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July?
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1015. Petition of part of the inhabitants of Portsmouth and
Strawberry Bank to the King's Commissioners for New England.
For several years past they have been kept under the Massachusetts
Government by an usurped power, whose laws are derogatory to the
laws of England, under which power five or six of the richest men of
this parish have ruled and ordered all officers, both civil and military,
at their pleasures, and none durst make opposition for fear of great
fines or long imprisonment. They have been denied in their public
meeting the Common Prayer, Sacraments, and decent burial of the
dead, and also the benefit of freemen. Hope the Commissioners
will take them under their protection and government, and rectify
these miscarriages. Signed by Francis Champernowne, Abraham
Corbet, John Pickering, Anthony Bracket, Francis Drake, James
Johnson, John Shirborne, Nath. Drake, Edward Clark, Sam.
Fernalld, Francis Ran, John Partridg, William Cotten, Richard Sloper,
George Wallis, Mark Hunking, John Johnson, John Berry, John
Frost, Joseph Atkinson, John Jones, Henry Savage, Francis Jones,
William Hearle, Thomas Avery, George Walton, Sam. Roby, Edw.
West, George Gray, Thom. Fallingsby, John Tanner, and George
Drake. The parties we petition against are Joshua Moody, Master,
Rich., and John Cutt, Elias Styleman, Nath. Fryer, and Bryan
Pendleton, merchants. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX, No. 76.]
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July 1.
Weymouth.
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1016. George Pley to Navy Commissioners. Barbadoes fleet of
30 sail with two of his Majesty's ships has arrived in Plymouth,
with news of destruction of English ships and plantations in Newfoundland
by De Ruyter, who came thither in the beginning of
June, and, after he had done that mischief and victualled his fleet
out of English ships, departed suddenly homewards, it is thought by
the North of England. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXXVI., No. 7, Cal.
p. 459.]
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July 5.
Barbadoes.
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1017. Gov. Fras. Lord Willoughby to the King. It has been his
great trouble since coming into these parts that he could not serve
his Majesty more. This has been owing to the distractedness of
the times, giving encouragement to a disaffected party, who were
nourished and brought up in the island in the time of the usurped
powers, and who are always ready to stir up the people against
his Majesty's just rights and authority there. Upon calling an
Assembly in pursuance of his Majesty's commands to raise supplies
for erecting and repairing the forts and providing fit defences for
the island and shipping, Samuel Farmer, a very dangerous, active,
and eminent man amongst the disaffected, was chosen a member
and elected Speaker ; who not only obstructed all things that were
proposed for the above objects, but by insinuations and practices
endeavoured to stir up sedition and rebellion against his Majesty's
authority by engaging the Assembly to own a petition which he had
cunningly framed and intruded upon them, rendering their meeting
useless, so that the Governor was forced to dissolve them. Has
since thought fit to send Farmer home to receive his trial before his
Majesty and Council, by reason of the distractions and evil temper
at present amongst the people of the island. Begs that he may be
allowed to use the custom dues of four and a half per cent. for the
expenses of building forts and keeping men to defend them, having
no other means of paying for the same. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XIX., No. 77.]
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July 5.
Barbadoes.
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1018. Governor Lord Willoughby to the Lords of the Council.
Having no means of carrying out his Majesty's commands for repairing
the forts, as his appropriation of the 4 per cent. on the customs
had been petitioned against by the Earl of Carlisle's creditors, he
called an Assembly, his commission strictly restraining him from
laying any imposition upon the people without their own consents.
