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Aug. 16.
Hampton
Court. |
370. Minutes of Privy Council. The further report of the Board of Trade, Aug. 11, concerning the two regiments at Jamaica was read, and extracts of letters to Col. Cope from the late Lt. Col. Townshend and Lt. Col. Cornwallis with a message, inclosed, from the Assembly to the Council of Jamaica. Their Lordships are humbly of opinion, that it may be for H.M. service, that the two regiments be sent for home; but that in order to provide for the security of the island, Lt. Col. Cornwallis, the Commanding Officer in either of the two Regiments, be directed to review the two Independant Com- panies there, and see that they be compleated by draughts, to be made in proportion, out of both the Regiments that are to come home, and as an encouragement to the soldiers that shall be thus turned over, a bounty of 10l. a man be given them; That the Governor be directed, to induce the Assembly to give all fitting encouragement for engageing the private men in the said two Regiments to settle, with their families, in the island, and that a proper discharge be given to such of them as shall be willing to settle there; But that the soldiers should have their option, whether they will settle as inhabitants, or go into the Independant Companies; and that for the Governor's direction, in the execution of these orders, copys be sent him of ye several reports of the Board of Trade on this head, l½ pp. [C.O. 5, 36. ff. 24, 24v.] |
Aug. 16.
Whitehall. |
371. Mr. Wheelock to Mr. Scrope. Encloses draft of bond for Lt. Governor Ogle (v. 28th July), for which Lord Baltimore has proposed George Ogle, of Dublin, and John Broughton of Westminster as sureties. Annexed, |
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371. i. Form of bond referred to in preceding. [C.O. 5, 1294. pp. 34—42.] |
Aug. 17.
Hampton
Court. |
372. Duke of Newcastle to Governor Belcher. Mr. William Shirley a very sensible man, and a friend and neighbour of mine in Sussex, who was bred to the law, in which he is very well skilled, going to New England to settle and to follow his profession there, I trouble you with this letter by him, to recommend him to your protection, and to desire that you will give him all the countenance and assistance that may lye in your power, which I shall acknowledge as a particular obligation; and it would be an additional favour, if you could suggest anything by which I might further contribute to his encouragement. Signed, Holles Newcastle. [C.O. 324, 36. p. 307.] |
Aug. 18.
Portsmouth,
New
Hampshire. |
373. Lt. Governor Dunbar to Mr. Delafaye. Refers to letter of 15th July. Would write oftener to the Duke, but fears to be troublesome etc. "People, tho' seemingly Saints in New England, have little regard to truth when straining of it will serve their interest, and my imploymt. is so obnoxious to them, haveing never before been under any restraint, that they would stick at nothing to get me removed. I defye them all to assigne any true cause for it, and I hope his Grace will not regard their mallice; Here is a glareing fresh instance of it as well as their disobeying H.M. Comn. to me as Lieut. Govr. I scarce expect it to be believed, I need not comment upon it; My brother will wait upon you and shew you some other authentick papers to explain it etc., to be laid before His Grace," etc. Signed, David Dunbar. Endorsed, R. Oct. 6. Holograph. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
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373. i. Lt. Governor Dunbar to Governor Belcher. Portsmouth, N.H., Aug. 16, 1731. He did not intend to answer his letter of 2nd inst., as it was impossible to do so, and keep within the bounds of the respect he would pay to his Commission, but he then little imagined what had come at the same time, though it has been the town talk ever since. He was very angry with the Gentleman who told him he had sent such orders to Capt. Walton etc. (v. encl. ii, iii), because he thought it an idle, ridiculous story, but upon being told that there might be something in it, he hired a boat and went to the town of Newcastle etc. Continues: I went to a publick house, and sent for the Captain of the Fort etc. Upon his telling me your Excellency's orders, I desired to see them, which he refused, until I said I had a right to see you, and should not regard them until I did; the Captain thereupon sent for them, and left me, to go to the fort, the gate whereof he