America and West Indies: May 1717, 1-15

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 29, 1716-1717. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1930.

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'America and West Indies: May 1717, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 29, 1716-1717, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1930), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol29/pp293-303 [accessed 29 November 2024].

'America and West Indies: May 1717, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 29, 1716-1717. Edited by Cecil Headlam( London, 1930), British History Online, accessed November 29, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol29/pp293-303.

"America and West Indies: May 1717, 1-15". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 29, 1716-1717. Ed. Cecil Headlam(London, 1930), , British History Online. Web. 29 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol29/pp293-303.

May 1717, 1-15

May 3.
N. York.
548. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. Abstract. Repeats part of April 8th. The station ship having thought fit to proceed home from Jamaica, there is no guardship, and two pirates are plying on the coast etc. Begs that his claim may be pushed in Parliament and take its chance. If those who sent him on that errand abandon him, it is in vain to look for redress etc. Printed, N. J. Archives, 1st Ser. II. 294. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd June, Read 3rd July, 1717. Holograph. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 971. No. 13; and 5, 995. pp. 333–335.]
May 3.
Whitehall.
549. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Enclose Office accounts from Midsummer, 1716, to Lady Day, 1717. There were then three months salary due to the Commission. Accounts annexed. [C.O. 389, 37. pp. 130–132.]
May 4.
Virginia.
550. Council of Virginia to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Contrary to the Charter, the laws and the constant practice of Virginia, by which the Governor and Council are the judges of all tryals of life or member, the present Lt. Governor did joyne severall other persons with the Council in a Commission of Oyer and Terminer. The Gentlemen of the Council did thereupon in a very humble manner represent to him the inconsistency of that Commission with the legall constitution of Virginia, upon which he said he would follow that so unanimous advice of the Council, but we find he has obtained a contrary resolution from your Lordships upon an unfavourable representation of the state of the case, as if the Council had nothing but custome for their possession of that priviledge and as if they disputed H.M. prerogative of nameing what Judges he thinks fitt for the Oyer and Terminer Courts; whereas in that very representation (had the Governor thought fitt to have transmitted it) they said expressly they would not dispute H.M. prerogative, but they cant persuade themselves that a Governor meerly by vertue of his office without express instruction for that purpose is allowed to break thro' Laws and Charters and to alter all the ancient usage and foundations of the Government etc. Pray that he may be instructed accordingly. Complain that the Council have been misrepresented as to their Address to H.M. praying for a supply of the deficiency of the Revenue out of the Quittrents, and that the Quittrents might remain in the hands of H.M. Receiver, as was formerly practised, and might be made use of by the Governor with the advice of the Council upon any emergent occasion till orders could be obtained from England etc. This wholesome advice hath such a hard turn given it that in a paper of Articles against Col. Ludwell, then Depty. Auditor, upon which he was suspended, it is called an Address to H.M. for a surrender of his whole Revenue of quittrents to be applyed for the use of this Government etc. The very bad understanding with the last Assembly is imputed to the factious tampering of some of the Council with the Burgesses for no other reason that we know of but because the Council took much pains to heale the differences betwixt the Governor and Burgesses occasioned by the enflaming speeches and messages of the Governor without the advice of the Council etc. Propose that (i) if any accusations are made against any of them or of the chief officers copies thereof may be transmitted for their answer, and (ii) that they be not suspended before such answer in writing be transmitted. (iii) That the Council may not be surprised in their opinions, that H.M. Instructions may be communicated to them. Signed, Robert Carter, James Blair, Phill. Ludwell, John Smith, John Lewis, Wm. Bassett, Nathl. Harrison, Edmund Berkeley. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Byrd) 10th Oct. Read 13th Nov., 1717. 5 pp. [C.O. 5, 1318. No. 28; and 5, 1365. pp. 3–13.]
May 6.
Whitehall.
551. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Representation upon memorial of Cleeves and Weston concerning Tulon (v. Dec. 21, 1716, and 12th Feb., 1717). State case and quote from Representation of 2nd March, 1715/16. Continue: We are still humbly of opinion since the imploymt. of foreign fishermen must in a great measure hinder the nursery of our seamen that your Royal orders to the Governor of Placentia and the Commanders of your Majesty's ships of war, attending that service, requiring them not to permit any persons whatsoever to fish there, who are not your Majesty's subjects, or who bring their tackle or utensils for fishing from France or any other foreign dominions, may effectually reform these abuses. And as it do's not appear, that the said Tulon, is naturalized a subject of Great Britain, in which case according to Mr. Attorney General's opinion, neither Tulon, nor any person in his circumstance, has a right to fish at Newfoundland, and the proceedings of Weston and Cleeves in securing the fish taken by Tulon there, are not only justifiable by law, but agreeable to their duty; we humbly submit it to your Majesty, how far in consideration, that the said Tulon, who among others remaining at St. Peters took the oathes to your Majesty, and ingaged in the fishery in confidence of her late Majesty's lre., and the orders given thereupon as aforesaid; your Majesty may compassionate his case, in restoring to him the produce of the fish taken by him at St. Peters, and sent to Bilboa, but we humbly conceive it to be for your Majesty's service, that a practice be discouraged so evidently tending to lessen our trade and fishery at Newfoundland, and the promoting that of the French, as the bringing thither and imploying French servants, fishing tackle and other goods; from France; We therefore humbly offer that if your Majesty should be graciously inclined to shew your Royal favour to the said Tulon, no part of the value of the said fish, be remitted to him, till after the whole has been returned to your Majesty; since we have reason to believe that nothing less will effectually incourage the fishing Admirals to exert themselves in the performance of their duty according to law or restrain such unprecedented and partial proceedings of the Biscayners in seizing the fish at Bilboa. [C.O. 195, 6. pp. 316–321.]
May 6.
Bristoll.
552. The Naval Store Company of Bristol for raising hemp in America to Mr. Gee. Lo friend Gee, We are much startled that after wee have been out above £2000 we should be likely to loose the lands we have purchased and the improvemts. thereon for planting hemp etc. (v. 18th March) etc. Signed, Ch. Harford and 11 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read 15th May, 1717. 1 p. Enclosed,
552. i. Affirmation of Robert Hiscox, Treasurer of the Naval Store Company. Bristol, 6th May, 1717. The Company lately purchased of William Penn Proprietor and Governor of Pensilvania and of the Countyes of New Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware 3120 acres in the County of Kent, and have already spent £2000 out of £5000 which they are obliged by their articles to lay out for carrying the manufacture and raising of hemp. No benefitt whatsoever has yet accrewed to the Company therefrom etc. Signed, Robt. Hiscox. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1265. Nos. 64, 64 i.; and 5, 1293. pp. 93–97.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
553. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. Asks for an account of what liquors and other goods were brought to Newfoundland from H.M. several Plantations in America, during the three last years that any officer of the Customs resided at that Island. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 322.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
554. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend for H.M. confirmation Act of Jamaica to prevent negroes being evidence against the family of John Williams etc. (v. April 16th). [C.O. 138, 15. p. 224.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
555. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney General. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire your opinion in point of law as soon as may be, upon an Act of St. Christophers, 1716, to enable William Matthew, an infant, to convey a parcel of land called Brimstone Hill and to vest the inheritance thereof in H.M. for the use of the fortifications of this Island etc. [C.O. 153, 13. p. 29.]
May 8.
St. James's.
556. H.M. Warrant appointing John Floyer Clerk of the Navy Office in the Leeward Islands, to enjoy the same by himselfe or deputy etc. Countersigned, J. Addison. [C.O. 324,33. pp. 77, 78.]
May 8. 557. The case of the Colony of South Carolina in America, humbly offered to the consideration of both Houses of Parliament. Urge that the Government be resumed to the Crown. Otherwise it will inevitably be overwhelmed by the Indians, and possessed by the French and Spaniards, or become like the Bahama Islands, notorious for want of government, etc. Endorsed, Recd. (from ye Carolina Agents), Read 8th May, 1717. Printed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1265. No. 61.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
558. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Encloses following for the Commodore of the Newfoundland Convoy. Annexed,
558. i. Heads of Enquiry relating to the Trade and Fishery of Newfoundland. The usual enquiries. Cf. C.S.P. 1705. No. 1032 i.
