|
March 16.
St. James's. |
116. Order of King in Council. Approving representation of 3rd March, and appointing Thomas Maxwell to the Council of Barbadoes. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 30th May, Read 4th June, 1730. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 21. ff. 66, 67v.] |
March 16.
St. James's. |
117. Order of King in Council. Appointing Alexander Henderson to the Council of Jamaica in the room of Mr. Forbes. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 30th May, Read 4th June, 1730. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 18. ff. 76, 77v.] |
March 17.
Whitehall. |
118. Mr. Popple to Col. Hart, late Governor of the Leeward Islands. You will observe by the undermentioned extracts, that there is a difference of 20 years, between the time when Genl. Hamilton relates the evacuation of Sta. Cruz to have happen'd, and the time that you mention the same thing; As it is material to my Lords Commissrs. for Trade and Plantations to be particular as to point of time, in a report they are shortly to make in relation to this island; I am commanded to desire you will please to reconsider your letter, and let me have your answer, as soon as possibly you can. Quotes extracts from Genl. Hamilton, 10th April, 1716 and Col. Hart 10th July, 1729. v. C.S.P. under dates. [C.O. 153, 15. pp. 47, 48]. |
March 17.
Whitehall. |
119. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend Robert Dinwiddie for the Council of Bermuda in place of Capt. Daniel Tucker deed. [C.O. 38, 8. p. 149]. |
March 17.
Whitehall. |
120. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Enclose following to be laid before the King. Annexed, |
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120. i. Same to the King. In obedience to order of 21st Feb., submit following. |
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120. ii. Draughts of H.M. Additional Instructions to Governors of Plantations (excluding Proprietary Governments). Having been graciously pleas'd to grant unto the Right Revd. Father in God Edmund Lord Bishop of London, a Commission under Our Great Seal, whereby he is impowered to exercise ecclesiastical jurisdiction by himself or by such Commissaries as he shall appoint, in Our several Plantations in America; It is Our will and pleasure, that you give all countenance and due encouragement to the said Bishop of London or his Commissaries in the legal exercise of such ecclesiastical jurisdiction, according to the laws of the Island [Province], Colony under your Government, and to the tenor of the said Commission, a copy whereof is hereunto annexed, and that you do cause the said Commission to be forthwith registered in the Public Records of that Our Island (Province) Colony. [C.O. 324, 11. pp. 164–167.] |
| March 17. |
121. Robert Dinwiddie, Collector of H.M. Customs in Bermuda, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Observations on the trade of America. (i) It will greatly advance the Trade and Navigation of Great Brittain, and particularly encourage that commodious and profitable settlement of South Carolina, if liberty was given to export rice directly from thence to any part of Spain and Portugall, and that the ships so loading rice be oblidged to proceed from Spain, or Portugall, to some port of Great Brittan, and their clear out their ships and cargoes, or they be admitted to return to the Plantations, which will be a mean to hinder a collusive trade. And that every hundredweight of rice shipt as aforesaid be subject to 2s. sterl. duty, which money is to be lodged in the Treasury of South Carolina, and made use of in transporting or paying the passages of poor familys from Great Brittain and Ireland, and that the Governor have power to give those people some lands behind our nou (sic) settlements, and out of the above duty advance them by way of loan a certain sum for 7 years free of interest etc. (ii) The Sugar Plantations are of very great consequence to Great Brittain etc. Proposes that Ireland have liberty to export provisions to any part of America, but be restrained from carrying them to any port in Europe (butter excepted), whereby the French will be under a necessity to support their Sugar Colonies by dealing with our Plantations etc. By this means we shall considerably engross the sugar trade out of the hands of the French and make them have a dependance on our Collonies for support of their Plantations, and make the port of London the chief staple for that commodity to all Europe, for the price of sugar does not depend on the home consumption, but on the constant demand all over Europe etc. One consequence of this regulation would be that provisions in our Collonies will alwayes be plenty and at a moderate price to our planters, and the people of Ireland instead of wine and brandy would be furnished with good rum and suggar at a much more beneficial rate in exchange for their provisions, (iii) I observe great frauds carried on in the Plantation trade, and that by selling of vessels to the French and Dutch. When they make a purchase they generally continue the master in their imploy and by the protection of the vessell's register, and Inglish master, and perhaps two more Inglish sailors, they import provisions of all kinds etc. not