But the country was so factious in its choice that these endeavours
were rendered fruitless ; for instead of providing for the defence of
the island, the Speaker of the Assembly, Samuel Farmer, put in a
petition to the Governor and Council, and told him it was a petition
of right, and that therein he had followed the example of the best
of Parliaments, and they refused to consider any other matter until
their petition was answered, which was so scandalous and false and
so much contesting with the King's authority as even utterly to
subvert and destroy his Majesty's Government and just rights in
Barbadoes. Wherefore after two days' respite, which did but confirm
their former resolution, was forced to dissolve them. The
chief promoter of these seditions is the said Farmer, whom Lord
Willoughby has sent home to receive his trial before the King and
his Council, as it would not be safe or proper to try him in Barbadoes
in the present condition of affairs. Incloses,
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1018. I. Petition of the Representatives of Barbadoes to Governor
Lord Willoughby. That contrary to certain statutes, divers
of his Majesty's subjects in Barbadoes had been imprisoned
without any warrantable cause by the law of the land
given for their commitment, and had been there detained
five weeks against tender of sufficient sureties for their
enlargement, and no offence to this day proved against
them ; that others had been violently put out and disseised
of their inheritances, others exiled, by the Governor's warrant
only ; others forced to attend as witnesses during the
whole session, though they knew nothing against the supposed
offenders ; and others to their no small expense had
been sued in the courts of common pleas not belonging to
their precincts : all which grievances are supposed to be
occasioned by the advice of his private Council working
for their own ends. Pray that none of his Majesty's subjects
may hereafter be unjustly imprisoned or detained,
that none without judgment of his peers be put out of his
possessions or disseised of his inheritance or exiled and
banished without due course of law ; that none be commanded
to attend as witnesses at their own costs when
they can say nothing material against the offender ; that
the courts may return to be kept in their due and accustomed
precincts ; and that the statutes may not hereafter
be subverted by ordinance of Governor Willoughby and
his Council, nor any of the doings before mentioned be
made a precedent. "This petition was this day, 8 June
1665, read and passed by the Assembly, and ordered to be
presented as it is. John Pococke, Clerk of the Assembly."
Indorsed by Lord Willoughby, "This paper given me by
the Assembly, with several allegations against myself, the
8th of June, and owned by Mr. Farmer to be of his own
framing."
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1018. II., III., IV., V. Depositions of Anthony Lane, Josias Cox, John
King, John Barwicke, and John Downell, sworn before
Governor Willoughby. That after the Assembly was dissolved,
Sam. Farmer read a petition to several vestries in
the island for their approval, which he told them was a
copy of what the Assembly had presented to the Governor.
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1018. VI. Also Deposition of Edward Bowden, Deputy Secretary,
that Farmer refused to sign a recognizance [annexed] to
be bound over to the sessions to answer what was objected
against him, and in the interim not to do anything against
the Government ; to which latter part he said he would be
damned and rot where he was before he would acknowledge
any such thing, for that the government was by
ordinances made by his Excellency and Council against
the laws, and which he would never own ; and that he
had put in a plea against it already, by which he would
abide. 5 papers. 29, 30 June, 1, 5 July 1665.
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1018. VII. Affidavit of Governor Lord Willoughby that the proofs
and evidences to the papers annexed [the preceding depositions]
had been taken before him. 1665, July 5.
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1018. VIII., IX., X. Three petitions of the vestries of St. James,
St. Thomas, and St. Joseph to Col. Henry Willoughby,
Deputy Governor, and the Council. That by the blessing
of God and the diligence of their ancestors many wholesome
laws have been enacted which have served as bounds
between the King's prerogative and the subjects' rights.
That for the better settlement of the island it was divided
into five precincts, and a court of common pleas appointed
for each. It is now proposed to diminish the number of
these, which will be attended with great expense to suitors,
and with great damage to creditors if the judgments be
avoided by writs of error. Prays that the courts may
continue as formerly. Three papers, signed by twentynine
persons.
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1018. XI. Articles of high treason and other crimes and misdemeanours
exhibited against Samuel Farmer by Governor Lord
Willoughby. Barbadoes, 1665, July 5. Farmer's answer
to Lord Willoughby's accusations was read by himself in
Council 16th March 1666. Together 18 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XIX., Nos. 78, 78 I. to XI.]
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July 12.
Hampton Court.
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1019. The King to the Wardens of the Mint. The office of
Assay Master is vacant by death of John Woodward and the absence
of Thos. Woodward, his father, who, if alive, is at some plantation
on York river in Virginia ; John Brattle is to exercise the office
during the absence of Thos. Woodward, with a fitting allowance, see
Nos. 187, 1005. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CXXVI., No. 92, Cal., p. 474.]
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July 12.
Boston.
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1020. Warrant of the Massachusetts Government to the Constable
of Portsmouth. To prohibit the inhabitants, summoned [by the Commissioners]
to meet on the 13th, assembling, and to make return
of such as neglect obedience hereto. Boston, 12th July 1665.
Annexed,
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1020. I. The Governor and Council of the Massachusetts to the
King's Commissioners. When they departed refusing to
treat further with the General Court, it was expected they
would have ceased any further actings and would render an
account to his Majesty of their negotiation, but they have
since interrupted the ordinary proceedings of the Court of
justice in Yorkshire against the King's express command,
thereby stirring up the people to act contrary to their oaths
and the wholesome laws here established. Have seen their
warrant to the constable of Portsmouth for calling the people
together ; in the King's letter they will find they are
directed in a more orderly method than they observe. Protest
against their irregular proceedings and account themselves
bound to provide against such unreasonable mandates.
