|
1671.
March 2.
Albemarle
Point,
Ashley River.
Shaftesbury
Papers. |
428. Joseph West to Anthony Lord Ashley. Refers to his last letter of 15th September last, in which he gave some account of the Spaniard, since when they have lived very peaceably. Hopes orders have been given for the release of the men so unhandsomely detained at Sta. Katherina. The sloop sent to Bermudas for a supply of provisions has safely returned. She could not get a freight of people from the Bahamas enough to defray her charges, so went to Barbadoes. Arrival on 8th February last, to their great encouragement, of a ship from Barbadoes belonging to Thos. Colleton and John Strood, with about 40 passengers; has sent a list of their names to Sir Peter Colleton. Also eight days after of the Carolina frigate with about 70 passengers and Capt. Godfrey and six servants on his Lordship's account, which will be a great charge to the plantation, having nothing as yet but what is brought. Has cleared this year above 30 acres of ground, and built convenient houses for themselves and servants, and palisadoed it, so they are able to defend themselves against 1,000 Indians. Capt. Godfrey has come to manage Sir Peter Colleton's interest in partnership with his Lordship, a very able man and a good planter. Intend this year planting mostly provisions, something of every commodity, the better to know what the land will produce. Last year all things were blasted in October before they could come to perfection, but does not question all will be full grown this year before the cold weather comes, which is especially sharp in the morning. The planters from Barbadoes say the ground will produce as good ginger, cotton, &c. as they have there. Advises him to part partnership with Sir Peter Colleton and Sir Geo. Carteret for the reasons stated. Their stock from Virginia thrives very well, especially hogs; the cattle is of a small kind, and will be only profitable for breeding; believes they can have cattle from New York and Bermudas at easier rates, and one cow will be worth two from Virginia. The Governor lies in a very weak condition and past all hope of recovery. Hopes an honest, able Governor may speedily be sent over, one that desires to fear God above all worldly interest. If Sir John Yeamans comes amongst them again it is to be feared a hopeful settlement will soon be eclipsed. Reminds him to encourage some able godly minister to come to them. Requests that when the Great Seal of the Province is sent out he may be trusted with it, for he supposes it may prove of some benefit to him hereafter. Has not received any letter from his Lordship since their departure from Ireland. Endorsed by John Locke, Jo. West to Ld. Ashley, 2o Mar. 70–1. 1 p. with seal. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bdle. 48, No. 56.] |
March 2.
Albemarle
Point,in
Ashley River.
Shaftesbury
Papers. |
429. Joseph West to Sir George Carteret, Almost a duplicate of the preceding letter. Also that they have settled as near the town as they can, and that he has taken up 300 acres near the town upon the account of Sir George's partnership with Lord Ashley and Sir Peter Colleton for present planting. Believes English grain will grow very well in this soil; he sowed some English wheat in November and it thrives very well. They are now in great forwardness towards settling a new colony, and he hopes the Lords Proprietors will not be slack in sending timely supplies from England. Encloses invoice of goods received from Thos. Colleton in Barbadoes. Hopes Sir George will see that his salary be paid to his wife as well as the moneys owed to him by Sir George's son James. 1 p. with seal.[Ibid., No.57.] |
March 2.
Albemarle
Point.
Shaftesbury>
Papers. |
430. Joseph West to Sir Peter Colleton. His last was by Sir Peter's shallop by way of the Bahamas where they could not answer our expectations, for the people would not come off before they were provided with provisions. Also that the 70 people who arrived in the Carolina were most of them without provisions, we having none in store, for there was a distribution of all that came from Virginia and Bermudas by order of the Governor and deputies, so it will go something hard with them if the supply should not come timely which Sir Peter's brother sent by way of Bermudas. They have been something weak handed and their men have been sickly and weak, but not one has died out of our family since we came into the country. Hopes most part of the old standers will plant enough this year to produce provisions for the next. The winter is something cold and sharp but no great frost only in the morning, neither has he seen any snow. The inhabitants have assisted Capt. Jenner towards lading his ship with pine timber, and there is as much fallen (felled) as will lade the Carolina. The shallop Mr. Brayne and West bought in Bermudas is very usefull to the country; hopes the Proprietors will consider us something for her service. To send him a good fowling piece 7 feet long, well fortified and double locked. [Most of the news in his letter to Lord Ashley is also in this letter.] Mem. by Sir Peter Colleton. Pray do not send this away as I have no copy. Endorsed by Colleton and also by Locke. 1 p. with seal. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bdle. 48, No. 58.] |
March
2.
