|
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July 2/12.
The Castle of
Quebec.
|
1226. M. Courcelle to [M. D'Hinse? surgeon at Albany]. His of
the 25 Feb./7 March received, from which he understands the care taken of his
seven soldiers left behind, and also that the Iroquois ambassadors
testify their willingness for peace. The assurance his directors have
given to M. De Tracy, and the Christain charity used, have induced
him to listen to and treat them as favourably as possible, and to
grant them the Rev. Father Beschefer and three others whom they
desired that the Agnieronnons [Mohawks] may come in all safety.
The letters they brought were of considerable service, M. De Tracy
being always disposed to respect whatever his directors interest
themselves in, which is confirmed by the fact that he has now a very
considerable body of troops, the true way to bring them to reason,
though the war parties have been counter ordered. Is glad his
Gov.-Gen. has chosen M. Corlart to come hither, for the Agnieronnons
will trust them more readily, being assured of his probity.
The ambassadors have demanded 40 days for coming, which he
believes is enough. Cannot give any news from Europe, their ships
not having arrived ; they have only heard through savages from
Acadia that four French ships were arrived at Gasp and eight more
expected, and the wind being contrary, M. De Tracy has resolved
to send M. Le Chevallier de Grand Fontaine, Capt. in the regiment
of Carignan, in a frigate to seek the letters from France, so that he
cannot receive news but by the return of M. Corlart. Requests him
to send back the seven soldiers if they are cured, and the 11 who
could not follow with M. Corlart. Thanks M. Corlart and M. Rinselart
for their remembrance. A translation in English is printed
in New York Documents, III., 127, 128. French, 1 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XX., No. 106.]
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July 2/12.
Quebec.
|
1227. M. Mailoy? to M. D'Hinse? surgeon at Albany. Thanks
him for the favour shown to his brother-in-law, and hopes to be able
to serve him some day. There is no news but that there are four
ships in the river with troops. Expect 11 or 12 ships this year
with a large number of soldiers, for last year seven ships arrived
with 1,800 persons from France. Believes M. De Tracy will set out
soon to meet the savages ; hopes to accompany him and to have the
honour of paying him a visit. Begs him to salute "Madamoizel
vostre fame." An incorrect translation in English is printed in
New York Documents, III., 128, 129. French, 2 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XX., No. 107.]
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July 4/14.
Quebec.
|
1228. Governor Tracy [to the Commissaries of Albany]. In
answer to theirs of 16/26 March, which was handed to him only on the
6th inst. by the Anoyots [Oneidas] will willingly accede to a peace
with the whole of their nation, but on such conditions as shall be
considered just when the Commissaries come hither with order and
power from their Governor-General. As the said Iroquois have
always broken their word and used so many extraordinary cruelties,
it would not be prudent to lose the opportunity of destroying them
when he has so many soldiers. That the Commissaries may understand
his confidence in them he has ordered two detachments each
of 200 men to return to their quarters, though he fears it may cost
the lives of some poor people by four parties which the Iroquois
have despatched beyond their country, yet he prefers to risk this
for the sake of the general tranquility, having news that of 12 ships
sent by the King, there are already four near the Isle of Perse and
Gasp. That they may be assured he always continues as sincerely
disposed as when he acted in the islands of America with Lord
Vuillimgbye [Willoughby] and the Dutch, he has requested the
Superior of the Jesuits to permit Father Bechefer to repair to their
quarters with three others to give spiritual aid to the soldiers whom
M. De Courcelle, Governor-General of Canada, left there. The Iroquois
naturally distrustful will also feel safe when they see that
said Father will serve as an escort on their return, and in whom the
Commissaries may place entire confidence. Not to lose precious
time in useless conferences he has given the Iroquois 40 days to
repair to this city ; and should be very glad if that term can be
abridged by their intervention. Indorsed, "M. de Tracy his letter
to the Commissaries of Albany." A translation in English is
printed in New York Documents, III., 129, 130. French, 1 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 108.]
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July 4/14.
Quebec.
|
1229. G. Fruiou to Mons. Dainse? [D'Hinse?] at Orange. Writes
these few lines to testify his affection and offer his services in these
parts, and to say that when the French returned he was sorry to
hear that the Sieur Banchaud had not mentioned the writer's name
to him, and also whether they might sail to his colony. Has married
Mdlle. Cousseau who he met last year at Rochelle. This is why he
hopes for leave to visit him, and that they may trade together.
