|
| April 12. |
919. Minutes of Council of Massachussetts. Advised that writs be issued for calling an Assembly for the last Wednesday in May. Bill for a general fast on 13 May read and consented to. Elisha Hutchinson and Nathaniel Byfield appointed Commissioners to solicit assistance from Connecticut and Rhode Island for prosecution of the war. Letter from the Government of New Hampshire asking for sixty more men to man the fort at Great Island, and undertaking to pay for half their wages and subsistence. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 81–82.] |
| [April 12.] |
920. Petition of John Nelson, nephew and heir to Sir Thomas Temple, to the Lords Justices of England. The said Sir Thomas Temple long ago purchased from one Mons. Charles de la Tour the inheritance of Nova Scotia and part of the country called L'Acadie, with all the forts, plantations and trade thereof, which said countries were first discovered and planted by Sir William Alexander, afterwards Earl of Stirling, and others in the time of King James I. By the authority of that Crown the government and propriety thereof was granted to the said Earl and his heirs, conveyed by him to Charles de la Tour aforesaid, to hold under the Crown of Scotland, and by him quietly enjoyed until in 1654 the Commonwealth of England possessed themselves thereof. It being in the hands of a Frenchman he came thereupon to England, and on his making out his title from the Earl of Stirling
as aforesaid, his right was restored and was by him conveyed to Sir Thomas Temple aforesaid, who enjoyed it until the Treaty of Breda. He built divers forts for defence thereof and made other improvements which cost over £16,000, notwithstanding which, upon some false suggestions of the French ministers that it belonged formerly to the Crown of France, King Charles II., without examination or notice to the parties concerned, restored it to France under an article of the Treaty aforesaid, and by several Orders in Council required it to be delivered to a person sent by the French King; which was accordingly done. At his death Sir Thomas Temple demised all his right and title to the premises to me, who during the present war have hazarded person and estate to recover the same, when being unfortunately taken prisoner I was kept in France for five years, and even now continue under caution. Meanwhile, the greater part of the said country having been regained by the English, has been by surprise included in the patent of the Government of Massachusetts. This being the case, I being informed that a treaty is on foot between the Kings of England and France, have desired that His Majesty may not be surprised in this affair by neglecting or acquitting so considerable a proportion of his dominions as well as my property. I beg you to represent this matter to the King. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13th, Read 16th April, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 87.] |
| April 12. |
921. John Nelson to Council of Trade and Plantations. Pursuant to your wishes I have here annexed a brief account of the right and title of the English Crown to Nova Scotia and Acadia. Though placed some time since in Mr. Vernon's hands it may need your particular influence at this conjuncture, and since the French still retain some parts on the northern side of the Bay of Fundy it is not improbable that they continue their pretensions to the whole, whereas, setting aside all our other ancient and just titles thereto, we have a present and actual right by conquest to Port Royal, Siganecto, at the bottom of the Bay of Fundy, and all along the coast of Cape Sable to a place called Merlequasti, about sixty leagues beyond the Cape eastward. These countries are very considerable from the fishery, whereon the chiefest of the trade of New England and New Hampshire depends, which if well assured unto us might in a manner be of as great advantage as Newfoundland. Therefore I presume it may be thought worth our insisting upon, especially as its reduction by Sir William Phips in 1690 was so costly, and since then the King's frigates have guarded the inhabitants. All of these people, that is to say those of Port Royal, the Mines and Siganecto at divers times renewed their submission and allegiance to the Crown of England, at once by oaths and by contracts, of which I enclose the most important, given to me in 1691. Since my detention in France I heard that the Government of Massachusetts and the captains of the King's ships have almost every year renewed the English pretensions of right by conquest, and have received like acknowledgements from the French who remain in the place. It is not for me to determine how all this may be improved, but I am sure that it is the Crown's