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1020. II. The King's Commissioners' reply to the Governor and
Council of Massachusetts. Their letter is full of untruth
and wanting grammar construction. The fixing, naming,
and owning a bound house three miles north of Merrimac
river, above 12 years together, by the Corporation of the
Massachusetts, must necessarily determine the limits of said
corporation, and answer all the false and fraudulent expositions
of their charter. The King's last letter the ground
of their warrant to Portsmouth and other towns. Not to
suffer themselves to be so much misled by the spirit of independency ;
the King has not granted away his sovereignty
over them, the supreme authority he has reserved for himself.
The conditions on which his Majesty's clemency was
promised to them, in his letter of June 1662, [see No. 314].
It is possible the charter they so much idolise may be forfeited ;
they must clear themselves of many injustices,
oppressions, violences and blood complained of, and if they
be Christians, as they profess, show obedience to the King's
authority. The other colonies have set them good examples,
even Rhode Island, who they so long despised and disowned,
and lately derided for their submission to the King. Desire
they will not contradict the orders they make in his Majesty's
name, or molest those who obey them. Piscataqua
river, 16 July 1665. Mem. Upon receipt of this reply the
Governor and Council sent out warrants to several towns
in the Eastward parts of the following tenor : To the constable
of. To summon forthwith the deputies
chosen for the year, or in case they have none, at once to
assemble the freemen to choose them, to meet at Boston on
1st August next, at 8 a.m., "to consult in General Court
with the Magistrates about the weighty occasions of the
colony." Boston, 21st July 1665. Together 3 pp. Printed
in New York Documents, III., 98-100. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XIX., No. 79.]
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July 16.
Piscataqua.
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1021. Joseph Mason to Robt. Mason. Perceives by his letters
that he has empowered General Nicolls for settling his Province
grant ; prays he may have good success in it. The Commissioners
violently opposed by the Massachusetts Bay Government. One of
the Commissioners returned for England in this ship. Generally
the people here and in the Province of Maine are desirous to be
taken off from the Bay Government. Desires he will make himself
known to Col. Cartwright, who has taken great pains in
perusing Robert Mason's papers, relating to his affairs. Here has
been a public meeting before the Commissioners by their command
to hear the King's letter read, when the people were informed they
were out of the Bay's jurisdiction, and they promise speedily to
settle the Government. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 80.]
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July 21.
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1022. Sir Roger Bradshaigh to Williamson. One of the Barbadoes
fleet richly laden was burnt the night before they were to have
set sail through the drunkenness of the mariners ; it belonged to
Mr. Blundell of Ince. [Dom. Chas. II., Vol. CXXVII., No. 47,
Cal., p. 485.]
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July 24.
Jamaica.
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1023. John Style to [Sec. Lord Arlington]. Landed on 4th of
June last, and has since been viewing the land and conceives in all
things it exceeds England, for though the neighbourhood of Port
Royal and Spanish Town is sandy, rocky, barren, and dry, and
rains but seldom, there has been no rain there for seven or eight
months, so that cattle are almost starved and provisions very scarce,
20 miles farther in the country there is grass plenty and rains
and dews seasonable, with cattle and hogs fat, and English grain,
besides sugar, cotton, and indigo. The climate is most healthy, the
heat by reason of the constant breezes most temperate, so that it is
not the country but the deboistness and intemperance of the people
that bring evil report upon it. Finds the island so good and so profitable
that he would resolve to end his days there had he not many
engagements in England to forbid it ; but has sent for two of his
younger sons to bring grain from England with ploughs and tradesmen
of all sorts, so they be sober persons, and has also sent advice
to some farmers and husbandmen to transport themselves, but doubts
whether it will be followed, "for such men are generally of the
Israelites' temper, they had rather sit by their flesh-pots in Egypt
(though with slavery and penury) than travel into the land of Canaan."
A master of his trade of husbandry with 100l. stock, may live in
greater plenty than his landlord in England with 100l. or 200l. per
annum, and in a few years with industry and temperance acquire
many hundred pounds estate. Doubts not himself in two years
to have 500 head of horses, hogs, and cattle, by taming wild
stock. Proposes that his Majesty, like the Kings of Egypt, Emperors
of Persia, and Kings of England of old, should take a quantity
of land in the island for stock and planting, for if 500l. stock
will bring in 1,000l. per annum, 2,000l. invested by his Majesty
would be most advantageous to him as well as to the island. His
Majesty should also make himself sole merchant of the copper which
is found within seven miles of the sea, as the King of France is of
the salt, and the Emperor of Russia of the caviare in his dominions.
