|
1675.
Dec. 1. |
720. Minutes of the Privy Council Petition of Capt. Cooke
read, and the Lord Chamberlain commanded by his Majesty to
prepare for him a gold chain and medal. Ordered, on reading the
Report of the Lords Committee of Plantations, that, if Capt. Cooke
will pursue the remedy there proposed, which is the only thing his
Majesty can according to the rule of justice insist upon, then Mr.
Sec. Coventry to write to Sir Wm. Godolphin to obtain the
warrant to the King of Spain's Proctor to prosecute. Ordered, that
the expedient offered in Sir Leoline Jenkins's Report of 1st Nov.
for accommodation of future complaints be referred to same Committee to examine and report. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 35,
No. 49.] |
| (Dec. 1.) |
721. Minutes of the Committee for Trade and Plantations respecting the case of Mason and Gorges, when the following report was
read: "A narrative of the settlement of the Corporation of Massachusetts Bay and Capt. Wyborne's account of things in 1673," with
the present posture of that country. The proceedings of the Council
of New England, the history of the Massachusetts Corporation, its
encroachments and resistance to the King's Commissioners, &c.
described. In 1673, Captain Wyborne, Commander of H.M.S.
Garland, who came to Boston to victual and refit, and stayed there
about three months made this relation. The trade of New England
is very great, to all parts of the West Indies and to most parts of
Europe, so that it is become a magazine both of American and
European commodities. Of this irregular and unlawful manner of
trade Capt. Wyborne complained, and required the seizure of an
Ostend ship riding in the port of Boston, but the magistrates gave
for answer that they were the King's Vice-Admirals in those seas
and would do what seemed good to them; by which means the
King loses an immense sum of money yearly and the navigation of
England is unspeakably prejudiced, and, as soon as any English
money is brought there, it is melted down into their coin, making
of each shilling fifteen-pence to keep it from being carried out again.
During the late war with the Dutch, New York being taken by
Evertson, Captain Wyborne proposed to the Boston magistrates the
reducing of that colony, offering his service with the King's frigate,
only requiring some few soldiers and seamen and provisions and
stores; but he received for answer that they would contribute their
endeavours thereunto, provided it might be annexed to their
Government, and, if this were refused, they had rather the possession of New York remain with the Dutch than to come under
such a person as Col. Lovelace, who might prove a worse neighbour.
By their discourse they look upon themselves as a free State, not
at all to be interested in the King's differences with other nations,
but that they might remain neuters. Capt. Wyborne, being informed that during the wars with Holland about 4,000 seamen had
retired out of England and other colonies to New England out of
design to quit the King's service, moved the Boston magistrates
to send home some of these, as a testimony of their duty to the
King, but he could not prevail, and for insisting on the matter
some of the magistrates had exasperated several of the common sort
of people and seamen against him (as he believed), so that at his
leaving Boston he had much difficulty to escape with his life,
having been wounded in many places, but was rescued by some of
his seamen who being well armed came to his relief; on his complaint to the government no other punishment was inflicted on
that rabble than one night's imprisonment of some 20 persons.
The disposition of the people he found generally for a submission
to the King's government, it being much admired at by them that
the settlement of that great country should be so long deferred.
