|
| Oct. 16. |
Bill for eighty men sent up by the Representatives, amended so as to raise the eighty men to one hundred and the pay from eight-pence to a shilling a day, and passed. Bill to encourage the making of linseed and rapeseed oil read first time. Courts Bill read once and amended. |
| Oct. 17. |
The Assembly still persisting in voting no more than 80 men, the Governor moved that the bill for the same be rejected, as it would otherwise be a precedent for the Assembly to judge of the number of men needful for defence of the frontier and of the pay to be given to them; and the bill was rejected accordingly. Bill to encourage the making of rapeseed and linseed oil passed. The Representatives were then summoned, and the Governor made them the following speech. "I cannot accept your answer to my proposals. Knowing the burden laid on the Colony by the necessity of furnishing troops for the frontier I have applied repeatedly to neighbouring Colonies, though without success, and to England where the King has not only made up his two existing companies here to full strength
but has added two more, making up 400 men, besides giving us stores of war. The pay of these men is but eightpence a day, which in Europe is sufficient; but here, if twopence be stopped for clothing and fivepence halfpenny for victuals, it is easy to sum up what remains; and they cannot do their duty without money to buy shoes, stockings and shirts. I propose to you therefore to grant them fourpence additional a day, following the good example of Barbados, Nevis and Antigua, which have raised money to provide all the quarters of officers and men. I cannot apply to the King for fresh succours nor excuse your conduct to him. If you persist in it, I wash my hands of the consequences. I have my privileges as Captain General even as you have as an Assembly, derived from the same power. I tell you once more that I cannot do with less than 100 additional men for the frontier, and if you persist in opening your gates to the enemy I will put no hand to so vile a work. So I call upon you to vote one shilling a day for an additional hundred men, and to make up the pay of the men already on the frontier to the same sum, without which they cannot subsist." |
| Oct. 19. |
The Answer of the Representatives to the Governor's speech was considered, and the following reply to it sent down. "Grateful actions are a better method of expressing thankfulness than grateful words. It is true that 8d. a day has been the usual pay for soldiers, but 12d. has also been given and 18d. not thought too much, the rate of wages and the price of clothes, etc., being considered. The money raised from the Colony has not been burdensome, though the detachment of men to the frontiers has weakened the Colony; and we have suffered no such spoil as many of our neighbours who have been at much greater expense. Many of our neighbours grant 12d. a day and some more to their mercenary soldiers. We are in no way weakened by the war, and the extra pay can well be afforded. If harm come of the dilatoriness of the Representatives, the Council disclaim all responsibility for it. A bill has therefore been sent down to provide pay of 12d. a day for the men." |
| Oct. 20. |
The votes of the Representatives read, when it appeared that the money voted for 100 men fell short of their pay and incidents at 8d. a day. A member of Council was sent down to report this to the Representatives. The Representatives sent up a bill for raising 100 men and £500 for the reinforcement at Albany, with a message promising to complete the necessary sum next session. The bill was read twice, and the King's order for rebuilding the chapel in the fort was sent down for the consideration of the Representatives. The bill for 100 men consented to, with an amendment. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 706–716.] |
| Oct. 15. |
1,414. Journal of House of Burgesses of Maryland. Surveyors nominated, Mr. Speaker (Robert Smith) being appointed Surveyor General. Bill to encourage sowing of hemp and flax deferred to next session. On the question of land-records, resolved that they still be kept in the Secretary's office. Order for an address of thanks to Lord Baltimore for throwing open the land-office. Message to the Governor deprecating the entertainment of foreign Indians. Certain bills advanced and amended. Several disputed
points settled at a conference. Order for 60l. to be allowed to Sir T. Laurence for his services as president of the Provincial Court. |
| Oct. 16. |
Salary of Councillors voted to be 150lbs. of tobacco per day. Address to Lord Baltimore, thanking him for continuing the old system of law-grants, and asking for full powers for his agents in respect thereof and for his instructions as to escheats. Bills concerning executions and concerning debts deferred to next session. Burgesses' message as to New York and the impossibility of giving her further assistance. Address to the King, praying for permission for a law for advancement of coins. Nine bills signed. Resolved that letters be written to several more of the Bishops about the school. |
| Oct. 17. |
