|
| May 16. |
1,823. Minutes of Council of New York. Accounts of the revenue for the last half-year of 1694 examined and passed. Orders for payment of salaries. Patent for land in Staten Island granted to Daniel Perrin. |
| May 17. |
Order for issue of writs for election of an Assembly. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 31–32.] |
| May 17. |
1,824. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The Council agreed to the bill concerning tobacco-hogsheads, as it is popular and may be serviceable, there being many other public bills depending. Commissions for persons in each county to sign probates and administrations signed. Sheriffs appointed for the various counties. Agreed that the Session of the Assembly should be ended, there being no further business to lay before the Burgesses. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 903–904.] |
| May 17. |
1,825. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The laws of Massachussetts were further considered, and it was agreed to represent the Acts for establishing Courts and as to taking oaths for special notice by the Council, and to recommend the repeal of the Act for establishing forms of writs. |
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Isaac Richier's petition was read and his brother, who was present, was ordered to attend next meeting. [Board of Trade. Journal, 8. pp. 26–29.] |
| May 18. |
1,826. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for the militia officers to inspect the public powder in their charge, and to change any that proves bad by this shipping. Order for the clerks of the County Courts to furnish sworn lists of fines levied in their Courts to the Receiver-General. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 145–146.] |
| [May 18.] |
1,827. Copies of the Acts passed at the General Assembly of Virginia from 18 April to 18 May, 1695, viz: Act appointing rangers at the heads of the four great rivers. Act for lessening the levy by the poll, and laying an imposition on liquors. Act to enable the Governor and Council to apply £500 out of the imposition on liquors to the assistance of New York, if necessary. Act to revive the 7th Act of the Session of 16 April, 1691, and for ascertaining the size of tobacco-hogsheads. Act for raising a public levy. 8 pp. This list is given in Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 295. [America and West Indies. 638. No. 20.] |
| [May 18.] |
1,828. Duplicate copies of the Journal of the House of Burgesses and of the Minutes of the General Assembly of Virginia from 18 April to 18 May, 1695. [America and West Indies. 638. Nos. 21, 22.] |
| May 19. |
1,829. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for all collectors to bring in their accounts, for an audit to be held on the 31st inst. Mr. Harry Beverley nominated to command the vessel to cruise for prevention of illegal trade, and ordered to select a vessel. Order for the inspection of the militia and for account thereof to be returned. Advised that the additional Rangers on James and Potomac rivers be discontinued. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 904–905.] |
| May 20. |
1,830. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor reported that he had received confirmation of the news of Queen Mary's death. Order for an address of condolence to the King. The Governor also communicated the King's letter requiring supplies from the neighbouring provinces for the assistance of the province. The Council expressed its gratitude to the King but also its apprehension that the neighbouring provinces will find some way to avoid these, as they have avoided former commands from the King to that purpose. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 32–33.] |
| May 20. |
1,831. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for certain broken arms to be sent to England, and for those that are worth refitting to be repaired and disposed of to best advantage. Mr. Randolph received leave of absence, on his representing that the increase of illegal trade, particularly with Scotland, required him to go home and seek instructions from the Commissioners of Customs. William Dent sworn Solicitor General. The Governor took exception to the Naval Officer's accounts on perceiving that they took 10 per cent. for paying and receiving the money that passed through them. George Robotham and Nicholas Greenberry were sworn Judges of Admiralty, together with the other officers of the Admiralty Courts. The oaths taken by them. The letter of the Lords of Trade respecting a vessel to suppress illegal trade was read. Captain Thomas Meech being considered a suitable person for the duty, orders were given for the preparation of his commission and instructions. The oath for surveyors approved and surveyors for the ten counties appointed. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 146–151.] |
| May 20. |
1,832. Journal of House of Burgesses of Maryland. The Committee on the division of the counties made its report, and a bill was ordered accordingly. Order for a bill to impose an additional duty of threepence per hogshead, and a further export duty of threepence per hogshead. Bill ordered for exchange of land between Kent and Talbot Counties. Mr. Perry's offer to keep up a postal service with Philadelphia for £50 a year accepted. The bill for additional duties was read twice, and a bill to explain the repeal of all laws heretofore made, read three times. |