enumerat, directly from our Northern plantations, to their islands and settlements, and often introduce privately into our Collonies, sundry European goods, and the produce of their plantations duty free, much to the prejudice of the British, and plantation trade etc. Proposes that masters be obliged to give bond on registering etc., and that produce of French or Dutch plantations imported into the Collonies should be subjected to the same duties and regulations as our own etc. (iv) There is not anything gives the French and Dutch so great an oppertunity to rivall us in our trade with the Spanish dominions in the West Indies, as the incroachments they are daily making on our setlements on the coast of Africa etc. On the supply of negroes from this coast our suggar, tobacco and other Plantations much depends etc. Proposes that H.M. take this coast, and the trade thereof, under his protection, by purchasing the castles etc. from the present Company, and send over a Governour and two Independent companies, and defray the expence by a duty of 10s. on each negroe imported into our Plantations, which will amount to £18,000 pr. annum etc. Signed, Robt. Dinwiddie. Endorsed, Recd. 17th March, 1729/30, Read 24th March, 1730/1. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 323, 9. ff. 60–61v.]. |
| [March 18] |
122. Governor Burrington to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. The inhabitants of N. Carolina are exceeding poor and distressed and their numbers reduced by the late Indian wars, but the low price of quit-rents has encouraged a multitude to resort thither. Any increase in the quit-rents would be regarded as an oppression and prevent the cultivation of increased lands, part of which is but barren pine land etc. The inhabitants justly claim to be placed on the same basis of payment of quit-rents as the rest of H.M. subjects in N. America. Printed, N.C. Col. Rec. III. 77. Signed, Geo. Burrington. Endorsed, Recd., Read 18th March, 1729/30. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 293. ff. 5, 6, 6v.]. |
| March 18. |
123. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General. My Lords Commissrs. for Trade and Plantations having several papers under their consideration in relation to the settlement of Carolina, and observing that some grants were made by the late Lords Proprietors for large tracts of land, without any limitation therein, either as to the place where or time when, the said land is to be taken up and seated, command me to send you a copy of one inclosed to Sr. Nathanl. Johnson dated in 1686, which has never yet been put in execution: My Lords Commissioners desire you will please to consider the same, and let them have your opinion in point of law, whether such grants are legal and of force. And as the validity of those grants will naturally turn upon the powers, clauses and design of the original grants from the Crown to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina, I have likewise sent you those grants for your further information upon this subject. The Governors of North and South Carolina being to receive their Instructions upon this head, I am commanded to desire your opinion, as soon as conveniently you can. Signed, Alured Popple. I am to desire you will please to return the inclosed papers with your report. [C.O. 5, 400. pp. 274, 275]. |
| [March 18] |
124. Copy of Sir Nathaniel Johnson's Patent for two Baronies and the dignity of a Cassique in Carolina, 1st April, 1686. Endorsed, Recd. (from Col. Johnson), Read 18th March, 1729/30. Latin. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 80–81v.]. |
| [March 18] |
125. Col. Johnson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Upon his proposal for settling Carolina, their Lordships were of opinion that the quit rents ought to be a penny pr. acre as well within the privilege of the townships as without. It is apprehended this will be a great discouragement to new settlers to settle in townships, which are urgently needed as places of refuge from the enemy etc. As to the lands without the privilege of the townships a penny pr. acre quit-rent would discourage numbers from going to Carolina, being a greater rent than Barbados, and the Leeward Islands pays, or Virginia, New York and New England, which countries are far more secure than Carolina, and not so burthend with heavy taxes. It will also discourage the taking up of pine lands for making pitch and tar etc. Endorsed, Recd., Read 18th March, 1729/30. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 82–83]. |
| March 19. |
126. Order of the House of Lords that the Council of Trade and Plantations lay before the House an account of the proposals that have been made to them by the merchants or that they themselves have formed relating to the furnishing this Kingdom with Naval Stores from our own Plantations, and also the establishments of the Governours and Governments of the several Plantations as they found them when the Board of Trade was first establish'd, and the variations that have been since made therein to this time, and also who are the present Governours, and when appointed. Signed, Wm. Cowper. Cler. Parliamentor. Endorsed, Recd. 19th, Read 20th March, 1729/30. ½ p. [C.O. 323, 9. ff. 34, 37v.]. |
March 19.