Six more bills signed. The House concurred unanimously with the proceedings for exoneration of Sir Thomas Laurence, and as to the illegality of his imprisonment. Warrant for several payments. Sundry payments allowed. The House refused to allow the Council larger salaries than already proposed. Message from the Governor as to the Bishop of London's Commissary read, and the matter deferred till next Session. Message from the Burgesses censuring the illegal treatment of Sir T. Laurence by Governor Copley, and vindicating his character. List of subscriptions of the Council towards the erection of the free school. Provision made for building a church in Anne Arundel County next year. |
| Oct. 18. |
The joint Committee on the shilling per hogshead duty was increased. Message from the Council asking the Assembly to join in addressing the King to appoint some suitable divine as suffragan bishop, in order to exclude Dr. William Payne. Message from the Burgesses, agreeing to the proposal, provided that it mean no expense to the country. Sundry accounts and payments considered. Address to the Governor thanking him for his zeal and generosity towards the province. The House attended the Governor, who gave his assent to thirty-three Acts and adjourned the Assembly. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 393–411.] |
| Oct. 15. |
1,415. Minutes of Council of Maryland in Assembly. Address from the Burgesses for the liberation of George Mason and William Burley on bail. The question referred to the Attorney General. The Assembly's message as to Naval stores read and concurred with; and the Governor asked the members of both houses to do their best therein. The Council agreed with the votes of the Burgesses for distribution of powder, and housing of the land-records. Sundry amendments to bills proposed and considered. |
| Oct. 16. |
A number of messages from the Burgesses as to the amendment of bills, and the distribution of ammunition. Thirteen acts agreed to. Message from the Burgesses as to Sir Thomas Laurence; for which he returned his thanks, and offered his services to the province on his approaching visit to England. The Assembly's opinion against prohibiting bulk-tobacco. The messages between Council and Assembly as to the appointment of a suffragan bishop. The Governor asked for information as to the old system of land-grants and fees, which the Council explained to him. Orders as to payments. Resolution of the Burgesses as to the county levy for building of churches agreed to. The Assembly's message as to the
impossibility of giving further help to New York, in which the Council concurred. The Assembly's address of thanks to the Governor. Sir Thomas Laurence appointed Thomas Brooke to be his deputy during his absence, who was approved. The Governor then adjourned the Assembly. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 299–315.] |
| Oct. 16. |
1,416. Minutes of General Assembly of Massachusetts. Additional Bill for support of Ministers read a first time. Petition for a township to be erected in North Purchase, Bristol County, sent to the Representatives. |
| Oct. 17. |
A Bill additional to the Act for Courts of Justice read, also additional bills to the Act for Representatives and the Act for suppressing unlicensed houses. |
| Oct. 18. |
Additional Ministers Bill amended, also the Bill to enable towns, etc., to be sued. The expenses of the late Commissioners to Albany, amounting to £100, were ordered to be paid. |
| Oct. 19. |
Bill to erect Attleborough township passed. Abatement of £20 in the assessment of Wenham approved. Order for collection of arrears in the town of Dedham. |
| Oct. 20. |
Abatement of £20, out of the tax lately granted, allowed to Lancaster towns. Additional Bill to the Courts Act read again. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 465–469.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,417. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Further evidence taken as to the charges against the Governor, Nathaniel Byfield attending as Mr. Brenton's attorney. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., p. 276.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,418. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to James Colleton. Mr. Archdale is going Governor. Your salary will be paid and £20 only deducted for the arrears for your barony, in consideration of your sufferings. Signed. Craven, Bath, Wm. Thornburgh for Sir J. Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 21.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,419. Additional instructions to John Archdale. (1) To enquire as to the grant of lands at a farthing an acre by Governor Ludwell. (2) To intimate that the boundaries of Albemarle County are Virginia and Albemarle Sound. (3) He may open land north of Cape Fear to settlement. (4) He will see to the payment of James Colleton's salary. (5) He may erect Counties in the newly-opened country and (6) sell land in Albemarle County, but not under £10 per 1,000 acres. Signed as the preceding with Archdale's name omitted. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 21.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,420. Warrants of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina for the survey of 12,000 acres of land to Thomas Amy at a rent of £6, and of 6,000 acres to Gabriel Odingsell at a rent £3. Signed. Craven, Bath, Wm. Thornburgh for Sir J. Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 22.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,421. Warrant of the same for payment of salary of £200 a year to John Archdale. Signed as the preceding, also by Tho. Amy. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 23.] |
Oct. 17.