Wishes to know the most suitable articles for his country, and the
prices. News that 10 or 12 ships are coming, of which four are at
Isle Perce. Wishes to know all that passes between the Iroquois
and French. Messages to his wife and family, and not to fail to send
a letter to Mons. Cousseau. French, 2 pp. A translation in English
is printed in New York Documents, III., 130, 131. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XX., No. 109.]
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July 4.
Plymouth.
|
1230. Tho. Prence on behalf of the Court of New Plymouth
colony to Col. Nicolls. Concerning a dispute at the town of Secunke
about the election of Mr. Myles or Mr. Sims as public preacher there ;
and the reasons which induced the court not to allow Mr. Myles to
be public preacher there till better informed. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XX., No. 110.]
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July 5.
Virginia.
|
1231. Thos. Ludwell, Secretary of Virginia, to Sec. Lord Arlington.
Would much rather appear impertinent than ungrateful, so
troubles his Lordship with his most humble acknowledgments for
those favourable expressions Col. Moryson received in the writer's
behalf, and beseeches a continuance of them. Will send by the next
fleet a full account of all their public concerns. Indorsed, Received
Dec. 10, 1666. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 111.]
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July 6.
Fort James,
New York.
|
1232. Col. Nicolls to (the Council of Massachussetts). Has lately
heard that his Majesty has authorised them to reduce Canada, and
therefore thinks it his duty to give them advertisement of an opportunity
that presents itself towards facilitating if not wholly effecting
the work at once. Received letters yesterday that about 700 French
were marching towards Albany ; presumes they will not openly
profess themselves enemies till they have vanquished or made peace
with the Mohawks, but has strengthened his garrison and sent
Governor Winthrop an account hereof. Cannot imagine why so fair
an advantage should be let slip, for if from their colony a speedy
force of 150 horse would march and join with a proportionable
number from Connecticut, but few of the French could return to
Canada, whose whole strength is now so far engaged from home, and
the rest will not be able to make any considerable resistance. Will not
make use of other arguments, not doubting that the common safety
is precious to them, although the danger at present more immediately
threatens New York. 1 pp. Printed in New York Documents, III.,
120. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 112.]
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July 7.
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1233. John Fitzherbert to Williamson. All the Virginia fleet
belonging to Bristol, being 20 sail, safely arrived at Kinsale ; only
the Alexander, a ship of good burden, being a slow sailer, was taken
by a Dutch man-of-war, much to the shame of the rest, for though
in sight of them not one would stop to her rescue. Several letters to
merchants of Bristol from masters of ships say there are now in
Kinsale roads about 70 ships from Barbadoes, Virginia, and Nevis,
all staying in hopes of convoy for England ; though some for a good
market will probably venture sooner, the wind being fresh at West.
[Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXI., No. 139, Cal., p. 507.]
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July 9.
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1234. John Fitzherbert to Williamson. The French fleet still
about Lisbon, and have landed eight or ten thousand men to assist
the Portuguese against the Spaniard. The Virginia fleet is still at
Kinsale expecting a convoy. From several hands there is an account
of six Barbadoes ships taken, which makes merchants in Bristol look
very blank, it being a very considerable loss. [Dom., Chas. II.,
Vol. CLXII., No. 13, Cal., p. 512.]
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July 10.
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1235. Thos. Mayden to Rev. Jos. Hill, Leyden. The French have
surprised the English at St. Christopher's, and put them all to the
sword, a cruelty never heard of before. Either the English loss in the
last engagement is not so great as it is made here, or they will not
confess it in England. The Holland fleet is not 70 strong. [Dom.,
Chas. II., Vol. CLXII., No. 60 IV., Cal., p. 521.]
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July 11.
Hartford.
|
1236. Samuel Willis in the name of the Governor and Assistants
(of Connecticut) to Col. Nicolls. They have had serious consideration
of his letter of the 5th inst. (sic), and though there will be much difficulty
in sparing any men from the harvest, yet will study the public
safety. Their difficulties concerning the Mohawks, upon whom the
French are warring, and who have been long inveterate enemies to
the Indians about them, which make it dangerous to part with any
of their strength until an agreement be concluded with the Mohawks.
Will order their military men to see their arms ready for service.
