|
April 1.
Whitehall. |
507. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
Newfoundland. Resolved to report to his Majesty their full approbation of the rules and orders settled in Council, March 1670–71;
but that masters return journals to this Committee in lieu of the
Council of Plantations. A new reference to be made to the King's
Council to know how crimes in that place shall be tried and
punished, and that the Western Mayors take out a new charter
with the additional powers in the said order mentioned; to which
resolution, and of having no Governor or Plantation, all concurred,
except the Lord Privy Seal. Ordered, that living within 6 miles
of the shore from Cape Race to Bonavista be made a high crime
according to the rule of the Charter, the Lords supposing most
would come away if debarred from license in that particular. That
the Western merchants attend on the 8th inst., to advise on the
following points, whereof they were to have notice: (1) What
amendments could be made to the former rules, what impediments
in the trade removed, and what neglects in the execution of rules?
(2) What fit instruction could be given to the convoy now going,
to make "himself" useful there? (3) How the French proceed in
their trade as compared with the English; their victuals, wages,
way of curing fish, &c, and how rich were their Adventurers?
(4) How to invite the planters, since this point was so much
insisted on for a better establishment for the future? 1½ pp. [Col.
Entry Bk., No. CIV., 16, 17.] |
April 3.
Derby House. |
508. S. Pepys to Sir Robt. Southwell. Finds that Mr. Cranfield's
going away was very quick after he had his despatches from Sir
Robert, in that he left behind his instructions from the King for
all that concerns him after his having done at Surinam, which he
has sent after him, but they would have called for a good deal of
discourse with the Secretary to have made himself master of them,
which the Secretary seems to have expected. Is at a loss what to
do for the Norwich, or to know whether anything can be done,
for either Lord Orrery stopped her and so his passage s secured, or
she is past recalling; will advise with the Lord Treasurer in it.
Favouring his own eyes makes him borrow another's hand. 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 48.] |
| April 5. |
509. Edward Cranfield to Sir Robert Southwell. Has received
his packet directed aboard the Hunter and his of the 3rd inst.
Thanks for his care in sending to Mr. Pepys about Mr. Orton, who
as yet they hear nothing of, notwithstanding he was accommodated
with a vessel by the Commissioners of the Navy to overtake
Cranfield. Has lost a fair wind through his absence, and desires
the King's order to sail without him. The sad misfortune befallen
the Earl of Meath and the rest of the passengers extremely afflicts
him. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVIII., 91, 92.] |
April 5.
Aboard the America (in the Downs). |
510. Edward Cranfield to Sir Robt. Southwell. Last night
Capt. Orton came to Deal, but could get no further than Sandwich
Haven. Has sent a boat to bring his things on board, and
meantime the ships are preparing to sail. Will omit no opportunity
of remitting accounts of his proceedings. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34,
No. 49.] |
| April 5. |
511. Copy of preceding. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVIII.,
92.] |
| April 5 to 1676, June 17. |
512. List of ships entertained by the Royal African Company
since Christmas 1674, with date of "when clear of the coast," for
what part of Guinea, where to discharge, the number of negroes,
and the number of "negroes delivered." Also "negroes ordered"
from Xmas 1674 to Xmas 1675 for Barbadoes, Nevis, Jamaica, and
Virginia, and since for all four plantations in the last five ships.
Total, 7,025. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 50.] |
1675. April 6.
St. James's. |
513. The Duke of York to Governor Major Andros. In answer
to his letters of 20 Nov. and 4 and 17 Dec., thinks he has done
well to discourage any motion for an assembly, as being not comprehended in his instructions, nor consistent with the form of
government established, nor necessary for the redress of grievances,
as such may be easily obtained by an address to the Governor at
their yearly general assizes, where the same persons as justices are
usually present who would, in all probability, be their representatives. Approves of his having bespoke a seal and mace for the
city of New York, the charge whereof will be allowed him upon
account. There appears no present remedy for the want of money
for ordinary commerce complained of, unless he should be at the
charge of coining so many thousand pounds, as it is not convenient
for him at present to lay out, and if money were coined, unless of
a lower rate than that of their neighbours (which would impoverish
the country), it would now be carried away; some merchants have
a project to send 10,000l. in money, provided it be taken of only
in beaver in specie at such values as may compensate their hazard;
it is but a notion as yet, and unless he (Andros) proposes some way
from thence how to effect the King, it will have but little life from
hence. The bounds of Connecticut were settled by Commisioners in
1667, and, according to Delavall, are to be on the edge next them of
the river Marrinac [Mamaroneck] northwards as far as they please,
provided they leave that river when it inclines W., so as not to
approach nearer than 20 miles to any part of Hudson's River;
this was, he says, agreed by the Commissioners; tis, however, best
to make accommodations of this kind temporary, so if possible to
preserve the utmost limits that the Patent gives him a title to.
Approves of his leaving salt wholly free, although it was intended
that salt for common uses should pay 2 per cent., and salt for fishery
(which he will do well to encourage) be free. Is satisfied with his
proceedings, especially in reducing to obedience those three factious
towns at the east end of Long Island; hopes that they may be
soon so settled that the people may be without apprehensions
of any injustice. Desires to have an estimate of the revenue.
Printed in New York Documents, III., 230–231. 2 pp. [Col.
Entry Bk., No. 70, p. 18.] |
April 7.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
514. P. Beckford to Secretary Sir Jos. Williamson, per the
Swiftsure, Capt. Lowder. My Lord (Vaughan) has made Sir Thos.
Modyford Chief Justice of the island; most of the Assembly men
are made choice of, but not all. There seems to be some misunderstanding between the Governor and Sir Thos. Lynch about
Gallop's prize of negroes. Represents the case as well and as plainly
as he can. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 51.] |
April 8.
Whitehall. |
515. Warrant to the Attorney General. To prepare a Bill for the
King's signature containing a Grant to Charles Modyford of the
office of Surveyor General of Jamaica, void by the death of the late
Surveyor [blank], who is to keep registers and books of entry
of all surveys to the end search may be made, or copies taken by
those any ways concerned on payment of the fees allowed by the
Assembly (see ante, No. 497]. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. 110, p. 64.] |
| April 8. |
516. Sir L. Jenkins to [Sir R. Southwell]. Conceives that those
ensigns of occupancy he writes of ought to be reputed sufficient to
continue a possession that we have held so long without disturbance, yet if the French should put themselves into possession
in our absence they would not want matter of chicane that would
not only be specious but hard enough to be well answered in this
case, for there being no written law or common superior to give
the rule between them and us, the strength of our plea must be
from the law (that is, the general usage) of nations which is so
uncertain and so unconcluding (where men are not ingenuous but
lie at catch) that we cannot expect it shall be now yielded to as it
would have been when men governed themselves by the rules of
primitive honesty and simplicity. It will avail us but little (when
we are at the worst end of the staff) to say that my possession by
the Imperial, or else by this or that municipal law, is continued
firm and good to me by the mere animus retinendi, or by such
or such a little mark, and that he who hath thrust himself into a
place I so held hath no legal possession, for it will be answered that
the very introducing of such diversified fictions of law in our
seizins and disseizins (for instance) in England, France, &c., implies
that the general law of nations knows not, takes no notice of any
other than my actual corporeal gross occupancy of a place with its
dependencies. I can no more think our retreat in this case to be a
desertion than the coming down of the people in some parts of
Italy to the valleys in certain seasons is a deserting of those mountains they return to when they see it convenient. If our people
are to be called away I would, under correction, offer, 1st, that his
Majesty would by his declaration do it showing the reasons of his
so doing, with an express caution that he means not thereby to
depart from his own jus imperii there, nor from any of the rights
or properties acquired to his people; 2ndly, that the chiefs there,
at their coming away, should make some act (in the best manner
they can) in writing that they withdraw thence in obedience to his
Majesty, and that they leave such and such stores and necessaries
behind them out of an intention to return and use them at the season,
and with a special protest that they so leave them upon the place
to preserve his Majesty's rights and dominion, which I take to be
distinct from and superior to their several properties; 3rdly, that
copies of these orders and acts be sent to the French fort there to
the employers and settlers out at Rochelle, &c., to our Ambassador
at the French Court to be notified as a matter of state. Endorsed, "8 April 1675; Rec. ditto." 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34,
No. 52.] |
April 8.
