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1674.
Jan. 4.
Whitehall. |
1194. Order of the Privy Council appointed a Committee for grievances, &c. Whereas in pursuance of his Majesty's Order of reference of 7th November last, on petition of Capt. John Rodney and his wife, the Council for Trade and Plantations returned their advice to his Majesty, which, on the 2nd inst., was referred to this Committee; ordered that said Council be desired to send all the informations, proofs, and papers in their custody upon which they proceeded in the said business, to the Council Chamber by Saturday next, and to choose one of their number, to inform their Lordships of their progress in that business. In margin, "Recd 7 Jany 7 3/4." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 1.] |
| Jan. 4. |
1195. Copy of preceding with mem. That Mr. Locke delivered to said Committee of Grievances the message of this Council ordered 9th January, 1674. [Col. Entry Bk., No.XCIV., 73.] |
| Jan. 6. |
1196. The King to the Governor of Barbadoes. Whereas William Lord Willoughby of Parham, deceased, late Governor of Barbadoes, received his Majesty's letters of December 1672 for admitting Lionel Lloyd to the place of Clerk of the Chancery there, but suspended compliance until his Majesty's further pleasure; his Majesty has thought fit to confirm his first intentions and effectually to recommend the Governor forthwith to put said Lionel Lloyd in full possession of said place, in case he might have been so admitted by virtue of his Majesty's former letters without prejudice to the right of any other, or otherwise to make some equivalent provision for him. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXI., p. 122.] |
| Jan 6. |
1197. John Locke to (Sec. Lord Arlington). In obedience to his Lordship's commands sends this account wherein he cannot but fear there may be many mistakes and omissions, besides other faults of the reasons that prevailed in the debates of the Council so far as he can remember them, some whereof were a good while since and others depending upon the various informations of several persons summoned before the Council. In the (Sir Jonathan Atkins') Commission there is no very material alteration, but the nomination of the Council reserved in his Majesty for these reasons. Fears he shall give but a very imperfect account, and therefore begs where any of said reasons come short or seem insufficient, it may not be interpreted a mistake of the Council, but may be looked on as the fault of his memory in not retaining, or of his skill in not delivering their arguments with due advantage. Because the Government would thereby more immediately depend on his Majesty; it would prevent the great inconvenience of the Council's being too much at the Governor's devotion, and the mischief of having men of the Council in debt, who for the security they enjoy will vote anything the Governor will direct, which has been much complained of by the inhabitants under former Governors. The Government of the Plantations would be hereby suited to that always observed and long approved in Ireland, where the nomination of the Council was not thought fit to be trusted to his Majesty's Lord Lieutenant, and the Governor would be preserved from those animosities which often arise on the placing and displacing of men in Council. These were some of the reasons that led the Council to this alteration without the least reflection on Sir Jonathan Atkins, but merely out of their care of his Majesty's service, and the general consideration of human frailty, and if Locke mistakes not, they intend to give his Majesty the same advice in all his Plantations. Power is given to the Governor to nominate Councillors when there are less than nine. Reasons for additions to the instructions in certain clauses. Judges and Justices are required to take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance to prevent the growth of Dissenters and keep them out of places of public trust. The selling of land by outcry is to expose it to sale to him that bids most to the creditor, which prevents his loss of debt and charges, the way now being, that the estate seized is valued by neighbours unsworn, who being almost all in debt, and kind to one another in their turns, very much overvalue the land. Conceives these are all the material alterations or additions, and some of the reasons used in many days' debates, but no point was resolved on without full inquiry and mature consideration. Draught with alterations and additions in the handwriting of Locke, who has also endorsed it "A copy of my reasons given to my Lord Arlington 7 Jan. 73," also "Mem. That I g[ave a copy to ?] Sir G. Carteret." 2 pp. Also a fair copy signed by John Locke. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., Nos. 2, 3.] |
| Jan. 8–10. |
1198. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Meeting of the New Assembly, viz.: for Christchurch, Nathaniel Kingsland and Richard Seawell; St. James's, John Stanfast and Edward Littleton; St. Peter's, All Saints, Col. Richard Bayly and Lieut.-Col. Wm. Yeamans; St. Lucy's, Col. Symon Lambert and Major Samuel Tydcombe; St. Thomas's, John Davis and James Carter; St. Philips, Major Ferdinando Bushell and James Fauntleroy; St. John's, Col. Chr. Codrington and Henry Walrond, junr.; St. Andrews, Thomas Lake and Capt. John Gibbs; St. Michael's, Lt. Col. Wm. Bate and Col. Richard Guy; St. Joseph's, William Sharpe and Edward Binney; and for St. George's, Capt. Rowland Bulkley and Henry Odiarne. Col. Chr. Codrington presented as Speaker by the Assembly, to whom the President recommended the necessity of repairing the fortifications, giving them a memorial of the several defects. Samuel Farmer, Esq., desired to swear the Officers of the Assembly.