| May 21. |
Bills for the division of several counties and a bill for a public levy were read a first time and sent up to Council. Additional Bill to the Act for Ports and Towns read a first time. |
| May 22. |
Message to the Council proposing that the bill last named be postponed, to which the Council agreed. Six acts were passed and sent up to Council. The Speaker acquainted the House that the Governor recommended to them the gratifying of Mr. Blathwayt and Mr. Povey, and was ready to advance £200 for the purpose. Answer of the Burgesses thanking the Governor, but declaring that they could not gratify those gentlemen just at this time, as they wished to pay the debts of the province. Several bills were assented to by the Burgesses, and, the House attending, the Governor the following Acts were passed. (1) Additional Act to the Act of religion. (2) Act for protection of executors, etc. (3) Additional Act to the Act for Administration of Justice. (4) Act for regulating ordinaries. (5) Act to prevent frequent assembling of negroes. (6) Act for a duty on negroes and imported servants. (7) Act for raising a supply. (8) A private naturalisation Act. (9) Act to fix naturalisation fees. (10) Additional Act for Ports and Towns. (11) Act to revive temporary laws. (12) Act for assessing threepence a hogshead on tobacco. (13) Act for division of several counties. (14) Act for a public levy. (15) Act to explain a repealing Act. (16) Act to settle Anne Arundel County Court. (17) Additional Militia Act. Prorogued to 10 September. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 442–447.] |
| May 20. |
1,833. Minutes of Council of Maryland in Assembly. The Committee for division of certain counties attended, and the new divisions were agreed on. Messages from the Burgesses reporting their agreements as to the building of the new Court house and as to a postal service to Philadelphia. |
| May 21. |
Several bills read a first and second time, and the Militia Bill amended. Eight bills passed. |
| May 22. |
The agreement with John Perry for a post eight times a year was read and with amendments agreed to. Messages exchanged with the Burgesses as to the additional bill for Posts, and as to presents to Mr. Blathwayt and Mr. Povey. Order for Mr. William Frisby and Sir T. Laurence to present the addresses to the King. The Burgesses attending, the Governor assented to the seventeen Acts passed this session, and prorogued the Assembly. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 479–488.] |
| [May 20.] |
1,834. Mr. Thurston (?) to John Povey. Mr. Clarke desires you to move the Committee for bedding for the recruits for Russell's Regiment, now ready to embark for Barbados. To remove the objection that none was allowed to them that sailed last, I am to inform you that it was due only to the fact that the recruits were hurried away before there was time to apply. The officers, however, procured some themselves at Plymouth, to their great cost, without which their men had been lost, as will these, by so long a voyage. You are also asked to move for half a crown a man extraordinary to the surgeons of ships which carry recruits, for looking after them on any occasion of illness or distemper. ¾ p. Undated, but endorsed, Recd. 20 May, 1695. [Board of Trade, Barbados, 5. No. 93.] |
| May 20. |
1,835. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Seven Acts of Massachusetts were read and approved. |
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On a letter from Mr. Clarke, Secretary at War, it was agreed to move the King in Council for hammocks and bedding for the recruits for Russell's Regiment on their voyage to Barbados and for an allowance to the surgeon. [Board of Trade. Journal, 8. pp. 29–31.] |
| May 20. |
1,836. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to recommend that the Commissioners of Transportation be required to provide hammocks and bedding for the troops ordered to the Leeward Islands, and that an allowance of half a crown per man be given to the surgeon of the transport-ships. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. pp. 207–208.] |
| May 22. |
1,837. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of the owners of ships, hired by Governor Kendall at Barbados, referred to the Admiralty. Several letters from Governor Russell read, and decisions agreed to. Petition of the owners of the condemned ship. Experiment referred to the Attorney General and the Judge of Admiralty. |
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Sir William Beeston's recommendation of Mr. Brodrick for appointment to the Council of Jamaica considered. |
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Mr. Lowndes's letter of 18 February as to military stores for Virginia read, and decision taken. |
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Major Delaval's memorial for appointment as Lieutenant-Governor of Montserrat read, and referred to the Agents for the Leeward Islands. |
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Petition of Robert Lee on behalf of the children of the Earl of Sterling read. |
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Abstracts of Mr. Usher's letters of July and August last read. |
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Petition of Wait Winthrop read and referred to the Attorney-General. A representation from the General Court of Massachussetts as to copper mines, a memorial from Christopher Almy as to Indians in New England, and a letter from the Governor of Rhode Island of 6 September last were also read. |