Whitehall. |
517. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations. Newfoundland. Several merchants attended according to the last
Order, who, after discussing the points sent to them, concluded
that the present rules approved would be sufficient; that the
French did not outdo us in any material thing, but on the whole
left the advantage to us; that they knew not what encouragements
to offer for inviting off the planters, none of whom had property
where they lived, and only a licence to live there so as they kept
6 miles from the shore. They were unwilling to advise their being
forced away, though nothing could cure the mischief but their
removal, but proposed that, seeing all their victuals and subsistence
comes from New England, a frigate should be appointed to seize
such New England ships. This expedient not much approved by
the Lords, who proposed to report to his Majesty that the convoy
have instructions to declare his Majesty's pleasure to the planters
that they remove 6 miles from the shore, for that they destroy the
woods and stages, debauch the mariners to stay there, leaving the
parishes at home clogged with their families, and by selling wines
and brandy draw men from their labours. That the convoy may
give help to those that would come home, tell others that would
go to other Plantations that the Governors are ordered to receive
them kindly; and let those who are obstinate, and persist contrary
to the Charter, know that they shall be forced home hereafter.
Mr. Pepys to send a draft of the usual instructions to convoys going
to Newfoundland. Desire of the merchants that the New Charter
when passed may be printed, as also a proclamation to issue to
give life to all this regulation. Ordered, on reading a letter of the
21st March from the Mayor of Southampton, that the Governors
of Jersey and Guernsey take great care what passports they grant,
and send a list thereof, some French sheltering themselves here
during their war with Spain. 1½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. CIV.,
17–18.] |
April 8.
Tarr Bay (Torbay). |
518. Edward Cranfield to Sir Robt. Southwell. Sailed on the
6th, as soon as Mr. Orton arrived at the Downs, but on the 8th were
forced to cast anchor here. The ships are in good condition, and
will make the best of their way as soon as wind and weather will
permit. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 53.] |
| April 8. |
519. Copy of preceding. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVIII.,
93.] |
April 10.
Jamaica. |
520. Deposition of Jno. Darbey, aged 22 years, sworn before the
Admiralty Commissioners at Jamaica. In April 1674 Deponent
and six more English were taken in a sloop sailing from St. Thomas's
Isle for Antigua by a Dutch man-of-war, and put ashore at the Havana,
where the Governor caused them all to be put in irons for five weeks,
and then put them to work upon the fortifications for three months
in miserable slavery. They were then put abcard a ship called the
Sta. Christ, but were taken five leagues off San Domingo by a
French man-of-war and brought to Jamaica. While Deponent was
in the Havana, eight English were brought in that had been taken
aboard a New England bark off Port Royal, that had no lading
but provisions; and they, endeavouring to get clear, marched along
the seaside to see if they could meet with any English or French
vessels; but the Governor sent a party of soldiers after them, who
murdered them all except the master, Jno. Collison, whose head
was cut off and set on a pole before the Governor's door, where
Deponent saw it standing three weeks. And further, while Deponent was at work on the wall by the harbour, he saw Don Philip
Fitz-Gerald, Commander of a Spanish man-of-war of 12 guns, come
into the harbour with a New England bark as prize, whose lading
was only provisions, liquors, and money; and he had five English
tied ready to hang, two at the main-yard arms, two at the foreyard arms, and one at the mizen peak, and when he came near the
More Castle he caused them to be turned off, and they hanged till
they were dead, and Fitz-Gerald and his company shot at them
from the deck of the frigate. And a few days after Fitz-Gerald
would have had Deponent and several more English sail with him,
and showed them his commission to take all English and French
vessels, and they refusing he stabbed one of them dead with his
"spadu"(?). Sworn before R. Wilson [Rgistrar], 10th April; and
afterwards, by order from Lord Vaughan, before Sir Henry Morgan
and two other Commissioners of the Admiralty, in the presence of
several Spaniards, who were brought in by a French man-of-war, and
who confessed that the major part was true to their knowledge.
½pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 54.] |
April 13.
Port Royal, Jamaica. |
521. Lieut-Gov. Sir Henry Morgan to Sec. Williamson. On
8th Jan. last weighed anchor in the Downs in order to sail in
company with his Excellency but their anchor was so fast in the
ground, his Excellency in the frigate was got about the Foreland,
and they could not see him afterwards. Account of his voyage.
Met Sir Roger Strickland's fleet the 10th, and on 25th Feb. ran
ashore on the reef off the Isle of Vache, where they had all
perished had Morgan not known where he was. The 14th of
March Lord Vaughan arrived in the Foresight frigate, and was
received with all the respect imaginable, the forts firing many guns,
and entertained at the King's house at a splendid supper. His
Commission read, 15th, by Peter Beckford, Secretary of the island,
and he was nobly entertained by the Commander of the forts;
next day he went to St. Jago de la Vega, attended by most of
the gentry in their coaches, and was treated at a most splendid
dinner by Sir Thos. Modyford. The following day his Commission
was read there, his Majesty's Council assembled, and an account
of the Revenue demanded of Sir Thos. Lynch, which was found
very short, and likewise his Majesty's stores so exhausted, that
there was found in all the stores but 14 barrels of powder, which
on occasion would not last three hours. Nevertheless that shall
not daunt him, for before he will lose his Majesty's fortifications,
he will lose himself and a great many brave men more, that will
stand and fall by him in his Majesty's service; though they grumble
much that their powder has been sold to the Spaniards by the late
Governor. His Excellency next convened an assembly for the
26th inst., which gives general satisfaction. The face of all things
is most changed, and things go but indifferently between the
General and Sir Thos. Lynch; nor can any one blame the General,
for there is the greatest cheat in the world intended to be put on
the King about Capt. Gallop's negro prize, which was condemned
to the King, but there has been no return to his Majesty though
above 7,000l. received; and the General demanding the reason,
Sir Thos. answered that he kept it for Capt. Gallop; but if Gallop
had come he would have answered that it was condemned to the
King. To keep people in the dark there was no register kept of
the fees of the condemnation, and contrary to all custom she was
condemned when without command. 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34,
No. 55.] |
| April 13–16. |
522. Minutes of the Assembly of Barbadoes. The Speaker, with
Wm. Sharp and Col. Richard Guy, desired again to move his Excellency and Council that they may have full satisfaction for the
scandalous reflections on them by Edwyn Stede, in his Petition and
Statement to his Majesty, before they proceed to any business.
