|
| May 5. |
885. Sir T. Laurence to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays that all his papers (Jan. 28 etc.), may be sent to
the Attorney General. Signed, Thomas Laurence. Endorsed,
Recd. Read May 8, 1707. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 716. No. 23; and
5, 726. pp. 438–441.] |
| May 5. |
886. Mr Baron to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Nothing has been done upon their letter of March 6, 1704/5.
Petitioner renews his application, and hearing that the Lt.
Governor of Bermuda has been procuring affidavits to convict
him of several "enormous crimes," prays for copies thereof.
Signed, Robt. Baron. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 9, 1707.
1¼ pp. Enclosed, |
|
886. i. Duplicate of Mr. Baron's petition, Dec., 1704/5. |
|
886. ii. Certificate by the Lt. Governor and Council of
Bermuda that Mr. Baron has diligently fulfilled his
office as Minister there for 2¾ years. Feb. 18, 170¾.
Signed, B. Bennett, Rich. Peniston, Michaell Barron,
Benja. Hinson, Tho. Harford. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 37,
8. Nos. 4, 4.i., ii.] |
May 6.
Whitehall. |
887. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose extract from letters from Lt. Gov. Hamilton,
relating to the want of soldiers etc. upon each of the Leeward
Islands. A reasonable number of regular forces will be necessary
to the security of the said Islands, and without a supply of the cartridge paper desired, the guns will be useless in case that Island be
attacked by the French, and therefore we are of opinion that
it will be for H.M. service that a sufficient quantity of such paper
be sent by the ships now ready to sail. We take leave to remind
your Lordship of the representation of Dec. 11 last, relating
to the Lt. Governor of Nevis and St. Kitts, it being for H.M.
service that the said Lieut. Governours be forthwith confirmed
by H.M. immediate authority. [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 493, 494.] |
May 6.
Prize Office. |
888. Commissioners of Prizes to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. We haveing occasion for the names of persons
inhabiteing in H.M. severall Plantations, in the West Indies,
well qualifyed to be incerted in a Commission for Enquiry into
imbezlements of prizes there, which is design'd to passe under
the great Seale of Great Britaine, doe desire you will please to
furnish us with the names of such persons. Signed, N. Pollexfen,
J. Evelyn, T. Baker, Fleet. Dormer. Endorsed, Recd. Read
May 7, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 7. No. 47; and 138, 12. p. 85.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
889. Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and Plantations. It is H.M. pleasure that you send to each of the Governors
of Her Plantations in America, a copy of the Act for an Union
of the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland, with directions that they take effectual care it be strictly observed in all
places under their respective Governments, and that the subjects
of either part of the United Kingdoms enjoy the same
immunitys and priviledges, and be upon the same foot in point
of Trade as the subjects of England have been heretofore.
Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 9, 1707.
1 p. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 32; and 324, 9. p. 140.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
890. Same to same. Encloses H.M. Additional Instructions
to Governors in America, which you will please to forward.
Signed and endorsed as preceding. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 33; and
324, 9. p. 140.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
891. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Seymour.
Circular letter as given No. 904, together with Instructions relating
to the Act of Union, No. 905. [C.O. 5, 726. pp. 434–438.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
892. Same to Governor Hunter. As preceding. [C.O. 5,
1362. pp. 216–218.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
893. Same to Governor Lord Cornbury. As preceding.
[C.O. 5, 1121. pp. 40–44.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
894. Same to Governor Dudley. As preceding. [C.O. 5, 912.
pp. 357–360.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
895. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. |
|
895. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Recommend Samuel Beresford for the Council of
Barbados in place of James Colleton decd. [C.O. 29,
10. pp. 468, 469.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
896. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord
Cornbury. Circular letter as given No. 904, together with
Instruction relating to the Act of Union, No. 905. With
additions:—Upon this occasion we must remind your Lordship that there are not in our office any Minutes of Council
or Assembly, or accounts of the Revenue, since your Lordship's
Government: and therefore we must in a more particular manner
desire your Lordship to send us by the very first opportunity
exact transcripts of all such Minutes, Journals and Accounts
since your Lordship's first taking upon you the care of that
Government. … Acknowledge letter of Nov. 18. We have
not receiv'd the letter your Lordship has sent us by the way of
the West Indies, relating to Mr. Ormston and Mr. Sonmans,
which we are in expectation of. When anything of that matter
shall come before us, we shall do your Lordship justice in our
report to H.M. We are laying before H.M. your desire that
Mr Sonmans be admitted into the Council, etc. [C.O. 5, 994.a.
pp. 300–305.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
897. Circular letter from the Council of Trade and Plantations to the Governors and Companies of Rhode Island and
Connecticut; to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina; and to
Mr. Penn. Similar to that given May 9 (omitting directions
as to names of Councillors etc.) with Instruction relating to the
Act of Union. [C.O. 5, 1291. pp. 462–469.] |
May 7.
Whitehall. |
898. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose extracts from Governor Handasyd's letter,
March 8, relating to the Spanish galleons, and his need of recruits.