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Account of documents received on 29 and 31 May. [Board of Trade. Journal, 8. pp. 31–36.] |
| May 22. |
1,838. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to recommend that Governor Russell be permitted to accept a present of £200 from the Assembly of Barbados. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 125–126.] |
| May 22. |
1,839. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to lay the question of qualifications for electors in Barbados before the Lords Justices for their decision. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 127–128.] |
| May 22. |
1,840. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to recommend the appointment of Captain Brodrick to the Council of Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 20.] |
| May 22. |
1,841. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to recommend the despatch of warlike stores, as given in the list of
the officers of Ordnance, to Virginia. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 284.] |
May 22.
Whitehall. |
1,842. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. That the Commissioners of Transportation provide hammocks and bedding for the soldiers in their passage to the Leeward Islands, and that the surgeon of the transport ships receive half a crown per man for his care of the troops. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. p. 208.] |
| May 22. |
1,843. John Povey to the Agents for the Leeward Islands. The Lords of Trade desire your opinion as to the qualifications of Major John Delavall for the Lieutenant-Governorship of Montserrat, wherein he has applied to succeed Colonel Blakiston. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. p. 219.] |
| May 22. |
1,844. John Povey to the Attorney-General. Forwarding copy of a petition of Wait Winthrop and others, for his opinion as to the claims to the Narragansett Country or King's Province. ½ p. Annexed, |
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1,844. I. Petition of Wait Winthrop and others, on behalf of themselves and other proprietors of the Narragansett Country, to the King. For a long time there have been disputes between Connecticut and Rhode Island as to the Government of the Narragansett Country, causing many disturbances and discouraging settlement. We beg you to give such orders as your great wisdom shall think best, that your subjects may know to which Government to submit. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed with an endorsement belonging to another document on the same subject. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. Nos. 2, 21.; and (enclosure only) 36. p. 101.] |
May 22.
Whitehall. |
1,845. John Povey to Edward Littleton. Governor Russell's proposal to throw open the franchise to all white men having ten acres of land or forty shillings a year, will be laid before the Lords Justices in Council to-morrow, when you and the Agents for Barbados are to attend. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 94.] |
May 22.
Whitehall. |
1,846. John Povey to William Bridgeman. Forwarding extracts from several of Governor Russell's letters respecting the King's ships in the West Indies, for report of the Admiralty thereon. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. p. 125.] |
| May 22. |
1,847. John Povey to the Attorney General and the Judge of the Admiralty. Referring to them the petition of Richard Holder for their opinion whether his appeal may be admitted. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. p. 205.] |
| [May 22.] |
1,848. Copy of a report of the Commissioners of the Navy to the Admiralty, respecting the hired ships England and Coronation (see No. 1,787). Dated, 7 July, 1693. 2 pp. Endorsed, Read, 22 May, 1695. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 95.] |
| May 22. |
1,849. Minutes of Council of Maryland. John Thompson sworn naval officer of Cecil County. Order for the militia-officers
to give notice to their men and supply themselves with arms and ammunition. Proclamation of the agreement between the House of Burgesses and John Perry for a postal service between the Potomac and Philadelphia. The naval officers produced their accounts of the shilling per hogshead duty in their districts. Order for three fourths of the proceeds to be paid to the Governor and the remainder to be applied to the supplying of arms, etc. Accounts given of arms already purchased, and an order given for the purchase of more. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 12. pp. 151–155.] |
| May 23. |
1,850. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. That Governor Russell have leave to accept a present of £200 from the Assembly of Barbados. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 126–127.] |
| May 23. |
1,851. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. For the despatch of warlike stores to Virginia (see under date 9 July, 1695), and for the cost thereof to be defrayed from the King's quitrents within the Colony. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 285.] |
| May 23. |
1,852. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. That a warrant be prepared, to appoint William Brodrick to be of the Council of Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 20–21.] |
May 23.
