|
Aug. 2.
Barbadoes. |
595. John Reid to (Sec. Lord Arlington ?). Takes this sure convenience by his honour's old acquaintance, Capt. Barrett, to let him know he has another old servant, acquaintance, and beadsman alive here. This island affords nothing worthy his Lordship's acceptance, but has delivered Capt. Barrett a monkey to be presented to her Ladyship, being confident it will please her for it is the finest he ever saw. His condition is little mended since he saw his honour, for having come in on a parcel of old and bad debts has almost lost his credit with the Royal Co., because he cannot recover them. Hears they are renewing their stock, and intend another factor, and to pinch him in his small salary. Begs his honour as his patron to speak to H.R.H. Secretary Mr. Wrenn, who is the chief manager of their affairs, that he may be continued in their service. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol., XXVII., No. 13.] |
| Aug. 3. |
596. Address of the Council for Plantations to the King. On consideration of Major Bannister's Narrative of his proceedings at Surinam about the fetching off the English Planters detained there by the Dutch, and the letter and petition of the remaining English expressing their desire and readiness to remove thence, they advise that his Majesty give order that the two ships formerly sent (or two others of the same burden) be despatched so as to arrive at Surinam in December next, for fetching off the said English; and that new and more strict orders be meantime procured from the States-General to prevent further obstructions or disputes about their removal. Signed by Sandwich President and eleven others. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 14.] |
| Aug. 3. |
597. Two copies of the preceding. [Col. Entry Bks., No. XCIV., 88, and No. LXXVII., 60.] |
| Aug. 12. |
598. Representation of the Council for Plantations to the King concerning New England. Find that after the best enquiry there are many informations necessary to be got for the well grounding of the King's future proceedings, which cannot be better had than by sending Commissioners, due regard being had to their qualifications of ability and integrity to send faithful and judicious advices and yet with temper, not too much contrary to the present humour of the people. Besides the benefit of the considerable notices hoped for from them, it will be conducible to the King's honour to have some persons there on his part to contribute to the prosperity of the colonies and to show his good opinion of their disposition and obedience to his government. Moreover there are many differences between the colonists concerning boundaries, which if not compromised cannot be determined without civil war, except by the King's sovereign power. Advise that the Commissioners' public instructions may be only to promote the general good of the colonies and to hear and determine the questions about boundaries. Other secret instructions may be given in points where with good direction they may do the King considerable service. 1 p. Three copies. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., Nos. 15, 16, 17. See also Col. Entry Bk., No. 94, pt. 2, p. 5.] |
Aug. 12.
Tower. |
599. Chas. Modyford to Sec. Lord Arlington. Encloses letter from his father and Admiral Morgan's Narrative. Has also a letter from him to the King with the strict order to present it with his own hand. Desires that the enclosed petition be read to his Majesty, and if possible granted, relying upon his Lordship's favour and all other the concerns of the writer's family at Court. Remains here in entire submission to the King which he hopes will be a reason for his sooner enlargenent. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 18.] |
Aug. 14.
Old Harbour,
Jamaica. |
600. Major James Banister to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Nothing of moment has happened since his last, but the imprisonment of Sir Thos. Modyford the 12th inst., Sir Thos. Lynch acquainting none with his intentions but Banister that same morning, who accompanied them on board his Majesty's frigate and there showed him his Majesty's orders; which he supposes Sir Thomas Modyford little suspected till then, having ordered his affairs to sail in his own ship. Will only say that on his arrival was entertained by Sir Thos. Modyford with very great kindness, and Sir Thos. Lynch received from him as honourable a reception as could be, which he has ever since continued, being also very forward with his best advice for the good of this island till the very time of his restraint. Has made it his business to understand the grounds of this last war against the Spaniard, the sum whereof the enclosed will inform his Lordship. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 19.] |
Aug. 15.
Port Royal. |
601. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. His Majety's letters and instructions concerning sending home Sir Thomas Modyford read and ordered to be entered on record. Proclamation drawn upon same and ordered to be published and recorded. Copy of order of council dated 29th June 1670, compared with the original and signed by the Governor as owned by the persons present at said council to be their act. The late General Sir Thomas Modyford's accounts shown to the council. The King's warrant, dated Whitehall, 10th March 1671, to Sir Thos. Lynch. Also the King's private instructions to Lieutenant-Governor Lynch [see ante, Nos. 452, 453].