Whitehall. |
1,422. John Povey to the Commissioners for Transportation. Directing them to take up shipping for transport of ten tons of stores and thirty men of the Ordnance Department to Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 291.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,423. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Form of a Provincial Court Commission read and approved, and the Commission issued. List of the justices. County Court Commission also issued. List of the justices in the several Counties. Order for three Provincial Courts to sit in the year, in February, April and September, that the Court of Chancery sit a few days later, and the Governor in Council to hear appeals two days after the Chancery Court; Sir Thomas Laurence to find a registrar in Chancery, and the Clerk of Council to be clerk of the Appeal Court (pp. 116–118). The Council informed the Governor that Sir Edmund Andros had received £500 from Maryland for his services; (the accounts of his expenses during his two visits were also produced, amounting to £100) but that Sir Edmund never inspected the militia nor left St. Maries at all, except when he departed from it for good. Letter from the Receiver General to Sir Edmund Andros, of 16 August read, asking for an account of the £500 given to him. Sir Edmund's answer of 31 August also read, expressing surprise at the receipt of it. Kenelm Cheseldyn ordered to continue in the office of Commissary General, for the present (pp. 128–131). |
| Oct. 18. |
A new Commission as Commissary General issued to Kenelm Cheseldyn (p. 131). William Pierce and Richard Hill sworn as Naval officers, and Thomas Smithson ordered to be sworn also. John Hurle's petition for a share of prize money deferred, pending instructions from the Admiralty (pp. 133, 134). [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. as cited.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,424. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Assembly brought up an order for payment of £200 towards the expenses of his change of residence, and reminded him about two bills lying before the Council, to amend which a joint Committee was appointed. |
| Oct. 18. |
The two bills were amended and sent down to the Assembly, who brought up a bill to forbid the sale of goods to negroes. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 484–486; and Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 21, 22.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,425. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Thomas Meyrick's fine remitted on his giving reasons for his absence. A present of £200 voted to the Governor. |
| Oct. 18. |
Bill to regulate elections ordered, with a clause to prevent undue influence of officials; also a supplementary Militia Bill, and a Bill to prohibit the employment of negroes in selling. Message from the Governor recommending the consideration of a search for springs of water, especially near the forts, lodgment for soldiers, pay of officers and appointment of an agent at home. Supply Bill received from Council and passed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 383–385.] |
| [Oct. 18.] |
1,426. Copy of correspondence between Governor Fletcher and the Government of Maryland on the subject of the defence of the frontier. Governor Fletcher to Governor Nicholson. 24 September, 1694. I congratulate you on your arrival. Your Council will tell
you how matters stand between Maryland and New York. The accounts and protested bills for £483 were sent to them. Sir Thomas Laurence in his last letter excused the non-payment of that money at that time, the revenue being indebted, and promised that care should be taken for it in the next Assembly, which I believe is now effected by your conduct. I have sent you a copy of my treaty with the Five Nations. You will see that they are apprehensive of the inequality of their burden of the war and have patched up a peace with Canada, in which I was obliged to acquiesce, not being in a condition to make war with them. It greatly concerns Maryland as well as other Colonies that the Indians should be steadfast to us, and the frontier secure. Had we had sufficient force to assure our posts on the frontier, matters would not have gone so far. I enclose a new scheme of joint assistance, which I have also sent to Sir Edmund Andros. Remember that Count Frontenac is at Montreal with a large force, and has some design in hand. ½ p. |
|
Committee of Council of New York to the Governor of Maryland. We had made a computation of the cost of stationing 500 men with their officers at Albany. Their pay will amount to £11,813 per annum. Firewood, light, bedding, hospitals, etc., will cost £1,386 and presents to the Indians £1,000; making a total of £14,200. If the 400 King's troops arrive, this total will be reduced to £7,398, as the King's pay must be supplemented, being of itself insufficient. If no King's troops arrive we put Maryland's quota at £1,700, and fifty men; if the King's troops do arrive her quota will be £885. (The quotas for the other Colonies are given.) |
|
Information of a Maqua who had escaped from Canada, 2 Sept., 1694. As to great preparations for an expedition at Montreal, and of Count Frontenac's threats to turn it against Albany. 1 p. |
|
Governor of Maryland to Governor Fletcher. St. Maries, 18 October, 1694. Your letter of 24 September with its enclosures has been laid before the Council and Burgesses. I enclose you their answer. Our revenue is very precarious; we have no fund of money and at present are much in arrears. ½ p. |
