|
Dec. 1. Whitehall. |
733. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Carteret.
Enclose draught of Commission for Governor Worseley, in the
same form as that for the late Lord Belhaven etc. Annexed, |
733. i. Draught of H.M. Commission to Henry Worseley
"to be Our Captain General and Governor in Chief
in and over Our Islands of Barbados, St. Lucia,
Dominico, St. Vincents, Tobago" etc. Signed, 11th Jan.,
172½. [C.O. 29, 14. pp. 258–279.] |
Dec. 2. New York. |
734. Governor Burnet to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have sent Mr. Kennedy one of the Lieutenants of the
Troops here and my adjutant to England in order to sollicit for two
additional companys for to be added to the four now in this Province such a force will be the only effectual security against the
designs of the french and the only sure meanes to keep ye Indians
true to us, by having numerous garrisons disposed in proper posts
in their country. If this is done nothing will be able to defeat
the measure I have already taken to settle a trade with the
far Nations, which Settlement now lyes exposed to ye French
whenever they shall think it worth their while to break their
Treaty and destroy it. This is but too much to be apprehended
from their former conduct and I hope your Lordships will
approve of the meanes I now propose to put us out of all apprehensions. As this was once moved by Brigadier Hunter for
much the same reasons and as he is an experienc'd officer and
a perfect judge of this affair I have directed Mr. Kennedy to
obtain of him ye particular scheme after what manner he
proposed that the six companys should be regimented etc.
Signed, W. Burnet. Endorsed, Recd. 15th, Read 18th Jan.
172½. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
734. i. Account of Stores remaining in H.M. Garrison of
New York, Sept. 17, 1720. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
734. ii. Estimate of stores wanting for H.M. garrisons at
New York, Albany and Schenectade (Seanactendy)
and Fort Hunter, Dec. 1st., 1721. Same endorsement.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 1053. ff. 22, 22v., 23v,–25.] |
Dec. 3. Whitehall. |
735. Lord Carteret to Governor Burnet. The King having
been pleased to sign an Instruction not to prefer any Minister
to any Ecclesiastical benefice in the Province of New York,
without a certificate from the Lord Bishop of London, and not
to admit any person to keep school in that Province, without the
license of the said Bishop of London, I take this occasion to
transmit the same to you. Signed, Carteret. Annexed, |
735. i. H.M. Additional Instructions to the Governor of
New York. St. James's, Nov. 30th, 1721. Altering
71st and 75th Articles of his Instructions as described
in preceding. Signed, G.R. [C.O. 324, 34. pp.
84–86.] |
Dec. 3. Whitehall. |
736. Same to Same. Encloses similar instruction, as to
ecclesiastical benefices only, in relation to the Province of New
Jersey. Signed, Carteret. Annexed, |
736. i. H.M. Instruction referred to in preceding. [C.O.
324, 34. pp. 86–88.] |
Dec. 3. Whitehall. |
737. Same to Governor Nicholson. Encloses Instructions
similar to those of the Governor of New York, supra. Signed,
Carteret. Annexed, |
737. i. H.M. Instructions ut supra. [C.O. 324, 34. pp.
88–90.] |
Dec. 4. Treasury Chambers. |
738. H. Walpole to Mr. Popple. Encloses following for
the opinion of the Council of Trade. Signed, H. Walpole.
Endorsed, Recd., Read 5th Dec., 1721. Addressed. ½ p.
Enclosed. |
738. i. Account of Beaver skins imported and exported,
1715–1720. 1 p. |
738. ii. The Hat-Makers Case. The duty of 151/8d. upon
beaver skins was laid when the value of 20s. per skin.
The great importation thereof has reduced it to 4/6 per
skin, so that the duty is now 30 p.c. Soon after the
Peace of Reswick the French seduced 12 English
Hatters, and one Hat-dyer to Paris, and there set up
a manufactory of beaver-hats, by which means that
mysterious art, heretofore known to the English only,
did soon spread into other foreign countries, and
(besides having their labour cheaper) they drawing
back at the Custom-house 13¼d. on every skin exported,
enables them to buy their goods at our markets 20 to
25 per cent. Cheaper than the British manufacturer
can do: which is equal to laying a tax of 20 to 25 per
cent. on our own workmen, when the foreigner pays
nothing. A still greater advantage arises to the
foreigner, by an evil practice introduced a few years
since, of carrying very great quantities of beaver-skins
from New York, or other Plantations, to Holland
directly etc. Pray that the duty may be so alleviated
or proportioned, as to set the English manufacturer at
least on the same level with foreigners etc. Printed.