Whitehall. |
127. Mr. Popple to Mr. Guerish. My Lords Commrs. desire you will let the Board have what information you can concerning the French having left Sta. Cruz, etc., and in what year (cf 17th and 25th March). [C.O. 153, 15. pp. 48, 49]. |
March 20.
Whitehall. |
128. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Townshend. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. Annexed, |
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128. i. Same to the King. In obedience to commands of 28th Nov. submit following. Continue:—(a) In the 8th, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 45th, 48th, and 68th articles of the Massachusets Bay Instructions, we have omitted ye words Assembly, and added in lieu thereof the words, House of Representatives, because in this Colony the Assembly is always supposed to comprehend all the three constituent parts of ye Government. Mr. Belcher having represented to us the necessity there is of having some paper mony, to carry on the current services of the Province, we have altered Mr. Burnet's 15th Instruction in this particular, and have allow'd Mr. Belcher to give his assent to acts for raising a summe not exceeding £30,000 in paper mony, for the annual service, and support of yor. Majesty's Government, till yor. further pleasure shall be known upon this subject, provided he do take care that no greater summe then £30,000 be ever current at one and the same time. And we have added the 18th Article for the speedy and effectual sinking of such bills as are already current in the Province by virtue of former Acts of Assembly. We have likewise added ye 17th Article, to prevent any grants or payments of an extraordinary, or unusual nature, within this Province, without yor. Majesty's Royal permission. We have omitted the latter part of Mr. Burnet's 16th Instruction, relating to ye passing of Acts, for repealing any already confirm'd, the purport thereof, being effectually provided for by Mr. Belcher's 15th. We have added the 26th Article forbidding the Governor to take any gifts or presents; it being an Instruction to all your Majesty's Governor's in the Plantations. In the 27th Article directing him to endeavour to get his salary fix'd, we have taken notice of all that has been done upon this head, and have added thereto an order for Mr. Belcher's coming home, upon their non compliance, to give an account of their behaviour, that the Assembly may see your Majesty is resolv'd to have that matter finally determin'd, and that your Governors of that Province shall for the future be independent of ye Assembly there. We have omitted Mr. Burnet's 24th Article, a convenient house being now built for the Governor. Mr. Burnet's 27th Article relating to issuing of mony, and allowing the Assembly the power of viewing and examining all accompts, being much better provided for, by Mr. Belcher's 30th, the former is here omitted. Mr. Belcher's said Article has already been approved by yor. Majty's. Order in Council, 2nd Dec. last, to which we have only added the words in the latter part thereof, vizt., the passing all accots, for payment, to prevent the House of Representatives taking upon themselves, as they have of late years, to allow and pass all accompts, before the Governor can issue his warrant for payment thereof. We have added ye 31st Article, whereby the Commander in Chief, during the Governor's absence, will be allow'd a moity of his salary, and perquisites, it being an Instruction given to all your Majesty's Governors in America. We have omitted the following words in the 33d Article, they having never been complied with, and they would occasion a great expence to the Province, and be of little or no use, vizt., as likewise an account every three months or oftner, as there may be occasion, of all causes that have been determined, and of those which remain depending, and in general, an abstract of all proceedings of ye sevl. Courts of Justice within Our said Province etc., providing only that the proceedings relating to all causes where appeals are lodg'd before yor. Majesty in Council shall be faithfully transmitted home. Your Majesty has already been pleas'd to approve (2nd Dec.) the 35th Article, to prevent the Governor's exacting any illegal fee, for registring ships, and for lettpasses; as likewise the 44th Article, directing ye Governor to be aiding and assisting to ye Surveyor General of your Majesties woods in America and his Deputies. We have added ye 47th Article in pursuance of yor. Majesty's Orders etc., 21st Jan., directing the Governor to countenance and encourage ye Bishop of London, or his Commissaries, in the legal exercise of his ecclesiastical jurisdiction, according to the laws of the Province, and the tenour of your Majesty's Commission to the said Bishop. The 