America and West Indies: May 1700, 1-4

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 18, 1700. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1910.

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Citation:

'America and West Indies: May 1700, 1-4', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 18, 1700, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1910), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol18/pp217-229 [accessed 29 November 2024].

May 1700



May 1. Nevis in America.	373. Col. Foxe to Mr. Blathwayt. I received a letter from you at Portsmouth with an enclosed to Capt. Dellaval, L.G. of Mountserat. I answered that which I hope came to your hands. Upon my arrival here I found everything extraordinary out of order as for the King's service. The first thing I undertook was to desire that the Council and Assembly might meet, where I produced H.M. Commission to me as Lieut. General, which gives me the absolute command in the absence of the General, with the mandamus to be of the Council of the Leeward Islands, which are at present under my Government. I having received complaints that the soldiers of my regiment were turned out of cover for quartering of them, which you know is not denied in any part of the world, I made my address to the Assembly; their answer was that there being no Act of Parliament in England for quartering of soldiers, they would not be obliged to it, so if the men did not work in the fields with the negroes they would give them no house room. Mr. Ward, one of the Assembly, as my Lt. Col. informs me, had the insolence to say that if there was no Act of Parliament for quartering of the soldiers, he'd ** his ** with the King's orders. I have corrected him as far as I could. He was Lt. Col. to Col. Sanderson, and was broke by a Council of war for speaking things not for H.M. service. I found I could do no good here, therefore I took my progress to produce my Commission, and to be sworn in the several Islands. I found the same complaints and was equally denied, till they solicited me to pass some Acts that I found were for their own advantage, which I resolved not to do till they had given the soldiers house-room and done everything that was for H.M. service, upon which some of the Islands have made an Act for three months, and some for six, for quartering of the soldiers, and after my return to this, they did with difficulty consent to give them cover for three months. Sir, I hope you'll represent this to His Majesty, how ill any man that bears his Commission is used by these villains, and I wonder it is so, since everything, if it was rightly lookt into, depends absolutely upon his Majesty's favour. I was mightily surprised two days ago when President Burt told me that he had received orders from the Lords Commissioners of Trade, and in particular from you for his commanding here. You must pardon me if I can't believe that such an order can come from a Board where my commission is entered, for the words in that give me the absolute command in the absence of the General, and it would be a neglect in me if I should not make use of that command, which His Majesty has done me the honour to give me.
	I discoursed Capt. Dellavall about what Capt. Harbin left, and showed him your letter to me; he tells me that he'll make a fair account and return it to England to you. Recommends officers for Commissions. Signed, Edw. Foxe. Inscribed, His correcting Ward well done. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. No. 60; and 46. pp. 44–47.]
May 1. Whitehall.	374. Wm. Popple to Wm. Thornburgh. The Council of Trade and Plantations do not understand how the Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands should imagine they could be satisfied with Mr. Haskett's giving security to one of the said Lords Proprietors, as having been done in pursuance of the Order of the Lords' Committees, Feb. 22, 1696(7), whereof you now send me a copy, when it is not conformable to the Representation of this Board, unto which the said Order refers, and much less conformable to the subsequent Address of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament, March 18, 1696(7), which was the final result of the proceedings of the foresaid Lords' Committees. (See Cal. 1697. No. 820.) This being the ground of my former letters, their Lordships are surprised at your answers, and desire you to lay the matter again before the Lords Proprietors for a positive resolution therein, that they may represent to His Majesty as they shall find expedient. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 26. pp. 203, 204.)
May 1.	375. Sir Henry Ashhurst, Bart., to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I count myself obliged to your Lordships for giving me notice of the Earl of Limerick's petition, and shall transmit it to Lord Bellomont, Governor of the Massachusets Colony, and shall per the first conveniency expect their fuller answer. In the meantime I most humbly lay before you that Piniquid is part of the lands granted by charter under the Great Seal to the Massatusets Bay, the words of which grant to them "all that tract of land which lyeth between Nova Scotia and the Province of Main," in which tract Piniquid lies. The Government there hath been at great charge in building a fort there, looking upon it as the most convenient place to secure that Province from the murthers of the Indians. Signed, Hen. Ashhurst. I p. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 1, 1700. [Board of Trade. New England, 10. No. 35; and 38. pp. 15, 16.]
