America and West Indies: May 1693 | British History Online

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

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. Public Domain.

Citation:

'America and West Indies: May 1693', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696, ed. J W Fortescue( London, 1903), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol14/pp95-111 [accessed 29 November 2024].

May 1693



May 1.	308. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Robert Beverley sworn to act as Clerk of the General Court during the absence of Peter Beverley. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 806–807.]
May 1.	309. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Governor acquainted the Assembly that the money raised for the Martinique expedition was insufficient, and reminded them of their promise to make the deficiency good. The Committee then brought up an Act for a Committee of Public Accounts, which was passed. Orders passed for payment of the Officers of Assembly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 403, 404.]
May 1.	310. Commission to Governor Fletcher. Appointing him Commander-in-Chief of the militia of Connecticut and revoking the former commission to Sir William Phips for the same. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. pp. 29–32.]
May 1.	311. Heads for a Charter of incorporation of the Company for working minerals in New England, proposed by the petitioners (see No. 249 I.). Ten articles. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 1 May, 1693.
	Duplicate and triplicate of the above. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 60, 61, 62; and 35, pp. 25–27.]
May 1.	312. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir Charles Hedges, Colonel Russell and Governor Kendall's Agent were heard as to the question of prize Courts, and ordered to attend again at next meeting.
	Petition of Thomas Couch read. Agreed to send a copy to the Governor of Virginia for his report. Petition of Luke Lopdell read; and agreed that the forfeiture of his ship need not be insisted on.
	The heads of a Charter for Sir Matthew Dudley's Company ordered to be sent to the Attorney-General.
	Two addresses from New Hampshire read (see Nos. 250 I., II.). Ordered that the parties concerned attend on the 8th inst.
	Order for Governor Fletcher's Commission, to command the militia of Connecticut, to pass the great seal at the King's charge.
	Colonel Prideaux's suspension from the Council of Barbados confirmed; Colonel Hallett's to be respited until his appeal be heard. The representation of the Agents of Barbados as to leaving a regiment there was held over for further consideration. Colonel Kendall's letters of 3 and 11 November, 1692, and 10 February, 1693, read. Order for the Victuallers of the Navy to explain their objections to take up his bills of exchange. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 180–186.]
May 1.	313. William Blathwayt to Sir Charles Hedges. Desiring his attendance at the meeting of the Lords of Trade on the 3rd inst., to advise as to erection of Courts of Reprisal in the Colonies. Draft. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 48.]
May 2.	314. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. Desiring his attendance at the meeting of the Lords of Trade, on the 3rd inst., on the business of Courts of Reprisal in the Colonies. Draft. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 49.]
May 2.	315. William Blathwayt to the Attorney and Solicitor General. Desiring their attendance on the 3rd of May, as in preceding abstract. Draft. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 50.]
May 2. Admiralty.	316. Order of the Lords of the Admiralty to Captain Edward Powlson, of H.M.S. St. Albans. To convoy the ship David, with Governor Goddard on board, to Bermuda. Signed. Falkland, J. Lowther, H. Priestman, R. Austen. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 28. p. 87.]
May 2. Whitehall.	317. John Povey to the Attorney General. Forwarding copy of the heads of incorporation submitted by Sir Matthew Dudley's Company, for his opinion (see No. 311). ½ p. Inscribed. Recd. the 1st June per Sir Matt. Dudley. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 63; and 35, p. 27.]
May 2.	318. John Povey to Sir Henry Ashurst. Warning him to attend the Committee of Trade and Plantations on the morrow, upon the business of New Hampshire. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 24.]
May 2.	319. John Povey to Samuel Allen. Forwarding copies of the addresses from New Hampshire, and warning him that the matter will be considered on the morrow. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 219.]
May 3.	320. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The question of Commissions of reprisals considered, and orders given for preparing a draft Commission.
	The address from New Hampshire read, and decision taken.
	Captain Thomas Gardner's petition read and referred to Lord Howard of Effingham. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 187–189.]
May 3.	321. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That Mr. Wallis and others concerned attend at the meeting of 13 May, touching two addresses received from New Hampshire. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 25.]
May 3.	322. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The addresses from New Hampshire not appearing to have been presented by any duly authorised person, it is advised that the Governor of that province be ordered to consult with the Council and Assembly and propose what shall be done for its security. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 219–220.]
May 3.	323. William Blathwayt to the Attorney and Solicitor General, and to the Judge of the Admiralty Court. Desiring them to prepare a commission for Governors Kendall and Russell to enable them to erect Courts of Reprisal. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 51; and Jamaica, 53. No. 51. p. 141.]
May 3.	324. Extract from the Commission of Governor Beeston relating to the Admiralty, with a marginal note. 5 pp. Endorsed, Referred to the Commissioners of the Admiralty. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 52; and (in part only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 208.]
May 3. Whitehall.	325. [William Blathwayt] to Mr. Sotherne. Forwarding extract of Governor Kendall's letter as to the omission of the Commissioners of the Navy and for Victualling to take up his bills, for the consideration of the Admiralty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 352.]
