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| June 16. |
1,088. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Nevis. The Council and Assembly agreed to appoint a Treasurer to collect the public debts
and ship the island's contribution of sugar to England, and to appoint a joint committee to adjust the late Treasurer's accounts. The Council and Assembly agreed to grant compensation for a negro that had died in gaol. The Assembly pressed the Council for an answer to its resolution passed at the close of its meeting on 8 May (see No. 1,003). Azariah Pinney appointed Treasurer. The Council returned no answer to a request of the Assembly for a writ for the election of a new Assemblyman in place of Charles Pym. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 418–419.] |
June 17.
Barbados. |
1,089. President and Council of Barbados to Council of Trade and Plantations. We now send home our journal of proceedings during the last three months, and have directed our Agents to continue their application for the favours which we have already supplicated. We acknowledge with great thankfulness the King's bounty in sending us stores, which are come very seasonably, but we are under great apprehensions that the arms, for which we sent at our own charge, are miscarried, for the ship that brought the stores brings us also the unwelcome news that on the 5th of May the convoy was attacked and dispersed by four French men-of-war. What is become of them we do not know, for only three ships have arrived here. If misfortune has befallen this long-expected fleet, the island will fall under great disappointments and inconveniences, for we shall have no men-of-war to guard our coasts or convoy our ships, but shall be exposed to the insults and depredations of French privateers every day, in the very sight of our houses, so that we shall have no freight to carry away our sugars nor materials to carry on our sugar-works. Necessaries of all kinds are now so dear and scarce that the sugar-plantations cannot be supported, but must unavoidably sink into ruin, as many have done already, by every one of which the Crown loses a great fee-farm rent. What will consummate our hard fate is the doubling of the duty on sugar, which the commodity can never bear while its price is so low and the charge to make and ship it so high. Indeed, our condition is very deplorable, but for the service of the King and nation we are willing to sacrifice our lives and all that we have. If our fleet and convoy have been unhappy in this engagement, it is absolutely necessary that some other men-of-war and merchant-ships be speeded away for our assistance and supply. We enclose a copy of a letter lately received from Colonel Codrington, which we think it our duty to transmit by the first conveyance. You will find therein some account of the proceedings of Pontie [Pointis] and Admiral Nevill. God grant that they may meet, and then we have great hopes of success. This fleet goes home without convoy, and so will the next if the Norwich and Chatham be disabled. The accounts of the Treasury are not yet ready for transmission to you. Signed, Fran. Bond, Prest. 1½ pp. A short abstract is attached. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Presented 23rd, Read 31st Aug., 1697. Enclosed, |
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1,089. I. Governor Codrington to President Bond. Antigua, 28 May, 1697. Admiral Nevill's fleet anchored here on Monday, 3 May, and sailed next night without touching at any other of the Leeward Islands. On Friday he sent two ships into St. Thomas for pilots and intelligence, which brought off an English master who had
been taken by the French and carried into Petit Guavos. He was there when Mons. Pontee [Pointis] sailed thence for Jamaica or Havannah or Carthagena. His force departed on the 16th March, being thirty sail in all, ten of them privateers, several tenders, one fire ship, one bomb-ketch and a store-ship of fourteen mortars and 7,000 bombs. On hearing this intelligence our Admiral called a Council of War on Saturday morning and resolved to bear away directly to Jamaica, ordering one ship to St. Domingo and another to San Juan de Porto Rico for intelligence on the way down. They sailed at noon that day. I have this account from a sloop which parted from them at Santa Cruz. Since then a French prize from Martinique has been captured by a privateer of this island, and the captain and men of the prize affirm that by an express from St. Domingo, dated 11 April, they had certain accounts that Mons. Pontee lay there before St. Domingo, besieging it by sea and land, and hoped to master it in a few days. If this be true I hope our fleet may not miss them, but I hope they will lie off that river until their ship comes with intelligence from St. Domingo. They have but six ships of fifty to seventy-four guns, the rest being of under fifty guns. Pontee's ship when in France was of ninety-four guns, but has now but seventy-four mounted, so that if our fleet meet them it will be able to beat them out of the sea. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. Nos. 34, 34 I. ; and (without enclosure). 44. pp. 85–89.] |
| June 17. |
1,090. An account of the titheables in Maryland and of their rates. Maryland has about 11,000 titheables, of whom about 1,500 are Quakers. Every titheable pays yearly about 60lbs. of tobacco to defray public charges. About 1693, Governor Copley and the Assembly laid 40lbs. of tobacco on every titheable for maintenance of ministers in every parish and for building churches. This has since been confirmed by Governor Nicholson, and a law to that effect now lies before the Council of Trade. By this addition the inhabitants now pay over 100lbs. of tobacco for every titheable yearly. The late Act laying a penny more per lb. on tobacco than formerly, together with the 40lbs., on every titheable is so great a burden, besides the trouble and expense of collecting the rate from Quakers for such a purpose will so discourage the people from planting tobacco, that they will fall upon the manufacture of linen and woollen, and cotton-planting, which will "deprey" their dependence on England for these commodities for the future. It is therefore proposed, for the present relief of the inhabitants, who are much oppressed by great charges for building a Court-house and school-house at Severnon "on the sloop side of the bay," that the Lords Justices order the collection of the 40lbs. rate for building churches to be suspended until the present subsidy be taken off, which will in some measure abate the charge they now lie under. 1 p. Endorsed, Sent to the Board, by Mr. Edward Hastwell. Recd. Read, 17 June, 1697. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 3. No. 24; and 9. p. 47.] |
| June 18. |
1,091. Commission of the Earl of Bellomont as Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of New York and its dependencies. The Council is to sign the Association prescribed by the Act for the better security of the King's person. The quorum of the Council is to be three. If there be fewer than seven Councillors residing in the province, he may make up the number of the Council to seven and no more. Appeals may be made to the Governor in Council in civil causes where the value appealed for exceeds £100. He may appoint commanders of ships with commissions to execute martial law at sea and in port, but is to have no jurisdiction in the King's ships, though empowered to suspend commanders of the King's ships for not obeying his orders. He is to be Captain-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Militia and of all the forces by sea and land within the provinces of East and West Jersey, with the same powers in respect of them as in respect of those of New York. [Board of Trade. New York, 52. pp. 190–215.] |
June 18.