558. ii. Additional Instructions to the Commodore of the Newfoundland Convoy. Several abuses having been represented in the answers of previous Commodores (C.S.P. passim), you are to take care that the Acts of Trade and Navigation and particularly the Act relating to the Newfoundland fishery, be punctually put in execution, and to take the most effectual methods for remedying the aforementioned irregularitys and mischiefs, especially those committed by the New England masters and traders etc. As most of the disputes wch. happened between the fishing ships and the inhabitants are in relation to the stages, cook rooms, etc., you are to take care that the fishing Admirals, masters of fishing ships and inhabitants in every harbour be summoned to meet together, and upon a survey of the stages, cook rooms, beeches etc. do ascertain under their hands what part thereof belongs to the publick uses of the fishing ships, and what part to any other persons, according to the foresaid Act of 10th and 11th of King Wm.; and you are to transmit draughts of the said surveys to the Lords Comrs. for Trade and Plantations in order to the establishing a rule for determining the right of the Fishermen and Planters for the future. And whereas it has been represented that the want of a proper person to maintain order in the winter, is another occasion of great abuses, that season being a sort of respite from all observance of law and Govermt. to remedy which mischief, it has been proposed, that proper persons be appointed to be judges of the harbours to decide all differences in the winter, during the absence of the Commodore and Fishing Admirals, you are to cause enquiry to be made in the several harbours, whether there be any of the inhabitants there proper to be trusted with such a power and to transmit to the Lords Comrs. for Trade and Plantations the names of such inhabitants so qualified. It having been further represented, that several of the French, who remain at St. Peters, Placentia etc, bring yearly not only their fishing tackle, but servants, fishermen and all sorts of goods from France, which they sell there to the prejudice of our trade from hence, and when the fishing season is over return to France again; and whereas this practice is not warranted by the late Treatys with France, you are to enquire into the truth of the fact and if it appear to be so as represented, you are to take especial care to prevent it by putting in execution the forementioned Acts of Trade and Navigation, and that relating to the Newfoundland Fishery. By the said Treatys with France, the French are not allowed to erect any buildings besides stages made of boards and huts necessary for drying fish, neither is there any liberty given them to leave their boats at Petit Nore all winter. You are therefore to cause enquiry to be made whether the St. Malo men do assume to themselves such a liberty and to give an account of such information as you shall receive to the said Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. You are further to inform yourself, whether any of the French from Cape Breton or elsewhere come in ye winter to hunt and furr at Newfoundland. And whether any of the officers at ye Garrison at Placentia are concerned directly or indirectly by themselves or others in the Fishery, or whether they take upon them to dispose of fishing rooms, beeches, stages etc. to any persons whatsoever or hire out the soldiers to fish. Your answer to the state of the fishery is to be reduced into a scheme as annexed.
558. iii. Scheme of the Fishery of Newfoundland. [C.O. 195, 6. pp. 342–360.]
May 10.
Whitehall.
559. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney General. Encloses Book of Virginia Laws containing the Acts for preventing frauds in tobacco payments, an Act to continue the same, and an Act for the better regulation of the Indian Trade. These Acts nearly concerning the interest of H.M. and his subjects, I am commanded to desire your opinion thereupon in point of Law as soon as may be, that H.M. pleasure may be signifi'd to the Govr. of Virginia by the ships now ready to sail. [C.O. 5, 1364. pp. 444, 445.]
[May 10.] 560. Lt. Gully to Mr. Secretary Addison. Whilst memorialist served in the Garrison of Placentia, the officers and soldiers suffered great hardships, occasion'd by the most barbarous usage of Lt. Governour Moody, who has always defrauded the soldiers of their provisions, by which meanes several of them were starved to death. He has obliged them to fetch firing thro' frost and snow, when they had not clothes to cover their nakedness. He supplied, out of the garrison's provisions, several French Papists whom he mustered in his company, altho' they were only employ'd by him as his fishermen, he generally keeping three large boates for that purpose. He engrossed all that was brought in by ships for support of the garrison and compelled them to pay him 300 p.c. etc. etc. It is a hardship inexpressible to serve under so tyrannical a Lt. Governour, who is a man that beares a most vile character being at first put in by Bollingbroke and Arthur Moor. Endorsed, Recd. 10th May, 1717. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 23. No. 26.]