Will make upon pawn of his life as good butter, cheese, and salt
meat there as in England. So great is the scarcity of money, that
unless there be free trade or war with the Spaniards, the colony
will never flourish or hardly be kept. The island would take all
the negroes of the Royal Company, if they would give 18 months
credit, as the Dutch did formerly at Barbadoes. But why should
not his Majesty as the Romans did send out a colony, one family from
each parish, not your convict gaol birds or riotous persons, rotten
before they are sent forth and at best idle and only fit for the mines.
Such well-disposed people not to be sent as servants for a term, hateful
to a free Englishman, but upon meat, drink, and wages, as in
England, until they could make provision for themselves. These
are the conditions he has authorised his son to offer, and he believes
that the ice once broken and the advantage by experience confirmed,
there will in short time be equal need to restrain by a law
such people from coming as now to send them hither. That he may
not altogether seem a brain-sick person refers to Col. Holles, Capts.
Berkeley and Watson, Sir Reginald Forster, and Dr. Peter Mews,
the King's chaplain. Believes his Honour remembers his name at
Christ Church, where he was his fellow student, some two or three
years his senior of Powell's standing. 8 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX.,
No. 81.]
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July 26.
Boston.
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1024. Sir Robt. Carr, George Cartwright, and Samuel Mavericke
to Sec. Lord Arlington. This Province [of New Hampshire] reaches
from three miles north of Merrimack river to Piscataqua river and
60 miles into the country. Find many small patents in it, and the
whole Province to be now under the usurpation of the Massachusetts.
Col. Nicolls bound to attend De Ruyter's attempt against New York
and not being here, the Commissioners left them as they found
them under the Massachusetts Government, though very earnest
to be taken under the King's Government, as will appear by their
petitions herewith sent. The inhabitants of the Province of
Yorkshire, formerly called Maine, weary of the unjust and partial
actings of the Massachusetts, the Commissioners have taken into
his Majesty's more immediate government, according to their petition,
being assured it was the best expedient to procure the peace of
the Province and end the differences between the pretending parties
for the present, leaving the final determination to his Majesty. In
this Province are five towns, Kittery, York, Wells, Scarborough, and
Falmouth ; all built by the seaside and five or six miles long at
least, though they have but 30 houses in them, and those very mean
ones. The places beyond Sagadahock given to the Duke of York
by the King, they have appointed some to govern for the present,
as there was great need. Upon three rivers, the East of Kennebeck,
Shipscot, and Pemaquid, are three plantationsthe greatest has not
above 20 housesand they are inhabited by the worst of men ;
they have no Government, and have fled thence from punishment :
for the most part they are fishermen, and share in their wives as
they do in their boats. An excellent harbour within Piscataqua
river, large and safe ; had an intent to have fortified it, but the
Massachusetts prevented. This place deserves fortifying as well as
any in New England. The Massachusetts have appointed a General
Court on Aug. 1 to consider how to manage their opposition, for
they intend to maintain the bounds of their patent as far as they
have stretched them ; to justify their own ways for admitting church
members and freemen, though the King write never so often to the
contrary. Some exceptions they may make to serve to delude the
King with a show of compliance, for if writing will serve their turn
(as they suppose), they can keep the business in agitation until the
King and all his Secretaries there and all his good subjects here be
weary of it. Unless his Majesty take some speedy course, they who
have declared their judgments against the Massachusetts jurisdiction
will be undone ; it is the case of the loyal party here, as not long
ago it was in England, though they be two for one yet they are so
overawed that they cannot help themselves. The readiest and
surest way is to take away their charter, which they have several
ways forfeited, and King Charles I. was about to do in 1636 or
1637. And if his Majesty will assure the people they shall not be
tied to religious ceremony the generality of them will be contented ;
but this without a visible force will not be effected. If his Majesty
should now let these people rest, having so much declared themselves
against his authority over them, those that are well affected
will never dare hereafter to declare themselves, besides all the ill
consequences which must necessarily follow. Those who have declared
themselves loyal are very much threatened and in great fear,
and have earnestly pressed the Commissioners to solicit his Majesty
for their speedy defence and safety, that they may not be afflicted
or ruined for showing their loyalty. Earnestly desire him to
acquaint his Majesty with their desires in this, as also of having
their children baptised and themselves admitted to the Lord's
Supper. [Printed in New York Documents, III., 101, 102.]