1 p. [C.O. 388, 23. No. 74.] |
Dec. 8. Bermuda. |
739. Lt. Governor Bennett to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. On 24th Sept. I received H.M. mandamus for
calling into the Council Hen. Tucker and John and Richd.
Jennings, and doe understand yor. Lordps. wants to know what
is become of Robt. Burton formerly appointed one of the Council
by my Instructions from His present Matie., to which I answer
that Robert Burton Esq. died before I received my Commission.
Inclosed is an Act of Assembly whereby yor. Lordps. may please
to observe in the preamble, there has been two such Acts made
laying a duty on all goods imported not belonging to inhabitants
(provisions and liquors only excepted) for supplying the deficiency of several funds in these Islands, and for building a
house for the present and succeeding Governours. The last of
which will expire in May next; and by the act herewith sent it
appears there are still deficiencies in answering the intent of
the former Act with an addition in the title (vizt.) and repairing
the Castle and fortifications, and for defraying the other publick
charge of these Islands, which addition almost made it a new
bill, and knowing the necessity of the Govermt. incline me to
presume so far to pass it as is mentioned after the close of the Act,
and doe pray that as soon as conveniency will permit it may be
laid before H.M. for approbation, and if allowed that I may be
advised thereof by the first opportunity, in order to put it in
force after the expiration of the former Act without which the
Govermt. can not with soe much ease and content be supported,
for the trader is noe way hurt he advanceing accordingly on his
goods, and the inhabitants can't find fault because they by their
Representatives have put it upon themselves: and least this
tax may be supposed to amount to more than really it does,
on examining the accts I find it has one year with another
brought in £162 6s. 8d. two thirds of which has been paid by
persons comeing to trade for our platt, which whilst in fashion
may produce abt. the same, but when not in demand that fund
must sink proportionably. My Lds. I am sensible this Act
wanted several amendmts. both as to form and wording, but
the Assembly being impatient to return to their plantations did
by the same Committy that brought it up to me in Council,
desire to adjourn to the first Monday in May. In answer to
which I said I would let the Speaker know after reading the
bill, and upon consulting with the Council about the amendmts.
they advised me not to detain the House least something might
arise to obstruct it, and cause it to be laid aside till their next
meeting, before which time the former Act will expire, besides
it was doubted that if delayed it would not be sent up to us
again, several of the members being against it; which reasons
(and being for the support of the Govermt.) prevail'd on me
to proceed in passing it so far as it is, and hope I shall not be
censur'd. From Barbados I understand that that coast and
Martinique have been infested with five pirate sloops and a
brigantine, whom have taken several vessells, and that their
place of randevouz was att Sta. Lucea, and that the Governour
of Martinique had sent up to the Presidt. of Barbados for the
assistance of a man of war etc. Refers to enclosure. Signed,
Ben. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. 24th Jan., 172½, Read 13th
June, 1722. Holograph. 2½ pp. Enclosed, |
739. i. Six inhabitants of Bermuda qualified to supply
vacancies in the Council:—Capt. Danl. Tucker, John
Darrell, Tho. Parsons, Capt. Samll. Rayner, Capt. Geo.
Ball, Capt. Jam. Browne. All of good character and
estate. Signed, B. Bennett. Same endorsement. 1 p.
[C.O. 37, 10. Nos. 27, 27. i.; and (abstract of
covering letter), 37, 24. p. 8.] |
Dec. 11. Whitehall. |
740. B. Wheelock (assistant Secretary, Board of Trade)
to Mr. West. Encloses, for his opinion thereupon, the petition
of Lewis Piers etc. [C.O. 153, 14. p. 83.] |
Dec. 12. Boston. |
741. Mr. Willard to [?Mr. Popple]. Encloses Minutes
of Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay, 31st May—Aug., 1721,
and of Council for half year ending Aug., 1721, Acts passed
May—Aug., 1721, Treasurer's accounts and accounts of stores
at Castle William. Signed, Josiah Willard. Endorsed, Recd.