May 1. Treasury Chambers.	376. William Lowndes to William Popple. The Lords of the Treasury desire you will forthwith transmit an account of all the particulars which will come within the 800l. required to be laid out in buying presents for the Indians. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 1st, Read 2nd May, 1700. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 9. No. 27; and 54. pp. 213, 214.]
May 1.	377. Minutes of Council of New York. Trials of Martinus Lamberse and Frederick Platt for murders ordered.
	Order that the Gentlemen of the Council view the new buildings in the fort, which Col. Fletcher made, and report what is wanting to finish the same.
	Ryer Schermerhoorn was appointed an assistant to the Judge of Common Pleas. Lands ordered to be surveyed according to the petition of John Hutchins and others. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 312, 313.]
May 1.	378. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Sir Edmund Andros answered several enquiries as to the boundaries between the English and French in the eastern parts of New England, to the same effect as himself or others had formerly informed this Board, the substance of which is comprised in a letter from the Board to Mr. Sec. Vernon, Feb. 17, 1698/9.
	Sir Thomas Day was granted copies of papers lately received for the vindication of his son, Governor Day.
	Draught of a letter to Mr. Thornburgh agreed upon, and given to Capt. Hasket, who attended desiring the dispatch of that business.
	Memorial from Sir Henry Ashhurst, upon Lord Lymmerick's petition relating to Pemaquid, read, in which their Lordships observing what he writes about the Government of the Massachusets Bay having built a fort there, ordered that the Secretary write to him to know whether or no that have been done since the fort in that place was taken and destroyed by the French during the late war; and further signify to him that their Lordships understanding he had writ a letter to the General Assembly of New England, which had occasioned some disorder there, do desire he would let them have a copy of it.
	An abstract of Mr. Day's and Mr. Randolph's letters, Jan. 29, was given to Mr. Blathwayt, together with the letters and papers themselves, to be made use of to-morrow in Council as occasion shall offer.
May 2.	Lord Limmerick desiring to know their Lordships' resolution upon Lord Jersey's letter relating to his petition for a grant of Pemaquid, was told that all the country between Nova Scotia and the Province of Main, which includes Pemaquid, is already granted by the King to the Government of the Massachusetts Bay, with power to that Government to make particular grants, under a proviso of His Majesty's approval.
	Letter from Mr. Lowndes of May 1 read. Copies of accounts in the books of this office relating to presents formerly sent to the Indians ordered to be prepared. [Board of Trade. Journal, 13. pp. 22–25; and 97. Nos. 81, 82.]
May 1.	379. Journal of Council in Assembly of Maryland. Joint Committee appointed to consider Indian affairs, the provision of a public storehouse and "some convenient place to secure the public library."
May 2.	Naval Officers ordered to bring in their accounts. Samuel Young appointed public Treasurer of the western shore, in place of Robert Mason, his place of habitation being more convenient.
	The Military Officers ordered to take care of the public arms in the counties, the cost to be defrayed by the respective counties.
	Petition of John Price, carpenter, of St. Mary's County, read. Petitioner was referred to the Courts of Law.
May 3.	William Parker was sworn a Delegate for Calvert County. A Petitionary Bill, for confirming 100 acres of land given by Capt. Richd. Ladd of Calvert County, decd., to the ministry of Christ Church in that county, was read and sent to the delegates.
	Petition of Joseph and Mary Vansweringen, executors of Garrett Vansweringen, of St. Mary's County, praying a bill might pass for selling lands of Mr. John Llewelyn, decd., and Mr. Samuel Withers, decd., for payment of their just claims from those estates, read and recommended to the House.
	The House of Delegates were informed that, in order to prevent the charges of calling the Committee for Defence, His Excellency had lent Bills of Exchange for 200l. to Col. Addison to pay the Rangers.