London. |
1,853. Richard Cary to John Povey. The ships to carry the soldiers to the Leeward Islands are all ready, and wait only for the bedding and some money for medicines, which is generally half a crown a head. The soldiers number 260 in all, on five ships. There will be a kettle also wanting for each ship to boil their victuals, which, with fitting up a hearth on board, they tell me will come to £10 or £12 a piece. The owners of the ships will be at no charge herein because they have nothing allowed for their passage, so please to get something allowed towards it, if you cannot obtain the whole. Major Garth will embark about eighty men at Gravesend, so please obtain an order that they may be dieted by petty warrant there and in the Downs or any other place where they may put in till they get to Plymouth, where, I suppose care will be taken for the whole number during their stay. Signed, Rd. Cary. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 96.] |
| May 23. |
1,854. Minutes of Council of New York. Orders for sundry payments for expenses on account of the defence of the frontier. The Indians of Queen's County came to acknowledge their obedience to the English Government and to condole for the Queen's death, for which they saw the Governor and all the Council in black. The Governor assured them of the King's protection so long as they behaved dutifully and peaceably, and ascertained from them that their fighting men numbered forty-four. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 34–35.] |
May 27.
Admiralty |
1,855. J. Burchett to John Povey. H.M.S. Hastings is in the Downs, ready to proceed to the Leeward Islands. The Admiralty desire to know the names of the ships hired to carry soldiers thither, where they are, and when they will be ready to sail, that
the man-of-war may be directed to take them under convoy. Signed, J. Burchett. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 60; and 44. p. 209.] |
| May 28. |
1,856. List of stores of war wanting in the garrison of Fort William Henry, New York, on 28 May, 1695. 100 barrels of powder, and 200 falcon-shot are the most important items. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. p. 210; and 52. p. 34.] |
May 28.
Whitehall. |
1,857. John Povey to Richard Cary. The Lords of the Admiralty desire to know the names of the transports hired to carry the soldiers to the Leeward Islands, where they are and when they will be ready to sail. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. p. 210.] |
May 29.
London. |
1,858. Richard Cary to John Povey. The ships hired to carry the Barbados soldiers to the Leeward Islands are in the river, clearing at the Custom-house, in order to fall down to Gravesend, where they will (I suppose) all be by the beginning of next week, and from thence soon despatched to join their convoy in the Downs. I was with the Commissioners of Transport on Monday but could not prevail with them to include kettles among the necessaries mentioned in the Order of Council. I pressed them to expedite what they were to send on board, that the ships might not stay for it, and if you could see Mr. Henley, it would be convenient to hasten him. The ships are named the Lyon, Samuel, Kent, Newport and Speedwell. Signed, Rd. Cary. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 61; and 44. pp. 210–211.] |
| May 29. |
1,859. John Povey to Mr. Burchett. Giving him the information contained in the preceding letter. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. pp. 211–213.] |
May 29.