Westminster. |
1,092. Commission of the Earl of Bellomont to be Governor of Massachusetts. The boundaries are fixed by recitation of the Charter of Massachusetts in 1691, and include Massachusetts, New Plymouth, Maine, Acadie or Nova Scotia, and the territory lying between Nova Scotia and Maine. Powers are granted to suspend Captains of the King's ships and to commit them, in which case the commissioned or warrant officer next in seniority will take command. He is appointed Commander-in-Chief of all the forces in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Providence and the Narragansett Country. [Board of Trade. New England, 36. pp. 252–259.] |
June 18.
Westminster. |
1,093. Commission of the Earl of Bellomont to be Governor of New Hampshire. The number of the Council is not to exceed seven. Appeals in civil causes when the value exceeds £100 are to be to the Governor in Council. [Board of Trade. New England, 36. pp. 273–286.] |
| June 18. |
1,094. Secretary of Customs to William Popple. Your letter of 9th inst. with Mr. Chidley Brooke's petition has been laid before the Commissioners of Customs. Since he does not derive his authority from them, but from a patent from the Crown, and since his accounts are properly under the cognizance of the Auditor General of the Plantations, Mr. Blathwayt will best be able to judge of the occasion of his coming to England. Signed, Jno. Sansom. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 19th, Read 21st June, 1697. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 31; and 52. p. 150.] |
| June 21. |
1,095. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Boscawen's letter of 14th inst. read (No. 1,082). Mr. John Kendall attending, offered himself as Governor of Bermuda, if approved. |
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Several packets from Virginia and Maryland came in, with a charge of nearly thirty shillings for postage. Order for a representation that the Council's letters should be free. |
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Mr. Charles Story applied for assistance in obtaining payment of the expenses of his voyage. Agreed to refer his claims to Lord Bellomont for examination upon his arrival in America. |
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Mr. Sansom's letter of 18th read (No. 1,094). Order for the Secretary to write to Mr. Povey on the subject (No. 1,097). |
| June 23. |
Samuel Day presented a petition to be made Governor of Bermuda. |
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Captain William Holman attended, on the business of his defence of Ferryland in 1694. Order for a representation that his expenses ought to be paid him with such reward as may be thought fit. |
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Sir Henry Ashurst presented several papers in vindication of the reigning Government of New Hampshire (No. 1,096). |
| June 24. |
Mr. Vernon's letter of this day as to French engineers in Jamaica read (No. 1,102). Ordered that warning be given to the Governors of the West Indian Islands thereupon. |
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Several Orders in Council received, which, not being in authentic form, were laid by and the omission reserved for consideration. |
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Governor Codrington's letters of 26 March and 1 May read. |
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Three representations as to Mr. Gray's commission, Captain Holman's claim, and the postage of letters signed. [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 127–133.] |
| June 22. |
1,096. Sir Henry Ashurst to Council of Trade and Plantations. I hear that you have some report of the maladministration of affairs by Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Waldern in New Hampshire. My love of justice obliges me to say that by an uninterrupted information of nine years past I am assured that both of them are persons of the greatest interest in New Hampshire, well-affected to the Government, and of great wisdom and integrity. I am sure that when they have liberty to answer for themselves they will show themselves unworthy of your censure, however they may have been represented to you. Signed, Hen. Ashurst. ½ p. Enclosed, |
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1,096. I. Copies of several letters addressed apparently to Sir Henry Ashurst. |
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From William Vaughan and Richard Waldern. Portsmouth, 10 October, 1696. Mr. Usher's Government still grievous to us, as we have been free to let him know. He has now suspended us both from the Council till the King's pleasure be known, but lest he should omit to report the matter in England, as required by his instructions, we have enclosed the same herein and beg you to send it to one of the Secretaries of State. ½ p. |
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From the same to the Secretary of State. 10 October, 1696. Transmitting copy of the reasons given by Lieutenant-Governor Usher for their suspension from the Council, with their answer thereto, a declaration signed by the principal Justices of the Peace, and a few lines from the rest of the Council. They beg that these may be laid before the King, whose decision they patiently await. ½ p. |
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Copy of Lieutenant-Governor Usher's reasons for the suspension of Vaughan and Waldern, viz. their refusal to take the oath of allegiance and to sign the Association prescribed by Act of Parliament. ½ p. |