Albemarle
Point.
Shaftesbury
Papers. |
431. Copy of the preceding, which is also addressed for the Honourable Sir Peter Colleton, Bart., near Clarendon House in St. James' Street. These London. Endorsed by Locke.[Ibid.] |
March 2.
Albemarle
Point.
Shaftesbury
Papers. |
432. Stephen Bull to Lord Ashley. Arrival of the John and Thomas from Barbadoes with about 42 passengers sent by Thos. Colleton. [Sam] Farmer and John Stroud with one Mr. Maverick, a gentleman entrusted to settle an estate for them also of the Carolina with 70 or 80 persons with Capt. Godfrey, Capt. Thomson, Mr. Gray, Mr. Culpepper and several other gentlemen who were all within five days settled amongst them as close together as convenient, the greatest distance that any person or family is seated is within less than two miles either up or down the river from the town, and these gentlemen are satisfied and promise to give an account in Barbadoes and other parts of their contented settlements, which will be a means to invite others to follow. The Indians still continued their accustomed kindness and he believes they will very hardly make any war upon us and look upon themselves overawed by our guns. Was employed last year in their extreme want of provisions to get corn from the Indians and went 30 miles from the town and lay out several nights and was very well treated by and received great kindness from the Indians and they showed great joy that we were settled amongst them and promise assistance against the Spaniard or any Indian nation that shall oppose us. They have had very cold weather this winter; has seen ice of one night's freezing above an inch thick but no snow and very clear days and little or no rain. Cattle will be bred, fed and kept at very easy rates as in any part of the world, also very good feeding for hogs of acorns, hiccory nuts, berries and roots. The Governor very weak and not likely long to live. Does not perceive that any of this country's distemper hath seized him but age, his spirits are clearly "flatted," he complains of no sickness. Endorsed by Locke. 1 p. with seal. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bdle. 48, No. 59.] |
March 4.
Albemarle
Point, in the
province of
Carolina.
Shaftesbury
Papers. |
433. The Council at Ashley River to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. This hasty messenger comes sorrowing, without company, to acquaint their honors with the decease of our grave and honourable Governor Colonel Wm. Sayle, who died of a consumption this day about noon, very much lamented by our people, whose life was as dear to them as the hopes of their prosperity. Desire that some worthy honourable person may be dispatched to take this great charge in band, whose wisdom and sanctity may cherish that infant reformation until it has obtained so much strength as to walk alone, curbing the vicious, countenancing the virtuous, with qualifications suitable for actions as well military as civil. Have in the meantime elected, with the approbation of our said governor in his lifetime Capt. Joseph West to be governor until they hear his honor's pleasure [sic]. It has been bruited that their honors have designed to commissionate Sir John Yeamans again as governor, yet have good reason to believe the contrary, for it doth breed a very great dissatisfaction to the people. Reasons why they could not repose any trust in him. Capt. Thos. Jenner ready to sail with the John and Thomas for Barbadoes so will leave other matters to Captain Brayne who will sail hence very suddenly. Signed by Stephen Bull, Will Scrivener, Flor. O'Sullivan, Paul Smyth, Ra. Marshall, Samuel West, Ro. Donne, and Jos. Dalton, secretary. Endorsed by Locke, 1 p. with seal. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 60.] |
March 4.