70th Article for preventing the Governor's appropriating to his own use, the produce of whales, is added in pursuance of an Order of a Committee of Privy Council, 18th Dec. last. We have inserted the 74th Article, in relation to the 5th and 6th Articles of the Treaty of Neutrality in America in liew of Mr. Burnet's 66th Article upon the same subject, which we have in this manner alter'd, pursuant to an Order of the Committee of Privy Council, 6th June, 1728. There having been a dispute for many years, between the Province of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, respecting their boundaries, we have inserted ye 80th Instruction, as the only means we can think of, to determine the same. We have omitted Mr. Burnet's 73rd Article, for restraining ye privylege of printing, it being now left out in all the Instructions to yor. Majty's Governors except New York and New Jersey, and has ever been attended with great inconveniencies whenever the Governors have attempted putting the same in execution. |
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(b) In the first Article of the general Instructions for New Hampshire, we have omited the following words, in order to make that Article consistant with your Majesty's Commission for the Government of this Province, vizt., lying and extending itself from three miles northward of Merrimac River, or any part thereof, unto the Province of Main, with the South part of the Isle of Shoals. We have made the same alteration, in these Instructions, as in those for the Massachusets Bay, with respect to ye paper mony, except only that ye summ here requir'd for the annual service amounts but to £6000. The Instruction to prevent grants, or payments, of an extraordinary nature, without your Majesty's permission, is likewise here inserted. The Council and Assembly of this Province having comply'd with Mr. Burnet's 30th Instruction by giving a fix'd salary during his Govt., we have omitted that Article and have inserted the 32nd in ye room thereof. In ye next Article, we have added ye following words, without which, Mr. Belcher could not have accepted of any salary without first sending to this Kingdom for leave vizt., except ye salary of £200 pr. annum as directed in ye foregoing Article. We have likewise inserted in the Instructions the Articles relating to the Surveyor General of Woods; the Bishop of London; boundaries; whales; Treaty of Neutrality; and liberty of the Press as at close of (a) supra. We have made no other alteration in these Instructions for the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, or in those wch. relate to the Acts of Trade, except inserting ye last Act which pass'd in relation to Naval Stores, and leaving out that clause in ye Instructions which related to the Act for preventing the importation of strip'd tobacco. |
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128. ii. Draught of H.M. Instructions to Jonathan Belcher, Governor of the Massachusets Bay. Alterations described supra 1 (a). The xvith Instruction permits the passing of an Act for issue of bills of credit up to £30,000 etc., as described 1 (a). (xvii.) Not to give assent to any act for any grant or payment of an extraordinary nature to any person whatsoever, without a clause declaring that it shall not take effect until said act has been confirmed by the Crown. (xviii.) "to take care that the bills of credit heretofore issued be called in and sunk according to the periods and provisions of the respective acts, by wch. they were issued." xv., xxvi. as described. xxvii. Whereas by Our Royal Instructions to William Burnet, We did direct him to acquaint the Council and House of Representatives, that as they hoped to recommend themselves to the continuance of Our royal Grace and favour, we expected they should manifest the same by an immediate compliance with what had so often been recommended to them, in relation to the passing of acts forthwith, for establishing a fix'd and honble. salary for the support and maintainance of ye dignity of Our Governor for the time being, and that we deem'd a competent summ for that purpose to be at least £1000 sterling pr. annum, and that in case the sd. Council and House of Representatives should not pay a due and immediate regard to Our royal will and pleasure therein; we should look upon the same, as a manifest mark of their undutifull behaviour to us, and such as might require ye consideration of ye Legislature of Great Britain. And whereas Our Royal Consort, the Queen, being Guardian of the Kingdom, and Our Lieut, during Our absence, upon a representation from the Lords of the Committee of Our Privy Council, was pleas'd to allow of some alterations in Our sd. Instruction, and to condescend that Mr. Burnet might accept a salary of £1000 