|
Dec. 2.
Whitehall. |
312. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend John Robinson for the Council of Virginia in the room
of Wm. Cocke, decd. [C.O. 5, 1365. pp. 222, 223.] |
Dec. 3.
Custom ho. London. |
313. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. In reply to 30th Aug.,
encloses list of ships entered and cleared in S. Carolina for three
years ending Christmas last. Signed, Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed,
Recd. 3rd Dec., 1720, Read 26th June, 1722. Addressed.
¾ p. [C.O. 5, 358. ff. 143, 144v.] |
Dec. 3.
Dover Street. |
314. Horatio Walpole to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Asks for claims made upon piratical effects imported
into Barbados and submitted by Mr. Lowther etc. Signed, H.
Walpole. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 14th Dec. 1720. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
314. i. List of 14 ships that imported piratical effects into
Barbados according to the account given into the Treasury
by Mr. Lowther. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 15. Nos. 100, 100. i.] |
Dec. 6.
Secretaries Office, Boston. |
315. Mr. Willard to Mr. Popple. Encloses Minutes and
Acts of Assembly for sessions of May 25 and July 15, 1720 and
Minutes of Council to end of Aug. 1720 etc. Signed, Josiah
Willard. Endorsed, Recd. 28th Jan. 1720/21, Read 8th June,
1721. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 60, 61v.] |
| Dec. 7. |
316. Copy of H.M. warrant for £1000 to be advanced to
William Penn in part payment of £12,000, to be paid when the
deeds of surrender and conveyance of his powers of Government
of Pennsylvania and other places in those parts are perfected.
Windsor. 9th Sept. 1712. (v. 29th Nov.) Signed, Oxford.
Endorsed, Recd. Read 7th Dec. 1720. Copy. 2 pp. [C.O.
5, 1265. No. 153.] |
| Dec. 7. |
317. Memorial of some Gentlemen of Barbados to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. Robert Lowther before
leaving the Island, having put all the offices civil and military
into the hands of such persons as he hoped would prevent an
examination into his male administration, arbitrarily and
illegally, and without any just grounds, removed Samuel Cox
from the Council, thereby to prevent his being President, and
left the Government in the hands of John Frere, as has been
fully proved before their Excellencys the Lords Justices in
Council. The Governor well knowing that the suspension of
Cox could never bear examination, passed an Act for the better
preserving the peace and tranquility of the Island, thereby revoking and annulling the powers granted by H.M. Commission
to Presidents and Commanders in Chief, and altering the very
constitution of the Island, and making the consent of 7 Members
of Council necessary to the placing or displacing any civil or
military officer, whereas five with the Governor or Commander in Chief have always been a Quorum etc. There are
at present but eight Members of Council in the Island; so that
by the law aforesd. any two Members have a negative etc. The
Lords Justices have restored Cox, who will probably ignore
the said law etc. Pray for the Board's report upon it. Signed,
Robert Havers, Abel Alleyne, J. Walter, Wm. Walker, Timothy
Salter, Tho. Pindar, J. Blenman, William Savage. Endorsed,
Recd. Read 7th Dec., 1720. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 15. No. 99.] |
Dec. 9.
Whitehall. |
318. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Enclose extract of letter from Governor Hamilton, 3rd
Oct., giving an account of the increase of pirates etc., to be laid
before H.M. for his directions thereupon. [C.O. 153, 13.
pp. 459, 460.] |
Dec. 12.
Boston. |
319. Governor Shute to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I did myself the honour to write in June, July and
August but have not as yet had the favour of any answer. I
have made it my utmost indeavours according to the fresh
Instructions I received in October last was twelve months to
preserve the timber in H.M. woods in these Provinces, and have
given out the strictest orders to the Custom House Officers to
prevent the exportation of timber to Spain, and have also issued
out proclamations to prevent any further stroy in the Royal
woods, which has in some measure had its desired effect, but the
most effectuall way to prevent these ill practices will be to procure
an Act of Parliament to prevent the exportation of timber to
Spain, from the American Plantations, and also that in that Act
a clause may be incerted whereby any person felling any timber
in these Provinces fitt for masts shall be obliged to prove either
to the Commander in Chief or the Surveyor Genll. or his Depty.
that these masts were not cut down in the Royal woods etc. The
Indians have of late killed many of the cattle and insulted
H.M. subjects in the Eastern settlemts. So soon as I had
received certain information of these insolences I sent down
250 men with a sutable number of officers to put a stop to these
violences and have obliged them to promise to make satisfaction
for the damage that they have done and to send some of their
chiefs hostages to Boston there to remain untill they have
performed the same; and have also obliged them to continue
with me for the further security of those Eastern Settlements.
Signed, Samll. Shute. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Feb; Read 7th
March, 1720/21;. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
319. i. Accounts of the Treasurer of the Massachusetts Bay,
30th May, 1719–1720. Receipts, £46,710 15s. 9d.
Passed by the Assembly 13th July, 1720. Signed,
Jer. Allen. Same endorsement. Copy. 28½ pp. |
|
319. ii. Accounts of the Treasurer of New Hampshire, 1718,
1719. Expenditure, £1140. 0s. 11d. Balance, £197
16s. 1d. Passed by the Assembly, 28th May, 1720.