New York |
1,860. Governor Fletcher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since my last conference with the Five Nations at Albany I find them wholly diverted from hearkening to the Governor of Canada, who seems to have a working head and experience as well as years. The French Count is much enraged thereat and has threatened hard to destroy their castle at Onandaga for breach of promise, and because they did not return to Canada to conclude the peace which he pretends that they have made. He has sent two messengers this winter to that effect. I have sent herewith a copy of the message and of the answer of the Five Nations thereupon. Soon after their message came to Canada our Indians were alarmed by reports that the French and their Indians were on march to destroy Onandaga and resettle Cadaraqui, which put the Sachems into some consternation. As they wrote to me for assistance I presently supplied them with ammunition and ordered three hundred men to march to their defence. The alarm proved false, but I have ordered them to keep strict watch. The Five Nations have lately sent down two of their greatest Sachems (the one their principal orator, the other their greatest warrior) to thank me and to ask my advice how to proceed in the war against Canada; and they have engaged to follow my directions and to pursue the war with vigour. I made them presents to the value of over £50; and they seemed well pleased and full of resolution at parting. If the King orders
the presents to be given which I recommended in my last (further copy of which is enclosed) it would be a great encouragement to them. They are the greatest barrier we have against the encroachments of the French in Canada. Some small skulking parties of French Indians have lately killed an old man at Albany and carried away one or two prisoners. |
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The Council has cleared accounts with Mrs. Sloughter, widow of the late Governor, who is found to be indebted £130 15s. 7¾ d., New York money, for the use of the two companies. She supports herself in a notional opinion that your Lordship will allow her £1,000 out of the royal revenue of this province, which she alleges was given to her husband by an Act of Assembly. This Act (as I am informed) was made to indemnify Colonel Sloughter for receiving the duties which were formerly esteemed the King's revenue in this province, before there was an Act of Assembly authorising the same and ordering the application thereof to the expenses of Government. Some time before Governor Sloughter's arrival and until the passing of the said Act the charges far exceeded the sum raised. It would be a favour to her if you would signify your pleasure in this matter. She tarries in the country to this end. Upon the removal of Mr. Dudley and Mr. Pinhorne from the Council for non-residence, being forbidden by my instructions to act without a quorum of five, and some of the Council being superannuated and others living remote in the country, I found a necessity to call Mr. Caleb Heathcote to the board, who has been very serviceable and forward upon all occasions. I have already reported this by sundry vessels, which happened to miscarry, wherefore I beg again for confirmation of the appointment. Advice is just come from Boston of the arrival of the two companies of grenadiers there. I beg that the subsistence of the four companies may be punctually paid and annual supply of stores sent out. I am obliged to furnish ammunition to the country fusiliers on the frontier and to the Indians that are daily sent out in parties, as well as to the companies on the English Establishment. I have also intelligence from Albany of a speedy design of the French against Albany or Onandaga. I send a copy for your information. I have always ordered affairs to be in continual readiness to oppose the enemy, which is chargeable and burdensome to the inhabitants of this province, while our neighbours have enjoyed a continued tract of protection and safety during the war, and have given us little assistance. Signed, Ben. Fletcher. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Aug., 1695. Annexed, |
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1,860. I. List of presents recommended for the Five Nations. 10 Nov. 1694. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 31 May, 1695. |
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1,860. II. Copy of Minutes of Council of New York, 24 January 1695. Order for the state of the accounts of the late Governor Sloughter to be given to Mrs. Sloughter, shewing £776 11s. 11¾ d. due to him from the province and £907 7s. 8d. due from him, and for Mrs. Sloughter to be desired to refund the balance. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Aug., 1695. |
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1,860. III. Another copy of No. II. |