Some of the magistrates and principal merchants and inhabitants
told him that if the King would send over some person of honour
to be their Viceroy or Lord Lieutenant, they would readily submit
to his government, and as a demonstration of their duty and
affection would build him a noble palace and allow him an honourable support, so that the King should be at no charge, but by no
means they would not (sic) have any mean person to be sent over
as Governor-in-Chief. The persuasions of the people as to Church
government are very different, many, and those of the better sort
being for the Church of England, and have the Common Prayer
books in their houses, and will not have their children baptized
after any other form. The present laws of the Massachusetts are
so different from the laws of England, and the government so
arbitrary, that it occasions murmuring among all sorts of people,
the government remaining in the hands of a few, who, though
yearly chosen, yet it is so done that the people have not any voice,
and withal the Massachusetts having usurbed the government of
other provinces by force and fraud, makes the whole country to
centre in an unanimous desire of a general settlement under the
King's government. The country populous, towns well built, no
place in the King's dominions in America can contribute so much
to the overcoming of an enemy in those parts, owing to the great
number of ships and seamen; it is well stored with all sorts of
naval materials, the timber growing very commodious for transportation, and might be brought from thence to England as cheap
as from Norway. The chief if not only cause of the Indians
making war upon the English is the tyrannical government of the
Massachusetts, who make a law that every Indian coming into
their towns (which they daily did in great numbers to trade) who
was drunk should pay 10s., or be tied to a gun and whipped.
The Indians are great lovers of all sorts of strong liquors,
and would not leave that pleasure not withstanding the lash.
The Boston magistrates, building a fort on a small Island that
commands the harbour, and wages being very great, ordered that
for drunkenness the Indians should not be whipped but should be
transported to this island to work for 10 days, which the poor
natives greatly complained of, still offering the whip rather than to
be transported, but nothing would prevail with their taskmasters,
and which was yet more barbarous, when the Indians had wrought
at this hard labour nine days, some persons were sent over to the
island with runlets of rum and brandy to entice them to drink to
excess, and then they must stay 10 days longer, which wicked
practice was so long continued that at the time of the said Captain
being at Boston there were some hundreds of Indians there at
work, many whereof had been by the practices aforesaid kept
about 3 months; which barbarous usage made not only those poor
sufferers, but the other Indians, to vow revenge. Endorsed,
"Recd from Mr. Mason 1 Dec. 1675. Read at the Committee
2 Dec. 1675." 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 35, No. 50.] |
| Dec. 2. |
722. Minute of the Committee of Plantations. Having met to
determine something in the case of Mason and Gorges touching
their pretensions in New England, the above narrative of Mr. Mason
was read. [Col. Entry Bk, No. 60, pp. 48–61.] |
| Dec. 2. |
723. Minutes of the Committee of Plantations. Understanding
Mason's desire to be the sending over Commissioners or a new
Governor to New England, consider that such sending, besides the
charge, uncertainty of success and danger of affront, would look
like awarding execution on those people before they were heard;
much more advisable that his Majesty should send them the state
of complaints and require their sending Commissioners to agree the
difference. This was a fit season, their neighbours being busy,
who at another time may be ready and industrious enough to
incite them; and then the Secretaries informed how that Mr. Cranfield was to take a turn in those parts and to bring information how
things stand. It was thought fit to encourage Mason to attend this
issue, and being called in he was told something of the particulars
aforesaid and advised to prepare a petition comprehensive of all he
had urged, and that they would present it to his Majesty in
Council with their advice to send it over, and to require the
Bostoners to send agents in answer (see No. 755). [Col. Entry Bk.,
No. 60, pp. 61–63. |
| Dec. 2. |
724. Copy of the preceding. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. 104,
pp. 44, 45.] |
| [Dec. 2.] |
725. Petition of Lieut. Daniel Greatbach to the Council of
Plantations, on behalf of himself and the rest of his Majesty's
officers and soldiers in St. Christopher's. That the pay of the two
Companies is 2,778l. 10s. 8d. per annum, which has not been paid
since June 1671, whereby they are reduced to great necessity, and
their Lordships having reported that the due paying of Col.
Stapleton and the said officers and soldiers highly concerned his
Majesty's service, his Majesty in Council ordered payment of the
same, yet Petitioner, who was sent express from thence, has not
received one penny. Prays therefore that he may be dispatched to
his colours, and not further fall under the displeasure of his Colonel
and fellow soldiers as a negligent servant in their concerns. In
margin, "Read at Committee Dec. 2, 75." 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 35, No. 51; also Col. Entry Bk. XLVI., 27–28.] |
Dec. 2.