May 4. Whitehall.	326. Order of the Privy Council. For a letter to be prepared from the Queen directing the Governor of New Hampshire to consult with the Council and Assembly and propose what shall be done for the security of the province and support of the Government. Signed. Rich. Colinge. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 220.]
May 4. Whitehall.	327. Order of the Privy Council. That Sir Edmund Andros be ordered to discharge Luke Lopdell's recognisance to answer for his ship. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 233–234.]
May 4.	328. Order of the Privy Council. On recommendation of the Lords of Trade and Plantations of 1 May, ordered that the copy of petition of William Lovell and others be sent to Sir Edmund Andros with directions to enquire as to the same, and if the statement of the petition be correct, to restore them their ship and goods. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 236–237.]
May 4.	329. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for payments. The Mayor directed to mount ten of the great guns brought out by the Governor. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 421.]
May 4.	330. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The following were returned members of Assembly:—
	John Walters	St. Katherine's
	John Dore	St. Katherine's
	James Whitchurch	St. Katherine's
	John Bonner	St. Dorothy's
	James Banister	St. Dorothy's
	Henry Low	Clarendon
	Richard Dawkins	Clarendon
	Thomas Ayscough	St. John's
	Fulke Rose	St. John's
	Francis Rose	St. Thomas in the Vale
	Matthew Gregory	St. Thomas in the Vale
	Thomas Clark	St. Andrew's
	Edward Harrison	St. Andrew's
	Anthony Stoddart	Port Royal
	Lancelot Talbot	Port Royal
	Robert Wardlow	Port Royal
	Edward Turner	St. David's
	John Clark	St. David's
	Moodyford Freeman	St. Thomas's
	Nicholas Richardson	St. Thomas's
	John Moone	St. George's
	William Hutchinson	St. George's
	Andrew Langley	St. Mary's
	Michael Figes	St. Mary's
	William Whitehead	St. Ann's
	John Abraham	St. Ann's
	Usher Tyrrell	St. James's
	John White	St. James's
	Leonard Claibourne	St. Elizabeth's
	Michael Houldsworth	St. Elizabeth's
	George Ivy	Vere
	Thomas Fisher	Vere
	Andrew Langley was presented as Speaker, and approved.
	William Doddington and Joseph Bathwisk admitted Clerks of the Common Pleas for Port Royal, by Patent.
May 5.	331. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for careening of H.M.S. Mordaunt.
May 6.	Order for payment for fitting out a sloop. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 249–251.]
May 8.	332. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Montserrat. The Assembly proposed to the Lieutenant-Governor and Council that a general sessions be held with all speed, that creditors against the public bring in their accounts, that the Treasurer's accounts be audited, and that the Militia Act be put in execution. In reply to certain proposals of the Council the Assembly answered:(1) That the season being so dry it would be loss of time to begin entrenching, but that the places fit for fortification be viewed and plans considered. (2) That the arms returned by the men employed in the late expedition be delivered to the custody of the commissioned officers. (3) That a letter be written to the Governor in Chief asking him to draw bills (as allowed by the King) on the English Treasury, for hire of transports; to appoint a time for holding general sessions; and to send to Montserrat the great guns allotted for it, which are now at Nevis. (4) That the wounded men of the late expedition receive 2s. 3d. a day till cured, and that the provisions for relief of widows of soldiers be enforced. (5) That officers be reimbursed the money spent by them on their men, including compensation to one of them who lost a man by desertion. (6) That the Governor's late disbursements be discharged as soon as possible. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 315, 316.]
May 9.	333. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for H.M.S. Guernsey to cruise round the Island till the merchant ships are ready to sail under her convoy. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 251.]
May 9. Barbados.	334. Governor Kendall to Earl of Nottingham. On the 18th April I received an account from Sir F. Wheler, dated from the Resolution, at anchor in Cul de Sac, Martinique, 12th April, to the following effect:—Leaving Barbados on 30 March he anchored in the Cul de Sac Marine of Martinique on the morning of 1 April, and at once went on board a sloop with Colonels Foulke and Lloyd and Mr. Codrington to find a convenient landing place. He was struck by a bullet under the left pap. which, after drawing blood and bruising him sorely, fell at his feet. The army would have landed that day, but that the wind blew too fresh to tow the boats to windward; but on Sunday 2 April, by 9 o'clock in the morning, Colonel Foulke was landed with a thousand men, and the whole of the forces before nightfall. By Monday night all the Cul de Sac Marine, consisting of a great number of sugar-works, was destroyed, and on Wednesday the troops embarked again. Since the several parties have destroyed all the plantations on that side the Dimond for many miles. Their loss was slight, the enemy always flying before us. On the Sunday following, 9th April, Governor Codrington arrived with about 800 Creoles in two regiments, under Colonels Williams and Blakiston, and five hundred of Lloyd's regiment. Sir F. Wheler writes that Fort Royal appears to be a difficult work, and so no doubt it is. Therefore I hope they will follow my advice and not attempt it till they have destroyed all the plantations on Martinique and Guadeloupe. Colonel Boteler, of one of the Barbados regiments, has been brought back very ill of a fever, also an officer of Salter's, who was accidentally shot. Both are in a fair way of recovery. The troops continue in perfect health and cheerfulness. After this news you will doubtless be mightily surprised to hear that in April the fleet and forces quitted Martinique, declined to go on to Guadeloupe, and have returned all the Creoles to their respective islands. These are matters of such consequence that I have enclosed to you the whole of the notes of the Councils of War on the subject. The news has put this Island into great consternation, but I hope to prevail with them in a little time to recover their senses. Let me renew my request for frigates in October, not for the reasons formerly assigned, but for the safety and preservation of the Island. Let me ask also for a regiment of foot to be quartered here during the war, for if the French should attack us with no greater strength than that with which we attempted them I shall have great reason to doubt of success. Signed. J. Kendall. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed, R. July 4, '93. Enclosures wanting. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 50.]