Instructions from James, Duke of York, Lord High Admiral, to Captain John Hubbard, of his Majesty's ship Assistance. Authorising and directing him, in pursuance of directions contained in a letter from his Majesty of 7th March [ see ante, No. 441], to do all things for the accomplishing of his Majesty's orders to Sir Thos. Lynch, Lieutenant-Governor of Jamaica, to seize Sir Thos. Modyford, his Majesty's late Governor there, and send him in safe custody to England, according to his Majesty's private letter and instructions given to Sir Thos. Lynch with command to impart them to him; for the more effectual execution thereof not to go ashore in the island, till Sir Thos. Lynch be settled in quiet possession of the government, and shall have seized Sir Thos. Modyford; and if any accident befall Sir Thos. Lynch, or he find opposition in possessing himself of the government, or in seizing Sir Thos. Modyford, to assist Sir Thos. Lynch with the utmost of his force, by annoying in all ways the island, and particularly by burning, sinking, and destroying the privateers that shall assist the island in such opposition to his Majesty's commands. 6 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXXIV., 225–231.] |
Aug. 15.
Port Royal,
Jamaica. |
602. Proclamation of Sir Thomas Lynch, Lieutenant-Governor of Jamaica. Whereas his Majesty has by letter and instrument of the 10th March last commanded him to make prisoner the late Governor Sir Thos. Modyford and send him with a strong and safe guard to his Majesty's presence in England, for making war and committing depredations and acts of hostility upon the subjects and territories of the King of Spain in America contrary to his Majesty's express order and command; also that his Majesty grants a free pardon and indemnity to all who have been partakers with him, on condition that they quietly submit to Sir Thos. Lynch and his Majesty's authority, and abstain for the future from the like hostilities, observing punctually his Majesty's late Treaty with the Catholic King of the 8/18 July now last past. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 20.] |
Aug. 19.
Old Harbour,
Jamaica. |
603. Major James Banister to Sec. Lord Arlington. Cannot but sympathise with his fellow subjects in Surinam which presses him to pursue his Lordship with fresh addresses to extend his second kindness in compassion to the remaining English there for commiserating their distressed condition to his Majesty and endeavouring a further supply of shipping for their exportation thence. His Lordship may be sensible by their petition to his Majesty what great inconveniences they have already suffered from their arbitrary Dutch masters, who he suspects have since ushered in more heavy oppressions; from which they so earnestly desire to withdraw, that they will gladly receive the ships, if his Majesty will send them, at their own charge, without which they can never remove, the Dutch imposing such heavy rates on the hire of their shipping, supposing the English to be excluded from any further redress, which must prove true without his Majesty's goodness. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 21.] |
Aug. 20.
Jamaica. |
604. Lieutenant-Governor Sir Thos. Lynch to Sec. Lord Arlington. Has written to his Lordship twice at large since he came, and about three weeks since to Mr. Williamson, and acquainted his Lordship with the reason for deferring putting into execution the King's orders. Has established the Government, as he will see by the enclosed; people would be much satisfied if the form of government were continued, though Governor and officers were changed: will send same, and write at large to "our Council," by this ship. Herewith writes to Sir Thos. Clifford for the Lords of the Treasury, and remits Sir Thos. Modyford's accounts, with some few remarks, as also the state of the revenue, wherein they will see what a poor thing this mighty Government is, and how excusable he was in pressing for that little the King ordered him, for Sir Thos. Modyford must say that 1,000l. per annum will not keep a Governor's house. Will by next ship send a perfect account of all arms and ammunition, and afterwards a list of all the regiments, an account of the inhabitants, and a more exact map of the island than ever was made. Has sent a most extraordinary Derrotero (sea chart) to Sir Robert Murray for the King; desires his Lordship to have a sight of it, with the history, which, or a copy, he wishes sent back. The sloop that carried Don Francisco Calderon to San Domingo is returned with five prisoners, runaways from Nevis. The Spaniards dreadfully apprehend the French Buccaniers now settling withing 16 leagues of them, and the Governor wrote to the Conde de Peneranda to admit our privateers to come and kill these French for the booty, and also for liberty to buy negroes for the King. If his Lordship and the Council think the taking of Hispaniola will be so prejudicial as we here think it will be, and if his Lordship order him he might find a way to save San Domingo and not engage the English or his Majesty's name in it. Sends herewith the President's letter, which contains nothing but "compliments of Panama." Hears that the French Buccaniers are still in rebellion, and will receive neither the Governor nor the Royal Company. Both have their agents here, and if Lynch interposes will adhere to the royal party, for if the Buccaniers got exemption, in a few years neither Hispaniola nor the Indies could resist them, for they are already near 3,000 strong, themselves say above 4,000. Intends to send the Assistance that way when she goes to Cuba; she and the Welcome came back from Carthagena 10 days since; they were treated infinitely well by the Governor and the city, of which his Lordship has here a narrative by Major Beeston, and "all the autos and formalities of it in Spanish from the Governor," and likewise the Governor's letter, the publication of the Peace, and a letter about the "sweepstakes." Gave Major Beeston and Mr. Read, factor to the Royal Company, order to treat with the Assienta's factor to come hither for negroes, but "he was so hated, and the gentleman so watched that nothing could be done." They brought away 32 prisoners and five French, which they took out of "one of the Grillos ships" at sea, bound to Curacao for negroes. Captain Hubbard died on the voyage; has put the Captain of the Welcome into his place. Thinks to send the Welcome for Havannah and so home, being old, and with the other will do all his Majesty requires, for the Privateers are all divided, lost, or taken to planting or fetching logwood. Has sent Proclamations to all their haunts, promising exemption from arrest if they come in in six months, intimating that he has written to Bermudas, the Caribbees, New England, New York, and Virginia, for their apprehension, has declared them pirates in all the Spanish ports, and intends to send to Tortuga to prevent their reception; which will infallibly bring them all in. Has favoured them against their Commanders about the plunder, of which they have cheated them, which has contributed mightily to the bringing them in and reducing them. Is every day troubled about the negroes and mulattoes freedom and other differences that happened in this wretched voyage. Will free them cautiously that the people may not be too much exasperated: there are nearly 400 or 500 of them brought from Panama, and the gentlemen have agreed with the Governor of Carthagena to have them fetched away at 80 pieces of 8 per head. But the sending home Sir Thos. Modyford a prisoner according to the King's order troubled him most; he was prepared to come home when told "by the by" lest I should too much exasperate his friends and surprise him that the King expected him. But 12 days since came news by a Bristol man, which by great luck and art he suppressed, that Mr. [Chas.] Modyford was secured in the Tower, which made Lynch mortally apprehend Sir Thomas' escape. To prevent which watched himself divers nights. Set guards or rather spies on the boats and at the ports, and last Friday week having ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Freeman to come armed, letting none know the reason, Major-General Banister and some others very luckily coming to town, he invited them to accompany the Lieutenant-Governor to the sea side. In the morning went to Sir Thos. Modyford and prayed him to go with them, and that the Lieutenant-Governor's wife should return with him. Modyford excused it, but told him he must enter the boat and go on board the Assistance, where Lynch had something to communicate to him from the King. Called those of the Council into the boat, and being come on board acquainted Modyford with the King's orders to send him home prisoner. Both he and they were much surprised and troubled. To lessen it, said all he could to him which his Lordship had bid Lynch say, that his life and fortune were in no danger, and that the Lieutenant-Governor had orders to pardon all which was a mark Sir Thos. Modyford was not such a capital offender, but there was a necessity of the King's making this resentment for such an unreasonable irruption. Wrote to the same purpose to his son and to Admiral Morgan, who were sick, and to some of the Council in the town, fearing the surprise or fear might occasion some rash actions; but, God be thanked, all remained quiet, only by some in secret Lynch was traduced as a trapan, and one that had betrayed the good General. On Monday the Council met "all but Colonel Modyford and Sir James, who was reported to be frantic;" showed them his orders, and told them what the King had commanded was not to be disputed, though his manner of doing it might privately be censured, but told them there were but three ways of doing what he was commanded, viz., either by taking Modyford's oath and security to render himself a true prisoner, which he could not do with one whom the King had charged with such crimes; or to have made him a prisoner at town, which was impossible, his own servants being sick, the townsmen partial, and any of Modyford's desperate friends might have murdered him, and has since heard that two have sworn that had they known Lynch's intentions they would have cut his throat. But the third and the way taken was the safest. Shows he could not be charged with