31st Jan., Read 13th Feb., 1721/22. 1 p. Enclosed, |
741. i. Accounts of Jeremiah Allen, Treasurer and Receiver
General of H.M. Revenue within the Massachusetts
Bay, 31st May, 1720–1721. £45,500 10s. 1d. The
balance of his account discharged by the Assembly,
June 22, 1721. Endorsed as preceding. 26 pp. |
741. ii. Account of stores of war at H.M. Castle william at
Boston. June 24, 1721. Signed, Zecr. Tuthill, Lt,
Same endorsement. 1 p. |
741. iii. Account of stores of war expended at Castle William,
24th June, 1720–1721. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 163,
164v., 166–179v., 184v., 185, 186v.–187v.] |
[Dec. 12.] Admty. Office. |
742. John Cokburne, a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty,
to the Earl of Westmorland. Upon news of death of Col.
Archbould, recommends his brother to fill vacancy in Council
of Jamaica. Signed, Jo. Cokburne. Endorsed, Recd. from the
Earl of westmorland, 12th, Read 13th Dec., 1721. 1 p.
[C.O. 137, 14. ff. 48, 49v.] |
Dec. 13. Boston. |
743. Governor Burnet to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Returns thanks for promised representation
on his administration (23rd Aug.). The affairs of the Province
remain as before. Finds that the rebellious conduct of the
Indians mentioned in his last letter was chiefly occasioned by
M. de Vaudreuil permitting, or encouraging Father le Chaise,
and Monsr. Croizeen, a French officer, to come down into H.M.
Government, and there join with Raillee, another French Jesuit,
who constantly resides among the Indians that are in H.M.
territories, who all combined together as incendiaries to persuade
the Indians to commit this insult. These proceedings keep the
Eastern settlements constantly alarmed, and obliges him to
keep troops upon the frontiers, to the great expence of the
province. These proceedings of the French are directly contrary
to the Treaties, and he begs the Board to consider them etc.
Set out, Maine Hist. Soc. Coll. I. 376. Signed, Samuel Shute.
Endorsed, Recd. 31st Jan., Read 6th Feb., 1721/22. 2 pp.
Enclosed, |
743. i. Account of powder in H.M. Fort William and Mary
at New Castle in N. Hampshire, May 28, 1720–1721,
with a list of stores remaining. Signed, J. Wentworth.
Same endorsement. 2 pp. |
743. ii. H.M. Additional Instruction to Governor Shute,
27th Sept., 1717, relating to passing Acts affecting
trade or shipping etc. Same endorsement. Copy. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 868. ff. 150, 150v., 151v.–152v., 153v.–154v.] |
Dec. 13. Whitehall. |
744. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Carteret.
Enclose following to be laid before H.M. Annexed, |
744. i. Same to the King. Enclose following draught of
Instructions for the Duke of Portland, Governor of
Jamaica, "in the usual form, except some few alterations from the Instructions given to Sir N. Lawes, etc.
vizt., To the 15th Article of Sir N. Lawes' Instructions
relating to the passing of private Acts, we have added
(No. 19), that the Governor take care that in all such
private Acts there be a clause inserted to prevent their
being in force till they shall have receiv'd your Majesty's
Royal approbation, and that publick notification be
made of the parties intention to apply for such Act
in the several parish Churches where the premisses
in question lye, before the same be brought into
the Assembly; which addition your Majesty was
graciously pleas'd to approve in the draughts of
Instructions for the late Lord Belhaven, etc. The
21st Article of the present draught against the passing
of Laws whereby bills of credit may be struck or money
paid to the Governor or any of the Council or Assembly,
without a clause declairing such Acts not to be in force
till approved by your Majesty, is new, and agreeable
to the Additional Instruction to Sir N. Lawes, which
we laid before the late Lords Justices 11th Aug. 1720,
pursuant to your Majesty's Order in Council of 19th
May foregoing. The 31st Article relating to the Duke
of Portland's appointments for the Governor of
Jamaica, and your Majesty's permission to him to
receive such addition as the Assembly there shall
think fit to his salary, under the restrictions therein
mention'd, is prepared conformable to the Instructions
to your Majesty's Governors of Barbados, the Leeward
Islands and Bermuda, and in obedience to your
Majesty's particular commands (11th Oct. last);
except that whereas by the Instructions to the said
Governors they are permitted to give their assent
to any Act or Acts to be pass'd in the first Assembly
after their arrival, for such addition to the allowance
for the said Governor's support as the Assembly should
think fit to make for the whole time of their Govt.,
we have in the present draught confined the passing
of such Act to the space of a year after the Governor's
arrival, as conceiving the same more agreable to the
intent of the said Instruction, since the sitting of the
Assembly in Jamaica is not limited, as in some other
Governments, to one year only. The latter part of
the 35th Article after the words, particular order for
that purpose, is new, and is designed to prevent in
Jamaica the same inconveniences and disturbances
which have lately happen'd in Barbados from the
President of the Council having taken upon him to
exercise a very unusual liberty of making as many
changes in all offices there, both civil and military,
as the Governor himself directly appointed by your
Majesty, might have done. The 59th Article, is new,
and was prepared at the request of the Commissioners
of Customs, upon complaint from their officers in the
Plantations, that they are frequently obliged to serve
on Jurys and to appear in arms, to the hindrance of
the execution of their employments. The 63rd and
66th Articles relating to certificates for clergymen,
and licences for schoolmasters; we have altered
pursuant to your Majesty's Order in Council, 26th
Sept. The 65th Article of the Instructions to the
late Governor, relating to the entries to be made in
all ports of all goods, is omitted in the present draught,
as being provided for in the particular Instructions
likewise herewith humbly laid before your Majesty,
in pursuance of the several Acts of Trade and Navigation, which are in the usual form, except that conformable to your Majesty's Order in Council, 2nd Oct.,
we have incorporated a clause for preventing any
illegal trade which may be carry'd on by ships coming
to your Majesty's Plantations from the East Indies.
