|
March 2.
Office of Ordnance. |
82. Board of Ordnance to Mr. Secretary Craggs. There
being money given for building a redoubt and barracks at
Placentia etc. on the point of the Great Beach formerly made
use of by the French fishermen, we desire H.M. orders may be
given to the Governor to put our officer in possession of such
part as shall be necessary, according to the draught approved
of, with such storehouses as shall be wanting to secure the
materials that shall be sent for building the said Fort, and that
a guard be appointed, if necessary, to take care of the same etc.
Some of the houses have been purchased from the French, wch.
difficulty, if not thus removed, may putt a stop to our proceedings, etc. Signed, T. White, M. Richards, Tho. Frankland,
John Armstrong. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 31. No. 19.] |
March 2.
Virginia. |
83. Mr. Robertson to Mr. Popple. Encloses Minutes of
Council and Assembly and Addresses, in the absence of Lt.
Governor Spotswood upon a journey in the northern parts of
the Colony. A ship bound for London about the middle of
this moneth will give the Lt. Governor an opportunity of doing
that which he intended by this, and transmitting his answer
to the Burgesses accusation etc. Seventeen countys have
already addressed him as below, and except two or three at
most all the rest will follow etc. Inclosed is a list of some plants
and seeds wch. the Governor sends you by this ship etc. You
will be better supplyed when the proper season comes for
gathering such seeds etc. I have it in command to assure you
of anything else this country affords whenever you shal please
to notify what tis you want. Signed, Wil. Robertson. Endorsed, Recd. 15th April, 1719. Read 15th June, 1720.
3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
83. i. Addresses from the Counties of Virginia to Lt. Governor
Spotswood, repudiating the charges of the Burgesses
etc. Duplicates of May 26, No. vii. [C.O. 5, 1318,
Nos. 74, 74, i.] |
March 3.
Nassau on Providence. |
84. Governor Rogers to [? Mr. Secretary Craggs.] The
advice of the preparations of ye Spaniards to attack this place
yt. I receiv'd on 6th Feb. has kept me continually employ'd
to provide for their reception and made me write letters to all
parts around us for assistance, but none of H.M. ships being
near us, I fear they'l scarce be here time enough to helpe defend
the place for wch. reason I spare no time nor cost to secure this
place and if we survive a month longer I intend to send home
Mr. Beauchamp ye Cap. Lieut. of my Indept. Company and
one of the principal inhabitants to represent the state of this
place, and in what manner it can be made most beneficial to
the Crown of Great Britain and yt. H.M. may be truly apprised
of ye difficultys and expence we have been at to support this
Colony wch. I now hope to do against the attempts of ye
Spaniards. I have heard nothing of ye pirates since my foregoing letter [2nd Feb.] and I hope they have took their course
another way or that Justice has met wth. them. I also hope
ye Gent. concern'd to improve this Colony will be reimbursed
their extraordinary expence and yt. what I have done here will
be approved by H.M. our Fort and guardship are both as well
provided as possibly I can invent and all ye inhabitants promises
to retire to me on ye first allarm wch. we soon expect. I can
do no more and it's a great satisfaction to me yt. I have been
able to do so much yt. ther's a probability we may repulse the
enemy come when they will etc. Signed, Woodes Rogers.
Endorsed. R. July 16th. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
84. i. Governor Rogers to the Governors of Jamaica, Barbados. New York. Virginia "and all the Governors
around us." Feb. 10th. 1719. Nassau on Providence.
Capt. John Dennis who was sent by the Governor
and Council of Jamaica to ye Havana to demand the
English prisoners there but was refus'd them and
they are now kept at work on their fortifications:
He toucht here in his way home purely to inform me
the Spaniards was fitting out four large ships and
ten sloopes and galleys to attack me wth. 2 or 3000
men. This gentleman run a great risque in attempting to give me ys. information, the Spanish Governr.
ordering his vessels to take him in case he went to
ye No'ward, and they have now 700 men or more
fishing on the wracks, where they gett a great deale
of silver, but these are to joyn them that are to attack
us. I am assured if they have advice of a Peace, it
will not hinder ym. from coming against me; for
they insist on these Islands belonging to ye Crown
of Spain. I believe it will be near a month or more
before they can be here. I beg your interest to procure
men of war from your place and all assistance you
can spare us. I am now despatching sloops to all
parts around to crave ye like assistance. I have provided pilots at Harbour Island yt. ye ships of war may
call there in their way hither for them. Signed, W. R.
Copy. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 23, 13. ff. 36v.–39v.] |
| March 3. |
85. Agents of Barbados to Mr. Popple. Desire copy of
report and papers relating to the setting up of an Ecclesiastical
Court at Barbados etc. Signed, Jo. Micklethwait, John Lloyd,
George Bampfeild. Endorsed, Recd. Read 4th March, 1718/19.
1 p. [C.O. 28, 15. No. 45.] |
March 4.
Whitehall. |
86. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Reply
to Feb. 6th. We have no objection etc., provided the person
who shall take upon him the Governmt. during the absence
of Mr. Hart do give security in £2000, as usual, etc. cf. Feb. 18.
[C.O. 5, 727. p. 489.] |
March 5.
Whitehall. |
87. Mr. Popple to the Secretary of the Board of Ordnance.
Encloses copy of 27th Feb. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 490.] |
| March 5. |
88. Mr. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Reply to 14th Nov., 1718. I have considered
the tryal of the pirates before Governor Shute etc., and I conceive they had authority to hold that Court etc., for that the
proclamation of the first of King George did continue the
Commission to try pirates which was granted in the third year
of the Queen, that Commission being subsisting at the time of
the said proclamation. This matter depends on the construction of the Act in the sixth of Queen Anne ch. vii., which enacts
the continuance of the Sessions of Parliament which should
happen to be precedent to the demise of the Queen (if adjourned
or prorogued at that time) as it seems by the whole tenor
of the clauses in that Act which relate to that matter, the
consequence of which is that the piracy Act did not expire till
after the 22nd Nov., 1714, which is the date of the proclamation,
so that then the Commission by virtue of the piracy Act was
subsisting and capable to be continued by that proclamation.
But if the words of the above-mentioned Act are not thought
sufficiently cleare in this point I should think a short clause
to indempnifye all who acted under that or any such Commission and also a continuance of them on any such emergency
till alter'd by the Successor would not be difficult to be obtained.
Signed, Wm. Thomson. Endorsed, Recd. 6th March. Read
2nd April, 1719. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 867. No. 35; and 5, 915.
pp. 265, 266.] |
March 5.