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1,860. IV. Copy of the propositions made by the Governor of Canada to the Five Nations, through two of the Praying Indians from Canada, at Onandaga, 31 January, 1694–5. The messengers began their message from the Governor of Canada as follows. Children, I wipe the tears from your eyes and the blood of those that are sorrowful in your house. I am told that a great storm of wind makes you waver to and fro. Retain no evil thoughts of me. I am still Onontio the Good over the Five Nations. Be not afraid of me. Oneidas, I thank you for sending to me Father Milet with three or four French whom you had taken prisoners. The Governor of New York has done the like, and I also to him. Now my will is that you deliver to me all the French prisoners, great and small, that you have. Let me see them all in Canada in the spring. I am not idle, but take much care of the prisoners of the Five Nations, that are detained by the Ottawas and Dionondadoes. I doubt not that you remember what I proposed to you formerly, but now I sent for you who are Sachems to speak with me in Canada in the spring. I will speak of good things. Be not jealous or fearful of any ill intent. I will send a guard to convey you to Canada, that we may speak together. Bring your prisoners with you. |
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Hereupon the Indians gave their shout four times. The Praying Indians of another part of Canada then said:—Brethren, we pray you again and again, keep strong and fast what Onontio says. The way will be safe. Come in the spring and we will meet you halfway with good canoes and convey you safely.—The Indians then shouted; and the Praying Indians then said:—We are bidden to tell you that Onontio will again put a garrison at Cadaraqui, that the Onnogonges have been sent by him to New England to fetch scalps and not beavers this winter, and that the Governor of New York (as Father Milet reports) has sent to Onontio letters of great familiarity and concern, contriving to ruin the Five Nations, desiring Onontio to fall upon you and promising to withhold ammunition from you. |
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Answer of the Five Nations, 4 February, 1695. You messengers of Onontio, hearken well to us. Throw away the bitter gall from your body, Onontio, and clear up your understanding. You call us your children. What father are you? You deal with us as with hogs that are called from the woods by Indian corn and then put in prison till they are killed. You have sent for us often to Canada and Cadaraqui, and on our return our Indians were either killed or taken prisoners. You say that we must keep the firm covenant, which you have broken often in time of peace. How did Ogguese with his army try to fall upon our Mohawks twenty-six years ago? You sent for our Sachems, who went; and you by your Indians on the way fell upon them and
killed eight. Some years after, you sent for us again, and on our return your Indians fell upon us in the lake and killed many. We threw all this into the deep pit of oblivion. How have you dealt by our people at Cadaraqui? Oh ! that smarts still. Remember what you did to our brethren the Senecas in time of covenant and peace. Remember what you have done to our brethren in Senectady. As soon as you heard of war over the broad lake you murdered and burnt all that was there, both man and beast, though a month before you had sent an Oneida into our country with a deceitful message and letters to Milet. Onontio, are you so forgetful? That will not do. It is not many months ago since you were desired to be quiet from war, as you desire us; and now we are informed that you have sent your Onnogonges to fight against our brethren in New England. That will not succeed, Onontio. It is true we have invited Father Milet to us and then made him prisoner; we also kept Chevalier D'Eaux; but then it was war between you and us. Do not think that our minds waver to and fro, as you please to tell us, and that your heart is good. Is your heart and mind good? Why then do you send your Onnogonges against our brethren in New England? Our hatchet is not grown blunt. You know very well that our brethren and we are one body. Therefore take the hatchet from the Onnogonges. You demand of us all our, prisoners, great and small, to be brought to Canada. We will not grant this till you send to us and to Governor Fletcher first all the prisoners you have taken. Then we will tell you what we will do. We will send no Sachems from the Five Nations to Canada, nor any prisoners. If you would speak with us, send your messengers to us. Send your wise men who can speak our language; and send our people who are your prisoners to Onandaga. Onontio, your fire shall burn no more at Cadaraqui. It shall never be kindled again. You stole the place from us and we quenched the fire with the blood of our children. You think yourselves the ancient inhabitants of this country and longest in possession; yea, all the Christians, inhabitants of New York, think the same of themselves. We warriors are the first and the ancient people, and the greatest of you all. These parts were inhabited and trodden by us warriors before any Christian. (Here the speaker stamped with his foot on the ground.) We shall not suffer Cadaraqui to be inhabited again. Onontio, we of the Five Nations will never suffer you to kindle your fire at Cadaraqui. I repeat it again and again. |