Jan. 9. Ordered, that Capt. John Wyborne forthwith sail with the Garland and cruise to leeward and windward to see if any privateers or enemy's ships are about, and if so, endeavour to take them. Attendance of the Assembly for a conference, the President thanked them for their ready concurrence in the necessity of repairing the fortifications. Proposition by the Assembly that the arrears due from former levies before that of coppers and stills, which is not yet charged, be forthwith called in for fortifications; the Treasurer desired to prepare a list of those in arrear.
Jan. 10. The Assembly present a Bill for Arrears of former Bills to be employed on fortifications; a Bill to enable Col. Bate to be paid what the country owes him out of the excise; and a paper containing three desires for the Board's concurrence. Ordered that Capt. Delavall of H.M.S. Eagle be furnished with a month's provisions out of his Majesty's provisions. 3 1/2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., 257–260.] |
Jan. 9.
Whitehall. |
1199. Order of the King in Council. On petition of Sir Chas. Wheler, praying to be heard concerning his proceedings in his late government in the West Indies. That the Council for Trade and Plantations represent to his Majesty in Council by Wednesday next the state of petitioner's case which occasioned the Proclamation which issued out against him. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XLV., 80.] |
Jan. 9.
Whitehall. |
1200. Copy of preceding, with Mem. That in return to this order Mr. Locke delivered the papers by this Council ordered the 13th of January 1674. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIV., 101.] |
Jan. 9.
Nevis. |
1201. Governor Stapleton to the Council for Trade and Plantations. Could not compass sending an answer to their several particulars of "20th Jany 1673/4" (sic) till now; hopes it will satisfy them as to the present state of St. Christopher's; it goes by Capt. Arthur Hare, of the Unity of London, to be presented by Capt. Ferd. Gorges. Begs that in debate with the French Ministers the restoration of the negroes of Antigua and Montserrat, as well as those of St. Christopher's, may not be omitted, for no less than 1,200 were lost there; and that the pay of the two standing companies of St. Christopher's may be remembered. The map of the island sent is as exact as he could get it drawn. Desires them also to be mindful of the land from the Savanna to the Nag's Head, opposite to Nevis, the half of which is justly the King's by the division made betwixt Sir Thos. Warner and Messrs. de Numbee, and confirmed by the Chevalier de Poiny; and it is called to this day La Terre Angloise by the French, yet possessed by them; they will allow only the use of the saltponds, as they have of Brimstone Hill, which is insignificant, whilst the other from the Savanna is as good as any they have. At a considerable distance from Brimstone Hill is a point called Cleverly's, where formerly was a platform, a very convenient place for a fort, well watered, and vessels are usually becalmed under it when they intend to come in to Sandy Point Road. Begs, as one of the considerablest services which may be done to these islanders in case of breach with the French, that whilst the nations are friends, the destroying of the Caribbee Indians of St. Vincent and Dominica may be represented to his Majesty, for the French drew them to their assistance in the late war, and will again on occasion; and the islanders dread them more than any other, because they can come with 30 or 40 periagoes to windward, whilst they are at leeward in the trenches or opposing a landing Christian enemy, and so destroy men, women, and children, and burn all, as the people of Antigua and Montserrat have felt in the last war. Endorsed, "Recd 24 April 74, read in commtee 8 May 74." 1 1/2 pp. Annexed, |
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1201. I. Answer of Wm. Stapleton, Governor of the Leeward Islands, by advice of his Council, to the particulars required by the Council for Plantations, bearing date 20th March 1672–3. 299 of the old Proprietors of St. Christopher's have claimed their estates, of whom 195 are possessed, whose names are given, and 104 are not possessed, whose names are also given; 139 of the old Proprietors have not yet made their claims. There is no register of the ancient inhabitants, all records having been burnt and lost in the late war. There are 1,400 acres, which were never claimed by the ancient Proprietors, of which 376 are wholly waste, and the residue in possession of the French purchasers. The French are possessed of 4,108 acres in the English part of St. Christopher's. then follow the names of the French Proprietors and of the English formerly in possession of said land, with the number of acres held by each, amounting to 3,595. Then follows a list of the names of the French who have planted and improved themselves their plantations, with the number of acres planted, and how. Total: 247 with indigo, 486 with sugar canes, 353 with provisions, and 1,438 pasture. Names of three who live on French ground and have let out their lands, 548 acres, to others. Also