Signed, Saml. Penhallow. Same endorsement. 3 pp. |
|
319. iii.–v. Accounts of stores of war expended and remaining
at Fort William and Mary at New Castle, New Hampshire, Oct. 1717–27th May, 1720. Signed, Robert
Coates, gunner, and J. Wentworth. Same endorsement. 3pp. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 10, 10v, 11v, 12, 13–19,
20–27, 29–32v.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
320. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Enclose extracts of letter from Governor Burnet
relating to French intrigues, presents to the Five Nations,
and ordnance stores needed (24th Sept.), "which we desire
you will lay before H.M. with our humble opinion, that it is
of great importance to H.M. service that the usual presents to
the 5 Nations of Indians who are our greatest security against
the French and their Indians be continued, and that the
necessary stores be sent for the defence of the Province, with
directions to H.M. said Governor to require the Assembly to
provide for the reimbursement of the charge thereof." [C.O.
5, 1124. pp. 243, 244.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
321. Order of King in Council. Appointing John Robinson
to the Council of Virginia, v. 2nd Dec. Signed, Robert Hales.
Endorsed, Recd. Read 11th Jan. 1720/21. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5,
1319. No. 2.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
322. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Enclose copy of Governor Philipps' letter (Aug. 6th).
Continue: We shall only observe the necessity of sending
such a force to this Province as may balance the loss of the
French inhabits. and make H.M. authority more revered in
those parts pursuant to our report of Aug. 30th etc., to which
we would beg leave to add that in our opinion it is highly
necessary for H.M. Service, that either a small man of war
should be appointed to attend on this Colony or that the Govr.
should be allow'd according to his own proposal to hire a sloop
for the defence of that coast and the preventing of illegal trade
there. [C.O. 218, 1. p. 494.] |
Dec. 14.
New York. |
323. Governor Burnet to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Begins with duplicate of 26th Nov. Encloses acts
passed that session, and urges speedy confirmation of act laying
a duty of 2 p.c. on European goods etc. Describes act for a five
years support of government. There is an alteration made from
that passed by Brigadier Hunter in the article by which peculiar
favour was given to vessels belonging to the colony. He has
got the words added, or of Great Britain. The act prohibiting
trade with the French in Indian goods does not prohibit trade
in goods consumed by Christians, because the Assembly thought
the country gained by that trade, since they take no corn or
absolute necessaries of life from us, but only such things as
promote luxury among them. This occasioned their restraining
the penalty to goods which the French can sell again to the
Indians etc. Enumerates six other acts, and encloses Minutes
of Council 17th June–28th Nov., 1720, and list of ships entered
and cleared for last two quarters. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs.
V. 582. Signed, W. Burnet. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read
28th Jan., 1720/1. New matter in his own hand. 11½ pp. [C.O.
5, 1052. ff. 143–148v.] |
Dec. 17.
Whitehall. |
324. Report of Committee of Privy Council upon a petition
of William West, Peter Longueville and others, praying to be
heard upon a report from the Lords Commissioners of Trade
upon a former petition of theirs (v. C.S.P. 21st May, 1718) to
make a settlement between Nova Scotia and Maine etc. Having
heard petitioners by their Council, and the Duke of Hamilton
and Mr. Dummer, Agent for the Massachusets Bay, in opposition to them, and likewise examined General Nicholson, who
recovered the said lands from the French in 1710, and likewise
perused several drafts and maps etc., report their opinion that,
"the whole tract of land and islands between the Province of
Main at the River of Sagadehock als. Kennebeck, and St. Croix,
may be erected by your Majesty into a Government under such
Governour as your Majesty shall think fitt to appoint. That
the lands lying within the said tract from the River of Kennebeck
to the banks of the River of Penobscoott shall be enjoyed by the
present Proprietors and possessors according to their several
rights and titles, and that so much of it as has not been granted
to any purchaser or person, the same shall be at the disposal
of the Colony of the Massachusets Bay, paying such quit-rent
as your Majesty shall think fit, upon condition that the said
Colony do renounce and give up to H.M. all right, title or claim
of theirs to any of the lands to the North of the River Penobscot,
either in the Province of Main or in Nova Scotia, and all
claim to the right of Government in any of the lands to the East
of the River of Kennebeck on condition that they mark out the
said lands in one year after the grant shall be made, and settle
the same in two years afterwards. That as to the lands to the
north of the River Penobscot unto the river of St. Croix, the
petitioners have made out your Majesty's right to grant the
said lands to such persons, and under such quit rent and reservation as your Majesty shall think fit." Endorsed, Recd., Read
25th Nov., 1729. Communicated from the Council Office.
25th Nov. 1729. 3 pp. [C.O. 217, 5. ff. 125–126v.] |
Dec. 17.
Placentia. |
325. Lt. Governor Gledhill to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. The severity of last winter occasioned great
success in destroying of swayles insomuch that in our next Bay
they kill'd such numbers as produced upwds. of 170 tunn of
oyle. The entry of our fishery look'd very promiseing but
much incomoded wth. pyrates etc. The late storms have done
much damage to the small fishing boats as well as the intire
loss of the Hercules, 250 tunns, and 3 other ships, including the
Betty gally laden with provisions and cloathing for ye garrison,
nothing saved but the men etc. There was two open boats
full of Indians seen from St. Peters but suppos'd to be only a
party a hunting from the Main etc. for they have done no damage.