Motion of the Speaker to his Excellency and Council accordingly,
and reply of Edwyn Stede that he would presently send his
answer in writing. Petition to his Majesty and paper of grievances
annexed, drawn up by his Excellency, touching the farmers of the
4½ per cent., weighing their sugars, a trade with Scotland, and the
injuries done by the Royal African Company, considered and re
ferred to Wm. Sharpe and Edw. Littleton for some amendment
against to-morrow. |
| April 14. |
Voted, that a Bill pass as now read for continuing the excise on
liquors as it now is; that the goods so raised be disposed of by
the Governor, Council, and Assembly, the Council and Assembly
bearing their own charges, except only payment of the Assembly's
officers; and that Lt.-Col. Wm. Bate be Treasurer and John Hallett
Comptroller. Ordered, on Petition of Richard Moseley, merchant,
in commiseration of his great loss by the wreck of a ship of wines
from Madeira, that the excise on 16 pipes of wine be remitted.
Answer of Edwyn Stede, Provost Marshal, to the charge laid
against him by the Assembly, sent by his Excellency, as follows:—13th April. In obedience to his Excellency's order in Council, 25th
March last, craves leave to give a short state of his case. He
never gave his friends in England any directions for the manner
of their proceedings to obtain what he conceives in justice belongs
to him; all or most of what he wrote being barely matter of
record and matter of fact, without any observations, inferences,
or reflections on any person. Then follows the substance of what
he wrote, to the same effect as his "State of the Case" (see ante,
No. 485), which being read and the Assembly not finding satisfaction, the following request was presented to his Excellency by
the Speaker: That they find not the least satisfaction from Edwyn
Stede's answer, but are confirmed thereby that his Petition and
case presented to his Majesty was by his direction, who though he
denies to have drawn it, yet does not acknowledge that it is filled
with the most malicious designs and scandalous lies and reflections
upon the Assembly; and not being able to bear reproaches drawing
in question their loyalty and affection to his Majesty, nor satisfied
that a man should be countenanced in any office amongst them,
who, to accomplish his private ends, boldly offers at the ruin of the
Island by traducing the inhabitants and drawing them into his
Majesty's displeasure, the Assembly pray that Edwyn Stede may
be suspended and removed from all public offices and trust in this
Island, lest his continuance should administer occasion to his
Majesty to believe them guilty as he has rendered them; and
further pray that good security be given for the safe keeping of
their records by whomsoever his Excellency shall intrust them
with. |
| April 15. |
Voted, that Petition of the Council and Assembly to his Majesty,
with their grievances annexed, and Petition to his Excellency for
assistance in the same, be presented as they are. An Act for the
settlement of the Militia ordered to lie under consideration. An
Act passed for settling 6 acres and 30 perches of land and 2 negroes
in the representatives of the Parish of Christ Church for maintaining 5 poor people, by the gift of Philip Trowell. An Act for
reviving the authority of Commissioners for settling Public Accounts, sent by his Excellency and Council, passed. Ordered, that
Petition of Rachel Yeamons for abatement of excise on liquors and
composition for brandy, be granted. Order sent from the Council
for providing a ton of refined sugar to be presented to Sir Wm.
Poole, knt., Commander of H.M.S. St. David, before his departure;
and An Act for regulating the gauge of Sugar Cask, passed.
Received from his Excellency and Council a paper containing
Mr. Stede's further vindication, together with a paper signed by
his Excellency and part of the Council, as follow: Mr. Stede
added to his paper of yesterday, that the foregoing he owns to be
the true narrative of what he wrote home, and what is more than
that set forth in the Petition and state of the Case presented to
his Majesty, he absolutely disowns as done without his knowledge,
and conceives that the same and other misrecitals or misreports
therein were wholly done by the misapprehension of the person
who drew the same. His Excellency and Council having considered the Assembly's paper and what Edwyn Stede has presented
in manifestation of his own integrity, declare that in their judgment
he is no way guilty of any accusation or injurious language against
the Assembly, and they suppose the Assembly will remain well
satisfied therein; and it is further ordered that care be taken to
vindicate the Assembly in the account to be rendered to his
Majesty of that affair. Adjourned till Tuesday eleven weeks, but
altered to the morrow at his Excellency's desire, in order to prepare
letter to the Gentlemen Planters in England desiring their assistance
in prosecuting the Petition of the Council and Assembly to his
Majesty for removal of their grievances. |
| April 16. |
Petition of the Council and Assembly to his Majesty, with their
grievances annexed, together with their Petition to his Excellency
for his assistance, viz.: That the full sense they have of the hasty
approach of their own ruin and of the decay of his Majesty's dominion in these parts, through oppressions unknown to his Majesty
and contrary to his intentions, and persuaded that their greatest
difficulty lies in bringing the matter to his Majesty's knowledge,
pray his Excellency to countenance and direct their Addresses and
assist them with his interest. Ordered, that the Treasurer cause
12 butts of sugar to be shipped to the Gentlemen Planters in
England for defraying the expense of prosecuting their Addresses
to his Majesty. Letter from the Council and Assembly to the
Gentlemen Planters in England read and passed, as follows: Excuse
themselves for not answering their letters hitherto, and return
hearty thanks for their diligence in their affairs. Their former
Addresses have not had the good effect hoped for, but encouraged
by the zeal of their excellent Governor to promote their interests
to make further address to his Majesty, have sent the enclosed, entreating them to carry it on with vigour, appointing Col. Thornburgh
or what other person they think fit to solicit the business under
them. Have sent 12 butts of sugar for defraying the expense, and
if the exigency of affairs require an advance will speedily reimburse
it. Ordered, that the Treasurer inspect the account of Paul Gwynn
for accommodation of the Assembly four days at this sitting, and
pay what shall appear out of the excise on liquors. Adjourned till
Tuesday come eleven weeks. 19½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XIII.,
164–183.] |
| April 15. |
523. Minute of the Council of Barbadoes. An Act for gauging
cask, and several other papers about the affairs of the Island,
presented by the Assembly to be sent home. ½ p. [Col. Entry Bk.,
No. XI., 288.] |
| April 15–16. |
524. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations: |
|
April 15, Newfoundland.—A long report presented by Sir R.
Southwell, of the matter of Newfoundland, comprehending much of
the debate, that neither the Council nor merchants might be imposed on by new application when things are supposed to be forgot,
read, and ordered to be writ fair, with some alterations, and points
given in charge to the convoy touching the French. |
|
April 16.—The whole report read and approved, and ordered to
be forthwith presented to his Majesty in Council. |
|
Mem.—That of 14 orders sent down to the Western Ports there
were answers only from Weymouth and Melcomb, Plymouth, and
Barnstaple. The petition of Mr. Mason about his pretensions in
New England to be considered on Thursday. 1 p. [Col. Entry
Bk., No. CIV., 19–20.] |
April 16.
Port Royal. |
525. Joseph Knapman to Mr. Alderman. Doubts not he has
had an account of the unfortunate loss of the Jamaica merchant
on the 25th February on the east side of the Isle of Ash on
the south side of Hispaniola, within 24 hours sail of this port.
Knows not what evil genius led him there, and never was any man
more surprised considering the course they steered. Saved all the
people, and 5 or 6 days after, one, Capt. Tho. Rogers, a Jamaica
privateer now sailing under the French, carried Sir Henry Morgan
and all the passengers for Jamaica, but he and his men stayed
behind to save, if possible, his Majesty's stores and the ship's furniture, and he was obliged to offer them one-third of what they could
save, or could get them to do nothing. Were a month ere they got
to Port Royal, in which time they saved a great part of his Majesty's
stores, and some of the ships, for which he will be accountable.