ingratitude, and that his arguments seemed to satisfy all, and immediately the cause of his imprisonment was published and the King's pardon, he allowed the Council to confirm the Act by which Morgan was commissioned, which Modyford carries home with him, and gave him a letter certifying that he found in him or the people no disposition to rebel. Has likewise visited him every day aboard and carried him to take the air, and showed him all the civilities imaginable, both to palliate his misfortunes, for two days after his restraint came public news of his son's imprisonment, and "to set myself with those friends of his that might think I was the cause and not the instrument of his misfortunes." Before letting him go aboard the Jamaica merchant that is to bring him home, swore the Captain, Joseph Knapman, with all his crew, and put aboard 12 of the Assistance's men under Lieutenant Bucke and Mr. Fogge, with commission to guard him, if possible right into the Thames; so hopes it will appear he has served the King with all the duty and punctuality imaginable, and that they may blush who have reproached his Lordship for preferring him to this occasion. Did they but know the risks run and the money expended, and the little advantage he is like to have by it, they would pity rather than envy him. Encloses,
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604. I. The present state of the Government of Jamaica, under his Majesty's Lt.-Governor and Commander-in-Chief Sir Thomas Lynch, Knight, this 20th August 1671. His Majesty is sovereign and proprietor; is stiled King. &c. and Lord of Jamaica; and the Governor and Lt.-Governor are appointed during his pleasure. The present Lt.-Governor has a council of 14 of the best men in the island viz., Major-General Jas. Banister, Sir Jas. Modyford, Colonels Thos. Modyford, John Coape, Thos. Freeman, and Thos. Ballard, Lt.-Colonel.: Wm. Ivy, Robert Byndlos, Chas. Whitfield, and Thos. Fuller, Major Anthony Collyer, Capt. Hender Molesworth, Lt.-Col. Robert Freeman, Secretary, and John White, Chief Justice; they may be suspended for misdemeanour, but the Lords of the Council of Foreign Plantations must judge if it is reasonable. There is an assembly numbering 18, viz., two from each of the districts of St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Andrew, Port Royal, St. John, St. David, St. Elizabeth, St. Thomas, and North Side: these are chosen indifferently by the people, and make laws which are of force for two years, and ever after with the Royal Assent. The people look on it as their Magna Charta, that they shall be governed by these municipal laws and those of England, and not have anything imposed on them but by their own consents as in Barbadoes and the Caribbees. There is a Major-General whose office resembles that of Muster Master in England. Here follow Major-General James Banister's orders, which include "the sum of the Act for the militia." There are six regiments of foot, commanded by Colonels Thos. Freeman and Thos. Modyford the Lt.-Governor, Major General Banister, Sir Jas. Modyford, and Col. John Coape; and one regiment of horse commanded by the Lt.-Governor with Col. Thos. Ballard, Lt.-Colonel. There is no fortification but at Port Royal: the castle has about 40 guns, and there needs two platforms and a fort at Bonhams Point to make the harbour secure: there are kept in the fort only one gunner Col. Theod. Cary and two matrosses: six files of inhabitants watch there every night. Of all ordnance, arms and ammunition the Lords of our Council and the Master of the Ordnance have, and shall have yearly, a particular account. His Majesty's revenue is but small, and arises from rents of land, fines and escheats, a taxation on alehouses, and import on liquors and tonnage. Land at the Point pays 1/2 penny a foot, and all cleared land one penny an acre; licence for selling drink 40s.; spirits 6s. per gallon; wines 4l. per tun, beer 30s., and rum 40s. per tun, every ship 12d. per ton for anchorage, foreigners double. The Act directs these shall be laid out as follows, viz., 1,000l. per annum to the Governor, 400l. to the Lt.-Governor, 200l. to the Major-General, 80l. to the Chief Justice; 20l. to every judge, 10l. to their assistants; but it never yet held out to pay all them. To receive this there is a Receiver-General who has 2s. 6d. per £; there follow the commission and instructions of Thomas Tothill, Collector and ReceiverGeneral. The collectors of the imports have likewise 10l. per cent. allowed them because the revenue is so small. Commission and instructions of Robert Freeman and Reginald Wilson, Commissioners of Impost. To receive account of these officers there is a chief treasurer, Cary Helyar, who has other employs and so does it at 8d. per £. Commission and instructions of Cary Helyar. Mr. Povey has the office of secretary for life, and Lt.