|
| Nov. 11. |
A letter from Capt. Aldred was answered:—"You may take a pilot for Smith's Island River, if you pay for him. You have been in these parts long enough to be acquainted with the coast, especially if you cruised according to orders in the Bay last summer. You had four days to consider what the ship wanted, and now you say you need several other things. This is very great negligence. I refer you to Lieut.-Col. Wilson and his Lady for an answer to what you say about them, and command you in His Majesty's name that your letters henceforward to me have relation to business and your duty only and be not stuffed with such Billingsgate railing. You have not complied with several orders received from me. I require a particular and distinct answer to them forthwith. Laying aside all excuses and delays you are to sail with all possible speed to Chisepeake Bay and there cruize." The Auditor ordered to send for forty printed copies of every Act of Parliament made hereafter relating to the Plantations. Lt.-Col. Wilson and Mr. Heyman ordered to enquire into the proceedings of Capt. Aldred and the Essex prize. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 357–360.] |
Nov. 11.
Bristol. |
948. Abraham Birkin to Jacob Mears. I enclose affidavit of two seamen. Signed, Abraham Birkin. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 16, 1699. Enclosed, |
|
948. I. Affidavit of Richard Hayward and Richard Cradduk that they saw Isaac Adderly in prison at Bermuda in Sept. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. Nos. 54, 54 I.] |
Nov. 11.
Nevis. |
949. President and Council of Nevis to James Vernon. We are favoured with yours of June 18 with enclosed duplicate of His Majesty's commands about the Scotch settlement. Upon receipt of the first commands we strictly forbade all correspondence with the settlement and are well assured none has been held from any of these islands. We are credibly informed the Scotch have deserted that settlement, but not knowing the certainty thereof will make a second proclamation. Signed, Wm. Burt, Mich. Smith, Dan. Smith, Jno. Smargin, Wm. Butler. Endorsed, R. Jan. 26. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. Nos. 42A.; and 42A. I. duplicate.] |
| Nov. 11. |
950. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Acts for inspecting trespasses; suppressing thatcht houses and erecting brick or stone chimneys in all towns; for the speedy payment of labourers' hire; for the relief of poor prisoners; for the better governing of negroes and for preventing any white person from keeping company with them, passed. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 510, 511.] |
| Nov. 12. |
951. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts Bay. Proclamation ordered offering a reward of 200 pieces of eight for the apprehension
of James Gillam, Pirate. An embargo laid upon all ships, to prevent his escape. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. p. 256.] |
| Nov. 13. |
952. Memorandum of an account of pirates attacking the man-of-war in Virginia, July, 1699. Communicated to the Board by Mr. Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 13, Read Nov. 14, 1699. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 7. No. 5.] |
Nov. 13.
Whitehall. |
953. Mr. Secretary Vernon to the Council of Trade and Plantations. His Majesty would have you consider the enclosed petition of Dr. Cox and lay before him a state of the grant by King Charles I. of the Province of Carolana Florida, and report how fit it may be upon the surrender of the said grant to regrant the same with the addition of other lands desired to such as shall undertake to settle a colony there by subscriptions. Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 16, 1699. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
953. I. Petition of Daniel Coxe. King Charles I, Oct. 30, in the 5th year of his reign, granted to Sir Robert Heath, knt., his Attorney General, and to his heirs and assigns for ever, all the province of Carolana Florida. All right, title and property of Sir R. Heath is settled in the petitioner, who, after great expense, has discovered the said territory to be admirably situated for trade. He is ready to resign his Government and dispose of his interest on such terms as will encourage gentlemen merchants to subscribe £50,000 towards planting and settling it. He prays His Majesty to add a tract of land to the Northern bounds of Carolana, and incorporate subscribers as the Florida Company, and grant them a man-of-war. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. Nos. 21, 21 I.; and (without enclosure) 26. p. 129.] |
| Nov. 13. |
954. William Bridges to William Popple. I enclose the answer of the Agents of Barbados concerning the present state of the forts &c. Also their complaint against the Commanders of H.M. ships of war. Signed, William Bridges. Enclosed, |
| Nov. 10. |
954. I. Memorial of the Agents of Barbados to the Council of Trade and Plantations. By order of the General Assembly, we humbly represent that many inconveniences and great damages do happen to the people of Barbados by the Commanders of H.M. ships of war carrying off their indented servants and other persons greatly indebted there, in breach of his Majesty's laws of that country, which since the war hath been at the charge of £36,000 for servants to supply their militia and people the island. The Assembly hope that a particular instruction may be given to all Commanders of H.M. ships of war that sail to that island, forbidding them to carry or to suffer to be carried off in the ships which they command any person whatsoever belonging to the said island, without a ticket from the Secretary's Office, and that in case any such Commander shall presume to do so, he may be liable to be prosecuted according to his Majesty's laws in that
country. Signed, Edward Littleton, William Bridges, Mel. Holder. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 13, 1699. 1 p. |
|
954. II. Agents of Barbados to Council of Trade and Plantations. State of the fortifications etc. in the Island. Upon a late application made to His Majesty that an engineer might be sent to view and examine the state and condition of the forts, etc., of the island, and to consider what would be necessary to be built for its security and defence, one Mr. Talbot Edwards was sent thither for that purpose. He has returned and made his report to the Rt. Hon. the Master General of H.M. Office of Ordnance, to which we refer you. By a late letter which we have received from the Committee of the General Assembly, they inform us that it is absolutely necessary for the preservation and safety of the island that other fortifications should be erected, those which they have now being but of very little defence, which may further appear by the annexed copy of the General Assembly's answer to some proposals made to them by Mr. Edwards. The usual method of supplying the island with great guns, mortars, bombs and granade shell hath been out of His Majesty's magazine in England, and likewise in time of war with small arms, bullets for great and small guns, some powder and several other small stores, and sometimes also the island in time of war and great exigency hath been furnished with small arms at the country's charge, and it is mostly supplied, both in time of war and peace, with powder by a duty that is laid by an Act of the Country upon the tonnage of merchant shipping trading thither. Signed, Ed. Littleton, Wm. Bridges, Mel. Holder. Endorsed, Recd. and laid before the Board Nov. 13, 1699. 1½ pp. |
|
