assent to any Act as to juries which uses the form prescribed in the 67th article of the
Constitutions. Signed. Craven, Bath, Ashley, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 15.] |