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The Speaker then answered the French Praying Indians.—Brethren, deliver to Onontio all the prisoners which you have belonging to us and to the English, and bring them to Onandaga. Give Onontio a portion of
understanding and persuade him to demand all the prisoners from the Ottawas and Dionondadoes, and bring them to Onandaga. 6½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Aug., 1695. |
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1,860. V. Another copy of No. IV. |
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1,860 VI. Abstract of intelligence sent by Arnout Vielle from Onandaga. 18 February, 1695. Yesterday arrived messengers from the Senecas and Cayouges to acquaint the Onandagas that Count Frontenac had sent a private message to them that he would fall upon the Onandagas in the spring and desire the other four nations to be silent. He gave two reasons, first, that Dekanissoere has broken his word in not returning to Canada, second, that he had gone to Albany to meet the Governor of New York, bidding defiance to Canada, and declining to observe any proposal of Count Frontenac. The whole Five Nations sent to inform the Mahekanders and River Indians of this. The Sachems complain much of want of powder. They have desired me to write the following letter to Governor Fletcher.—Brother Cayenquiragoe, we expect the enemy daily. Let us have powder and lead. We do not go on the other side of the lake to hunt, but keep watch lest the enemy surprise us. As soon as the weather is open we will strengthen our castle. We desire you will discharge the selling of rum to any of our nations. Let them have powder and lead instead of rum. Let the blacksmiths repair our arms for nothing, and let us not want for ammunition. We have too small a bag for a beaver. Give order that they be made somewhat bigger. Then shall we be satisfied that all is lies that Onontio has told us, and that you do not intend our ruin. Let not our enemies rejoice and laugh at us. |
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21 February, 1695. Tidings is just come by a Seneca woman who has escaped from the Praying Indians. She says that a party of Indians have started from Canada for Cadaraqui and that the French will follow in three or four days. She left them as they began their march, and believes they have already reached Cadaraqui. I have not learned how many days it is since she left them. She says that they are to attempt Cadaraqui and from thence come against Onandaga and the whole Five Nations. The Sachems desire the assistance of three hundred Christians and as many Mahekanders and River Indians as can be got together, saying that now is the time for the Governor to perform his promise of assistance. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Aug., 1695. |
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1,860. VII. Another copy of No. VI. |
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1,860. VIII. Intelligence from Albany. On the 15th of May, 1695, a Sachem of the Praying Indians arrived at Albany with seven bands of wampum to acquaint Governor Fletcher that a Mohawk of the uppermost
Castle last went to hunt near Canada, desiring to see his brother, who was of the Canada Praying Indians, and brought his brother back with him. He heard the Indians say that the Governor of Canada had some great designs against Albany or Onandaga, whereof he has sent intelligence to the Onandagas and acquaints Governor Fletcher. Some of his relations remain in Canada to watch and give intelligence. The Mohawk himself came to Albany on the 18th of May, when he confirmed the intelligence and added that some of the Far Indians had enquired of Count Frontenac if he was inclined to make peace with the Five Nations, to which the Count answered that he had said so with his mouth, but that his heart was inclined to war. The Far Indians then said that they would make no peace with the Five Nations, and Count Frontenac gave them six barrels of powder. The Mohawk also gave intelligence that Count Frontenac had sent a party to take prisoners, to gain information of Governor Fletcher's designs, and that the Count was about to resettle Cadaraqui, to annoy the Five Nations. The Count also told the Far Indians that he had indeed sent for two men of each of the Five Nations and of the English, and had pretended that he wished to conclude a peace, but that if he had got them he would either have made them bend to his proposals or would have treated them as they treated Chevalier D'Eaux. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Aug., 1695. |