With difficulty saved Mr. Alderman and his son's gold, for he was
forced to swim with it on his back. Left a small sloop to keep
possession of the ship for the King, and Lord Vaughan has since
sent up two great sloops to save what may be saved. Soon after
his arrival Sir Thos. Smith and Capt. Moulsworth gave him
command of this ship, the St. Thomas, for the voyage home,
and intend to come home in her. Sees no likelihood of laying
out Mr. Alderman's money to any advantage, for Mr. Webber
arrived on the 8th, by whom he sends positive orders not to exceed
9d. per lb. for pimento, and can get none for that price; sugar is
18s., 19s., and 20s. per cwt., and indigo 2s. 6d. per 1b., so knows not
how to lay out his money. Desires him to advise the gentlemen
concerned of their ill success, for he hates to write to everybody of
so evil a subject. Gives a list of his Majesty's stores saved,
including 8 barrels of powder, 458 hand grenades, 301 snaphance
muskets, 480 carbines, 2,667 long pikes, 186 snaphance dragoons,
10,000 cut flints, 805 "cartooth" and "cardose" boxes, 78 pistols,
544 culverin shot, 323 demi-cannon shot, 2 petards. 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. 34, No. 56.] |
April 20/30.
Barbadoes. |
526. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Secretary Sir Joseph
Williamson at Whitehall. Received his of 30th January, and one
from the King on Lord Sunderland's business, to whom he wrote.
The unfortunate killing of Mr. Bridges happened before his arrival.
Trials for life are here but once a year at the General Sessions.
Has appointed same to be 7 weeks hence, but according to the
custom of the island there is no seizure till conviction. The fact
was committed by a younger brother of Sir Peter Colleton, who
escaped out of the island, and there were in his company
Mr. Kendall, a man of good estate, one Mayo of no fortune, and one
Archer that keeps an ale house, and from the evidence it may be
concluded that Mr. Colleton killed him, the constable was to blame,
and that from a former pique to Mr. Mayo he took occasion to
affront the gentlemen as they were going home to their lodgings.
What construction a jury will make of it is next to be noticed, but,
as the law admits, will establish his Lordship's business to his best
advantage. At the last meeting of the Assembly they presented
petition with an address to the King importing some grievances
and desiring his assistance, which he could not refuse seeing the
evil consequences portended. The first grievance is the collecting
of the 4½ per cent., the farmers having procured a letter from the
King to weigh all casks, which is so much to the hindrance of the
people that he had much to do to keep them in order, but has
prevailed with them to make an Act for a gauge of all sugar casks,
with penalty of confiscation of all goods put into greater casks,
without acquainting the officer for the duty. The gentlemen they
employ in England will wait on him with the papers, and reasons
of the petition; but in brief the Act of Navigation lies so heavy on
all these plantations that they will lose all commerce from New
England and Ireland, from whence they have all their provisions;
for if they bring but a piece of frieze or anything of their own
manufacture, not being first had to England, it is forfeiture of ship
and goods, when the bare bringing of provisions so long a voyage
cannot answer the charge. The merchants of England not being
able as formerly to make 50 or 60 per cent. on sugar, find it scarce
worth their hazard, and the want of shipping therby has raised
the freight to 9l. per ton, yet can they not get shipping to carry off
one-half of their effects this year. Is confident the restraining of
trade to one place only must in time dissolve all the plantations,
and the contrary advance the King's Customs 10,000l. a year,
without prejudice to the Act of Trade. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34,
No. 57.] |
April 21.
Aboard the America. |
527. Edward Cranfield to Sir Robt. Southwell. Sailed from
Torr Bay 12th inst., and are now in lat. 39 and 45, where meeting
ships bound for the Channel, thought it his duty to give account.
Hopes the wind will in a few days carry them to Madeira. 1½ pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 58; also Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVIII.,
93.] |
| 22 April. |
528. Preamble (of the Committee for Trade and Plantations,)
The Lord Keeper having on 12 March acquainted the Board by his
Majesty's command that his Majesty, having dissolved the late
Council of Trade and Foreign Plantations, had committed what was
under their inspection and management to the Committee of the
Board appointed for matters relating to trade and foreign plantations, their Lordships met on 22 April, and being attended by Sir
Robt. Southwell were acquainted that on 13 January two petitions
from Robt. Mason and Ferd. Gorges were presented to his Majesty
in Council, which were referred to the Committee. Annexed, |
|
528. i. Order of the King in Council referring the two petitions
above mentioned to said Committee for their report.
Whitehall, 12 March 1675. |
|
528. ii. Petition of Robert Mason to the King and Privy Council
praying relief for the province of New Hampshire against
Massachusetts. Calendared, ante No. 413, 13 Jan. 1675. |
|
528. iii. Petition of Ferdinando Gorges to the King and Privy
Council for relief for the province of Maine against
Massachusetts. Calendared, ante No. 412, 13 Jan. 1675. |
|
528. iv. Report of Robert Mason and others on the two preceding
petitions. Calendared in previous volume of Col. Cal.
1661–1668. p. 75, No. 230. 15 February 1662. |
|
528. v. Mem.—Mr. Mason having opened many points by his
discourse concerning New England the Lords of the
Committee, order him at their next meeting to bring the
statement of his case in writing. See No. 545, 1 May
1675. [Col. Entry Bk, Vol. LX., pp. 1–9.] |
| April 22. |
529. Minutes of the Committee for Plantations. Memorandum
about the petitions of Mason and Gorges; Order in Council thereon
12 March; the meeting of the Committee on the 14th, when Sir
Edward Walker and Mr. Slingsby were directed to peruse the
books and papers of the late Council of Plantations, and thence to
extract and prepare a scheme of the present state of New England,
and what transactions had there touching that place. Mr. Povey,
by order of the 27th, added to this sub-committee and a while after
Sir R. Southwell. They met and examined the proceedings before
the late Council of Plantations, and finding that all relating to the
petitioners or the State of New England was comprised in two short
reports of the Council, dated 12 Aug. 1671, the same were presented and read, upon which their Lordships not having that light
or satisfaction which a matter of this importance required, ordered
Mr. Mason to bring in afresh a statement of his case. 2 pp. [Col,
Entry Bk., No. 104, p. 20.] |
April 26.
Whitehall. |
530. Warrant to Sir John Robinson, Lieutenant of the Tower.
To suffer Col. Francis Lovelace, a prisoner in the Tower, for not
having defended the Fort and Colony of New York, and now fallen
very dangerously ill of a dropsy, to have his liberty, he giving
security in 500l. to render himself again a prisoner when thereunto
duly required. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol, 28,
p. 130.] |
| April 26. |
531. William Harris to Fleetwood Shephard at his lodging in
Privy Garden. Thanks him for his kindness to himself, a stranger;
statement of his wrongs and reasons. Has suffered great and long
wrong, and can find no effectual remedy in New England, for
though he has had a vindication of his and his partner's right both
by arbitration and law he cannot get execution of the judgment
owing to the confederation of the forcible enterers openly resisting
by force of arms. His adversaries pretend that they will resist till
they have had a trial, as the King's Commissioners promised when
they should come back from the Eastward of New England, who
came not all back and are now dead, so that he is forced in the
evening of age to come three thousand miles to get a remedy and
to be troublesome to the King and his own friends which is not his
wont. It may be thought strange to enter on other men's lands,
but it is stranger to enter as one Norton did. Has papers to prove
these things, otherwise how would be run such jeopardy, to come
so far by sea to take such pains and undergo such charge and
trouble his friends as well, than which nothing is more contrary to
his disposition, nor does he ever go to law for five or ten pounds,
nor ever was arrested but for supposed high treason against Oliver
Cromwell, until of late falsely indicted by his adversaries, not did
he ever arrest any man, but first offered arbitration. Asks as a
proof that he is not contentious, that, if the King grant his petition,
it be of no force till a jury has tried the issue whether it be or be
not true that he has had a verdict and judgment and the execution
resisted and two awards of arbitrators; if it be proved true the
commission to be in force but not otherwise. In answer to the
objection that the King's order would not be observed in New
England owing to the Massachusetts' denial of the King's Commissioners, begs him to take notice that three of the four colonies,
New Plymouth, Connecticut, and Rhode Island received the Commissioners in weighty things as to the bounds of their charters, that
they of Boston offered to show their proceedings, as to one Porter,
to the Commissioners, and that they received and executed some of
the King's writs, so that it seems reasonable to believe that the
three colonies and Boston will at the King's command do justice.