Capt. Gardner, Agent for that Regiment, informs us that
Mr. St. Johns told him that recruits must not be draughted
out of other Regiments here, but must be raised as well as he
could. Whereupon the Captains of the Regiment that were
in town went down into their several Counties to endeavour
to raise men if possible, but they had little hopes of doing the
same. Whereupon we must observe that the difficulty of raising
recruits for Jamaica is no new thing, few people being willing
to go to that island by reason of its unhealthyness, so that we
fear a great deal of time may be lost without effect in endeavouring to raise the said recruits, and considering the weakness of the
Regiment there and the importance that Island is of to England,
we pray your Lordship to lay the enclosed extract before H.M.
[C.O. 138, 12. pp. 85, 86.] |
| [May 8.] |
899. Mr. Noden, Agent for Bermuda, to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. Prays for a month's delay in hearing
the complaints against Mr. Jones, he himself "being laid up of
the gout," and Mr. Holland, an eminent Divine, who is coming
from Bermuda with papers etc., having been left behind at
Virginia. Signed, Cha. Noden. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 8,
1707. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 3.] |
May 8.
Barbadoes. |
900. Col. Sharpe to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Begins with duplicate of March 24. Continues:—I transmitt
what I said to the Assembly with their answer, which we thought
so great an affront to H.M. authority now vested in us, that we
order'd it to be burnt. The Assembly (by the instigation of
some ffactious and restless persons) have acted so disrespectfully
to the Government, that we were obliged to give some publick
check to their irregularities. The Act for reliefe of the paper
credittors met very unaccountable delays in ye Assembly, and
at last they would not be prevailed on to give an interest on
the Bills, though we plainly showed them the great advantages
thereof. But the persons in whose hands they chiefly lay, fearing
other delays from the Assembly, desired we would pass it without
that encouragement rather than run any further risque. We
have just now an allarm which obliges me to break off, in order
to see our forces, though I hope 'tis our Governour is coming
in, who will be most wellcome to, Signed, Wm. Sharpe.
Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 15th July, 1707. 4 pp. Enclosed, |
|
900. i. Copy of the President's Speech to the Assembly of
Barbados, April 1, and their Reply April 8, 1707. (See
Minutes of Counciland Assembly.) The Governor explains
that the Government has been much allarmed at the House
countenancing Mr. Vaughan in his refusal to attend the
Council. The House is in error through the extravagant
notion that they are to regulate themselves according to
the method of the House of Commons, instead of being
only permitted by H.M. to convene for some ends to which
they are by her Instructions restrained. The Assembly
busies itself rakeing among the ashes of the late Government. Almost 3 months are elapsed since their Election
and nothing done in obedience to H.M. Order for reliefe
of those who have been obliged to take the late paper
money. The crop is now far spent; the Planter suffers,
and the merchant can make no returnes. Proposes that
they proceed with the Bill, retract their resolve concerning Mr. Vaughan, and that he submit himself to the
Board. |
|
The Assembly replies that time is not lost by them,
if they can draw "from the ashes of the late Government" about fourscore thousand pounds, which in
the three last years was raised from the people, or some
acct. how the same was expended. H.M. never denied
liberty to the Assembly to review accounts of taxes.
Reaffirm their vote, that Members of the General
Assembly during the actual sitting of their House are not
subject to be commanded thence at the will and pleasure
of the Council Board, otherwise than when the whole
House is required to attend the Governor in Council
etc. etc. Endorsed as preceding. 19 pp. [C.O. 28, 10.
pp. 26, 26.i.; and (without enclosure) 29, 11. pp. 79, 80.] |
May 8.
Barbados. |
901. Col. Sharpe to the Earl of Sunderland. Duplicate of
part of preceding and of No. 817.i. [C.O. 28, 38. Nos. 62,
62.i.] |
May 8.
Whitehall. |
902. W. Popple, jr., to Governor Hunter. Encloses packets
for the Governors of Maryland and New York. [C.O. 5, 1362.
p. 218.] |
| May 8. |
903. The Exports from England to Pennsylvania Dec. 25,
1698—Dec. 25, 1704 exceeds the imports from thence,
34,530l. 5s. 7½d. Besides, the English produce and manufactories imported at Pennsylvania directly from New York, Maryland, New England, Virginia, Jamaica and Barbadoes, amounting
to about 4,000l. per annum (24,000l.+ 34,530l. 5s. 7½d.). In
which time the imports from Pennsylvania were only
23,043l. 1s. 5d. The whole of the exports thither, of the English
manufactories and produce of the said time, being (58,530l. 5s. 7½d.
+ 23,043l. 1s. 5d. =) 81,573l. 7s. 0½d. Hence it plainly appears
how much is circulated (other than what comes directly from
thence hither) in the produce of Pennsylvania to the West India
Islands etc. and from thence in their enumerated commodities
home. Endorsed. Recd. from Mr. Penn. May 8, 1707. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 1263. No. 42.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
904. Circular letters from the Council of Trade and Plantations to H.M. Governors of Plantations. H.M. having been
graciously pleased by her Commission under the Great Seal of
England to authorize and constitute us (together with Mr. Stepney)
her Commissioners for promoting the Trade of this Kingdom,
and for inspecting and improving her Plantations in America
and elsewhere, we have thought fit to acquaint you that it is
H.M. pleasure and express command that the Governors of all
her foreign Plantations do from time to time give unto us frequent
and full information of the state and condition of their respective
Governments and Plantations as well with regard to the
administration of the Government and Justice in those places
as in relation to the commerce thereof; and more particularly
that the said Governors transmit unto us yearly accounts of
their said administration by way of Journal; together with the
Acts of the Assemblies in the respective Plantations and exact
Accounts of all mony given for publick uses and how the same
is from time to time expended or laid out. All which things you
are therefore accordingly to observe in relation to the Government
committed to your charge. |
|
Particularly we desire and require you by the first opportunity
to send us a compleat list of the names of the present Council,
and together with that a further list of the names and characters
of such persons as you think proper to supply the vacancies
that may happen either in the Council (according to H.M.