-Col. Freeman now holds it as purchased from him. This office dispatches all public writings, issues let-passes to ships, has the probate of wills, gives licenses for marriages and alehouses, &c. Table of fees, as settled by an Act of the Assembly, viz., the Secretary's. The Marshall's office is held by patent for Sir Thos. Lynch's life, and possessed now by Robert Thornton, having been sold by Sir Thos. to Peter Pugh and Wm. Cheeke seven years since; he is the Executive Minister of Justice, waits on the Governor, Council, Assembly, and Justices, and executes all their orders. The Provost Marshal's fees. Both these officers give in great security for faithful performance of their offices. His Majesty has favoured the island with a mace that cost near £80, which is carried before the Governor on solemn occasions. There is a Great Seal of Silver, wherewith all Commissions, Patents, and Acts, &c. are sealed; on one side is his Majesty on his throne, with two Indians on their knees presenting fruits, and two cherubims aloft supporting a canopy, and under his feet this motto "Duro de Cortice Fructus quam dulces." The inscription about is the King's title; on the other side is an escutcheon bearing a cross charged with five pines, two Indians the supporters, and an aligator the crest; the inscription inclosing all is Ecce alium Ramos porrexit in orbem, nec sterilis Crux est, and underneath the escutcheon is Indus uterque serviet uni. It has always been kept by the Governor, lest it should be made an office to the multiplying of chancery suits, whereof hitherto there have been none. The King by instructions to the Governor has ordered 30 acres to be given to everyone that comes to settle, and his Majesty reserves all Royal Mines and the fifth of others. There is an office, which Capt. Edward Waldron has, for the registry of all patents, leases, and mortgages about land. As yet there is no Court of Admiralty, nor any great need of it, for the common law courts are infinitely less chargeable; but for extraordinary cases is erecting one, and appointing Major Wm. Beeston judge. The Governor has always been Judge of the Prerogative Court. For speedy administration of justice, the island is divided into precincts. A ridge of lofty mountains divides the north from the south side, and there is now no plantable land to be taken up near the sea on the south side. The parishes of St. Thomas and St. David to the eastward have no minister. Col. Thos. Freeman is chief judge of the Court of Common Pleas and Captains Wm. Ryves and Edward Stanton his assistants. Their commission, instructions and rules of court; amongst other things to "discourage lawyers, attorneys, solicitors, and such like, who stir up differences and suits amongst his Majesty's subjects," and "allow no lawyers or attorneys fees in any bill of cost, nor let any action lie for such upon any pretence whatever." Quarterly sessions are also held in these two parishes by the Justices; their instructions. Port Royal has a minister, Robt. Freeman, Saml. Bache and Reginald Wilson are judges; Lygonee has a minister, and Wm. Valet, and Captains Richd. Brayne and Parker are judges; for Clarendon and St. Elizabeth, Major-General Banister and Sam. Long and Wm. Parker are judges; and the judges and justices have the same commissions and instructions as above. At St. Jago there is a minister, and John White is judge of the supreme court. His commissions, and instructions, and table of fees. There is likewise an Attorney-General, his commission. All his Majesty's Council join with the Lt.-Governor in sending this state of the government home to beg his Majesty's orders for its continuance. |
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604. II. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica held at St. Jago de la Vega, 1670, June 29, see ante, No. 209. |
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604. III. Letters and depositions touching the Spaniards hostilities against Jamaica, viz., Lt.-Col. Wm. Ivy to Sir Thos. Lynch. Samuel Jenkes to Sir Thos Lynch. Depositions of Wm. Brewer, Arthur Burnham, Cornelius Johnson, Jean Boys, and Julian de Cobino. 1670, June. Certified by Lt.-Gov. Sir Thos. Lynch. Together 48 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., Nos. 22, 22, I., II, III.] |
| Aug. 20. |
605. The State of the Government of "Jamaica under command of Sir Thomas Lynch, Knight, his Majesty's Lieut.-Governor there, in the year 1671." Calendared above. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXVIII., 6–38.] |
| Aug. 21. |
606. Commission from the Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Sir John Yeamans, Governor of Carolina south and west of Cape Carteret. Granting him power to let, set, convey, and assure lands, with consent of his Council and under the conditions set forth in his instructions. Also to execute all powers and authorities in relation to the government, and, in case of his absence, the power to appoint a deputy. Similar to a commission to Gov. Wentworth of the Bahamas, see ante, No. 509. The name of Major Arkhurst, Esq., (sic) has been carefully erased, and that of Sir John Yeamans, Bart., written over it by John Locke, who in a mem. at p. 76 writes that on 26 Dec. 1671 Sir J. Yeamans was made Governor by a Commission in the same form under the Great Seal of the Province, signed John Berkeley, Ashley, G. Carteret, and P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., XX., 72, 73.] |
Aug. 21.