shut, and put his garrison, consisting of two men, under arms, I waited some time for his return and for the man he had sent for your Excellency's letter, and neither coming, I walked towards the fort, in the same dress and posture I always walk in, with my sword in my belt and my cane in my hand. I went alone to the gate and knocked with my cane etc. The Captain said I should not enter except I would go as a private man etc. I insisted upon going in as Lieut-Governour, and commanded him to read H.M. Commission to me, which he positively refused, saying he would obey H.E.'s orders etc. All this was in the hearing of the [three] gentlemen [who had accompanied him], and 40 or 50 fishermen, and others belonging to the towne. The Captain then ordered your Excellency's orders to be read aloud etc. I desired an attested copy, which favour was granted etc. The Captain then opened the gate and invited me to walk in as a private gentleman etc. Although contrary to H.M. Commission, such was his submission to H.E.'s commands that he did not enter, "tho a thousand men might drive sheep into the fort at any place but the gate," and though he believes it was his duty to have put the company of militia of the town of Newcastle under arms and arrested the Captain for rebellion, but his chief motive being to preserve peace, he hopes a favourable construction will be placed at home upon his not doing so. Continues: After this I do not take it that I can stay here with safety, I am sure I cannot with honour, for all your friends and some in the Commission of the Peace say, that since this order to Collo. Walton, my commission is superseded or suspended, for, as by it, he is to receive no orders from any but your Excellency, of consequence others are not; that fort etc. was always part of the perquisites of my predecessors, and the Province built an apartment in it where several of them have lodged when they tho't fit, and tho' H.M. Commission gives me all rights, privileges, profits, perquisites and advantages to the same belonging, I never made any pretention to this, purely to avoid disputes, but I now acquaint your Excellency that I think it my due, as well as 200l. per annum this currency of the 600l. salary setled by the Province, out of which my predecessor always reced. so much from yours, as was intended by the General Court, who setled it. I had no tho't of ever mentioning this to you, but that this most extraordinary step of yours puts me upon it. And to convince you that no body is infallible, I send you a copy of your dedimus etc., whereby you gave a power to administer oaths which are abrogated by Act of Parliament. Your Excellency has likewise found fault with me for not administering oaths upon Commissions which you yourself have allowed to be so deficient as to make out new ones, etc. Will make no complaint home, if he is given reasonable satisfaction etc. Signed, David Dunbar. Copy. 3 pp. |
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373. ii. Governor Belcher to Collo. Walton, Capt. of the Fort [? William and Mary]. Boston. Aug. 2, 1731. I observe you have (with Collo. Sherburne) administered the oaths to Capt. Wybird, which is well, and that the Lt. Governor had made a pretence to suspend the Secretary, which I now write him is out of his power, and I order the Secretary to go on chearfully in his office, notwithstanding that insignificant paper he signed, as I do you again to abide by the commission I gave you for Fort Mary, and not to suffer the least insult on your commission from any person whatsoever, nor to let any one come into the fort but those that come in a curteous civil manner, I mean that the Lieutenant Governor nor any others should come by way of command or in derogation to the orders I have given you etc. The Lieut. Governour writes me he shall order you to attend continually at the fort. I would have you always remember you are to receive no orders but from me, and mine are to do in your command of the fort as the late Lieut. Governour did, for you shall be present or absent from your command, as I shall judge proper. Signed, J. Belcher. Copy. Overleaf, |
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373. iii. Certificate that Col. Walton showed above to Col. Dunbar. Newcastle, Aug. 14, 1731. Signed, Benning Wentworth, Theodore Atkinson. The whole. l¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 10. ff. 88, 88v. 89v.—91 (without encl. ii, iii); and (encl. ii., iii., only) 5, 898. No. 93.] |
Aug. 18.