Instructions) or in any other office wherein they are to be confirmed by H.M. approbation. And further we desire you to
inform us what number of inhabitants there are within that
whole Government, what of freemen, and what of servants, white
and black? To what degree are those numbers increased or
decreased since your entrance upon that Government or since
the last estimate that you understand to have been made of
them? What way do you conceive most proper to prevent
the removal of the inhabitants out of that Government into any
of your neighbouring Colonies? What is the whole number of
the Militia? What commodities are exported to England?
What trade is there either by exportation or importation with
any other place, and from whence is that Government now
furnished with supplies (particularly of any manufactures) that
it was wont to be furnished withal from England? How and
in what particulars is the trade increased or decayed of late
years, and what has been the reason of such increase or decay?
What are the present methods used to prevent illegal trade,
and what further methods do you think advisable for that
purpose? What number of ships or other vessels are there
belonging to that Government, and what number of seafaring
men? What number and what sorts of those vessels have been
built there? What manufactures are settled in that Government
of any sort whatsoever? To all which inquiries and all such
other matters as are required by your Instructions to be
communicated to this Board, we also further desire you to add
whatever else you may in your own prudence think conducive
to H.M. service, to the int'rest of England, to the advantage
of that particular Government, and to our assistance in the
discharge of the trust reposed in us. Signed, Stamford, Dartmouth, Herbert, Phil. Meadows, Jno. Pulteney, Rob. Monckton.
[C.O. 138, 12. pp. 87–90; and 153, 10. pp. 1–5; and 5, 994.A.
pp. 300–305; and 5, 912. pp. 357–360; and 5, 726. pp. 434–438; and 5, 1362. pp. 216–218; and 5, 1121. pp. 40–44;
and 29, 10. pp. 470–473; and 38, 6. pp. 253–258.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
905. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor
Handasyd. Begins with Circular Letter as above. Concludes:—We are laying before H.M. what you write (March 8) in relation
to recruits. You take notice that you have not sent any letters
for our Board inclosed to your Agents, but we must remind
you of the latter part of the directions sent you Dec. 13, 1706,
viz. that no letters which were not for the Board be sent under
the covers of the Board, which we desire you to observe for the
future. An Act having been past the last Sessions of Parliament
for a perfect and entire union of the two Kingdoms of England
and Scotland we send you two of the said Acts that it may be
published in the most solemn manner in Jamaica, and that you
may take notice that Scotchmen are thereby to be looked upon
for the future as Englishmen to all intents and purposes whatsoever. |
|
P.S.—We send you here inclosed H.M. additional Instruction
relating to the devolution of Government upon your death or
absence, which you are to cause to be entered upon the Council
Books that it may be observed according to H.M. directions
therein. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 90, 91.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
906. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Parke.
Begins with Circular Letter, and repeats Instructions as to the
Act of Union, and relating to the devolution of the Government,
as preceding. Concludes:—We have laid your letter of Feb. 21st
before H.M. for her pleasure thereupon. In the meantime we
will not doubt of your care and diligence in defending the Islands
under your Government, to the utmost of your power in case
they be attacked. Enclose copy of Mr. Attorney General's
Report in relation to Capt. Pogson's trial for your guidance.
Mr. Baron having often attended the Board since your departure
from hence, for an account of what has been done upon H.M.
Order of July 9, 1705, we think ourselves obliged to remind you
of that affair, and to desire you will send us a particular account
thereof by the next conveyance. Lt. Gov. Hamilton acquaints
us that he had, by your direction, sworn Messrs. Belman, Brodbelt
and Milliken of the Council of Nevis, which we have laid before
H.M. for her approbation. But we must observe to you that
this is not regular according to your Instructions, for there were
six upon the Island when these were put in, so that, by your
Instructions you could admit but one into the Councill, and
ought to have given us the names of such persons with their
characters as you judged most proper for the filling up the said
vacancys. We desire you therefore for the future to have a
strict regard to your Instructions in this, and indeed in all other
matters. There is one thing more which you must observe,
vizt., that Col. Hamilton mentions Thomas Minor as one of the
Commissioners absent, whereas we have never had any account
of his being admitted to that Board, which we take to be very
irregular, and not to be allowed of; and therefore we desire
to know when and by whom he was put in, and the reason why
we had no information thereof. We enclose the Attorney General's
report on the Act of Antego to enable R. Freeman etc., and desire
that you would examine the severall matters therein mentioned
and return to us a particular account thereof as is proposed by
the said Report. [C.O. 153, 10. pp. 5–9.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
907. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Crow.