In the 85th, 86th and 87th Articles relating to the
particular incouragement to be given to the Royal
African Company, we have included others H.M.
subjects trading to Africa, which your Majesty has
been pleased to approve for the Govr. of Barbados
and others. And whereas pursuant to an Act of
Parliament for the more effectual suppression of
piracy, your Majesty has been graciously pleas'd to
grant a Commission for trying pirates at the Bahamas
Islands, which before [your] Majesty's appointing a
Governor of those Islands, were to be try'd by virtue of
the like Commission granted to Sr. Nicholas Lawes, we
have made the necessary alteration etc. We have
inserted in the first place of the Council, the name of
Charles Du Bourgay Esq. your Majesty's Lt. Governor,
as is done in the Leeward Islands, and Wm. Cockburn
in the room of James Archbould decd. etc. |
744. ii. H.M. Instructions to Henry Duke of Portland,
Captain General and Governor in Chief of Jamaica.
v. preceding, [C.O. 138, 16. pp. 337–400.] |
Dec. 14. St. James's. |
745. Order of King in Council. Referring preceding to
the Lords of the Committee for Plantation Affairs for their
opinion thereupon. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed,
Recd. 23rd, Read 24th April, 1722. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 14. ff.
133, 134v.] |
Dec. 14. St. James's. |
746. Order of King in Council. Referring representation
of Dec. 1st and draught of Commission for Governor Woresly to
the Lords of the Committee for Plantation Affairs for their
report. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd,
Read 24th April, 1722. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 264, 265v.] |
Dec. 14. Whitehall. |
747. Mr. Popple to John Moore. The Council of Trade and
Plantations desire to know whether you intend to return again
to Jamaica, and how soon, as also how long you have been
absent. Similar letter to Samuel Moore. [C.O. 138. 16. p.
400.] |
Dec. 17. Whitehall. |
748. Mr. Popple to Horatio Walpole, one of the Secretaries
of the Treasury. Pursuant to the desire of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury (v. 4th Dec.) the Lords Commissioners
for Trade etc. have considered the case of the Hat-makers and
the account of beaver-skins imported and exported Christmas
1715–1720 etc., and have discoursed with several of the said
hatters and other dealers in beaver-skins, whereupon their
Lordships command me to signify their opinion etc., that the
large drawback of 13¼d. for every beaver skin exported (the
whole duty on importation being but 15d.) is a great discouragement to our British manufacturers of beaver hats, in regard
that foreigners are thereby inabled to buy the said skins so
much cheaper, and consequently to undersell us in the markets
abroad etc. They conceive the drawback should be intirely
taken off and the duty of 15d. on importation be reduced etc.
They are of opinion that the evil practice complained of by the
petitioners, of carrying beaver skins directly from the British
Plantations to foreign parts, ought to be effectually prevented.
[C.O. 382, 28. pp. 101, 102.] |
Dec. 18. St. James's. |
749. Order of King in Council. Approving draught of
Commission for Governor Henry Woresly. Signed, Edward
Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read 24th April, 1722. ½ p.