Shaftesbury
Papers. |
434. The humble declaration of John Russell, late Master of the Port Royal to Sir Peter Colleton. That from England he sailed to Kinsale, where Captain West shipped a mate, whence they sailed to Barbadoes where Sir John Yeamans embarked, he being appointed Governor of the settlement. Bad weather forced them to put in at Nevis where Sir John sent Christopher Barrow on board with instructions to pilot the ship to Port Royal. After leaving Nevis foul weather forced them to part from the fleet; they beat about for six weeks and were driven to great want and many were forced to drink their own urine. They endeavoured to touch at the Bahamas, but unfortunately were cast away where neither pilot nor himself ever were before. By the help of their boat all their people were put safely ashore, but through the neglect and delays of their inhuman carpenter, who was the cause of their tedious stay upon the island, many of their people lost their lives there and Russell was forced to make the boat himself because the carpenter would not work. In that boat they went to Eleutheria where Russell hired a shallop and sailed to New Providence, where they got transportation to Bermudas; but Barrowe and his wife went to a place called New York. Russell has since arrived in London, and now prays his honor to take his own and the rest of their conditions into his charitable consideration. They were cast away 12 January 1670. Endorsed by Locke, Russell's relation of the Port Royal. 1 p. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX, Bdle. 48, No 61.] |
| March 5. |
435. The King to Sir Chas. -Wheeler. Having constituted him Governor-General of the Leeward Islands, with instructions to see possession taken of that part of St. Christopher's which was possessed by his Majesty's subjects before the late war, and is to be restored by virtue of the 7th Article of the Treaty of Breda, and to compose all differences arising thereupon with the fairest satisfaction that maybe to the subjects of the most Christian King; his Majesty further recommends him to maintain good correspondence with the French generals and governors in the West Indies, and amicably to compose all disputes with them; especially for that the said King has declared by his Ambassador his desire to continue all good offices of friendship, and that nothing shall be done in the execution of his ordinance of the 10th June last concerning the trade in America which may any way disturb their good correspondence in those parts, but that the vessels of his Majesty's subjects shall receive all kind treatment in places under his obedience, save only that they may not trade there. And such differences as he cannot thus amicably settle he is to transmit information of to his Majesty. 1 1/2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XLV., 20–21.] |
| March 5. |
436.Draft of preceding in Williamson's handwriting. Endorsed, To Sir Chas. Wheeler and Sir Thos. Lynch. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 29.] |
| March 5. |
437. Mem. of the first part of the above which differs from the letter sent to Sir Thos. Lynch. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fo. 30.] |
| March 5. |
438. The King to Sir Thos. Lynch. Duplicate of the preceding letter to Sir Chas. Wheler [Col. Entry, Bk., No. XCIII., fo. 30.] |
| [5 March.] |
439. Petition of Ferdinando Gorges, Esq., to the King and Council. Is the grandson and heir of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, who had a grant for him and his heirs from the King's late father of the province of Maine, and having been many years in quiet possession and expended above 20,000l. in plantations there, was, owing to his having engaged in the King's father's service in the late wars, put out of his possession by the Governor of the Massachusetts; the province had since been governed by the Massachusetts, who deny to yield up the government till order from the King. On the petitioner's request the King had by his letter of the 11th of June, in the 16th year of his reign, required restitution to be made and quiet possession to be delivered to him, unless the Governors of the Massachusetts showed cause to the contrary. To this letter the inhabitants of the province yielded obedience, but the Governor for the Massachusetts denied to surrender the province. The Commissioners appointed by the King for settling affairs in New England declared the province to be the petitioner's right, and appointed justices of peace to the Government till he should be established there by the King. Since the coming away of the Commissioners, after three years' quiet possession of the province, the Governors of the Massachusetts have again in a hostile manner assumed possession contrary to the King's letter, in which they were commanded not to intermeddle with the province until the King's determination. Requests that he may be restored to the quiet possession of the province, as being his undoubted right, and that the Governors of the Massachusetts may be commanded to deliver to him the quiet possession of the province, and that the inhabitants may be required to yield obedience to him. With reference to the Council of Plantations, 5th March 1671, signed by Sec. Lord Arlington [see ante, No. 150]. Annexed,
|
|
439. I. Report of the Council for Plantations to the King. Have considered Gorges' petition, and on perusal of the charters, &c. transmitted with the petition, and discourse with Gorges, find that the chief cause of the differences arises from expressions concerning the boundaries of lands contained in charters of the King's father and grandfather. As they have not been able to get copies of some original grants, or had any opportunity of hearing the Massachusetts Government in defence, recommend the King to send Commissioners to New England to examine the differences concerning the boundaries of the Massachusetts and the rest of the colonies, that the Commissioners be despatched to arrive before the end of next October as ships cannot without danger come into harbour there after that time. Signed, Sandwich, President, Lauderdale, Arlington, Tho. Grey, Rich. Gorges, T. Clifford, Brouncker, Ed. Waller, John Finch, H. Slingesby, Secretary, 12 July 1671. Together 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., Nos. 30, 30 1.] |
|
440. Two copies of the preceding report dated 12 Aug. 1671. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 31, and Col. Entry Bk., No. 94, pp. 2–4.] |
March 7.