Begins as preceding. Concludes:—Mr. Sharp's letters and papers
of Feb. 9 are all under consideration, and you will not fail to
have notice of H.M. pleasure thereupon. We are glad the
Assembly are so unanimous in taking measures for remedying
the ill effects of the Act for Paper Money, and for composing
the heats and animosities that have too long disturbed the peace
and quiet of that Island. We will not doubt of your ready
concurrence and assistance in so good a work, which is so highly
necessary for H.M. service, and the trade and welfare of H.M.
subjects under your Government. The enclosed Instruction,
relating to the devolution of the Government, you are to cause to
be entred upon the Councill Books. [C.O. 29, 10. pp. 470–475.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
908. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor
Bennett. Begins as preceding. Concludes:—Not having
received any answer to our letter March 6, 1704/5, relating to
Mr. Barron, we expect your particular answer by the first opportunity to his inclosed fresh petition, to the end he may be no
further delayed in obtaining what in right and justice shall be
found does belong to him. [C.O. 38, 6. pp. 253–259.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
909. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. in Council. |
|
909. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Recommend the appointment of Peter Sonmans to
the Council of New Jersey, in the room of Mr. Jennings
resigned. [C.O. 5, 994.A. pp. 306, 307.] |
May 9.
Portsmouth. |
910. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges
receipt of Instructions. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd.
Read May 12, 1707. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 53;
and 5, 1362. p. 220.] |
May 9.
Whitehall. |
911. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. |
|
911. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend Messrs. Belman, Brodbelt and Milliken for the
Council of Nevis [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 498–500.] |
May 10.
Kensington. |
912. The Queen to the Attorney or Solicitor General.
You are to prepare a warrant for George Gordon to be Provost
Marshall of Barbados, and revoking the Letters Patents whereby
James Hannay was so constituted. Countersigned, Sunderland.
[C.O. 5, 210. p. 34.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
913. Circular letter from the Council of Trade and Plantations
to Governors of Plantations. Encloses H.M. Additional Instructions, April 22. [C.O. 324, 9. pp. 141, 142.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
914. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Penn. The Council of Trade
and Plantations desire your particular answer in writing to the
following queries, viz. (1) The charges you have been at on
account of the settlement of Pennsylvania etc. (2) What
are the profits you have made thereof, computing the value of
the property remaining to you? (3) How the said charges and
profits have arisen ? (4) What advantages the Crown will
receive from that Colony, by purchasing the Proprietary, more
then it now hath, and how the same may arise ? (5) What is
the annual charge of that Government ? (6) What revenue
is settled for the support thereof, the yearly value of such revenue,
and for what time granted ? (7) The terms of purchase, that is,
the quantum demanded and times of payment ? (8) What
priviledges and immunities you have granted by charter or
otherwise to the citty of Philadelphia, or other Towns or Corporations in the Province of Pensylvania. [C.O. 5, 1291. pp. 472,
473.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
915. W. Popple, jr., to Sir G. Heathcote and Sir B.
Gracedieu etc. The Council of Trade and Plantations having
under consideration the improvement of the trade to Jamaica,
have commanded me to desire you to let them know in writing
at what time you would desire a convoy for that Island. and of
how many ships that convoy ought to consist. [C.O. 138, 12.
pp. 91, 92.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
916. W. Popple, jr., to W. Lowndes. The Council of Trade
and Plantations desire the opinion of the Commissioners of
Customs upon Lt. Governor Bennet's letter, and the remonstrance
of the Assembly of Bermuda, relating to the loading and
unloading of ships in St. George's or Castle Harbour. They
further desire the Lord High Treasurer to direct that the
Commissioners of Customs be reminded of the Acts relating to
ports in Virginia and Maryland now lying before them for their
opinion, [C.O. 38, 6. p. 261.] |
| May 13. |
917. Virginia Merchants to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Protest against an Act of Virginia enacting the measurement of ships, by which they stand to pay above double the
tunnage they can load there. The said measurement is also
nigh ¼th more than the cubicall measurement by which all ships
are built. Parliament made such a Law, but upon the just
reasons offered, repealed it the very next Sessions, etc. Signed,
Micajah Perry, and 29 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 13,
1707. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
917. i. Demonstration of above measurements. 1 p. [C.O.
5, 1315. Nos. 55, 55.i.; and 5, 1362. pp. 222–224.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
918. W. Popple, jr., to Governor Hunter. Encloses packets
for New York and Maryland. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 225.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
919. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord Bishop
of London, acquainting him with Mr. Baron's petition etc. See
May 5. [C.O. 38, 6. p. 260.] |
| May 14. |
920. E. Jones to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Mr. Holland (May 8) will not be in England till Sept., and has
nothing against me, for I have a certificate from him in my
favour. Prays that a short day may be appointed for the
hearing, etc. Signed, Ed. Jones. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 14,
1707. ¾ p. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 6.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
921. Col. Jory, Agent for Nevis, to Thomas Hopkins. Last
time I discorsed my Lord Sunderland he promised he would
forward the Commissions for Nevis and St. Kitts. The packetboate being now going, I earnestly desire this affaire may not
be neglected, etc. Signed, Jos. Jory. 1 p. [C.O. 184, 1. No. 24.] |
| [May 14.] |
922. Col. Blackiston to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have read over the Law for Marriages lately passed
in Virginia. (1) They refer to ye Rubrick in ye Common Prayer
Book, wch. prescribes ye solemnising of matrimony, wch. is only
according to ye custome of England. (2) The County Clarks
being impow'red by ye Law to grant licences is because that
Government is of a learge extent, and to address ye Governor
for a licence some people have to goe above 100 miles. (3) In
ye clause wch. seems to restrane persons under age from marying
without consent (is possibly) grounded upon theire growing
more rich, for in ye minority of times few persons had any
considerable estates in ye country and less mony in England.