Portsmouth,
New
Hampshire. |
374. Lt. Governor Dunbar to Mr. Popple. Refers to papers sent by Capt. Bax (v. 11th July) and copies by way of Cork and some new ones to his brother to be laid before the Board. Continues: I take that method because ye sight of so many at once might frighten you. Repeats part of preceding covering letter and encloses copies of Nos. i, ii preceding. Continues: I am very apprehensive I shall be blamed for submitting to the orders etc. I shall be impatient to have an answer to this etc. Requests him to assist his brother in putting these papers into a method to be laid before the Board. Among them is the case and dispute between the Governor and Theodore Atkinson who has acted two years as Collector. The Commission of the Peace has not yet been amended. Six townships are still without Magistrates. Encloses a dedimus from the Governor to administer oaths wch. are contrary to law and his Instructions. "All these mistakes are (I believe) chiefly oweing to a little pert Attorney here, who is now Secretary of the Province, a Judge and Justice of the Peace, and H.E.'s chief Counsellour, it is to this gentleman that the divisions and confusions in this small province are owing" etc. Repeats complaint against Act, due to his persuasion and pique to this town, for removing the Courts from Portsmouth to three country towns. People are obliged to travel 100 miles in Maine to York, the County town, which is within 7 miles of Portsmouth. Hopes the act will be disallowed. "He was forced to promise to emit mony, I mean bills of credit here, to get their consent to pass that act, and he then told them he could not signe the mony bills without orders." There are daily complaints about the boundary lines. He hopes H.M. will explain the Charter etc. Continues : "Here is a report that Mr. Secretary Waldron and his emissarys are getting a number of names to a petition in some private manner by way of contradiction to the representation I was desired to send to you, and that was very publique, and 500 names could have been got, but I sayd there was no occasion. It is a melancholly circumstance to be at such a distance from home as to be under a necessity of lying long under distress and difficultys" etc. Prays him to dispatch answers etc. Signed, David Dunbar. Endorsed, Recd. 28th Sept., Read 13th Oct., 1731. Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 873. ff. 154—155v., 156v.] |
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375. Address of the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly of Maryland to Benedict Leonard Calvert, Lt. Governor of Maryland. Annapolis, 19th Aug. 1731. Reply to queries as to the trade and produce of the Province transmitted by the Council of Trade and Plantations. Continue: For want of an opportunity to examine the books of the Officers of the Customs, we cannot be so particular as we wish to be etc. Continue: There are very few trading vessels belonging to the inhabitants, several of the twelve counties having not one etc. We could not learn any more than one small vessel has gone from this province (belonging to the inhabitants thereof) to any of the foreign Sugar Plantations; a few vessels have gone to Madera, and others of the Portuguese islands, one, two or three in a year, and for several years none. This Province has very little trade with any part of Europe beside Great Britain, and that confin'd to a few voyages by three or four small vessels in several years past to Lisbon, which carried grain and lumber thither. All the commodities ever exported to, or imported from any of the foreign Plantations, belonging to the French and Dutch, by the inhabitants of this Province, that we could learn, has only been the lading of the small vessels already mention'd, which carried lumber and provisions, and brought back mellosses; save that sometimes when vessels have been disappointed of their lading in H.M. Colonies, they have taken in some salt in the said foreign Plantations. The trade to Madera and other Portuguese islands has been more considerable: sometimes one small vessel and sometimes two or three, but never more that we could learn (belonging to this province) have gone thither in a year; which vessels have carried wheat, Indian corn and other provisions, and staves, and brought back Madera and other wines of the produce of those islands and salt. As to vessels belonging to other parts of H.M. Dominions, whose ladings are purchased in this province, we cannot give any account of them. The climate here is moderate, the soil productive of all sorts of grain, and many sorts of fruit, and has great quantities of valuable timber; and in many places good pasturage; and the rivers and bay full of great variety of fish, especially herrings: But the inhabitants, ever since the first settlement of this country, have applied themselves principally to the making tobaco, which is our only staple, neglecting manufactures and tillage, when tobaco has been valuable; the produce of that commodity alone being then sufficient to supply the people with cloathing, and other necessaries, in great plenty, from Great Britain, with an overplus in mony, which has always been lodged there; not only as the securest, but the most advantageous repository, whence the people cou'd be supplied with every thing for their own use or for traffick; hence it has happen'd that the people have receiv'd very little advantage from a moderate climate, and a fertile and fruitful soil, besides provisions, and the produce of their tobaco, which for several years past has been really so very low that it would not supply the inhabitants with one half of the necessaries of life; and the expectation of an amendment has occasion'd their continuing in the old beaten tract so long, that they are now reduc'd to an incapacity to carry on any considerable trade or manufactures. It is true, that extreme want and necessity have driven some of the poorer sort of people in several parts to make some small quantities of coarse linens and woollens for their own particular use, without which they must have gone naked and been starved; of these manufactures we are confident there are none exported; and that very few (if any) make enough of them to supply their own necessities; As to the value of other commodities of the growth and production of the country, annually exported besides tobaco, we cannot make any estimate. Those concern'd in the exportation, and who reap the advantages arising from it, being such as come from other parts to purchase what the people can spare, which their necessities oblige them to part with at very cheap rates. Thus, may it please your Excellency, we have given a full state of the circumstances of the country concerning its trade, as we could: and we can assure you that we have not represented it's condition worse than it really is. Signed by all the Members of both Houses. A true coppy of the Journalls of the Upper House transmitted to me. Signed, Baltimore. Endorsed, Recd, (from Ld. Baltimore) Read 1st Feb., 1731/2. 52/3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1268. ff. 70v.—73v.] |
Aug. 19.
Mercht.