Whitehall. |
441. The King to the Duke of York, High Admiral of England. Having thought fit to direct Sir Thos. Lynch going Lt.-Governor of Jamaica to seize the person of Sir Thos Modyford late Governor there and send him hither to answer for the many hostilities committed upon the countries and subjects of the Catholic King in America without warrant from his Majesty, and to concert the execution thereof with Capt. Hubbart; commander of the frigate which is to transport him; his Majesty's pleasure is that he direct Capt. Hubbard to perform all things for accomplishing said resolution according to his Majesty's letter and private instructions to Sir Thos. Lynch, not to go on shore until Sir Thos. Lynch be in quiet possession of the Government and shall have executed his Majesty's pleasure in the seizure of Sir Tho. Modyford, and if any accident befall Sir Tho. Lynch or he find opposition or resistance, to assist Sir Tho. Lynch with his utmost force, by annoying by all ways the island and particularly by destroying the privateers that shall assist the island in such opposition to his Majesty's commands. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. 24, p. 48.] |
March 7.
Barbadoes. |
442. The Assembly of Barbadoes to Sir Peter Colleton, Col. Henry Drax, and Ferdinando Gorges, gentlemen planters, in London. Have been summoned by the Deputy Governor to consider his Excellency's letter and theirs of the 14th December last. Cannot but take in very good part their advice, and doubt not of their future actings in the island's behalf, as being partakers in their good and bad success. By theirs of 17th November last they will know how far the Assembly have sympathised with them. There is already a Bill drawn to prevent depopulation, which will answer most of their proposals. A more perfect account of all things they may expect at their next sitting, this being shortened by a public day of humiliation appointed for the morrow. Signed by Henry Walrond, junr., Speaker. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XIII., 18–19.] |
March 7.
Barbadoes. |
443. The Assembly of Barbadoes to his Excellency (Wm. Lord Willoughby). Have been summoned by the Deputy Governor to receive his Excellency's letter of 20th December last, and return hearty thanks for his wonted care. To-morrow being appointed a solemn day of humiliation for imploring the Almighty to remove His heavy judgments, and the ships being suddenly to depart, are forced to be thus short, but they will meet again very suddenly, and doubt not then to give his Excellency an account at large. Signed by Henry Walrond, junr., Speaker. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XIII., 19.] |
| March 7. |
444. Mem. of a letter from the King to Lord Willoughby,to live in friendship with the French Governors, similar to letters to Sir C. Wheler and Sir Thos. Lynch, of 5th March 1671 [see ante, Nos. 435, 436). [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fo. 30.] |
March 8.
Office of the
Ordnance. |
445. Estimate sent to the Council of Plantations by the Officers of Ordnance, of the charge of ordnance, carriages, powder, shot, arms, and other ammunition, to be issued to Sir Chas. Wheeler, Governor of the Leeward Islands, according to his Majesty's warrant of the 8th March 1671. These include eight culverin, eight demiculverin, and six 3-pounders, with carriages, round shot, double-headed hammered shot, cases of musket shot, powder, match, 1,000 snaphance muskets with cartouche boxes and girdles, musket shot, sheep skins, canvas, oil, starch, needles, thread, powder horns, twine, tarred rope and nails; an extraordinary large tent for the Governor, 60l.; materials for making two drawbridges; carpenters', smiths', stonecutters', and bricklayers' tools, &c., amounting, together with 300l. for packing and carriage, to 2,600l. 14s. 2 1/4d. "These stores were issued 15th March 1671." 3 1/2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XLV., 21–24.] |
| March ? |
446. Warrant (to the Attorney-General ?). To prepare a Bill to pass the Privy Seal authorising the Commissioners of the Treasury to pay to Sir Chas. Wheeler, Governor-in-Chief of the Leeward Islands, 700l. yearly as Governor of St. Christopher's, and the same to abate in proportion as any part thereof shall grow payable to him from that island; also the sum of 400l. as a free gift out of her Majesty's portion for the entertainment of two companies of foot in the Leeward Islands, to consist of 80 men each, besides officers, according to the establishment under his Majesty's signature. Draft with corrections by Williamson. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 32.] |
| March ? |
447. Rough draft of preceding, in the handwriting of Williamson. 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 33.] |
| March 10. |