[C.O. 28, 17. ff. 262, 263v.; and (duplicate signed, Temple
Stanyan) 5, 191. p. 359a.] |
Dec. 19. Whitehall. |
750. Mr. Popple to Horatio Walpole. Applies for 40
copies of 4 Acts of Parliament to be distributed to Governors
of Plantations etc. Dated (incorrectly) 1722. Ed. [C.O. 324,
10. pp. 441, 442.] |
Dec. 20. Whitehall. |
751. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Burnet.
Having been desired by Samuel Pytts and his Lady the Countess
of Bellomont, to recommend to you to be assisting to them in
obtaining the payment of what shall appear to remain due to
her as Executrix of ye late Earl of Bellomont on account of his
Lordship's sallary or otherwise as Governor of New York; we
could not refuse so reasonable a request and therefore hope you
will favour them by knowing of Colo. Depeyster, who we are
inform'd has the proper warrants in his hands, the state of that
affair and by pressing him or moving the Assembly etc. to discharge the debt. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1079. No. 127; and 5, 1124.
pp. 272, 273.] |
Dec. 20. St. James's. |
752. H.M. Commission to Governor Worsley, revoking
that of Lord Belhaven. Countersigned, Carteret. [C.O. 5,
191. pp. 360–373.] |
Dec. 20. Barbados. |
753. Samuel Cox to Lord Townshend. Returns thanks
for obligations. Is confident that he will be able to justify his
conduct to the expected Governor, Lord Belhaven. If he was
too hasty in suspending the members of Council, etc., their
conduct since they were restored has sufficiently shewn how
necessary it was. Continues:—Their refusal to suffer the
nomination of any Judg of the Chief Court of Common Pleas,
when they knew I could not issue a Commission without their
consent, whereby the administration of Justice in that Common
Law Court was entirely stopt, and all mercantile affairs in
confusion and at a stand; their refusal to let any Court of Grand
Sessions be held, in direct defiance of H.M. 42nd Instruction;
their frequent attempts to wrest the Prerogative out of my
hands, and claiming the right of doing what the Governr. or
Commander-in-Chief is by his Commission and Instructions
impower'd to do; and their refusall to joyn with me on any
other terms, or wth. the Assembly at all, in the publick administration (besides the indignities and insults offer'd my person)
do now clearly prove that the administration of the Government
and the distribution of justice must have been at a stand if
those changes had not been made etc. For the last part of my
Government I have been a mere cypher in a maner, my hands
having been in many things ty'd up by my Instructions to act
in the administration, with those who refused to act with me at
all, etc., but I can challenge the most malicious to give one
single instance of any person injur'd in his property or his
liberty. Justice has been as equally and as impartially distributed as in any country on earth, till the restored Councillors
obstructed the administration. No one has had any corporal
punishment inflicted, nor been so much as imprison'd for the
outragious insults against my person and administration. I
have forgiven and pas't over them all etc. Signed, Saml. Cox.
2 pp. [C.O. 28, 39. No. 9.] |
Dec. 20. Barbados. |
754. Mr. Cox to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
The unexpected stay of my Lord Belhaven having disappointed
my expectations, that I should not have another opportunity
of addressing your Lordships etc., I now do myself the honour
to acquaint you, that since my last, the insolent behaviour of
the restored Members of Council towards me, their resolutions
to stagnate all affairs and to stop the administration of publick
Justice is demonstrated by every fresh oppertunity, as will
appear from the Minutes of Council now transmitted, particularly their refuseing to agree to the appointment of any Judg
for ye Grand Sessions, in manifest disobedience to my 42nd
Instruction then communicated to them, altho' their were
criminals for murder, and other crimes to have been tried. Mr.
Lascells, Collr. of the Customs here, has after siezure discharged
and let saile the Sloop Spy one Burrows Master, altho' he knew
she was under prosecution in H.M. Courts here for breach of
the Acts of Trade, and had on board her when siezed severall
french sugers, which (she having sailed from this Island without
any clearance) had taken in at the french Islands, and unloaded
great part of, without entry with me, and at the Customhouse.