Taylors Hall. |
376. Mr. North to Mr. Popple. Several of the petitioners (v. 5th Aug.) intend to wait on the Board on Wednesday next at eleven according to the appointmt. when I last attended etc. Signed, Geo. North. Subscribed, Memorandum of verbal acceptance. Endorsed, Recd. 19th Augt., 1731. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 22. ff. 73, 74, 74v.] |
Aug. 20.
Portsmouth. |
377. Lt. Governor Dunbar to Mr. Popple. Has received reply from Governor Belcher (v. Aug. 18), justifying his order for shutting him out of the Fort etc. Continues: This order of the 18th of July is grounded upon falsitys reported to him by a poor old creature formerly one of this country Collonels, and now made Capt. of the Fort, to whom I solemnly declare that I sayd no more than, that the command of the Fort, and any little perquisits attending it, allways belonged to the Leiut. Governours, and I had a right by my Comn. to everything enjoyd. by them, he replyed he had H.E.'s Com- missn. to be Capt of it, and hoped, as he was very antient I would not deprive him of the small perquisits he had by it, my answer was, that if it was my right as Lieut. Governour I would either have it, or he should own the obligation to me, that it was not worth disputeing, and that if I could not have it without a comission from Governour Belcher, I would not have it at all, for I would take no commission from him etc. Mr. Walton has, it seems, made something more of it etc. You see his Excellency thanks him for a list of the restless and uneasy, I wish my Lords would ask Coll. Shute, Mr. Walton's character, it is such that nobody here would hang a cat upon his evidence, and for this reason some former Govrs., particularly Shute had his name put far back in the list of the Council, yt. he might have no chance of ever commanding the Province; Many people from Boston and the late Governour Dummer have sent me their opinion, which also aggrees with the gentlemen of best note here, that by the last clause in the chief Governour's Commission, he has no power but when he is actually present in the Province; agt. that paragraph he has left the 36th article of his instructions upon the Secretary's files etc. Fears he will be blamed for giving in to him, but could not avoid it without violence. As he has occasion in other places, will go hence till he receives further orders. If Mr. Belcher is judged in the right, begs to be excused serving under him. "I am not the onely man by a great many he uses ill; he never darst offer the least affront to man until now that he lords it over all, for he has formerly been chastized by cane, whip and foot, without resenting it, wch. makes it the more griveous to be ill used by such a man etc., by his carriage and style he seems to think himself King. He does not permit the Lieut. Governour of ye Massachusets, tho' one of his own recommendation, to sitt in Council with him, so that he is quite a stranger to all the busyness of the Province etc. I suppose when he comes here, he will tell me I have no busyness in Council whilst he sitts there, but I will not submit to that etc. I have for some time expected a Comn. for a new Judge of Vice-Admiralty at Boston. I am sure there is a necessity for it etc. I have some time since seized a parcel of masts in Piscatua river at this towne, and intended to try them here but as they were cutt on the other side of the river in the province of Maine, they must be tryed in the Massachusets Govt., upon which I sent to the Advocate Genll, for an opinion and to get a deputation for George Jeffrey Esq. who has long acted and is now Deputy Judge of Vice-Admiralty, to hold a Court on the other side this river etc. Mr. Belcher upon hearing this has prevaild upon the old Judge of Admiralty at Boston, to give a deputation to one Gambling etc.; this is done on purpose to oppose H.M. interest, Mr. Gambling haveing allways as an Attorny appeared on the other side, and now there will be new cases, and Doctor Cook, Govr. Belcher's chief favourite, will be the first, who haveing in open defyance to authority cutt mast trees far up in Saco River near Casco, I have seized them in boards, as I have done several quantitys in this province etc. I will try what a Court will judge in this case, but now think I have very little chance. Encloses the Governor's orders to me relateing to a Collector, and least I should not give lett passes as he directs, he has sent some blank passes signed by himself, and as he has given orders to the Captain of the Fort to receive no orders from me, I intend they make use of their own papers. I have already mentioned a clandestine petition etc., and I am desired to send you extracts of former letters to the Province Agents, signed by the promoters of this petition as a Comittee appointed by the Genll. Court for yt. purpose, to shew you that it is no new chimera, as is now alledged. I am very sensible I must be thought too troublesome to my Lords Commissioners etc. If my Lords will be pleased to part Mr. Belcher and me it will save much of it. I send you one of the clearances of his new Collector, and an impression of a seal which will make any vessel lyable to a seizure, as all Custome Houses in H.M. Dominions know each others seal, this I have told the new Collector, and that he is not quallifyed by law to act as you'l see in your pacqt. by the oaths wch. have been administerd to him, but we live under a Governour that will salve all mistakes with a volo and jubeo" etc. Signed, David Dunbar. Endorsed, Recd. 28th Sept., Read 13th Oct., 1731. Holograph. Addressed. 6¾ pp. Enclosed, |