448. Privy Seal authorising the Commissioners of the Treasury to pay to Sir Chas. Wheeler as Governor of St. Christopher's 700l. yearly by half-yearly payments, to be accounted from Christmas last, as long as he shall remain Governor, the same to abate in proportion as any part thereof shall grow payable to him from the Leeward Islands. And likewise 400l. as a free gift out of the remainder of the Queen's portion. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XLV., 25–26. See also Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. 34, p. 72, and Dom., Chas. II., Docquets.] |
| March 10. |
449. Privy Seal authorising the Commissioners of the Treasury to pay to Sir Chas. Wheeler, Governor of the Leeward Islands, 2,778l. 10s. 8d. for the pay and entertainment of two companies of foot for service in the Leeward Islands, consisting of 80 men each, besides officers, according to an establishment under his Majesty's signature of the 8th instant. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XLV., 26–27., and Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXIV., p. 72.] |
| March. |
450. Mem. of an Establishment of the pay of two companies of foot, consisting of 80 soldiers each, besides officers, to be entertained for his Majesty's service in the Leeward Islands, amounting to 2,778 l. 10 s. 8d. per annum. Endorsed, "A computation of the charge of two companies of foot for the day, the month, and the year, for Sir Charles Wheeler." 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 34.] |
| March. |
451. Mem. about Sir Charles Wheeler. That his Majesty speak to the Duke for a ketch; that H.R.H. order the receiving of Sir Charles, his family, and goods on one of the frigates designed for the West Indies; and that his Majesty give Sir Charles Wheeler a tent. 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 35.] |
March 10 ?
Whitehall. |
452. The King to Sir Thomas Lynch, Knt., Lieut.-Governor of Jamaica. Whereas Sir Thomas Modyford, late Governor of Jamaica, has, contrary to his Majesty's express commands, committed many depredations upon the territories of the Catholic King in America, his Majesty's pleasure is that he cause the said Sir Thomas Modyford to be made prisoner and under a strong guard brought to his Majesty's presence to answer what shall be objected against him; and, having done this, that he publish it, with the cause thereof, to the whole island, confirming his Majesty's free pardon to all who have been partakers with him upon condition that they quietly submit to his Majesty's authority and abstain for the future from the like hostilities, observing punctually the late treaty with the Catholic King of 8/18 July last. 3/4 p. [Dom. Entry Bk. Chas. II., Vol. XXIV., p. 49, and Col. Entry Bk., XXXIV., 226–7.] |
March 10 ?
Whitehall. |
453. The King's private instructions to Sir Thomas Lynch, Knt., Lieut.-Governor of Jamaica. When he has possessed himself of the government and fortresses of the island so as to apprehend no disorder thereby, he shall execute the contents of his Majesty's private letter given herewith, concerting with Capt. Hubbard the best ways and means of execution, and having seized Sir Thomas Modyford, shall immediately cause him to be carried on board the frigate, there to be kept until they have agreed of the safest way of transporting him to England, whether on board the ketch designed to accompany him from Barbadoes or some merchantman or privateer hired or, if need be, pressed for this service, and manned with such men as Capt. Hubbard shall undertake to answer for. 3/4 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIV., pp. 49–50, and Col. Entry Bk., XXXIV., 228–9.] |
March 11.
Shaftesbury
Papers. |
454. John Stow to Sir Peter Colleton. Has brought from his brother Thomas Colleton about seven tons of provisions from Barbadoes to send to Col. Sayle at Carolina, also three tons more which are bought. Has hired a ship to go there, and there will be some quantity of passengers, and does not question but that there are a great many young men here who will go. Wishes to know where to direct letters, for there will be a commerce betwixt him and them at Carolina. Has charged bills of exchange on Sir Peter's brother in Barbadoes for 57l. sterling for freight and provisions bought for Carolina and consigned to Capt. West, or, in his absence, to Col. Sayle. Endorsed by Locke. 1 p. with seal. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bdle. 48, No. 62.] |
| March 14. |
455. The King to Sir Tobias Bridge. Has given order for the disbanding of his regiment as by his instructions is directed. Has thought good to give him particular notice, assuring him of his Majesty's entire satisfaction with his services, which his Majesty desires him to declare to the regiment at their disbanding, and that besides the provision made by his instructions, his Majesty will have a particular regard as well for soldiers as officers on all occasions, and principally towards himself. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fo. 30.] |
March 14.