Moreover, it is certain that John Winthrop, Governor of Connecticut,
Josiah Winslow, Governor of new Plymouth, and William Codington,
Governor of Rhode Island, will receive and execute the King's commission for their own safety and praise and reward of well-doing.
Thus will the King's command be easily obeyed and his authority
more immediately innured, and a way to his after orders prepared
and peace and his interest maintained without the least charge to
him and to his subjects' safety. There is no rational ground, by
any patent granted to any in New England, to be excused from
answering to the King's writs, no more than other Corporations in
England which are all under the King's immediate writ to answer
according to laws, otherwise the King's subjects there may be
oppressed, for they are allowed the privileges of free and naturalborn subjects of the Kings in England, and, if denied, the King's
laws and writs and benefits thereof; and resisting the King's writs
and laws seems contrary to the patents and the laws of England,
which authority is not granted to any people in New England, and
for a corporation to make any laws of death seems contrary to the
laws of England, III. Car. I. 1. It cannot be imagined that the
King hath given some of his subjects to other subjects of other
corporations, who may not make any laws in imminution of the
King's prerogative, 17 H. VII. 7, nor forbid suits in the King's
courts, 19 H. VII. 7. Knows many leading men in New England,
discreet and honest—the Governor of Connecticut, Winthrop, a
prudent moderate man, and the Deputy Governor, Leet, some of
the assistants, Tollcot, Willes, Allen, Richards, wise men, devout for
their churches; the Governor of New Plymouth, Winslow, a very
moderate wise man, their oldest assistant Alden instead of a
Deputy Governor, others Hinkley, Bradford, Freeman, Browne,
Cudworth, pretty moderate most of them; the Governor of
Massachusetts, Leveret, their deputy, Simons, assistants Damport
(Danforth), Hathorne, Broadstreet, Denison, Gooking Stoton, Clark,
very devout men for their churches; the Governor of Rhode Island,
Codington, the deputy Easton, assistants Bull, Gould, Clark, Coggeshall, Trip, Harris, Allmy, Barton, some of them called Quakers,
some called Generals. Each colony has a body of laws; the Rhode
Island laws are most in conformity to the laws of England and
the most toleration there; next most sufferance is at New Plymouth
where are Quakers and Baptists, but some Quakers and Baptists at
Massachusetts, but fewest at Connecticut, where they persecuted
them least, except at Rhode Island. Trade of the country to
Barbadoes, Nevis, and other places; country healthy and well
replenished with people and cattle, and so many horses that men
know not what to do with them, nothing so wanting as thanks to
God and answerable conversation thereto. Begs him to let no one
who will tell his adversaries know his thoughts about the king's
authority, lest he should be a long sufferer, for one Wharton, a
merchant of Boston, for informing the King of what the Dutch did
on the coast and how he conceived it might be remedied, was taken
as no friend to New England and his letters stopped. 3 pp., with
seal, a heart with the letter H, and the motto "Uprighte." [Col.
Papers, Vol. 34, No. 59.] |
|
532. William Harris to Sir Joseph Williamson. Prays pardon
for wearying him, and offers a few words in reply to his objection
that the King gives commissions to preserve his peace, but not later
commissions as to titles of lands, &c. Answers that the suppressing
of forcible entries, &c., lies in the commissions of the peace, that the
patents in New England give power to the Justices to hear and
determine as to titles of land, that writs to remove suits to higher
courts for more impartial judgment are tried by another commission,
that persons supposed to commit a force on the offer to traverse
their title to possession are not to be removed but admitted to try
it before the said Justices of the Peace, that the omission and
execution of the law is the defeat of the exercise of the power given
by patent, of the peace and of their possession; they wear their
title by the law of the Colony forced to prove before the forcible
entry there could be tried and they had a verdict, judgment, and
execution resisted and the force never yet tried though comp'ained.
Leaves to the providence of God, the King, and pleasure, &c.,
whether a later commission with power in these cases is not needful.
Prays that an order may be granted requiring or commanding and
empowering three, if the fourth should sail, lest at the worst all
should sail and justice be defeated. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34,
No. 60.] |
|
533. W. Harris to Sec. Williamson. Reminds him the Governors
of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Plymouth, and Rhode Island, are
50 or 60 miles distant from each other, and it will be long before
they agree on the best way to proceed. Suggests that some direction
should be given by the King to them or one of them; prays him to
an effectual performance of the matter. 1 p. Probably a postscript
to preceding letter. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 61.] |
|
534. Draft Commission in the handwriting of William Harris.
Authorising the formation of a Court to try the questions at issue
between himself and his opponents. The four Governors of
Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Plymouth, and Rhode Island, are
each to appoint one Judge, and from the three former Colonies 48
men are to be chosen, from whom 12 jurymen are to be selected.
The decision to be final, the costs of the Court to be borne by the
losing parties. Endorsed by Williamson, "1675. New England.
Mr. Harris his case." 7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 62.] |
April 26.
Jamaica. |
535. List of Members chosen by the different parishes for the
Assembly convened for 26th April 1675. See following Abstract.
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 63.] |
April 26—
May 1. St. Jago. |
536. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. The Provost Marshal
brought in the Returns of the several elections as follows:—St.
Thomas', Edward Stanton and Clement Richardson; St. David's,
Wm. Beeston and Wm. Rives; St. Andrew's, Sam. Barry and
Richard Braine; Port Royal, Sam. Bache, Authony Swimmer and
Benjamin Whitcombe; St. Katherine's, Samuel Long. Samuel
Bernard, and Peter Beckford; St. Dorothy's, John Colebeck and
William Shute; St. Thomas-in-the-Vale, William Knolles and Fulke
Rose; Clarendon, Gifford Pennant and William Bent; Vere, John
Bourden and Robert Varney; St. Elizabeth's, Robert Bridgewood
and Jonathan Ashurst; St. George's, William Nedham and William
Brewer; St. Mary's, George Nedham and Joachim Haynes; St.
Ann's, Benj. Smith and Thomas Helyer; St. James', Richard Guy
and Sam. Jenks; St. John's, Wm. Bragg and Francis Price. Sam.