Inclose,
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1024. I. Petition of the inhabitants of Portsmouth and Strawberry
Bank, Dover, Exeter, and Hampton to the King. Were
transported with joy and hope of settlement when they
heard of his Majesty's care of those plantations, and desire
the King to take them into his Royal protection and
government and join them to the Province of Maine.
Signed by Fran. Champernowne, Edward Hilton, Abra.
Corbett, John Foulsham, Marke Hunckings, Thos. Walford,
Henrie Sherburne, James Johnson, Robt. Burnum, Richard
Sloper, Edward West, John Pickering, John Pottell, Francis
Drake, Jo. Tanner, Francis Gray, Gorg Drak (?), Nath. Drake,
Joseph Atkinson, John Shirborne, Antho. Brackett, Francis
Ran, John Jackson, Walter Abetts, Phesant Eastwick,
William Seavey, William Hearle, John Webster, John
Jones, Francis Jones, Richard Scamond, William Cotton,
John Widdon, Samuel Whiddon, James Jones, Thomas
Footeman, Robt. Watson, David Hammdleton, James Harben,
Phillip Chasley, Patrik Jameson, Daniell Blake, Symon
Lea, James Oare, Jam. Smith, Patricke Denmarke, Will.
Jones, Thomas Roberts, senr., Ralph Tamlay, Tho. Hanson,
James Newth, James Buncker, Will. Follett, John Godard,
Robert Huden, Ben. Hull, John Yorke, Richard York, John
Hilton, John Huncking, and Tho. Avery.
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1024. II. Address of the bench in sessions at Wells for the Province
of Maine to the King. Their gratitude for his
Majesty's fatherly care of them after so long a death
inflicted on their minds and fortunes by the usurpation
of the Massachusetts power ; and that the enjoyment of
their restored happiness under his Majesty's immediate
power may be preserved to them, and the insultings of
others over them prevented for the future, they beg that
Sir Robt. Carr may be and continue their Governor.
Signed by Henry Jocelyn, Robt. Jordan, Edw. Johnson,
Wm. Phillips, Fran. Hooke, Sam. Wheelwright, and John
Wright (?).
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1024. III. Petition of the inhabitants of the Province of Maine to
the King. They have been long distracted by the several
patents and claims made for title and jurisdiction, and
are much afraid lest they be further entangled by Gorges
in their lands. Though they have petitioned the King's
Commissioners, yet they will not order the petitioners to
be longer under his Majesty's immediate Government than
till his pleasure be known. Pray that they may be continued
under his own Royal Government without any
dependence on any patent. Together 6 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XIX., Nos. 82, 82 I., II., III.]
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July 26.
Boston.
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1025. Copy of the above letter, but without the inclosures. 2 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XIX., No. 83.]
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July 31.
New York.
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1026. Col. R. Nicolls to [Sec. Lord Arlington]. Could not foresee
or prevent the loss of his letters in the Elias. The Martin carried
the full accounts to the Lord Chancellor and Sir W. Coventry.
Boston and Connecticut were joined in the treaty to engage their
assistance against the Dutch if need had been ; if he committed an
error in consenting, hopes it is very pardonable. The uncertain conveyance
of letters into England gives him much discouragement. No
ship directly out of England or supplies arrived since the surrender,
so that the soldiers and planters want necessaries. Still hopes a
place of this importance will fall into due consideration with his
Majesty and Royal Highness. Begs the King's orders concerning
Delaware ; if neglected the trade there will be quite lost, and all the
planters upon the river go naked if not supplied ; at present all their
provisions and maintenance for a foot company are sent upon his
own account. Sir R. Carr was persuaded in the beginning of
February to remove thence, and hath ever since followed his
Majesty's Commission. Sends by Col. Cartwright, who he supposes
is now at sea, all transactions in the colonies. Has sent a copy of
the King's letter to each colony ; have much less cause to apprehend
De Ruyter than the privateers, though they do not apprehend either,
for they have no ships to lose, no goods to plunder, but a ragged sort
of a fort put into the best posture of defence possible, well fitted with
cannon, no want of ammunition at present, and as many soldiers as
will not lose his Majesty's interest but with their own lives. Printed
in New York Documents, III., 103. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XIX.,
No. 84.]
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July.
Shaftesbury
Papers.
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1027. Account of fees paid in passing a duplicate of the first
charter of Carolina [March 1663], total 106l. 11s. 6d. ; also of those
paid in passing the last patent for Carolina [June 1665], total
71l. 2s. 4d. 1 p. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., No. 5.]
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July.
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1028. Copy of the preceding. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XX, end of
volume.]
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