|
| July 21. |
1,194. The Agents for Barbados to Council of Trade and Plantations. Respecting the transportation of fifty women convicts referred to us in your letter of 2nd inst., it will be no convenience nor advantage to Barbados to have them sent thither, for no English women are there put to work in the field, and the people will not be willing to take such as those into their houses, so that they will be altogether useless. But in places where white women work in the field, as Virginia and Carolina, such women as those may be useful and acceptable. Signed, Edw. Littleton, Fran. Eyles. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 63.] |
| [July.] |
1,195. The Agent for Massachusetts to Council of Trade and Plantations. As to the transportation of women convicts, the Government and inhabitants of New England have from their first settlement earnestly desired to be excused from entertaining criminals transported to America. But it is well known that they will be willingly entertained by Virginia, Maryland, Barbados, Jamaica, or the Leeward Islands. Signed, Hen. Ashurst. ½ p. Undated. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 64.] |
July 21.
Whitehall. |
1,196. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices of England. We lay before you an account of disorders in New Hampshire. Mr. John Usher was by Commission of the King and Queen appointed Lieutenant-Governor, and continued in the Administration until the late disturbances. Mr. Partridge has since been appointed by the King's commission to succeed him and has repaired thither, but has not published his Commission nor assumed the Government, alleging (as we are told) that there is no one authorised to administer to him the oaths appointed by Act of Parliament, by reason of which defect (whatever its cause) we conceive that the King's authority still remains vested in Mr. Usher. Nevertheless, we learn from Mr. Usher and from persons recently arrived from New Hampshire that John Hincks, William Vaughan and Richard Waldern, whom Mr. Usher had suspended from the Council, had seized the Government during his absence at Boston, removed several officers and appointed others in their stead. Moreover, on Mr. Usher's return to the Province these persons continued their disobedience by acting separately as a President and Council, called out the militia, seized several persons and designed also to seize Mr. Usher, upon which he retired to Boston. Until Mr. Partridge qualify himself or Lord Bellomont arrive, or your Excellencies think fit otherwise to determine, we submit that you should give directions that the Royal Authority be not trampled on in the person of Mr. Usher, but that all persons be required to obey him; also that Lord Bellomont on his arrival enquire into the matter and take measures to remedy the disorder. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, John Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. New England, 36. pp. 214–216.] |
| July 21. |
1,197. Jeremiah Basse to William Popple. I had hoped for a reply to mine of 18th, the more so as my stay in England must be short. I am sure that no one ever went to those Colonies with
steadier resolutions of acting for the honour and interest of the Crown, and I shall be extremely sorry if I am disabled by want of the necessary orders from the Council of Trade. Piracies, the great and just complaint of America, ought to be discouraged, and though I am aware that any who attempt it, as I would willingly do, will expose themselves to no mean hazards, yet I am fully resolved to conform myself to the instructions that I hope to receive thereupon. I shall also need some rules to walk by in respect of the late Act to regulate the Plantation-trade. Pray favour me with an answer. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 25. p. 91.] |
July 22.
Whitehall. |
1,198. William Popple to Jeremiah Basse. Yours of 18th and 21st inst. have been laid before the Council of Trade, who while approving your zeal for the suppression of piracy desire a fuller explanation of certain matters which you hint at upon that subject. Which are the provinces that have been most blameable in their conduct towards pirates? What particular facts do you know about the pirates or their abettors? Who are the pirates now expected to return, and to what particular place? By whom were you yourself taken and ill-used? What methods do you think best for the suppression of pirates, and how do you wish to go about the work? What court is there in New Jersey which can or ever did try pirates, and what law have they there to do it by? As to taking the oaths and signing the Association, I cannot do better than refer you to the Act of Parliament. As to the bonds to be given by the Proprietors you must have understood from my letter of 6 May last, that the orders given thereupon are the King's, upon address of the House of Lords, wherefore you should not take them as peculiar to yourself, nor expect them to be altered by the Board. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 25. pp. 92–93.] |
| July 22. |
1,199. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. That out of the salary of £600 a year allowed to the Chief Governor of New York, £400 be allowed to Lord Bellomont as Chief Governor and £200 to the Lieutenant-Governor, since the Lieutenant-Governor will also have a company of foot. It is further ordered that there be Lieutenant-Governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, so they be no charge to the King. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 10th August, 1697. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 38; and 52. p. 187.] |
| July 22. |
1,200. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for payment of £11 to certain Constables who were arrested at Rhode Island while executing their warrants there, and of £22 to the Commissioners appointed to treat with Rhode Island and Connecticut. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 105–106.] |
July 23.