(4) If servants of both sex, I mean covenant servants during ye
time of theire servitude, be not strictly enjoyned from matrimony,
unless by ye consent of ye master, it would be a means to create
great confusion in ye Colony, and noe person would purchase
servants upon those termes. (5) Soe that in ye whole, except
ye clause restraining persons under age, I doe not conceive there
is anything irregular but what ye circumstances of ye place
requires. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 14, 1707. 1¼ pp. [C.O.
5, 1315. No. 56; and 5, 1362. pp. 225, 226.] |
May 14.
Portsmouth. |
923. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges
packets for Maryland and New York. Signed, Ro. Hunter.
Endorsed, Recd. Read May 19, 1707. Holograph. Addressed.
Sealed. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 57; and 5, 1362. p. 228.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
924. W. Popple, jr., to Wm. Lowndes. Encloses memorial
of Virginia Merchants (May 13) for the opinion of H.M. Commissioners of Customs. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 226.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
925. W. Popple, jr., to Micajah Perry. Acquainst him
with the above proceeding. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 227.] |
May 15.
Jamaica Coffee-house, London. |
926. Sir G. Heathcote and Sir B. Gracedieu and others to
Wm. Popple, jr. In reply to letter of May 13. The proper
time for our fleete to sail for Jamaica is every year at Christmas,
and to have 4 or 5 fourth-rate men of warr for our convoy. If
this can be obtained, we shall not doubt of the same good success
that we had the two first years of H.M. reigne, when by their sailing at that time our men return'd all in health, and we lost not one
ship. On the Contrary, the two following yeares being not able
to procure the convoy to saile till Aprill or May, our ships arrived
there in the hott, sultry, rainy, sickly season, and our men being
fresh out of Europe, it destroy'd allmost halfe of 'em, that our
ships came out halfe man'd, and when they gott through the
Gulph of Florida, they alwayes mett with such storms (and will
alwayes do so after the last of August), that what by ffoundering
and what by the enemy (the fleet being seperated from the convoy),
we lost each yeare one halfe of our ships. By these disasters,
occasion'd by the ill timeing of our convoys, we are quite
discouraged and all dependance upon promises lost. And
these are the reasons why the Spanish trade has been neglected,
the vent of so much of our manufacturs lost, besides the disapointment of much treasure, which we should have received
in returne thereof to our owne as well as the Nation's great losse.
Signed, Gilbert Heathcote, B. Gracedieu and 24 others.
Endorsed, Recd. Read May 16, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 7. No. 49;
and 138, 12. pp. 92, 93.] |
May 15.
Barbadoes. |
927. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
On May 8 we ariv'd heare, and the next day (with the accustomed
siromony) I tooke posestion of the Goverment, which I finde
in ye last destracktion, nothing butt corruption and partyes,
which your Lordships may depend I shall usse all endeavers
to heale and amend, and doubt not but in few dayes to gett such
an insight into all affaires as to be able to lay them before your
Lordships etc. Signed, M. Crowe. Endorsed, Recd. 28th, Read
29th July, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 10. No. 27; and 29, 11.
p. 84.] |
May 15.
Barbados. |
928. Same to the Earl of Sunderland. Duplicate of preceding.
Endorsed, R. Aug. 9. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 63; and 28, 43. No.
20.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
929. W. Popple, jr., to the Attorney General. The Council
of Trade and Plantations desire your opinion upon the complaint
of Sir T. Lawrence concerning an Act of Maryland etc. Papers
enclosed. [C.O. 5, 726. pp. 443–446.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
930. W. Popple, jr., to Charles Nodin. Since my having
delivered to you this morning the papers relating to Mr. Jones
the Council of Trade and Plantations acquaint you that they
positively expect you should forthwith make out Mr. Jones's
charge and deliver the same to him without fail on Wednesday
and return to me on the same day the said papers. [C.O. 38, 6.
p. 263.] |
| May 16. |
931. Bishop of London to W. Popple. I was surprized
to find Mr. Baron make a second application, after I had undertaken for ye Governour to give him an answer. If the Council
of Trade and Plantations will refer it to me, they shall not need
to take further notice of his complaint, etc. Signed, H. London.
Endorsed, Recd. Read May 16, 1707. Holograph. Addressed.
½ p. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 7; and 38, 6. p. 262.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
932. Earl of Sunderland to Governor Handasyd. Commends
to his favour Lewis Galdy, a merchant in Jamaica. Signed,
Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 18.] |
May 17.