Long presented by the Assembly for their Speaker, of which his
Excellency approved, and in a speech declared the reasons of their
meeting. Tho. Freeman and Robt. Byndloss sent to administer the
Oaths of Allegiance to the Assembly. The thanks of the Assembly
presented by Wm. Beeston and three others to his Excellency for
the great satisfaction he had given them in his speech. |
| April 27. |
No business offered from the Assembly, the Council adjourned
till,— |
| April 28. |
The Oath of Allegiance administered to Richard Guy, one of the
representatives of St. James' Parish. Wm. Rives and Sam. Bernard
brought up the Acts for ascertaining the number of Assembly
men for the Revenue, for maintaining of the Ministry, and for
repairing the Highways, with divers amendments and observations,
and desired Sir Thos. Lynch's account of the public money which
his Excellency promised to send them. The Act ascertaining the
number of Assembly men read; for maintenance of the Ministry,
read and approved with Amendments; for the Revenue, read with
Amendments and referred to further debate. |
| April 29. |
Sir Thos. Modyford's accounts delivered to the Assembly to be
examined with Sir Thos. Lynch's. Six Acts presented by the
Assembly, to whom were returned the Acts for Assembly men,
maintenance of the Ministry and Highways, approved with Amendments. The Act for establishing the Supreme Court, approved with
Amendments; for Fees, with Amendment, approved with a Clause
to be added; for Justices, read and Amendments proposed; all
which were sent to the Assembly with the Council's observations. |
| April 30. |
The amendments and additions in the Act of Militia consented to,
except one clause concerning the Captain of the Troop of his
Excellency's guards, which is to stand; pikes and lances to be left
to the discretion of the officers; other small amendments proposed,
and this clause to be inserted,—That for the particular encouragement of his Excellency's troop of Guards, all who shall enlist therein
shall be excused from serving as constables, and that no foot officer
in the precincts of St. Katherine, St. Dorothy, and St. Thomas-inthe-Vale, enlist any out of their proper division. This clause likewise to be inserted at the end, that nothing in this Act be construed
to abridge his Excellency's power to act as Captain-General and
Governor-in-Chief according to the powers and commands given
him by his Majesty's Commission. The Act for Negro Slaves read,
and Amendments approved. The Act for servants read and
Amendments approved, with proviso that the penalty shall not
run against masters who have once supplied themselves, if by death
or accident their servants are lost, but that 12 months more be
allowed them. |
| May 1. |
The Act of the Revenue read, and the first Amendment approved,
remarks upon other Amendments, the Captain General's salary to
be 2,000l. per annum, "residing usually at St. Jago," his residence
at Port Royal to be omitted; other Salaries in the order named to
be paid by the Governor's Warrant to the Treasurer. The Act of
Naturalization read with Amendment. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXXV.,
399–410.] |
April 26 to
May 15.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
537. Minutes of the Assembly of Jamaica. List of the Members
elected (see preceding). Capt. Sam. Long chosen Speaker. The
Oath of Allegiance administered to all except Capt. Richard
Guy who was absent, and Thos. Helyer who refused to take it
according to the form prescribed. Rules approved as much conducing to the regular proceeding in their business; 17 to make
a quorum; every Act before it pass to be read at three different
sessions; in all votes the major part to carry it, wherein the Speaker
is to have his voice; no man to speak but twice at one Session to
the same Debate, the Speaker and Assembly to imprison or fine
such of their Members as are disobedient, drunken, or profane. Five
Members to join with those of the Council appointed for the
inspection and returning of Writs. Four Members to return his
Lordship thanks for his gracious speech and free grant of their
privileges. |
| April 27. |
Capt. Knapman's business not to be tried again. The House
resolved into a Grand Committee to consider about raising money
for a present to his Excellency, and 1,500l. voted for that purpose,
whereof 500l. to be employed in buying the house his Excellency
lives in for the Governor's use for ever; 1,600l., whereof 100l. to
be allowed to the constables for levying, to be levied of the lands
and personal estates of the inhabitants, yet so as they exceed not
one-half thereof in the levy off the lands, viz.: from the Parish of
Port Royal 350l., St. Andrew's 250l., St. David's 80l., St. Thomas's
200l., St. George's 10l., St. Ann's 30l., St. James's 20l.,
St. Elizabeth's 110l., Vere 80l., Clarendon 160l., St. Katherine's,
St. Dorothy's, and St. Thomas's-in-the-Vale 150l., St. John's
130l., and St. Mary's 30l. Ordered, that Thos. Hclyer refusing
to take the customary Oath of Allegiance, be not allowed to sit, and
that his Lordship be moved to issue a new Writ. Ordered, that
the Marshal give Capt. Richard Guy notice that having been chosen
for St. James's Parish, he must give his attendance notwithstanding
he is not a freeholder in said Parish. Several Acts considered with
amendments and sent to his Excellency in Council, with a request
for an account of the revenue. |
| April 28. |
Amendments to several Acts of the last Assembly. Answer of
his Excellency, that he would send account of the revenue. Capt.
Richard Guy sent to the Governor and Council to take the Oath of
Allegiance, and admitted to sit in the House. |
| April 29. |
Several Acts read and passed with Amendments. Sir Thos.
Lynch's accounts sent by his Excellency, and also Sir Thos.
Modyford's at the request of the Assembly. Committee appointed
to consider these accounts and to report on Saturday next (1st
May). Several Acts sent back by his Excellency with Amendments. |
| April 30. |
Acts read and passed, some with Amendments. |
| May 1. |
Leave to Col. Brewer to go home, on information of the disorder
his affairs were in by reason of the running away of his negroes.
Two Acts read. Report of the Committee for examining Sir Thos.
Modyford and Sir Thos. Lynch's accounts, that they were satisfied
Sir Thos. Modyford had received his discharge from the King's
Exchequer. The Committee called attention to 144l. 12s. 2d. in
Sir Thos. Lynch's accounts, finding nothing else to be objected
against. Voted, that Sir Thos. Lynch's accounts be viewed. |
| May 3. |
Act for taking out Patents and collecting Quit Rents, read and
passed. Voted, that certain sums in Sir T. Modyford's accounts
objected to by the Assembly, amounting to 4,047l. 5s. 10d., be
sent to his Excellency and Council, that order be taken that they
be not brought against the country hereafter. |
| May 4. |
Voted, that the sum of 144l. 12s. 2d. in Sir Thos. Lynch's accounts for repairing the King's House at Port Royal be allowed.