interest to maintain our right herein, which is the more evident from the mischiefs that have befallen us ever since the precipitant and ill-advised rendition of the countries by the Treaty of Breda, whereby we have not only lost the greatest and best part of our fishing coast but have found ourselves in constant differences with the Indians. This last has been so fatal as to lay waste near fifty leagues of the most flourishing parts of those countries, and will for ever be of the same consequence if the King forego and give up what is so necessary to us. Signed, J. Nelson. P.S.—Pray observe that the inhabitants of Port Royal have accepted as magistrates such as the Government of Boston from time to time placed over them. For their own ease and comfort they always chose men who were most agreeable to the French inhabitants. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd., 13th. Read, 16th April, 1697. Enclosed, |
|
921. I. Deed of submission given by the French inhabitants of Siganecto to John Nelson, 17 September, 1691. Sixteen signatures, most of them accompanied by a rude mark apparently in imitation of the Indian totem-marks. Original. 1 p. |
|
921. II. Quarto pámphlet, giving a journal of Sir William Phips's expedition against Port Royal 1690. Printed for Benjamin Harris, Boston, 1690. 16 pp. Both enclosures endorsed as the letter. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. Nos. 88, 88I., II.] |
| April 12. |
922. Memorial of reasons for reducing Newfoundland, given to the Council of Trade by Christopher Pollard. (1) As Newfoundland is now in possession of the French, 400 Indians are as good as 800 men that we can transport thither. The passage of a month or more will greatly fatigue our men, and when they get ashore they will soon get the scurvy for want of fresh provisions. Again they will be expected to lie 'open to the heavens,' having no covering; they cannot carry their tents through the woods, nor can they travel like the Indians, who will cover twenty or thirty miles a day in the country without trouble. (2) If the King would proclaim that the inhabitants of Newfoundland shall have their passage with their families to reduce the country and enjoy their former plantations, now in possession of the French, no doubt they would accept the offer or be debarred for ever from enjoying their rights or property therein. (3) If these inhabitants will go there, they are well acquainted with it, and good shotsmen, and to recover their own again, will behave themselves like men; and they can endure lying in the woods, being accustomed thereto in the cold of the winter. (4) Many of the said inhabitants have tendered themselves to Mr. Pollard to go, he being well known to them, having lived among them many years, and kept a store-house to supply them. (5) If the King will employ him in the ship St. Malo, and give him suitable instructions, he doubts not to give his Majesty satisfaction. (6) Mr. Pollard had three ships in the first transport service for reducing Ireland, for which he never received any pay as yet. 1¼ pp. Within, |
|
Proposals of Christopher Pollard to Council of Trade and Plantations. (1) The owners of the St. Malo have ordered me to offer you the ship for the King's service. (2) Having lived for many
years in Newfoundland, I know better where to land the forces, and can do so within three miles of St. Johns. (3) I can get pilots who know the coast well and have twenty years' experience of it, and as many such pilots as you think fit. (4) I have raised 120 men at my own charge formerly for the said ship. (5) Many of the inhabitants have offered to go over with me to recover the place if they are set at liberty after it is reduced, who will be very service-able, having suffered great losses from the enemy. (6) £210 is due to me from the Victualling Office for victualling the King's men at St. Malo. (7) I suffered losses from the French, 1696, losing ships in Ferryland and a plantation burned in Capling Bay. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Communicated by Captain Pollard, 12 April, 1697. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 75.] |
| April 12. |
923. William Thornburgh to William Popple. Lord Craven, for whose sickness the Proprietors of the Bahamas had deferred their meeting, is dead, and they met to-day, when I laid before them Thomas Bulkley's accusations against Governors Jones and Trott (see No. 681). Their answer is that Jones was here in England for several months, which was known to Mr. Bulkley, who might have prosecuted him at law if he had done him any wrong. Mr. Trott is under recall and on his return may be answerable to Mr. Bulkley, who seemed to the Proprietors, when he came before them, to be non compos. Signed, Wm. Thornburgh. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 25. p. 67.] |
April 12.