pr. annum, provided ye same were settled on him, for the time of his Governmt. only; notwithstanding wch. condescention, ye sd. Assembly have not yet thought fit to settle any fix'd salary on their Governor, whereby they have justly incurr'd Our displeasure, and an account of their behaviour, wou'd ere this have been lay'd before Our Parliament of Great Britain but that Our Commissioners for Trade and Plantations have humbly requested that We would be graciously pleas'd to suspend Our just resentment till the said Assembly shall have had one further opportunity of considering the justice and importance of Our said Instruction, wherein ye trade and interest of Great Britain are more concern'd then Our Royal Prerogative; For which purpose, Our sd. Commissioners have, by Our permission, transmitted to the Speaker of ye said House of Representatives a proposal quoted (v. 12th Nov. 1729). Continues:—Now you are hereby ordered and directed to recommend to the said Assembly, that they do forthwith comply with this proposal as the last signification of Our Royal pleasure to them, upon that subject; But if the said Assembly shall not think fit to comply therewith; It is Our will and pleasure, and you are hereby required immediatly to come over to this Our Kingdom of Great Britain, in order to give us an exact account of all that have pass'd upon this subject, that we may lay the same before Our Parliament, unless you shall think it more for Our service, to send some other person, fully instructed in the state of Our Province under your Government, to give us information concerning ye same. Other alterations as described supra 1 (a). |
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128. iii. Draught of H.M. Instructions to Jonathan Belcher, Governor of New Hampshire. Alterations described supra 1 (b). |
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128. iv. Memorandum: The draughts of Instructions for Governor Belcher were the same, mutatis mutandis, with t hose to Col. Montgomery for the government of New York, 28th Sept., 1728. [C.O. 5, 916. pp. 267–381]. |
March 21.
Lyme Street. |
129. Mr. Gerrish to Mr. Popple. In reply to enquiry of 19th, cannot give any account of the French leaving Sta. Cruz, "only that I have heard they were ordered to leave it" etc. P.S. There is one Collo. Suleager [? = Soulegre. Ed.] a French Gent. who formerly lived at St. Xophers and now lives in Soe hoe Square that can give you some accott. of this affaire. Signed, W. Gerrish. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Read 25th March, 1730. Addressed. ½ p. [C.O. 152, 17. ff. 127, 128v.]. |
March 24.
St. James's. |
130. H.M. Warrant appointing Thomas Maxwell to the Council of Barbados in the room of Othniel Hagget deed. Copy. [C.O. 324, 36. p. 209]. |
March 24.
St. James's. |
131. H.M. Warrant appointing Alexander Henderson to the Council of Jamaica, in the room of Alexander Forbes deed. Countersigned, Holles Newcastle. Copy. [C.O. 324, 36. p. 210]. |
[March
24]. |
132. Petition of Merchants of London and Bristol trading to S. Carolina to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Pray for the removal of the duties of £10 and £l pr. head laid by Acts of S. Carolina on negroes imported there, "They have no right thus to tax the British trade" etc. Signed, William Chapman, Will. Jefferis, Ste. Pet. Godin. Endorsed, Recd., Read 24th March, 1729/30. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 84, 85v.]. |
March 24.
London. |
133. John Peter Purry of Neufchatel to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to failure of his scheme for settling Swiss in S. Carolina (1724, 1725), and asks for a grant of lands and encouragement to settle some there now. Signed, Charles Purry. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read 25th March, 1730. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 86, 87v.]. |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
134. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Enclose following to be laid before the King. Autograph signatures. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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134. i. Same to the King. In obedience to command of 6th instant, have considered the letters then enclosed relating to "the islands of Sta. Lucia, St. Vincents, and Dominico in America," and the proposal made to Mr. Poyntz, by the Guarde des Sceaux, that both Nations should intirely evacuate these three islands until the right to them should be determined, and that this right should be forthwith discussed, and we are humbly of opinion it will be for your Majesty's service to close with this proposal which we hope will be as punctually executed by the French King's Officers as by your Majesty's. In the mean time we shall make diligent search