Jamaica. |
1,201. Governor Sir William Beeston to the Duke of Shrewsbury. Yours of the 12th April has duly reached me. The Spaniards fought not in defence of Boca Chica nor Carthagena, for which they have miserably suffered, but the French lost 1,300 men there from sickness and went away with a sickly fleet. Admiral
Nevill met them at sea, but unfortunately lost them by out-sailing and accidents of masts breaking, etc. Only two or three of their privateers were taken, and they had an ill success at Petit Guavos, where Mr. Mees was in possession of the town, but was forced to fire it and retire by the drunkenness of his men. The whole fleet are now gone to Havana in search of the galleons. This is the short of those passages. The loss of all was the long delay before the fleet came hither, but the dispatches about them having passed through the hands of Sir William Trumbull, I have been something more large in my particulars to him, though I am not able to give a true relation of any passage, since I find they differ about all things themselves in the reporting. Signed, Wm. Beeston. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed, R. 3 Oct., 1698. Annexed, |
|
1,201. I. Copy of a letter from John Gyles at Petit Guavos to Captain William Peartree, at Port Royal, Jamaica, 6 August, 1696. There is a sloop, if not a brigantine, going down to the Cabaretas, and to Mr. Davis's, and all along them quarters. I was informed by a negro, who was one of Davis's, who says that there is an English Indian pilot going with them. The brigantine has as least ninety to one hundred men. I am also told by some here that this flag of truce is sent down with some gentlemen to see what condition the island is in, for they expect daily ten sail of men-of-war and two bomb-ketches, said to be for Jamaica. Certified copy. ½ p. |
|
1,201. II. The Governor of Port au Prince to Sir William Beeston. 5/15 February, 1696. The alliance between the Kings of Spain and England prompts me to send you the enclosed information of a French surgeon who was captured in a harbour of this island, that you may prepare yourself for defence. We shall make every preparation here. Signed, Don Gregorio de Valesto. Copy. ½ p. |
|
1,201. III. Information of a French surgeon of a vessel captured in one of the bays to north of Port au Prince. I and twenty-five men had a sloop, under Captain John Cross, who had a commission from the Governor of Petit Guavos. They escaped, and I was left. We had captured a sloop on the coast of Jamaica. Several sloops have gone from Petit Guavos privateering to the Indies, including one John Bear, who had been in the service of Spain, but had joined that of France. In August two ships arrived at Petit Guavos from France, and there was great collecting of stores, for it was said that forty ships were coming out to attack Jamaica and Barbados. Copy. 1 p. |
|
1,201. IV. Information as to the movements of the French fleet, 10 March, 1696. The fleet came down from the Windward Islands to find out whether the French were all destroyed or not. They brought all the inhabitants of St. Croix and three companies of soldiers, of which one is at Cap Francois, another at Petite Rivière, and a
third at Petit Guavos. There were four men-of-war, two cravats and two store-ships. The fleet is very sickly and the men die unspeakably. The fleet is at Port d'Espe, and the Governor has called out all the inhabitants, for they expect the Spaniard before Easter. Copy. [½ p. Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. Nos. 65, 65 I.–IV.] |
| July 24. |
1,202. Memorial of the Agent for Massachusetts as to the petition and case of Anne, Duchess of Hamilton. I should be glad if by anything I could say I could serve the noble family of Hamilton, but the Duchess's petition concerns the interest and estate of hundreds of families of New Plymouth, now annexed to Massachusetts. I have no instructions of any kind from the Government of New England to answer her Grace, but I shall send over a copy of her petition by Lord Bellomont to the Government. If her claims do not stand to any land within Massachusetts, I shall trouble the Council of Trade no further; but if they do, I hope that any decision to the prejudice of Massachusetts may be deferred until I receive the Government's authority to make its answer and defence. Signed, Hen. Ashurst. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read 26th July, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 117; and 36. pp. 216–217.] |
July 26.