It will be very difficult to pass Fort Albany with a troop, the way is so
bad. They are glad to hear that he is strengthening his garrison at
Albany. Whether it may not be good to let the French and Mohawks
try it out ; and, if the Dutch can be kept from supplying them, it
will much weaken them. Hope all the colonies will attend to their
duty in a matter so momentous. They have this day desired the
Governor and Council of Massachusetts to join with them in council
and assistance, who are in as great hazard as New York or their own
town. 1 p. Printed in New York Documents, III., 120, 121. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XX., No. 113.]
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July 12.
James City.
|
1237. Articles agreed upon at James City between Thos. Ludwell,
Secretary of Virginia, Maj.-Gen. Robt. Smith, Maj.-Gen. Richard
Bennett, Capt. Dan. Parke, Capt. Jos. Bridgen, Capt. Peter Jennings,
and Thos. Ballard, Commissioners from Gov. Berkeley, and the Commissioners
from Maryland and Carolina, for a total cessation from
planting tobacco in the year 1667. Attested copy by Ludwell. 3 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 114.]
|
|
July 12.
|
1238. Thos. Waade to Williamson. The country is vehemently
exasperated against the French barbarism exercised upon the poor
Englishmen in St. Christopher's Island. [Extract from Dom., Chas.
II., Vol. CLXII., No. 91, Cal., p. 527.]
|
July 12/22.
[Quebec.]
|
1239. Governor Tracy to [the Commissaries at Albany]. They
will see by his letter of the 4/14th the good inclination he had towards
peace with the Iroquois, so that, as one of the Anoyots [Oneidas]
whom he sends can testify, he had countermanded two detachments
of 200 men each. Yet after the Commissaries' assurance that no act
of hostility should be committed the Iroquois have assassinated seven
young men, of whom four were gentlemen who went hunting, confiding
in what the Commissaries had written. At once ordered the Rev.
Father Bechefer and the others to return, and that the said Anoyots
should be arrested at Three Rivers and brought to this place, except
the one who goes with a Frenchman, and will deliver Tracy's first
and this last letter. Feels exculpated by the enormity of this act
should he exercise the severest rigour upon said Oneidas, and is
certain of receiving all the satisfaction from the Commissaries that
lies in their power. Failing this, is determined to abandon said
Oneidas to the mercy of the Algonquins, who oppose here as much
as possible, the conclusion of peace, reserving to himself besides to
make known to all Europe that his good faith has been surprised
on the assurances given to him by the Commissaries that no act of
hostility should be committed while they were in treaty with said
Oneidas. All he requests is that they detain the bearer only as long
as is necessary, and send him back in safety to one of the French forts
with their resolution in this matter. French, 1 pp. Indorsed,
"Mons. Tracy, his letter to the Commissaries at Albany." A translation
in English is printed in New York Documents, III., 131.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 115.]
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July 12/22.
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1240. Copy of the preceding. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 116.]
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July 13.
Virginia.
|
1241. Gov. Berkeley and Council of Virginia to Sec. Lord Arlington.
Received his letter of 23 February on 11th inst., wherein two
things are particularly recommended to his care, the fortifying the
country and promoting the useful commodities of silk, hemp, and
flax, with the assurance of the King's assistance in the latter. Had
already designed a fort at James Town, in the centre and heart
of the country, but commanded so positively, they durst not
disobey, to erect a fort in the extremities of the Province. Find
that all the forts they can build, though never so strong, will not
absolutely answer what they are designed for ; the entrance into the
Province is so large that any enemy's ship may ride out of all possible
danger of the greatest cannon in the world. A small ship taken by a
caper within the bay. Humbly on his knees implores the King to
send a frigate to guard them, to the charge of which the merchants will
contribute. Have made considerable progress in silk and flax, and
prepared a present of three hundred pounds of silk for his Majesty,
but dare not send it in regard of the capers. Have decreed a year's
cessation from planting tobacco, the quantity being so great and
the price so small that they cannot live by it, the merchants not
giving them the twentieth part of what they sold it for in England,
and having now growing more than will be carried away in three
years. Signed by Sir William Berkeley, Thomas Ludwell, Robert
Smith, Rich. Bennett, Thomas Stegge, Henry Corbyn, and Tho. Bland.
Indorsed, Rec. 11 Dec. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 117.]
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July 13/23.