Whitehall. |
456. Instructions for Sir Chas. Wheeler, Sir Tobias Bridge, Sir Thos. Lynch, and Christ. Codrington, Deputy Governor of Barbadoes, for "disposing" of the regiment of foot under Sir T. Bridge in the Caribbee Islands, in six articles. As soon as Wheeler and Lynch arrive at Barbadoes they are to communicate these instructions to Bridge, the colonel of the regiment, and to the Deputy Governor or commander-in-chief. The regiment to be then disbanded, grants of land in Jamaica or any of the Leeward Islands "where there shall be room" to be offered to such of "the old raised men" in England as choose to remain, with other privileges for their "good services"; passage home to be provided for those who wish to return; arrears of pay to be duly satisfied and clothes delivered to them upon the place; the same orders to be carried out for disbanding the rest of the regiment in the Leeward Isles. Two companies of foot having been appointed for service in those islands under Sir C. Wheeler, preference is to be given to the old raised men to enlist therein. No officer or soldier to be detained for any debt not exceeding the arrears of his pay, wherewith the respective creditors will be duly answered. Draft by Williamson. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 36.] |
| March 14. |
457. Copy of the above, corrected by Williamson. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 37.] |
| March 14. |
458. Copies of the above instructions "taken out of my Lord Arlington's office." 3 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XLV., 27–29, and No. XC III., pp. 31, 32.] |
March 14.
Whitehall. |
459. Commission to Sir Chas. Wheeler to receive that part of St. Christopher's which belonged to the English in January 1665. Whereas in conformity with the Treaty of Breda of 21/31 July 1667, the most Christian King put into his Majesty's hands certain instruments directed to the Sieur De la Barre, his Lieut.-General in America, to the director of the West India Company, and to the Chevalier de St. Laurence, for restoring to his Majesty the said part of St. Christopher's, which orders not having been complied with, the said King has issued more express orders to the Chevalier de St. Laurence and the Sieur de Baas, his Lieutenant in America, of the 8/18th Jan. 1670–1. His Majesty therefore by these presents nominates Sir Charles Wheeler or whom he shall thereto appoint, his Commissioner to demand and receive the said part of St. Christopher's, revoking all former commissions, particularly that of the 13th Feb. 1668 to William Lord Willoughby, Col. Lewis Morrice, Col. Robert Hooper, and Lt.-Col. Symon Lambert; and that of the 22nd March 1670 to Sir John Yeamans, Col. Philip Bell, Col. Saml. Barwick, Col. William Sharp, and Capt. Philip Payne. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XLV., 30–31, see also No. XCIII., 35, 36.] |
| March 14. |
460. Commission to Sir Chas. Wheeler to compose differences. His Majesty having agreed with the most Christian King that Commissioners should be appointed on each side to compose all differences in putting in execution the late orders issued by the said King for restitution to his Majesty of that part of St. Christopher's, possessed by the English the 1st January 1665, appoints Sir Chas. Wheeler his Commissioner, granting to him, or such persons as he shall substitute, full power to treat with the Commissioners thereto authorised by the said King, and amicably to determine all differences arising in putting into execution the late orders of 8/18 January last, and any other orders heretofore issued by the said King, particularly those of the 16th January 1668–9, for restoring the said part of St. Christopher's, and concerning ameliorations, keeping and dieting of prisoners, the re-entry of the English into possession of estates and goods sold by them to the French, and all other matters relating to the full execution of that part of the Treaty of Breda. And his Majesty promises to ratify whatsoever shall be by him or them stipulated and agreed. 1 1/2 pp. [Col. Entry Bks. No. XLV., pp. 23–33, and No. XCIII., pp. 36–7.] |
| March ? |
461. Draft of some clauses of the preceding Commission in Williamson's handwriting. Endorsed, Alterations in the Commission for Meliorations. 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 38.] |
March 14.