Since yor. Ldps. thinks opening a passage by land (to St. Johns,
Bay Bulls, Trepassy, St. Marys etc.) impracticable, I humbly
propos'd to yor. Ldps. That a post be fixed to goe evry 14 days
to each pt. of this land wch. may be done with only the Govts.
being att ye expence of 4 small boats to transpt. the post over
the Bays of Trinity St. Maryes etc. such correspondence wo'd
be mighty usefull not only in case of such accidents as have
occurr'd last year but in point of trade etc. Signed, S. Gledhill.
Endorsed, Recd. 7th Aug., 1721, Read 5th July, 1722. Holograph. 3 pp. [C.O. 194, 7. ff. 64–65v.] |
Dec. 20.
South Carolina. |
326. Governor Rogers to [? Mr. Secretary Craggs]. This
day fortnight I arrived here. The sea air in comeing and the
cold weather here has made me much better then when I left
Providence. The vessell that brought me returnes in a day or
two wth. what supplys I can gett. Wee have a report that there
is a new coepartnership for improveing the Bahama Islands
who are sending out two ships with recruites and stores butt as
I have no letter I cannott tell what to expect. Itts verry
surprising that I can have no answer from home. I am sure
nott deserved such treatment from the gentlemn. conserned.
I humbly intreate you'll procure H.M. leave for my absence.
If nott already come I depend to meete itt att Providence and
that Generll. Nicholson will arrive timely enough for my seeing
him before I leave this place wch. I hope I shall be able to doe
in a small vessell in about fourteene days. This comes by Mr.
Ockold a Lieutent. of the Garrison that has my leave to return
home for his health. I doubt Lieutent. Beauchamp that the
necessity of my affaires obliged me to recommend to you etc.
has behaved verry dishonourably towards me for I have nott
had a line from him all the time he was in England and I heare
he has acted to my disadvantage. I pray God forgive him for
I believe I shall never see him more. If what I heare is true
he is a most ungratefull man. I shall trouble you farther hence
and I expect itt will be by this conveyance be pleased to excuse
any omission and allow me to have an opportunity as soone as
possible to wait on you that I may justifye my owne conduct
demonstrate my duty to my King and Country etc. Signed,
Woodes Rogers. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
326. i. Minutes of Council of the Bahama Islands, 8th Feb.—26th Nov., 1720. 46 pp. [C.O. 23, 13. ff. 55–80.] |
Dec. 21.
South Carolina |
327. Governor Rogers to Mr. Secretary Craggs. Refers
to enclosure. Continues:—Having no manner of intelligence
from home, of my affairs, and to my great concerne hearing
the vast confusion ye fall of stocks has made etc., I have resolved
to delay what I designed to have proposed by Drs. Rowan and
Sinclair (v. enclosed), till I can get home myself, that what I
shall lay down, may not at this juncture put ye Govermt.
on a rash attempt, and to emply such as will inevitably disapoint so glorious an undertaking, that if rightly executed
can't in all humane probability fayl of successe, to ye vast
advantage of our dear Country, and disapointment of all sorts
of its enemies and competitors; for wch. reason I am resolved
to wait on you myselfe, everything that I have been able to
propose having hitherto been stifled or a wrong use made of it
since I left London, and to prevent ye like for ye purpose and
yt. ye bearer may not be misled as Luet. Beachamp and others
has been to my prejudice, I have not let him know the contents
of what he brings you etc. Pray sir rely and beleive I have
something to impart that is of more consequence than you can
at this distance almost imagine or beleive, and unless I have
vastly more encouragemt. to stay then I have hopes to expect
by ye ships yt. I hear on their departure from Londn., to
Providence, I shall on my returne thither hold myselfe in readynesse as soon as I can put my affairs in order, and wait no
longer then till the beginning of April when, whether I have
leave or not, I shall return hither and visit Governr. Nicholson,
and ad what information I may meet here, and then set out
for London. I beg Sir, you'l be pleased with out losse of time
to honor me with a few lines, and ye bearer has orders how to
dispatch it hither yt. I may meet his Majesty's leave of absence,
if not obtained before, though if it is not here in time, I shall not
wait depending it is granted or will be by that time. I intend
to send Doctr. Rowan on pretence tis on trade to ye Havana
where he will be well received and from thence I beleive he must
go to Movill and Pansecola, unlesse I can get intelligence by
some other good hands. Pray God, France, and Spain, don't
joyne abroad, the French now most certainly drives at it, and
I am sorry to find so great a prospect of effecting it; But yet
I beleive, good Sir, yt. nothing this way may be sett on foot, to
prevent it, without proper measures are first very well concerted,
for if you employ an Expedition in these parts as accustomary
it will most certainly miscarry and it is time enough and will
be so after my arrival, and ye consequence of a miscarriage may
be pernicious, and disapoint anything of consequence after
my arrival; Indeed Sir I am as sure as it is possible a man can
be before he has been employed, yt. what I shall advance may
be executed before its known in Europe, and if begun with a
noyse or even discover'd by either France or Spain too early
at home in Europe ye whole may be desapointed, wh. can't
if prudently undertaken. I long to demonstrate what I here
do but hint at. I have now wrot Governr. Pitt and Paul
Docminique Esq. each a long letter yt. they may apear my
Patrons to ye rest of ye concerned if in earnest to improve ye
Bahama Islands etc. P.S. Ye letter of 18th July, 1719, is ye
last I am honored wth. from you. Signed, Woodes Rogers.