Whitehall. |
924. William Popple to the Secretary of the Admiralty. Asking the Lords of Admiralty to provide for the passage of two captured Indians, their interpreter and William Nicoll to New York in the man-of-war intended for that Colony, the passages and provisions to be free. [Board of Trade. New York, 52. pp. 111–112.] |
| April 12. |
925. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Burchett's letter of 10th inst. read (No. 918). Order for the Secretary to write again to the Secretaries of the Admiralty (No. 930). Mr. Pollard's papers were laid before the Council (No. 922). Several letters from Colonel Gibsone since his arrival at Portsmouth were communicated by Mr. Blathwayt. |
|
Lord Bellomont's letter of 9th inst. read (No. 916). Order for the instructions relating to his salaries to be left in blank, and that the Secretary acquaint him with the establishment of Sir Edmund Andros's salaries. |
|
The circular to the Proprietors of Plantations considered. Order for the Secretary to send copy of the address of the House of Lords with papers to the Treasury for its opinion (No. 935). |
| April 13. |
Order for the Secretary to write to the Agents of Barbados to enquire as to the two new proposed councillors. |
|
Mr. Nelson delivered in three papers relating to Nova Scotia (Nos. 920, 921). |
|
Petition of the three New York lieutenants read (No. 926). Resolved that if their case be not determined by the general officers upon the arrival of Major Ingoldsby, it shall be referred to Lord Bellomont. |
| April 14. |
Mr. Burchett's letter of yesterday as to the transportation of tradesmen to Jamaica (No. 927) read. The Council, while observing the impracticableness of the thing at such short notice, ordered a copy to be sent to Mr. Gilbert Heathcote. Order for Mr. Heathcote to have notice to attend, about the Jamaica Acts referred to in Order in Council of 8th inst. |
|
Mr. Thornburgh's letter of 12th inst. read (No. 923); after which it was explained to Mr. Bulkley that the redress that he seeks could only be obtained in a court of law, and he was desired to draw up proposals practicable according to law. |
|
Major-General Winthrop asked for a sight of the clause in Lord Bellomont's commission which refers to the militia of Connecticut, which was granted him. Lord Bellomont's letter of this day was read (No. 932), and a draft additional clause relating to the militia of Connecticut was drawn up, which was ordered to be sent to him. |
| April 15. |
Lord Bellomont's letter of yesterday read, assenting to the proposed clause, which was accordingly added to his instructions, and communicated to Major-General Winthrop. |
|
Commissioner Greenhill's letter of 13th inst read (No. 929). |
|
Mr. Randolph handed in an abstract of a letter from Captain Benjamin Davis of 2 January (No. 554). |
|
Letter of this day from the Barbados Agents read and a representation drawn up thereupon (Nos. 936, 937). |
|
Representation drawn up as to Lord Bellomont's instructions (No. 939). |
|
Mr. Yellowton's Agent informed the Council that it would be impracticable to transport tradesmen to Jamaica this opportunity. |
| April 16. |
Order for Mr. Nelson's papers to be sent to Mr. Secretary Trumbull, and that a letter be prepared to go with them. |
|
Mr. Gilbert Heathcote explained that he had abandoned the idea of transporting tradesmen to Jamaica for the present, as they would arrive during the sickly season. He was unable to give any information as to two private Acts of Jamaica, which were thereupon sent to the Solicitor General. |
|
The circular letters arising out of the address to the House of Lords were signed. |
|
Order for letters to be prepared to Mr. Secretary Trumbull as to the despatch of further provisions to Newfoundland. |
| April 17. |
Mr. Burchett's letter as to the Newfoundland convoy, dated yesterday, was read (No. 945), and an answer thereto ordered (No. 948). The letter to Mr. Secretary Trumbull signed (No. 949), also the letter to the Duke of Shrewsbury of this date (No. 950). [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 67–78.] |
| April 13. |
926. Petition of Lieutenants Shanke, Sydenham and Wright, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Asking that an order may be given that Lord Bellomont, on his arrival at New York, may examine fully the information which they have sworn as to the abuses of the Governor and Captains of New York. 1p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 13 April, 1697. [Board of Trade.New York, 7. No. 17.] |
April 13.