	Petition of several merchants trading in Potomack River, complaining of the great distance between the abode(s) of the present Collector and Naval Officer, read, and thereupon ordered that the Collector keep a deputy near the Naval Officer, and the Naval Officer a deputy near the Collector.
May 4.	Dr. Thomas Bray interceded for Major Edward Dorsey, praying for his relief from the fine imposed upon him last Sessions of Assembly, as a matter of charity on account of his wife and twelve children. His petition was referred to the House of Delegates.
	Petition of James Stoddart about some deer skins agreed to be paid by the Piscattaway Indians for his negro, killed by some unknown Indians, was referred to the House of Delegates.
	Bill for the service of Almighty God and establishment of religion in this Province, according to the Church of England, sent up from the House, was read and ordered to lie upon the table.
	His Excellency laid before the Board the proceedings of the Governor and Council of Virginia, Feb. 22, wherein they were of opinion that it would be for His Majesty's service that the Messenger should in the summer be down in Virginia, to be there joined with the Essex prize for defence of the coast, and desired the Governor of Maryland to let her be down in Virginia about the beginning of May, and give directions to Capt. Coade for managing the vessel out of the ships in Maryland, for that it would not be possible to secure her any supply of men after she should come there, being most of the ships would be sailed and the Essex prize would take up all the men that could be spared. The Council were of opinion that Capt. Coad and his ship might be very serviceable in detecting foul traders in this Province, but that she is too small to be of defence to the coast. If she should only be used to lie at Point Comfort, she would be mightily endangered by the worm. They advised His Excellency, if occasion arose wherein she might be usefull there, to give the necessary orders; otherwise that she go up to Turkey Point to avoid the worm. (And see No. 152.) [Board of Trade. Maryland, 14. pp. 523–531.]
May 1.	380. Journal of the House of Delegates of Maryland. Bill for the speedy trial of criminals referred to the Committee of Laws to be revised. The proposal whether it might not be beneficial to the inhabitants to pay their levies in money considered and referred.
	Petitions of Gerrard Sly for allowance of his account and for relief of several grievances read and referred.
	Petition of John Chapman read. He was referred to the Common Law for relief.
	Petition of Charles Ascomb and Joseph Edwards, complaining of several aggrievances, read and referred to the Committee of Grievances.
	Richard Beard summoned to treat with about a storehouse.
	Journals of the Free School sent for to be inspected. Committee appointed to report on the accounts.
	Capt. Gerrard Sly's application for money alleged to be owing, 1675–1677, rejected. And see preceding abstract.
May 2.	Committee ordered to treat with the Visitors of the Free School concerning the placing of the public library in some convenient rooms in the School House.
	Proposal for the payment of levies in money rejected. The proposals for the advancement of money ordered to be printed, and about 40 copies delivered to the House. And see preceding abstract.
May 3.	Bill for the service of Almighty God, etc., read the first time.
	Petition of John Gough of Charles County read and rejected, petitioner being referred for his remedy to the Common Law.
	Dr. James Benson and Robert Smith examined in the matter of the Vansweringen petition, consideration of which was further referred.
May 3.	Thomas Reynolds, Sheriff of Ann Arundel County, was examined, and explained that he had despatched the Public Letters of this House for St. Mary's County, as directed, to Capt. Thomas Blake, High Sheriff of Calvert County, requiring him to forward them with all expedition, but he had refused and so they were brought back. Ordered that Blake be arrested for contempt and brought before the House. And see preceding abstract.
May 4.	Bill for Religion read second time and sent up. Bills for speedy trial of criminals and for quieting the differences between the English and Indians in private controversy, read the first time and committed for amendment.
	Petitionary Bill for confirming glebe-land to Christ's Church amended. And see preceding abstract. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 15. pp. 498–514.]
May 2. Treasury Chambers.	381. William Lowndes to the Board of Ordnance. The Lords of the Treasury desire you to provide long fuzees to the value of 400l. and ammunition to the value of 100l., as the Council of Trade and Plantations shall direct, and deliver them to Mr. Champante, who is to send them to New York, as part of a present to the Five Nations of Indians. This service requires despatch, not only because the ship will sail suddenly, but in respect of the affairs in the said Colony. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. May 3, 1700. Copy. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 9. No. 28; and 54. p. 217.]