Whitehall. |
726. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
St. Christopher's. On the Petition of Lieut. Daniel Greatbach,
agent from Col. Stapleton, praying the Lords to promote his
dispatch, and move the Lord Treasurer for some supply of
money as was ordered in Council, their Lordships pressed the
Lord Treasurer, mentioning the danger of those parts in case
of any rupture with the French, upon which his Lordship promised
some supply, and directed Sir R. Southwell to give the Petition
to Mr. Bertie and mind him thereof, as also to call the Farmers of
the Revenue of the Leeward Isles to account with all speed. Mem.—This letter to Mr. Bertie was put into Mr. Fleetwood's hands the
3rd instant. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. CIV., 44, 45.] |
| Dec. 2. |
727. Copy of above Minutes referring to St. Christopher's, also
petition of Lieut. Greatbach, and Sir R. Southwell's letter to
Mr. Bertie, as follows:—The enclosed Petition was this day read
before a very large Committee for Foreign Plantations, and by
command of the Lord Treasurer (who was very sensible of the
necessity of a speedy supply) is sent to him, that he may put his
Lordship in mind thereof with all speed; an Order of Council
passed some months age, which sets forth the full state of this
concern. The last letter from Mr. Parry tells of 3 stout French
men-of-war that touched at Lisbon on their way to Martinico; and
the French so daily encourage their interest in those Islands, that we
shall be much at their mercy in case of a rupture. Had also in
command to put him in mind of calling the Farmers of the Duty
of those islands to a speedy account. Ferdinando Gorges has been
often with him as agent and qualified to receive what shall be
paid for the use of Col. Stapleton and the forces there. [Col.
Entry Bk., No. XLVI., 27–29.] |
| Dec. |
728. Sir Robt. Southwell to John Cooke and Wm. Bridgeman.
Is to inquire by command of the Committee for Foreign Plantations
at the Secretary's offices for any Acts transmitted from the plantations for his Majesty's ratification, that they may prepare them
for his Majesty's view. And also how the foreign Governors have
complied with their obligation of taking the Oaths of Allegiance and
Supremacy, and for due execution of the Act of Navigation, by
which they are obliged twice a year to return true copies of the
bonds taken by them to the Officers of the Custom House, London;
and by a later Act for Regulating the Plantation trade once a year
at least to return List of all ships lading the commodities there
innumerated, and of the bonds taken by them. The Lords finding
at the Custom House a very imperfect return of these bonds, desire
to know which of the Governors have taken there these oaths, that
they may be written to for the better execution of the said Acts.
Draft, with corrections. 1½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 35, No. 52.] |
| Dec. 3. |
729. Petition of Capt. Edmond Cooke, on behalf of himself
and the merchants and owners of the ship Virgin to the King and
Council. That Petitioners having made many complaints of the
Spanish murders and depredations, and particularly of their taking
the ships Virgin and Thomas and Mary, His Majesty declared that
unless they received plenary satisfaction from the Court of Spain,
his Majesty could not deny them letters of reprisal. That Petitioners,
at the expense of above 1,000l., besides damages, have strictly
pursued all His Majesty's orders, yet, cannot, after two years'
solicitation in this Court and that of Spain, reap any benefit, the
despatches given to Petitioners being so insignificant and evasory
that they show not the least prospect towards Petitioners' satisfaction; for the charges of going to the Havana, besides the danger
of being murdered will undoubtedly exceed whatever can be received
there by virtue of the Queen's decree, if there were an absolute
assurance to receive it without trouble, being not a twentieth part
of Petitioners' losses and damages. That if Petitioners should accept
the Queen's decree, they would be "concluded" from damanding
reparation for the logwood, and it would be brought hereafter for a
precedent against his Majesty's subjects. That Petitioners assure
themselves of his Majesty's clemency and justice according to his
Majesty's orders of 3 July (74) and 14th July and 4th August last,
and that his Majesty will not compel them to go in vain to seek
satisfaction with hazard of their lives amongst such barbarous
enemies. Pray letters of reprisal in pursuance of said orders,
without sending Petitioners to the Havana, where they will be
denied, wearied out, or murdered. Endorsed, "Read in Council
Dec. 3rd 1675." 1 p. [Col. Papers. Vol. 35, No. 53.] |
Dec. 3.