|
Minute of the Burgesses of Maryland enclosed in the above, 16 October, 1694. Our vast expense since the Revolution and the constant burdens upon us prevent us from giving any supply or assistance to New York, but we are very grateful for our inclusion in the treaty with the Indians. 1 p. |
|
Minute of a Conference between the Council and Burgesses of Maryland, 15 October, 1694. Agreed that it is undesirable to entertain foreign Indians in Maryland, and that they be recommended to go to Pennsylvania or New York. 1 p. The whole, 6¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 26 Aug. '95. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 78.] |
| Oct. 18. |
1,427. Duplicate of the preceding, without the letter of the Governor of Maryland of 18 October or its enclosures. 4 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 26 Aug. '95. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 79.] |
| Oct. 18. |
1,428. Minutes of Council of New York. Patents for land granted to Eugenie Burger, Thomas and George Hall, and a new patent ordered for John Van Comp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 573, 574.] |
| Oct. 19. |
1,429. Certificates of the King's physicians, passing the medicines for the Jamaica expedition after inspection, and recommending Dr. William Fleming to be physician and Mr. William Mortimer to be apothecary to the forces. Signed. J. Hutton, Tho. Millington, Ch. Harel, Ch. Fraiser. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 302.] |
| Oct. 19. |
1,430. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Such of the Councillors as were also Collectors were asked by the Governor to furnish him with returns of ships from 1690, and to be zealous in their duty. The Justices of Nancymond Court appeared, and were discharged on expressing contrition. Colonel Hamilton's proposals for postal service read and Mr. Heyman ordered to attend next Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 884, 885.] |
| Oct. 20. |
1,431. Minutes of Council of New York. Committees appointed to examine the accounts of Robert Livingston and of the people of Albany. Order for payment for transport of the great guns. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 574.] |
| Oct. 20. |
1,432. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. The taking of evidence on the charges against the Governor was concluded. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., p. 276.] |
Oct. 20.
Maryland. |
1,433. The Governor, Council and Assembly of Maryland to the Duke of Shrewsbury. Congratulations on his becoming again principal Secretary of State. Pray recommend our petition to the King. Signed. Francis Nicholson, Thomas Laurence, Robert Smith, Speaker of Assembly. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 110.] |
| [Oct.] |
1,434. Petition of the Council and Burgesses of Maryland to the King. Asking to be exempted from future calls to assist New York as, though the safety of New York adds to the safety of Maryland, yet the province has to furnish guards against foreign Indians, and has been much burdened by the war and by poverty. Asking further that the fourth part of the public revenue, given for supply of the country with arms, may, when such arms are sufficiently furnished, be appropriated to the general support of the Government. Signed. Hen. Jowles, and by ten members of Council; Robert Smith, and by thirty-eight members of Assembly. Large sheet. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 111.] |
| Oct. 20. |
1,435. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order for two months' more bread to be provided for the Jamaica expedition. The memorial of Colonel Lillingston and Mr. Murrey for more accommodation referred to the Treasury. Mr. Clark desired to report as to the present condition of Colonel Northcott's regiment. Copy of Colonel Lillingston's memorial as to his despatches referred to the Treasury, also the estimate of stores for sick men, and Colonel Lillingston's memorial as to his brother's arrears in Colonel Hamilton's regiment. Order for Captain Prince to embark his men on a man-of-war or a transport, as he shall find convenience. |
|
The question of the convoys for the outward trade considered. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 362–367.] |
Oct. 20.
Whitehall. |
1,436. John Povey to Henry Guy. Forwarding the estimate of cost of provisions for sick soldiers, for the approval of the Treasury. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 292, 293.] |
Oct. 20.
Whitehall. |
1,437. John Povey to William Bridgeman. Directing him to order the preparation of two months' additional allowance of bread for 1841 men for the Jamaica expedition. [Board of Trade, Jamaica, 53. pp. 293, 294.] |
Oct. 20.
Whitehall. |
1,438. John Povey to the Commissioners for Transportation. Directing them to provide shipping for two months' allowance of bread for the troops in the Jamaica expedition, giving also an estimate for the same. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 294, 295.] |
| Oct. 20. |
1,439. John Povey to Henry Guy. Reminding him of the memorial from Colonel Lillingston as to his instructions, money and credit which was sent for consideration of the Treasury; Colonel Lillingston having sent another memorial as to his instructions, and asking what accommodation field-officers will have on board the transports. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp.299, 300.] |
Oct. 20.
