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July 2.
Jamaica. |
580. Sir Thos. Lynch to Sec. Lord Arlington. Has kept his bed four out of the seven days he has been here, and now writes this on it. Was very sick all the way from Barbadoes, and such a fit of the gout has taken him as he never had before. But no time has been lost, for he must have a house and know how to get victuals, give commissions to officers, and appear at the head of the several regiments before he can embark him [Sir Thos. Modyford]. Feared nobody but this regiment, which made him divide it into two. Does not see but on a dispute he would have more adherents than Modyford, for people love novelty, are displeased about privateering, and the quantity of land given out. The truth is, "there is not in him or any the least appearance of any disposition to resist the King's authority,"however, shall not till well established put him on board, nor is there any ship fitted or a farthing in the treasury to fit one, so thinks of putting him on board a good merchant's frigate that will sail about six weeks hence; or else to send the Welcome, which will save the King a great deal of money; she is an old vessel, and if taken in any distress of weather would be lost and all her men, but the Assistance with a catch would be sufficient to awe the privateers and reduce the refractory. This voyage has mightily lessened and humbled them, and they would take it for a great compliment to be severe with Morgan, whom they rail on horribly for starving, cheating, and deserting them. Resolves on sending one of the frigates to Carthagena, but despairs of any kind reception, this last fatal design has so exasperated them. Must likewise send to St. Jago de Cuba, for last month a Spanish brigantine carried off one Buffet from the north side of the island. Prays for his Lordship's directions and countenance at home, but above all things "for God's sake to give your commands about the Logwood," for though it is so mightily profitable, he shall prohibit it if the Spaniards complain. Sends to Sir Chas. Lyttleton some cocoa and vanillas, which he got with great difficulty for the King, and some chocolate for his Lordship. The blasting of the cocoa trees strangely defeats their hopes, and the dry season is likewise a great disheartening. "Daniel is well, but not that good boy we took him for." His wife is better. Endorsed, R. 21 Sept. . . . Ansd Novr 14th. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 1.] |
| July 3–4 |
581. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes, July 3. Present, the Deputy Governor and four of the Council. Ordered that the Commissioners for Fortifications for Oistins Bay agree for lime, stones, boards, tar, carpenters, masons, and labourers, with an overseer, for which the Treasurer is to pay according to order.
July 4.—The agreement made by Lt.-Col. Christopher Lyne with Simon Cooper, mason, for squaring and laying stones on the forts at Oistin's Bay approved, and the Commissioners ordered to see it performed, and to charge for payment on the Treasurer, according to the Act for the levy, of 31st March last. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., 192, 193.] |
| July 4. |
582. The Assembly of Barbadoes to the Gentlemen Planters in London. Enclose duplicates of their letters of 16th June sent by Capt. Banten to his Excellency and themselves. This day being the last of their sitting as an Assembly, their packet sent by Capt. Collier came too late for them to return any answer, but have recommended it to the care of the next Assembly. Enclose an order drawn on the Gentlemen Planters for payment of 17l. to John Champante. Signed by Simon Lambert, Speaker. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XIII., 45.] |
| July 5/15. |
583. Act of the surrender of St. Christopher's by the French to the English. This 5/15 th July 1671, before the undersigned, on demand of Sir Chas. Wheler, Capt.-General of the English islands, on behalf of the King of England, M. de Baas, Lt.-General for the King of France in America, makes restitution by order of his master to Sir Chas. Wheler, in the name of the King of England, of that part of St. Christopher's which belonged to the King of England in the year 1665, in accordance with the Treaty of Breda; with which restitution Sir Charles is content, and has taken real and actual possession. And for deciding differences between the subjects of said Kings on this subject, Major-Gen. Wm. Stapleton, Col. Randal Russell, and Lt.-Col. Michael Smith are named Commissioners on the part of Sir Charles, and M. de St. Laurent, M. de Ruan Pallu, and M. du Mouche on the part of M. De Baas, with power to determine said differences. Signed by Sir Charles Wheler, W. Stapleton, Ran. Russell, Michael Smith, Francis Morton, Abed Mathew, De Baas, Pellissier, Le Chevalier St. Laurent, Du Boise, De Ruan Pallu, and Frere Philippe de Nogel. Copy. "Examined and collated with the original this 8/18 July 1671, and signed by Charles Wheler, W. Stapleton." French. Endorsed by Williamson, "Act of the restitution of St. Christopher's to the English." 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 2.] |
| July 5/15 |
584. Two copies of the preceding, one endorsed by Williamson, "The Act of the Surrender of St. Christopher's to the English," the other endorsed, "The Act of Rendition of the English part of St. Christopher's." French. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., Nos. 3, 4.] |
| July 5/15 |
585. Two copies of the above, examined with the original 8/18 July 1671, and signed Charles Wheler and W. Stapleton. French. [Col. Entry Bks,. Vols. XCII., 466–470, XCIII., 50.] |
July 6.