How far this gentleman's conduct deserves censure, is humbly
submitted. I have been lately sensibly mortified with a generall
account that I have fallen under your Lordships censure, for
several facts contain'd in Mr. Sutton's and Mr. Terrils letters,
I have however the comfort to know that those facts are the
most monstruous etc. the most ridiculous lyes that ever were
invented, etc. Regrets delay in sending papers owing to the
villainy of Mr. Lenoir etc. Continues: Since I have taken the
Council Books into my custody, and at my own private expence
made out copies for your Lordships, I have neither been wanting
in writeing to your Lordships, nor transmitting ye proper papers
etc. I have the further misfortune to find that I have not (ever
since I have been President) been favour'd with one single line
from yor. Lordships etc. I have been now President of Barbados
above a twelvemonth, and notwithstanding that ye parties and
divisions (wch. Mr. Lowther left among us and made his faction
drink damnation ever to support) have run to so great a higth,
yet there is not one single instance of violence, or oppression,
or injustice, I challenge the most spitefull, and inveterate of
all my enemies to give one single instance of any person injur'd
in his property, depriv'd in his liberty, or treated with severity,
there has been no imprisonmts., no corporal punishments as
in Mr. Lowther's time, nor a fine above five pounds (except one
which was £20) for the most dareing and scurrilous insults on
the Goverment that can be imagin'd. And yet I have supported ye Prerogative and can with great truth aver that mine
has been a just, mild and gentle administration. And however
some people may grumble for having been turn'd out of places,
which, they neither deserv'd nor were fit for, yet their liberties
and properties have never been meddled with. Encloses
Minutes of Assembly to 5th Dec. Signed, Saml. Cox. Endorsed,
Recd. Read 15th Feb., 172½. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 28,
17. ff. 247–248, 250, 250v. (with abstract.)] |
Dec. 20. Barbados. |
755. Mr. Cox to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
In pursuance of my 29th Instruction, I do myself the honour
of acquainting your Lordships that one Mary Haselton of this
Island was bound in a recognizance of £100 herself, and £50
each of her securitys, to appear at the then next Quarter Sessions,
on pretence of her living incontinently with one John Bently
Esq., and she being apprehensive of very violent proceedings
intended to be had against her by some malicious persons left
the Island, by which means her said recognizance became forfeited. But I am by the same Instruction impowered to suspend
the payment of any fines and forfeitures till H.M. pleasure be
known; which I have accordingly done by that above-mentioned, as well on the consideration that the sd. sum so forfeited
must fall on a Gentleman of known loyalty and avow'd affection
to the present Happy Establishment, and who has upon all
occasions exerted himself for the interest of H.M. in these parts,
as for that I don't find any law to punish incontinency in the
manner it has been occasionally practis'd here with the utmost
partiality, or that gives the Civil Magistrate any cognizance
of that crime, otherwise than by securing the Parish where tis
committed from any damage that may ensue thereby; which
I say not without presuming to assure your Lordships that I
have hitherto, and ever shall discountenance the vice as much
as lyes in my power, etc. Signed, Saml. Cox. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 15th Feb., 172½. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 245, 245v., 246v.] |
Dec. 22. Whitehall. |
756. Lord Carteret to Governor Hart. It having been
represented to the King that James Milliken Esqr., Mr. James
Gordon and Mr. John Burnet are in possession of that part of
the French lands in St. Christophers yeilded to Great Britain
by the Treaty of Utrecht by virtue of grants from the Chief
Governor there, and have improved the same etc., they are to
remain in the quiet enjoyment thereof, till H.M. shall think
fit how to dispose of that part etc. In case you have already
given any grants to dispossess such persons, you are to recall
the same, etc. Signed, Carteret. [C.O. 324, 34. pp. 95, 96.] |
Dec. 25. |
757. Petty Expenses, Postage and Stationer's Account
of the Board of Trade, Michaelmas to Christmas, 1721. The
latter account includes £9 for "18 large books of loose papers
bound together in vellum att the Office." v. B.T. Journal.
[C.O. 388, 78. ff. 8, 9. 16, 17, 20.] |
Dec. 26. Fort Nassau in New Providence. |
758. Governor Phenney to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to enclosures. Continues:—The Fort has only
two thin stone walls and the interspace fill'd with earth, the
bastions are all deformed and falling, the parapets being of plank
are most part decay'd, so that it is thought necessary here to
have the whole rebuilt, to which purpose the Council and Inhabitants have addrest H.M. to grant them leave to elect an
Assembly in order to raise monys for that and other publick
works. The whole people here pray your Lordsps. assistance
that they may have an Assembly which will soon encrease the
number of inhabitants and make the Colony flourish. Under
the Proprietary Government the Assembly consisted of twenty,
but we hope your Lordsps. will think it proper to have that
number enlarg'd. I am now going to work on a platform for
the twenty-four 18 pounders (that came over with me) extending
from the Fort to the westward which will make the harbour
very secure till we can get the Fort in better order. I am about
to form the Militia of which I will do myself the honour to give
your Lordsps. an account by my next. I am getting a general
draft of these Islands which as soon as finish'd I will also forward
to your Lordships. Samuel Pitt (late Mate of the Hamilton a
Bristol ship Joseph Smith Commander) with six of the crew
came in their longboat from the Havana having the Governor's
pass. They were taken the 22d. June last by the Good Fortune
brigantine Thomas Anstead Commander and Pirate having
18 guns, 60 white men and 19 negroes, 14 leagues west of
Jamaica. The sd. pirates forct the second mate and 12 of
Smith's men to proceed with them etc. Signed, G. Phenney.