May 9. Barbados.	335. Governor Kendall to Lords of Trade and Plantations. This letter is identical with that to Lord Nottingham of the same date. Endorsed, Recd. 5 July. Abstract read 18 Sept. '93. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 12; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 369–372.]
May 10. St. Christophers.	336. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the 16th September the Wild, frigate, arrived here with the Queen's letter announcing that a squadron would arrive here at the end of August, and ordering me to get ready the militia with provisions and transport to join it. Accordingly I sailed to each Island of my Government, laid the letter before the Councils and Assemblies, and pressed them with the greatest earnestness to join the King's forces with their utmost strength. They with all earnestness assented, enacting laws for the raising of forces and supplying them with victuals, and, I myself issuing commissions and press-warrants for transport ships and provisions, all was soon ready. But the squadron was detained for so long in Europe that it was the 6th of March before the welcome news came to me from Sir Francis Wheler of his arrival at Barbados, with the resolutions of the Council of War that the Leeward forces should join it to leeward of Martinique. On this I at once returned to St. Christophers and sent expresses to the other Islands to embark their forces and be ready to be taken under convoy by me on my return to Antigua, the most windward of these Islands, where notwithstanding great calms I arrived on the 25th of March. On mustering the forces of that Island I found them universally backward to go under a stranger, notwithstanding all the encouragement which I gave them on one hand, and threats on the other hand if they declined. At last they assured me that they would go cheerfully if I went with them, on which I gave them my promise, which took away their dissatisfaction, and encouraged fifty more men to enlist than were appointed under the Act; for I preferred to go with the forces of my Government as a volunteer without any command rather than that the King's service should want all the furtherance that I could give it. By the 2nd of April I embarked, with the Leeward Island forces, consisting of about 1,000 men, mostly freeholders and men of substance, and by much the better half of the strength of my Government. In eight days most of our forces joined the squadron at the Cul de Sac, Martinique, the rest arriving a few days later. Of our safely landing the whole army near Fort St. Pierre, on the 17th April, our repulsing the enemy to their fortifications at the town, and of our re-embarking on the 21st April, you will doubtless have received a full account from the Commanders-in-Chief. But I returned with the Leeward Island forces, when having taken care for the discharge of the transports and the quartering of Colonel Lloyd's regiment I sailed at once to St. Christophers, where I found Sir F. Wheler with the squadron, refreshing and taking in water. Both soldiers and sailors were sickly, though much better there than they could possibly be in any other Island of this Government, St. Christophers being far the healthiest and best watered of them all.
	And now I hope you will pardon me if I presume to offer what I conceive has very much disappointed the King's intentions in this expensive and not so happy expedition. First the time of the fleet's arrival proved unhappy, for in these climates the great rains fall in May, which would have been very fatal had our army been then in the field; whereas, had the squadron been able to sail from Europe in September or the beginning of October, as the Queen's letter had signified, we should have had a prospect of success and of finishing the conquest of the French Islands before the rains could annoy us. Again, the King's instructions to the squadron positively ordering it to leave the Islands by the last day of May, the time allowed was far too short for so great a work. By setting forth at the beginning of April there remained but two months to destroy Martinique and Guadeloupe, islands so strong and large that the King would have been well served if the work had been done in four months. Further by the great delay of the squadron the French were animated, and had full time to fortify themselves after the best manner. But, above all, the forces from Europe were not strong enough for so great work, the Islands being thin of inhabitants, the people much wasted by war and their numbers lessened more than one half by sickness. Had two more regiments of seasoned men been sent, the expense would have been well recompensed by the destruction of the whole French sugar-trade, an advantage of which you are doubtless sufficiently sensible. Now on the other hand these Islands having the whole burden of the war upon them are much wasted, so that their safety compelled me to acquaint Sir Francis Wheler of the danger in case the enemy should make any attempt on us and we be without any force to withstand them. Our numbers are so small that all the forces dispersed in the several Islands of this Government would not, if assembled, suffice for the defence of one. I beg that you will represent this to the King, to the end that he may grant us a sufficient sea-force for our protection. Should he favour us with a land-force also, strong enough to attempt the French Islands, he will find the inhabitants express their loyalty zealously and cheerfully by venturing their lives and fortunes in his service. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 2 closely written pages. Endorsed, Rec. 5 July, 1693. Read 18 Sept., 1693. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 12; and 44. pp. 119–124].