The Act of Naturalization read and amended. Sundry votes and
queries upon Sir Thos. Lynch's accounts. Voted upon the Act of
Revenue, that the 1,500l. annexed to Government be first paid
after contingencies; the Captain-General usually to reside at
St. Jago and the Lieutenant-General at Port Royal; the CaptainGeneral to have 2,000l. per annum and the Lieutenant-General
600l., to be paid proportionably; his Lordship to have any
surplusage, the salaries and contingencies being paid; Sir Henry
Morgan, for his good service to the country, to have 600l. during
his Lieutenant Governorship, but none of his successors. Several
Acts read and passed, some with Amendments. |
| May 5, 6. |
Several Acts read and passed, with Amendments. |
| May 7. |
Voted, on petition of the Freeholders, that the Magatee be
annexed to the Parish of St. Thomas-in-the-Vale, but continue to
pay all Parish duties, reparation of highways excepted, to St. John's
until a Minister be settled and a church built in St. Thomas-inthe Vale. Several Acts read and passed. Petition of Wm. Gibbon,
merchant, that the estate of Dan. Jordan, deceased, be sold for
satisfaction of his debts, because Petitioner and Jordan are joint
administrators of the estate of Thomas Scutt, deceased, and indebted
thereto. Three members appointed to examine into the matters
alleged in said petition. Several Acts read and passed. |
| May 8. |
Several Acts read and passed. Petition of John Styles, of the
Magatee, planter, that his land be made a distinct Parish, under
the name of Styles Langley, he having left it by will to Christ
Church College, Oxford, from whence he expects it will be supplied
with Preachers, and that it might continue in the Parish of
St. John till Petitioner should have a church built and a parson
settled there: refused, by reason there was no probability there
would be a sufficient congregation to make a parish. |
| May 11, 12. |
Several Acts read and passed, with Amendments. On report of
the Committee that Jordan's estate was indebted to the estate of
Thomas Scutt as alleged in Gibbon's Petition, Capt. Nedham ordered
to draw up an Act for the sale of Jordan's estate; but it was
thrown out, as unreasonable for the Assembly to be concerned
where the law itself gives a remedy. Petition, sent down by his
Excellency, praying H.R.H. the Duke of York to interpose with
the Royal Company to furnish the Island with a plentiful supply
of negroes, approved, and ordered to be entered in the journal, the
Speaker to return his Excellency thanks for same. |
| May 13, 14. |
Several Acts read and passed, with Amendments. |
| May 15. |
The Act of Revenue read and passed, after a dispute with his
Excellency whether his order should be the Treasurer's discharge
for paying salaries. Ordered, that his Excellency be desired to
sign the Acts in the Assembly according to the custom of this
Island, to which he answered that it was not usual in England to
do so, but that they bring in the Acts to the Council to be signed,
the Assembly being afterwards called in; whereupon it was voted
that the Speaker carry the Acts to the Council, but if his Ex
cellency refuse to sign them in presence of the Assembly, that he
bring them back again. Adjourned for an hour. Report of
Mr. Speaker that his Lordship would not pass the Acts in presence
of the Assembly, it being altogether repugnant to the custom of the
Parliament of England; whereupon he was returning with the
Acts, when his Lordship commanded them from him, telling him
that when an Act was consented to in Council and three times
passed in the Assembly they were dispossessed thereof: and being
pressed by the Speaker, how an Act beneficial to the Governor
should be stopped till other Acts conducing to the advantage of the
subject were passed, his Lordship replied that such Acts for the
subject should be sent to him and assented to before the House
passed the others, and that the Speaker might take away any Acts
not passed the third time. The Assembly sent for by his Excellency. Adjourned for half-an-hour. 22 pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
No. XXXVII., fol. 143–153d.] |
| April 26. |
538. Forty-five Acts, Laws, and Statutes made and ordained at
St. Jago de la Vega in Jamaica, by Governor Lord Vaughan and
by an Assembly which began the 26th April 1675, with Index,
viz.:—(1.) An Act appointing the number of Assembly men.
(2.) Declaring the laws of England in force in this Island. ("Repealed" in margin.) (3.) For preservation of cattle. (4.) Empowering the Churchwardens of St. Katherine's to receive twelve
pence per ton for all goods made up in cask that are laden or shipped
from the bridge at Passage Fort, for maintaining and repairing
the same. (In margin, "The new law approved.") (5.) For the
quieting all persons' estates against dormant titles. (6.) Requiring
the enrolment of deeds for prevention of fraudulent conveyances.
(7.) Empowering his Majesty's Justices of the Peace in this Island
to decide all pleas and differences between party and party not
exceeding the value of 40s. (8.) For the better maintenance of the
Ministry. (In margin, "The new law for regulating parishes to
stand.") (9.) For the good governing of servants, and ordering the
rights between masters and servants. (In margin, "The new law
of force.") (10.) Preventing seamen leaving their ships, and
victuallers or sellers of strong liquors trusting of them. (11.) For
the perpetual Anniversary Thanksgiving on the 10th day of May,
for the happy success and conquest made and obtained in his most
sacred Majesty's Island of Jamaica. (12.) For the better ordering
and governing of negro slaves. (In margin, "New law of force.")
(13.) For settling the Militia. (In margin, "New Act to stand.")
(14.) For the regulating the fees of the several offices of this Island.
(With corrections). (15.) For the better amending, repairing, and
keeping clear the common highways and known broad paths
within this Island, leading to church and market, and for laying
out new highways and turning old highways where it shall be
needful. (In margin, "New law to be in force.") (16.) For confirming Orders of Council. (With corrections.) (17.) Against
excessive usury. (In margin, "This is comprehended in the new
law for establishing the interest of money; the new law of force.")
(18.) For repealing of a former Act, intituled "An Act for sup
pressing the multiplicity of law suits, and of divers other Acts
made at the Session of the Assembly in the month of February
1673–74." (With corrections.) (19.) For foreign Attachments.
(20.) To prevent fraud and deceit in the makers and sellers of rum.
(With corrections.) (21.) For prevention of such damages as may
happen by fire. (With corrections.) (22.) Encouraging of shipping
to take in lading at Old Harbour, Port St. Thomas, or any
other place round this his Majesty's Island. (With corrections.)
(23.) For establishing the current price of money. (24.) Appointing
Col. Thos. Modyford and Capt. Edmund Ducke to be Trustees,
and fully enabled to make sale of the lands and plantations of
Mr. Thos. Tothill, late of this Island, deceased, for the payment of
debts and making provision for the relict and infant of the said
deceased. (With a correction.) (25.) For rating meat sold by
retail. (In margin, "The new law of force.") (26.) For compensation of the loss Mr. Nicholas Scarlett received by the pursuits
of the rebellious negroes at Lygonee. (With a correction.)
(27.) For encouragement to Mr. James Lassell for the sugar mill
he lately contrived. (With a correction.) (28.) For recovering of
such moneys as were subscribed to for building a half moon
at Bonham's Court that are not paid. (In margin, "Paid and
expired.") (29.) For regulating the freight of boats, wherries, and
other vessels and their owners and employers. (In margin, "Laid
aside.") (30.) For regulating the Marshal's proceedings in levying
executions. (With corrections.) (31.) For the ordering and empowering the Secretary of the Island to take sufficient security of
every master of ship or vessel and others that depart this Island;
and of the duty of masters of ships and others that come to trade
in this Island. (In margin, "The new law of force.") (32.) For
the speedy remedying of all such nuisances as are or may hereafter
be made upon the town of Port Royal, and to prevent the spreading
of any fire that may happen therein. (In margin, "New law to
stand.") (33.) For the speedy taking out of patents and the better
adjusting and more speedy collecting the quit rents of this his
Majesty's Island of Jamaica. (With corrections.) (34.) For regulating hunting. (With corrections.) (35.) For dividing his
Majesty's Island of Jamaica into several parishes and precincts.
(In margin, "New Act to stand.") (36.) Prohibiting the transportation of several commodities out of this Island, being in a
growing condition. (With corrections.) (37.) For naturalization.
(With corrections.) (38.) For the preventing the retailing of
strong liquors by unlicensed persons. (With corrections.) (39.)
Against tippling, cursing, and swearing. (In margin, "New
Act to stand.") (40.) Declaring it to be felony without benefit
of clergy to steal or carry away any boat, canoe, wherry, or
other vessel from any part of this Island. (With corrections.)
(41.) For regulating the proceedings of Surveyors. (In margin,
"New Act to stand when allowed.") (42.) Against suing of
persons here for foreign debts within five years after their
arrival. (In margin, "Abolished.") (43.) For preserving of the
savannahs and small plantations. (With corrections.) (44.) For
the establishing of the Supreme Court of Judicature in the town
of St. Jago de la Vega. (With corrections.) Endorsed, "Jamaica,
May 21, 1675. These are to certify that I have carefully
examined the several Laws hereunto affixed, containing 117 sheets,
and find that they do agree wth the original Records in the custody
of Ch. Atkinson, Cl. Con. In pursuance of his Majy's Instructions,
I have commanded the Broad Seal of this Island to be hereunto
affixed. May 24, 1675. Vaughan." And (45) an Act for
raising a public revenue out of the strong liquors and other goods
of the production of foreign plantations imported or to be imported
into this Island, and for the disposal thereof. Endorsed, "Copy.