Whitehall. |
1,440. John Povey to Henry Guy. Colonel Lillingston has asked as to the accommodation of field-officers on the transport vessels; and Commissary Murrey has asked for accommodation on board a man-of-war, besides that for his office and clerks in a transport, that he may more conveniently receive the orders of the Commander-in-Chief. Their memorials are forwarded for the opinion of the Treasury. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 301.] |
Oct. 22.
Victualling
Office |
1,441. Commissioners for Victualling to John Povey. We submit an estimate of the cost of two months' more bread for the Jamaica expedition. It will bring the cost of victualling them up to £8,488. Signed. Tho. Papillon, Tim. Mayne, John Agar, Hum. Ayles. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 295, 296.] |
Oct. 22.
Transport
Office. |
1,442. Commissioners for Transportation to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Submitting estimate of freight for two months' additional allowance of bread for 1,841 men. Total, £718. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 297.] |
| Oct. 22. |
1,443. Minutes of General Assembly of New York. The bill for 100 men for the frontier was passed, the Representatives having accepted the Council's amendment. The Act was forthwith published. The Representatives' answer to the message as to the rebuilding of the chapel in the fort was read; and it was replied that it was not their advice which was asked for, but their willingness to establish a fund for the purpose. |
| Oct. 23. |
The Representatives, in reply to a message, said that they had read a bill twice and would send it up to-morrow. |
| Oct. 24. |
Bill to raise £600 for rebuilding the chapel read thrice and passed. The Governor then thanked the Assembly and after exhorting them to unanimity and the putting away of groundless jealousies, prorogued them to 1st March, 1695. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 716–718.] |
| Oct. 22. |
1,444. Minutes of General Assembly of Massachusetts. Additional Bill to the Courts' Act passed. Abatement of £50 on the late tax allowed to inhabitants of Groton. |
| Oct. 23. |
Additional Bill to the Courts' Act assented to. Sarah Price's private Act passed. Abatements in the late tax granted to the town of Oxford and to the whole county of York. |
| Oct. 24. |
Additional Bill for suppression of unlicensed houses amended. Act for granting a tax read and debated. Vote of the Representatives for sending an Agent to England negatived. Bill for regulation of ferries amended. |
| Oct. 25. |
Bills for regulation of ferries, and to enable towns, etc., to be sued, read and passed. Joint Committee appointed to draw up an address to Their Majesties, and instructions for the Agency. |
| Oct. 26. |
The Governor assented to Sarah Price's Act and the Act for regulation of ferries. £22 granted to Samuel White and his twenty-six troopers for their services on the frontier. Bill for a tax again debated. |
| Oct. 27. |
Bill to enable towns, etc., to be sued, assented to. Bills for a tax and for granting £500 to the Governor passed. Committee appointed to load a ship with Naval stores for England. Abatement on arrears of taxation granted to the constables of Dartmouth. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 468–474.] |
| Oct. 23. |
1,445. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Governor Fletcher's letter of 24 September, with a new scheme of defence, was read. The Council decided that the Colony could not at present afford to give further assistance. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 885–886.] |
Oct. 24.