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Answer of Vaughan and Waldern to Lieutenant-Governor Usher's reasons above given. We know of no summons to take the oath of allegiance nor ought there to have been any. The oaths of allegiance and supremacy have been abrogated by Act of Parliament; the oaths substituted for them we took in Council, and we were of the Committee which drew up a bill to oblige all the inhabitants to take
them. We also took the said oaths before one of the appointed Commissioners, not being able to find both, and hearing that the Lieutenant-Governor was displeased thereat we signified our willingness to take them again. As to the Association, we expected to sign it together with the Governor and Council, and thought it improper for Councillors to sign an Association with the rabble. ¾ p. |
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Deposition of George Jaffrey, justice of the peace, confirming the above statement as to the oaths and Association. ½ p. |
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Peter Coffin, Robert Eliott and Nathaniel Wear to the Secretary of State. 12 September, 1696. We believe that Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Waldern were suspended more from the Lieutenant-Governor's prejudice than for any fault. They have always demeaned themselves well in Council, and there are none in the County better qualified to sit therein; and we beg that the King may be acquainted hereof. ½ p. |
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The Revolutionary Council of New Hampshire to [Sir Henry Ashurst], 16 February, 1696–7. By the arrival of Lieutenant-Governor Partridge we are advised of the good news of Mr. Usher's removal, and Mr. Partridge's being put in his place gave us a prospect of peace and quiet. But Mr. Partridge finding himself exposed, under a late Act of Parliament, to a penalty of £1,000 if he should enter on the Government until he had taken an oath enjoined by that Act, and being assured that Mr. Randolph was coming over to administer that oath to all the Governors, deferred the publication of his commission and assumption of the Government. Mr. Hincks therefore (according to Mr. Allen's order) has received his commission as President, and together with the Council carries on the Government till Mr. Partridge shall be sworn. Mr. Allen sent over a Mr. Charles Story in the same ship as Mr. Partridge, with a recommendation as Secretary and Clerk of Council and a commission as Judge of Admiralty. At the first sitting of Council he was readily admitted Secretary and Clerk. His commission as Judge was also recorded, and he received from us assurance of our civility, countenance and respect. But we quickly found him undeserving thereof, for, besides being proposed by Mr. Usher as he passed through Boston, he has made no companions here but Mr. Redford and Mr. Packer, two malcontents of Mr. Usher's party, notwithstanding a caution as to this company both from Mr. Partridge and Mr. Hincks. With them he went to Exeter and Hampton, and there tried to insinuate to the people that the present power was not good, and invited Mr. Usher to return. Next Council-day he did not appear, but on the day following he attended Mr. Hincks by order, who rebuked him for so early neglecting the King's service. He answered with lofty and indecent carriage that he had been cautioned at his peril against acting with us, but refused to say whether it was by Mr. Usher or not, though he had informed one of the Council that Mr. Usher had forbidden him to act, and designed to come to the Province speedily. The Council then ordered him to give up the records and papers of his office, and on his refusal ordered him to be taken into custody, and his books and records to be searched for. They were quickly found and brought to the Council, when he was again called in and told that the Council had recovered its books, and that he was dismissed from his office of
Clerk, but that he would be recognised as Judge of Admiralty. He answered that he was betrayed, and that if the Council would help with money to carry him home he would leave his Commission of Judge in their hands, and depute any person that they chose to execute the office; but the Council took no notice of it. A few days later Mr. Usher came to Hampton, and in the Church announced that he had been sent for, and that his power still continued, and sent warrants for the militia to appear in arms and for the Council to attend him. As no obedience was shown he left the province that afternoon, and we hope has taken his final farewell. On his first appearance at Hampton it was thought meet to confine Story and Redford to their lodgings, and a correspondence was found between Redford and Usher for disturbing the province. But after Usher's withdrawal they were dismissed, and are since gone to Boston, leaving the province in peace and quiet. We have given you a particular relation hereof, as Mr. Story, by Mr. Usher's advice, may return and lodge a complaint, though never was man in his circumstances more civilly treated by persons in ours. The office of Judge of the Admiralty in the hands of a well-disposed man may be very advantageous, but in those of a disaffected, ill-tempered person it may produce ill effects. We hope that you will find out if anything is offered against us at the Plantation Office or elsewhere, and, if so, appear on our behalf. Signed, John Hincks, Nath. Fryer, Peter Coffin, Robt. Eliott, Henry Green, Nath. Wear, Wm. Vaughan, Rich. Waldern. 2½ pp. The whole endorsed, Recd., 23 June, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. Nos. 111, 111 I.] |
| June 22. |
1,097. William Popple to John Povey. Referring the petition of Chidley Brooke (see No. 1,025) to him, for his report as to what has been the customary allowance to collectors on such occasions. [Board of Trade. New York, 52. pp. 151–152.] |
June 22.