954. III. Answer of the General Assembly to Captain Edwards. We have considered your proposals for fortifying the country and find 'twill amount to a great sum. You have made us sensible that we stand in need of all those fortifications you propose, considering our weak circumstances; for we, who used to be the bulwark and defence to our neighbouring islands, are now reduced from 1,200 fighting men to but three, through the heavy burden of the war and former burdens, in which half of our sugars has been taken by the enemy or lost at sea; our great charges in the expedition against the French Leeward Islands, which have left a great and heavy debt upon us which must be paid; the great pressures we have been under by the advanced duty on sugar and other commodities, which have been more than our commodities have been able to bear, at which we do not repine, since 'twas thought fit for His Majesty's service. Besides, the oppressions of the African Company, who out of their avarice and rapinous desire, by not one
quarter supplying our annual mortalities, the better to advance the price of slaves, or through the narrowness of their stock, have reduced us from 70,000 negroes to 40,000, as is evident by the Poll Acts upon negroes, so that now instead of employing 500 or 600 sail of ships annually, we do not employ much above 200, to the great detriment of His Majesty's Customs, diminution of navigation and trade, and hindrance of the consumption of very much of the native commodities of England. You have seen that near half the lands of this island lies waste and uncultivated; many sugar works totally ruined and many of his Majesty's subjects quite undone; many have been forced off because they could not endure those burdens, and many daily are going. It is for these reasons we do not embrace your proposals. We dare not lay on so great a tax as those fortifications, necessary as they are, will amount to. We thought our forts, such as they are, were sufficient, and desired your assistance only in directing and ordering our breastworks at the several places of landing, and which we do still most earnestly desire of you that we may mend what is amiss. But we intend to address his Majesty that at length the 4½ per cent. may be applied to those uses for which it was raised, and we could wish you could stay till we have had his Majesty's answer, without whose special and gracious care we must, the next war, fall under the first attempt, which by necessary consequence will draw the Leeward Islands after it. We are extremely sorry Captain Heberlands hath not surveyed our coast as he was ordered. We believe it was his own neglect. Copy. Signed, William Rawlin, Clerk of the Assembly. 1¾ large pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. Nos. 26, 26I.–III.; and 44A. pp. 362–368.] |
Nov. 13.
Whitehall. |
955. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Romney. We have received no reply from Mr. Pultney to our enquiry (Oct. 10) and, being required to dispatch our report, we desire that we may have full information as soon as may be. In a report from the Office of Ordnance to the Lords Justices, Oct. 3, we find an expression similar to that referred to, viz. that it has been usual for the Plantations to reimburse that office for the charge of stores. We entreat your Lordship that we may have particular information of what has been done by each of the Plantations in that kind from time to time. In relation to the Forts and Fortifications in the Plantations, having understood that some of the Engineers, sent thither some while ago, are returned and have made report to your Lordship, we desire you would favour us with copies of their reports. Signed, Stamford, Phil. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, John Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 35. pp. 109–112.] |
Nov. 13.
Off Cape
Mounteradoe. |
956. Henry Munday, Master of the Hopewell of London, to his owners, Mr. Pettet and Company. I have been attacked by a
pirate here, Henry King, formerly in the Pennsylvania trade, and wounded. They plundered the ship, chiefly of liquors. Nine of our crew joined them. I send a list of them, desiring you would get them proclaimed pirates. "I should have rung a peal with them myself after was relieved, but they had plugged up all our guns, and before could get them clear, he marcht off, having left me in the new fashion with but one stocking and neither shoes nor breeches and for shirts am reduced to one." Signed, Henry Munday. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 20. 1699/1700. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. No. 34; and (memorandum of above letter), 35. p. 177.] |
Nov. 13.
Whitehall. |
957. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Order of Council, Nov. 2, about Col. Day read. |
|
Order of Council, Nov. 9, about Sta. Lucia read. |
|
Three Orders of Council, Nov. 9, about pirates, and that concerning Governors not approved by H.M. read. Letters to Mr. Thornburgh and Mr. Dockwra ordered. |
|
Letter from Mr. Sansom, Nov. 8, about Perth Amboy read. |
|
Letter to Lord Romney signed. |
|
Letter from Lt. Lilburn, St. John's. Sept. 22, to Mr. Thurston, read. |
|
Letter from Mr. Bridges with memorials from Barbados Agents, received. That concerning ships of war carrying off servants read. Representation ordered. |
| Nov. 14. |
Col. Handaside's memorial about the soldiers in Newfoundland considered. Directions given that he be informed that nothing further belongs to their Lordships in the matter. |
|
Burgess' account of the pirate's attacking H.M.S. Essex prize read. Copy taken. |
|
Enquiry of Burgess ordered with what countrymen the pirate was chiefly manned. |
|
Letter to Mr. Lownds to remind the Lords of the Treasury that £150 be advanced upon the warrant of £1,000 for the incidents of the office. |
|
Capt. Poyntz requested to dispatch his report about Tobago. |
|
Enquiries of the Barbados Agents about Sta. Lucia and Tobago directed. |
|
Letter to Dr. Cox ordered, saying that their Lordships being informed that he is transacting with some French Refugees about their going to Carolina, before this Board have made any report or H.M. any resolution, they desire him to lay before them the several things he promised relating thereunto. |
| Nov. 15. |
Letter from the Earl of Jersey about a ship from Venice to Guinea read. Letter to Mr. Urban Hall, sub-governor of the African Company, ordered, enquiring whether the Company are possessed of any port or land on the coast of Africa where they have right to exclude any foreign nation from trade. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 240–246; and 96. Nos. 179–181.] |
| Nov. 14. |
958. William Popple to Wm. Thornburgh. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire you to let them know forthwith the names of the present Governors of North and South Carolina and the Bahama Islands, and whether any of them have had H.M. approbation. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 26. p. 128.] |
| Nov. 14. |
959. William Popple to Wm. Dockwra. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire you to let them know forthwith the names of the persons in whose hands the government of East and West New Jersey now is. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 26. pp. 128, 129.] |
Nov. 14.
Whitehall. |
960. William Popple to Edward Littleton, William Bridges, Melisha Holder, Esquires, Agents of Barbados, asking for a return of the number of Blacks judged to have gone off the Island of Barbados to Santa Lucia or Tobago within the last three years. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 45. p. 1.] |
Nov. 14.
Chief Office,
Penny Post. |
961. William Dockwra to William Popple. I hope to get a Committee of the Proprietors [of the Jersies] together in a few days and then an hour shall not be lost. Signed, Wm. Dockwra. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 15. Read Nov. 16, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 20.] |
| Nov. 14. |
962. Col. Handaside to the Council of Trade and Plantations, praying that Lord Ranelagh's letter about some hardships suffered by a detachment of Col. Gibson's regiment be taken into consideration and a representation to His Majesty made thereon. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 14, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 154.] |
Nov. 14.