Whitehall. |
89. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir N.
Lawes. Enclose copy of Mr. Burchett's letter, 24th Feb.,
with directions accordingly. [C.O. 138, 16. pp. 160, 161.] |
March 5.
Whitehall. |
90. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Informs him of preceding.
[C.O. 138, 16. pp. 161, 162.] |
| March 5. |
91. Mr. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Reply to Dec., 10, 1718. I have consider'd the
bill to naturalize Jacob Arents etc., and as such naturalization
cann have the effect to give them a right to enjoy the privileges
of natural born subjects in that province only I don't see any
objection to the passing this Act since the Assembly there
think them proper objects of that favour. Set out,
N. J. Arch. 1st Ser. iv. 382. Signed, Wm. Thomson. Endorsed,
Recd. 6th March. Read 2nd April, 1719. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 971.
No. 79; and 5, 995. p. 453.] |
| March 5. |
92. Mr. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Reply to Nov. 19, 1718. (i) The powers the
Governor of Virginia has already are to adjourne prorogue and
dissolve. These words are general and must be understood as
those powers are executed by H.M. in England. But as the
inconvenience mentioned by the Governour may be greate in
that country for want of a power to prorogue during an interval
it may be supplyed by instructions for that purpose from H.M.
or by an Act of the Assembly there. (ii) I don't apprehend
that the Act entitled (Ministers to be inducted) has taken away
that power and right vested by H.M. in the Governour to collate
to such benefices. The words of the Act are only that he be
requested to induct a Minister where the parish recommend
him and the Kings right cannot be taken away by any such
words. The King has the ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in him
over the Plantations and if he has not parted with it to the
Bishop of London in this particular (as it seems he has not)
the Governour by the authority transferr'd to him may exercise
this right and I conceive the Vestrys have no pretentions to it
by that Act or any other way. Signed, Wm. Thomson.
Endorsed, Recd. 6th March. Read 21st April, 1719. 1½ pp.
[C.O. 5, 1318. No. 60.] |
March 6.
Whitehall. |
93. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. Encloses a parcel of Acts
passed in the Massachusets Bay, May, 1718. The Council
of Trade and Plantations desire the opinion of the Commrs. of
Customs upon that for granting unto H.M. several rates and
duties of impost and tonnage of shipping, etc. [C.O. 5, 915.
p. 261.] |
| March 6. |
94. Mr. West to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Report upon Acts of Pennsylvania referred 16th Jan. Signed,
Richd. West. Endorsed, Recd. Read 6th March, 1718/19. 5¼ pp.
[C.O. 5, 1265. No. 117.] |
| March 7. |
95. Order of the House of Lords, that the Council of Trade
and Plantations lay before the House an acct. of what has
pass'd before them in relation to a clause in the bill against
clandestine running of uncustom'd goods etc., about the præmium
for importing pitch and tar etc. Signed, Wm. Cowper, Cler.
Parliamentor. Endorsed, Recd. 9th., Read 10th March, 1718/19.
Copy. ¾ p. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 149; and 324, 10. p. 238.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
96. Mr. Popple to Sir E. Northey, late Attorney General.
The Council of Trade and Plantations having under consideration some matters relating to the jurisdiction of the Admiralty
Courts in the Plantations, desire you will inform them what
judgment was made in the cause referred to in your report of
21st Aug., 1702. (v. C.S.P. 1702. No. 889.) [C.O. 324, 10.
pp. 235, 236.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
97. Same to Mr. Burchett. Desires a copy of the Instructions given to Governors with their Commissions as ViceAdmirals. [C.O. 324, 10. p. 237.] |
March 10.
Admiralty Office. |
98. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Reply to preceding. Will
transmit a translated copy of commission to the Governor of
Barbados, as Vice-Admiral. Concludes: My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty give no other instructions to any Vice
Admirals. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 11th., Read
18th March, 1718/19. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 153;
and 324, 10. pp. 241, 242.] |
| [March 10] |
99. Copy of a clause for regulating the standard of pitch
and tar in a bill sent up from the House of Commons against
clandestine running of uncustom'd goods etc. Endorsed, Recd.
(from the Parliament Office), Read 10th March, 1718/19. 3 pp.
[C.O. 323, 7. No. 150.] |
March 10.
Whitehall. |
100. Mr. Popple to the Secretary of the Navy Office. The
Council of Trade and Plantations desire an account of the pitch,
tar and turpentine that have been bought by the Navy 1713–1717, and that some of the Commissioners of the Navy would
discourse with them, on Thursday etc. [C.O. 324, 10. pp.
239, 240.] |
March 11.
Navy Office. |
101. Mr. Percival to Mr. Pepple. Encloses account in
reply to preceding. An express was imediatly sent to the
Surveyor of the Navy at Portsmouth to come up and attend
the Lords of Trade to-morrow etc. Signed, J. Percivall.
Endorsed, Recd. 11th., Read 12th March, 1718/19. Addressed.
¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
101. i. Account of tar, pitch and turpentine imported from
the Plantations and bought for the service of H.M.
Navy, 1713–1717. Tar, 1715, 665 barls., 1717, 3773
barls. Pitch, 1715, 715 barls., 1716, 75 barls., 1717,
1608 barls. Turpentine, None. ½ p. [C.O. 323, 7.
Nos. 151, 151.i.; and (without enclosure) 324, 10.
pp. 240, 241.] |
| March 11. |
102. Governor Philipps to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following despatches from Annapolis Royall.
Continues: I had the good fortune to touch upon the same
matters (v. 21st. Feb. 1718) etc., and am now more fully convinced of the importance thereof. And therefore doe earnestly
entreat your Ldships to represent anew the necessity of haveing
the limitts settled between the French and us according to the
late Treaties. And there traffick with H.M. subjects (so much
to our prejudice) prevented. And ye fishery protected from
theire encroachments. Which canot be done without a man of
warr on that station, which should sayle from hence in Aprill
next. The necessity of this will farther appeare, when yor.
Ldships will give me leave to wayte on you etc. The neglect
of cultivating a friendship with the natives will prove (I feare)
matter of greater moment than has been apprehended etc.
The French spare no pains and take the proper methods to
estrange them from us etc. Your Lordships' former report
lying undetermined, I must pray your Lordship to mention the
dispatch of it that I may be enabled to goe over early and serve
the Govt. and my country etc. Signed, R. Philips. Endorsed,
Recd. 12th., Read 17th March, 1718/19. 2¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
102. i. Lt. Governor Doucett to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Annapolis Royall, Nov. 15, 1718.