Quebec.
|
1242. Passport signed by Alexandre de Prouville, Chevalier and
Seigneur de Tracy, one of the King's Council and Lieut.-Gen. in
America. For the Sieur Cousture and the "Anoyot" [Oneida] with
him to pass in safety to the Commissaries of Albany ; with all in
his company of what nation soever. French, 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XX., No. 118.]
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July 14.
Clarendon in
Carolina.
Shaftesbury
Papers.
|
1243. Robt. Sandford to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. It
is not presumption but duty that presents this narrative. "The
matter related was performed under your auspices in your country
and by your servants. It measures to you my Lords (as his foot
did Hercules) the greatness of your Sovereign's gift and to the
world the greatness of your trust and favour with him. It shows
you in prospective how lasting a renown you may add to your
already glorious names, how boundless a grandeur to your longest
posterity." Annexed,
|
|
1243. I. The Port Royal Discovery. Being the relation of a
voyage on the coast of the Province of Carolina formerly
called Florida in the continent of the Northern America,
from Charles river near Cape Fear, in the county of
Clarendon, and the latitude of 34 degrees, to Port Royal,
in the north latitude of 32, begun 14th June 1666. Performed
by Robert Sandford, Esq., Secretary and chief
register for the Lords Proprietors of their county of
Clarendon. With certificate of those who accompanied
Lieut.-Col. Sandford to the richness and fertility of the
soil of the country discovered and the excellency of the
rivers, havens, &c., &c. Signed by Henry Brayne, George
Cary, Richard Abrahall, Sam. Harvey, Thos. Giles, and
Joseph Woory. 32 pp. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section
IX., No. 7.]
|
July 15.
Barbadoes.
|
1244. Governor Lord Willoughby to the King. Received on the
24th June by the two men-of-war, his Majesty's orders of 8th Feb.
to use his best endeavours for beating the French out of St.
Christopher's ; which by the grace of God he will do, though those
two ships would have done but little towards it, so was forced to
make use of authority which indeed he had not, but hopes he may
receive his Majesty's warrant for to press some ships in the Road ;
so that with the assistance of a loan of sugars, has been enabled to
add six men-of-war, a fire-ship, and a catch. They will be a pretty
handsome small fleet, and hopes to give a good account of St.
Christopher's and the rest of the islands. Would not have taken
this course but must have inevitably exposed his Majesty's ships
to be lost ; and his interest to "a shrow'd baffle," worse than the
loss of 10 such ships. Intends to see the beginning and end of it ;
now is the time, and his Majesty must either beat the French out,
or they will endeavour to beat him out ; hopes more men-of-war are
ordered to follow. Cannot say too much for Barbadoes, nor can his
Majesty do too much for them, for having but very scanty of bread to
put in their mouths, yet they have spared it out of their own bellies
to set your Majesty out a fleet, and keep their people constantly at
work to fortify the island. "He that stopped your gracious warrant
for 300 barrels of powder, and converted it into but 50, had we
but the ordering of him here, I know how he would be handled."
The fortifications go on apace, and his Majesty will have four seaport
towns well fortified, "which will deserve 50 or 100 great guns."
"They say your Majesty hath good store lie idle and useless at
home ; be pleased to transmit them hither ; here they will do you
service, they do but change their climate, they are still your
Majesty's." Indorsed, Rec. Nov. 30. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol.
XX., No. 120.]
|
July 15.
Barbadoes.
|
1245. Governor Lord Willoughby to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Received
his Majesty's orders for reducing the French on St. Christopher's
on 24th June by the two men-of-war. Will do his utmost, but the
ships are too few and their force too weak ; for the French, assisted
by the Hollander, are very strong in shipping, and none dare come
at them. The two ships sent have not four months' provisions,
so that before they have well viewed the islands they must return
home, which will be a greater discouragement than if they had not
come. His Majesty had need send six frigates and 30 or 40 merchantmen
with them three times a year, for so many these islands
can freight ; otherwise time and expense are lost by these small
supplies. The country have shown themselves very ready in making
a loan to the King, which has enabled him to add six merchantmen,
a fire-ship, and a ketch. Has been forced to take up the ships by
way of impress and likewise to press men to man them, which he
has no power to do by his commission ; but relies on his Majesty's
favour and justice to bear him out, and prays his Lordship to procure
his Majesty's warrant for his so doing. Has acquainted the King
with what he has done, and sent the letter to his brother to deliver.