Whitehall. |
933. The Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Mr. Popple, your Secretary, having by reason
of his age and indisposition desired leave to resigne his place
to his son, H.M. in consideration of his faithfull services has
ordered accordingly. Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd.
Read May 19, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 76. No. 20; and 389, 36.
pp. 326, 327.] |
May 19.
Whitehall. |
934. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Solicitor General. Encloses,
for his opinion in point of law, Acts of Virginia, 1705 (1) for
naturalization, (2) establishing the General Court. [C.O. 5, 1362.
p. 227.] |
| May 19. |
935. Mr. Jones to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Prays for the perusal of the papers in the office against him,
and that the case be heard according to their last order, on
June 9 peremtoryly, etc. Signed, Ed. Jones. Endorsed, Recd.
Read May 19, 1707. 2 pp. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 8; and 38, 6.
pp. 264–266.] |
May 19.
Whitehall. |
936. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Col. Handasyd having in several of his late letters
given us an account of the dulness of trade between Jamaica
and the Spanish coast by reason of the want of wollen manufactures and other goods from England, we summoned the Agents
of Jamaica and the merchants concern'd in that trade, and
discoursed them thereupon. Quote memorial, May 15, and
the substance of their conversations. See Journal of Council
of Trade. We desire your Lordship to represent to H.M. our
humble opinion that the trade to Jamaica is of the highest
importance to England, by the great quantity of bullion and other
commodities of considerable value imported from thence, in
return of our manufactures and other merchandizes; that it
is absolutely necessary that Trade be effectually secured, and
improved as much as possible, and therefore, that there be a
convoy of 4 or 5 fourth-rate ships of war ordered to sail by the
latter end of Dec. next, and that the merchants be satisfied that
the convoy shall not be delayed to a longer time, which will
incourage the merchants to ship their goods, and enable them
to carry on this beneficial trade. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 94, 95.] |
May 20.
St. James's. |
937. Order of Queen in Council. T. Belman is to be
admitted to the Council of Nevis. Signed, John Povey.
Endorsed, Recd. Read June 17, 1707. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 7.
No. 10; and 153, 10. pp. 18, 19.] |
May 20.
St. James's. |
938. Order of Queen in Council. Peter Sonmans is to be
admitted into the Council of New Jersey (May 9). Signed, John
Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read June 17, 1707. 1½ pp. [C.O.
5, 970. No. 48; and 5, 994.A. pp. 308, 309.] |
May 20.
St. James's. |
939. Lords Proprietors of the Bahamas to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. Pray for H.M. approbation of Robert
Holden as Governor of the Bahama Islands, his presence there
being of absolute necessity for the preservation of our said
Islands, and the ships bound thither goe within a fortnight.
Signed, Granville, Palatine, Craven, Berkeley, Carteret, M. Ashley,
J. Colleton. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 21, 1707. 1 p. [C.O.
5, 1264. No. 1; and 5, 1292. p. 1.] |
| May 21. |
940. R. Holden to the Lords Proprietors of the Bahamas etc.
Report upon the present state and products of the Bahamas
and Carolina. Cf. Reports of Graves and Killigrew, 1706.
The inhabitants of the Bahamas, scattered on the several islands,
may amount to 500 men fit for service, etc. The Bahamas rival
"St. Helena and Bermoodas Islands, ye famed places of ye world
for health." North Carolina has barr'd inletts, which spoyles
ye trade: none but small vessells from New England and
Bermoodas trades there; ye soyle is more lusty yn South
Carolina, which has good inletts, as Port Royal. Produce,
rice, silk, tobacco, skins, pork and beefe in a bundance, insomuch
as H.M. ships are victualled wth. it, at Jamaica and in ye Caribbee
Islands etc. The great growth of the Colony due to the timely
supplies the Lord Proprietors sent thither upon the first settlement, to above 30,000l.; now reckoned one of ye best plantations
belonging to ye Empire of Great Britton etc. Prays for dispatch
of H.M. approbation. Signed, Robt. Holden. Endorsed, Recd.
Read May 23, 1707. Holograph. 3¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 2.] |
May 21.
Westminster. |
941. H.M. Letters Patent to George Gordon, Provost Marshal
in Barbados. Countersigned, Cocks. I declare my allowance
of preceding. Dec. 4, 1707. Signed, M. Crowe. [C.O. 319, 1.
pp. 86, 87.] |
| May 22. |
942. Mr. Baron to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I waited upon the Bishop of London (of. May 16) who acquaints
me that there are several affidavits in the hands of Sir John
Bennett charging me with several crimes and indecencys. Prays
that they may be laid before the Board and that he may have
copies and time to make his defence, etc. Signed, Robt. Baron.
Endorsed, Recd. Read May 22, 1707. 1½ pp. [C.O. 37, 8.
No. 9; and 38, 6. pp. 266, 267.] |
May 23.
Whitehall. |
943. W. Popple. jr., to Mr. Solicitor General. Encloses,
for his opinion in point of law, Acts passed in the Massachusetts
Bay, 1701—1706 (enumerated). [C.O. 5, 912. pp. 361–372.] |
| May 23. |
944. Mr. Thurston to Wm. Popple. Prays for letter to
Mr. Burchett for an order to the Commander of the Convoy
to convey the money and clothing of the Newfoundland Garrison.