Jamaica. |
607. Sir Thos. Lynch to Joseph Williamson, Sec. to Lord Arlington at Court. By Knapman, who brings Sir T. Modyford prisoner, and by this vessel that sails with him, has written largely to his Lordship, and also to Williamson, and by every occasion will let him know how much he owes to and expects from him. Had like to have miscarried by not being advised of Chas. M.'s apprehension; "for God's sake tell me (for the future) where I do ill, and direct me how to do well; I value me hugely on you; and be pleased to my (sic) Sir W. Godolphin to write at adventure by all despatches into Spain to give me more credit and introduction; but nothing will do better than this sending prisoner Sir T. M." Has been kind to Dr. Browne, because Williamson bid him, and made him Clerk of the Market. Yesterday a young man came and said Williamson was his brother; could not believe him, but Major Tolhurst says he is so, is sending for him to serve him. Endorsed, R. 13 Novr. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 23.] |
Aug. 21.
Jamaica. |
608. Richard Browne to Joseph Williamson. His last, written in great pain, gave account of the reception of Sir Thos. Lynch and other occurrences. Is now well recovered and finds he left off the account of their voyage at their return out of Panama Town. They reached their vessels without finding any other enemy than hunger, which the commanders might have prevented, for they loaded the mules that might have brought provisions, with plate and other good plunder to the value of above 70,000l., besides other rich goods, and cheated the soldiers of a very vast sum, each man having but 10l. a share, and the whole number not being above 1,800. At Chaugrave they gave what they pleased, "for which . . . . we must be content or else clapped in irons, &c.," and after staying there a week the Admiral and four or five more stood for Jamaica, being like to starve in that 10 days' run, and the rest for want of provisions were forced to leeward, where hundreds were lost, starved, which is half the undoing of this island. At their going out on this unfortunate voyage they had 37 sail of men-of-war, and knows of 19 cast away and not above 10 have ever yet returned. Cannot tell what infatuated "our Grandees" to send forth such a fleet on so slender an account; can "find no other cause but a pitiful small Spanish man-of-war of 8 guns, which came vapouring upon these coasts with a commission from the Queen of Spain, . . . took one small vessel, . . . burnt 4 or 5 houses, and took away about 30 live hogs, . .. and he himself was taken with his ship." We do the Spaniards more mischief in one hour than they can do us in seven years; it is incredible what loss they received by us at Panama. Spanish gold and silver is the only cause of the quarrel; and they can easily make a ground for the contest, for the first design is the getting of prisoners, whom they force, some by torments, to say that either at Carthagena, Porto Bello, or other maritime place, they are mustering men and fitting a fleet to invade Jamaica; and those who will not subscribe what they know not are cut in pieces, shot, or hanged; which they did to a poor captain at Hispaniola, whom a month after quarter they hanged for not subscribing what they suggested; but what they extorted from other pitiful spirited Spaniards was the sole ground work of our design. There have been very great complaints by the wronged seamen in Sir Thos. Modyford's time against Admiral Morgan, Collier, and other Commanders, but nothing could be done, but since Sir Thos. Lynch's arrival they are left to the law. The Commanders dare but seldom appear, the widows, orphans, and injured inhabitants, who have so freely advanced upon hopes of a glorious design, being now ruined through fitting out the privateers. Cannot omit to write how prudently Sir Thos. Lynch managed the business in making prisoner Sir Thos. Modyford, who was drawn by invitation on board the Assistance, and "after their regailios" left aboard in custody; a few days after Sir Thos. Lynch issued the Proclamation enclosed, which gave good satisfaction to the people who before were much startled. By a sloop from Tortuga they are advised that four or five French men of 50 or 60 guns cruising upon those coasts took her goods, but the Governor writes that satisfaction shall be made. Major Beeston and others sent in the Asistance and Welcome with the Treaty of Peace, had a very kind acceptance at Carthagena and brought away all the English prisoners there; Capt. Hubbard, of the Assistance, died of fever. From Carthagena they have flying news of the taking of the Sweepstakes frigate at Lima, where report speaks she was sent out upon discoveries. "The report from England is very high, and great deal worse than it was; what was in fight and heat of blood in pursuit of a flying enemy, I presume is pardonable; as to their women, I know or ever heard of anything offered beyond their wills; something I know was cruelly executed by Capt. Collier in killing a friar in the field after quarter given; but for the Admiral, he was noble enough to the vanquished enemy." Sir Thos. Lynch, solely upon his Honour's recommendation, was wonderfully civil and obliging, and gave him the first employment that offered, which was Clerk of the Market at Port Royal, with assurance of a better. Has received signal favours also from Lt.-Col. Rob. Freeman through his Honour's goodness; and begs him to return thanks in his behalf to both. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 24.] |
Aug. 22.