May 2. Hampton Court.	382. Order of King in Council repealing the Act of Jamaica obliging Patentees to residence. Signed, John Povey. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. May 8, Read May 13, 1700. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 9. No. 16; and 57. pp. 57, 58.]
May 2. Hampton Court.	383. Order of King in Council referring to the Council of Trade and Plantations the enclosed petition. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 3, 1700. ¾ p. Enclosed,
	383. i. Sir Thomas Day to the King. Yesterday arrived letters from Bermudas giving an account that the Governor had readily obeyed the Orders for examining the complaints against him, and had issued Commissions accordingly, and that he did not doubt but to make appear his innocency, and that the whole examination would be transmitted by the next conveniency. Petitioner sets forth in behalf of the said Governor that, in obedience to the Orders of Council he had commissionated the persons who complained against him to examine their own complaints, which they executed with so much partiality as not to suffer him to have copies of the said informations to answer thereto, which by the Orders of Council is particularly directed, and is attested by the oath of one of the Judges in the said Commission, who is Secretary of the Island. Petitioner prays your Majesty to suspend, till the return of the Commission, your final determination of this whole affair. Copy. 1¾ pp. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 4. Nos. 24, 24.i.; and 29. pp. 285–288.]
May 2. Hampton Court.	383. A Order of King in Council, referring to the Council of Trade and Plantations the enclosed petition. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 4, 1700. ½ p. Enclosed,
	383. A i. Jacob Mears and other owners of the Dolphin sloop to the King. Petitioners have recovered their sloop, detained by Mr. Day, thanks to your Order of Oct. 28. They cannot sue Mr. Day for the great damage done to them, whilst Governor, and upon his removal may be at a loss to find him. They therefore pray the matter be heard before your Majesty in Council, and, in order to it, that a Commission be granted to take evidence in Bermuda and that Lt. Gov. Day may be obliged to give 2,000l. security, before he departs Bermuda, to answer and pay petitioners such damages as your Majesty shall award. Copy. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 4. Nos. 25, 25.i.; and 29. pp. 289–292.]
May 2. Boston.	384. Mr. Addington to Wm. Popple. Herewith you will receive a duplicate of the Minutes of Council, Sept. 7‐Dec. 14, 1699, and further minutes of Council, Dec. 14—March 21, 1699. Also the Journal of the General Assembly, March 1699 (1700), with the Acts and Laws then passed. All which are forwarded on H.M.S. Glocester under the command of Rear Admiral Benbow. Signed, Isa. Addington. Endorsed, Recd. July 2, Read July 4, 1700. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 10. No. 36; and 38. p. 79.]
May 2.	385. Edward Palms to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The grievances against the Government of Conecticot set forth by petitioner last year, are still continued. The Governor and Company have shown no manner of regard to H.M. Order, March 9, 1699, but the remonstrant and several others have been denied the liberty of appealing. Affidavits and proofs of this matter could have been laid before your Lordships, but no person in the Colony, who could administer the same, would admit any oath thereof. Unless some more public and effectual methods are taken, not only the aforesaid order, but all other Orders of His Majesty will prove ineffectual and His Majesty's subjects left to the oppression of arbitrary and irregular persons. Signed, Edward Palms. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 7th May, 1700. 5 pp. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 5. No. 45; and 26. pp. 204–207.]