Signed, J. Thurston. Addressed. Sealed. Endorsed, Recd.
Read May 23, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 26; and 195, 4.
p. 381.] |
| May 23. |
945. Wm. Popple to Josiah Burchett. Moves as desired
in preceding. [C.O. 195, 4. p. 382.] |
May 23.
Admiralty Office. |
946. J. Burchett to Wm. Popple, jr. Encloses an Order
to the Advice, as desired above. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed,
Recd. Read May 26, 1707. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4.
No. 27; and 195, 4. p. 382.] |
May 26.
Boston. |
947. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. I am glad the last
year's accounts and papers arrived well in the Dover; I have
no conveyance for any thing of value till the mast shipps shal
arrive and return again, which I hope will be after Michaelmas,
but take this opportunity round Scotland to kiss your hand
with one line, praying you will please to present my duty to
their Lordships at the Board, and I humbly by your hand offer
them the present state of the Council of Piscataqua. There are
three dead and two removed since I came hither, and two more
of a very great age, that there is great necessity of a supply, for
which I have set down the name's of the best men of estate and
loyalty, and in the order I think best they should enter.
Mr. Waldron is not yet sworn because the warrant is not yet
come to hand; the Gentlemen tell me in all times past there
was no warrant for any Councellor brought in, other than the
letter from the Lords governing the Plantations, but I don't
presume to enter him at the Board, because their Lordships
have directed me to expect H.M. warrant for Waldron's
admission etc. I have passed the winter very well with the
Indians and French from Quebeck. They have been disappointed
and discouraged, finding me every where in the frontiers ready,
and my people have kept them from their winter fishing and
almost starved them, and twice fell upon two little parties of
them and kill'd above 20 of them and some of the chief. And
I have now abroad 20 brigantines and sloops with 1,000
musqueteers ravaging all along the coast of L'Acadie and Nova
Scotia to destroy the French Settlements and make room for a
Colony of North Brittans if H.M. shal so please, which will be
much more worth than any thing in Scotland; if the ship
stays a week I hope to add the account of their proceedings,
they advanced May 13 from home, since which I have not heard
of them; the inhabitants of these Provinces are greatly charged
with the expence of the warr, but under no discouragement,
but in their Generall Assembly and everywhere say they are
well defended and supported, and are easy under the Goverment,
which makes me very easy, tho' in a constant hurry with my
ill neighbours, who are not enemys but wolves and bears
towards me in their management. I have no commands from
their Lordships since my last. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed,
Recd. 24th, Read July 28th, 1707. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
947. i. List of Councillors of New Hampshire. Nathaniel
Fryer, George Jaffray and Henry Dow are dead; Col.
Partridge and John Hilton gone out of the Province;
Peter Coffin and Nathl. Ware are between 70 and 80
years. William Vaughan, Robert Eliot, John Gerrish, John Plaisthead. The following are nominated
by Col. Dudley:— Winthrop Hilton, Joseph Smith,
Mark Hunting, George Vaughan, Thomas Phipps,
Theodore Atkinson. Signed, J. Dudley. 1 p. [C.O.
5, 864. Nos. 188, 189; and 5, 912. pp. 379–381.] |
May 28.
Whitehall. |
948. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. |
|
948. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report
on petition of Wm. Cleland etc. against Col. Sharpe.
See March 27, 1707. Recite the substance of their complaints and of the evidence heard before the Board, for
which see Journal of Council of Trade, and documents
abstracted supra. Whereupon we humbly represent,
that as to the Articles wherein the President is charged
with having dissolved the Assembly and called a new
one, without the advice and consent of the Council,
such powers ought not to have been exerted but with
the advice and consent of the Councill, as your Majesty's
Commission and Instructions do direct. Yet in regard
the dissolution of the old Assembly and the calling a new
one was thought necessary upon the Addresses of the
Inhabitants, that it was purely to quiet the minds and
for the general good of your Majesty's subjects of that
Island, by applying a proper remedy to the inconveniencies
arisen by the Paper Act, as directed by your Majesty
Nov. 8, 1706, and since therein the President acted
by and with the advice and consent of such of the
Councill as would then be present (the petitioners
wilfully absenting themselvs though often summoned)
and that it was done upon the opinion as well of your
Majesty's Attorney General, as of the other Councill at
Law then likewise present (as by the Minutes of Councill
does appear), for these reasons we cannot think he has
been guilty of such mal-administration or misbehaviour
in respect to those proceedings as to incur your Majesty's
displeasure; and we are the rather of this opinion
since your Majesty, by your late Additional Instruction
[see April 22] has thought fit in the absence of a
Governor etc. to vest in the President the full powers
of a Cheif Governor, whereby the like disputes and
mischiefs will be effectually prevented for the future.