New York. |
1,098. Governor Fletcher to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have received yours of 1 February and the duplicate of yours of 25 September. I have given orders to the Justices of the several counties to enable me to answer your queries. I shall not fail to give an account of the province and of my suggestions for its advantage. We are very grateful for the stores of war which your care has sent to us. I endeavoured in March last to persuade the Assembly to grant a supply for the encouragement of the soldiers, as formerly, and acquainted them that, since the money had been paid into their own hands, not a man had deserted; but I could not prevail with them. They have raised a fund for levy-money to recruit only three companies at Albany for twelve months from the 1st of May last, with three pence a day instead of four pence as last year. This husbandry has so discouraged the men that many have deserted, and I find greater difficulty in making up the complement. They have had no regard to the company quartered here, though upon all occasions I have detached part of them to Albany. Part of them were there with me all the winter, and I have detached part of them to strengthen H.M.S. Richmond upon extraordinary occasion, such as the presence of a French man-of-war on the coast. Since the
Act was passed, twenty-five men have deserted from the fort. I send hues and cries and officers after them into the neighbouring provinces, but very unsuccessfully. I hope the King's commands will prove effectual. I suggest that 150 recruits be sent from England or Ireland against next May, and then those annually enlisted may return to their labour, which in this country brings them in three shillings a day, and holds no proportion to their pay. A smaller number will be required annually to keep the companies full afterwards. Our winters are extreme cold and long, and the men are there in great misery from want of clothes. It is now five years since the two old companies had full mounting. I shall carefully observe your orders as to deserters and fugitives in this province. I brought over with me, by order, the draft of a bill against piracy which was enacted here, to be of force for some time. This Act gave pardon and liberty to all who should come into the province within that time and give bond for good behaviour and not to leave the province without licence. Within that period a ship commanded by one Coates, which had been taken from the French, was condemned and sold during Leisler's usurpation. Hearing that Leisler was dead they threw a great deal of East India goods overboard, and most of them separated, leaving the ship at the east end of Nassau Island. I advised with the Council on the matter, and on their opinion she was brought into New York, when the men that were in her had the benefit of the Act and gave bond accordingly. There have been no others since come into the province. Captain Tew brought in no ship to this port. He came as a stranger, and came to my table like other strangers who visit the province. He told me he had a sloop well manned, and gave bond to fight the French at the mouth of Canada river, whereupon I gave him a commission and instructions accordingly. I have given private commissions to others of like nature who have done service against the enemy. An Irishman, one Hoare, holding a commission from Sir William Beeston, took a considerable prize, loaded with sugar and indigo, from the French, which he took into Rhode Island and there disposed of the cargo. Finding the prize to be fitter for his purpose he shifted on board of her and applied to me for a commission to go against the French at the mouth of Canada River and on the banks of Newfoundland, which I gave him, taking security for his obedience to my instructions. I have heard no more of him since. It may be my misfortune, but not my crime, if they turn pirates: I have heard of none yet that have done so. One Captain Kidd lately arrived and produced a commission under the Great Seal of England for the suppression of piracy. When he was here many flocked to him from all parts, men of desperate fortunes and necessities, in expectation of getting vast treasure. He sailed from hence with 150 men, as I am informed, great part of them from this province. It is generally believed here that they will get money per fas aut nefas, and that if he misses the design named in his commission he will not be able to govern such a herd of men under no pay. Mr. Caleb Heathcote is not to leave the province, and has given directions for taking out his warrant. He has been very useful, has advanced his private fortune for the King's service on an emergency when there was no money in the Treasury, and is
zealously affected to the King's Government and interest. The orders given concerning the frigates that attend this coast must be of service. The provision-ships that fall into the enemy's hand for want of convoy are a great strength to them, as they would not otherwise be able to fit out so many privateers for the West Indies. Provisions are expected from hence at all seasons of the year. Even in the winter, when there is ice, a vessel outward-bound will find an opportunity of wind and weather to put to sea, when strangers dare not venture upon our coast. When your methods are publicly known, the merchants will order their affairs to the greatest safety and the least hazard. I observe your directions to look after the Captains of the King's ships here. I have been several times on board the Richmond, and have seen her well manned. Her lying up for so many months of the winter and the little convenience that we have for careening and fitting such ships occasions great expense to the King and little advantage to us, our protection from November to March being the North-West winds. I have not heard of the Captain's baking or brewing for any ship but his own, and have observed him to be not negligent of his duty. I shall take care to provide the King's ships with men and to check any irregularities of impressing, to the hurt of trade. I was obliged to put myself into Albany for the winter, and remained there until March, which gave the inhabitants great satisfaction and kept them together. I have been at great pains to gain the hearts of the heathen, and have as much of their esteem as any Governor had before me. I have taken the chief Sachems to my table. Some of the principal men of the Five Nations came down from the river to visit me, whom I treated with all kindness and courtesy. I sent them on board our largest ships and caused the guns to be fired; and, the King's birthday happening at the time, I ordered the guns to be loaded with ball, to shew them how far they would carry on the river, caused grenada-shells to be fired before them and let them see the armoury. I ordered six horses to be put into my coach and made my coachman drive them round the city and into the country to take the air, by which they were extremely obliged. I dismissed them finally with considerable presents, at which they expressed great satisfaction. When I came down from Albany last fall two of the Indian princes followed me, having some idea of going to England, but altered their minds. About three years ago I had for over twelve months in my family the son of a great warrior who died brave in an engagement against the French, and put him to school. He can talk both Dutch and English, but of late his mother came down and enticed him away to kindle his father's fire and build up his house. The Associations sent in from Whitehall were of two sorts and came by different conveyances, which caused some mistake, but they were both signed and returned. I was glad to hear of the arrival of our Acts. Several packets have been lost since the war. I hope those by way of Virginia arrived safely. As to the complaints given against me, I thank God I have a clear and undisturbed mind and shall be able to vindicate myself. Some time before I came down from Albany two small towns of Rye and Bedford in Westchester County adjoining Connecticut, being much in arrears of taxes, revolted to Connecticut, which countenances them,
though they were part of New York province at my arrival and have remained so until now. This is contrary to a stipulation made between Connecticut and Governor Dongan in 1683, and signed and sealed by the Governor and Court of Assistants. I am loth to make war on any of the King's subjects, so lay the matter before you. They have invaded us with a captain and fifty men on horseback, armed with fusils, to disturb the election of a representative, pursuant to the King's writ, at Rye. I never found them so forward to give assistance to Albany on the approach of an enemy, notwithstanding my frequent applications and the King's commands. I have desired them not to countenance these irregularities, but to suffer these towns to remain as they were until you give your decision, but they will not hearken unto me. Signed, Ben. Fletcher. 7 pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read 16 Sept. 1697. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 32; and 52. pp. 261–272.] |
| June 22. |
1,099. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Council was summoned to advise as to the mounting of the mortar pieces and the care of the stores sent by the King; and (in view of the news of the fall of sugars and a new duty) whether it be not necessary to instruct the agents to represent the islands' deplorable condition to the Council of Trade. Order for the fleet to sail positively on the 26th inst. The Powder-duty Bill was received from the Assembly, with the amendments agreed to, and was thrice read and passed. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. p. 223.] |
| June 23. |
1,100. Petition of Samuel Day to Council of Trade and Plantations. Begs to be recommended to succeed Mr. Goddard as Governor of Bermuda, his education and constant employ in trade having qualified him to serve the King in divers capacities. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 23 June, 1697. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. No. 12.] |
June 23.