Vessels from Cape Britton, spring and fall come to
Minis which is about 20 leagues higher in the Bay of
Fundy then wee are, and the greatest settlement
for the growth of corn att present in this Colony.
The French from Cape Britton bring wine, brandy
and linnings which they can afford fourpence and
sixpence in a yard cheaper then our traders can possibly
doe, and take from thence nothing but wheat and
cattle which they kill there and salt up, and from
Chignecto which is 20 leagues higher in the Bay then
Minis. They drive cattle over to Bay Vert and from
thence transport them, which is not only a great
detriment to our trader's who can't sell their good's
but will raise the price of provisions and impoverish
the Collony, or att least make it of more benifitt to
France, then to us if not hinder'd, who likewise carry
all the small furrs they can out of the country which
they gett in great quantitys. The French inhabitants
who are settled up and down in the Colony haveing
the sole trade with the Indians, and what our trader's
gett is intirely from the French, the Indians now
seldome comeing near us, and who have allmost to
a man been att Cape Britton this sumer, and as they
give out for present's they expected there etc. I
humbly offer my opinion that, if your Lordships can't
find some method to send presents to the Indians,
they will be intirely estranged to us, and be allways
ready to obstruct us in any undertakeing for the good
of this Colony and H.M. subjects, and I think there
can be nothing done better then weaning the Indians
from the interest of the French, which can be by
nothing, but greater advantages reap'd from us,
then they can from them, allso that there might be
a ship or some sloops on this station to prevent the
French from their clandestine and unlawfull traffick
they now carry on, there being att this time two
sloopes sail'd from Minis wth. severall hundred bushells
of wheat, and severall head of cattle to Cape Britton,
the owners of which were so insolent to tell our traders
that came in there wth. their cargoes, that they had
nothing to doe there, and that they would be both
there again in the spring for more wheat, which is
so true that the inhabitants of Minis are dayly
thrashing their corn to gett their loading ready att
their return. But if I can prevent them from carrying
it off, I will, and hope if I can catch such vessels it will
not be construed that I take upon me to do more then
I ought, it being for H.M. service and good of this
Colony etc. Acknowledges patent to pardon pirates
etc. Signed, John Doucett. 2 pp. [C.O. 217, 2.
Nos. 59, 59. i.; and 218, 1. pp. 383–388.] |
March 11.
Antigua. |
103. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses two Acts of Montserrat, " the one for
not levying executions but at certain times of the year, the reason
for their so limitting the time is because no sugars are made,
or at least seldom after August, and hardly ever any of the new
cured before the first of March, and I take it is to prevent any
froward or severe creditor to levy (at those times when probably
the debtor may not have any of the produce or growth of the
country at command) upon any of the slaves and so bring them
immediately to sale, which some times might prove the utter
ruine of the Planter, for land in these parts is little worth
without the slaves that are upon it to manure the same. The
other is for the raising of a tax for paying part of the publick debts
and defraying the contingent charges of the Island, here the several
Ministers are paid out of the publick Treasury, and not from
the particular parishes as in the other Islands, as for their
assessing or laying a tax upon the houses and particular trading
persons; it is what they alledge has been always customary
in that Island and is only on resident traders; here I must
observe that before my comming to my Government, Lieutenant
General Mathew the then Commander in Chief past an Act for
settling the duty on all liquors imported, as well as licences
for tavern keepers, upon the Lieutenant Governour, as your
Lordships will perceive at large by copy of said Act inclosed
which the said Lieutenant Governour has signified by letter
to his Agents that H.M. has been pleased to confirm the aforesaid Act, which was the only branch that brought ready money
into the Treasury, and which by colour of entertaining the
General has been received ever since by the Agents of Thomas
Talmash Esqr. the present Lieutenant Governour altho' he
has never been at his post since my being at the head of the
Government, or at any expence that I know of, nor have I
had ever so much as a letter from him, neither do I know
whether he is alive and continued in his Commission or not,
all which I humbly beg your Lordships will be pleased to signify
to me by first oppertunity. These two Acts should have been
transmitted sooner, but were not sent back to me after my
having assented to them, and sent them to the President of
the Council of that Island to be published and registered, till
in January last, and since, no vessells have offered for Brittain,
so I hope your Lordships will not impute it as a remissness
in me," etc. Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 15th May.
Read 16th Sept., 1719. 1¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
103. i. Deposition of Thomas Farrin. mariner. 20th March,
1718. On a voyage to South Carolina deponent with
Capt. Brown was taken by the pirate William Moody etc.
Confirms Dec. 19, 1718. No. 1, q. v. Same endorsement. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 12. Nos. 151, 151. i.] |
| March 11/22. |
104. Commandant Vanderheyden Rezen to the Directors
of the Dutch West India Co. With enclosures. Signed, P.
Vanderheyden Rezen. Endorsed, Read 8th June, 1719.
Dutch. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 116, 22. Nos. 2, 2, i. ff.] |
March 12.
St. James's. |
105. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Johnson.
We receiv'd letters from you and our Council of South Carolina,
dated 12th Dec., 1718, wherein you give us the good news of
Col. Rhetts taking Major Bonnet and his crew at Cape Feare,
and of your second successfull expedition when you took Morley
and Company, and wherein you yourself commanded in person
and had several, as we are inform'd of the Council and other
Gentlemen of the Country volunteers; we can't but commend
your conduct in this affair, and your judgment in commanding
in person which was certainly a very great encouragement to
so many volunteers; We return you, and the Gentlemen under
your command our thanks for this action, and we doubt not
but the whole Province will gratefully acknowledge the service
you have done the publick in destroying so many pirates.
The bounty money given upon pitch and tar having been ill
represented to the Parliament by some of the East Country
merchants, we can't sufficiently recommend it to you, that care
may be taken that what pitch and tar shall for the future be
exported from our Province may be very good and merchantable, lest the bounty money shou'd be lost, which was given
formerly upon that accot. We are inform'd that several
persons enter upon such of our lands, as are not yet set out,
and gather up great quantities of light wood and cut down
several woods and do other damages upon the land, wch. may
be a hindrance to others who may come to settle there. We
therefore desire you our Governor to use your endeavours to
prevent such practice upon our lands for the future. We are
inform'd by merchts. that several iron mines have been found
in our Province. We desire you to give us an account of them,
the nature of them and what quantity, and where they lye.
We desire you to give directions to Secretary Hart that your
Acts of Assembly may be constantly transmitted to us within
six months after they are pass'd for we expect your exact
compliance to the fourth article of your Instructions, etc.