Whitehall. |
963. Earl of Jersey to Council of Trade and Plantations. The King directs that the enclosed letter be referred to your lordships for your opinion, and that you prepare drafts of letters to the Governors of H.M. Plantations in the West Indies to acquaint them with what Mr. Broughton writes and to give them such directions as to your lordships shall seem proper. Signed, Jersey. Annexed, |
Nov. 6 N.S.
Venice. |
963. I. Mr. Broughton, Consul at Venice, to the Earl of Jersey. I am informed that a ship is fitting out of this port, called the Golden Cross, two Venetians that are brothers are owners thereof, and one of them called Capt. Biazio Valentini is Commander, and will be ready to sail hence in few days for Guinea. An English engineer, Mr. Pearson, a very ingenious man, hath been the chief director in fitting up the said ship for the voyages, and Mr. Cranford, a Scotch merchant (concerned in the Sea Flower affair), is to be the manager in the voyage and trade, and both go on the ship, having picked up an English mate and some seamen, who have been in the State's service. I know not what colours they intend to carry. A noble Venetian, Signor Morosini, is an encourager and protector of this design. He bears great sway and is of great reputation in this government. He used often to invite Capt. Phippard (of the Sea Flower) and Mr. Cranford to dinner at his house and made them bring their sea c(h)arts, maps and journals to show him. Cranford was the interpreter in Latin; and ever since hath practised and been entertained at Morosini's house, though lodgeth at another neighbour's to prevent all suspicion of their
contrivance together. I intend to discourse the noble Morosini about the premises, and to acquaint him, as Mr. Blathwayt wrote me, that the King will hope such designs can receive no countenance from this State or any other Prince in amity with His Majesty. I will add that the King will much less think any particular noble or member of this State will venture alone to promote and patronize such a design so prejudicial unto His Majesty's interest, and will do all I can to divert a secret design so far advanced under colour of going to Spain. Capt. Phippard's pass and licence from the Deputy-Governor of Antigoa serves only to the Leeward Islands, therefore it may be very requisite that orders be sent unto all the Governors in all the Plantations and Colonies that for the future when they grant any passes, they shall serve only and solely for such or such a voyage, and that they shall not in any wise give passes that may be prejudicial to H.M. Customs, navigation or any privileges or charters granted by the King. Signed, Broughton. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. pp. 362–366.] |
Nov. 15.
Whitehall. |
964. William Popple to Urban Hall, Sub-Governor of the Royal African Company. Notice having been given of a design carrying on at Venice to set on foot a trade from thence to Guinea, I am to enquire whether the Company are at present possessed of any Port or Tract of Land upon the Coast of Africa where they have right to exclude any foreign nation from trade. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. pp. 366, 367.] |
| Nov. 15. |
965. Copy of Col. Edward Fox's Commission to be Lieut.-General of the Leeward Islands. Signed, Jersey. Endorsed, Communicated by Col. Fox to the Board. Recd. Read Nov. 28, 1699. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. No. 43; and 46. pp. 10, 11.] |
| Nov. 16. |
966. Abstract of the title of Daniel Coxe to the Province of Carolana Florida. Traces from Sir R. Heath. ¾ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 16, 1699. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 22.] |
| Nov. 16. |
967. A demonstration of the just pretentions of the King of England to the Province of Carolana alias Florida. |
|
Account of voyages and discoveries there, 1497–1698. |
|
Sebastian Cabot in 1497 discovered all the coast of America fronting the Atlantic Ocean from the degrees of 56 to 28 of north latitude, twenty years before any other Europeans, as appears from the Spanish historians themselves. About 20 years after the southern part of this Continent, adjacent to the Gulf of Bahama, and that afterwards styled the Gulf of Mexico, was visited first by the Spaniards commanded by Juan Ponce de Leon; ten years after Vasques Ayllon landed upon it with a more considerable force, and in 1527 Pamphilo Narvaiz with a greater, and in 1539 Ferdinando Soto. But their enormous cruelties did so enrage the natives that they successively expelled them, and these pretended conquerors
cannot have a much worse character bestowed upon them by their enemies than they receive from their own historians. The last expedition of the Spaniards unto that part of Florida, now Carolana, which borders upon the Gulf of Mexico was in 1558, by the order of Don Luys de Velasco, then Vice Roy of Mexico. But the Spaniards, after their arrival, falling into great feuds, returned without making any settlement, nor have they ever since made any upon this vast continent, excepting that of St. Augustine, situated upon the North Sea between the 29th and 30th degrees of latitudes, above 1,200 miles from Pamuco, their nearest habitation to the West, which is 60 leagues from Mexico. |
|
The French indeed attempted a settlement about 14 years since at a place they named St. Louis' Bay, not far from Pamuco, but were soon dispersed. And again last year under M. Iberville, and built a fort on the West and least branch of Mechasy, leaving there about 40 men, both places being to the south of the bounds of this patent. King Charles I. in the 5th year of his reign granted unto Sir Robert Heath, his Attorney General, a patent of all the part of America from the River Matheo, lying under 30 degrees North latitude, unto the River Passo Magna in 36 degrees, extending in longitude from the North or Atlantick Ocean unto the Pacific or South Sea, not then being in the actual possession of any Christian Prince or State. And no part of this grant was then nor since in such possession, excepting St. Augustine and New Mexico, a great Province not inhabited by above 600 Spaniards, unto which the English lay no claim. |
|
Sir Robert Heath conveyed the premisses unto Lord Maltravers, soon after Earl of Arundel and Surrey, who at great expense planted several parts of the said country. In the beginning of the Protectorate of Cromwell, one Capt. Watts, afterwards knighted by Charles II. and made Governor of St. Christophers, falling accidentally upon the coast of Florida, and meeting with one Leet, an Englishman, who having divers years before been shipwrecked and the only man escaped, and then in great favour with the chief Paracousts or Roytelet of that country, by his influence the English were permitted to trade and kindly invited to settle there. Not long after the King sent one of his chief subjects Ambassador to England. The English had divers tracts of land given them by the Indians, surveyed the country, a map whereof is still in being of a great part of that Continent, above 200 miles square, and great numbers of persons engaged to contribute considerably towards the settling a colony of English, which original subscription is now in my possession, and they named divers places, especially rivers, harbours and isles, by the names of the captains of ships, chief traders and other circumstances relating to the English nation, as by the said map doth appear. |
|
In 1668 Sir John Harman, returning from his expedition against the Dutch at Surinamme and the French at Caycune and Martinico, one of his ships making over to the coast of Florida, wanting fresh water and provisions, happened to fall into the mouth of the Mechasipi, went up above 100 leagues, settled a considerable time upon a river in about 33 degrees, which enters into the Mechasipi