Earnestly begs him to put the King in mind of them, and press hard
that some speedy course may be taken. Will give him further
accounts from the Leeward Isles, being resolved to go himself with the
fleets within two days. Indorsed, Rec. 30th Nov. 3 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XX., No. 119.]
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July 16.
Barbadoes.
|
1246. Gov. Lord Willoughby to the Privy Council. Has received
their letter of the 6th April, with petition, in which he finds
the factors of the Royal Company have been too busy to inform
their principals with more than the truth, whereby they have
procured an order from his Majesty, which if his Majesty or their
Lordships had been rightly informed, they would never have given.
Will not dispute their Lordships' commands, much less the King's,
but desires that such bold assertions may not be too much countenanced,
for he not only erected the Court of Admiralty on their
petition, in special for the trial of that ship, the William and Susan,
but himself sat as judge ; and when he had done all this they sent the
ship by stealth out of the road, and declined the jurisdiction of the
Court, which was a very high affront to his Royal High Commission.
Has sent all the papers according to their order. Indorsed, Rec.
30th Nov. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 121.]
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July 17.
|
1247. Will of Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham. After payment
of his debts and funeral expenses, in particular 700l. to the
executors or administrators of Lucas Lucy, merchant, unless already
paid out of 3,000l. due to Lord Willoughby from his Majesty, and
480 Mexican pieces of eight to Dr. Peter La Rouse. Bequeaths to
his daughters, Frances, wife of William Lord Brereton, and
Elizabeth, wife of Richard Jones, eldest son of Viscount Ranelagh,
his moiety of the revenue of Barbadoes and the other Caribbee
Islands (except 100,000 lbs. sugar yearly to his nephew, Henry
Willoughby during his stay in Barbadoes), and to their younger
children (not their eldest sons) after them ; also to his said
daughters his plantations, &c. on Antigua, and two-thirds of his
moiety of the land in the Province of Willoughby Land, and two-thirds
of his plantation of Parham Hill, on the river of Surinam, and
all his private estate in Willoughby Land. To said Henry Willoughby
the remaining thirds of his lands in Willoughby Land and
Surinam ; to his nephew, William Willoughby, 200l. per annum
for life ; to Dr. Peter La Rouse, for his constant care, 50,000 lbs.
Muscovado sugar, formerly lent to him ; to his executors 20,000 lbs.
sugar apiece, wherewith to buy each other a ring ; to Jane, wife of
William Frith, clerk, for her faithful care in the government of
testator's family, 20,000 lbs. sugar and 20l. per annum for life ; also
legacies or annuities to his servants, John Fowlles, Dixon, Robert
Stokes, Edward Spragg, Dodsworth, Nicholas Walker, and Richard
Wills. Appoints Henry Willoughby, his nephew, Thomas Wardall,
Samuel Barwick, Dr. Peter La Rouse, and testator's secretary,
Henry Haughton, executors. To Henry Haughton, for his faithful
services, and to attend to the payment of legacies and look after
the plantations at Antigua and Surinam, his expenses and 100l. per
annum for life. Appoints his brother, William Willoughby, Sir
Bulstrode Whitelock, and Sir Charles Pim, overseers in trust of this
will, with 20l. apiece for a ring. Testator's rents, issues, and
profits in England or elsewhere to be paid to John Champante of
London, merchantwho for his pains therein is allowed 100l. per
annmto such uses as his said daughters or their children shall
direct. Annexed is an
Order from William, Archbishop of Canterbury, appointing
Elizabeth Viscountess Ranelagh administratrix of this will, dated
London, 10th May 1678. 9 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 122.]
|
|
1248. Petition of Dame Frances Brereton and Dame Elizabeth
Jones, sole daughters and heirs of Francis Lord Willoughby, to the
King. Whereas his Majesty, in the 17th year of his reign, granted
to petitioners' father one moiety of the fines, customs, &c. to be
raised in the Caribbee Islands, for seven years ; and that said Lord
Willoughby bequeathed his whole interest in said moiety to
petitioners ; and such has been his Majesty's tenderness to them
therein, that debts contracted for his Majesty's service in those
parts are by order of 31st July last to be satisfied out of the other
moiety. Forasmuch, nevertheless, as petitioners have received no
benefit from said moiety ; pray his Majesty to give order that they
receive forthwith said moiety, and that all persons who have
received any part thereof be accountable to them. 1 p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XX., No. 123.]
|
|
July?
|
1249. Mons. Sauret (?) to Mons. Couture. They have met the
Agnerons [? Mohawks] ambassadors one day's journey from the village,
which he would have destroyed with 500 men but for the treaty of
peace in which the Hollanders were mixed up. Is certain they will
not complain of the treatment of the French, for he let them all go,
in spite of the Algonquins, who have departed in disgust. Writes
this for the assurance of those who are coming after them, and sends
one of their men, who will bear witness of all that has passed.