Whitehall. |
730. Order of the King in Council. On reading Petition of
Capt. Cooke and others (see preceding No.), ordered, that Mr.
Sec. Coventry let Don Pedro de Ronquillo, Envoy Extraordinary from the Court of Spain, know that his Majesty much
resents a case of so much hardship used to his subjects, and cannot
defer any longer to gratify them after so tedious and ineffectual
solicitations with letters of reprisal, to recover their losses and
damages. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 35, No. 54.] |
Dec. 4.
Whitehall. |
731. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations. Mr.
Cranfield's letter of 22nd Sept. last from Jamaica touching the
arrival of his Majesty's subjects from Surinam reported, but not
read; also his unfortunate killed of Thomas Yonge, chief mate of
the America, and how he had been tried and cleared. Debate
concerning the letter of Sir John Berry from Newfoundland of
12th September touching the misinformation of the Western men
on which several of the Lords' resolutions were founded, which was
read, and the complaint of Sir John Vowell and Messrs. Parrot
and Ryder, &c., that the inhabitants of Newfoundland who were
intended to be removed had taken such encouragement from what
Sir John Berry had intimated to them, that they send to their
friends to come over, and talk as if a colony and plantation were
to be encouraged, on which the By-boat keepers throng over, getting
100 or 150 men into a ship of 100 tons, where 50 are sufficient,
and so the Adventurers get no men; and they pressed that the
order passed might be enforced, and all masters obliged to give
bond for the return of their seamen, so that at least no encouragement be given for increasing the inhabitants; and that an order
might be strict for confining a ship of 100 tons to 50 men, which
would destroy the By-boat men, who unless they could fit out more
boats at their coming to Newfoundland could not live by it;
whereas the Adventurer rides his own horse or takes up money
at much less per cent. Objection of Mr. Sec. Williamson that
this design was to exclude the poor from being sharers in anything,
and these gentlemen of the West Country were shown to be very
faulty, who having for five years had his Majesty's allowance for
additional rules had neglected to pass them; they acknowledged that
the fault was their own, but that now they would close all. 2 pp.
[Col., Entry Book. No. CIV., 46, 47.] |
Dec. 6.
Whitehall. |
732. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
Mr. Cranfield's letter of 22nd Sept last from Jamaica, read and
approved, and the exemplification of his trial about the casual death
of one Young, and other papers, given in by Mr. Secretary. [Col.
Entry Book, No. CIV., 48.] |
Dec. 6.
Whitehall. |
733. Sec. Sir Joseph Williamson to Lord Vaughan, Governor
of Jamaica. Has received his of 20th Sept., and is very glad of
the accession of Planters from the transplanted Colony of Surinam.
It is well done to give them all encouragement, and is afraid from
accounts of the late ravages at Barbadoes by hurricanes, he must
provide ere long for good numbers of families even from those
islands. Is sorry for the misunderstandings between his Excellency
and Sir H. Morgan: it will be prudent to make them up the best
that can be, wishes he had interest enough to recommend the same
council to him. Hopes his Lordship will honour him with his
commands on any occasion. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII.,
143.] |
Dec. 6.
Whitehall. |
734. Sec. Sir Joseph Williamson to Mr. Beckford (Secretary of
Jamaica). This is only to thank him for former letters, and to
mind him of his prayer of giving him constantly an account of all
that passes. "With Collections of Gazettes and News from July 18
to Dec. 6." ½ p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIII., 143.] |
Dec. 6.