into the books of our Office, and likewise acquire what other lights we can for the support of your Majesty's right to these islands; Whereupon we shall as soon as may be, make a full representation to your Majesty. We have likewise had under our consideration the disputes that have lately happened between your Majesty's subjects and those of the French King at the island of Sta. Cruz, as well as the complaints from the French Court, that the Governor of the Leeward Islands had lately endeavoured to make a settlement there. But as these matters will intirely depend upon your Majesty's title to that island, so soon as we shall be fully informed upon what foundation that stands, which will take up some time to search out and digest, we shall likewise offer our humble opinion upon these points to your Majesty. Autograph signatures. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 40. Nos. 30, 30.i.; and 29, 15 pp. 130–132.] |
| March 25. |
135. W. Chapman to the Council of Trade and Plantations. We represented that the duty (v. 24th March) laid upon Blacks imported into S. Carolina is in effect a duty upon the British manufactures, the Blacks being the produce thereof, and that the merchant importer often paid hereby the duty for blacks which dyed before they were sold. But whereas this duty is appropriated, proposes that it be laid henceforth on the buyer etc. Signed, William Chapman. Endorsed, Recd., Read 25th March, 1730. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 361. ff. 88, 89v.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
136. Mr. Popple to Peter Soulegre. My Lords Commrs. desire you will let them know whether the French did not abandon their settlement at Sta. Cruz, in order to strengthen that at St. Domingo, and about what time this transaction happened, etc. [C.O. 153, 15. p. 49.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
137. Council of Trade and Plantations to Committee of Privy Council. We have reconsidered the draughts of Instructions for Governor Philipps and Col. Dunbar etc. (v. Feb. 18). We have in the inclosed draughts according to your Lordships directions authoriz'd Col. Dunbar to lay out the lands for the new settlers between the Rivers Penobscot and St. Croix, but have reserved the power of making the grants thereof to Col. Philipps according to the tenour of his Commission. We have added a clause requiring Col. Philipps to furnish Col. Dunbar out of the Garrison with such a number of soldiers as will be necessary to protect him etc. [v. April 27th]. Annexed, |
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137. i. H.M. Additional Instructions to Governor Phillipps. [v. April 27.] |
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137. ii. H.M. Additional Instructions to Col. Dunbar, [v. April 27]. [C.O. 218, 2. pp. 178–198.] |
| March 25. |
138. Petty expenses of Board of Trade, Christmas to Lady day, 1730. (v. Journal). 7 pp. [C.O. 388, 79. Nos. 58–61.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
139. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Annex draught of Seal for N. Carolina, (v. April 27.) [C.O. 5, 323. f. 13v.] |
March 28.
London. |
140. Governor Osborn to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Recapitulates proceedings for levying a rate for building a prison, v. C.S.P. 14th Oct., 1729. Continues:— As there may be some troublesome, ill-meaning persons, who may not agree to the passing of this rait, I wou'd beg your Lordships' directions in what manner I shou'd treet such persons, and whether it is your Lordships' opinions, that what I have hitherto done is agreable to H.M. intentions, my only view being to forward the design of H.M. Commission etc. Signed, Hen. Osborn. Endorsed, Recd. 29th March, Read 12th May, 1730. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 8. ff. 319, 319v., 320v.]. |
March 29.
Barbados. |
141. Governor Worsley to the Duke of Newcastle. Refers to letter of 4th Dec, 1729, and the non-payment of H.M. tax. Nobody has since paid in etc. Continues:—Otherwise my Government is very quiet, and I hope that this year in obedience to H.M. Order, the Assembly-men will take in and return to the Treasurer, the lists of the negro's; and the Vestry of the several towns will lay the appointments, but whether they will, or not, three or four weeks will discover, for by the 20th of the next month, they are to make their returns to the Treasurer under the penaltys by the law inflicted. The Committee of the Publick accounts has not yet examined the late Treasurers, relating to the 2/6 levy, so that I can't as yet tell what the forfeitures, and penaltys may amount to, according to the law; or what number of inhabitants have not paid; Refers to enclosures. Concludes, in own hand:—I beg leave to congratulate your Grace upon the conclusion of the peace etc. Signed, Henry Worsley. Endorsed, R. June 9th. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