Admiralty. |
927. Secretary of the Admiralty to William Popple. With reference to the Memorial of the Council of Trade of 1st inst. (No. 887)
touching the transportation of certain tradesmen to Jamaica, the Admiralty have sent orders to H.M.S. Chatham, now at Spithead, to take on board all or such part of the said tradesmen as shall come to him before he sails, and to victual them during the voyage. This ship is directed to proceed to Jamaica, the Norwich to the Leeward Islands, and the Sheerness and Seaford to Barbados, with orders to keep company. The remainder of the men-of-war will follow as soon as possible. Signed, J. Burchett. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 14 April, 1697. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. Nos. 55; and 56. pp. 90–91.] |
| April 13. |
928. William Popple to Gilbert Heathcote. I enclose copy of a letter received from Mr. Burchett (preceding abstract) that you may put such order thereunto as you find practicable at this conjuncture. The Council of Trade desires to speak with you concerning two private Acts of Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 56. pp. 89–90.] |
April 13.
H.M. Yard,
near
Portsmouth. |
929. Henry Greenhill to William Popple. Enclosing receipts from the Captains of H.M.S. Chatham for packets delivered to him for distribution. Signed, Henry Greenhill. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
929. I. Receipt of Captain Samuel Whitaker for the packet for the Leeward Islands, 13 April, 1697. ½ p. |
|
929. II. Receipt of the same for the packets for Jamaica and Barbados. Same date. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. Nos. 49, 49 I., II.; and (without enclosures) 34. p. 138.] |
April 13.
Whitehall. |
930. William Popple to the Secretaries of the Admiralty. I am directed to remind you about giving orders for H.M.S. Crown to be despatched from Plymouth to Milford to convoy the fishing ships from thence to Waterford and Newfoundland. On receiving yours of 18 March I told the merchants of Barnstaple and Bideford that they might expect her there, and they are now growing very impatient of delay. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 108.] |
| April 13. |
931. Minutes of Council of Barbados. A letter read from the President, who was absent through sickness, as to further instructions given by him to Captain Reeves, and as to expediting the bill now before the Council. The Council approved of the reinforcement of the squadron by one sloop, which the President had ordered owing to the addition of a large ship to the French force. Recommended to the Assembly that a guard-ship be appointed during the absence of the frigates. Bill for freedom of elections read as amended, and agreed to. H.M.S. Bristol arrived with a letter from Admiral Nevill, dated, off Palma, 1 April, desiring that a sloop might be sent to Martinique to see if the French squadron be there. Resolved that two sloops be taken up, one to go to Captain Reeves, the other to Martinique. |
| April 14. |
At the Assembly's request the Militia Bill was returned to them for amendment. Orders for the fleet to be ready to sail, and for the Assembly to be called on the 16th to make provision for the frigates, hourly expected. The bills to disable judges from practising in Courts, and to repeal the Act for a duty on shipping read twice. Bill concerning the powder duty read once and committed. Order
for the entertainment of sick seamen. Resolution of the Assembly for fitting out two ships to join the men-of-war in securing the merchant ships now expected. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 204–5.] |
| April 14. |
932. Earl of Bellomnot to William Popple. I have perused the draft instructions and return them the sooner that they may be laid to-morrow before the King in Council, being desirous to despatch all that relates to my voyage to America. Pray move the Council of Trade to allow me £1,200 a year salary for New England as well as £600 a year for New York, for I understand that Sir Edmund Andros was paid so and that the Deputy Governor's salary was not deducted from the Governor's, which seems to me to be pretty odd. He, as I am informed, though he held the Governments both of New England and New York, resided constantly in New England, which made it the less expensive to him; but if it is expected of me to divide my time between the three governments, then the expense of the frequent removals will, I hope, be considered. Moreover, I conceive that I shall be expected to make somewhat