lists of the names of French Proprietors who live in the English quarters, and of French Proprietors who live in the French quarters and possessing land in the English quarters. List of the names of the French Proprietors, with their stocks, goods, and slaves, viz.: 667 cattle, 45 servants, 676 slaves, 24 boiling houses, 44 dwelling houses, 87 coppers, 126 mills, 1,687 sheep, and 47 indigo works. The land now possessed by the French in the English quarters is no better than that possessed by the English. The generality of French Proprietors who live in the English quarters have taken the oath of fidelity to his Majesty (copy annexed), but none of those who live in French quarters. List of these "refusers," with the interest of each, amounting to 1,372 acres, 268 cattle, 82 slaves, and 730 sheep. All the French living in the English quarters are well provided with arms according to families. It was never desired that those living in the French quarters should send any of their servants to be listed, but they are assessed for tax or levy, according to the land they possess. The inhabitants have by a free contribution paid both the clerk and interpreter, as likewise for all provisions spent at the meetings of the Commissioners during the year and day for reimbursing the French; so that all claims were entertained by the Commissioners freely without any fees; and no question made for support of those that have demanded but not
possessed their estates. Have advised that it will not redound to the strength and peopling of the island that any longer time should be granted for Proprietors to put in their claims than has already been granted by his Majesty's Proclamation, which expired 25th Dec. 1672; since which several vacant lands have been disposed of by his Excellency to such as came on and are fit for strengthening the island. Sends herewith a map of the island, according to the best skill of their artist, with the limits and bounds of both nations; and judges that for the security both of their roads and lands it is necessary that there be a fort erected at a point commonly called Cleverly's Hill, which may require 30 pieces of ordnance. There cannot be less than 400 or 500 small arms, with powder, match, &c., proportionable, and the islands will never be peopled except they have a supply of white men. For the encouragement of merchants and planters it will be convenient that there be some frigates yearly there, as the French continually have. Account of the stores left by Sir Charles Wheler, viz., at St. Christopler's, in Sandy Point Fort, and at Charles Fort at the Old Road; the latter were sent by Sir Chas. to New York, but brought back by order of Governor Stapleton; also at Nevis. Account of muskets left by Sir Chas. Wheler and
disposed of in these islands by him and his attorney, viz., 497 muskets, sold at 144 lbs. sugar each. Account of powder landed at Nevis by Sir Chas. Wheler, and the manner of its disposal by order of Sir Chas. and Capt. Jno. Nethway, captain of all the forts. Account of stores wanting of those delivered to Sir Chas. in England for these islands. Also of stores necessary for the supply of Nevis. By the foregoing their Lordships will have an answer to every particular required of him, and will find mistakes in Sir Chas. Wheler's account. 1674, Jan. 5. Endorsed, Rec. 24 April. Read at Committee, May 8, 1674. |
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1201. II. The Oath of Allegiance to be taken by the French retaining estates in the English part of St. Christopher's. So long as they possess any estate there to acknowledge no other sovereign but his Majesty of England, and renounce all obedience to other Kings or States; to serve his Majesty of England against all others, particularly the French King and States-General, if any war should happen between them, and to be friends to his friends and enemies to his enemies. Together, 31 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., Nos. 4. 4. 1., II.] |
| Jan. 9. |
1202. Copy of above letter of Governor Stapleton. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIV., 180, 181.] |
| Jan. 9. |
1203. Gov. Stapleton to Sec. Lord Arlington. The Dutch men-of-war, which report gave were twelve, and two fireships designed against them, have not appeared, but it is like that having visited Surinam they may hear of them about the time when they know ships are homeward-bound. The Council for Plantations will receive an answer of all particulars desired by their last of 20th March last, and a map such as he could get drawn of St. Christopher's, in which they may see the English and French parts, and a great tract of land about the saltponds, to half of which they have as just a title as to any English part of the island, but from which they are kept out, though the French have good settlements. The French allege they have an interest in Brimstone Hill, which being of little value may not be denied them, but the land from Savanna to the Nag's Head opposite to Nevis ought to be divided, and for the pitiful place called Brimstone Hill, some St. Christopher's planter may inform his Lordship further. Prays notice as soon as may be of any breach with the French or Danes. An express might be the saving of these islands; especially St. Christopher's, where the English cannot defend or offend without supply from home, or from the other islands, in which case those must be weakened and subject to a very ordinary invasion may easily route the Danes at St. Thomas. Begs that what he wrote of the Indians may be represented to his Majesty as of great importance to the planters; and intreats his Lordship to remember that the two standing companies of St. Christopher's cannot subsist without pay, which they want almost for 3 years, except what they have recovered by law from Sir Chas. Wheler. Endorsed, "Recd. 24 Apr. 74. Read in Commtee 8 May 74." 