Endorsed, R. March 22, 1720/21. Addressed. Sealed. Holograph.
3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
327. i. Undertaking upon oath to keep the following
information secret. N. Providence, 25th Nov., 1720.
This information corroborates former observations
made by Governor Rogers and approved by sundry
eminent merchants and gentlemen of experience;
and since by several English and French who have
toucht here in their passage to and from Mexico etc.
Signed, Woodes Rogers, W. Fairfax, Andrew Rowan,
Geo. Sinclair. 1 p. |
|
327. ii. Deposition of George Sinclair, native of No. Brittain.
Deponent sayld from Jamaica in the Johnson frigat
Capt. Winter Commander, and arriv'd in the Bay of
Campeachy on or about 1st Aug. 1714 in order to
cut logwood, sd. Sinclair having about 20 servants
and slaves, where they were employed about 12 months,
when the Bay was attackt and taken by the Spaniards,
who made sd. Sinclair a prisoner carrying him to
Tobasco, where the Governour lying dangerously ill
of the dropsy, some of the English prisoners inform'd
sd. Governour, that Sinclair was a physician etc., who
undertaking the cure in little time performd it etc.
He was sent to Cuidad Royal to cure the Bishop who
lay ill of the gravel, also several other Fathers of the
Convents, all which were cured. After which was
sent for to Oahocea and thence to Mexico, on the
request of the principal ecclesiasticks there, where,
after two years travel in the country he was taken into
the palace to attend the V. Roy as physician, and
remained three years, when his mony and effects
amounting to 40,000 dollars in value was taken from
him by the K. of Spain's order, wch. came after the
effects of the Assiento Company had been seized
throughout the Spanish Dominions: Then the envy
and jealousie of the other Spanish physicians invented
a forg'd story to be told of Sinclair to the V. Roy,
who sent him prisoner to the Havana, thence to be
shipt for Old Spain, where the V. Roy said, if Sinclair
could recover his money, he would there have liberty
to try for it. By his practising of physick and
travel throughout the chief parts of the Kingdom of
Mexico, and the new Kingdom of Leon, he gained a
perfect knowledge of the Spanish language, whereby
he was admitted into a great freedom of converse
both with the Spaniards, and the Cossaicks or Chiefs
of the Indians. The latter of which seem'd more
particularly to desire a friendship with him, and would
constantly repeat the hardships and slavery they were
under, and with a promising joy would as often wish
they had other masters than the Spaniards. They
exprest in general that they esteemd the French, but
had a better opinion of the lenity of the English Government. The Indians seem'd everywhere so opprest
by the heavy taxes impos'd on them, that no numbers
would be wanting to joyn a few troops or men that
would free them from the tyrannical Spaniard.
Sinclair observ'd that the priests were obnoxious to
most of the Spaniards as well as the whole Indians,
for by their dissolute way of living, by the extravagant
taxation of bulls, indulgencies, and other Church
artillery too scandalous to be continued in Europe,
are here improvd to that degree that no person was
assurd of his own weldoing, but when bought and
pronounct so from the mouth of the Priest. The
City of Mexico which lyes about 80 leag. N.E.E. from
La Vera Cruz is seated in a fine open country in the
midst of a lake unguarded on all sides, insomuch that
before the late cessation of arms the V. Roy had great
apprehensions from the French encroachments, who
had taken three mines by the assistance of the Indians,
only led by one Frenchman who had made his escape
out of the City of Mexico with about 20 ordinary
fellows who had been prisoners, at which time Sinclair
perceiv'd that the V. Roy. was extreamly uneasy,
especially after the V. Roy had detacht. about 500
horse and 500 foot to break and stop the first motion
of the French and Indians, which horse and foot were
totally cut to pieces, as a second detachment had
found on the spot mangled, and then thro' fear
return'd to give that sad account to the V. Roy, on
which he releas'd about 40,000 of the most sencible
Indians who inhabit round the City of Mexico of half
their accustomd taxes; And if the war had been
prolongd the sd. Sinclair judges the V. Roy would
have taken of the whole impost to gain the lost affecttions of those Indians; for on the first account of
the cessation of arms the V. Roy orderd. the bells to
ring, bonefires and all other tokens of joy, at the same
time printing the D. of Orleans order for the French
to stop their progress, without which there was another
strong body of French and Indians which design'd to
joyn the aforesd. body, which in all probability would
have taken the City of Mexico, and then easily have conquer'd the whole Spanish Dominions thereabouts. All
these things occurring to sd. Sinclair's knowledge being
seven months afterwards in the Palace, and acquainted
with everything worth notice in the Court till the latter
end of August last when he was sent to La Vera Cruz
etc. ut supra., for till that time he kept his coaches
and was esteem'd the V. Roy's chief favourite. During
which, he casually saw and read a letter from the K. of
Spain, which lay forgot on the V. Roy's table, wherein
he exprest a great want of mony in Madrid for the
designs he had on foot, for which purpose he had
order'd two men of war with other galleons to fetch
such bullion or bars of silver as could be got ready,
for said the K. of Spain, other Nations recoyn my
mony, and by putting in allay make great advantage
of the recoynage, therefore am resolv'd to improve
that myself, for which purpose would have all the
mint houses forbid coining any more money than
what is to serve the currency of my Dominions abroad.