on the E. side, viewed the adjacent country, discovered two considerable mines, one of silver, the other of copper, and returned to give notice hereof with a map of the country, a copy whereof is ready to be produced. But meeting not that encouragement they expected, the benefit of the discovery was for that time defeated. In 1678 a considerable number of persons went from New England upon discovery and proceeded so far as New Mexico, 150 leagues beyond the River of Mechasipi, and at their return rendered an account to the Government at Boston, as will be attested, among many others, by Col. Dudley, then one of the Magistrates, afterwards Governor of New England. The war soon after breaking out between the English and Indians, many of the Indians who were in that expedition retreated to Canada, from whom Mr. De Salle received most of his information concerning that country by him afterwards discovered, and they served him for guides and interpreters, as is attested by Mr. Tonly, as also by Mr. De Clark in a book published by order of the French King, who accompanied Mr. De Salle, for which reasons and divers other passages favouring inadvertently the English pretentions, his Journal printed at Paris was called in, and that book of one livre price is not now to be purchased for 30 livres. The Five Nations in the territory of New York, commonly called Irocois by the French, who have above 30 years voluntarily subjected themselves to the King of England, had conquered all that part of the country from their own habitations to and beyond the Mechasipi, as Mr. Tonly more than once acknowledge(d), as also Father Clerke in his History of Canada, printed by order 1691, which therefore of right belong to the English. And they therein declare that in 1686 the French surprised a party of the English commanded by Major Macgriger, from whom I have also here in England had it confirmed, when we were at peace with the French, which English were accompanied by divers Irocois and Ovabaches, a nation who inhabit about the mouth of the Ohio, whose fountains are in New York, Pensilvania, Maryland and Virginia, and after a course of above 400 leagues meets with the Mechasipi, and being indeed the greater river of the two, most of the men being killed or taken prisoners. |
|
The present Proprietary of Carolana, apprehending from what information he had received that the planting of this country would be highly beneficial to the English, endeavoured divers wayes to acquaint himself with the people and products thereof, discovered divers parts thereof, first, from Carolina by one Woodward, afterwards from New Jersey by the Sasguahana River, and had many of his people travelled to New Mexico, which Journal with a map relating thereunto he sent to Mr. Pen and could never recover, but perfectly remembers every material passage. |
|
Soon after, the present Proprietary of Carolana and then of New Jersey made another discovery more southerly by the great River Ochequiton, and received an account of that country before altogether unknown, and whereunto the French to this day are utter strangers. The English wintered in a Peninsular situated in a lake, from whence proceeds one of the rivers which are reckoned among the heads of that large, beautiful river; in the spring they removed 300 miles lower to the great town of Wassett, which Indians
were some of those had friendship and correspondence with the English in Cromwell's time, where they built a bark by the assistance of the natives, and came down the river 300 miles into the Bay of Apalachy in the Gulf of Mexico and thence to the Islands under the English, having first very much endeared themselves unto the Indians. The said Proprietary about the same time made another discovery, more to the N.W. beyond the River Meschasipi, of a very great sea or lake of fresh water several thousand miles in circumference, and of a great river at the S.W. end issuing out of it into the South Sea about the latitude of 44 degrees, which was then communicated to the Privy Council and a draft thereof left in the Plantation Office. And since we are assured the English have more fully discovered the said lake from the South Sea and entered it by shipping, they likewise discovered the great Gulph of Nova Albion to 60 degrees North latitude, as also the northern part or better half of the island of Calefornia, formerly discovered by Sir Francis Drake from 44 to 36 degr. N. latitude. And all that straite which separates it from the maine contracted friendship with divers nations of Indians, had a considerable trade with them for gold, silver and pearls, etc., from whence they passed over the great Bay and coasted all that great continent into the seas of Tartary and Japan. Divers other parts of the country were discovered by the English from several colonies long before the French had the least knowledge thereof, Col. Wood in Virginia, inhabiting at the falls of James River above 100 miles west of Chisapeake Bay from 1654 to 1664, discovered at several times several branches of the three great rivers, Ohio, Ochequiton and Mechasipi. I was possessed about 20 years ago of the Journal of Mr. Needham employed by Col. Wood, and it is now in the hands of Mr. Thomas Shepherd, merchant. The Earl of Shaftsbury made great discoveries by his agent, Mr. Percivall, to the Ohio and Ochequiton, one way, and the Howards Mechasipi, another. The Carolina Traders with the Indians are now and have long been as well acquainted with those parts as most of the English with the road from London to York, and have frequently travelled to the borders of New Mexico in their trading voyages, which they compute to be in a direct line 1,200 miles from Charles Town, the chief settlement in Carolina. |
|
The English have not only surveyed by land the greatest part of Florida, now Carolana, but have been as industrious and successful in their attempts by sea. The present Proprietary 23 years ago was possessed of a Journal from the mouth of the Mechasipi to the Yellow or Muddy River, near 400 leagues. The Journal was in English and seemed to have been written many years before, together with a very large map. By modern Journals of English and French the most material parts of the map are confirmed. From a confidence in this Journal the English were encouraged to attempt further discoveries by sea and land, and the present Proprietary hath expended therein for his share only above £9,000. |
|
In 1681 the English with three ships and 150 men searched all that coast from 100 leagues to the East of the Meschasipi to the River Plata, which is 120 leagues S.W. of the Meschasipi, and were a considerable time in the River Meschasipi, as Capt. Holt, now commander of a ship daily expected from Carolina, and divers
others can witness. They took possession in divers places and designed to inhabit, but discord, the pest of many good undertakings, broke all their measures. These adventurers brought home with them an Indian from the Meschasipi, who lived afterwards six or seven years in Carolina, and gave as they believed such certain signs of a rich rack (wreck) upon the coast of Florida, that almost 200 persons in four ships sailed with the Indian in quest, intending to settle thereby. They arrived upon the coast Nov. 9, 1688, they ranged it to the westward until they entered the Meschasipi and were about fourscore leagues beyond it. They landed in divers parts of the main, killed many buffaloes, visited all the isles upon or near the coasts, many of the harbours and lagunes; they took possession of the country after the manner of the English. But when they came near the place where the Indian assured them they should find the wreck, he slipped from them, and they wanting their guide and interpreter, though many would have remained, the majority dissenting, they returned to Carolina, where many of them now reside, and Capt. Parkers, who did very accurately commit to writing the whole voyage. |
|
In 1698 the present Proprietor did at his own expense set out two ships from England, each of 18 guns, well manned and victualled, ordered another, a Barcalonga, to be bought at Carolina, purpose built for that coast, and materials for another ship. One of the ships returning was unhappily cast away upon the English coast, but providentially the Journals were saved, tho' all the men were lost. The Journals contain an ample account of the country all along the coast, which they represent as the most pleasant in the world, and abounding with all things not only for necessity but for the comfort of humane life, and amongst many others have sent a draught of one of the most capacious and safe harbours in the universe, the most inviting place imaginable for building a town, and establishing a colony. 6¼ pp. Endorsed, Presented to the Board by Dr. Cox. Recd. Read Nov. 16, 1699. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 23.] |
Nov. 16.