1 1/2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 5; see also Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIV., 178, 179.] |
Jan. 13.
Jamaica. |
1204. Mem. of grant to Thomas Martyn during life of the offices of Secretary of Jamaica and Commissary or Steward-General of the Provisions for the Fleet and Forces there. 1/4 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XL., p. 150.] |
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1205. Petition of Will. Blathwayt to the King. The office of Secretary of Jamaica, by the late death of petitioner's uncle Richard Povey, the first secretary, has passed to Thos. Martyn. Has qualified himself by his uncle's help, in the knowledge of the affairs of that island. Prays for the reversion of said office of Secretary for Jamaica. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 6.] |
Jan. 15.
St. Jago de la
Vega. |
1206. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. On consideration that two years were now almost expired since the making of the laws, and his Majesty had not yet signified his consent to them, Ordered, that Writs be immediately issued for choosing another assembly to be convened at St. Jago de la Vega on 18th February next, and that the Provost Marshal have particular instructions to return none but such as declare they will take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy according to the laws and customs of England. On motion of the Council that no persons be continued in civil or military employment but such as are willing to take both oaths, Ordered, that the Custos Rotulorum and the colonels of the several regiments at their next quarter sessions, public musters, or particular exercises, administer said oaths to all officers and Justices of the Peace within their regiments or precincts, and make a return to the General of such as refuse to take them. 1 1/2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk. No. XXXV., 359, 360.] |
Jan. 16.
Whitehall. |
1207. Order of the King in Council. That the Council for Trade and Plantations transmit to his Majesty in Council a true state of the case between Captain John Rodney and others, mentioned in a warrant passed the Signet in order, to passing the Great Seal, as also the grounds of their proceedings therein. In margin, "Recd 19 Jany 7 3/4. Read 23 January 7 3/4." 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 7; see also Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIV., 76.] |
| Jan. 16. |
1208. Report of the Council for Trade and Plantations to the King, on petition of Wm. Dyre. Petitioner, having several times appeared before them to inform them concerning the state of New York, gave them a very ready and good account thereof, and of the neighbouring Plantations, and seems an active and ingenious man, very well skilled in those coasts and well knowing other parts of the West Indies, but of his skill in the military part of sea affairs they do not presume to judge. Signed by Shaftesbury, Culpeper, Rich. Gorges, H. Slingesby, and William Hickman. Enclose, |
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1208. I. Petition of William Dyre to the King. Has given the Council for Plantations information of New England affairs, but more especially in what relates to New York, being well acquainted with the coasts, plantations and rivers of America, where petitioner has followed a sea employment above 20 years. That he had command in his Majesty's service both by sea and land, and in 1667 supplied his Majesty's fleet and soldiers at Nevis under Lieut.-General Henry Willoughby, with 600l. worth of provisions, and had a ketch impressed and lost in his Majesty's service, for all which petitioner has not received any consideration. Prays for the command of one ship of the convoy of the Virginia fleet. Underwritten is a Reference dated December 17th, 1673, to the Council for Trade and Plantations, signed by Arlington. Endorsed by Locke. Received 19 December 1673. Read in Committee 10 Jan. 7 3/4 Together 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., Nos. 8. 8. I.; see also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCIV., 74–75.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
1209. Warrant to the Attorney-General. To prepare a Bill containing a Commission for Sir Jonathan Atkins to be Governor of Barbadoes. (See ante, No. 1185.) 10 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., fo. 82–86.] |
Jan. 21.