Jamaica. |
609. Sir Thos. Lynch to Sec. Lord Arlington. Has sent on this ship, the Jamaica Merchant, Sir Thos. Modyford prisoner, and put on board 12 of the King's seamen under Lt. Buck of the Assistance, with order to come straight into the river, but if he touches anywhere to send this to his Lordship. Has sent by him an account of all at large, the state of the island, Sir T. Modyford's accounts, and some things to Sir Chas. Lyttelton; also by one Lee that sails with this he has sent such a multitude of papers that he cannot judge his Lordship will peruse them. Is infinitely glad to see Sir T. M. gone, for many have shown themselves so exceedingly affectionate to him that he would not permit him to go to his own son that was dying, which has undone all the civilities he showed. Sir T. M.'s accounts are not fair, supposes the Lords of the Treasury will send him further orders to audit them. Yesterday came back the sloop he sent to Hispaniola; at Little Guana four French men-of-war seized and sold her goods. The Governor was much troubled at this, because she came back with released prisoners, bought what he could and sent it back, and promises satisfaction for the rest. Thinks by this proceeding the frigates had order that none are to come near the coast. Prays him to command Mr. Williamson or Bridgman to send him directions. The buccaniers are now reduced. Endorsed, R. 18 Nov. 2 pp, [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 25.] |
Aug. 30.
Ashley River.
Shaftesbury
Papers. |
610. [Maurice] Matthews to Anthony Lord Ashley. The river Ashley lies in lat. 32° 40', as he best guesses by all the artists that have been there.. Description of the soil and timber: the pine land, besides its turpentine, yields very good pasturage; also of the plants, herbs, and fruits. Indian corn thrives well, also English peas and Guinea cane; likewise cotton, ginger, and indigo, potatoes, pumpkins, water and musk mellons, and tobacco, which he has now in cure, as good as ever was smoked, and the Indians say they never knew the like before. The Indians all about are their friends and trade with them, and are as follows: St. Helena, the Southernmost, Ishpow, Wimbee, Edisto, Stano, Keyawah, where we now live, Kussoo, to the westward, Sampa Wando, Ituan, St. Pa, Sewee, Santee, Wanniah, Elasie, Islaw, Cotachicach. Some of these have four or five Cassiques, whose power is no more (scarce as much) as we own to the Topakin in England. Finds no tributaries among them, but intermarriages and poverty cause them to visit one another, never quarrelling who is the better man, afraid of the very footstep of a Westoe who lived to the westward, which these say eat people and are great warriors. The general letters will inform of treaties and matters of peace. Hopes before winter there will be a greater discovery made amongst them. About three months ago Thos. Gray, Wm. Owen, and himself made a discovery of this river when the Carolina landed her company. About 30 miles upwards they came among the Kussoo Indians, their friends. Account of their discoveries: found cypress trees innumerable; were stopped by trees that lay athwart the river, thrown down by the weather or fallen by age. The north river, commonly called Wandoe, where is excellent good land, but truly yet unknown, for none were up this river nor that branch above 10 or 15 miles. Describes the fish in both rivers, which "play in crowds," and seem to be trout or young salmon. Governor West assures him the greater sort are sturgeon. Multitudes of ducks and geese in the winter, and ice, but no thicker than a shilling. 4 pp. Endorsed by Locke, Mr. Matthews to Lord Ashley, 30 Aug. 1671, Ashley River. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 75.] |
| Aug. |
611. Commission appointing Sir Richard Temple, Knt. of the Bath, a member of the Council for Foreign Plantations during his Majesty's pleasure, without salary, with all such powers and privileges as were granted to Lord Culpepper. [Dom. Chas. II. Docquet.] |