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1,860. IX. Another copy of No. VIII. |
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1,860. X. Godefridus Dellius to Governor Fletcher. Albany, 24 May, 1695. On the 21st ult. an Indian named Joseph, one of my proselytes, came to me, thirteen days from Canada. He attended the meeting at Onandaga last fall, whence our Indians persuaded him to follow the messengers to Canada to see how things went there. When he came to Montreal he was very coldly received and not permitted to speak with anybody. On the second day he was sent to Quebec where the Governor told him that he looked upon him as a spy, that if ever he came again he would put him to death, the Five Nations having deluded him so many times that he would not hear of any offers of peace, for he was persuaded that they had made an indissoluble covenant with New York; and that unless two men from each nation came to comply with him he would fall upon them with an army, for which he was making every preparation. Joseph adds that Count Frontenac had sent our parties to take prisoners to gain information, and that the Indians had been unwilling to go but had yielded to the persuasions of the Jesuits. Two parties out of three had returned before his departure, bringing in a few of my proselytes and the young man lately taken near Albany. Being
asked what news at Albany he said that the English had received many soldiers there, that many more were expected, and that your Excellency had an army ready to destroy Cadaraqui and another army with a fleet of six hundred sail to attack Quebec. Joseph reports that Count Frontenac had sent sixty bushlopers and one hundred and forty Indians with orders to take no prisoners but to kill all. The Indians further told Joseph that if the messengers of the Five Nations came to Canada they would be served as Chevalier D'Eaux and his company were served by our Indians. A small party of Maquas and River Indians went to Canada last week to fight and to take a prisoner, if they could, on their return. They promised to be back within forty days. |
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Postscript. Six of my proselytes have just come in to report that Joseph's information is confirmed by some escaped prisoners. 2½ pp. Copy. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Aug., 1698. |
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1,860. XI. Copy of an Act possed 12 September, 1693, for settling a ministry in New York City and certain counties. 3½ pp. Printed. Inscribed, Recd. 1 Aug., 1695, from Colonel Fletcher. [Board of Trade. New York, 6. Nos. 5, 5 I.–XI.; and (without enclosures) 48. pp. 206–209.] |
| May 29. |
1,861. Abstract of proceedings relating to the despatch of the recruits to Barbados, from 26 November, 1694, when the Barbados Agents first asked for shipping to transport 270 recruits, to the 29th of May when the agents reported that the transports would join the convoy in the Downs in the first week of June. 2¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 97.] |
| May 30. |
1,862. The Attorney General and Judge of the Admiralty to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We are of opinion that the appeal of Richard Holder may be admitted, since the Admiralty Court, by which his ship was tried in Barbados, was erected by the Governor's authority only and not in virtue of any power committed by the Lords of the Admiralty. Signed, Edw. Ward, Cha. Hedges. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. p. 206.] |
| May 30. |
1,863. Minutes of Council of New York. The address of condolence to the King signed, and a letter to Mr. Blathwayt ordered, desiring him to present the address. The Governor announced that he expected the arrival of the two grenadier companies from Boston, when orders were given for their quarters in New York, for their transport to Albany and for their billets in Albany. On the petition of Susannah Elliot pardon was granted to two of her negroes, who lay under sentence of death. Denizenation granted to Moses Leo. Patents for land granted to Josiah Hobbart, Lucas Tienhoven and John Cornelius. The account of Giles Gaudineau (?), surgeon, for attendance on the sick men of the grenadier companies referred for examination. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 34–35.] |
| May 30. |
1,864. Address of condolence from the Council of New York to the King on the death of Queen Mary, "that great and beautiful example of virtue and piety." Signed, Ben. Fletcher, N. Bayard, Chid. Brooke, Caleb Heathcote, John Lawrence, G. Minivelle. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 5 Aug., 1695. [Board of Trade. New York, 6. No. 6; and 48. pp. 205–206.] |
| May 30. |
1,865. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for payment of the balance of the Receiver-General's accounts to Edward Broughton. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 305–306.] |