a better figure than Sir Edmund Andros did. It is for the King's honour, and for his and the people's interest that the Governor's appointments should be large enough to keep him from the temptation of growing rich by oppression or by any indirect practices whatsoever. If there be a design for supplying the King with naval stores from New Hampshire, as I have formerly been told, I suppose that I shall be obliged to make many journeys thither to inspect and encourage the undertaking, which will be a great expense to me. I propose that £200 a year salary be allowed to the Lieutenant-Governor of New York out of the King's revenue of the colony, which will be the less burdensome to the country since he, being resident in that place, will spend the money there. The person that I have proposed to be Lieutenant-Governor of New York is a captain in the army in England and a very experienced good officer, and to make his £200 up to a competent maintenance I shall propose that he change companies with one of the captains there. I do not know whether the Lieutenant-Governor of New England has any allowance from the King, but, however that may be, I desire that means may be found to pay him a salary (if, I mean, he has a salary or present from the King) independent from mine. Pray therefore desire the Council to make the Governor's salary for New England £1,200, and the Lieutenant-Governor's what they think fit. As a fund for the said salaries I should propose their being assigned on the King's revenue for custom, confiscation, etc., and if the Council empower me by an instruction to inspect the due collection of that revenue, I suppose the King will not be the worse served for my being a check on the Collector. I would gladly save the Exchequer the charge of the salary, yet I must beg the Council to order that, if that revenue fall short of my salary, there may be an establishment here, as in the extract which you sent to me. I have made a slight amendment in our instructions to ensure that my absence in New Hampshire shall not entitle the Lieutenant-Governor of New England to half my salary and perquisites. Signed, Bellomont. 2¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 14 April, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 89.] |
April 14.
Whitehall. |
933. William Popple to the Earl of Bellomont. Your letter of to-day was at once laid before the Council of Trade; but in view of certain representations made by Major-General Winthrop as to the militia of Connecticut, the Council has ordered a new clause to be added to your instructions, of which a copy is enclosed for your opinion thereon. [Board of Trade. New England, 36. p. 153.] |
| April 14. |
934. Earl of Bellomont to William Popple. Acknowledging the receipt of a draft clause to qualify his power in command of the militia of Connecticut, and submitting to the pleasure of the Council of Trade therein. Signed, Bellomont. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. 14th. Read, 15th April, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 90.] |
April 14.
Whitehall. |
935. William Popple to William Lowndes. Forwarding a copy of the bond to be required of the Proprietors of all Colonies, for the execution of the Acts of Trade and Navigation by their Governors, to be laid before the Lords of the Treasury for their report. Memo. A letter was written again on 30th to require an answer. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 25. p. 68.] |
| April 15. |
936. Agents for Barbados to Council of Trade and Plantations. In reply to Mr. Popple's letter of 24 March, we find on enquiry that Edward Bourke is not fitly qualified to be of the Council of Barbados, though we have no objection to make to Colonel Ramsay, who is a very good officer, a judicious man, and of considerable estate. Signed, Edw. Littleton, Wm. Bridges, Fran. Eyles. 1¼ pp. Undated. Inscribed, Recd. read, 15 April, 1697. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. No. 28; and 44. p. 57.] |
April 15.
Whitehall. |
937. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommending the appointment of David Ramsay to the Council of Barbados. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. p. 58.] |
April 15.
Kensington. |
938. Order of the King in Council. That a letter constituting David Ramsay to be of the Council of Barbados, be prepared for the Royal Signature. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 19 April. 1697. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. No. 29; and 44. p. 59.] |
April 15.