Jamaica |
735. Peter Beckford (Secretary of Jamaica) to Sec. Sir Joseph
Williamson, at Whitehall. His of the 16th July came to hand the
1st December. Little news. My Lord (Vaughan's) great trouble
is to carry himself even with the Spaniards, for they are daily
taking all ships they can master, and are very high, for when his
Lordship sent to demand satisfaction they answered they would
look upon us as enemies, and take all they came up with; and truly,
were not the French from Tortudas daily galling them with their
privateers, should conclude ourselves in some danger, though if
they had war would not question by carrying it to their doors,
we should sufficiently defend our own. The French would prove
very ill neighbours in war, and much more dangerous than the
Spaniards. As to the present state of the Island, no place the
King has is more like to thrive, for they increase in planting to a
miracle; guesses the number of planters to be about 3,000, but
will endeavour to send a true account of them and of the militia.
Our revenue at present is very inconsiderable, and not able to
support the contingent charges of the Government, our fortifications
being all out of repair. The Spaniards have shown such tricks in
seizing our vessels that we dare not adventure amongst them for
trade; the chief advantage the Spaniards make is by trading from
port to port, but their shipping and freight are at so high a rate
that they do not make more than half the benefit the Dutch or
English could. Our commodities are cocoa, sugar, indigo, cotton,
pimento, ginger, fustick, granadilla, and China roots, as good as
any from the East Indies; have the bark of a tree as strong and
the same scent and taste as cinnamon, some of which he will send
to his uncle by the next; and for fruits, provisions, cattle, horses,
and all necessaries for man and beast, no place is beyond them.
The Spaniard's strength in the Indies, if united in one island only,
would prove dangerous to all his neighbours, but as he is he has
more to look after than he can keep from but a weak enemy, much
less do any injury to his potent neighbours. Our privateers have
mostly employed themselves in the Bay of Campeachy to fetch
logwood. The Governor has dissolved the Assembly, and sent
home the Acts under the seal of the Island to be confirmed by
his Majesty. Endorsed, "Per the Henry and Sarah, of London.
Q. D. G." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 35, No. 55.] |
Dec. 8.
Jamaica. |
736. Governor Lord Vaughan to Sec. Sir Joseph Williamson.
Received two letters from him by Capt. Swan, about three weeks
since, with the Marine Treaty with the States-General, and recommendation of Capt. Beckford, whose interest shall be very tender
to him. Encloses an exemplification of Cranfield's charge against
one Davis, that came from Surinam. Formerly gave some hints of
it, but, on perusal of his Majesty's letter, thought it necessary to
give this account, especially Cranfield appearing so much dissatisfied, and almost publicly complaining of his Lordship's justice.
In divers other things he has appeared very indiscreet, caballing
with discontented people, proclaiming his commissions, speaking
imprudently of Ministers at Court, and scarcely ever coming near
the Governor; but not with standing his rudeness, having seen his
Majesty's passport, gave the Master special order to give him his
vessel's best accommodation, but since he has not vouchsafed to
thank him, or as yet to take leave. Sends the Master's receipt,
lest he should be so impudent as to tell any lies in England. He
goes fully instructed, and promises much on his interest at
Whitehall, which some weak people here are as forward to believe
as he is to boast of. Hopes for an answer to what he wrote by
Sir Thos. Lynch, and depends much on his friendship and prudence
in that particular. Enclosed, "R., 8 Mar. 75/6" Encloses, |
|
736. i. Account of the trial of James Davis, lately arrived from
Surinam, at St. Jago de la Vega, before the Governor
Lord Vaughan, upon three Articles exhibited against him
by Edward Cranfield, one of his Majesty's Commissioners
for the removal of his subjects from Surinam. (1.) That
Davis brought off one Samuel Earl, contrary to the orders
of his Majesty and the Stales-General. (2.) That he
brought away one William Fowler, a seaman of Capt.