May 10. St. Christophers.	337. Governor Codrington to [the Lord President?]. I have duly received letters up to the 29th December. I need not trouble you with repetition of the reports that I have made to the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 1 p. Endorsed, R. July 4, 93. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 78].
May 10. St. Christophers.	338. Governor Codrington to Sir Francis Wheler. After consideration of my late discourse with you and Colonel Foulke, I am too sensible that the great mortality among your sailors and officers makes it impossible for us to expect you to return hither from New England, since the people there have always shewn aversion to serving in the fleet. I must therefore beg you to represent the matter to the King, as I shall myself, to the end that we may not be left defenceless. Copy. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 79.]
[May.]	339. A list of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers and seamen in the West Indian Squadron, who have died since leaving England; 7 commanders, 3 lieutenants, 3 masters, 7 gunners, 11 carpenters, 4 chaplains, 8 pursers, 7 boatswains, 8 surgeons, 9 cooks, 608 seamen. Total, 668. The names of the officers are given. Signed. Fra. Wheler. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 80.]
[May.]	340. A List of officers dead in the two regiments with Sir Francis Wheler's squadron. In Colonel Foulke's regiment, the Colonel, 1 Captain, and "about 6 subalterns." In Colonel Goodwyn's regiment, the Colonel, Major, 6 captains, "and about 10 lieutenants and ensigns." Here follows a summary of the losses in the fleet, for which see preceding abstract. Signed. Fra. Wheler. 1 p.
	Copy of the preceding. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 20 Mar., 93–4. [America and West Indies. 551. Nos. 81, 82.]
May 11.	341. Minutes of Council of Nevis. The Assembly agreed to the Council's proposal for billeting three companies of Lloyd's regiment, just returned from Martinique, for obtaining if possible arms for the Island from Sir F. Wheler and for appointing a place of refuge for women, stock, etc., in case of an invasion. The Assembly refused to agree with the Council as to abating the value of pieces-of-eight. The Council on petition of William Bates agreed that his accounts should be settled by the gentleman who adjusts the Island's accounts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 274, 275.]
May 11.	342. Minutes of Council of New York. A letter from Sir W. Phips complaining of Captain Chant of H.M.S. Aldborough was opened, and the Captain being summoned and denying every article of the complaint was ordered to send his answer by first opportunity. The letter also announced that Connecticut and Rhode Island had refused to send the 200 men ordered by Sir W. Phips to march to Governor Fletcher's assistance. Order for the delivery of ammunition to the fort. Sundry business connected with the collecting of taxes, and the furnishing of men for the frontier. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 422, 423.]
May 11.	343. Proclamation of the Proprietors of Carolina. That no obedience be given to Seth Sothell, unless he receive fresh powers from the Palatine and majority of the proprietors. Signed. Craven, Ashley, G. Carteret, P. Colleton, John Archdale for Thomas Archdale, P. Colleton. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 1.]
May 11.	344. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Philip Ludwell. Your letter of 27 August is come to hand, but not the further papers as to Mr. Sothell's proceedings. The power of the proprietors is not vested in any one of them but in the majority of them, and for him to oppose that majority is high treason. We now send you a declaration, which you will publish, so that none may pretend ignorance. Signed as the preceding. [Board of Trade. Carolina, 4. p. 2.]
May 13. Jamaica.	345. Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Beeston to the Earl of Nottingham. The Guernsey was lately ordered to England by Sir F. Wheler, but I have detained her until the convoy is ready to sail at the beginning of June, and have meanwhile sent her to cruise round the Island. The Assembly is sitting, and is as unanimous as the people were in choosing them. The places here being mostly given by patent I had nothing in my gift for Mr. Hanses, whom you recommended to me, except the Judge-Advocate's place in the Admiralty. The Attorney General is much displeased at this and pretends to go to England in the Guernsey, as he says for his health, but, as is well known, to complain. I do not believe that he will go, but what he will write may be ill enough. The place has generally been distinct from the Attorney General's here, and is always so in England. I have told him that if it be his due it shall be restored to him, and if not I know not why he should expect it. I have been the best friend he ever had in the Island, but to little purpose. His relation to Lord Rochester makes me wish to be kind to him and to take no notice of many things that happen, but it was an unhappy thing for the Island that the place fell to his share, and we have not yet had the experience how it will answer to Their Majesties. However I shall always treat him as Their Majesties' officer, and beg that no accusation may be received against me till I can be heard in my defence, when I doubt not that I shall be able to acquit myself of any private animosities that discontented spirits may say against me. Were I an angel I am sure that I could not please everyone. Signed. Wm. Beeston. 1½ pp. [America and West Indies. 540. No. 31.]
May 13.	346. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for the sloop Adventure to be taken into the King's service. Richard Lloyd sworn judge of the Admiralty Court. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 252.]