Whitehall. |
1,101. James Vernon to Council of Trade and Plantations. The King having been informed that the Company of foot in Jamaica might be of greater use and less cost if disbanded, is inclined to disband them accordingly, but before giving a final decision desires your opinion to be laid before him. The Lords Justices being informed of this, desire you to report your opinion hereon. Signed, Ja. Vernon. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd., Read, 23 June, 1697. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 59; and 56. p. 108.] |
June 24.
Whitehall. |
1,102. James Vernon to Council of Trade and Plantations. One who pretends to write advices from Paris has lately mentioned that some able engineers have been sent to Jamaica, being some of those who served in the French army in Piedmont. Being able to speak Italian they intend to pass for such, and under that disguise to carry on the French designs in these parts. I know not how far this is to be depended on, but it may be fit to be communicated to the Governor of Jamaica, that he may keep a more watchful eye on strangers. Signed, Ja. Vernon. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 24 June, 1697. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 60; and 56. pp. 108–109.] |
| June 24. |
1,103. Memorandum of the receipt of a memorial of the Jamaica Agents as to all passages between the English and French in that island since 1667. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 61.] |
| June 24. |
1,104. Memorandum of the receipt of a letter from Messrs. Cole and Merrett as to the invasions of the English in Newfoundland by the French since 1667. Dated, 24 June, Recd. 29th. Read, 30th. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 79.] |
June 24.
Whitehall. |
1,105. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices of England. We have examined the statements, depositions and accounts of William Holman, and are satisfied that they are true. We think that his expenses, £345, should be made good to him, and leave his claim of £150 for loss of his fish to your decision. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, John Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 119.] |
June 24.
Whitehall. |
1,106. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. That William Holman's petition be recommended to the Lords of the Treasury for such satisfaction for his expenses and loss as they shall think fit. ¾ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 7 July, 1697. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 80; and 25. pp. 121–122.] |
June 24.
Whitehall. |
1,107. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. Approving the draft commission to Ralph Grey as Governor of Barbados, and ordering it to be prepared for the royal signature. Copy. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 7 July, 1697. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. No. 35; and 44. p. 74.] |
June 24.
Whitehall. |
1,108. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices of England. Submitting a draft commission for Ralph Grey as Governor of Barbados. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, Jo. Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 61–62.] |
| June 24. |
1,109. Commission to the Hon. Ralph Grey to the Governor of Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Vincent and the rest of the Caribbee Islands lying to windward of Guadeloupe. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 146–162.] |
| June 24. |
1,110. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Colonel Jowles excusing himself from attendance in Council, it was ordered that the broad seal be taken from him and delivered to any gentleman of the Council who will live in town, owing to the inconvenience to public business of its being kept in a little counting-house. David Kennedy, producing his deputation from the Commissioners of Customs to be Collector, was sworn. Instructions were then given to him and orders given for the records of his office to be delivered to him. Letter from Sir Edmund Andros read, complaining that the Maryland Committee should have taken measures as to Indians in Virginia without consulting his Government. An answer to him was approved, to the effect that the Maryland gentlemen had orders to report their proceedings to him. The papers of Robert King, naval officer, deceased, were received and ordered to be
handed to his successor. Journal of the messengers sent to the Indians read, and ordered to be entered. It reported a satisfactory interview with the chief, who promised to return shortly to Maryland. The letters written by these gentlemen to Sir Edmund Andros were also entered. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 13. pp. 287–296.] |
| June 24. |
1,111. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Leave granted to Henry Dering to erect a crane-house on his wharf at Boston. Order for payment of £8 5s. to Elizabeth Walker for a public dinner and entertainment of the Lieutenant-Governor and Council at the opening of the General Assembly. |
| June 25. |
Justices for the several Courts appointed. For the Superior Court, William Stoughton, Thomas Danforth, Wait Winthrop, Elisha Cooke and Samuel Sewall; also four Justices for each of the ten County Courts. The instructions to the Commanders of the soldiers sent to New Hampshire were read and approved. A Committee appointed to provide for the entertainment of the Earl of Bellomont. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 97–100.] |
| June 26. |
1,112. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Nevis. The Council refused to issue a writ for the election of an Assemblyman in place of Charles Pym. The Assembly agreed that the new Treasurer's commission on outstanding debts collected should be 8 per cent.: and a joint Committee was appointed to adjust the late Treasurer's accounts. Message from the Assembly to the Council pressing again for an answer to their resolution of 8 May, and for the Council's reasons in writing for dissenting from them. The Council answered that the matter had been referred to the Governor. Protest of the Assembly against the Council's action in refusing to issue a writ for election of an Assembly-man, as requested. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 420–422.] |
June 28.