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377. i. Warrant by Governor Belcher impowering Shadrach Walton and Henry Sherburne to administer the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, the abjuration oath and the office oaths to any person hereafter commissionated etc. 3rd Aug., 1731. Signed, J. Belcher. Same endorsement. Copy, certified by, Richd. Waldron, Secretary, ¾ p. |
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377. ii. Copy of Governor Belcher's 38th Instruction. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
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377. iii. Lt. Governor Dunbar to Governor Belcher, 16th Aug. Copy of Aug. 18 encl. i. Same endorsement. 3 pp. |
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377. iv. Governor Belcher to Capt. Walton. Boston, July 18, 1731. I have yours before me of 16 currant and am apt to think the strange appearances you mention will soon vanish into smoke, and the people will come to themselves, and believe who have designs to hurt and ruin them, and who are their friends. I thank you for a list of the restless and uneasy. If some people might enjoy all the places of profit and honour in the Province, as they have for many years past, they wou'd be well content. But I think it time and very reasonable some other families shou'd share in the advantages of the Government. I particularly observe these words in your letter "As for the fort your Excellency has been pleased to favour me with the Leiut. Govr. says he shall never accept your Commission for it, for that he says he looks upon with contempt, but swears nobody shall command there but a commission from himself." Since the Leiut. Govr. does not know his duty or is not willing to practice it my order is that you abide by the Commission, I have given you, and not suffer him, nor any other person to come into the fort, or have anything to do with it, but by such orders, as you receive from me from time to time. As to the complaint sent home against me in the ship that sail'd from your river the 15th currt., I shall laugh at all they can say, if they don't lye. The common complaint has been that New Hampshire is not able to support a Government in the present circumstances, how can they then pretend to be an independant Government. For 30 odd years that Province has been under the same Governor with the Massachusetts, how comes it then, all on a sudden to be necessary to have a new regulation? Because some men out of office want to be in etc. Signed, J. B, Same endorsement. Copy, certified by J. Belcher. 12/3 pp. |
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377. v. Duplicate of Aug. 18. Nos. ii, iii. |
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377. vi. Deposition of Benning Wentworth and Theodore Atkinson. Portsmouth, Aug. 18, 1731. Describe Col. Walton's refusal to allow lit. Gov. Dunbar to enter and view Fort William and Mary. Signed, Benning Wentworth, Theodore Atkinson. 4 pp. |
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377. vii. Impression of Seal of Arms of New Hampshire sent to Capt. Wybird for a Custom House Seal by Governor Belcher. Aug. 18, 1731. Signed, David Dunbar. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
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377. viii. Governor Belcher to Lt. Gov. Dunbar. Boston, 16th Aug., 1731. The post being here (who came away the day after your Honour's of 12th present) and bringing me no further account of the Indians you mention, I hope they were got together on no other account than what Collo. Harman intimated. Sr. I believe I have some time since notifyed you of my appointing Richard Wibird Esq., Collector of New Hampshire, since which I wrote the late Deputy Collector that I had sent a dedimus for administring the oaths to Capt. Wibird, and expected his conforming thereto, and in answer he wrote me, he wou'd neither deliver the seal of office, nor the instructions he had, and since that refused to do it on a special warrant I sent him, and has also presum'd to give clearances as a Collector, and the present Collector writes me, as well as the Capt. of Fort William and Mary, that you have given passes for vessels cleared by him, and to some of them that have not cleared at the Naval Office. I hope those who have been advisers in the matter, especially to the poor men who have violated the Acts of Trade in not clearing at the Naval Office, will make good to them the damage and difficulties they may have run themselves into. As to the late Deputy Collector, he's not worth my further notice at present. But to prevent all breaches of the Acts of Trade for the future, and loss of the subjects' estate, or any interruption to the trade, I once more tell your Honour, that I have appointed Richard Wibird etc. It is my order that you be at all times aiding and assisting him, and sign no pass for any vessel to the Capt. of the Fort without mentioning therein, the said vessel's being duly cleared by Richard Wibird Esq., Collector of New Hampshire. Same endorsement. 2 pp. |