Dr. Sinclair having been imprison'd in the Inquisition
before he was known to the V. Roy, was judg'd by
all the Spaniards to be so intelligent in the customs
and manners of the Mexicans, that he believes that
to be one of the chief reasons of his being ordered
prisoner to Old Spain to conceal him from the
conversation of the world etc. As he has by some
friends in the Havana made his escape, he hopes in
few months to wait in person with Governour Rogers
on the Lord Townshend and Mr. Secretary Craggs,
to whom he will make an ample discovery of the
strength pollicys and designs of the Mexican Spaniards
and Indians etc. Signed, Geo. Sinclair. 3½
pp.
[C.O. 5, 387. Nos. 16, 16. i., ii.] |
Dec. 22.
Whitehall. |
328. Mr. Popple to Horatio Walpole, Auditor General of
the Plantations. Reply to 3rd Dec. Encloses papers relating
to Mr. Sitwell's claim, and refers to the Treasury and Minutes of
Council of Barbados etc. [C.O. 29, 14. pp. 88, 89.] |
Dec. 24.
So. Carolina. |
329. William Hammerton to Lord Carteret. Prays for
his protection and support in the Commission he holds, against
the intrigues of Mr. Trott, who is making interest with the Lords
Proprietors for a young fellow of this place etc. Signed, William
Hammerton. Addressed. Sealed: 1 p. [C.O. 5, 387. No. 17.] |
Dec. 24.
St. James. |
330. H.M. Warrant appointing Thomas Tickell, Secretary
of Virginia in the room of William Cock, decd. Countersigned,
J. Craggs. Copy. [C.O. 324, 34. p. 33.] |
Dec. 24.
St. Johns. |
331. Mr. Keen to Mr. Popple. Since the departure of
H.M. ships has been committed a wilfull murder at Petty
Harbour uppon one Thomas Foard one of the greatest imployers
in the fishery in Newfland. the persons supposd guilty of the
fact, I have apprehended and kep at my own charge together
with two person as evidence and now send them in my sloop
to have their tryall. As here is neither power or authority
left with any persons to prevent the many evills and outrages
dayly committed in this place and places adjacent after the
departure of H.M. ships, wee that reside here are in danger of
being murtherd and obleadged to suffer the insults of a lawless
people and unless care be taken to appoint some persons with
authority to reside here the winter wee shall not be able to
follow our lawfull ocasions but must leave our estates to the
mercy of wicked and desperate men. Their Lps. will be pleasd
to observe that I am at all the charge of apprehending mentaining and sending home prisoners and witnesses nor have I
any power or authority for so doeing unless being one in Commission for the tryall of pyracy robery and murther committed
at sea. It's greatly hop'd their Ldpps. will consider of some
means to prevent the growing evills amongst us and procure
for us such power and instructions as may keep us from being
destroy'd etc. Signed, W. Keen. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1st
April, 1721. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
331. i. Petition of the inhabitants of Petty harbour to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. Pray that justice
may be done to the offenders above, and encouragement
given to such usefull and able men as Mr. Keen etc.
They labour under severe difficulties for want of a
resident authority at St. John's and are in danger
of their lives from their servants etc. Signed, Edwd.
Andrews and 9 others. Same endorsement. 1 p.
[C.O. 194, 7. ff. 21–22v, 23v.] |
| Dec. 25. |
332. Office accounts of the Board of Trade, Sept. 29—Dec.
25, 1720. v. Journal of Council. [C.O. 388, 77. Nos. 95, 97,
99.] |
Dec. 26.
Province of New Hampshire. |
333. Lt. Governor Wentworth to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I was willing to take hold of so fair an opertunity
by Mr. Bridger to tender my dutifull respects, etc. Mr. Armstrong was sworen 25th Nov. etc. How far it's consistant with
H.M. intrest, that the power of the woods and the port should
be in the hands of one and the same officer, your Lordships are
the best judges. Mr. Armstrong is a good Collector, but for
his knowledge of the woods, he will confess himselfe a stranger
etc. H.M. woods will not be so well managed by a deputy as
by a Generall Surveyor, whose name carries a greater sound of
power etc. Refers to Mr. Bridger for an account of the woods.