Endorsed, Recd. 26th April, Read 1st May, 1722. 1¾ pp.
Enclosed, |
758. i. (a) List of Council of Bahama Islands:—James
Gohier, William Fairfax, Thomas Walker senr.,
Charles Wainwright Carrington, Pedro Galfrido
Parabow Skynner, Richard Thompson senr.,
Nathaniel Taylor, William Spatchers senr., Peter
Courant, Joseph Cookes, Thomas Wood, Samuel
Watkins. |
(b) Persons recommended to supply vacancies in
Council:—William Jones, John Cockrem, Thomas
Barnett, Joseph Hall, Francis Besey, Benjamin
Bullock, Richard Thompson junr., Thomas Walker
junr., Thomas Spencer, Benjamin Saunders, Thomas
Saunders, John Thompson. Endorsed as preceding.
2 pp. |
758. ii. Minutes of Council of the Bahama Islands, 24th
Dec., 1721. Mr. Carrington was suspended from the
Council upon the information of Mr. Gohier, that when
in England he was in the interest of the Pretender etc.
Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 4 pp. |
758. iii. Minutes of Council of Bahama Islands, 18th–29th
Dec., 1721. John Howell, Lt. of the Independant
Company, cleared himself of the charge of having been
a pirate brought against him by James Gohier and
Thomas Walker etc. Same endorsement. Copy. 13 pp. |
758. iv. Minutes of Council of Bahama Islands, Dec. 1721.
Mr. Gohier, one of the co-partners and sole Agent to
the rest, exhibited articles against William Fairfax,
Judge of the Vice-Admiralty, Collector, and Deputy
Secretary, charging him with maladministration as
Deputy Governor (i) Governor Rogers, departing without leave, appointed Fairfax Lt. Governor, tho' he had
no power to do so, and Gohier was President of the
Council. By Fairfax's orders troops boarded the
Duck sloop, belonging to the Bahama Co., and seized
12 barrels of flower. (ii) To disable the Company
from recovering their goods, Fairfax by proclamation
declared Gohier and the Chief Justice (Walker)
enemies to the welfare of this Government. (iii) By
Fairfax's orders, soldiers shot and killed stock belonging to Gohier, grazing on the common near the fort.
(iv) He forbade the inhabitants to pay the tenth of
spermaceti oil and fifth of ambergrease to Gohier as
agent to the lessees and took them to maintain the
soldiers, as he says; and protecteth himself in these
proceedings by force of arms, ever since the 10th of
June. He put a stop to the established Courts of
Justice, and forbade the publication of the Chief
Justice's announcement of their being continued, so
that several debtors have gone off the Island in debt
to the Company etc. v–xi. Other charges, including
that of baptizing children. Reply of William Fairfax.
Refers to Minutes of Council in answer to Nos. i, ii.
Denies No. iii. Mr. Gohier and Walker, Factors, denied
all relief to the Garrison from the Factory. Fairfax
therefore received ambergrease and sperma, as stated,
in order to purchase the necessaries for them, etc.
Same endorsement. 46¾ pp. |
758. v. Copy of proceedings in case James Gohier v. Thomas
Petty, relating to a demand by the former for a tenth
of all oil made from seal, since seal fish was ever
esteemed a royal fish within the Bahama Islands.
Referred, at the request of the Chief Justice, Thomas
Walker, the plaintiff and defendant to the Council
of Trade and Plantations, for their judgment thereupon.
Same endorsement. 7 pp. |
758. vi. Inventory of Stores of War in Fort Nassau on New
Providence, 12th Nov., 1721. Signed, John Allen,
gunner, Jno. Pennell, Storekeeper. Same endorsement.