May 15. St. Christophers.	347. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I shall shortly send you accounts of all public acts and proceedings in these Islands, with the number of inhabitants able to bear arms, muster-rolls of the King's forces and an account of the revenue. I shall draw bills on the Treasurer of the Navy for hire of transports, as directed. The pay and subsistence of Colonel Lloyd's regiment is ordered to be discharged out of the four and a half per cent. duty, which customs were some time since ordered to be remitted home, so that at present there is no fund here to supply them. Colonel Lloyd has asked me to represent this, in order that methods may be found for their speedy payment, otherwise the officers will be greatly discouraged. I must inform you also that Sir F. Wheler's squadron caught an infection or plague from the merchant ships in harbour at Barbados, which has much wasted both the sailors and soldiers on board. Since our leaving Martinique to this time the sickness has increased with such rage that, as Sir Francis informs me, he has lost half his sailors and most of his officers. After discourse with him I am of opinion that he cannot reasonably be expected to return with his squadron to these Islands, according to the Royal orders. Again the aversion that the people of New England have always shewn to serve in the King's fleet will make their sailors abscond and make us despair of recruiting with sailors there. But I must remind you of the weakness of these Islands, which is such that without the attendance of a squadron they are in danger of being lost. Since we cannot expect Sir F. Wheler to return hither we are dependent on your representations to the King to provide for our safety. If another squadron be sent, we beg that it may not be sent to Barbados, which has been very fatal to all the sailors hitherto sent out; whereas the Leeward Islands are healthy. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 5 July, 1693. Abs. read 18 Sept., 1693. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 13; and 44. pp. 124–127.]
May 15.	348. Minutes of Council of New York. The Councillors resolved to provide most of the presents for the Indians from their own warehouses and to purchase the remainder in the town. Report of the prices at which naval stores can be exported; production would be no difficulty if properly encouraged. Resolved to recommend that Sir F. Wheler be apprised that flour and biscuit are very scarce owing to a blight on the corn last summer, but that plenty of beef can be afforded next November, and of flour next January; and that pork is supplied only by Virginia and Maryland. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 423, 424.]
May 17.	349. Copies of letters from Jamaica to merchants in London.
	16 May. I wrote to you formerly about insuring on board sundry ships that were to sail under convoy of the Guernsey., I now find that the captain of the Guernsey intends to sail to-morrow morning without the knowledge of the Governor, or indeed of hardly anyone. I fear that this wilful action of Oakley may spoil the insurance made on the ships that were to sail under the convoy.
	17 May. The above is a copy of a letter which we sent you by three ships, which are still at sea, a few leagues away. Our plans have been upset by the captain of the Guernsey, which started on a cruise twelve days ago until the merchant vessels here were ready. He came back in sight of this port, but only sent his lieutenant ashore to advise the Governor that he was sailing for London by the Admiralty's orders. We have only just learned that he is ready for this voyage, so can do nothing unless some accident happens to delay him. This latter letter is in French. The whole, 1¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 14.]
May 18.	350. Minutes of Council of New York. Authority given to the farmers of the excise of New York city to collect the same. Order for twenty-six more men sent to the frontier to replace as many deserters. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 424–425.]
May 18.	351. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the petition of Colonel John Hallett to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. ¼ p. Signed. Richard Colinge. Annexed,
	351 I. Petition of John Hallett to the Queen. Setting forth his case against Governor Kendall, and praying that £2,500 may not be taken from him on the Governor's mere displeasure. Copy. 2 pp. The whole endorsed, Recd. 20 May. Read 12 June, 1693. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. Nos. 13, 13I.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 353–358.]
[May 19.]	352. Petition of Thomas Gardner to the King. During the rebellion in Virginia in 1676, I received a warrant from Sir William Berkeley for the arrest of Nathaniel Bacon, for the taking of whom a reward of £200 was offered. I did apprehend him, but though I have made frequent applications I have never received the reward, and I beg that you will order it to be paid to me. 1 p. Annexed,
	352. I. A further statement of Gardner's case, shewing that he had received £25 from Lord Howard of Effingham, but for the securing of Giles Bland and not for the arrest of Bacon. 2½ pp.
	352. II. Warrant of Governor Sir William Berkeley constituting Thomas Gardner Vice-admiral of the fleet riding at James City. 9 September, 1676. Copy. 1 p.
	352. III. Letter of Sir William Berkeley to Thomas Gardner, 13 September, 1676. Ordering him to keep Giles Bland in custody. Original. ¼ p.
	352. IV. Warrant of Sir William Berkeley to Thomas Gardner, for the arrest of Nathaniel Bacon. 7 January, 1676–7. Copy. ½ p.
	352. V. Order of the General Assembly of Virginia. 20 February, 1676–7; that the thanks of the Assembly be given to Thomas Gardner, with regret that the Assembly cannot reward him as it would. Copy. ½ p.
	352. VI. Letter of recommendation in favour of Thomas Gardner from the English Commissioners. 4 May, 1677. Copy. ½ p.
	352. VII. Order of King Charles II. for the payment of a bounty of £111 to Thomas Gardner for his good service in Virginia. 17 March, 1677–8. Copy. ½ p.