Signed, Carteret, Palatin. Ja. Bertie for D. of B[eaufort], M.
Ashley, J. Collecton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 290. pp. 127–129.] |
| [March 12] |
106. Same to Col. Rhet. Return thanks for successful
undertaking against pirates etc. as in preceding. Continue:—But at the same time we must tell you, we think you highly in
the wrong in that you did not go with our Governor upon the
second Expedition: But we hope the success the Province has
had already agst. the pirates has put a stop to their boasted
resolutions and will prevent them at least from undertaking
any publick action against the Province. We (following
page blank. No signatures.) [C.O. 5, 290. p. 129.] |
March 12.
Custom House. |
107. Account of pitch and tar imported and re-exported,
1716, 1717. Signed, J. Oxenford. Endorsed, Recd. Read
12th March, 1718/19. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 152.] |
March 13.
Custom House. |
108. Account of pitch and tar imported and re-exported
1718. Signed, B. Martin. Endorsed, Recd. Read 18th March,
1718/19. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 155.] |
March 14.
Admiralty Office. |
109. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Encloses following.
Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 14th., Read 18th
March, 1718/19. ⅓rd p. Enclosed, |
|
109. i. Translation of Commission of Vice Admiralty given
to the Governor of Barbados, 12th Feb., 1714. 8¾ pp.
[C.O. 323, 7. Nos. 154, 154. i.; and (without enclosure) 324, 10.
p. 242.] |
| [March 14] |
110. John Linthorn to H.M. Privy Council. Sends a copy
of his journal as Admiral at Placentia. May-Sept. 1718,
Ships, of war, 1; of merchants, 7; briganteens, etc, 6. 11
stages, 200 men employed. 10 trainfats. 34 boats. 4000 qls.
fish exported. Signed, Jno. Linthorn, Admll. Endorsed, Recd.
(from the Council Office) 14th, Read 20th March, 1718/19.
Addressed. Seal. Postmark. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 6. No. 58;
and (with incorrect address and signature) 195, 6. p. 491.] |
March 14.
Custom House, London. |
111. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. In reply to 6th March,
encloses following. Signed, Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed, Recd.
14th., Read 17th March, 1718/19. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
111. i. Observations of H.M. Commissioners of Customs
upon an Act of the Massachusets Bay for granting
to H.M. several rates and duties of impost and tunnage,
etc. 2 pp. See A.P.C. II. No. 1315. [C.O. 5, 867.
Nos. 34, 34. i.; and 5, 915. pp. 261–263.] |
March 15.
St. James's. |
112. Order of King in Council. Referring to the Committee for hearing appeals and complaints from the Plantations
the enclosed petition and the complaint of the Agents of
Barbados against Rev. W. Gordon, with the Report of the
Council of Trade and Plantations thereon etc. Signed, Edward
Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read 20th March, 1718/19. 1¼ pp.
Enclosed, |
|
112. i. Petition of William Gordon, clerk, Rector of the
parish of St. Michael, Barbados, to the King. Refers
to above complaint and report (v. Aug. 1717).
Petitioner showed Governor Lowther his answer to
that complaint, but the Governor thereupon became
his implacable enemy. Petitioner came home in
Sept. last to defend himself, but the Agents decline
to prosecute their complaints against him. The matter
being referred to the Committee of Appeals, 12th
March, upon petitioner's application, they dismissed
it, in regard that the petition of the Agents and the
report of the Board of Trade were not before them.
Prays for speedy determination and order as above.
Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 15. Nos. 47, 47. i.] |
March 15.
St. James's. |
113. Order of King in Council. Appointing Stephen
Duport, Charles Pain, John Garnet and William Makdowell
to the Council of St. Christophers (v. 23rd Jan.) Signed, Ja.
Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. 8th., Read 9th April, 1719. 1 p.
[C.O. 152, 12. No. 131.] |
March 15.
St. James's. |
114. H.M. Warrant for appointing Stephen Duport to the
Council of St. Christophers etc. Countersigned, J. Craggs. Copy.
[C.O. 324, 33. p. 219.] |
March 16.
St. James's. |
115. H.M. Warrant appointing Charles Paine to the Council
of St. Christophers. Countersigned, J. Craggs. Copy. [C.O.
324, 33. p. 220.] |
March 17.
St. James's. |
116. H.M. Warrant appointing John Garnet to the
Council of St. Christophers. Countersigned, J. Craggs. Copy.
[C.O. 324, 33. p. 220.] |
| March 17. |
117. Sir A. Cairnes to Mr. Popple. Reminds him of his
Memorial etc. (v. 21st July, 1718). Signed, Alex. Cairnes.
Endorsed, Recd. 17th., Read 18th March, 1718/19. Holograph.
¾ p. [C.O. 217, 2. No. 60.] |
March 18.
St. James's. |
118. H.M. Warrant appointing William Mackdowell to
the Council of St. Christophers. Countersigned, J. Craggs. Copy.
[C.O. 324, 33. p. 220.] |
March 18.
Whitehall. |
119. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Encloses charter of Pennsylvania. The Council of Trade and Plantations desires your
opinion, whether by that Charter the Government of Pennsylvania can re-enact laws that have been repealed here, which is
a thing frequently done in the Proprietary and Charter
Governmts. to the great detriment of H.M. subjects of this Kingdom, and the Plantations under H.M. immediate Governmt. By
the Charter the Proprietor has five years allowed for transmitting
and delivering such laws as shall be made in that Province to
the Privy Council for the time being. But the Crown has but
six months allowed after such receipt for repealing any of the
said laws. Their Lordps. desire to know, whether the time of
delivery of any laws to them will come within the said six
months, wherein the pleasure of the Crown is according to the
said Charter to be declared, or, whether the said time is to
commence when such laws shall be laid before H.M. with the
representn. of the Board thereupon. [C.O. 5, 1293. p. 164.] |
March 18.
Whitehall. |
120. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Reply to 9th Dec. Enclose extracts of letters from
Capt. Smart (13th Feb.) and Governor Shute (26th June, 1718),
whereby it does appear that Capt. Smart was sent by the Govr.
of New England to dislodge the French that had built some
huts and carryed on a fishery on the coast of Nova Scotia which
is contrary to the Treaty of Neutrality in America and to the
Treaty of Utrecht; wherefore we are of opinion that such
attempts should be discouraged as much as possible for the
future, least they should set up a claim of right contrary to the
above-mentioned treaties. [C.O. 5, 915. pp. 263, 264.] |
March 19.