London. |
1,203. Jeremiah Basse to William Popple. I reply to the questions in yours of 22nd inst. As to which of the Colonies have been more blameable in their conduct towards pirates, I think that most of them, both in the Islands and on the Main, have been to blame, some through ignorance of their duty, some from powerlessness to suppress the evil, and some no doubt from the prospect of gain. Those most noted for the protection and punishing of pirates when I was there were Rhode Island, New York, Carolina and Providence. I have known several persons suspected of being concerned in these ill-designs that have been entertained and settled in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia; but those in New Jersey have received a pass from the Governor of New York which obstructs any further enquiry by us. I am informed that there is now out on a piratical voyage the ship Kent, formerly commanded by one Ball and now by Thomas Day. She is said to have put in to Carolina, sold all her lading at under rates, taken in men and provisions and gone privateering. You have doubtless heard of Tew, etc. who came into Rhode Island and thence to New York, fitted out again and carried with him one Want in a brigantine and another vessel. They are said to have since strengthened themselves by taking a ship belonging to the merchants of New York, commanded by one Glover. They are reported to have sent remittances to the owners in satisfaction of that depredation. There is another Glover who came from Jamaica, took a rich prize from the French, went afterwards to the Coast of Guinea and joined the rest on the coast of Arabia. In all I am told that there are gone from Boston, New York, Pennsylvania, Carolina and Barbados, from each one ship and from Rhode Island two. There are some others that ran away with a ship belonging to the merchants, but are not yet certainly discovered to be gone thither. The Nassau met
one of these rovers at the Cape Bonne Esperance homeward bound from India. I was told by the mate of her that being fearful lest the Dutch should make prize of her they got leave to put some chests of money on board her, which chests were so heavy that six men at the tackles could hardly hoist them in. The chests were given back to the rovers at sea, who announced that they were bound to Madagascar. The persons expected to return are Tew's company, all those that sailed from New York and Rhode Island, and it is expected that when they hear of the change of Government in New York they will try to conceal themselves in the Jerseys or Pennsylvania, for the Jerseys having no fort to oppose them and being little inhabited about the harbour, they reckon themselves safe there. I am told that some persons have already been preparing for their reception there. They have also entertained a notion that the Jerseys not being immediately under the King, they cannot be seized and punished there, which contributes not a little to their boldness. I was taken by a pirate after about six hours' engagement. Her commander was a German, and the ship of 30 guns with 130 men, English, Dutch, French, etc. The fight took place about 20 degrees south-east of Porto-Rico, and they took us to the west end of Hispaniola, where they unloaded one vessel and built their forts on a small island that lay at the bottom of the bay. They took a sloop, which they sent cruising between Beata Altovalla and Hispaniola, to catch ships bound to windward from Jamaica. They used us extremely hard, beat us, pinched us of victuals, shut us down in the night to take our lodging in the water-cask, detained us till they had careened their ship and fitted her for sailing and then, being designed for the coast of Guinea, gave us our liberty. |
|
I have already formed schemes for the suppression of piracy and cannot doubt that they would be effectual if sufficient powers be granted to me. I need no more than the Crown's approbation for the Government and commission of Vice-Admiralty within the limits of the Jerseys. I know of no Courts at present in the province with powers sufficient to try pirates, it being the declared judgment of the Attorney General that we have no Admiral jurisdiction; and since piracy should be tried not by common law but by Vice-Admiralty, I know of none that have been tried for it in the two provinces, and if they had I fear that they might have demurred to our power. This defect will I hope be supplied by the King's Commissionary Vice-Admirals in every province. |