May 11.
N. Yorke.
561. John and Frances Riggs to Charles De la Faye. Dr. Bro. and Sister. This coms as all ours must doe with our acknowledgements and thanks for yr. dr. nephew Dicks, honnr. and promotyon etc, (to be Lt. in Col. Weames Independant Company v. 2nd Feb., 1719, Ed.). We keepe him close at his scoole, and for his French none heare speaks it better, and for his Latten he is pretty forward, and in a few years will be eable to doe his own dewtye. Last yeare, we did beleave his Excelly. would have been called home upon which I writt three letters to you etc. Wee heartylie wished then as wee doe now, that you might com our Governer, Dr. Bro., as, Ireland is ye best Goverment at home this is one of ye best abrode and most esiest, and as there is litell noise mead of itt by ye cunning of our governers, I can assure you it is worth five thousand a yeare, without any trick or manedgment etc. Wee are very essey with H.E., as we were before his Lady dyed, he has effectually don his bissines, and when recalled may, if he pleses, purchis ye north of Scotland etc. Signed, John and Fr. Riggs. Endorsed, R. June 22, 1717. Addressed, For Charles Delaphay, Secretary to the Lords Justices of Ireland, to be left at the Castle in Dublin. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1092. No. 3.]
May 11.
Whitehall.
562. Mr. Secretary Addison to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The inclosed memorial of the Danish Envoy relating to the pretentions of the Danes to the Isle of St. Thomas and the little Islands about it in America, having been laid before the King, H.M. has commanded me to transmit the same to your Lordps. that you may please to take the matter into your consideration and report to H.M. your opinion what is proper for him to do therein. Signed, J. Addison. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 23rd May, 1717. ¾ p. Enclosed,
562. i. Memorandum by the Danish Envoy. London. 2/13 May, 1717. The Danish West India Company has long been in possession of not only the Island of St. Thomas, but also the neighbouring little uninhabited islands, amongst which are the Island of Crabs (Krabben Island) and St. John. These islands were granted to the Company by a decree of the King of Denmark, and it has always opposed their occupation by other nations. It now hopes to settle them, or at least St. John, but the threats of the English in those parts, not to leave anyone in peaceable possession of that Island, prevent those who wish to go, from settling there. Prays that directions may be given to the English Governors not to annoy the Company in this matter, conformably to the order given in 1672 to Col. Stapelton (No. ii.). French. Copy. ¾ p.
562. ii. Duplicate of H.M. Instruction to Governor Stapleton, Sept. 23, 1672. v. C.S.P. Vol. IX. No. 397. [C.O. 152, 11. Nos. 58, 58 i., ii.; and 153, 13. pp. 33–36.]
May 13.
Admty. Office.
563. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. The heads of enquiry (May 9th) are sent to the Commander of the Newcastle, "to whom I have recommended the letters from Mr. Methuen and Mr. Secretary Addison." Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 13th, Read 17th May, 1717. Addressed. ¾ p. [C.O. 194, 6. No. 32; and 195, 6. p. 361.]
May 13/24.
Essequebo River.
564. Settlers of Essequebo to the Directors of the Dutch West India Company. Translated, Documents relating to Venezuelan Boundary III. pp. 75, 76. Signed, A. Hollander and others. Dutch. 6 pp. [C.O. 116, 21. No. 153 (ii.).]
May 13.
N. York.
565. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. Abstract. The Assembly is now sitting in very good disposition for the public interest. His journey to the frontiers to meet the Indians may give them some small interruption. Cox has written to his friends that the Jerseys are certainly to be put under a separate Government, and doubtless has assured his accomplices he is to be Governor. The only object of this is to keep up the confusion which he had raised and which since his departure was well nigh laid. One Hunt, who has basely murdered the High Sheriff of Salem County (where Cox's chief tools live), said he was made to believe Col. Cox would return as Governor and that he would be secure, being prompted to what he did by suggestions that the Sheriff etc. had the chief hand in laying on of taxes. Thus are these poor creatures deluded. Desires that some speedy method should be taken to undeceive the people, since nobody but that vile party thinks it ought to be a separate Government. Suggests a letter from the Board. Repeats part of April 8, etc. Printed, N.J. Archives, 1st Ser. IV. 295, and N.Y. Col. Doc. V. 482. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd June, Read 3rd July, 1717. Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1051. No. 27; and 5, 1123. pp. 449–451.]