St. James's. |
121. Order of King in Council. Approving of Representation of 4th March, and granting leave to Lt. Govr. Hart accordingly. The first member of the Council of Maryland to take
upon him the administration and provide security as proposed.
Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. Read 2nd April, 1719.
1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 76.] |
| [March 19] |
122. Duplicate of 1st part of No. 137 v. q. v. Endorsed,
Recd. (from Col. Philips), Read 19th March, 1718/19. 2¾ pp.
[C.O. 217, 2. No. 61.] |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
123. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Representation upon suspension of Col. Thomas Morris from the
Council of Antigua. There is but one positive deposition
produc'd against Colo. Morris, the other depositions being
only on hearsay, and not agreeing perfectly with each
other, nor with the said positive deposition, whereas several
persons of credit who were in company with Colo. Morris at
the time it is alledged the words (v. Feb. 8, 1718) were spoken
do testify on oath that they neither heard such words nor believe
they were spoken by the said Colo. Morris. It likewise appear'd
that the said Morris's wittnesses were not admitted to be
examin'd in Council before he was suspended; and as nothing
has been offer'd to give us the least distrust of Colo. Morris's
affection to your Majesty's person and Government, he having
been a Member of the Council of Antigua ever since the year
1703, we are humbly of opinion that your Majesty may be
graciously pleas'd to restore him to his place etc. [C.O. 153,
13. pp. 392–394.] |
| [March 19] |
125. Bishop of London to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reasons why the Lord Bishop of London does conceive
that the letter from the Board relating to an ecclesiastical Court
attempted to be erected in Barbados, is an unfair report
(i) Whereas the report contains at large that part of the Commission to the Commissary which tends to load him with blame,
it makes no mention of the restrictive clause in the sd.
Commission, whereby it is rendered entirely agreeable to the
Governours Instructions, wch. require him to give all countenance
and encouragement to the exercise of the Bishop of London's
jurisdiction in that Island as far as conveniently may be.
The clause in the Commission correspondent to this, is, concedimus tibi potestatem omnia et singula faciendi circa prœmissa,
quœ de jure uel consuetudine fieri possint, aut debeant. Had
these words been quoted, I could not possibly have incurr'd
any blame. (ii) It will not be enough to say that a copy of
the Commission was transmitted to H.M. together with the
report, for since the clause laid to my charge was inserted in
the report, what I told this Board, and shew'd upon the face
of the Commission in my justification ought to have been
inserted also. And then H.M. and his Ministers would have
had the whole before them, and no occasion been given for the
disadvantageous opinions that have been conceiv'd upon this
matter. (ii) The observation made in the Report that by
the Commission the Clergy are reserv'd to the Bishop's own
censure, but the Laity absolutely delivered up to the discretion
of the Commissary, cannot be justified, for the Clergy are
subject to all censures a Commissary can inflict, and nothing
reserv'd to the Bishop but the case of deprivation, or deposition,
which no Commissary was ever trusted with. On the other
hand the Laity by the restraining clause are left to the discretion of the Governor, who may subject them to Ecclesiastical censure, or exempt them from it. It seems surely very
reasonable that enormous immoralities in the Laity should,
one way or another, be corrected and restrain'd, but the Commission cannot be understood to extend to them, unless the
Governor think it convenient. (iii.) The article concerning
Mr. Acourt has a very wrong turn given it. It says he was a
lunatick, which wou'd ordinarily be understood that he was
so, when sent, the rather because it is added, as my conditional
recommendation, that in case he shou'd have recovered his
senses, the Govr. wou'd employ him. What I said at the
Board was, that Acourt having been at Barbadoes several
years before, had the misfortune to fall mad there, and being
brought to England, he recover'd his senses perfectly well, in
the opinion of his physician. Whereupon at his earnest request,
I sent him back to his wife and children, and desir'd the
Governor that in case he continued so well as he was here,
he wou'd employ him. (iv.) How it comes to pass that the
people in Barbadoes are so extreamly uneasie under Mr.
Gordon's authority, I cannot conceive, for he assures me he
never once exercised it. As to his character, he will now
have an occasion to vindicate himself etc. Endorsed, Recd.
(from Ld. Bp. of London), Read 19th March, 1718/19. 2½ pp.
[C.O. 28, 15. No. 46; and 29, 13. pp. 500–503.] |
[March 21]
Antigua. |
126. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. By this opportunity I have sent severall Acts
to William Nevine Esq. Agent for this Island in order to be
delivered to your Lordships, a list of which, with my observations on each of them, I herewith send, and hope they may
answer your Lordships' directions in that particular. I have
also by this opportunity sent the Agent the Minites of the Council
and Assembly for Antigua and only the Minites of the
Council for Nevis and Saint Christophers not having
received those of the Assembly, according to the inclosed
list which will be delivered to your Lordship with the
Acts; But those of Mountserrat are not yet come to hand,
however I very speedily expect them. P.S. (Autograph).
Just now I received the copys of the Acts for the Island of St.
Christophers which I also send, those for this Island and
Mountseratt are not as yett finish'd. Signed, W. Hamilton.
Endorsed, Recd. 17th., Read 23rd June, 1719. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
126. i. List of (4) Acts passed in Antigua. For titles, see
June 24. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
126. ii. List of Acts, as preceding, with Governor Hamilton's
observations upon them. (1) Act declaring qualifications of voters etc. The abuses complained of in the
Act will be sufficient to show how necessary it is.