Whitehall. |
968. Representation of Council of Trade and Plantations upon the complaint of the Barbados Agents praying that H.M. ships of war may not carry off from that Island any indebted inhabitant without his having his ticket according to the law of the country. We humbly represent to the King's Most Excellent Majesty that it is very fit the Laws of the Plantation be observed therein and that strict orders be given to the Commanders of H.M. ships accordingly. Your Majesty was pleased by Order in Council of March 9 to direct that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty should accordingly give instructions from time to time to the Commanders of your Majesty's ships which shall be sent to those parts. We recommend that strict directions be constantly given to them, not only in general to observe the laws of the Plantations relating to the carrying off of Debtors, but more especially in relation to indented servants. Signed, Stamford, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, John Locke, Abraham Hill. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 45. pp. 1–3.] |
| Nov. 16. |
969. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Several public letters from England read. The Lords Justices' letter against illegal traders ordered to be signified to the Officers of Customs and Court of Admiralty. Mr. Attorney General ordered to prepare an oath for masters of ships to declare the true loading of their ships, especially as to bulk tobacco, together with an exact account of all passengers and their goods who intend to go in their ships, in order to prevent the great frauds now practised. Col. Philip Lightfoot, late Collector, ordered to deliver his books etc. to his successor, Edward Hill, junior. Proclamation for all persons to attend their causes at the General Courts ordered. Proclamation for the better enforcement of penal laws ordered. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 360–365.] |
Nov. 16.
Whitehall. |
970. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Mears laid an affidavit about the imprisonment of Isaac Adderley before the Board, and promised to bring a memorial. |
|
Letter from Mr. Secretary Vernon about Dr. Cox's petition read. Dr. Cox presented an abstract of his title to Carolana Florida, and promised an account of its natural products, etc. Mr. Attorney General's opinion of the validity of the title ordered to be consulted. |
|
Letter and excuses of Mr. Dockwra, Nov. 14, and Mr. Thornburgh, read. Resolved that if no answer came in a few days to lay the matter, as it appeared to the Board, before H.M. |
|
Representation about H.M. ships carrying off servants and debtors from Barbados signed. |
| Nov. 17. |
Letter to Mr. Attorney General, concerning the king's approbation of Governors of Proprieties, ordered. |
|
gents of Barbados attended and, as to Sta. Lucia and Tobago, replied in substance, that Tobago is hilly, unequal ground; the soil good, fruitful and fit to produce anything. The inhabitants of Barbados have made use of it these 20 or 30 years for timber, sending thither frequently every year for timber, as to a place which they understood belonged to H.M. Formerly they brought timber from Antigoa, but can now have none from thence, that island esteeming what they have left to be little enough for their own use. Without timber from Tobago it will be impossible for Barbados henceforward to carry on their sugar works. They wish the property of Tobago were vested in Barbados. It is certain the possession of it by strangers would be very ruinous to all H.M. Charribee Islands. |
|
Concerning Sta. Lucia they said Barbados has also sometimes fetched timber from thence. As for the running away of negroes, either thither or to Tobago, they believed it was sometimes done, but could make no judgment of numbers. They promised a memorial on the whole matter. |
|
Dr. Cox presented an Account of the Commodities of Carolana, etc. Letter to Mr. Attorney General delivered to him. |
|
Account of Tobago by Capt. Poyntz read. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 247–252; and 96. Nos. 182, 183.] |
| Nov. 17. |
971. Account of the Commodities of Carolana, alias Florida. 2¼ pp. Endorsed, Presented to the Board by Dr. Cox. Recd. Read Nov. 17, 1699. 2¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 24.] |
| Nov. 17. |
972. Attested copy of the grant of Carolana, alias Florida, to Sir Robert Heath. Endorsed, Recd. from Dr. Cox. Nov. 17, 1699. 34 pp. Latin. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 25.] |
| Nov. 17. |
973. Memorial of Captain John Poyntz, to the Council of Trade and Plantation, relating to the history of Tobago. Note. Mr. Pointz to prove the particulars underlined. |
|
In the time of Queen Elizabeth the island was inhabited by the native Indians, on which the Spaniards had a small fort, when the then Earl of Warwick, having the command of a squadron of H.M. Royal Navy, did take that fortress from the Spaniards, and after obtained some grant from the Crown for the said Island. He dispossessed the Indians who retired to their neighbouring Metropolitan Island of Trinidado and for revenge made many incursions by night, whereon the Earl quitted his possession of Tobago, and in the time of King James I. with those remaining families not destroyed by the Indians planted themselves on Barbados. Tobago lay deserted of any inhabitants for diverse years, at which time King James and the then Duke of Courland married Ann and Mary, the two Princesses of Denmark, and King James being godfather to the young Prince of Courland, he bore his name, and the Duke his father desired to purchase of King James in the name of his son James, the young Prince, the island of Tobago, to be held and enjoyed under the protection of the Crown of England. Whereon the Earl of Warwick sold his interest in Tobago to Prince James, after Duke of Courland, who thereon sent a squadron of ships and took the possession of Tobago. But treating the Indians with too much severity, they made the Courlanders also weary of their new Plantation, who thereon gave leave to one Minheer Lampson of Zealand, under a tribute, to settle a factory on Tobago. About 1658 the King of Sweden making war on the Duke of Branderburgh desired passage for his forces through Courland, which being denied by force of arms, he entered and overran Courland and carried the Duke prisoner to Swedeland. About 1658, all things being in disorder and confusion in Courland, the said Lampson usurped Tobago to himself, and on capitulation got some instrument of sale and surrender from the Courlanders then remaining on Tobago. About 1665, war breaking out between England and Holland, and Tobago being then in the possession of the Dutch, they thereby did very great damage to the islands of Barbados, Nevis, Antego, Monserat, St. Christopher's etc., where we lost about 310 merchants' ships, whereon Sir John Harman was despatched with a squadron, who took Surinam from the French and Tobago from the Dutch, and destroyed their plantations. About 1664 His Majesty of Swedeland restored the Duke of Courland to his dukedom, and thereon by agreement between King Charles II. and the said Duke, dated Nov. 17, 1664, inter alia, His said Majesty did grant to the said Duke his heirs and successors the Island of Tobago, to be held under His Majesty's protection. Yet at the close of the Dutch wars, I suppose for want of a due claim made by the Duke of Courland, or on supposition that the Duke had sold the same to the Dutch, Tobago was given to the Dutch, who held it till about 1676/7, when the