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141. i. Address of the Grand Jury of Barbados to the King. Dec., 1729. Express their loyalty to the King, "under whose royal commission and instructions we are, at present, so happily and prudently govern'd" etc. Are struck with admiration and pleasure at the great care and circumspection with which all matters relating to the welfare of the island receive the royal determination etc. Continue:—And since 'tis no less evident that the highest wisdom and impartiality are likewise exercised on all appeals from hence in cases of private property, it ought, most certainly, to make every one of it's inhabitants not only well satisfy'd with, but truly thankful for so happy a method of ending controversys, as it cannot fail giving them the firmest grounds to believe their estates, even at this distance, equally secure with those of their fellow subjects whose residence is nearer the Royal Presence. We are, indeed, but too well appriz'd, from very late instances, of the confusion which wou'd soon be brought upon us, were we to be wholly left to our own judgment of things, and not to have recourse to the dernier resort whereof we have now been speaking; whereby, however, experience shows that we are often set right by the gentlest means, and after the most tender manner. As these privileges and advantages (being what occasion the envy of other Colonys) were never, it must be confess'd, more fully enjoy'd than in the present reign, interest as well as duty, engage us to wish it may be long and always prosperous etc. Signed, Willm. White, John Gittens and 16 others. 1 large p. |
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141. ii. Address of the Grand Jury to Governor Worsley. Dec. 1729. Acknowledge their indebtedness to his prudent and steady administration. Many who once made attempts to make him uneasy, are now convinced that the same were equally impotent and absurd, as well as ill-natured and unjust etc. As we verily believe they first took rise from the private pique only of a few, it is no wonder if they end in a total disappointment etc. It is an addition to the merit of your Excellency's character, that no considerations arising from the gratification of having obtain'd the Royal suffrage in everything that has unhappily been brought in dispute, can tempt you to alter your measures with respect to those who were the occasion of it, or to neglect any opportunity of promoting the general good etc. They will themselves follow his bright example and do their utmost to prevent party disputes etc. Signed, as preceding. Copy. 1 large p. |
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141. iii. Address of the Grand Jury to Thomas Maxwell, Chief Justice of Barbados. Dec., 1729. Return thanks for and concur with his charge expressing a just regard for the general good of the island etc. Such loyalty and public spirit were only to be expected from the son of the late General Maxwell, who filled some of the highest posts in this Government with unspotted reputation etc. If others of late had observed the binding nature of the laws, they would not have suffered in their characters etc. Signed as preceding. Copy. 1 large p. [C.O. 28, 45. ff. 89, 89v., 90v., 91v., 92, 93v., 94, 95v., 96.] |
March 29.
Barbados. |
142. Governor Worsley to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Duplicate, mutatis mutandis, of preceding covering letter. Signed, Henry Worsley. Endorsed, Recd. 26th May, Read 15th Oct., 1730. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
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142. i. Proceedings of Court of Chancery, Barbados, 22nd Jan., 1728(9)—9th July, 1730. Copy. Signed, Henry Dodsworth, D. Regr. 6¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 26th May, 1730. 6¼ pp. |
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142. ii.—iv. Duplicates of preceding encl. i.–iii. Endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. |
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142. v. Opinion of Mr. Blenman, Attorney General of Barbados, upon the Act for reducing the rate of interest etc. 26th Nov., 1729. Signed, J. Blenman, Same endorsement. Copy. 1¾ pp. |
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142. vi. Opinion of Mr. McMahon upon same. 22nd Nov., 1729. Signed, Geo. McMahon. Same endorsement. Copy. 3 pp. |
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142. vii. Opinion of Mr. Tuncks upon same. Signed, Thomas Tuncks. Same endorsement. Copy. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 21. ff. 80, 80v., 82–85, 86v., 87, 88, 89–92v., 93v.–94v., 95v.] |
March 30.