	352. VIII. The Lord Treasurer's warrant for the payment of the above sum of £111 to Thomas Gardner. 20 March, 1677–8. Copy. ½ p.
	352. IX. Copy of the Order in Council of 12 October, 1691, on a former petition of Gardner's, and of Lord Howard of Effingham's report thereon at that time. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. Nos. 18, 18 I.–IX.; and (without enclosure) 36. pp. 274–276.]
May 20.	353. Minutes of Council of New York. Orders for detachment of the quota of Nassau Island for Albany. An account of affairs to be written to the Governor. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 425.]
May 22.	354. John Povey to the Attorney General. Forwarding the laws of Virginia passed on 16 April, 1691 and 1 April, 1692, for report as to their fitness to be confirmed. List of the said laws. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 238–240.]
[May.]	355. Abstracts of the Virginian Act for ports, and to revise the Act for encouragement of manufactures. 1½ pp. and 4½ pp. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. Noś. 19, 20.]
May 22.	356. Minutes of Council of Nevis. The Council and Assembly agreed to quarter the officers of three companies of Lloyd's regiment, but not their wives. Joint Committee appointed to choose a place of refuge for the women, etc. in case of invasion.
	May 23. Joint Committee appointed to agree with the owners of land before clearing the place of refuge. New auditors appointed to inspect the accounts of the expedition to St. Kitts, those formerly appointed being dead. Joint Committee appointed to draw up select articles of war. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 275, 276.]
May 23. Whitehall.	357. The Queen to Lieutenant-Governor Usher and the Council of New Hampshire. Directing them, together with the Assembly, to represent the true condition of the province, and what may be done for the security of the inhabitants and the support of the Government. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 221.]
May 23.	358. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for payment for the passage of English prisoners from Hispaniola. Order for payment for fortifications. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 252.]
May 24. Jamaica.	359. Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Beeston to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Guernsey, which was newly careened at great cost, received orders from Sir F. Wheler to sail to England. I in no way intended to obstruct those orders, but having the Royal commands to send the merchant ships home under convoy as far as possible I told Captain Oakley that they should be ready to sail by the beginning of June and that in the meanwhile he should sail round the Island in search of the French pickeroons that infest the north side. Very unwillingly he went, but sailed only to the eastward and then returned, anchored without orders, and brought me a paper signed by his carpenter as his excuse. On this I told him that if the Guernsey were not fit to sail round the Island she was not capable of sailing home, and that I would therefore order her to be surveyed. This he permitted, and the ship was found sound and in good condition. On this he wrote me a letter and immediately weighed and came about thirty leagues to leeward of Port Royal, where I understand that he means to stay till the 1st of June for his own advantage and in hopes that money will be sent him as freight, but to keep himself from all authority here. I send you the papers relating to the affair. Captain Maynard has now orders for the Mordaunt to sail for England, but I have the King's command to keep him here. This will show you how the orders differ; but the Island being in want of assistance, having neither fortifications, men nor money (of which Sir F. Wheler knew nothing when he gave the order), the Council and Assembly desired me to keep the Mordaunt and to represent their condition to you. I have now sent their representation in their own words and beg you to lay it before Their Majesties. The Assembly are now sitting and go on very unanimously, there being an agreeable temper between those remains that are left. They have passed a bill for keeping the 7th of June annually as a day of humiliation, and for the present supply of the country's wants are raising money to fit out two sloops to follow the French pickeroons that infest our coasts and plunder the poor inhabitants daily. Senor Porcio of the Assiento being bound a few days since to Porto Bello in a Spanish sloop had his ship seized by the naval officer for having dry goods on board for the Spanish trade. Finding that it gave great offence and might prove of ill consequence and cause the removal of that beneficial interest (which they daily threaten for want of supplies of negroes), I have remitted to them my own and the Royal thirds, which has pacified them. I beg your approbation hereof. Signed. Wm. Beeston. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 23 Aug. '93. Abstract read 18 Sept. Enclosed,
	359. I. Order of Sir William Beeston to Captain Oakley. For H.M.S. Guernsey to cruise round Jamaica in search of French privateers, until the merchant-ships are ready to sail under his convoy at the beginning of June. Dated, 5 May, 1693.
	Order of Sir William Beeston for the survey of H.M.S. Guernsey, Captain Oakley having represented her as unfit to sail round the Island. Dated, 15 May, 1693.
	Report of the officers appointed to survey H.M.S. Guernsey. That she is fit to sail to England. Dated, 17 May, 1693. Copies. The whole, 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 23 Aug. 1693.
	359. II. Captain Oakley to Sir William Beeston. H.M.S. Guernsey, 17 May, 1693. My ship being reported sound, and my orders being to give notice to merchant vessels that I am about to sail for England and, if none of them be ready, to sail without them, I beg to inform you that I shall sail to Blewfields Bay to water, and await your commands there till the 1st of June, which is reported to be the day which you have appointed for the sailing of the convoy. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 23 Aug. 1693.