Virginia. |
1,113. Clerk of House of Burgesses of Virginia to Council of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding duplicate of the journal of the General Assembly begun on 24 September, 1696. Signed, Peter Beverley. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 16 Sept., 1697. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 6. No. 22.] |
June 28.
Virginia. |
1,114. The same to the Duke of Shrewsbury. To the same effect. [America and West Indies. 638. No. 28.] |
June 28.
St. John's,
Newfoundland. |
1,115. Colonel Gibson to Council of Trade and Plantations. We sailed from St. Helens on Saturday, 17 April, and all arrived here on 7 June, except the hospital-ship and a small French banker, her prize, which have since arrived. We were very uneasy for some time at hearing nothing of our store-ships and provision-ship, but they came in here yesterday at last under convoy of the Portland and a fire-ship. H.M.S. Bonadventure, which came with them to Trinity Bay, has put into Trinity Harbour to make good defects, and I have been much concerned to hear that the masters of the three ordnance-store ships have been obliged to serve out full allowance of provisions from the time they went on board till their arrival here, so that their three months' full provisions, which ought to have lasted four months and a half, are already expended.
The want of materials at our first arrival was very prejudicial to us. We could command neither spade, shovel nor pickaxe, so that it was with much ado that, with the help of the grenadiers' hatchets, we made huts to shelter the men; but now that the store-ships are come, all hands shall be set to work. Several of the inhabitants have been to us from Conception Bay, Trinity Bay and Bonavista, but we hear of nothing but destruction from them all, for nothing escaped the barbarous fury of the enemy but Bonavista and the little island of Carbonere. The last defended themselves bravely, which, in my opinion, was partly the reason why the enemy did not go so far as Bonavista. To southward of this there is not an inhabitant left but two or three in the Bay of Bulls, and two at Brigos by South and from there to Trepasse, which is the Southmost of the English Plantations. There is not a living soul left, yea not at Ferryland, which was always looked upon (as I am told) as the best harbour and the pleasantest place in the whole Island. However, when we have secured this, I mean to go to Ferryland with a part of my regiment and secure that also, which may possibly encourage the people to settle there again. There are several other places to southward of that which in my humble opinion ought to be secured, for if we do not I fear the enemy will, before next spring, if a happy peace does not prevent it. I am afraid that, the summer being so far spent and our provisions like to fall short, I shall not have time to do what I would for the security of the harbours formerly possessed by the English; and it were ten thousand pities but that care were taken of them. For though the continual fogs make approach to the island difficult, there are not better harbours in the world. All that I heard in England as to the advantage of the country is not comparable to what I have seen during my three weeks ashore here. I see little difference in the climate, nor do I believe that what grows in England will not grow here, for such a quantity of strawberries I never saw nor heard of. The few meadows within two miles of this place are full of them and of currants, both red and white, and raspberries growing wild in the wood. But all this has not sufficed to make the inhabitants cultivate the ground, for they apply themselves wholly to fishing, which gives them vast advantage, and far more than they could make by labouring the ground. You know how many debates there have been for and against a Governor here, nor shall I concern myself therein, but it is too evident that the want of a good Governor has been the ruin of a great many families in the country who were in a very flourishing condition. Let the King do what he may, unless there be some government settled—I do not mean a military government but the civil and Church government also, for in the little time that I have been arming them, the people have lived more like heathens than Christians—[he will accomplish nothing]. I shall write further by next opportunity and indeed was unwilling to write by this, only as a ship was going to Bristol I thought I could not do less than give you this account. I believe that the Commodore has written to the Admiralty about the fleet. Signed, J. Gibson. P.S.—Commodore Norris goes cruising to-morrow for twenty-one days, by which time we shall be ready for Ferryland. I begin to fear the want of
provisions. We are now at half allowance of bread and short allowance of all other. 2¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 4 Aug. 1697. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 81; and 25. pp. 123–127.] |
| June 28. |
1,116. Memorandum of a memorial from the Agents of New York relating to what has passed between the English and French on the confines of that province since 1667. ½ p. Inscribed, Recd. 28, Read 30 June, 1697. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 33.] |
| June 28. |
1,117. John Povey to William Popple. In answer to your letter of 22nd inst. (No. 1,097), Mr. Brooke has been employed as Receiver in New York ever since the war, and the province being a frontier to the enemy, the levies made during his tenure of the office have been much greater than in the time of Mr. Santen and Mr. Plowman, his predecessors, who had not the occasion to make such demands as he has made. 1 p. Endorsed, Read 6 July, 1697. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 34; and 52. p. 156.] |
| June 28. |
1,118. Memorandum of the receipt of a letter from Richard Cary relating to the memorial lately given in by the Agents for the Leeward Islands. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 46.] |
| June 28. |
1,119. Petition of John Usher to Council of Trade and Plantations. I was treasurer of New England under Sir Edmund Andros until the Revolution, which prevented my accounts from being adjusted. On 26 March, 1694, an Order in Council was granted, on my petition, for the audit of my accounts and the payment of the balance due to me. A committee of the Council of New England was accordingly appointed, and after strict examination found the balance due to me to be £851; yet, owing to some prejudice of Sir William Phips against me, this sum has never been paid to me, but has been detained now for more than eight years. I beg for your order that Lord Bellomont take the foregoing into consideration, and that the aforesaid balance with interest thereon may be paid to me. 1 p. Endorsed, Presented by Mr. Wesendunk. Recd. Read, 28 June, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 112; and 36. pp. 205–206.] |