|
I am very sorry that the Council of Trade insists so positively that security shall be given for the Governors of the Proprietary Colonies, since I find the Proprietors more and more averse to it, thinking it a great hardship. Certain I am that the want of the Crown's approbation will prove of very ill consequence to the Plantations, and, as to my own part, will utterly disable me from giving due protection to the people by punishing the opposers of our peace and quiet. The late Act of Parliament obliges all Governors to be approved by the Crown; but the people having no knowledge of this Act will expect the Governor to produce not only the Proprietors' commission but a certificate of the Crown's approbation of him, before they will own any subjection to him. A Government that
can not only protect the people but repress injuries and violence is absolutely necessary. The want of it will reduce the Provinces to anarchy; the strongest hand and the longest sword will be the best title to estates; all sorts of ill practices will spring up like weeds, and what will not thirst of gold lead men to attempt, when they are conscious that there is no sufficient power to check them? The late Act relating to the Plantation Trade has, in the judgment of our lawyers, laid aside the present Governor of the Jerseys; the want of approbation will in great measure disable me from acting efficiently, and how miserable must the condition of the Province be! I know that in your opinion I cannot securely act without the King's sanction to my commission, but the terms by which I must secure that sanction are beyond my power to comply with. Had the Crown demanded security for my good behaviour, had it demanded any testimony of my ability to govern and my courage to maintain the honour of Government, had it required evidence of loyalty and sincerity in anything, though never so difficult, that I could personally have complied with, my ready obedience should have shewn my willingness to comply. But I must content myself with a constant endeavour in my station to suppress evil and advance good, according to the utmost of my ability, and if through want of power there should so great an increase of the one or decrease of the other, I hope I shall not be blamed. But I still persuade myself that you will endeavour in some way or another to supply this defect of power either to me or to some more deserving person, either by accommodating the forms of approbation to us so that they may be complied with, without dependence on other persons, or else by making up what is deficient in the Proprietors' commission by one more immediately from the Crown. This would be no matter of difficulty, the power of the Admiralty being lodged in the Crown and our commission necessarily proceeding from thence. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 25. pp. 94–102.] |
July 26.
London. |
1,204. Richard Cary to William Popple. I forward a second memorial from the Agents for the Leeward Islands, which I could not send you sooner, some persons being out of town who could give us information as to the matter therein contained. Pray lay it before the Council of Trade, that it may be transmitted to the Ambassador at the Hague as useful towards the treaty now on foot. Signed, Rd. Cary. ¼ p. Enclosed, |
|
1,204. I. Memorial of the Agents for the Leeward Islands to Council of Trade and Plantations. In reply to your enquiry what has happened between the English and French in the Leeward Islands since the Treaty of Breda in 1667, we offer as follows. In the war preceding that Treaty the French made themselves masters of the English half of St. Christophers and some months afterwards took Antigua and Monserrat, ruined and plundered them, carried off the slaves and goods, and left the islands in a sad condition for a time, when they were again brought under the obedience of the King of England. By the Treaty of Breda the French were to restore the English half of St. Christophers and all the