French, 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 124.]
|
|
July 18.
|
1250. Thos. Ludwell, Secretary of Virginia, to Sec. Lord Arlington.
Complimentary. Feels the necessity of paying more than a
paper acknowledgment of his Lordship's favors. Recapitulates the
contents of his last letter [see ante, No. 1194]. The Assembly had
ordered that one fort with all their ordnance, being 14, to be mounted
upon it, should be built at James Town, where the inhabitants would
be a sufficient garrison to defend it without any charge to the
country, where the Assembly and all great courts are held, a place
50 miles within the river, but the King's command to build the fort
at Point Comfort prevented us ; it is a place defective in all the
above-mentioned advantages. Points out the evils of such a place
being selected, and heartily wishes that the Governor and Council,
who must necessarily have the most experience of what may be most
advantageous for the country, might have something referred to
their judgments and determinations. Necessity of having one or two
frigates to ride in their river, because of the capers. Capture of a
ship by one. Shall in little time be engaged in a war with most of
their Indians. Cessation from planting tobacco in 1667 granted by
Virginia, Maryland, and Carolina. Present of 300 lbs. of silk to his
Majesty, the first fruits of their labours. Incloses,
A description of the Government of Virginia. Supposes his
Lordship expects a relation of the present and not a full discourse
of the whole Government from the first planting of the colony,
which would be very hard to do by reason of the negligence of
former times. Character of the Governor : a person pious and
exemplary, sober in his conversation, prudent and just in peace,
diligent and valiant in war ; arguments in proof of these remarks.
Description of his Government. Ecclesiastical : Are subject to
the see of London, and have no superior clergy amongst them.
The Governor inducts no minister that is not in orders and very
orthodox. Wishes my Lord of London and other great clergymen
would take them a little more into their care for their
better supply of ministers. Very few of their parishes give less
than 100l. per annum, and many give more. Civil : The colony
is divided into 19 counties, and those subdivided into parishes
only, and not into hundreds or tythings, which is only necessary
in more populous countries. Every county has eight or ten
justices of the peace, from whom one is yearly chosen sheriff,
who on sufficient security is entrusted with the collection and
payment of all public levies, quit rents, with a salary of 10
per cent. thereon. Said justices or a quorum of four by
commission from the Governor are constituted a Court of
Judicature for trial of all causes except for life or member
to the value of 20s. or 200 lbs. of tobacco, so as to prevent
frivolous suits in the county courts, which are held every
second month. A court of inquiry is held at least once a
year, called an orphans' court, where all guardians are required
to appear and bring their orphans to be examined as to the
management of themselves and their estates. Appeals to the
General Court at James City in September, November, and
March, before the Governor and Council, which court is of a
mixed constitution for all causes of what nature or value soever
above 10l. or 1,500 lbs. of tobacco, and where are tried Quakers
or other nonconformists who act anything contrary to the
statutes of England or the laws of this country. The Governor
and any three of the 16 councillors make a court. Advantages
of this court, from which appeal, on security being given to
prosecute, may be made to the Assembly, which consist of the
Governor, Council, and two burgesses. As to the military
government, the country is divided into four Provinces, one
being under the Governor, and the other three under Major-Generals,
one being Richard Bennet (one of Lord Arlington's
family), each Major-General having two adjutants, and each
county within said Provinces hath one regiment of foot under
command of a colonel, generally a councillor, and in many a
troop of horse. There is besides a captain of the fort commissioned
by the King, and a captain of the guard commissioned
by the Governor, as all other officers are. The articles with the
Indians, who now hold no land but what is granted them, and
if any offence be committed it is tryable in our courts or before
our magistrates ; but any differences amongst the Indians themselves
is still left to the decision of their own customs. Principal
officers of state in Virginia :The Governor with 1,000l. a year
salary, less than any other Governor in the West Indies, and too
little for the necessary support of that state the Governor of
this ancientest colony must keep, nor could Governor Berkeley
comply with his great expenses in setting up manufactures and
other excellent designs did not his necessities make him industrious
on his farm, which diverts much of the care he otherwise
would employ for the public. Duties of the Council, Treasurer,
Secretary, Captain of the Fort, Auditor-General, and Surveyor-General :
The latter keeps a book of all the surveys of land ; each
of the King's subjects by an ancient indulgence of the crown
having a right to 50 acres of land for every person they transport
into the country, for which a patent issues from the Secretary's
office to be seated within three years on pain of forfeiture,
17th September 1666. Together 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX.,
Nos. 125, 125 I.]