3 pp. [C.O. 23, 1. Nos. 42, 42. i–vi.] |
Dec. 28. St. James's. |
759. Order of King in Council. Referring to Committee of
Privy Council, the report of the Board of Trade of 1st Sept.
upon the petition of Capt. Gookin (v. 8th Jan. 1720). Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read 24th April,
1722. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 31, 32v.] |
[?1721] |
760. Address of the Governor, Council and Assembly and
Inhabitants of South Carolina to Governor Nicholson. Truly
sensible of and deeply affected with H.M. great grace and
goodness towards us, in sending your Excy. as His Representative
among us, etc., next to our grateful sense of the King's
goodness in taking us under his own immediate protection that
of his wisdom in sending your Excellency for our Governor
takes place. We rejoyce at the extensive latitude of the powers
H.M. has honoured you with because they convince us of the
great repose and confidence H.M. has in you, and your Excys.
wise conduct since your arrival very strongly shows us how
much your Excy. will improve those powers for the honour of
the King and the advantage of his subjects in this Province.
The King by taking us under his protection makes it incumbent
upon us ever most gratefully to acknowledge His grace and
favour, But H.M. by appointing so wise and experienced a
person as your Excy. (who has acquired such considerable
conquests to the Crown of Great Britain in America from the
great employments and commands you have heretofore had in
every Province thereof) to settle the safety trade and tranquillity
of this Infant Colony demonstrates that no distant of place
lessens his fatherly tenderness for his people. These blessings
will naturally induce us to live in Love, Peace, Unity and
Friendship with one another and to have no other strife among
ourselves, but who shall approve himself the best subject to
the King and most sincerely and affectionately attach'd to
your Excy. etc. Undated. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 382. No. 24.] |
[1721] |
761. Memorial to Henry, Lord Carleton, President of H.M.
Privy Council. Proposal from "an intended Company of
Trustees" to settle all the half-pay officers upon the land
lyeing between Nova Scotia and the Province of Maine, if
H.M. will remit the quit-rent of the Province for 99 years. It
has been proposed to settle the said land for raising hemp,
flax and naval stores, with a quit-rent of 28 lb. of hemp per
100 acres etc. No date or signature. [C.O. 5, 752. No. 17.] |
[1721] |
762. Similar Memorial to Charles Lord Viscount Townshend,
Principal Secretary of State. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 752. No. 18.] |
[?1721] |
763. Michael Ayon to Lord Carteret, Secretary of State.
Prays for relief out of H.M. Royal bounty in compensation
for his great losses, services and sufferings at the time of the
rebellion in Antegoa in which H.M. Capt. Generall was
murder'd etc. Signed, Michael Ayon. No date. 1 p. [C.O.
7, 1. No. 23.] |
[1721] |
764. Major George Thomas to [?Lord Carteret]. Prays to
be appointed to the Council of Antegoa upon the first vacancy.
Has a very plentiful estate in that island etc. Was lately
introduc'd by my Lord Carteret to H.M. with an Address from
said Island, etc. No date or signature. ¾ p. [C.O. 7, 1. No.
24]. |
[1721] |
765. Petition of Col. Ekines to the King. In return for
services done and money disbursed at Scilly etc. in the service
of his country, asks to be appointed Governor of North Carolina.
Signed, Tho. Ekines. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 306. No. 6.] |
[?1721] |
766. Petition of Lessees of the Bahama Islands to the Lords
Justices. The Lords Proprietors granted the said Islands to
Woods Rogers, who assigned the same to several of petitioners.
They have expended great sums in settling and fortifying them.
Finding it a work too great for a few private persons, these
first assignees of the lease have agreed with the rest of petitioners
and others to let them into particular parts and interests in
the Islands on their contributing proportionable sums for
carrying on the undertaking etc. Pray for letters patent of
incorporation etc. cf. April 19, 1721. Without date or signature.
2¼ pp. Dated by a reference to attack by Spaniards "in March
last." Ed. On back, in later hand, (? 1728), |
766. i. Members of the Bahama Company. Ld. Londonderry,
Sr. Cha. Wager, Wm. Chetwynd, Paul Docminique,
Govr. Harrison, Govr. Hunter. [C.O. 23, 12. No.
80.] |
1721–1735. |
767. Naval Officer's Returns, Carolina. [C.O. 5, 509.] |
1720–1721. |
768. Correspondence of Commandants of Essequibo with
the Directors of the Dutch West India Company. Dutch. [C.O.
116, 22 and 23.] |