May 3. Jamaica.	386. Governor Sir William Beeston, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have received your Lordships' letter of Feb. 16, with Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General's opinion about naturalising foreigners, by which I must humbly represent to your Lordships that I think those gentlemen have not had a sight of the Laws of this Island, for in the reign of Charles II. the Royal Assent was given to a law, which your Lordships have under the Great Seal of this Island in the Plantation Office, and also is printed in folio 103 of those laws, entitled An Act encouraging the settling of this Island, which is in the same office also, by which it seems we are not on the same foot with the Northern Plantations, where I must agree with those gentlemen that I do not think any Assembly can naturalise any one without authority from the King, and whether ours, which is done by a mature law, will empower anyone out of the limits of this Island to be master of a vessel according to the late statute, I must submit to your consideration. I also find that we differ from the Northern Plantations in the authority we have to try pirates and privateers, because Lord Bellomont writ me there was no such power in New England, and therefore he was obliged to send the pirates home for England, and I guess it being thought the same here, His Majesty has directed me to send them to England with the witnesses, which would be a vast trouble and charge, and a great hardship on people to be sent from their homes and families to England to give their testimony, and cause them to deny their knowledge rather than be sent thither, but in King Charles his reign, there was also an Act past "For restraining and punishing Privateers and Pirates," which is in the Plantation Office, in which power is given to put in execution all the authority granted in the Act of Henry VIII, and by virtue whereof, as fast as we meet with them, we try them, and, if good proof against them, hang them up, as we have done several of late, that have sculked privately into this island in hopes to save themselves thereby.
	Upon receipt of the memorial presented to His Majesty by Lord Bellomont, I bade the chief of the Jews put their reasons into writing why they made that application, which they have done, and on receipt of it I assembled the Council, who, with myself, agreed upon an answer, which I now transmit to your Lordships together with the said paper of the Jews, and is the truth of their condition here, where they have been alwaies well used in general, but as for their being particularly taxed by the Assembly, it's not in the power of myself or the Council to hinder it, for if they do not raise money as they will themselves, they will not do it at all. The list of pirates your Lordships transmitted to me, I have caused to be put up in the offices at Port Royal, and given orders for enquiry after them. The letters you mention from His Majesty are since my last arrived. I have answered what I thought was my duty to Lord Jersey. We have a report that the Scotch have agreed with the Spaniards to desert Darien, but we have no confirmation, and being only Spanish news we doubt the truth of it. Signed, Wm. Beeston. Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read 24th July, 1700. Holograph. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
	386. i. Abstract of preceding with marginal notes for reply.
	386. ii. Jews of Jamaica to Governor Sir William Beeston. We have often petitioned your Excellency and the Assembly that we may not be particularised in any taxation, but only as the rest of the inhabitants, but without effect. By successive Assemblies we have been taxed—750l. by the first Assembly after the earthquake; 1,000l. by the second; and by the third, it being understood that it was not well taken in England that the Jews should be taxed two several ways, as was expressed in the last Assembly, over and above, we were taxed at a lump 1,750l., which was 1,400l. more than our neighbours; by the fourth we were taxed at a lump 437l. 10s., which is at least ¾ over our just due. The fifth Assembly intended to tax us 5,250l., but being dissolved, the tax took no effect, otherways this would have concluded the utter ruin of our poor nation. We have been forced to bear arms on our Sabbath and holleydays without any urgent occasion in late years by command of some particular officer. For these reasons we made our application to His Majesty that we may enjoy the privileges our Letters Patents and denization allow us. Endorsed, Recd. 20th July, 1700. 2¼ pp.
	386. iii. Answer of the Governor and Council of Jamaica to Lord Bellmonte's memorial about the Jews. What the Jews say about being so taxed by the Assemblies is truth. Had the Act gone forward in the last Assembly for making reparation to the sufferers in the late war, it would have amounted to such a sum that their part therein mentioned would not have been extravagant. Their first introduction into this Island was on condition that they should settle and plant, which they do not, there being but one considerable and two or three small settlements of the Jews in all the Island, but their employment generally is keeping shops and merchandising, by the first of which they have engrossed that employment, and by their parsimonious living (which I do not charge as a fault in them), they have thereby means of underselling the English, that they cannot many of them follow that employment, nor can they in reason put their children to the Jews to be trained up in that profession, by which the English nation think they suffer much both in their own advantages and what may be made to their children hereafter. And it is well known that in time past the Jews made it their request that they might on any occasion be taxed by the lump, and the reason they gave, and which was obvious and prevalent on the English, was because they, being a people distinct from the English, knew one another's circumstances better than the English could, and wherefore the more likely to do right to one another, as well as to take off the jealousy of partiality, had they been particularly taxed in the parishes where they dwelt, as the English are; but of late they have desired otherwise, because they fall out in their taxing one another. For these reasons the Assemblies have always, when public money was to be raised, thought it but reasonable that the Jews, who in the opinion of the Assembly eat out the English in trade and get it very much into their own hands, should pay something in proportion more than the English, and what they propose in those cases of money is not to be contradicted by the Governor and Council, lest thereby the whole Bill may fall.