	359. III. Speech of Sir William Beeston to the Assembly of Jamaica. I think that you will feel grateful to Their Majesties for sending as Governor one who is personally known to you, and who is a fellow sufferer with you in your recent calamities. You will find the Treasury so far postponed that unless you make additions to the revenue beyond the scope of the perpetual Revenue Act we cannot re-erect our fortifications and public buildings. I recommend the more effectual collection of the quit-rents. I would recommend the setting apart of the 7th of June as a day of fasting and humiliation for ever, and I beg you not to be jealous of the Council, whose interest is the same as yours, but to consult and work with them, and to avoid quarrels and disputes. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed, 4 May. Recd. 23 Aug. '93.
	359. IV. Duplicate of No. III.
	359. V. Address of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to Sir William Beeston. Sir F. Wheler having ordered H.M.S. Mordaunt to sail to England with such merchant-vessels as are ready to depart, we beg you to order her to stay about this Island, which otherwise we fear will be in danger of falling into the hands of the enemy. We beg you also to represent to Their Majesties the damage which this Island has sustained through the disobedience and misbehaviour of the captains of their ships, and in particular of Captain Oakley, who has refused to comply with any orders that he has received before or since your arrival. We beg you also to point out that the reason for Their Majesties being so ill served in those parts is that ships are not under the orders of the Governors; for it is impossible that anyone at so great a distance as Sir Francis Wheler, or any other on the station, can be aware of our danger owing to the presence of so powerful an enemy to windward. Copy. Large sheet. Endorsed, Recd. 22 Aug. '93. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. Nos. 15, 15 I.–IV.; and (without enclosures) 53. pp. 160–162.]
[May 24.]	360. Abstract of the preceding letter of Sir William Beeston. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Read 18 Sept. 1693. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 16.]
May 24. Jamaica.	361. Samuel Bernard to the Earl of Nottingham. We are sensible of Their Majesties' favour in sending us a Governor that is a fellow sufferer with us in the late dreadful calamity, from which we now hope to be restored. The Council and Assembly have made a representation as to the inconvenience of Captains of Their Majesties' ships not being under the orders of the Governor; and indeed the Governor here, being on the spot, must of necessity understand what is required of them better than the most far-seeing Admiral, unless he be more than mortal, especially at a time when our fortifications are down and ourselves defenceless. We want ships as moving castles until we can build fixed ones, or we run risk of falling, even if meanly attacked. Since the attack on Martinique I have seen the minutes of the Council of War, and the reasons of the officers for drawing off after having done so little. There I see that the gentlemen of Barbados and the Leeward Islands intended not only to ruin the French, but to force them down on us, as Colonel Codrington plainly says. So that they pretend not only to spoil the sugar-trade of the French, but to engross it to themselves, though almost unavoidably to the ruin of Jamaica, if they had driven the French down on Hispaniola as they did at St. Christophers. For at that place there was no medium between starving and attempting us in this Island, which is of more importance to the Crown than all the Windward Islands put together except Barbados. This comes out so plainly that I thought it worth while to put it before you. Signed. Sam. Bernard. 1 p. Endorsed, R. Sept. 15, '93. [America and West Indies. 540. No. 32.]
May 24.	362. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for sundry payments on account of money advanced for the public service. Leave granted for the enlargement of the north meeting-house at Boston. Order for payment for a hired ship, which was lost while returning from the expedition to Canada. Letter from Captain Convers that he had arrived at Saco, without meeting any of the enemy, and that he apprehends an attack on Pemaquid or one of the towns to westward. Order for the Indians to be dismissed but for the militia to continue abroad and to scout for the enemy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 233–235.]
May 24.	363. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Lieut.-Colonel Hicks to arrest certain suspected Indians.
May 25.	Order for the inhabitants of Newtown to agree by majority at a public meeting as to some expeditious method of collecting their quota of the tax. Order for payment of £15 for presents for the Indians. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 425, 426.]
May 25.	364. The Attorney and Solicitor General to William Blathwayt. Forwarding draft Commissions for the Governors of Barbados and Jamaica to erect Courts for trial and condemnation of prizes. We have left a blank for the boundaries. Signed. Edw. Ward, Tho. Trevor. Mem. The draft was opposed by Sir Charles Hedges, Judge of the Court of Admiralty. ½ p.
	Copy of the above. Endorsed, Read 25 May, 1693. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. Nos. 53, 54; and Jamaica, 53. p. 141.]
May 25.	365. Draft of Commission to erect prize Courts; certified by Sir Charles Hedges as fitting for the Governor of Barbados. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 55; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 300–305.]
May 25.	366. Memorandum. That the Commissions of Francis Russell and James Kendall as Governors of Barbados and Jamaica respectively be laid before the Queen to-morrow. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 14.]
[May.]	367. Memorandum. That Mr. Russell begs leave to look over his predecessors' instructions in order to be able to make suggestions to their Lordships. ½ p. Undated. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 15.]
May 25. Whitehall.	368. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the draft commissions for the Governors of Barbados and Jamaica to erect Courts for trial and condemnation of prizes, to Lords of Trade and Plantations for completion and report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 56; and Jamaica, 53. p. 142.]