Barbados. |
1,446. Governor Russell to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since my last of 25 September, a storm of wind and severe sickness have altered our condition greatly for the worse. On 27th September, in the afternoon, there rose a hard gale, with heavy storms of rain, between south and south west, bringing with it a heavy tumbling sea. The Bristol, which was riding pretty far out in Carlisle Bay, slipped her cable and went to sea, or she must have shared the fate of some of the rest. The Play, prize, rode out the gale in Carlisle Bay, as did some others, but many were cast away, of which I enclose a list. This weather lasted from Thursday till Sunday morning, and on Friday, seeing the ships drive, I marched a company of foot to the beach to be ready to help any men that were driven ashore. Many were thus saved, the bearer of this among others, whom I had designed to send with the accounts about Jamaica. I also had lanterns out on the shore in the night, to guide any drifting ships; and lest the negroes should take advantage of the disorder to rise, I ordered all the houses to put out lights and kept the constables on watch in the town. This was not the end of our misfortunes. The place was sickly before, but I believe these southerly or westerly winds blowing off the swampy parts of the Continent have increased the sickness which now rages among us. The Play has lost her captain and is disabled from going to sea. The Bristol has landed many sick men,
besides what she has buried. Bridgetown also is very sickly, and in my own household this fever has taken from me my wife and ten of my servants. On Sunday night the storm abated, but the winds continued southerly till Thursday last when "they went back to their old place of blowing Trade again," so that now we hope the Island may become healthy again. The two men-of-war being disabled I have manned the sloop mentioned in my former letter to convoy the bearer of this as far as Deseada, the Assembly being engaged to pay her for a month. The brigantine which I had pressed was lost in a storm. When the sloop returns I believe I shall not get one member of the Assembly to continue her longer in the Island's service, for the country is in debt for the shipping hired for the Martinique expedition and owes several sums, amounting to £7,000, to other persons, whereby public credit is so bad that people will not work for it or trust it. Though the Assembly has met three or four times, little has been done. I have urged upon them the payment of debts, the defence of the country and the state of Jamaica, but so far they have voted only ninepence a head on negroes, which may bring in £2,800. There is nothing in the Treasury, so that if they raise no more the Island will be in an ill condition. I have done all that I can to oblige them, sending a company of my men to garrison Fontabelle Fort (which was formerly done by a company of the Island) though I wished to season them more to the country before I brought them on duty. No ship has arrived from Europe since I came, so that our subsistence has not come; and when it comes the soldiers cannot live unless the Island helps them out. When their own men did the duty, the Island allowed fifteen pence a day to boughten servants, and twenty-two pence halfpenny to free servants. A man cannot live here under fifteen pence a day, so dear is everything, ordinary meat in the market costing sevenpence halfpenny a pound. Several of the Council and Assembly were of opinion that when the King's soldiers were on duty they ought to make up their subsistence to twenty-two pence halfpenny; but if one member of Assembly opposes it, the Bill cannot pass that day. While the soldiers were on duty I subsisted them and found that they could not live on less than that; and being not seasoned there was hardly a day but some of them went sick, sometimes as many as five or six. Thus I have lost several of my men dead, and many more sick; and had they continued that duty I believe that I should have lost them all. Recruits are very expensive, and the preservation of men's lives ought to be very dear to me. The merchantmen who brought them over made me pay thirty shillings a head for their passages, besides their provisions, because they were landsmen, and in the ships where the regimental chirurgeon was not, they made me pay unreasonable rates for physic and for every extraordinary. So the raising and transporting of recruits will be very chargeable to me, but if we are attacked we shall want them, so I hope that the Island will help out the King's pay, to encourage men to the service. Signed. Endorsed, Recd. 20 Feb. 1694–5. Read 22 May, 1695. Enclosed, |
|
1,446. I. List of ships cast away by the southerly winds at the latter end of September, 1694. Twenty-six ships in all, from 15 to 350 tons and averaging about 100 tons; of
which nine are marked "disabled," and seventeen "lost." 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 4 Mar. 1694–5. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 67–67 I.; and (without enclosure) 44. pp. 114–120.] |
Oct. 24.
Whitehall. |
1,447. John Povey to Henry Guy. Forwarding the estimate for two months' additional bread for the Jamaica expedition for approval of the Treasury. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 298.] |
| Oct. 24. |
1,448. John Povey to the Commissioners for Transportation. Directing them to see that the apothecaries at the Savoy are paid for the medicines supplied for the Jamaica expedition out of the head-money allowed to the surgeons for use of the men. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 303.] |
| Oct. 24. |
1,449. Minutes of Lords of Trade and Plantations. To advise in Council the appointment of Dr. William Fleming as physician and Mr. Mortimer as apothecary to the forces going to Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 304.] |
| Oct. 24. |
1,450. Henry Guy to John Povey. The estimates sent to the Treasury are many, but my Lords hope to report on them in a very little time. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 311.] |
| Oct. 24. |
1,451. Memorial of Captain James Weems to Lords of Trade and Plantations. That there be ordered for his company on its passage to New York two gallons of brandy and two pounds of tobacco and pipes to each man, also a sufficient quantity of oatmeal, currants, rice, sugar, French barley and other necessaries for the sick. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 24 Oct., '94. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 80.] |
| Oct. 24. |