Continues:— He is an honest gentleman, and what has been
wrote home against him, by way of complaint, has been cheifely
for his asserting H.M. right to the woods etc., and those that were
the greatest complainers were our unkind neighbours of the
Massechusets who are and desier to be strangers to all Kingly
power. Their actions make it manifest, by the carrage
to the King's Officer more especially those yt are more
emediatly from the Crown. They lay very heavvey burthens
upon us too heavey for us to bear, notwithstanding wee are
under one and the same Govermt. yet they take opertunities
to pass such acts as oppresess us very greately; They lay a
tunnage of 2s. pr. tun on all our coasting vessills, they make us
pay duble light money, just duble what there one vessil pay,
they impose on us duble dutyes on all merchandize, if they pay
20s. for a hhd. of wine we pay forty, and so on, we have suffred
it for some time past, but we hope to bring our Assembly in to
make reprizall on them. They have had the greatest part of
there lumber from this Govermt. for many years. We are
in great hopes your Lordships will make a setlemnt. of the lyne
between the Province of New Hampshier and Masethusets, its
a great pitty, ye Rivers were not the boundiares, that is from
Merrimack to Piscataqua River and so West into the country,
from Merrimack sea and North up Pisckataqua River. That
would enlarge our little Provence. We have furnished our
Agent Mr. Newman with the best draft and light we can give
him into our bounds, indeed we can't claime much more then
we a posesion. I shall do everything lyes in my power to assist
Mr. Armstrong in the execution of his office. Signed, Jno.
Wentworth. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Bridger) 8th Feb.
1720/21. Read 5th July, 1722. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 239–240.v.] |
Dec. 26.
St. James's. |
334. H.M. Warrant granting to Thomas Betts, Naval
Officer in Jamaica, further leave of absence for one year.
Countersigned, J. Craggs. Copy. [C.O. 324, 34. pp. 30–32.] |
Dec. 26.
St. Johns, Nfland. |
335. Mr. Keen to Mr. Popple. Refers to enclosed papers
relating to a grant of a salmon fishery undertaken by him and
George Skeffington to the north of Cape Frills. "The whole
charges of the undertaking were advanced by myself, but did
not answer the expectation nor pay the outsett by £120 sterl."
etc. Refers to an order he obtained from Capt. Scott to protect
them against molestation by persons Skeffington complained
of, "in wch. I only had Skeffington's name incerted, he being
upon the spot" etc. Signed, W. Keen. Endorsed, Recd. 12th
April, 1721, Read 12th April, 1722. 2½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
335. i.–v. George Skeffington to William Keen, Bonavista,
1718, 1719. Letters relating to the salmon fishery
above, with accounts. 7½ pp. |
|
335. vi. Deposition of Isaac Bonovrier, 8th Aug., 1720, the
salmon fishery above. Now that there is a prospect
of recovering the loss sustained at first by W. Keen,
Skeffington is endeavouring to engross the above
salmon fishery, after acting as a paid servant at the
beginning etc. Signed, Isaac Bonovrier. 1 p. |
|
335. vii. Copy of agreement between George Skeffington and
William Keen. 8th Sept., 1718. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 7.
ff. 53–55, 56–57, 58–59, 60–62, 63, 63v.] |
Dec. 26.
Whitehall. |
336. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Encloses six Acts of Jamaica,
1719–1720, for his opinion in point of law thereon.
[C.O. 138, 16. pp. 272, 273.] |
Dec. 27.
Whitehall. |
337. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Quote Sir N. Lawes' requests for guns etc. for Jamaica,
6th Dec., 1719, 2nd Feb. 1720. Continue: we take the liberty
to offer our opinion which you will please to lay before H.M.
that in case the publick service will admit of such a number
of great guns and other stores being sent from hence for furnishing the Hanover Line at Jamaica, which H.M. Governor
recommends with importunity as being of the utmost consequence to the security of the sd. Island, the Office of Ordnance
may be directed to supply them. [C.O. 138, 16. pp. 274, 275.] |
Dec. 27.
Whitehall. |
338. Same to Governor Sir N. Lawes. Acknowledge letters
of 30th July, 6th Dec, 1719, 2nd Feb, 31st March, 20th June
and 24th Aug. 1720, all which we have had under consideration
with the several papers therein referr'd to, and shall expect you
will continue to send us in due time the several accounts required
by your Instructions, particularly that which you promise us
of the inhabitants of the Island under your Government that we
may be the better able to judge what is proper to be done for
the greater security of the Island. We cannot but approve
the prudent care you took for the preservation of the Island,
whilst you had so just apprehensions of danger, and are very
glad to find so good use was made of that opportunity to erect
and compleat the new line, and repair your fortifications. As
to the guns which you desire etc. refer to preceding, and shall
on all occasions shew our readiness to promote the interest
of Jamaica, not doubting but the Assembly may be induc'd
to make a suitable return for their own preservation and H.M.
service; But as to your being provided with stores from hence,
we do not see how it can be done without application to Parliament, all supplies for the Ordnance being appropriated, it is
therefore to be wished that the fund in Jamaica for the fortifications might with due care be so managed as to answer all
demands of that kind. We must now take notice to you, and
cannot but express our concern to hear that the King's Orders
in favour of the Lord A. Hamilton and the former Council for
subsisting the troops imploy'd for the Island's defence, have not
yet been comply'd with. We did expect before this to have
received another Act from you concerning the Trade to
Hispaniola, conformable to our former letter, 9th July. We will
still hope that the present Assembly may do what we expect
in this particular, so we shall yet defer for a while representing
our reasons to the King in Council for the repeal of the said Act.