Whitehall. |
939. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. We submit the draft instructions for Lord Bellomont as Governor of New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. We have left the figure of the salary blank, annexing a memorandum of the salaries that have been hitherto given. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm: Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. |
|
State of the salaries of the Governors and Lieutenant-Governors of New England and New York. In 1686 Sir Edward Andros, as Governor of New England and New Hampshire, but not of New York, was appointed to receive £1,200 per annum, payable in England until the revenue there should be settled. In 1688 New York was added to Sir Edmund Andros's Government, and there was added to his salary £200 out of the £600 allowed from the revenue of New York for support of their Governors, and the
remaining £400 was allotted to the Lieutenant-Governor. After your Majesty's accession the two Governments were divided, since which the Governors of New York have had their former salary of £600 per annum allotted them out of the revenue of that province. The revenue of Massachusetts under their new charter is disposable by the Assembly there, and the revenue of New Hampshire is inconsiderable. While the Governments of all New England and of New York were united under the same constitution, there was only occasion for one Lieutenant-Governor of the whole. But since the Governments of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York are now separate and divided in constitution (though under the same Governor) it will be necessary that there be three distinct Lieutenant-Governors, so that a salary will be required for the Lieutenant-Governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, which should, we think, be paid by the Colonies, for hitherto no Lieutenant-Governors have been of any charge to the Crown. [Board of Trade. New England, 36. pp. 154–156.] |
April 15.
Kensington. |
940. Order of the King in Council. Approving the draft Instructions to the Earl of Bellomont as Governor of New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and ordering them to be prepared for signature. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 10 May, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 91; and 36. pp. 181–182.] |
April 15.
Kensington. |
941. Order of the King in Council. Referring the question of the salaries of the Governor and Lieutenant-Governors of New York and Massachusetts (the amounts of which have been left blank in the Instructions) to the Lords of the Treasury for their report. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 19 April, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 92; and 36. pp. 158–159.] |
| April 15. |
942. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Commissions and instructions for the Commissioners to Rhode Island and Connecticut approved. Letter to the Government of New Hampshire that the Colony cannot send sixty men, and recommending the employment of H.M.S. Falkland. Order for payment of £815 to the Commissioners for War and Provisions for expenses recently incurred, also for payment of his salary, and of the salary of Addington Davenport, Clerk of Assembly. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 82–84.] |
| April 16. |
943. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Deputy-Secretary Jenings reported that Commissary Blair had applied to the Clerk of the Secretary's office for a pass to England, on which Mr. Jenings had ordered him to give no pass to any of the Council, as he himself or the Secretary would do it. Mr. Blair appeared, and it was resolved that he was in fault, no pass having ever been given to a Councillor but by the Secretary. On the motion of the Trustees the former restrictions on the land at Pamunkey Neck and Black-water were continued until 20 June, their survey being still incomplete. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 57–58.] |
| April 16. |
944. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Assembly came in, and were informed by the Council that it was necessary to give
a present of fresh provisions to Admiral Nevill's fleet on its arrival, and a table for the Admiral and captains, and to provide a sloop to carry the Admiral's orders. The Council informed them that it had twice read the bills to disable judges from pleading and to repeal the duty on shipping, but that the bill for the powder-duty appeared to them to be abolished thereby. Bill concerning freedom of elections returned to the Assembly with amendments. An additional allowance for sick seamen was recommended to the Assembly. Orders as to the salutes to be given to the Admiral. The Assembly came in and said that they had drawn a scheme of the provisions that might be made over to the fleet if wanted, that no table was required for the Admiral and captains, that they agreed to take up a sloop to recall Captain Reeves, that they would make no additional allowance for sick seamen, and that they desired the powder-duty bill to be returned. Letters from the Board of Ordnance, the Council of Trade and the Agents read, respecting the coming of an engineer and a chief gunner, the Agents recommending an increase to the chief gunner's pay, if his duties required him to keep a horse. Three members appointed to take up a sloop to go out in quest of Captain Reeves in H.M. Ship Newcastle. A letter from the Board of Admiralty read, vesting the sole power of impressing seamen in the Governors of Colonies. |
| April 17. |
A fleet being visible to windward, the Council considered the preparations for Admiral Nevill's reception, including the appointment of two Councillors to welcome him, and the provision of a house and table for him. Mr. Heberlands, engineer, and Mr. Robert Chapman, gunner, then presented their credentials. The latter asked for a place of habitation, which was granted to him in any of the forts, and for a horse, accoutrements, a negro, and maintenance for them, which the Council undertook to propose to the Assembly. Mr. Cranfield and Mr. Bromley reported that they had welcomed Admiral Nevill to Barbados, and had been very kindly received by him. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 205–210.] |
April 16.