The Original Revenue Bill, wherein the King's name is expunged,
&c." Together, 118 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XL.] |
| April 26. |
539. Summary of preceding Acts, with the exception of the last.
29½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXVIII., 128–147.] |
April 27.
Madeira. |
540. Edward Cranfield to Sir Robt. Southwell. Arrived at
Madeira this morning to recruit the Hunter with water and
beverage wine, which the victuallers could not furnish her with in
England, and Capt. Dickenson having sent to the Council to
acquaint the Governor, he sent word that if the Captain would not
enter the King's ship as a merchant man, and pay port charges and
other duties, he would give him no "produck" (prattick in
margin); but Capt. Dickenson refused, and desired him to acquaint
the Governor that he would be gone immediately if he would not
grant him "produck," which the Governor utterly denied, whereupon they thought it convenient to be gone rather than comply
with an unpractical imposition which might reflect on the King's
honour. Has received a letter just now from the merchants
ashore, complaining of many injuries and indignities daily put
upon them by this Governor, and Lord Vaughan was treated in the
same manner, but presumes he has account of this before. 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 64.] |
| April 27. |
541. Copy of preceding. [Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXVIII., 94.] |
April 27.
Madeira. |
542. Copy of the above, but addressed to Sec. Sir Joseph
Williamson. Endorsed, "R., 30 July," &c. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 34, No. 65.] |
| April 29. |
543. "An account taken from Mr. Harris of New England."
Number of men bearing arms 7 or 8 thousand foot and 8 or 10
troops of horse, each troop consisting of between 60 and 80 horse.
Twelve ships between 40 and 80 tons are built every year in
Boston, Salem, and that jurisdiction; he came over in a ship built
there of 200 tons with 14 guns. Does not know the number of
the fishing boats, the trade being chiefly E. of Rhode Island, but
there are never fewer than two men in every boat, sometimes three
or four; the fishing is in cod, haddock, and mackerel, transported
to the West Indies, Barbadoes, Spain, and the Straits. There are
three or four ironworks but he has not heard of guns cast there,
though there are many in the country; has seen some on the sea
side 3½ yds. long, mostly about Boston in the Fort whereof on the
sea by which all ships must pass, it is said there are about 20 guns;
in the ironworks they formerly cast iron pots to boil meat in. The
merchants seem to be rich men, and their houses as handsomely
furnished as most in London. In exchange of fish, pipe staves,
wool, and tobacco, they have from Spain, Portugal, and the islands,
the commodities of those countries; their wool they carry to
France and bring thence linen; to England they bring beaver,
mouse, and deer skins, sugar and logwood, and carry hence cloth
and ironwares; to Barbadoes in exchange for horses, beef, pork,
butter, cheese, flour, peas, biscuit, they have sugar and indigo;
when they trade with Jamaica, as they do sometimes, they bring
home pieces of eight, plate, and pigs of silver. Their money is of
pretty good silver; in the middle of it is a pine tree (with which
the country abounds); the valuation of it is but 3 of 4 sterling
money, and a New England shilling is but 9d. sterling; the pieces
usually current are only 2d., 3d., 6d., and shillings; with the silver
they are supplied from Jamaica. The houses in Boston are of
brick and ordinary stone, but most of timber; some are 2 and the
most but 3 stories high. The town very large and situate on a
neck of land surrounded with a great salt river, only to the landward there is an entrance of about 40 perches large over a low salt
marsh, which is sometimes overflown, and where they may cut a
river. They have three meeting houses, set round with galleries,
and very full; each is as large as an ordinary parish church.
Country houses generally of timber. In Rhode Island the houses
are very good, especially at Newport, where there are more sheep
than anywhere else in New England. The haven is very commodious, being just upon the sea, whereas that of Boston is 2 or 3
miles within the land, and is large enough for 100 ships; this island
is about 12 miles long and 2 broad, and is the garden of New
England. In Connecticut there is a good harbour at New London,
but the town and trade are not considerable. Knows of navigable
rivers only in Connecticut, not having seen Puscatoa (? Piscataqua);
the country is well provided with water. Does not know the number
of islands. In the jurisdiction of Rhode Island is Block Island, first
inhabited about seven years ago, where there is excellent fishing
for cod, but no harbour. Plymouth, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are in a confederacy called the United Colonies, but Rhode
Island is not. The soldiers are all of the inhabitants, they exercise
often twice a week, their horsemen wear buff coats, pistols,
hangers, and corslets; every soldier bears his own charges, except
in war with the Indians; all that are able bear arms except a few
Anabaptists and the Quakers, who will not bear any. The
Governors chosen by all the freemen; the present Governor of
Boston is John Leveret, a resolute man but much opposed by one
Major Dennison; the election is yearly, though he has been
Governor three years since Mr. Bellingham died. The Governor
of Connecticut is John Winthrop, senr., a very good, sober man,
who has been Governor near 20 years, and 11 years ago got a
Patent from the King. The Governor of New Plymouth is Josiah
Winslow, a moderate man; the laws of this Colony come nearer
the laws of England than either those of Massachusetts or
Connecticut. The Governor of Rhode Island is William Codington,
a Quaker; the laws of England are pleaded here, and take place;
the Governor has only a single vote, at Boston he has a casting
vote. The most tyrannical ministers to those that differ from them
are the Presbyterians, and amongst the fiercest is one Mr. Thatcher,
the only man in the country that keeps a coach. The greatest
part of the ministers are Presbyterians, Anabaptists, and Quakers;
in Rhode Island, Quakers and Anabaptists rule. There is a considerable party in all the Colonies called Common Protestants, who
in Massachusetts are not permitted to bear any high office, but may
be constables, but in Rhode Island enjoy the same privileges as
others. In the Massachusetts there is a college at Cambridge,
3 miles from Boston, where many preachers, physicians, and
Indians (but no lawyers) are bred; it has translated the Bible into
the Indian language, and in Massachusetts there are 3 or 4 congregations of Indians, called Praying Indians, and distinguished
from the others in Rhode Island who are unconverted in their
paganism. There was formerly a fencing school in Massachusetts
and Rhode Island; he does not know whether there is any now.
Gaming not allowed in Massachusetts. As to cloth, there are made
there Linsey woolseys, and other of cotton and wool, and some all
sheeps wool, but the better sort of linen is brought from England;
they have many woolcombers, and some make Tammyes (?) but for
their private use. Salt they get from Tortudas, not far from
Barbadoes; it is sold at 10s. the hogshead, and is clear and white as
alum, very sharp and much stronger than ordinary bay salt. Oaths
in Rhode Island the inhabitants take not unless they please, only an
engagement, on penalty of perjury, to perform some office or give
true testimony. The Oath of Allegiance is to the effect of that
ordinarily taken in England, but the Oath of Supremacy differs.
7 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 66.] |
April 30.
Nevis. |
544. Governor Stapleton to the Council for Plantations. Premised in his last of the 19th inst. to send "these papers;" is not
prepared for what is required in theirs of 27th October. Two of
his Deputy Governors are going home, Col. Philip Warner of
Antigua for some occasions of his own, and his own brother from
Montserrat, who goes for his health. Will instruct them to satisfy
their Lordships fully as to these Islands, and if possible they shall
have papers relating to St. Christopher's and Nevis. Since the
letters between the French General and himself 12 of their negroes
are runaway to these Islands, but not yet demanded; thinks it his
duty, and is resolved to deny them, till M. de Baas makes restitution of 15 he sold belonging to his Majesty's subjects, or to sell
them to him that offers most, as he did. In margin, "Recd
21 June 1675." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 67.] |