May 15. 566. Mr. Popple to Mr. Solicitor General. Encloses Act of Bermuda, 1713, to vest certain lands in Smith's Tribe in trustees, for the payment of the debts of Richard Jennings, etc., for his opinion in point of law. [C.O. 38, 7. p. 330.]
[May 15.] 567. Marquis de Wignacourt and other French gentlemen to the Council of Trade and Plantations. If H.M. will grant them lands between Nova Scotia and Maine, N.E., they will settle it with 1200 families at their own expense, to be subjects to H.M. etc. Signed, Le Marquis de Wignacourt, and 9 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read 15th May, 1717. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 2. No. 22.]
May 15.
Antigua.
568. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have not of a long time been honoured with any of your Lordships' commands. On 24th March here arrived a small man of warr to attend this station in which I embarked the 2nd April and have visitted the Islands of Nevis, St. Christophers and Mountserratt, I would have gone to the Virgin Islands but had an account that the pirate ship and sloop commanded by Bellamy of which I gave your Lordships an account in my former were still amongst these Islands and the aforesaid man of war (the Seaford) being such a small bable and the Captain acquainting me that if it blew anything hard he could hardly carry any of his guns out so as to make use of them, for these reasons and these only I durst not venture down, so that I am not able to give your Lordships any further account of those Islands that [?=than] what I did in my former, I therefore must beg your Lordships to lay this matter before H.M. or to represent it otherwise so as that a ship of the fifth rate, at least of 36 or 40 guns may be sent to attend this Station; besides the Captains have orders not to carreen or so much as to give their ships a boot a tops as they term it, and they are generally foul when they arrive as this ship was for she had been five months off of the ground when she arrived here so that they can never pretend to come up with any of the pirates, (who are generally clear vessels) except they should catch them at an anchor, as the Scarborough did the pirate at St. Crux, all these things I must beg your Lordships to represent so as that they may be rectified for should the Captains of men of war be never so forward it will not be in their power to do any service. One thing I am obliged to inform your Lordships of relating to the Governour in Chief and Vice-Admiral, wearing a flag, which has been ever customary in these parts and especially amongst these Islands where it was alway a signal for to get the people together to receive the said Governour with that respect due to H.M. Commission but so it is that this Captain Rose, Commander of H.M. Seaford, has orders from the Admiralty board not to hoyst a flag on board of his ship for the Governour upon any account whatsoever which I take to be a diminution of the honour due to H.M. Commission besides that the Lt. Governours of the respective Islands can never have any notice of the approach of the Chief Governour till he is actually at anchor in their roads or harbours, this I must submit to your Lordships whether your Lordships think it proper to represent this to H.M. for redress or lay it before the Admiralty board to have this order recalled or do therein as seems most proper to your Lordships' wisdom. I have in my former given my opinion so fully in relation to the settlement of the former French ground in St. Christopher's that I cannot add anything farther. We have an account from our neighbouring French islands that they daily expect some men of war with transport ships with men in order to begin a new settlement upon the Island of St. Alusia, which I thought my duty to give your Lordships an account of for fear the Governour of Barbados (in whose Government I take that Island to be) should not have heard anything relating to it. I must also acquaint your Lordships that there is lately arrived a new General amongst the French Islands, Monsieur le Marquis de Varrenne as also a new Intendant one Monsieur de Ricouart since which they have wholly prohibited any commerce with any other Nation, insomuch that they have seized and condemned some Brittish vessells for only anchoring in their Roads without having in the least traded, but condemned their vessels upon bare surmise which was the case of one Mr. Roe of this Island who came from New England, put into Martinique for water, had the Governour's leave, but had his vessell seized by the Intendant without any regard to the leave he had from the Governour and was condemned without giving him leave to make his defence (as he informs me) or could he obtain a copy of the condemnation, upon which I wrote both to the General and Intendant in favour of said Roe etc. Refers to enclosures, by which your Lordships