(ii) Act for establishing Courts etc. This Act is of the
utmost consequence to H.M. subjects of Great Britain
and others trading to this Island most other Acts of
this kind were so very defective in the executive parts
thereof that it was impossible almost for anyone to
gett the full value of his debt; in regard the defendant
not only had liberty to shew what effects he pleased,
but even to have them appraised from whence it
followed, that he generally shewed some barren spott
of land, or something else that could be of little or
no benefitt to the plaintiff who was obliged to take
the same at the appraisement, which frequently
exceeded the true values thereof by one third, and
tho' it may still be an objection to the present Act in
regard it directs sugar and other growth of the country
to be appraised, yet the creditor will be farr less
detrimented by having those commodities over rated
than the other particulars, because they are not only
fitt for other markets butt are easily transported,
and indeed are what all traders expect in payment
for the goods they sell; their being no such thing
almost in the Island as the species of cash: The
difficultys that have been raised, and the arts
that have been used to obstruct the passing of this
law are more than can be imagined, and tho' it may
not be so effectuall in every particular as I could wish
yet it is the best that they can be prevailed with to
make, and if this should be rejected I dispaire of ever
getting so just a one again made, for this was carryed
in the Assembly singly by the Speakers voice which
would not have done neither had not one of the
Gentlemn. that were against the Bill been absent
when it was last read, from whence I must observe
that if this Act should not be thought fitt to receive
the Royall assent that it will be proper to gett the
Parliament of Great Britain to make a law in order
to ascertain the manner of recovering debts in these
Islands, the former methods of appraisment being
most shamefull and scandelous. (iii) Act to quiet
present possessors of lands etc. A Bill of this nature
has been already laid before their Lordships etc., The
objections to which 'tis hoped are avoided in the
present Bill. (iv) Act for raising £5000 etc. The
objections made by their Lordships to the rest of our
tax bills have occasioned some disputes between
the Assembly and myself about a clause contained
in the present Act relating to the method of issuing
the publick money's as may appear by the Minutes
herewith sent: But as H.M. Council were of opinion
that the said clause was not contrary to my Instructions, I thought it more for the service of H.M. to
pass the said Act with that clause in it than to lett
the countrys debts go unpaid, and the Island remain
in her present defenceless condition which must have
been the consequence of my not agreeing to the said
clause as may appear by the message which I received
from the Assembly immediately before my passing
the Bill, so that if their Lordships think the said clause
to be inconsistant with my Instructions, I must begg
they will signifye the same to me by the first conveyance, and I will take care to avoid consenting to
the like for the future. But then there is no hopes
of getting the Assembly to raise taxes so that if H.M.
affairs, or the circumstance of the country should be
ever so urgent, it will be impossible to gett anything
done for want of money etc. Asks what measures
he must take in case of necessity, if the said clause
should be thought inconvenient and the Assembly
should insist thereon. The reasons which I have
heard from many of them for their being so tenacious
about it, is to prevent a misapplication of the money,
which they alledg cannot otherwise be done if a
Governor was ill disposed, for tho he is not to issue any
orders for payment of publick monys without the advice
of the Council yet that will be but a small curb on him,
for if those gentlemen who are members of that Board
should oppose him in his measures he could soon gett
ridd of them by suspending them, and appointing
others that would be agreeable to his own inclinations
by which means he could not fail to carry his point
whenever he saw convenient to exert himself: To
which I answered that the justice of H.M. was so
conspicuous that they had not reason to dread but
such a Governour would be recalled and severly
punished, and therefore there was not the least room
to fear such violent methods from any whom H.M.
should be pleased to honour with his Commission;
in reply to which they alledge that the difficultys
which attend complaints against Governors are so
very discouraging that they had better submitt than
to attempt the same, for besides the charge that must
attend prosecutions of that nature, the complainants
make themselves obnoxious to the said Governour,
and even after all there is no hopes of getting the
mony refunded that has been misapply'd, especially
if he happens to be an indigent person. To prevent
which inconveniencys they seem resolved never to
raise any mony if they are not permitted to inspect
and approve the accounts before orders are issued for
payment thereof which as it may be of fatall consequence hereafter to the security and defence of the
Colony to have any further disputes upon that subject,
so I have now taken the liberty to represent at large
the objections that have been made thereon, and hope
their Lordships will believe I have nothing thereby
in view, but the setting the matter in a true light to
the end they may be the better enabled to direct
what is proper to be done therein for the future.
Same endorsement. 4½ pp. |
|
126. iii. List of Minutes of Councils and Assemblies of the
Leeward Islands sent to William Nivine. Same
endorsement. 1 p. |
|
126. iv. Copy of Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua,
March 10th, 16th, referred to in No. ii. Same endorsement. 3 pp. [C.O. 152, 12. Nos. 140, 140. i.–iv.] |
March 24.
Antigua. |
127. Charles Hedges to Mr. Popple. Refers to Minutes of
Councils and Assemblies, 4 Acts of Antigua "and a bound book
containing the Acts of St. Christophers," dispatched by
Governor Hamilton (21st March). Continues: The several
Acts that have been past in this Island. I must confess are not
yet prepared by me pursuant to an order by H.E.; several of
them especially those past in the infancy of the Island being so
confused that 'tis next to an impossibility to make a just
collection of them in such a manner as their Lordships might
expect. You will perceive Sir in the Minutes of the 10th
of June last that H.E. recommended the same etc. to which the
Assembly unanimously concurred, and Committees were accordingly prepared to make a Collection of all such laws as they
should think necessary to be printed of which they were to
make a report which is not yet done etc. Hopes that he will
therefore not be thought remiss in his duty. Signed, Cha.
Hedges. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd June, Read 16th Sept., 1719.
Addressed. Postmark. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 152, 12. No. 150.] |
| March 24. |
128. Mr. West to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Reply to 18th March. (i) I am of opinion that there is nothing
in the Charter by which the inhabitants of Pennsylvania are
prohibited the re-inacting the substance of any laws which
may at any time have been disallowed by the Crown. (ii) The
six months are to be counted from the time of their being
delivered to the Privy Council, and therefore subsequent to
your Lordships' report, unless the Agents deliver duplicates
of their laws unto the Privy Council at the same time as unto
your Lordships etc. Signed, Richd. West. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 25th March, 1719. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1265. No. 118; and
5, 1293. pp. 165, 166.] |
| March 24. |
129. Governor Philipps to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following, which shew the necessity of what
was urged in his memorial, etc. (v. 21st Feb., 1718). Continues:
In relation to French encroachments, the Gut of Cancoe,
to colour their pretention, the French new nam'd the little
River of Canada: it will not be convenient upon any
account to give up this point, for it is there the French made
last yeare theire best fishery, etc. Signed, R. Philipps.
Endorsed, Recd. Read 24th March. 1718/19. Holograph. 2 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
129. i. (a) Abstract of letter from Lt. Governor Doucett to
Governor Philipps, Annapolis Royal, Nov. 1st, 1718.
Encloses reply of M. St. Ovide de Brouillan (v. July 23,
1718). Continues: I find it very false concerning his
coming to Can[coe], which was as I am inform'd from
thence to forbid the English to fish there, and to settle
some French on that Isle of Cancoe, pretending it
belongs to them because in one article of the Peace,
it is mention'd all Islands in the Gulph of St. Lawrence
or mouth of the River Canada: Now this Island
is not in or near either of those places, but to give
them a colour for this, they have new Xstnen'd the
Gulf of Cancoe (where this Island is situated and
divides the Continent of Nova Scotia from Cape Britton)
the little River of Canada, so that they may as well
claim Guernsey or Jersey, if they will call the Channell
of England the River to Canada. This occasion'd
the sending a man of warr from Boston upon complaint of the fishermen belonging to that place, who
made prize of all the vessells and fish they found there,
having first made a representation to the Governour
and produced Monsr. Subercas's passport etc. (v. No. v.)