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July 18/28.
Three Rivers.
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1251. M. Hertel to M. D'Hinse, at Fort Orange, in New Holland.
Is sorry to be obliged to write, for he had hoped to have spoken
with him. M. De Tracy and the Governor [Courcelle] had chosen
Hertel to go to Orange, but the last blow struck by the Maconas
[Mohawks] has stopped our journey. Was still more displeased
when last winter he arrived at the army four or five hours after the
Governor had retreated, and heard from several Frenchmen that
they had seen D'Hinse, who had asked after him ; hopes on some
occasion to make some return for his good treatment. Will not give
in detail his journey, but only that starting from La Manate he
travelled 100 leagues by canoe, and then by boat to Boston, from
whence a ship carried them to Cape Sable and Port Royal, from
whence in the spring he embarked in an English pinnace to
Quebec, where they arrived in good health. Is married and has a
big boy, who is almost able to go and see him, only let him have
14 or 15 years more and the one he has will make 16. Salutes
all his friends, particularly M. Montagne, M. Corlart, M. Le Ministre
and family, especially his daughter, and M. Rinzelar, also Fellepe
Jan Tomus, Reut (?) Folere, M. Abram, M. Tonnel, Jan, M. Montagne's
son, Corneli Bogardus, Jan Man, Andre Martin and his brother, and
M. La Batit, in short, everybody. Will remember all his life the
kindness of M. D'Hinse, who his wife also embraces. Had forgotten
his excellent friends Garatoc and his brother. French, 3 pp. An
indifferent translation is printed in New York Documents, III.,
132, 133, where for "I arrived in alarm 4 or 5 hours after the Govr,"
read "I arrived at the army 4 or 5 hours." [Col. Papers, Vol. XX.,
No. 126.]
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July 20.
[Bristol.]
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1252. List of ships that came into Bristol port on the 19th and
20th July from Virginia and Barbadoes, being 23 sail, 18 from
Virginia and 5 from Barbadoes, whereof all those from Virginia and
one from Barbadoes were laden with tobacco ; the remaining 4 from
Barbadoes being laden with sugar, indigo, and cotton. [Dom., Chas. II.,
Vol. CLXIII., No. 128, Cal., p. 556.]
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July 21.
Bristol.
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1253. John Fitzherbert to Williamson. The Virginia and Barbadoes
fleet are arrived, in all 26 sail, most of them ships of 200
tons and upwards, laden with tobacco, sugar, indigo, and a good
quantity of beaver ; they were convoyed by three men-of-war, and
come very seasonably for the fair here ; much is the rejoicing of the
town, they being in some fear for them, having lately had so great a
loss in the Nevis ships, thought to have been worth 50,000l. or
upwards. [Dom., Chas. II., Vol. CLXIV., No. 23, Cal., p. 562.]
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July 23.
Swansea.
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1254. John Man to Williamson. On Thursday a small vessel
came in with tobacco and sugar from Barbadoes, and with news that
she left that island about 9 weeks past in very good condition.
Lord Willoughby's kinsman, who is Deputy Governor, was gone
with some vessels and about 3,000 men towards St. Christopher's,
with design to attack if possible, and some buccaneers from Jamaica
were joined with them. The wife of the Governor of St. Christopher's
was come to Barbadoes ; her husband, as they report, was
killed by his own sergeant, pretending that he had betrayed them
to the French. [Ext. from Dom., Chas., II., Vol. CLXIV., No. 64,
Cal., p. 168.]
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July 31.
Boston,
New England.
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1255. Commission from Gov. Richard Bellingham and Council of
Massachusetts to Benjamin Gillam, captain of the ship Mary Ruth.
To seize men-of-war or any vessels belonging to the French or Dutch
and bring them into Boston to be legally judged, and to clear the
coast of all enemies. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX., No. 127.]
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