What you write concerning H.M. subjects cutting logwood in
the Bay of Campeachy is agreeable to what we have some time
since represented to H.M., not only with regard to the advantage
and expediency of H.M. subjects having a liberty to cut logwood
in the Bay of Campeachy, but of the right we have thereto,
and H.M. Minister in Spain has such orders on those heads, as
we hope may have the desired effect: in addition to our former
Representation, we have laid before their Excellencies the late
Lords Justices what you wrote to us, 24th Aug. etc. (v. Nov. 3).
By your letter of 2nd Feb., you seem'd to intimate as if the
Assembly by Committees during their recess were preparing
among other business for the passing a perpetual Revenue
Bill, etc. But as your subsequent letters mention nothing of
such a bill, we need only at present acquaint you that you shall
have our opinion of the said bill as soon as may be after the
receipt of it, tho' H.M. subjects of Jamaica may be assur'd
that upon their dutifull behaviour no reasonable priviledge
will be deny'd them. The Acts which you passed in Nov. 1719
and Jan. 1719/20; being with Mr. West (v. 26th Dec.), we shall
report thereupon to H.M. with all convenient speed after the
same are returned to us. In relation to H.M. proportion of
seizures upon breaches of the Acts of Trade, we have again writ
to the Treasury, but not yet received any account what directions are given in that matter. The two last Acts pass'd in
Jamaica to oblige the inhabitants to provide themselves with a
sufficient number of white people being pass'd for so short a time
have their effect before the same can be consider'd, and the
signification of H.M. pleasure concerning them reach that
Island; But we send you here inclos'd copy of a former report
of Mr. West's (v. July 8, 1719), relating to one of the sd. Acts,
whereupon we cannot but concur with him in the objections he
has made, and must desire that no future Act may be liable
thereto. [C.O. 138, 16. pp. 276–280.] |
Dec. 28.
Jamaica. |
339. Governor Sir N. Lawes to Mr. Delafaye. Acknowledges letter of 6th Oct. with Instruction as to Acts for strikeing
bills of credit, etc. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Endorsed, R.
March 17. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 51. No. 74.] |
Dec. 28.
Jamaica. |
340. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses two Acts passed last Sessions and Minutes of Council
and Assembly till 29th Nov. There has little thing of moment
occurr'd since my last only the Commission I mentioned in my
former for the trying of pirates has since been published and
Rackum the Pirate and ten more have been tryed and executed
which I hope in time will have a good effect tho' we are dayly
robb'd and plunderd by vessells fitted out from Trinidado on
Cuba. Repeats request for guns for Port Royal etc. Continues:
There has of late some differences happened between Commodore
Vernon and me in relation to a seizure made by the Port Officer.
About the beginning of Nov. I had information brought me of a
considerable quantity of French indigo which had been clandestinely imported from Hispaniola and in like manner shipt on
board the John gally and other ships then bound for Great
Brittain whereupon considering that trade to be very destructive to this country and of prejudice to the fair trader I
issued an order to the commanding officer at Port Royall to be
aiding and assisting to the Port Officers in the discharge of
their duty and ordered the said ships to be searched but while
those officers were discharging their duty they were opposed
by Capt. Vernon. Refers to enclosures. I confess I am a stranger
to any authority Capt. Vernon can have to interfere with any
matters of this kind which is properly within the jurisdiction
of my Government or can I conceive what cou'd induce him
to obstruct this peice of service, it is to be hoped hee'll justify
himself to the Lords of the Admiralty, in the meantime I thought
it my duty to lay the whole matter before your Lordships that
if you think proper I may have H.M. directions how to behave
in like cases for the future, but this I must observe to your
Lordships that you have now a plain instance of the ill consequence that attends H.M. service of the men of warr not being
under the direction of the Governor. Signed, Nicholas Lawes.
Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 21st March, 172. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
340. i. Order by Governor Sir N. Lawes to Capt. Thomas
Brooke, Commander of Port Royal, to aid the Port
Officers in their duty ut supra. 1st Nov. 1720. Signed
and endorsed as preceding. Copy. ½ p. |
|
340. ii. Deposition of Capt. Brooke. In accordance with
preceding, deponent ordered 24 men to assist Robert
Hall, but Capt. Vernon, H.M.S. Mary, by opposing
the King's forces with a superiour strength hindered
him from bringing from aboard the ships then bound
to London and Bristoll above 100,000 lb. of indico.
26th Sept. 1720. Signed, Tho. Brooke. ¾ p. |
|
340. iii–vi. Depositions of Col. Joseph Delauny and Capt.
Tho. Brooke, Daniel Williams, Thomas Rightious,
Robert Hall, corroborating preceding. 5¾ pp. [C.O.
137, 13. Nos. 46, 46. i.–vi.] |
Dec. 28.
Whitehall. |
341. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Burnet.
We congratulate you on your safe arrival etc., and we shall be
glad to hear of your good success with the Assembly. We have
consider'd the reasons transmitted 17th Oct. etc. for your
continuing the same Assembly which was call'd by your Predecessor, and have nothing to object thereto, the practice being
exactly conformable to that in Ireland where one Parliament
has subsisted under different Governors since H.M. accession
to the Throne. We have laid before H.M. what you desired etc.