1,452. John Povey to William Bridgeman. Forwarding copy of the petition of Captain Weems to be laid before the Admiralty and Navy Board for their opinion. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. p. 183.] |
| Oct. 24. |
1,453. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft instructions for Mr. Murrey presented. Estimates of the cost of the extra provisions and their transport referred to the Treasury. Colonel Northcott's agent attending reported that no preparations had been made in the regiment for want of money, since he had not the Colonel's directions to obtain it. A messenger was sent to summon Colonel Northcott in person. |
| Oct. 25. |
Colonel Northcott attended and reported that his regiment was 200 men below strength, but that he would get ready such men as he had for embarkation with all speed. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 368–370.] |
| Oct. 25. |
1,454. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Commission for trying an Indian for murder ordered. The Council agreed that the Rangers should be continued, and a fit officer appointed to take care of the guns. Peter Heyman attended, but having no instructions from Colonel Hamilton, a letter to Colonel Hamilton was ordered as to the Post Office. Petition of the Chickahominy Indians for more land refered to the County Court. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 886, 887.] |
| Oct. 26. |
1,455. Minutes of Council of New York. Patents for land granted to John Hammill. Order that one fourth part of the money collected for redemption of the four men of this province who are prisoners in Sallee shall be paid for redemption of the son of Warner Wessells, and in case any of the other three be dead the share of the dead be equally distributed towards redemption of the survivors until there be enough to redeem them without burden to their relations. Committee appointed to audit Captain Clarke's accounts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 374–375.] |
| Oct. 27. |
1,456. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. Forwarding draft instructions for the officers to be employed in cruising to enforce the Acts of Trade on the coasts of Virginia and Maryland. Copy. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 59.] |
| Oct. 28. |
1,457. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Orders for sundry payments. The Council moved the Governor to detain H.M.S. Advice until the merchant ships are ready to sail, that she may act as convoy. |
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The Governor communicated the letter of the Lords. of Trade promising relief and succour. Ordered that it be published throughout the Island. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 293, 294; and 296, 297.] |
Oct. 29.
Barbados. |
1,458. Governor Russell to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since my last of 25th inst. I have heard from Sir William Beeston that the French have withdrawn their men from Jamaica and returned to Petit Guavos, which relieves my apprehensions. He tells me that the French have carried off about 1,600 Jamaica negroes, which at this time are reckoned to be worth £50,000, besides the damage done to the country. Colonel Kendall who sailed from hence on 30th August in the Tiger met with a terrible storm, which brought all her masts by the board. With hard shift she returned to this port, but from want of Naval stores I doubt if we can get her out. I beg that when my man-of-war comes, she may bring masts, yards, careening-gear and other stores. The Assembly has presented me with £2,000, which I have the King's leave to accept, but as there is no money in the Treasury I shall not receive my present as early as the King intended, unless they raise more. My house has been so sickly that after losing eight servants in it I moved to the house of a gentleman who invited me. The Assembly voted £200 for the expense of my moving, which I beg the King's leave to accept. Last night a ship arrived from England with Captain Salter of my regiment, and some soldiers of his company aboard. Signed. F. Russell. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 20 Feb. 1694–5. Read 22 May, 1595. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 68; and 44. pp. 122–124.] |
Oct. 29.
Admiralty. |
1,459. William Bridgeman to John Povey. I have laid Captain Weems's memorial (No. 1,451) before the Admiralty, who referred it to the Navy Board, extract from whose answer I enclose. Signed. Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Enclosed, |
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1,459. I. The Navy Board to the Admiralty, 27 October, 1694. We do not remember that any such things as those mentioned
by Captain Weems were ever asked for before for soldiers going abroad, and we therefore desire to be excused from giving any opinion thereon. But as the recruits are ordered to be victualled for two months, two months' necessaries, such as are put on board men-of-war for sick and wounded seamen, may be supplied, if you think fit, and the charge included in the cost of transport. But that is as new in such cases as the furnishing of brandy, pipes, and tobacco for either one or the other on Their Majesties' account. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Read 29 Oct. '94. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. Nos. 81–81 I.] |
| Oct. 29. |
1,460. Minutes of General Assembly of Massachusetts. Bill for granting a tax assented to. Debate revived on the question of limiting membership for the towns to resident freeholders only. |
| Oct. 30. |
Instructions to Sir Henry Ashurst and Mr. Constantine Phips, the Agents, discussed. Address to Their Majesties discussed. |
| Oct. 31. |
Address to Their Majesties passed, also the Commission to the Agents. Order for payment of £100 to Isaac Addington for his extraordinary service in this year. Instructions to the Agents discussed. |
| Nov. 1. |
£50 voted to Increase Mather for his services at the College. Bill for better settlement of the island of Martha's Vineyard read. Bill for altering the method of electing members of the General Assembly negatived. |
| Nov. 2. |
Instructions to the Agents approved. Bill for suppression of unlicensed houses discussed. |
| Nov. 3. |
Abatement of tonnage duty granted to inhabitants of Marblehead. Allowance granted to the Constable of Wrentham for transport of corn paid as rates in kind. Accounts of John Phillips passed, and order thereon made. £10 voted to Ebenezer Prout as Clerk of the House of Representatives. £10 granted to William Tomson, in consideration of wounds received in Their Majesties' service. Adjourned to February, 1695. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 474–480.] |
Oct. 30.