war broke out between England, France and Holland, and then the English took Tobago from the Dutch and on concluding a peace the said island was restored to the Dutch, but the war continuing between France and Holland, the French after took Tobago from the Dutch. Thereon the Duke of Courland made his claim both at the Court of England and France, and at the making of peace between the French and Dutch, the Dutch were to have all lands taken from them by the French restored to them. And all parties making any pretensions to Tobago left it to the Arbitrament of the French King, who, finding that the Dutch had usurped the said island, he awarded that the Dutch should renounce their claims to Tobago, which they accordingly did. Thereupon the Duke of Courland in the year 1679 took possession again of Tobago, but by their severity to the Indians, they again made the Courlanders very uneasy. In 1678–1679 I made several voyages from Barbados to Tobago, where, meeting the Emperor of Trinidado going on his procession with some thousand of his vassals, the Emperor desired he might come on board me, which I granted only with one Periago and no more. I treated the Emperor, his Empress, his War-Captain, and his wife and all their children very nobly, whereon the Emperor earnestly desired me to be instrumental to procure a perpetual peace for him and his vassals, who are very numerous, with the English; for which his zeal was so great that he committed his only son and his War-Captain's son to my charge, who I carried to Barbados, and represented the Emperor's inclinations to the Governor there. Whereon the governor clothed the emperor's son and his attendant the War-Captain's son in cloth of gold and silver, and diverted them by showing them the splendour of Barbados, and in 3 days after I returned with them to Trinidado, where, to express their thankful acknowledgements of my kindness, they presented me with diverse rich presents, and the Emperor ever after gave his son my name and title, who, if living, is called Captain John Poyntz to this day, and the War-Captain's son was called by the name of Thomas Clark, my then mate, and the Emperor enjoyned me to go for England and to get the Island of Tobago from his then Majesty or whom else had the property thereof, and they would become our vassals for ever, and desired to live amongst us. In 1681 I began and ended a treaty about the same with the then Envoy of Courland for 12,000 acres of land on Tobago for myself and Company, with liberty of conscience for all persuasions save Roman Catholics, which was after ratified and confirmed by His Highness, James, then Duke of Courland, and corroborated under the Ducal Seal of Courland. After, myself and Company equipped a stout ship with all necessary provisions for this expedition, but heard that the Duke of Courland was dead and that he had left his youngest son Lord of Tobago, which was afterwards contradicted, the Duke having annexed the island to the dukedom of Courland to be enjoyed by the Duke, his heirs and successors with the Dukedom. Hereon the eldest and youngest brother differing, the youngest brother went into Germany and carried with him all the writings relating to Tobago, and there died; but before his death Prince Frederick the then Duke sent letters to Abraham Maryne, the envoy of the said duke then resident at the Court of
England, to inform me that he would not ratify the articles that his father had made, and engaged the interest of the then Duke of York against me, who, taking offence because Roman Catholics were excluded from settling at Tobago, espoused the pretensions of Frederick, the then Duke of Courland, against me. Whereon a warrant from the Council Board was directed to the Admiralty to stop the ship equipped by myself and company for this expedition, by which we received divers thousands of pounds damage, and notwithstanding all possible endeavours could not be redressed. Hereupon Duke Frederick having thus far prevailed at the Court of England to put a stop to our intended voyage, provided five ships of good force with divers hundreds of men, but, as Providence ordered it, two of the greatest miscarried in the Baltic Sea. The other three proceeded on their voyage North about Scotland, and off the Island of Orkney the third great ship was cast away, but, the two remaining ships arrived at Barbados with recommendation from his then Majesty and the Duke of York to be supplied with necessaries, who applied themselves to Col. Edwin Steed, the then Deputy-Governor, (the Governor being then in England), who, not hearing of my stop, by my order had sent—hundred men to take possession of Tobago on my title and intended to have sent 400 more, but enquiring of the Courlanders for me, who acquainted him that the Duke of Courland had stopped my voyage, and would not ratify what his father had done, whereon the Deputy-Governor called back the men he had sent, and in obedience to the letters from His Majesty and the Duke of York he supplied the Courlanders with what necessaries Barbados afforded, and the two ships proceeded on their voyage for Tobago. The Emperor of Trinidado having notice of my intentions for Tobago, observing two ships in Courlanders' Bay, concluded I was come. The Emperor and divers hundreds of his vassals, men, women and children, with music and flags and great rejoicings, came to welcome me to Tobago to which they had formerly invited me, and had articles to give me a greater tract of land in Trinidado than all Tobago, but the Indians, attempting to land on a little fort which the Courlanders had fortified, soon found their mistake, the Courlanders firing their ordnance on them that they had just then planted, and killed many of their number, of men, women and children, on which they hastily retired. The Emperor, hearing from Barbados that I was stopped in England, and that it were the Courlanders that fired on his people, resolved revenge on them, and by lying in ambush took frequent opportunities to cut off the Courlanders, which made them quit their possession of Tobago. One of the two remaining ships went for Jamaica and the other for New England, and both were either sold or pawned for their men's subsistence. This relation I had from Mr. Lucas Lyons, then Resident of the late Duke of Courland at the English Court, which his papers and letters, which may be had from his widow, will evidence. |
|
About 1692 Frederick Duke of Courland sent to Mr. Lyons to know what I intended to do about his father's grant, to which I answered, that whereas he had caused me to be stopped, declaring that he would not ratify his father's grant, though it was ratified by his father, so he ought to take off that stay he had made that I