(v. Dec. 14); And you may always depend on our assistance and
endeavours to procure for you whatever shall be judg'd expedient
for the service and good government of you(r) Province. Set
out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. 583. [C.O. 5, 1124. pp. 245, 246;
and (corrected draft) 5, 1079. No. 121.] |
Dec. 28.
Whitehall. |
342. Same to Governor Philipps. Refer to letter of 23rd
Sept. and representation of 14th Dec. "upon which we hope
H.M. directions will soon be transmitted to you." In the mean
time as your being so particular in the accounts you give of the
affairs of your Governmt. is very acceptabe and answers the
intent of H.M. Instructions to you in that respect, we must
recommend to you to continue the giving us the fullest informations you can by each opportunity with regard to the Province
itself and its neighbours, whether foreigners, Indians or H.M.
subjects. As to the French inhabitants of Nova Scotia, who
appear so wavering in their inclinations, we are apprehensive
they will never become good subjects to H.M. whilst ye French
Governors and their priests retain so great an influence over
them: For which reason we are of opinion they ought to be
removed so soon as the forces which we have proposed to be
sent to you shall arrive in Nova Scotia for the protection of
and better settlement of your Province, but as you are not to
attempt their removal without H.M. possitive orders for that
purpose, you will do well in the mean while to continue the same
prudent and cautious conduct towards them, to endeavour to
undeceive them concerning the exercise of their religion which
will doubtless be allowed them if it should be thought proper
to let them stay where they are. The presents for the Indians
we hear have been ordered some while since, of which your
agent will give you the necessary advices. We thank you for
the relation you send us of the trade carry'd on with the Province under your Government, but as it cannot be put under
proper regulations till you have a better force and some extended
settlements, we shall reconsider the same at a proper opportunity with what further informations we shall receive from
you on that subject. And we depend upon it your utmost care
will not be wanting to prevent illegal trade when you shall be
enabled to do it. At present we have only to add, that we shall
expect the Minutes and publick papers you promise us. So we
bid you heartily farewel, and are Your very loving friends and
humble servts. etc. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 495–497.] |
|
343. Sir H. Mackworth's Proposal in Miniature, as it has
been put in practice in New-York, in America. Begins: The
Government of New-York was indebted in the sum of 60,000l.
The funds, or revenue appropriated for payment, were 4,000l.
The Governor being inform'd of a proposal made by Sir Humphry
Mackworth, about sixteen or seventeen years ago, at a Committee of Ways and Means, for establishing a Parliamentary
temporary specie of money, on security of the land-tax, resolv'd
to make use of the same method for payment of the said debt,
and thereupon a new specie of money was establish'd on the
said fund of 4000l. per annum, of a certain value current in all
payments, to the amount of the said debt of 60,000l. And the
Governor and Assembly meet every year, and cause 4000l.
received for taxes in the said new specie, to be burnt. By this
expedient the debt was forthwith discharg'd; the People,
who wanted money to carry on trade were supply'd; and the
specie itself being almost all burnt by the said sinking fund of
4000l. per annum, the inhabitants are ready to petition for more,
for which they will be willing to pay the Government any
moderate interest. This is the same scheme which Sir H.
Mackworth now proposes to be put in practice in Great
Britain etc. Argued. Concludes: N.B.—That in New-England
there are bills issued forth call'd Province-Bills, which are in
the nature of Exchequer Bills here, and have been sometimes
at a discount for want of an establish'd currency, and a secure
fund to sink them: But in New York the bills are establish'd
on a secure fund, and of a certain fixed value, and made current
in all payments whatsoever, as much as any other the current
coin of the Kingdom; and never were at any discount at all etc.
Note.—That the want of silver and gold was the occasion of
their using these bills and species; and that want was occasion'd
because they are confin'd in their trade, chiefly to Old England,
where the ballance of trade being against them, they have been
forc'd to send almost all their silver and gold. London. Printed
for W. Boreham, at the Angel in Pater-noster Row. 1720.
Pamphlet. 18 pp. with paper cover. [C.O. 5, 1085. No. 30.] |
| [1720–1736.] |
344. Abstracts of letters from Governors of Jamaica to the
Council of Trade and Plantations, Feb. 2, 1720—10th Dec.
1736. 105 pp. With marginal notes as to replies. 1 vol.
[C.O. 137, 42.] |
| [?1720] |
345. An accompt of the severall ports belonging to the
Spaniards in America, which John Fenngass has been in a
trading, with a discription of their fortifications to the best of
his knowledge. 10½ pp. [C.O. 5, 12. ff. 3–8.] |
| [?1720] |
346. Petition of James Smith to the King. Asks for leave
of absence from his office of Secretary of New Jersey for twelve
months "to come over to England to use ye Bathwaters."
¾ p. [C.O. 5, 980. No. 41.] |
| [June 16] |
347. A true state of the Case between the Inhabitants of
South Carolina, and the Lords Proprietors of that Province;
containing an account of the Grievances under which they labour.
Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Boon), Read 16th June, 1720.
Printed. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1265. No. 145.] |