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377. ix. Clearance of the sloop Dimont from New Hampshire to Newfoundland. 20th Aug., 1731. Signed, Thos. Wibird, Depty. N. Officer, R. Wibird, Coll. Same endorsement. Printed form. 1 p. |
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377. x. Copy of last clause but one of Governor Belcher's Instructions, assigning his powers to the Lt. Governor in his absence out of the Province etc. Same endorse- ment. ½ p. |
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377. xi. Governor Belcher to Lt. Governor Dunbar. Boston, 18th Aug., 1731. Benjamin Akerman brought me your letter this morning about 11 o'clock I can't really say whether 4½ minutes before or after, tho' these niceties are great things with you, or you would not think my mistaking the name of the Fort worth mentioning, and to convince you that infallibility is not your talent, I send you a copy of Capt. Husk's commission only to show you what you writ under it, and to know whether any man living can tell the day or year you administred the oaths to him, but these are trifles I think not worth your notice or mine, and notwithstanding the mistake Mr. Secry. Waldron might make in writing the dedimus, I doubt not but the proper oaths have been duly administred etc. I am freely willing you should send home copies of my letters, depending you'll be so just as to send copies of yours to me etc. Sends copy of his letter to Capt. Walton, 18 July (No. iv supra). The Commissions I give are the King's Commissions and it is your duty to treat them with great respect etc. The late Lt. Govr. kept command of the fort by my proclamation, and no otherwise, nor do I find anything in your commission, or any act of the Government that settles the command of that fort upon the Leiut. Govr. etc. Would have given it to him, if he had asked for it and not treated his commission with contempt. Continues: The passes you give to the fort are properly mine and so I believe you'll find the licences for marriage etc. My only answer to what you say. about sharing my salary, is that it made me smile. |
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Your predecessor never had the face to say a word to me on that head, nor did I practice any mean condescentions with the Assembly to get it done, but told 'em frankly and freely before they did it, no one shou'd ever have a farthing of it, and I have long since recd, an approbation from home, of the handsome manner in which I got the salary settled etc. It was a fault in you not to administer the oaths when the gentn. waited on you by my order. The commissions were not deficient, but good and full, so far as I had extended 'em. If I pleas'd to enlarge 'em afterwards, that was more than you knew in the time of it etc. You are too assuming in your letters. Nor do I want your dictating to whom I shall read your letters or my own etc. Continues: I am under no concern about your complaint home, because I insist upon it, that I am always present at New Hampshire when here, or that government wou'd be a monster with three heads. If I am absent, so wou'd you, if you cross the river into York county, and then the President of the Council might turn the Government into all confusion etc. Is prepared to justify himself in this as in the affair of Frederick's Fort. Was obliged to go into the country and therefore to detain the express, "which those who sent it, I beleive must be content to pay etc. Signed, J. Belcher. Same endorsement. 3¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 873. ff. 157—165v., 166v.—167v., 168v.—172v., 173v.—177v.] |
Aug. 20.
Boston. |
378. Governor Belcher to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Col. Dunbar is a gentleman of such an uncommon temper that he expects to have to be constantly defending himself against his unjust insinuations. Refers to letter of 12th July. Col. Dunbar's thirst of power and honour beyond his rank cannot be acceded to by any Governor. When the Capt. of Fort William and Mary reported that the Lieut. Governor said he would never accept his commission for it, he thought it high time to assert the King's honour against insults and behaviour which could only lead to anarchy. The Governor has never been esteemed absent from New Hampshire when at the Massachusetts. Refers to 36th instruction. It cannot be imagined that the King only made him Governor for about six weeks in the year—the time he spends with the Assembly there. Repeats former arguments. It being but 66 miles from Boston, and the post passing every week, regrets that he has to trouble the Board with the enclosed letters, but he expects Col. Dunbar will dress up an extraordinary relation of this affair. He will esteem it a great favour to be delivered from this uneasy gentleman etc. Signed, J. Belcher. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 19th Oct., 1731, 4 pp. Enclosed, |
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378. i. Copy of preceding encl. x. |
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378. ii. Copy of Aug. 18 encl. i. |
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378. iii. Copy of preceding encl. iv. |
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378. iv. Copy of Aug. 18 encl. ii. Nos. i–iv. Endorsed as covering letter. [C.O. 5, 873. ff. 201—203v, 204v., 206—207v., 208v., 210—211v., 214v.—213v., 214v., 215, 216v. (with abstract).] |