might proceed on my intended voyage. He asked for a copy of his father's grant, which for some time I denied, insisting that the Duke had my counterpart by him, but Baron Bloombergh assured me he had not, but that his father gave Tobago to his youngest brother. I sent the copy and the Duke sent me divers kind letters written with his own hands, which are ready to be produced. By reason of the war, the Duke, being a neutral Prince, advised I should not proceed on my voyage, lest the French should take Tobago and the Duke's interest thereby be in danger. I desisted therefore. The war being now over, by God's permission and with His Majesty's leave and approbation, myself and Company intend to proceed on our expedition, having resolved to make such a settlement of Tobago as may be very advantageous for the interest of England, and Courland, and the security of His Majesty's neighbouring Plantations in time of war, for the advancing His Majesty's Revenues, for the increasing of navigation, for the making a large additional endowment to the late erected Hospital at Greenwich, for the making a perpetual peace with the Emperor of Trinidado, for the better employing the poor of the Kingdom and making provision for the French refugees, and for the establishing of a very considerable fund for the promoting of those four capital charities, viz., the Conversion of the Indians to the Christian Faith, for the better suppressing vice and debauchery in all parts of the nation, for the augmentations to the indigent clergy in small vicarages, and for the endowing an Hospital for the relief of all the blind poor in and about the cities and suburbs of London and Westminster to perpetuity that by any Act of Providence are deprived of their sight. On this Charitable Foundation myself and Company desire to settle the Plantation of Tobago and the Government thereof by such Laws and Constitutions as His Majesty's Attorney General etc. shall advise, and under such Governors as His Majesty shall think fit to recommend to the Court of Courland. We will treat for the remaining part of the island, to reduce the whole under one and the same constitution and government. Signed, John Poyntz. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 17, 1699. Presented to the Board by Poyntz himself. 6 large pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. No. 27; and 45. p. 3.] |
| Nov. 17. |
974. William Popple to Sir Thomas Trevor, enclosing abstract of Dr. Cox's title to the Province of Carolana Florida and asking for his opinion. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 26. p. 130.] |
Nov. 18.
Boston. |
975. Governor the Earl of Bellomont to the Council of Trade and Plantations. According to your commands, Aug. 26, '97, [q.r.] I prevailed with the governments of Conecticut and Rhode Island to appoint Commissioners against my going to Rhode Island, in order to adjust the bounds in the Naraganset Country, alias King's Province, and also to come to an accommodation about the point of jurisdiction over it, which has been so long in contest. I did all I could to dispose them to an amicable composure and spent a whole morning hearing their claims, all which was managed with great heat and brought to no conclusion. All I could do was to get out of their hands some papers which I send. I enjoined both parties to send
agents to England as soon as conveniently they could, according to your instructions, and also required bonds from the Governors. Finding that a penalty of £5,000 was frightful to Gov. Winthrop, I accepted of his obligation in £3,000 and the like from Gov. Cranston. Signed, Bellomont. |
| Nov. 21. |
P.S. I find that upon application made to King Charles II. by the inhabitants of Naraganset, he granted a commission to Col. Richard Nicholls and others, Ap. 25, 1664. No doubt their report may be found in some of the offices at Whitehall or with Mr. Blathwait. I am told those Commissioners it was that gave the name of King's Province to the Naraganset Country, finding that neither Conecticut nor Rhode Island Colonies had any right of government over it. There was another commission, Ap. 7, 1683, appointing Edward Cranfield and others for the same end. I have their report, Boston, Oct. 20, 1683. They declare the right of jurisdiction over the Naraganset country to be in the Colony of Connecticut, and advise the King not to suffer it to be under Rhode Island, since no people of good reputation will care to settle under so loose and weak a Government. I find that the late K. James did not believe or would not allow that either of the Colonies had the right of jurisdiction. A commission in the first year of his reign subjects the Naraganset country with this and other colonies under the Government of a President and Council, and Col. Dudley is therein appointed President. A commission in the following years appointed Sir Edmund Andros, Governor of the same colonies, including Naraganset: in the fourth year of his reign a new commission gave Sir E. Andros the government of the forementioned colonies and also of Rhode Island, Conecticut, N. York and both the Jerzies. I believe it will be found there was an actual surrender of the Rhode Island Charter to King James, and I am told 'twas done with all the solemnity that could be, viz. by the Government in General Assembly, but it seems the record of it is surreptitiously done away with—a common practice with that Government. See enclosures. I am told Sir E. Andros required the seal of the Colony from 'em and broke it, which, if true, may easily be known from himself, being now in London. If there was such a surrender I cannot conceive how the people of Rhode Island could legally re-assume the exercise of their former Government without a new Charter or some authority from his present Majesty, to revive and enforce their old one; but I cannot hear they have had either. Signed, Bellomont. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 19. Read Feb. 21, 1699/1700. 4 large closely written pp. Enclosed, |
|
975. I. Abstract of preceding letter. 2 pp. |
|
975. II. Copy of Charter of Connecticut granted by Charles II. 11 pp. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 19, 1699/1700. |
|
975. III. State of the case as to the Government of Narraganset Country by the Commissioners of Connecticut, Sept. 26, 1699. The country is included in Charles II's Charter to the Governor and Company of Connecticut, Ap. 23, 1662. Its bounds were fixed on the East as Narraganset River commonly called Narraganset Bay. The contention of Rhode Island that a river called Pawcatuck, which lies westward of the Narraganset
Country, is the aforesaid Narraganset River and Bay cannot be admitted. Answers to the objections raised by the Commissioners of Rhode Island. Signed, Saml. Mason, James Noyes, G. Saltonstall. Copy. 5 pp. Endorsed, Jan. 19, 1699/1700. |
|
975. IV. Copy of letter from Charles II. to the Government of the Massachusetts, Plymouth, Newhaven, and Connecticut Colonies. Tho. Cheffinch, John Scott, John Winthrop, Daniel Davison, Simon Brodstreet, Thomas Willet, Richard Smith, Edward Hutchinson, Amos Richardson, John Alcock, Wm. Hudson and their associates having in the right of Major Atherton a just propriety in the Narraganset country, and being desirous to improve it in an English Colony, are yet daily disturbed by certain turbulent spirits of Providence Colony in New England. We therefore recommend the said proprieties to your neighbourly kindness and protection, that the Proprietors be permitted peaceably to improve their colony and plantations in New England. Signed, Henry Bennet. Copy. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. V. Memorandum of copy of Rhode Island Charter, July 8, 1663. ½ p. |