	As for their bearing arms, it must be owned that when any public occasion has happened or enemy appeared, they have been ready and behaved themselves very well, but for their being called into arms on private times and that have happened on their Sabbath or Festivals, they have been generally excused by their officers, unless by their obstinacy or ill language they have provoked them to the contrary, the law of this country, without regard to Jews or any other, giving powers to call all men into arms when there is thought occasion for it. It is likewise too plain that the meaner sort of that nation buy anything from our negroes, by which they encourage them to steal from their masters or any else, that they may sell it to the Jews, to make money to buy drink or to play with one another, by which many evils happen both to the negroes and their owners, and although this has been endeavoured to be hindred, yet a way could never be found to prevent it, this trade being driven on most at night or Sundays, when people are at Church, and hereby the ignorance of the negroes gives advantage to the Jews to buy anything of them for much under its real worth, which the sooner sets them on to stealing more. To which may also be added that they are not at the trouble and charge of any civil or military offices, which are great here, there being no pay or allowance for them, except to a constable sometimes, where the poundage money for the taxes pay their expense of time; nor are their taxes, considernig the great stocks they have in trade, more in proportion than a poor planter's, that is in debt and labours hard to clear himself; besides, they are entered much into the wholesale trade, and many English merchants consign their goods to the Jews here, which is a great discouragement to the English factors. If any taxes be laid upon them which they do not like, it's for the consideration aforesaid and by the Assemblies, who often resent it; nor is it in the power of the Governor and Council to contradict them in raising money, which they will do as they please or not at all, tho' never so great necessity for it. Same endorsement. 1 p.
	386. iv. Minutes of Council of Jamaica, May 2, 1700. Mr. Edward Toplady produced a Patent, under the Broad Seal of England, of the Office of Provost Marshall General of this Island to George Golding, Esq., and also a depu- tation from Mr. Golding to him. His Excellency caused H.M. Order in Council, Feb. 16, 1698, to be read, and likewise informed him of the Act of this Island made pursuant to that Order, entitled an Act to oblige Patentees of Offices to reside in this Island, upon which he withdrew and His Excellency communicated a letter, which he had writ to Mr. Golding about it to this Board, which was approved of. The Board was of opinion that till His Majesty's pleasure be further known, Mr. Toplady could not be admitted by virtue of his deputation. Same endorsement. 1¾ pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 9. Nos. 19, 19.i.–iv.; and 57. pp. 76–90.]
May 3. Whitehall.	387. William Popple to William Lowndes. The several particulars which will be required for the present to the Indians are according to the enclosed extracts. (Presents demanded for them by Col. Fletcher, 1694. Mr. Heathcote's account, 1695, etc.). The Council of Trade and Plantations are of opinion that 400l. be laid out in long fuzils, 100l. in ammunition, and the remaining 300l. in cloths, etc. [Board of Trade. New York, 54. pp. 214, 215.]
May 3. Treasury Chambers.	388. William Lowndes to Mr. Champante. The Lords of the Treasury desire you to provide cloths to the value of 300l. according to such direction as you shall receive from the Council of Trade and Plantations to be sent to Lord Bellomont as part of the present to the Indians. You are to bring your bill of charges to their Lordships. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. May 3, 1700. Copy. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 9. No. 29; and 54. p. 216.]
May 3. Whitehall.	389. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter to Mr. Lowndes written.
	Order of Council, May 2, read. Sir Thomas Day and Mr. Meers summoned to attend.
	Mr. Crouch, and others concerned with him, ordered to attend. Sir Charles Hedges attending, being asked whether he thought it more fit the Commissions, to be issued in pursuance of the late Act for the more effectual suppression of piracy, should pass under the Great Seal of England or under the Seal of the Admiralty, he said those Seals might in this occasion be of equal authority; only he observed that the Great Seal might make a better figure abroad, but the seal of the Admiralty would cost less charge. Representation directed to be prepared in order to the speedy putting of the said Act in execution.