Whitehall. |
462. Instructions to Sir Chas. Wheeler in eight articles for composing all differences that may arise upon the restitution of (the English part of) the island of St. Christopher's. Although by the tenor of the French King's orders of the 16th Jan. 1669, and 18th Jan. last, his Majesty believes that the sovereignty of the English part of St. Christopher's will be fully delivered up on showing those orders to the French Lieut.-General, for which the 7th Article of the treaty of Breda is express and clear; yet having found that some differences are like to arise as to the restitution of private goods and estates, and in some other particulars, his Majesty and the said King have agreed to constitute Commissioners for finally determining the same; and this trust his Majesty has reposed in Sir Chas. Wheeler by commission of this date. On receipt of the said commission he is to repair with all speed to the Leeward Islands and there adjust with the Sieur de Baas, Chev. de St. Laurence or the French Commander-in-chief, a fit time and place for meeting the persons commissioned by the French King. The great difficulty his Majesty can yet foresee concerns the re-entry of the English into estates sold by them to the French since the taking of the island, for which provision is made in the 8th Article of the Treaty of the treaty of Breda, which expresses that movables so sold shall not be restored till the price paid by the French be refunded by the English, and after frequent deliberations his Majesty has concluded to make the case of lands, houses; plantations, &c. the same with movable goods as to that particular. His Majesty has agreed with the French Ambassador that a term of a year and a, day, to be accounted from the time the said orders of the 16th January 1669 and 18th January last shall be presented to the French Commander-in-Chief, be limited for the English to use this power of resuming their estates at the price they received for them; leaving it to Sir Chas. Wheeler to yield to a shorter day in case the French be pressing in it, and it may be done without much inconvenience to his Majesty's subjects. The point of amelioration or damages in the English estates during the time they have been in the French possession must be left to Sir Charles' own discretion; only it seems not reasonable that any demand of amelioration should hinder restitution or re-entry, the price received being first repaid to the French purchaser, the dispute about any such amelioration to be left to the parties to adjust themselves, in which the Commissioners on both sides are to give their best help to bring the parties to reason. The demands of the French for their keeping and dietting the English prisoners to be paid by the prisoners themselves if for better accommodation and medicaments than were ordinarily allowed. The Commissioners to help all they can in obliging such person to make speedy satisfaction; but ordinary keeping and diet his Majesty thinks it best reasonable should be on the French account; if, however, he finds the sum demanded not considerable, and especially if French prisoners in those parts have been made to pay for their ordinary keeping and diet, his Majesty would have him agree to give satisfaction for all such debts. To proceed with all fairness towards the French, it being his Majesty's mind to make an end of the whole matter forthwith without raising unnecessary difficulties. To give notice on his arrival to the French Commander-in Chief of their commission, and to demand and receive the sovereignty of St. Kitts, and to demand restitution of such guns and ordnance as were in the forts when taken, insisting thereon, especially if it fall out that the same be now found in the forts, or in the English part of the Island. 5 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XIV., 34–38, see also No. XCII., 446–456, and No. XCIII., 32–35.] |
| March. |
463. List of despatches delivered to Sir Charles Wheeler, going Governor March 1671 to the Leeward Islands, viz., his commission and instructions, letter to live well with the French, commission as captain of a company, commission to Lieutenant-Colonel Stapleton as captain of a company, power to appoint deputy-governors, power to receive St. Christopher's, and instructions for executing the same. 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 39.] |
| March. |
464. Another list of Sir Charles Wheeler's despatches, viz., his commission and instructions, order for arms and ammunition, power to appoint deputy-governors, two commissions for captains (as above), M. Colbert's letters to the Chev. de St. Laurence and M. de Baas, cypher, and the King's letter to live with the other Governors. 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 40.] |
| March. |
465. Another list containing all the above, and the following in addition, viz., commission and instructions for ameliorations, letter to Sir Tobias Bridge, and instructions for disbanding his regiment, four establishments, warrant to Sir Stephen Fox for his pay, and two privy seals. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fol. 37.] |
| March 15. |
466. Mem. of despatches delivered to Sir Thomas Lynch. His commission under the signet; revocation of Sir Thos. Modyford's commission under the Great Seal, and letter to him notifying same; instructions; private letters to Sir Thos. Lynch; 2nd instructions; letter to live well with the French; authentic copies of Sir Thos. Modyford's commission, and of Sir Thos. Modyford's revocation; and cypher. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fol. 37.] |
| March 15. |
467. Draft of preceding in Williamson's hand. [ Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 41.] |
| March 15 ? |
468. Mem. of arms and ammunition to be put on board the Assistance, Captain Hubbard, and the Welcome, Captain Wilgress, for Jamaica. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 42.] |