slaves carried off from all the islands, provided that they were willing to return to their English masters; yet not one of many hundred slaves was returned, to the great loss and prejudice of the islands, many of the plantations lying waste for years afterwards for want of negroes, to the ruin of many good families and great loss of trade and revenue. The English half of St. Christophers was restored in 1671, but left very bare, many of the plantations being destroyed and stripped of everything portable, which the French carried away to their part of the island. They made no satisfaction for the devastations committed, but rather insisted on large sums for improvements made on English plantations before they would restore them, knowing that many of the English would be unable to pay. Thus the French became possessed of a good part of the English half and of many of the best plantations in the island, to the great discouragement of the English. These French took the oath of allegiance to King Charles II. but refused to serve him against the French King on an alarm and appearance of a French squadron on 17 April, 1678. All except two or three laid down their arms, declaring to the Lieutenant-Governor that they could not fight against their prince. The danger of having these men in possession of so much English ground and so many English plantations has been found by sad experience. The French being much the stronger and enriched with the spoil of the English had the advantage and gave laws to them, whom they had impoverished by not restoring their goods and negroes. Commissioners of both nations kept courts on the island for a time to decide small differences between them, but when these courts were discontinued matters were not so evenly carried. Governor Stapleton applied to Count de Blenac for the re-establishment of the court, to which the Count replied that the French King had reserved to himself the power of making judges, which very much lessened the good understanding that ought to have been between the two nations. |
|
In the first settling of St. Christophers the salt-ponds adjoining the French division were enjoyed by both nations in common, and the English had always a path through the French grounds and went thither to gather salt. English vessels also came in to lade it. But after the Treaty of Breda the French not only denied to the English access to the salt-ponds, but seized English vessels that came to take in salt. The English General sent to the French General to demand that the salt-ponds might be open to the English as formerly, but it was denied, and so they were debarred of that ancient right. The French in the Leeward Islands, and particularly those on St. Christophers were very desirous of a treaty of neutrality between the two nations in those parts, and this treaty was afterwards concluded, and provided for peace
between the Colonies of the two nations in America even though there should be war between them in Europe. But the French alleging that the Treaty between the two Kings did not concern the Prince of Orange and knowing themselves to be much superior in strength, fell upon the English at the first news of the war, plundered and burned all the English plantations, took the fort and turned them all off the Island. As the French were the first movers of the treaty, so they were the first breakers of it, being sensible of their advantage over the English. The French therefore kept St. Christophers for nearly two years, when General Codrington retook it, and sent all the French inhabitants away to other French islands; so that now it remains wholly in the possession of the English, and ought to continue so, considering the French breach of the neutrality, for the security of the rest of the Leeward Islands. Nevis lies within four miles of what was the French part of St. Christophers, and was in much danger and continued alarm while the French were there. Moreover, if the French be restored to St. Christophers, the English part is so destroyed that it will hardly ever be settled again, for fear of another war—especially if the French be restored to the many plantations which they detained from the English after the Treaty of Breda. But if St. Christophers be wholly kept for the English it will be well settled and prove beneficial to the Crown and to the trade of the Kingdom. Signed, Bastian Bayer, Joseph Martyn, Rd. Cary. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. Nos. 49, 49 I.] |
July 26.