May 25.	369. Minutes of Council of Nevis. The Council and Assembly agreed as to damages to be paid to proprietors of land where property is occupied by the selected place of refuge. The Council agreed on proposal of the Assembly that no sick persons be allowed to land from a ship lately arrived from St. Kitts, as there is an infectious distemper aboard her. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 276, 277.]
May 25. Virginia.	370. Proclamation of the Government of Virginia. Granting power to Thomas Neale to establish ferries on all waters where the power to do so is not already granted away by Letters Patent. Copy. 2 pp. Recd. 28 March, '94.
	Duplicate of the above. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. Nos. 21, 22; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 775.]
May 25.	371. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Thomas Neale's patent to erect Post Offices recorded, also Andrew Hamilton's deputation from the Postmaster General in England. Proclamation ordered as to Thomas Neale's patent to establish ferries.
May 26.	Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzhugh took the oath and was bound over to appear before the Governor and Council on the 17th October. A request of the Government of Maryland for Edward Randolph to be remitted to their custody read, when it was resolved that he ought not to be so remitted. Edward Randolph was then brought up and discharged and William Anderson suspended from the Commission of the peace for his behaviour in arresting him. Order for embargo on all ships bound for Europe until 30 June. James Sherlock sworn Clerk of Council in place of William Edwards, resigned. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 807–810.]
May 26. Boston.	372. Governor Sir William Phips to Lieutenant-Governor Usher. Complaint has been made to me of the seizure of the barque Mary in Piscataqua River, for no cause known to the owner, Mr. Peprell. This fresh complaint, with former ones of the same nature, make me ask for what offence this vessel is detained. If you claim jurisdiction over both banks of the river I should be informed thereof, that the matter may be adjusted by the two Governments or by the King, for it is contrary to the royal instructions that there should be hindrance to trade or misunderstandings between Governments. Certified copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 64.]
May 27.	373. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Captain Chant to seize a ship that has not cleared as the law directs, and that an express be sent to arrest the captain who has absconded. Order for a letter to the Governor asking when the Indians shall be summoned to meet him at Albany. Robert Livingstone reported that he had collected £1,075 of arrears of taxes of which £884 was allowed to him, he having advanced that sum for payment of the troops. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 426, 427.]
May 28. Jamaica.	374. Charles Hanses to the Earl of Nottingham. I must express my gratitude to you for your recommendation to Sir William Beeston. Never was Governor more welcome to any country than he to this, nor any country more grateful to you for sending him here. You will always have its prayers and good wishes that you will use your interest to continue him here till the work of recovering the Island from ruin be perfected. No one else except Mr. Bernard could have kept us from sinking, to such difficulties has the earthquake reduced this once flourishing Island. Under his government it begins once more to revive, and I am sure that not many have laboured so hard for the service of their Majesties and the people as he has since his arrival. Had I not the voice of the people with me, I should not have presumed to write this. Signed. Charles Hanses. 1½ pp. Endorsed, R. Sept. 15, '93. [America and West Indies. 540. No. 33.]
May 29.	375. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. A new clause in the Commission for reprisals read and referred to the Admiralty.
	Heads of enquiries to be made by the Commander-in-Chief of the convoy to Newfoundland approved. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. p. 190.]
May 29.	376. John Povey to Mr. Sotherne. Forwarding the draft Commissions for trial and condemnations of prizes in Barbados and Jamaica, for the Admiralty to define the boundaries of jurisdiction. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 57; and Jamaica, 53. p. 143.]
[May 29.]	377. Boundaries proposed for the jurisdiction of Prize Courts in America. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 58.]
May 30.	378. William Blathwayt to the Secretary of the Admiralty. Directing the Lords of the Admiralty to be ready with their report as to the limits of jurisdiction of the Prize Courts of America, for the meeting of the Lords of Trade on 1 June. Draft. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 59.]
May 30.	379. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Return of the writs for the election of an Assembly, and names of the members. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 404–407.]
May 31.	380. List of the Councillors, or Assistants, chosen by the General Court of Massachusetts. For Massachusetts Bay; William Stoughton, Thomas Danforth, John Pyncheon, John Richards, Nathaniel Saltonstall, Wait Winthrop, James Russell, Bartholomew Gidney, Robert Pike, Elisha Cooke, John Hathorne, Elisha Hutchinson, Samuel Sewall, Isaac Addington, William Browne, John Phillips, Jonathan Curwin, John Foster, Peter Serjeant. For New Plymouth; William Bradford, John Walley, Barnabas Lothrop, Nathaniel Thomas, John Saffin. For Maine; Francis Hooke, Charles Frost, Samuel Donnell. For the country between the river Sagadehock and Nova Scotia; Silvanus Davis. Memo. Mr. Addington wrote Mr. Povey that all were approved by the Governor except Elisha Cooke, in whose place Daniel Pierce was chosen and accepted. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 21 October. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 65.]
May 31.	381. Minutes of General Assembly of Massachusetts. The Assembly met pursuant to return of the writs. Sixty eight Representatives present. The Representatives chose William Bond for their Speaker, and proceeded to the election of twenty-eight Councillors.