Jamca. |
143. Governor Hunter to the Duke of Newcastle. I had the honor to write to your Grace by ye Rupert etc. This, by a merchant ship, serves only to inform you of what has been done in our last short session of Assembly here. Refers to enclosures. Continues:—As this session broke up on ye 28th at their own request on account of the season, it being that of their sugar crops, there was not time to transcribe either the acts or minutes. These shall be sent by the Plimouth which is to sayle soon, if they can be gott ready etc. The Assembly stands adjourn'd only to the 16th of June next. In the mean time a Comittee of the Council and Assembly are to meet in order to concert measures or prepare heads of bills for the further strenghthning and better planting the island and other matters conducive to the credit and intrest thereof, in pursuance of the resolutions of this session. I think I am in a way of getting the better of the unaccountable opposition or obstruction has been hitherto given to ye publick affairs of this island so that I may have the satisfaction of doing H.M. effectual service here in promoting the security and prosperity of a Colony of such importance to the trade of Great Brittain etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, R. June 9th. 1¾ pp. Enclosed, |
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143. i. Copy of the Weekly Jamaica Courant, March 25, 1730. (a) Address of the Council in reply to H.E.'s Speech. Express gratitude for confirmation of laws, and praise the uncommon pains H.E. has "shewn for the good of this Country," etc. (b) The Governor's reply. (c) Address of the Assembly to Governor Hunter in reply to his Speech, 14th March, 1729. Are cheerfully and unanimously resolved to provide at once, as recommended by H.E., means for strengthening and peopling the island, reducing the rebellious slaves, finishing the fort and encouraging the new settlement at Port Antonio etc., and to pass an act for vesting 20 acres on Lynch's Island in the Crown. Express "grateful sentiments of H.M. extensive justice to us, on the happy occasion of our laws being perpetuated" etc., and H.E.'s wise administration etc. Signed, Tho. Beckford, Speaker. (d) Governor Hunter's Reply. Announces conclusion of Peace with Spain etc. Printed by M. Baldwin, 1729. Price one bit, or 7s. 6d. per quarter. The advertisements are headed:—Spices of all sorts to be sold at the Printers very reasonable. 4 pp. |
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143. ii. Governor Hunter's Speech to the Assembly, 12th March, 1729(30). Recommends measures outlined in preceding i (c). Announces confirmation of Acts for granting a revenue and reviving and perpetuating the laws; for raising a tax by the poll and trade; and the deficiency act etc. Copy. 2¾ pp. |
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143. iii. Resolution of the Council of Jamaica, 18th March, 1729(30). Upon the Assembly's address to H.E. for ordering out parties to suppress the rebellious negroes etc. and protecting Port Antonio, resolved that a Proclamation be issued for the encouragement of 100 volunteers etc. Copy. 1½ pp. |
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143. iv. Address of Assembly to Governor Hunter, 18th March, 1729(30). Described in preceding. Copy. ¾ p. |
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143. v. Titles of Acts passed, 1729/30. (i) for vesting 20 acres of land in Lynches Island in the Crown; (ii) for amending the highways; (iii) to oblige the several inhabitants to provide themselves with a sufficient number of white people, or pay certain sums of money in case they shall be deficient, and applying the same to several uses, and for repairing the wall of Port Royal; (iv) for raising several sums and applying the same to several uses; (v) for the better suppressing and reducing the rebellious and runaway negroes; (vi) for the better regulating slaves and rendring free negroes and mulattoes more useful, and preventing hawking and pedling and enlarging the time for the Commissioners collecting the outstanding debts. |
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143. vi. Address of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to the King. 26th March, 1730. Congratulate H.M. on his safe return and conclusion of peace with Spain, which gives them hopes that their trade with the Mother Country will now be uninterrupted and ample reparation made them "for the many and unjust depredations and captures of our ships and vessells by the Spaniards" etc. "Wee and our latest posterity shall always most affectionately and dutifully commemorate the establishing our constitution and perpetuating our laws" etc as a fresh instance of H.M. paternall goodness and justice to them, etc. Signed, Tho. Beckford, Speaker; Jos. Maxwell, CI. Cone. 1 large p. |
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143. vii. Message of the Assembly to Governor Hunter. The House has resolved that a sum not exceeding £2000 shall be applied for re-building the gaol in this town, and requests H.E. to give orders for the same and to appoint a Surveyor at £100 pr. annum. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 53. ff. 198, 198v., 199v.–203, 204, 204v., 206, 208, 209, 211.] |
March 31.
Pall Mall. |
144. Governor Belcher to the Duke of Newcastle. About ten dayes agoe I did myself the honour of writing you, to beg of your Grace a favour always allowed the King's Govts., to be made easy in their Lieutt. Govrs., and your Grace was pleased to tell me (upon the adjournmt. of Parliamt.) you wou'd speak to the King, that Col. William Tailer might have a Lieutt. Govr's. Commission. The man of war in which I imbark will soon be ready, so I must intreat your Grace, to let me have the Commission to carry with me etc. As it will promote the peace of that Government, so it will very much H.M. service there, etc. Signed, J. Belcher. Holograph. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 898. No. 72.] |