| June 28. |
1,120. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Order in Council of 24th upon the subject of postage read. Order for it to be sent to the Secretary of the Treasury, with a reminder as to payment of the salaries and allowances of the Commission. |
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Mr. William Brook presented some papers in favour of Governor Goddard of Bermuda. |
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Mr. Wesendunk presented a petition on behalf of John Usher (No. 1,119). The Council directed that the Order in Council therein mentioned be laid before them. |
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Mr. Gilbert Heathcote and other Jamaica merchants attended, and all concurred in the expediency of disbanding the foot soldiers in Jamaica. Order for a representation to be drawn up accordingly. |
| June 30. |
Lord Stamford recommended the appointment of Samuel Day to be Governor of Bermuda. |
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Samuel Clarke's letter of 29th read, asking for further time to answer the enquiries put to him. Several memorials as to the past relations between the English and French in the various Colonies, with a view to the Treaty of Peace, were read. |
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Order for Mr. Dampier, who hath lately printed a book of his voyages, to attend on Friday next, and to give notice to Mr. Wafer, that they may be examined as to the design of the Scotch East India Company to make a settlement on the isthmus of Darien. |
| July 1. |
Mr. Vernon's letter of this day as to criminals awaiting transportation read (No. 1,134). Order for the Secretary to make inquiry of the Agents of all the Colonies thereupon. |
| July 2. |
Mr. Dampier and Mr. Wafer attended, and gave an account of the isthmus of Darien and the country between it and Porto Bello, which they were desired to draw up in writing. |
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A letter from Mr. Vernon, with Governor Fletcher's letter of 9 November last to the Duke of Shrewsbury, was read. |
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Letters to the Governor of the West Indian Islands were signed by the four Commissioners present, but were ordered not to be despatched until signed by a fifth hand. |
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Lord Tankerville brought back Mr. Grey's instructions, with the request that the proportion of salary to be paid to him since the date of Governor Russell's death might be fixed thereon. The Secretary was ordered to search the records to ascertain what has been usual in such cases. [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 134–143.] |
| June 29. |
1,121. Memorandum of receipt of a letter from Samuel Clarke, Deputy-Governor of Hudson's Bay Company, deferring their answer to enquiries as to their relations with the French since 1667. Scrap. Inscribed, Dated and recd. 29th. Read, 30 June, 1697. [Board of Trade. Hudson's Bay, 2. No. 15.] |
June 29.
Bermuda. |
1,122. Governor Goddard to Council of Trade and Plantations. I received yours of 12 February at the end of May. I have already sent you an account of the Island. The Acts are in Mr. Blathwayt's office. The names of the Council are, William Peniston, Gilbert Nelson, Richard Peniston, William Outerbridge, John Tucker, Samuel Spofforth. I recommend William Tucker, Daniel Johnson, Benjamin Wainwright and Samuel Sherlock as fit persons to be appointed to the Council. I have had news of the fleet under Admiral Nevill touching at Barbados and sailing thence by the Leeward Islands, and I heartily wish them success. I am glad to hear that the King is sending out an Engineer. As soon as Mr. Heberland arrives I will shew him such civility as this poor place affords. Your orders as to pirates shall be faithfully observed; none shall be sheltered in Bermuda while I am Governor. I hope that at your leisure you will give consideration to my letter of 30 July, for Mr. Richier is such a person that he will neither come to terms with me nor comply with the Order in Council of 19 December, 1695, which commands him to give the security of £2,000. This he refuses, as I have already written to you. The papers that I now send are of the nature of a journal, wherein you will find that since Mr. Trott's arrival he has been the greatest villain to me and to the whole country. There are persons
here so factious in their natures that unless they be sent for home and punished no Governor can live easy. Let them commit what disorders they will, they will not punish one another, and God knows I have but a lame Council, nor can the country afford a better. I think that the six persons who signed a petition to the Council and left me out, though I was actually in the Council, should answer it at Whitehall, for here it is not in my power to punish them. Their names are Nicholas Trott, Anthony White, Samuel Trott, Florentius Cox and Thomas Dunscombe. Five of them are bound over to good behaviour and to answer for their contempt at the next General Assize. Mr. Trott is not taken yet, but, as I am informed, is endeavouring to escape to Providence, a receptacle for all rogues. Let me point out that the two Judges, Peniston and Dorrill, endure to be called rogues and other villainous expressions by Trott, and tell me that it is not worth their while to meddle with him. They are both men of circumstance, and I wish they might give their reasons at Whitehall. I assure you they both deserve to appear there. I hear that there is a petition sent home against me, drawn by that villain Trott on behalf of one Mary Vaughan, who is his wife's aunt, a woman of that infamous and scandalous life that in any of the Plantations but Bermuda she would be whipped at the cart's tail. I beg therefore that I may be heard before you judge of the petition, which is as false and scandalous as the woman is. By next conveyance I will send you an account of the births and christenings for 1696 and 1697, also an account of the receipts and expenditure. Signed, J. Goddard. Holograph. 2¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 16 Sept. 1697. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. No. 13; and 29. pp. 41–45.] |
June 29.