will perceive that they do not alledge his having traded. I hope I shall have your Lordships' directions what farther to do in this or in case anything of this nature should happen again. I must likewise lay before your Lordships that there often arrive ships at the Island of St. Eustatia a Dutch Island belonging to the West India Company of the United Provinces from the coast of Africa with slaves, which slaves are frequently imported into these H.M. Islands in British sloops (as I have been informed) and that the late Surveyour General Mr. Perrie had declared that they might lawfully import them, they being first landed upon St. Eustatia, and so brought up in Brittish vessells. I must own I cannot understand this quibble for they being purchased with Dutch commodities upon the coast of Guiney and brought to the West Indies in Dutch ships, I take them to be Dutch merchandize, and if I knew of any I should think it my duty to order them to be seized and have them tryed by a Court of Admiralty, for if a Brittish ship is prohibited to go for Holland and take in a Dutch cargo to purchase negroes upon the coast of Africa, except he come with those Dutch goods first to some part of Great Brittain, enter the same and pay H.M. duty I think much less should those slaves be free to be imported that are not only purchased with Dutch commodities but also imported in Dutch ships into the West Indies to the great detriment of both our Navigation and the consumption of our Brittish manufactory, but the evil my Lords doth not stop here for often those slaves are paid for in sugar the produce of these Islands which is carried off by stealth in a clandestine manner, and so H.M. is deprived not only of the duty of 4½ p.c. here but of the duty at home also, and the Dutch become by this means our sugar carryers, and that directly to a foreign markett. I therefore humbly beg your Lordships will by first oppertunity send me your directions in this affair or the opinion of the Commissioners of H.M. Customs. Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. Read 5th July, 1717. 2½ pp. Enclosed,
568. i. Governor Hamilton to M. le Marquis de la Varenne, General of the French Islands. St. Christophers, 19th April, 1717. Requests that redress may be made to the bearers, Mr. Roe and Mr. Looby. They represent that in March last being in distress for want of water and informed that pirates were hovering about Dominico, they put into Fort Royal harbour, Martinique, and applied to your Excellency for liberty to water which you readily granted, but they finding it difficult at Fort Royal had your leave and went with an officer on board to Fort St. Pierre, where other soldiers were sent on board and Roe and Looby sent for ashore and made close prisoners, their vessell seized and privately condemned without any legal process, or they having made the least breach either by trading or otherwise, and were not suffer'd to make any defence of themselves or Council, etc. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 1¼ pp.
568. ii. Marquis de la Varenne to Governor Hamilton, Fort Royal, Martinique, 6th May, 1717. Messrs. Roe and Looby have imposed on you. They and their crew were well treated, and I granted them their chests and clothes etc. I confiscated their brigantine and cargo because the Captain anchored at night in the road of Fort Royal and there landed without permission, which proves that he desired to trade at Martinique. The previous day Roe and Looby told the master of a vessel from Bordeaux which they met 25 leagues out to sea, that they were going to Martinique to enjoy themselves and to see if they could stay there some time etc. Signed, Lavarenne. French. Copy. 1¾ pp.
568. iii. Governor Hamilton to M. de Riquart (=Ricouart supra) Intendant of the French Islands. St. Christophers, 19th April, 1717. To same effect as No. i. supra. Endorsed as covering letter. Copy. 1¼ pp.
568. iv. M. de Ricouart to Governor Hamilton, Martinique, 6th May, 1717. Reply to preceding in same terms as No. ii. Signed, De Ricouart. Copy. French. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 152, 12. Nos. 2, 2 i.–iv.; and (without enclosures) 153, 13. pp. 42–50.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
569. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. H.M. having been pleased to refer to us a Representation from the inhabitants of South Carolina praying for assistance, etc. (v. 30th April), we desire your Lordships will please to let us know what your Lordships have done for the protection of that Province, since the receipt of the armes and ammunition H.M. was graciously pleased to send thither. In what state the Province is in at present, and what your Lordships propose to do for its further security, or if your Lordships have anything further to offer we shall be glad of discoursing with you etc. [C.O. 5, 1293. pp. 97, 98.]