Whitehall. |
1,205. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices of England. With reference to Mr. Vernon's letter of 1 July, as to the transportation of fifty women convicts, we have made enquiries of the Agents of the various Colonies but find no Colony ready to receive them except the Leeward Islands. The reasons urged against receiving them by the Agents of the other Colonies are here quoted. We recommend therefore that these women may be sent to the Leeward Islands and that the Governor be directed to dispose of them there. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, Jo. Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 45. pp. 86–88.] |
| July 26. |
1,206. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. The Attorney-General attended on the business of the Scotch East India Company, and was consulted as to the King's powers to prevent its projected expedition. The queries submitted to him were then put in writing for himself and the Solicitor-General to deliberate on. |
|
Sir Henry Ashurst's memorial on the Duchess of Hamilton's claim read (No. 1,202). |
|
Representation as to the women convicts signed (No. 1,205). Mr. Richard Cary's letter of this day (No. 1,204) with the memorial as to St. Christophers read, which was found to contain nothing that was not already before the Ambassadors at the Hague. |
| July 27. |
Governor Fletcher's letter of 9 November, 1696, was read. A memorial as to his passage home was read (No. 1,208); and it was answered that the Council could not dispose of the ships, but was prepared to support the memorial when occasion required it. |
|
The Solicitor General's letter of 13 May as to two private Acts of Jamaica was read (No. 1,020). Agreed to recommend confirmation of those Acts. Several of the Jamaica merchants presented a memorial as to the depopulation of that island, to which they added in discourse that any men sent there would be left at liberty to follow such employment as they chose and would be provided for at the island's expense for a month, but that the cost of their passage would be heavy. |
|
Lord Tankerville asked that a clause might be added to Mr. Grey's instructions empowering him to nominate three or more of the Council to hold Courts at any time when the island was sickly. The Agents for Barbados were desired to attend the further consideration of the matter. |
| July 28. |
The representation as to two private Acts of Jamaica was signed. |
| July 29. |
The Agents for Barbados attended upon the question raised as to Mr. Grey's instructions, and after offering some objections asked for further time to consider it. |
|
Resolved that Tuesdays and Thursdays shall be employed in deliberating upon matters only of the general concernment for the advantage of Trade and Plantations. |
|
Mr. Bridgeman's letter of 28th inst. as to a man-of-war sailing to Newfoundland read (No. 1,211). |
| July 30. |
Mr. Basse's letter of 26th inst. read (No. 1,203). Order was given that the Secretary ask him to give particular instances of entertainment of pirates and names of pirates themselves. Ordered further that enquiry be made what laws are in force in the Colonies for trial of pirates, and to recommend, in any representation on piracy, that the intent of the Statute 28 Henry VIII. Cap. 15, may by proper clauses in a new Act of Parliament be extended to the Colonies. [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 170–178.] |
| [July 27.] |
1,207. Memorial of several Jamaica merchants to Council of Trade and Plantations. We beg to represent to you the declining state of Jamaica. The late earthquake and the sickness that followed it destroyed great numbers of the inhabitants, and by the invasions of the French we lost many more. The irregularity of the men-of-war in the matter of impressment drove away many of those that survived. The dearness of such provisions as used to be brought from New York and New England is caused by the pressing of seamen from the ships that bring them. The apprehensions of many of the inability to suppress a rebellion of negroes or repel an invasion of neighbour enemies have caused them to withdraw to the Northern Colonies, where they hope they may live cheaper and more securely, though of far less advantage to England. By repeated advices from Jamaica we learn that there is not a competent number of men left to defend the island against any considerable attack; and without sufficient succours the most considerable island belonging to the King abroad may be lost to the enemy or left to the mercy of the negroes, to the ruin of the people, the dishonour of the nation
and the discouragement of the Colonies in general. The bullion, indigo, sugar, cotton, ginger, and logwood yearly imported is of so great moment to England that it bears no manner of proportion to the small charge for which we pray for the support thereof. We beg therefore that at least five hundred men, disciplined or others, be immediately sent to Jamaica, to sail in August or September at farthest, so that they may not, as formerly, arrive there in the sickly season, whereby the island loses alike its relief and its reputation. If they seasonably arrive, prudent provision is already made them for their reception, so that in all probability they may be healthful, live as long as in England and so be a strength to the island. To this end the Governor, Council and Assembly have done their utmost. Signed, Bartho. Gracedien, Gilbert Heathcote, Isaac da Costa and by thirty four more. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 27 July, 1697. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 66; and 56. pp. 116–118.] |
| July 27. |