Bermuda. |
1,123. Governor Goddard to the Duke of Shrewsbury. I think myself bound in honour to send you the three enclosed affidavits, for should I have heard one of your honour and quality spoken of in such scandalous language and not reported it, I should be almost an equal offender with him that uttered it. He has urged me here with very villainous language. I threw him into gaol for it, but he got bail. If any fellow deserves to be hanged, he does. I hope that you will send for him home to be punished. I have written to Lord Bridgewater and sent him the affidavits. Signed, J. Goddard. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
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1,123. I. Declaration of John Goddard. That he heard Nicholas Trott, jun., say of three Lords of the Committee, who threw out his costs, that they had been bribed, or that Mr. Blathwayt had been if they had not. |
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Attestation of Gilbert Nelson as to the words spoken by Nicholas Trott, and as to his naming the three lords to be the Duke of Shrewsbury, Lord Bridgewater and Lord Stamford. |
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Attestation of Thomas Brooke in confirmation of the foregoing. The whole, 2½ pp. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 54.] |
| June 29. |
1,124. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. Message of the Council to the Assembly setting forth that no person has known how legally to obtain redress for wrong, owing to the delay
in passing the Act to establish Courts and in amending the Act for a prison, and urging that these matters be taken in hand without delay. Answer of the Assembly, requesting the appointment of a joint Committee to report as to the Act for Courts, and suggesting that the Country's house, recently purchased, might easily be converted into a gaol, and that this matter be left for the Speaker to examine. The Council concurred and appointed members for a joint Committee. The Assembly sent up two bills of charges for the entertainment of Admiral Nevill, with the request that they might be passed, which was done; they sent up also an address asking that the Acts lately passed might be sent home, duly authenticated, and that they might be read on three successive Sundays in every parish. Several orders as to escheated lands, payments and other such matters. On the petition of John Lucas it was ordered that a Court of oyer and terminer be held on 8 July. John Lucas appeared, and, acknowledging his error before the Governor and Council, was discharged. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 195–198.] |
| June 30. |
1,125. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for two fire-ships to be repaired and refitted. Orders for payment of salaries and of £172 for six great guns. An account of £569, in thirty-eight small sums, for refitting of fire-ships was brought up and ordered to be charged against the King's revenue. Order for interest to be allowed to all such as shall pay money owing to the King upon bond before the bonds become due. Orders for further payments on account of fire-ships, and for adjustment of certain quit-rents. An account of £1,250 for Port Morant fortifications was brought up and passed. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 79. pp. 69–73.] |
June 30.
Annapolis,
Maryland. |
1,126. Governor Nicholson to the Duke of Shrewsbury. Forwarding several addresses and other papers. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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1,126. I. Congratulatory address of the Council and Delegates of Maryland to the King on his safe return after the last campaign. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,126. II. Address of thanks from the same for the appointment of the Council of Trade and Plantations. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,126. III. Address of the same, praying for mercy to those who have committed themselves by becoming securities for dishonest masters of ships. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,126. IV. Address of the same. Shewing the hardships of vigorous enforcement of the Acts of Trade in Maryland when the same laws are not enforced in the neighbouring Colonies. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,126. V. Address of the same, praying for relief from the burden of contributing to the defence of New York. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,126. VI. Address of the same, asking for the boundaries of Maryland and Pennsylvania to be adjusted, and enumerating the measures taken to prevent the harbouring of runaway seamen. Copy. 3 pp. |
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1,126. VII. A list of Journals and Acts sent by the present opportunity. In Sir Thomas Laurence's hand, and signed by him. 1 p. |
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1,126. VIII. A further list of duplicates and other copies of Journals and public transactions. 1 p. The addresses will be found more fully abstracted under date 13 July, 1697. [America and West Indies. 558. Nos. 3, 3 I.–VIII.] |
June 30.
Annapolis,
Maryland. |
1,127. Governor Nicholson to James Vernon. Pray make my letter to the Duke of Shrewsbury acceptable. I hear that Mr. Penn has endeavoured to made me appear an ill man, but thank God we have now a Government which will not condemn any person unheard. I only ask to be allowed to justify myself here or in England, when I believe I can shew that his accusations are false and that the Government of Pennsylvania, as he now manages it, is every way prejudicial to the King's interest. If I should personally attack him, as I hear he has attacked me, I can truly make it appear that in these parts he has been an ill man. I beg your pardon for this trouble, but you have been a voluntary and generous friend to me. I do not pretend to be without faults or enemies; but please give no credit to any ill that you hear of me till I have endeavoured to justify myself. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 558. No. 4.] |
| June 30. |
1,128. William Popple to the Agents for Barbados. Desiring an account of any alterations or innovations which have happened or have been attempted to be introduced into Barbados or any other of the Caribbee Islands thereupon depending, with especial reference to the island of St. Lucia, since the year 1667 to the present day. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. p. 62.] |