Admiralty
Office. |
945. J. Burchett to William Popple. Since receiving your letter of 13th, the Admiralty have received letters from the merchants concerned in the ships bound with H.M.S. Crown to Newfoundland, saying that they will proceed to Waterford and remain there in expectation of our calling for them. The Admiralty have sent one of the Newfoundland squadron to Plymouth to join the Crown in convoying the ships aforesaid, and the transports which are not yet out of the river to Newfoundland; but they think the delay of the transports very prejudicial to the service, for if the Crown proceed without the other men-of-war they doubt whether she will be a sufficient convoy for the transports; and they have no present prospect of adding another ship to her. Signed, J. Burchett. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 17 April, 1697. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 76; and 25. p. 109.] |
April 16.
Whitehall. |
946. William Popple to the Solicitor General. I send you certain Acts of Jamaica for your opinion, and in particular two private
Acts concerning the estates of William Truxton and John Childermas. Please hasten the despatch of the Acts in your hands. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 56. p. 90.] |
| April 17. |
947. Petition of John Crowne to Council of Trade and Plantations. King James I. by Letters Patent of 10 September, 1621, granted all the lands in America called Nova Scotia to Sir William Alexander of Menstrue. The said Sir William by deed of 30 April, 1630, made over the said lands to Sieur Charles de St. Etienne, Lord of La Tour, and to his heirs for ever. The said Sieur Charles by deed of 30 September, 1656, made over all his right and title in the said lands to Thomas Temple and to my father, William Crowne, for the sum of £3,370 and odd pounds. Sieur Charles also reserved to himself and heirs the twentieth part of the product of the lands and of all the peltry, charge free. In 1668 the French at the Treaty of Breda prevailed with King Charles II. to surrender all the aforesaid lands to France, without compensation to the Proprietors. I beg that a clause may be inserted in Lord Belloment's instructions to give all just and convenient countenance to me for the recovery of my estate, in order that planters may settle there, which they will be afraid to do without leave from me owing to the age and validity of my title. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 17th. Read, 19th April, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 93.] |
April 17.
Whitehall. |
948. William Popple to the Secretaries of the Admiralty. By Mr. Burchett's of yesterday the merchant ships seem to intend proceeding from the Bristol Channel to Waterford without convoy. The Council of Trade desires to be informed whether it is intended that H.M.S. Crown, being joined by another of the squadron, and convoying the ships left behind by the squadron, shall proceed direct to Newfoundland or call at Waterford for the ships aforesaid. If the transports, ordnance and store-ships are obliged to attend the convoy to Waterford, the whole service of Newfoundland may be entirely disappointed by the delay which may happen by the alteration and indirectness of their course. Equally the merchants of the Bristol Channel, if disappointed of a convoy at Milford or Waterford, will suffer great loss, besides the prejudice to this year's fishery. The Council therefore hopes that care will be taken for the convoying of both transports and merchantmen. The Council of Trade agree with the Admiralty as to the damage to the service through the delay of the transports, upon which they have made frequent urgent representation. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. pp. 110–111.] |
April 17.
Whitehall. |
949. Council of Trade and Plantations to Secretary Trumbull. The merchants of the British Channels complain much of their disappointment of a convoy to Newfoundland. As it is most necessary that the transports and store-ships shall be convoyed to Newfoundland direct, we have written to the Admiralty on the subject and beg you to lay the letters before the King. Further, on making enquiry as to the nine months' provisions for 450 men, we do not find them in any readiness, and we therefore beg the King's orders not only for preparing but for despatching them to New-
foundland under convoy, otherwise the forces there will be unable to subsist. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. pp. 111–112.] |
April 17.