Nevis. |
586. Sir Charles Wheler, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Assures his Majesty that he is in full and quiet possession of that part of St. Christoper's which his subjects possessed in 1665. At the beginning of his treating complained of the discourtesy of the men-of-war Assistance and Welcome. Has since received a letter from M. De Baas that he would sail for St. Christopher's on the 26th, where he arrived on Wednesday, the 28th, but gave no notice till the Monday after; and the people at Nevis being informed that all the Governors of the respective islands were there rendezvoued looked upon that "protract of time" as an espece of that delay they had been accustomed to, and despaired,of Governor Wheler's success. But on Monday, the 3rd July, their Secretary, M. De Ruan, with several other gentlemen and a hermit who is in great esteem with them, came, and in a set speech told him M. De Baas would deliver possession, and demanded when he would receive it, and pressed him to dine with M. De Baas; to which Governor Wheler replied he would wait on M. De Baas next morning, but would not set foot on St. Christopher's but to receive possession. Sent next day Colonel Stapleton, Deputy-Governor of Montserrat, whom he has made Major-General of militia of the islands, Colonel Russell, and Captain Mathew, who returned with an appointment from M. De Baas to be at the English Road the next morning (5/15 July) to deliver possession; which he did, according to the copy herewith sent of the Act made by the Public Notary [see ante, No. 583]. Keeps the original here, M. De Baas keeps his part; a third part was added by the Notary, and a fourth they will give to be registered by the English also. Afterwards M. De Baas drank the King's health and then his, and he the King of France's and M. De Baas's, with whom he went to dinner at his castle, and they made several strict promises to each other to live with good intelligence. Knows nothing in his management of this affair, that any man might not have done as well, but it was the King's good fortune that was Wheler's genius, but if there was any small artifice on his side, it was that they apprehended he would have attempted it by force, because of the preparations he was making, for at this time they had no ships, and the English had 20 in their road. Promises it shall as hardly be lost as it has with trouble been regained, and is now going with 20 cannon for the old fort, to set up the King's colours, and carry some soldiers to relieve a corporal and file of musketteers whom he left yesterday to keep possession. Will give particular account of the settlement so soon as the inhabitants return, and as shipping departs will send into all parts of the world (news) of the restitution, and desires notice be given upon the Exchange at London, that men may in reasonable time put in their claims to their lost estates, lest they be disposed of to such as will replant the country. 3 1/2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 5.] |
July 6.
Jamaica. |
587. Rich. Browne to Joseph Williamson. Hopes his letter to Lord Arlington came safe to hand, since which has been very sick. Sir Thos. Lynch arrived about 12 days since, and was very well received by the old Governor and people: he has been much troubled with the gout; the old Governor visits him very often, and they have agreed to suffer ships to fetch logwood out of the Bay of Campeachy. Is informed there are about 40 ships cutting logwood: certainly the Spaniards cannot suffer it, but may take some of them, which will occasion a new war. About six weeks since Spaniards landed from a small bark, burnt a house and carried a prisoner to Cuba. The Assistance frigate, and the Welcome are to go to Carthagena and Cuba with the articles of peace. If God gives him strength to bear the sea, hopes to see him in London. Endorsed, R., Sept. 21. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 6.] |
July 7.
Jamaica. |
588. Sir Thomas Lynch to Joseph Williamson. Wrote to his Lordship by a ship that sailed four or five days since, and does so by this, the whole history of his voyage and reception, and a particular letter about his secret commission. There is no fear of any disobedience, for he has been received with abundance of civility and joy by the General and people; but has lain on his bed these eight days. There is no money in the treasury, a dry season has blasted all the cocoa and sugans, four-filths of our men that went to Panama are lost, believes there are not so many of the island as seven years ago when he went off, yet prodigious quantities of land run out for people to come. Hopes in time to remedy all, and begs for God's sake for frequent letters and directions. 1 1/2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 7.] |
July 14.
Nevis. |
589. Sir Chas. Wheler to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Refers to his letter of the 6th inst. by Colonel Russel, late Governor of this place, enclosing copy of the Act of restitution of the English part of St. Christopher's, that his Majesty might know his own business before the news should come on the Exchange; and hastens this by way of Plymouth in case this ship might meet with a more prosperous voyage. The trouble of transporting the heavy iron guns was never so entangled between the fear of losing the King's stores and ships (the season of hurricanes being just upon them), and his earnestness to be in a posture of defence. Hopes by the one more ship to sail for Bristol to send word some of the guns are mounted, and that the King has 500 good men with muskets to stand by them; and then dares promise he will not be pulled out till his Majesty shall hear from him. There could not be a fairer correspondence between him and M. De Baas, who is a very prudent, civil gentleman; takes him to be a man of his word, because he uses fewer than one shall meet with from his nation, and they have promised each other all they can do, where their masters' commands do not interpose. Endorsed, "R. 4 Sept.' 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 8.] |
July 17.