Barbados. |
1,461. Edward Cranfield to the Duke of Shrewsbury. Since my last of 30 August, the fever which has raged here for five years past hath carried away Lady North and most of the late comers. On the 28th ult. a strong south-west wind sprang up and blew for three days, driving several ships ashore. Five of the smallest and one of the biggest are since gotten off. The Bristol put to sea, but the Play and eight merchant ships rode it out. The Tiger returned after eight weeks at sea, dismasted, but it is hoped that she may be refitted with the ruins of the merchant vessels. We are in want of Naval stores; and it would be well if the merchant fleets were to sail earlier in the year. Signed. Edw. Cranfield. 1 p. Endorsed, R. 10 Jan. 1694–5. |
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Duplicate of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 456. Nos. 55, 56.] |
| Oct. 30. |
1,462. Edward Cranfield to Sir John Trenchard. To the same effect as the foregoing. 1 p. Endorsed, R. Jan. 11, 1694–5. |
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Duplicate of the same. [America and West Indies. 456. Nos. 57, 58.] |
| Oct. 30. |
1,463. Commissions of William Fleming and William Mortimer to be respectively Physician and Apothecary to the forces for Jamaica. Countersigned. J. Trenchard. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 304–306.] |
| Oct. 30. |
1,464. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Conferrers met to amend three bills sent up by the Assembly, and reported the result of their debates. |
| Oct. 31. |
The Assembly brought up Bills for supply and to appoint a Committee for accounts; and announced that they would not find a supply for refitting H.M.S. Tiger, as the King had a subsidy in Barbados. The Governor also bade them appoint new agents, the time of the present agents having expired. |
| Nov. 1. |
The Assembly brought up an order as to the petition of the captain of H.M.S. Tiger, which was passed. The two bills brought up yesterday were passed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 486–489; and Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 22–25.] |
| Oct. 30. |
1,465. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Conferrers appointed to meet the Council on the Levy Bill. Order for preparation of a bill to encourage importation of Christian servants. |
| Oct. 31. |
Order for a levy to be raised on managers of plantations, lawyers, doctors and patentees. List of persons to be taxed. Address of the House setting forth the past crimes of Willoughby Chamberlayne and the reasons why he should not bear any office. |
| Nov. 1. |
Bills for supply and for preventing the employment of slaves in selling, passed. Resolved to offer 8 per cent. to anyone who would be security for £1,500, for repair of H.M.S. Tiger. Captain Maycock fined half-a-crown for speaking out of time. Bill for quartering soldiers considered. Resolved to allow one shilling per day to every man while doing duty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 385–394.] |
Oct. 31.
Boston. |
1,466. Address of the Council and Assembly of Massachusetts to the King and Queen. We beg to lay before you our deplorable state owing to fresh incursions of the Eastern Indians, who despite the late treaty have perfidiously risen, and have murdered or taken more than 150 people since July. This has obliged us to a reinforcement of all our frontiers, which compels the greater part of the inhabitants to leave their homes and betake themselves to garrisons. The French by unwearied solicitations and presents have also prevailed with the Five Nations to agree to a neutrality, portending no little disquiet to us, who are already exhausted by the expense and losses of the war. For these reasons, as well as owing to the drain on us for the protection of New Hampshire, we cannot spare a quota of men for New York. Our Agents will lay matters more particularly before you. We beg that no complaints of a personal concern may be improved to deprive us of the services of Sir William Phips as Governor. Signed. Is. Addington, Secretary; Nehemiah Jewet, Speaker. 1 p. Endorsed, Read 13 Feb. 1694–5. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. No. 41; and 35. pp. 177–179.] |