|
975. VI. Case of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, as to the bounds between this and the Colony of Connecticut. In 1660 the General Court of Rhode Island appointed John Clarke, physician, to be their agent, and he in 1661 obtained a patent incorporating Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. At the same time Mr. John Winthrop obtained a patent for Connecticut Colony, wherein through misinformation some things were granted much to the prejudice of the Providence Plantations. Thereupon the patent was recalled. Messrs. Clark and Winthrop appointed Wm. Brereton, Major Robt. Thompson, Capt. Richd. Deane, Capt. John Brookhaven and Dr. Benjamin Worsley to settle the bounds and matters in dispute. They unanimously agreed (i) The river known by the name of Pawcatuck should be the certain bound between the colonies and should for the future be also called alias Narraganset River. Three other provisions. To this the Agents agreed, Ap. 17, 1663, and the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was incorporated accordingly. Signed, Walter Clarke, Joseph Sheffield, Tho. Olney, Wes. Clarke. Copy. 5½ pp. Same endorsement. |
|
975. VII. Copy of John Winthrop's agreement with John Clarke, Ap. 7, 1663. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. VIII. Copy of the authority given by Rhode Island to John Clarke to act as their agent. Oct. 18, 1660. Signed, William Brenbon, President. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. IX. Abstract of commissions granted by James II. to Col. Dudley and Sir Edmund Andros, relating to the government of Narraganset Country, etc. 1½ pp. Same endorsement. |
|
975. X. Peleg Sanford to Lord Bellomont. Newport, Nov. 20, 1699. Capt. Coddington cannot find the resignation of the Rhode Island government to the King, nor the sending of Major John Green to England upon the same errand upon record. This in some measure manifests the method of Government here. I send two copies of what I had by me and a gazette, all signifying the surrender of the Charter. I have seized some pirates' effects here. Copy. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XI. (1) Copy of an instruction from James II. to Sir E. Andros to demand the surrender of the Rhode Island Charter. Sept. 13, '86. Signed, Sunderland. |
|
(2) Copy of letter from James II. to Sir E. Andros granting the inhabitants of Rhode Island liberty of conscience and other privileges in consideration of the free surrender of their Charter, March 11, 1687. Signed, Sunderland. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XII. Extract from the London Gazette, Windsor, Sep. 13. 1686. The King accepts the surrender of the Charter of Rhode Island. ½ p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XIII. Minute of Council of Massachusetts Bay, Boston, Dec. 30th, 1686. Sir E. Andros demanded of Walter Clarke and the members of Council for Rhode Island that their charter should be brought and given in-charge of the Secretary. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XIV. Lord Bellomont to Governor Cranston, Boston, Oct. 16, 1699, advising the cessation of all distraining for taxes in the Narraganset Country till the differences between the two colonies are settled; and again asking for the Journal of Assembly. Copy. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XV. Governor Cranston to Lord Bellomont. Newport, Oct. 23, 1699. How we shall levy a tax upon one part of the Colony and not upon another, I am wholly to seek. We have had actual possession and government of Narraganset Country for upwards of 40 years. Besides, Connecticut's claim is not only to it but to all the rest of the towns on the main land within this Colony, so that there is much reason to forbear taxing them too, and if so we must let fall our Government. Copy. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XVI. Act of Assembly of Rhode Island (Newport, May 5 and June 29, 1686) for surrendering their Charter and not standing suit with the King but addressing H.M. to continue their privileges and liberties. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XVII. Certificate of Francis Brinley, Peleg Sanford, Nath. Coddington. Newport, Nov. 25, 1699. Those in authority did deliver up to Sir E. Andros the seal of
the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, which was the anchor. Soon after their reassuming their Government they caused a seal to be made like the former one. Copy. ½ p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XVIII. Bond of Governor FitzJohn Winthrop to the King in £3,000. Sept. 26, 1699. Signed, J. Winthrop. Seal. Witnesses: Bellomont, Isa. Addington, Isa. Taylor. 1 p. Same endorsement. |
|
975. XIX. Similar Bond of Governor Cranston. Seal. Same date, witnesses, and endorsement. 1 p. |
|
975. XX. (1) Petition of Peter Ayrault. Petitioner, a French refugee, with 40 other French families was placed in the Narraganset Country by some chief men in Boston assisted by the King's authority. Our settlement was interrupted and molested by our neighbours, so that the plantation is now deserted by all save petitioner. He prays for protection. Newport, May 19, 1699. Copy. 1 p. |
|
(2) List of further injuries and persecutions inflicted on petitioner by the Greenwich men, Sept. 27, 1699. Copy. ½ p. Same endorsement. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 5. Nos. 3, 3 I.–XX.; and (without enclosures), 26. pp. 168–176.] |
| Nov. 18. |
976. Petition of John Woollaston to the King to be employed in the Government of Bermudas, likely to be suddenly vacant. 1 small p. |
|
977. Testimonial as to the fitness of Dr. John Woollaston. Signed "Bergevenny" and 26 other signatures. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. Nos. 55, 55 I.] |
| Nov. 20. |
978. William Popple to Sir Thomas Trevor. The Council of Trade and Plantations having under consideration that part of the late Act of Parliament for Preventing Frauds and Regulating Abuses in the Plantation Trade, which relates to H.M. approbation of the Governors and observing a difficulty in the execution thereof with respect to the Proprieties and Charter Governments, especially such whose Governors are chosen annually in the Plantations, desire your opinion whether H.M. may not empower Lord Bellomont by name or the Governor of New England or the Governor of any other neighbouring Plantation for the time being without name, to approve or disapprove any of the said Governors of Proprieties or Charter Governments from time to time. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 26. pp. 130, 131.] |
Nov. 20.
Whitehall. |
979. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Capt. Norris, desiring recompense for his services at Newfoundland, was directed to bring in a Memorial. |
|
Letters to Mr. Thornburgh and Mr. Dockwra ordered, calling for immediate answers. |
|
Messrs. Perry, Haistwell and Goodwin, merchants, promised a memorial about pirates on the coasts of America. |
|
Letter to Attorney General about the King's approbation of Governors approved. |
|
Mr. Attorney General's answer in the matter of Richier v. Trott read. Representation ordered. |