Virginia. |
590. Thomas Ludwell to Secretary Lord Arlington, Thanks in his country's behalf for his assistance in the confirmation of the order of the Governor and Council prohibiting the importation of Newgateers. The safety of this country depends upon the continuance of it, so many insolent villanies having been committed by men of that sort, that greater numbers would hazard the peace of it. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 9.] |
July 20.
St. Christopher's. |
591. Governor Sir Charles Wheeler to Dr. Durel, Canon of Windsor, at Windsor Castle. Since the English part of this island has been delivered to him, many French Protestants who have purchased estates there, have applied that they may send to France for a minister of our religion whom they will liberally reward; to which he has consented on condition that the liturgy of the Church of England be used, but as they are wholly unacquainted with any of their nation who know the English Liturgy; desires him to recommend one. The minister shall have 100l. per annum, for the English paying theirs so, will oblige the French to do the same, and meantime the French will have built a church. An answer sent to Mr. Williamson, will be forwarded to him. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 10.] |
July 20.
St. Christopher's. |
592. Sir Chas. Wheeler, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Entreats his Lordship to deliver enclosed petition to the King, has written to Dr. Turner earnestly pressing him not to refuse to be consecrated Bishop of these islands, in case his Majesty thinks fit to send him Has proposed to him that his Bishopric shall be worth 400l. per annum, with a house that may deserve the name of a Bishop's Palace; that he bring eight fellows of colleges who shall have 800l. per annum among them; desires this only on his prevailing with his Lordship to move his Majesty that the fellows in their absence enjoy the full profits of their fellowships, and Dr. Turner have his mastership of St. Johns and all other Ecclesiastical preferments preserved for him; hopes that in few years the good Dr. would so settle things that he might return to his mastership, and thence furnish these islands with fit men on any vacancies. Begs pardon for the trouble given, but doubts not this would be extremely advantageous to his Majesty's dominions here. Has done this without Dr. Turner's leave, knowing his modesty would never have consented to that high office, and he is the fittest man he knows in England. Encloses,
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592. I. Petition of Sir Chas. Wheler to the King. That in these Leeward Islands his Majestys has near 10,000 Christian subjects, for whose care petitioners found but two in Holy Orders, both scandalous livers, and one a notable scismatic active in the late bloody rebellion. Knowing it is impossible to remove out of England men fit to be ministers, and that divers well-qualified laymen are willing to be priests and deacons; that the islands have made liberal provisions for the maintenance of the clergy, and are everywhere erecting churches and chapels; and that there will be means found for founding a college; beseeches his Majesty to command Dr. Turner, Master of St. John's College, Cambridge, to be consecrated Bishop of Nevis and the other Leeward Islands, to settle the government of the Church and answer the most earnest cries of the people for ministers to instruct them. Together 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., Nos. 11, 11 I.] |
| [24 July.] |
593. Petition of Robert Mason to the Council for Foreign Plantations. King James by letters patent dated 3 Nov. 1620 granted to the Council of New England all the land in New England from 40° to 48° N. ]at. The Council of New England by an indenture dated 22 April, 11. Chas. I. sold to John Mason (petitioner's grandfather) sundry tracts of land by the name of New Hampshire and Masonia. Petitioner's grandfather and heirs were in quiet possession thereof several years, and disbursed 20,000l. towards the planting of the colony. About 1651 the Massachusetts colony taking advantage of the late sad divisions violently entered on the petitioner's estate, forced the inhabitants to take an oath of fidelity to them, and deprived him of his lands. Prays that their Lordships will take his case into consideration and make report to the King. Received and read in Council, 24 July 1671. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 12.] |
July 29.
Barbadoes. |
594. Sir Tobias Bridge and Col. Christopher Codrington to Sec. Lord Arlington. The foregoing is copy of what was last sent by Lieut. Morgan. Have faithfully stated the accounts of the six companies under command of Sir Tobias Bridge remaining on this island, and sent them by Capt. Barrett sealed up to the Lords of the Treasury. Sir Chas. Wheeler and Lt.-Col. Stapleton have not yet sent up those of the four companies to Leeward, but they shall be forwarded. Capt. Barrett and other officers come in the Noble Katherine with 200 men, and there remain about 60, for whose transportation care shall be taken. On same sheet Sir Tobias Bridge to Lord Arlington. 22 June, see ante, No. 568. Together 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 81.] |