As to the other matters wherewith the President is
charged in the said Petition, and to which no proofs
were produced by the petitioners, we humbly submit
it to your Majesty, whether a further time should be
allowed them to be heard thereunto; but we observe
that the Order of Reference upon the said Petition
bears date March 27, 1707, that the hearing of it was
brought on May 20 by the agent for the petitioners,
and the day settled by consent of both parties, so that
we conceive the petitioners or their agent cannot with
any reason pretend a want of sufficient time to make
good all the obligations therein contained; besides
that two of the said Articles viz., 1 and 3, have been
disproved. Lastly we beg leave to observe on this
occasion, that if effectual care were taken by the several
Governors to oblige the Members of your Majesty's
Councill in this and other your Majesty's Plantations,
to a due attendance in Councill on pain of your Majesty's
high displeasure, it may greatly conduce to the
strengthning the administration of those Governments,
and prevent such like causes of complaint for ye future.
[C.O. 29, 11. pp. 1–24.] |
May 28.
Whitehall. |
949. Wm. Popple, jr., to the Bishop of London. The
Council of Trade and Plantations having under consideration
the Acts passed in Virginia in 1706, send you the Act for the
effectual suppression of vice and restraint and punishment of
Blasphemous, Wicked and Dissolute persons, together with the
Council and Assembly's reasons for altering the said Act contrary
to the amendments formerly made by this Board (see Minutes
of Council of Virginia, June 20, 1706). Their Lordships conceive
that the age of the persons punishable for not coming to Church
ought not to be limited to 21 years, but rather to 15, because
tho' such persons having nothing to pay, yet their parents, if
they were punishable for their children's absence from Church,
wou'd take more care of their education. However, they desire
your Lordp's. opinion upon the said Act. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 228.] |
May 28.
Whitehall. |
950. W. Popple, jr., to Sir James Montague (Solicitor General).
Encloses Act of Virginia, 1706, concerning Juries, for his opinion
in point of Law [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 229.] |
| [May 28.] |
951. Attorney General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Report on Laws of Virginia, Dec. 1700–Aug. 1702,
enumerated. Some are expired and one repealed. The rest are
agreeable to law and justice, and do not contain anything prejudicial to H.M. prerogative, save in such points only as are
hereinafter mentioned:—(1) The Act exempting the French
Refugees from publick and county levies for 7 years, I have no
objection to, provided the levies are taken to be such as
were in force at the time of making that Act. (2) As to the
Act for ye revisal of ye Laws, I having not seen the powers given
by ye Act of 1699 referred to by this Act, I cannot judge whether
this be proper to be confirmed. If the powers thereby given
be to make laws, it is not (I conceive) fitt to be confirmed; if onely
to prepare to lay before the Assembly, it will need no confirmation. (3) The Act for apprehending an outlying negroe who has
committed diverse roberries and offences, attaints a negroe slave
alledged to be a robber, without giving him a day to render
himself, which I think is not reasonable. (4) As to the Act for
strengthening the frontiers etc., I have no objection to it, if your
Lordps. be of opinion the quantity of land allow'd to ye settlemt.
on the ffrontiers be not too much. (5) The Act to prevent
masters of ships running away after embargoes are laid is not
fitt to be confirmed absolutely, but for a certain time and till
H.M., her Heirs etc. shall in Council order otherwise, ffor it may
happen that an ill use may be made by laying imbargoes there
for private ends to ye prejudice of trade. Signed, Edw. Northey.
Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 4, 1704, Read May 28, 1707. 3½ pp.
[C.O. 5, 1315. No. 58; and 5, 1362. pp. 229–232.] |
| [May 28.] |
952. Copy of Act of Virginia for ascertaining the current
rates of foreign coins, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 8., 1705, Read
May 28, 1707. Referred to in Col. Nicholson's letter, July 25,
1705. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 58.a.] |
| May 30. |
953. Mr. Thurston to Mr. Popple. I have got the cloathing
on board. By Mr. How's putting the last year's demands
upon his paper for the Treasury, the same is ordered.
But as to the mony for this year, there is nothing done. How
great the discouragement will be to the Garrison, to be again
a whole year without mony, wch. always till the last
year was payd in advance to them, as a matter absolutely necessary
for the service, and so thought by the Council of Trade, I submit
to your consideration. I have no means left me to get payment
time enough for the Fleet, unless the Lords will signify to Mr. How
the necessity of it etc. Signed, J. Thurston. Endorsed, Recd.
Read May 30, 1707. 1½ pp. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 28; and 195, 4.
p. 383.] |
May 30.
Whitehall. |
954. W. Popple, jr., to Wm. Lowndes. The Council of
Trade and Plantations being sensible of the hardships the soldiers
at Newfoundland undergo in that country desire you to lay
preceding letter before my Lord High Treasurer, and to move
his Lordship for one year's advance for their subsistance, which
will be great encouragement to them, and prevent their deserting
to the French, and will very much tend to H.M. service in that
place. [C.O. 195, 4. pp. 383, 384.] |
May 31.
Portsmouth. |
955. Mr. Mellish to Thomas Corbin. I have despatched
all your letters etc. Ye Virginia fleett is now under sayle. Signed,
J. Mellish. Postmark. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 57. a.] |
May 31.
London. |
956. Mr. Dummer to W. Popple. Sailings of the Antegoa
packet-boat. Out and home, 104 days. The fears they had
of a squadron of French at the Leeward Islands is vanished,
for if any has come into those seas, they are gone to Leeward,
and all is quiet at Jamaica. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed,
Recd. 2nd, Read 5th June, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 35.] |