The prizes were a brigantine and a sloop with other
little vessells, which I hear the Court of Admiralty in
New England have condemned etc. By presents sent
from France and our neglect of them, the Indians are
estranged from us; for I have seen but two Indians
in this place since spring, but have heard of their
shooting a stone horse and mare in the woods, which
belonged to the English. |
|
129. i. (b) Abstract of letter from Capt. Aldridge to Governor
Philipps. 24th Dec., 1718. We have just now advice
from Cape Britton, that M. St. Ovide has sent to Cancoe
and seized a brigantine and sloop loaded with fish
belonging to New England by way of reprisall for the
seizure made by Capt. Smart of H.M.S. Squirell last
summer. The French who live among us seem very
well pleas'd with the news, and are in hopes, this may
occasion a rupture between the two Crowns. |
|
129. i. (c) Copy of a former letter from Lt. Governor Doucett
to Governor Philipps. I must recommend that you
procure shovels, spades and pick-axes to be sent here;
for you will find none in case you go on any works,
likewise to use your endeavours to obtain presents
for the Indians etc. I expect in the spring the chief
of them from St. John's River, they having sent me
word, they intended to see me, they having severall
things to propose concerning our future friendship,
and to settle the prices of commoditys, and establish a
commerce betwixt the English and them etc. My
opinion is the same with all the English here, that if at
your arrivall, you bring them presents, they will be
easily brought over to our interest, etc. The whole
endorsed as covering letter. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 217, 2. Nos.
62, 62. i.; and (without enclosures) 218, 1. pp. 389, 390.] |
March 24.
Whitehall. |
130. Mr. Byrd to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Offers his services for reconciling the Lt. Governor and Council
of Virginia, and proposes that the Board prepare the way by
repeating directions to the Lt. Governor not to join any other
persons with the Council in the Commissions of Oyer and
Terminer; to cause the minutes of Council to be read at each
next meeting; to assent to the repeal of the Act of Assembly,
which trusted him with a power to lay out what money he should
think fit upon the Governor's house, £2000 having been spent
upon it since a Committee of the Burgesses judged that £250
would finish it; to allow the Council to give their opinions
frankly without reproaching or ridiculing any who differ from
him, so disobligeing a method having made him more enemies
than every other part of his administration etc. The Board
to direct that neither party send over any complaints without
having first given a copy to the party complain'd of, and a copy
of the Board's own letters to be sent to both parties etc. Signed,
W. Byrd. Endorsed, Recd. 24th March. Read 8th April,
1719. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1318. No. 58.] |
| March 24. |
131. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Johnson.
Sir Robert Thornhill has twice attended our Board, in relation
to a debt that he has a legal title to from Sr. Nathl. Johnson
upon the account of Sr. John Baudon. Sir Robert inform'd
us that he did design to apply to the House of Commons here
in order to procure a short Bill for the speedy relief of creditors
against persons indebted in the West Indies, upon your accot.,
which we are apprehensive may be very expensive and troublesome to you, and may reflect upon us the Proprietors; We
therefore do earnestly recommend it to you, that you wou'd
accommodate this matter as soon as you can possibly, and write
in such manner to Sr. Robert Thornhill, that the proceedings
upon your account may be stopt, and that there may be no
more complaints against you upon this occasion. Signed,
Carteret Palatin; M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O.,
5, 290. pp. 135, 136.] |
March 24.
Jamaica. |
132. Governor Sir N. Lawes to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Since my last of 31st Jan., duplicate enclosed,
I have not been honor'd with any letter from your Lordships.
On the 15th instant I received H.M. commands by the Deal
Castle, etc. H.M. Declaration of War with Spain was accordingly published here the day following. I alsoe recd. H.M.
Proclamation for enlarging the time for pirates to surrender
themselves etc., and am of opinion the pirates will now come in,
war with Spain being declared, which they have long wisht for.
But I coud have wish't there had been a clause incerted in
the Commission (for trying them) to have empower'd the Commissioners therein named likewise to have tryed the accessarys
of pyracy, for I am persuaded, were the pirates not supplyed
with necessarys, and received intelligence from shoar greater
numbers wou'd have come in and embraced H.M. pardon.
Wherefore I humbly propose but submit to better judgment,
whether such a Commission will not be necessary for H.M. to
grant. In some of my former letters I acquainted your Lordsps.
of the weak condition the Island was in from the decay of its
inhabitants, and of the fortifications, etc. I persuade myself
your Lordsps. are not unmindfull of us, and therefore I hope
proper measures are taken for our relief, but I am now to
mention one particular, which is, of the utmost consequence
not only to us but to Great Britain: and that is the little
trade we had left, must now inevitably be lost, unless H.M.
will be graciously pleas'd (as the late Queen did in the last
war in 1704) by a particular Instruction, to permit and allow
of an intercourse of trade between H.M. subjects in these parts,
and those of the Spanish Nation, which was afterwards allowed
of by Act of Parliament in 1707. But as the said Instruction
and Act of Parliament were only to continue in force during the
late war, and I having hitherto received no orders or Instructions
to permit or allow of any such intercourse of trade: our merchants are at a loss how to dispose of their effects: Wherefore
I must earnestly intreat your Lordship's recommendation to
H.M. that such an Instruction may be emediatly granted, as
in the former war, without which we shall soon have little mony
to send to Europe. Refers to Capt. Dennis' Journal enclosed.
Upon his returning without success, and war being declared
against Spain the Council advised me to have the Spaniards
which are now here to the number of about 70 made prisoners
of war; which has been accordingly done. But as there is
no fund for defraying such a charge I shall send them to Great
Britain in merchant ships as opportunity offers. I did with the
advice of the Council, dissolve our late Assembly 3d Feb., etc.
and some time since Thomas Harrison Esq. departed this life.
Whereby there is a vacancy in H.M. Council. I humbly take
leave to recommend Wm. Nedham or Thomas Rose to succeed
him in that post, as being Gentlemen well qualifyed, and
every way agreeable to H.M. Instructions on that head. The
two sloops which were lately fitted out at the charge of the
country in pursuit of the pirate yt. took the ship Kingston, are
return'd with pretty good success: they mett with the said
ship near the Isle of Pines, and upon their approach the pirates
who were on board of the ship, made their escape on shoar in
a canoe, and the two sloops are return'd into Port Royal harbour
with the ship and the greatest part of her cargoe. Proper
measures have been taken in the Court of Admiralty that justice
may be done as well to the freighters and insurers as to the
captors; and I believe all partys will be satisfyed therewith.