Whitehall. |
950. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Shrewsbury. We send you drafts of letters prepared to the respective Governors and Proprietors of the Plantations in America, pursuant to the late address of the House of Lords to the King relating to the Plantation trade. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen. See Circular of 22 April infra. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 34. p. 139.] |
April 19.
Admiralty
Office. |
951. J. Burchett to William Popple. The Lords of the Admiralty have considered yours of 17th inst. I enclose a copy of their instructions to the Commander of H.M.S. Crown, wherein you will see that he is directed to ascertain from the merchants of Bideford and the places thereabouts whether they intend to send their ships to rendezvous at Waterford or at Milford, and to proceed accordingly to take them under his convoy. My Lords desire to know if these instructions will answer the service to the satisfaction of the merchants. The Bonadventure has been ordered to join the Portland at Plymouth to convoy the transport-ships to Newfoundland, so that the Crown may proceed without making any stay, and the necessary orders have been given for convoying the transports to Plymouth. Signed, J. Burchett. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
951. I. Copy of the Admiralty's instructions to Captain Cooper Wade of H.M.S. Crown, 19 April, 1697. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. Read, 20 April, 1697. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. Nos. 77, 77 I.; and 25. pp. 113–114.] |
| April 19. |
952. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Petition of John Crowne read (No. 947). Ordered that he be informed that Nova Scotia is not in Lord Bellomont's commission. |
|
Copies of Orders in Council of 8th inst. and 15th inst., referring to Lord Bellomont's instructions and the Council of Barbados, were read. |
|
The Council agreed upon several heads as to the proposals for working mines in New England and bringing naval stores from thence. |
| April 20. |
Mr. Burchett's letter of yesterday respecting the Newfoundland convoy read (No. 951). Order for the information therein to be communicated to Mr. John Cary and Mr. William Hammond. |
| April 21. |
Governor Goddard's letter of 17 November received and read (No. 399). |
|
Mr. Bulkley presented a paper of legal reasons for obliging the Proprietors of the Bahamas to pay him compensation. |
|
The Acts of New York were then read through, and a representation ordered to be drawn thereupon. |
| April 22. |
The New York Agents attending answered various questions about the laws, and Mr. Nicoll handed in a paper of accounts of the £1,000 raised for the expense of his voyage, etc., as Agent (No. 957). |
| April 23. |
Order for an abstract of Mr. Richier's papers to be prepared. |
|
Lord Arran presented to the Council an Order in Council, dated yesterday, with the claim of the Duchess of Hamilton to the Narragansett Country annexed (No. 962). After some discourse with him the Council ordered copies to be sent to the Agent of Connecticut and Mr. Brenton, as the person most considerably interested in Rhode Island, for their objections to the claim, if any. [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 78–83.] |
April 20.
Whitehall. |
953. William Popple to William Hammond and John Cary. The Commander of the H.M.S. Crown has been directed to send overland to Barnstaple, Bideford and other ports to ascertain whether the merchants propose to send their ships to Waterford, to be convoyed thence to Newfoundland, or whether they mean to rendezvous at Milford and proceed thence to Waterford and Newfoundland, as arranged, and to act accordingly. Please inform your correspondents. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 115.] |
| April 20. |
954. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The naval officers being directed to attend to be sworn to the new Act for the Plantation Trade, the Act was read. Whereupon Mr. Blair of his own motion declared himself to be a native of Scotland, and asked the Council's opinion whether he were not disabled, under a clause of the said Act, from sitting as a judge in the General Court. The Council decided that by the Constitution of the country the Councillors were the only judges of the General Court, and that therefore Dr. Blair came within the Act. The Governor reported that for better prevention of illegal trade and collection of revenue he had divided the Potomac district, and had appointed Colonel Richard Lee to be Collector and Naval Officer of the upper district thereof. The Naval Officers were then sworn to observe the new Act. It was resolved to give £5 of the £20 voted by Assembly for the General Court to Edward Ross, and £15 to George Marrable, sheriff of James City. |