May 4.	Sir Thomas Day attended. H.M. Order in Council, and his petition, were read. Sir Thomas said that he had last night received a letter from his son saying that a person of reputation, who has lived 15 years in the Island, and is a J.P. there, is coming over with full instructions to answer all things that have been objected against him. Nevertheless it being observed that His Majesty requires a report against next Thursday, heads of the Representation of Feb. 28th last were read, and Sir Thomas' answers to each head were taken. Mr. Cobb, a solicitor attending in behalf of Jacob Meers, was called in, and H.M. Order in Council, May 2, was read. In answer to the substance of Mr. Mears_ complaint, Sir Thos. Day referred to the affidavits which he delivered in his previous answer to the complaints against his son (Feb. 28th). In answer to that part of the petition which desires that indifferent persons may be commissionated to examine witnesses in that matter, he said that he was informed his son had already done it, in pusurance of H.M. Order in Council, Nov. 2; upon the last part he consented that his son be required to give security in the Bermudas. (See March 8.) [Board of Trade. Journal, 13. pp. 25–29; and 97. Nos. 83, 84.]
May 4. Admiralty Office.	390. J. Burchett to William Popple, forwarding the names of the Admiralty Officers in the Plantations. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read 13th May, 1700. ½ p. Enclosed,
	390. i. List referred to above. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. Nos. 54, 54. i.; and 35. pp. 206, 207.]
May 4.	391. Some of the causes, known and suspected, of the continuance of the pestilential fevers and great mortality in Barbados. (1) The beds in St. Michael's Town, whereon many people have died of the distemper, were wet almost through by the excessive sweats of the dying persons, and this was repeated. It is believed the infection remains in them. (2). Decayed provisions are brought into the towns. The blacks are fed on stinking fish by some masters. All bad beef, pork or fish should be ordered to be carried out and sunk in the sea and the beds burnt. (3.) The nastiness of the houses, which every housekeeper ought to cleanse every day before their doors, and scavengers under severe penalties carry away dirt twice a week at least. (4.) The common shore formerly running down to the stepping stones from under Saml. Dyer's house, the backside of Lewis Dea's, by Mr. Hanway's and from the backside of Mr. Forstall's great house, between it and Swan Street, is quite stopped up with mud and filth. (5.) There was a conveyance for the water through the ground where Mr. Hollard hath now a house, between Harvey's and Goldingham's in Broad Street, over against that which was Mr. Draper's, now Mr. Willis'. Here the common shore wants widening, and the present grate which stops the water taking away. (6.) The New Canal, formerly so called, from the Old Bridge up by the swamp and through Egginton's Bridge to Laffton's farther storehouse, opposite to Smart's buildings, is of late years filled up and should be cleansed. This used to be the healthiest part of the town, but trade was drawn from it by the mole which the Legislative Authority built, and which was destroyed by a hurricane the same year. By barring the bar this mole is one of the greatest causes of the infection of the air. (8.) The nastiness of negroes laying their tales in the nights in the streets: which evil can never be removed but by removing the negroes out of the town. This no doubt will meet with great opposition. It would have the good effect, too, of preventing the frequent robberies and breaking open of houses by the negroes, as well as to secure them from conspiracy. (9.) By worthy and good design the Island has provided by law that servants should have one pound of flesh or fish a day, which for the most part is salt and in so hot a country hurtful. (10.) One of the greatest conducements to the health and strength of the place would be a mote or deep canal from Pargitter's swamp, eastward of the Church, along by Spring Gardens, across the road and so by Mrs. Hassell's on the back side of the magazine, encompassing it and the whole town, and so into a swamp between Capt. Salmon's and Mrs. Corther's Plantations, and so into the sea. This good work will very much need the assistance of the revenue of the 4½ per cent., which was raised for the use of that once flourishing but now declining island. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 4, 1700. 6 pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. No. 46; and 45. pp. 51–58.]