Our privateers have already made application for Commissions
to act against the Spaniards, and I have with the advice of the
Council issued some. This day fortnight I have summoned
a Council of War to meet to consider of putting ourselves in
the best posture of defence in case of any attempts from the
enemy, the result whereof shall be transmitted in my next.
Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd, Read 25th
June, 1719. 7 pp. Enclosed, |
|
132. i. The whole proceedings of Captain Dennis's Expedition
to the Governor of the Havanna, etc. Jan. 14–28,
1718 (19). |
|
Describes his endeavours to obtain the release of
H.M. subjects detained as prisoners, and of his own
sloop seized by Lagers, and Capt. Oxborough's sloop
from Jamaica. The Governor of the Havanna
refused, describing the prisoners as pirates etc.
Printed by R. Baldwin, in Church Street, Kingston.
1718 (19). 8 pp. |
|
132. ii. Copy of the Weekly Jamaica Courant. Numb.
xxxviii. Feb. 11, 1718 (1719). Contains Proclamation
of 3rd Feb. for dissolving the Assembly on account of
"the great contempt they have shewn to Our
Instructions and the many indignities they have
offered to our Council" etc. Printed as preceding.
4 pp. [C.O. 137, 13. Nos. 30, 30. i., ii.; and (without
enclosures) 138, 16. pp. 209–214.] |
March 25.
Virginia. |
133. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses reply etc. to the charges against him, and
repeats charges against the opposing party in the Council, etc.
Set out, Spotswood Papers, II. 308. Endorsed, Recd. 18th May,
Read 23rd June, 1719. 8 pp. Enclosed, |
|
133. i. Addresses from the several counties of Virginia to Lt.
Governor Spotswood. Protest against the proceedings
of the Burgesses and repudiate the charges in their
Address against him. Endorsed as preceding. 19 pp. |
|
133. ii. Lt. Governor Spotswood's Remarks on the Articles
exhibited against him and rejected by the Burgesses
(Dec. 22). Same endorsement. 8½ pp. |
|
133. iii. Lt. Governor Spotswood's Answer to the 4 Articles
exhibited by the Burgesses against him (Dec. 22.
No. ii). (i) See covering letter Dec. 22. (ii) From
Christmas 1713 to this day I have expended about
the buildings and gardens but little above £200 per
annum, and the country in general is delighted with
the building, etc. My accusers refused to explain
their meaning when challenged by me Nov. 22 & 28. etc.
(iii) Challenges his accusers to give one instance that
he either persuaded any Justice to refuse or showed
any resentment against those who levy the Burgesses
salary etc. (iv) Describes his communications with
the Assembly etc. Signed, A. Spotswood. Same
endorsement. 17 pp. |
|
133. iv. Certificate by Mr. Thacker that he can find no record
of patents granted for land since Dec. 1710 forfeited
by the non payment of quit rents. 23rd Jan. 1718.
Signed, C. C. Thacker. Cl. Sec. Off. ½ p. |
|
133. v. Copy of grant to Ralph Bowker by the General Court,
Oct. 23, 1718, of 2827 acres lapsed from Capt. William
Smith since 1682 and 1687, Smith not appearing in
answer to summons etc. Certified by C. C. Thacker,
Cl. Gen. Cur. ¾ p. |
|
133. vi. Copy of Queries offered by H.M. Lt. Governor to the
whole Council and the Attorney General, occasioned
by the late scruples of the Justices of the Peace.
(i) Whether the 300,000 cwt. of tobacco, which the
Burgesses claim for their late session of Assembly,
can be legally raised for them, when there is no law
that prescribes the ways and means by which it shall
be levyed etc. (ii) Whether the Justices are not liable
to be prosecuted for one of the highest misdemeanors
who shall venture to impose an heavy pol-tax,
without being directed by any law so to do, or impowered or appointed to lay any levy at all in the
case of the Burgesses. ¾ p. |
|
133. vii. Journal of Lt. Governor Spotswood's travells undertaken for the publick service 1711–1717. 5026 miles.
3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1318. Nos. 66, 66. i–vii.] |
| March 25. |
134. Office accounts of the Board of Trade, Dec. 25, 1718—March 25, 1719. v. Journal of Council. [C.O. 388, 77. Nos.
58, 60, 62.] |
March 28.
Custom Ho., London. |
135. Commissioners of Customs to [? Lords Commissioners
of the Treasury]. Upon complaints of a fraudulent practice
of importing first and second clayed sugars from Barbados
as brown Muscovadoes (described), we are of opinion it will be
for the benefit of the revenue and an encouragement to the
sugar planters in Jamaica and also to the refiners of this Kingdom that a duty between the duties on white sugars and the
duties on Muscovado be laid on all clayed sugars; that the
duties on brown muscovado sugars be continued as at present
and that the present duties on white sugars do cease; By which
means the present disputes arising from the difficulty of judging
of the different sorts of sugars by the colours or fineness only
will be remov'd etc. Signed, J. Stanley, M. Dudley, J. Pulteney,
J. Walker. Endorsed, Recd., (from Mr. Bampfield), Read 9th
April, 1719. 4 pp. Enclosed, |
|
135. i. Correspondence relating to above, and petition of
sugar bakers of Bristol, etc. Signed, David Macie and
Coy., Caleb Loyd, 23rd Feb.—18th March, 1719. 2½ pp.
[C.O. 28, 15. Nos. 48, 48. i.] |
| March 29. |
136. Deposition of William Maxwell of Boston. Master
of the Friendship of London, in her voyage from Boston to
Gibraltar, on 28th Jan. last, off Cape Sparteel he met with a
Moorish ship of 20 guns and a galley with which they ingaged
from 6 in ye morning till noon, when having but five cartridges
of powder left, he sunk his pink and landed 10 leagues
east of Cadiz in his boat. He and his crew were made
prisoners and stripped, and some of them forced on board a
transport etc. There were about 50 transports and seven
men of war in the Bay etc. Powder, small arms, guns and
10,000 soldiers on board the transports, with 30 days provisions,
besides store ships, bound, some say to Ireland, some to Scotland, some to Torbay, and others to Jamaica. Sir Mark
Forrester, Commander under ye flag tried to induce informant
to go with him. 10 more men of war reported near Cales etc.
Signed, Wm. Maxwell. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 898. No. 29.] |