Whitehall. |
1210. Grant to Augustine Herman of the privilege of the sole printing of his map of Virginia and Maryland. Whereas he has by the King's command been for several years past engaged in making a survey of his Majesty's countries of Virginia and Maryland, and hath made a map of the same, consisting of four sheets of paper, with all the rivers, creeks, and soundings, &c., being a work of very great pains and charge, and for the King's especial service; and whereas the copying or counterfeiting said map would be very much to said Herman's prejudice and discouragement, all his Majesty's subjects are hereby strictly forbidden to copy, epitomize, or reprint, in whole or in part, any part of said map within the term of fourteen years next ensuing without the consent of said Herman, his heirs, or assigns. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 323, 324.] |
| Jan. 22. |
1211. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Appointment of members of the Board for collection in different parishes of the arrears of levies for repair of fortifications, to be paid to Lieut.-Colonel Wm. Bate, with whom others are nominated Commissioners to agree with workmen for laying the platforms of the forts about Carlisle Bay with stone first, that being the port where most ships ride, next the fort at Speight's and the small platforms at Humphrey's Bay, next Austin's, and next the Hole; the platforms to be 20 feet wide. Ordered, that the ships designed for England under convoy of H.M.S. Eagle peremptorily sail on 21st February, or wait till another fleet be ready, and that the captains of his Majesty's two ships in the road be desired to take care that no vessel depart this island till further order. That the Treasurer pay out of the arrears of coppers and stills as they come to his hands, such sums as shall be drawn on him by the Commissioners for repairing Fortifications; and that Captains Wyborn and Delavall of H.M. ships Garland and Eagle receive their supplies out of his Majesty's remaining stores and provisions. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk. No. XI., 261, 262.] |
Jan. 23.
Whitehall. |
1212. Secretary Lord Arlington to the Council for Trade and Plantations. His Majesty having appointed the Earl of Carlisle to be Governor of Jamaica and Col. Morgan his Deputy-Governor, they are forthwith to consider what commission, powers, and instructions may be fit for his Majesty to give them. Endorsed by John Locke. "Rec. 27 Jan., read in Comttee 31 Jan. 7 3/4, in Council 10 Feb. 7 3/4." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 9.] |
Jan. 24.
St. Kitts. |
1213. Minutes of Council of St. Kitts. Ordered, that no persons under the denomination of merchants or traders shall buy any goods, more especially provisions exported into this island, and expose them for sale. Said goods are confiscated, one half to the informer, and the other half for the use of the country, the persons so offending to be punished as the Governor and Council shall think fit. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVIII., No. 69.] |
| Jan. 29. |
1214. A Declarative Act passed in Barbadoes upon the Act making negroes Real Estate. January 29. Printed. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XV., 93, 94.] |
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1215. "A List of Ships freighted by the Royal African Company since Jany 1674," with the names of their commanders, the places to which they were bound, and the number of negroes they carried, viz., to Jamaica 7 ships with 2,320 negroes, to Virginia 2 ships with 650 negroes, to Nevis 3 ships with 530 negroes, and to Barbadoes 5 ships with 1,720 negroes: total, 5,220 negroes; besides the Dover dogger and Guinea sloop, at the agent's disposal. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXI., No. 10.] |