1,208. Memorial of the New York Agents to Council of Trade and Plantations. Asking for a passage on a man-of-war for Governor Fletcher and his family to return from New York. Signed, Chid. Brooke, W. Nicoll, Gilbert Heathcote. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 27 July, 1697. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 39; and 52. p. 186.] |
| July 27. |
1,209. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. Message from the Governor to the Assembly proposing the renewal for six months of the Act for building a fort on Monk's Hill. Address of the Assembly, agreeing as to the enfranchisement of a deserving negro at the public charge and as to the payment of £40 for that object; and recommending payment of £100 to Captain Rumbold for his forwardness in attacking French privateers, also that prisoners taken in privateers he henceforth sent home, and also that certain accounts be paid. The Assembly further concurred in the proposal as to Monk's Hill Fort. Message from the Governor, recommending that the offer of the captains of privateers to man H.M.S. Jersey be accepted, and that any of these men who may be wounded may receive an allowance. The Assembly concurred and recommended that the export of provisions, owing to the present scarcity, be prohibited. Orders for payment of the accounts above recommended by the Assembly. Address of the Assembly vindicating the Governor against certain base and scandalous attacks made upon him, and recognising the great service rendered by him alike in defence of the islands and in improving the production of sugar, and in advancing money for the public without soliciting interest nor any donation. Answer of the Governor, thanking the Assembly. Order for Edward Walrond to appear before Council on 10 August. Orders on sundry petitions and for sundry payments. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 200–206.] |
| July 27. |
1,210. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Fourteen members of Assembly came and reported that they could not make a house. The Council desired them to keep together until a house was made, since urgent business required it; but they returned to their house and sent word by their clerk that they had adjourned for a week,
and desired that the white-coats might be subsisted for another month by the Treasury, since no doubt the Assembly would approve this at their next sitting. Order for the soldiers to be subsisted accordingly. |
| July 28. |
Ordered that in future the President and any four members of the Council, or in the President's unavoidable absence, five members of Council, shall be a sufficient number to hold Courts of Chancery. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 230–231.] |
July 28.
Admiralty
Office. |
1,211. William Bridgeman to William Popple. The Admiralty have ordered H.M.S. Dreadnought to be fitted out to convoy some victuallers to Newfoundland. They will start about the middle of next month. Pray inform the Council of Trade. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 29 July, 1697. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 84; and 25. p. 122.] |
July 28.
Whitehall. |
1,212. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices of England. Recommending the confirmation of the Acts of Jamaica concerning the estates of John Childermas and William Truxton. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, John Pollexfen, Jo. Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 56. pp. 119–120.] |
July 29.
Whitehall. |
1,213. Orders of the Lords Justices of England in Council. Confirming two private Acts of Jamaica concerning the estates of William Truxton and John Childermas. Copies, each 1 p. Both endorsed, Recd. Read 11 Aug. 1697. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. Nos. 67, 68; and 56. pp. 121–123.] |
July 29.
Whitehall. |
1,214. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. Approving the report of the Lords of the Committee of Council of 27 May last, and ordering the Council of Trade to direct Lord Bellomont to take care, upon his arrival in New England, that officers of the King's Customs be allowed to appeal to the King in Council and that ships and goods be not discharged after seizure without due process of law. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 5 Aug. 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 118; and 36. pp. 221–222.] |
July 29.
Whitehall. |
1,215. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. Approving the Council of Trade's report of 21st inst. as to the disorders in New Hampshire, and ordering it to signify the Lords Justices' pleasure according to the tenor of that report. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, read 10th August, 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 119; and 36. p. 239.] |
July 29.
Whitehall. |
1,216. Order of the Lords Justices of England in Council. That the fifty women convicts, referred to in the Council of Trade's representation of 26th inst., be transported to the Leeward Islands, and that the Commissioners of Transportation give the necessary directions accordingly. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 24 Aug. 1697. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 50; and 45. p. 97.] |
| July 30. |
1,217. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Advised that two hundred men be kept as a standing garrison for the castle on Castle Island, that ships be moored and ballasted ready to be sunk in the channel of the harbour on news of the enemy's approach, and that care be taken for the custody of certain French prisoners brought in by a privateer. |
| July 31. |
Order for ascertaining and securing such quantities of gunpowder as are in the hands of private persons, and for making eight new gun-carriages so as to bring the number of mounted guns up to sixteen. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 106–108.] |