Dickinson's, and instigated him to withdraw from his
Majesty's service. (3.) That he brought away three
free Indians, countrary to his Majesty's orders. 1675,
Sept. 23. Together, 4 ½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 35,
Nos. 56, 56 i.] |
Dec. 9.
Whitehall. |
737. Minutes of the Council of Trade and Plantations. The
Minutes of Oct. 2 read, in order to prepare a memorial for Lord
Berkeley, Ambassador at Paris, to press reparation of the injuries
suffered in St. Christopher's. Several points discussed, as whether
the English that would stay on the Island were not obliged by the
capitulation of M. ST. Laurence to swear allegiance to the French
King; whether by the Articles of Breda the French and English
have any pretence to ameliorations and reparations; and whether
the French may not claim the expenses of keeping the English
prisoners. The capitulation of M. St. Laurence, and Mr. Slingsby's
memorial, read. Freeman's case alleged, as to force on particular
persons to sell at under rates. The points set down in Mr. Slingsby's
paper to be insisted on, after debate well approved, and he and
Sir R. Southwell to meet to see the vouchers of the facts there
expressed. Mem.— Lord Willoughby's Narrative of 21/31 July 1667
lent by Mr. Slingsby to be entered in one of the old books of
St. Christopher's. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. CIV., 49.] |
Dec. 13.
Whitehall. |
738. Mem by Sir Robert Southwell, Secretary to the Committee
of Council for Plantations. To acquaint Mr. Sec. Williamson that
he has with Mr. Slingsby read over the state of the complaints
touching St. Christopher's, and finds the proofs which vouch them
scattered up and down under the following heads:—1. Partly
allowed by many papers from the King of France to his Governors.
2. In Sir Chas. Wheler's agreement with M. de Baas. 3. From the
Articles of Breda. 4. From the Proceedings of the Commissioners
on St. Christopher's. 5. From the Narrative of Lord Willoughby.
6. From several letters from Sir C. Wheler and Col. Stapleton.
7. From several letters and complaints of the planters. 8. From
the depositions of some persons present who are concerned in these
complaints. So that it would be very difficult to send the vouchers
and proofs to the Ambassador at Paris, and rather advisable to
send him the state of the difference as now drawn up, with his
Majesty's order to present it to that Court, with declaration that
the proof of all particulars will be made out here, and that
therefore the King of France empower his Minister here to treat
therein as to the reparations to be made, and to determine those
points referred by Sir C. Wheler and M. de Baas to the two Kings.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 35, No. 57.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
739. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations,
Discourse touching the business of St. Christopher's, and the Report
of Sir R. Southwell from Lord Arlington (see ante, No. 608), read.
The heads of the Address there mentioned and of Mr. Slingsby's
memorial compared. Inquiries made as to what power Sir Chas.
Wheler had by his Instructions as to the time allowed the planters
to claim and tender their money, and how the same was executed;
and for a Journal of the Proceedings of the National Court.
Agreed that the best method to put an issue to this entangled
affair was to get the French King to grant powers to his Minister
in this Court to treat and determine on all differences; and that
the general state of the business be drawn up; after which they
would proceed to what concerns the standing defence of the Island.
1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. CIV., 53.] |
| Dec. 14. |
740. Observations on the present state of Jamacia by M. Cranfield, being answers to 21 queries, drawn out of his Majesty's
Instructions of 7th March 1675. (1.) There cannot be any true
value as yet set on the plantations, which are in their infancy;
there are 20 sugar works that make 150,000 lbs. to 200,000 lbs. of
sugar per annum, about 50 that make 100,000 lbs., and 40 more in
great forwardness. The sugar sells on the place for 18s. to 20s.
per cent., and a sugar work with 60 negroes will make more profit
than one with 100 in any of the Caribbees, the soil being new,
and well shaded with goodly woods. There are large pastures
with pleasant streams, and incredible numbers of horses, kine,
sheep, hogs, goats, &c., and generally no other feeding is given to
beef than running with the herds in the Savannahs, and if an ox
stand 6 or 7 years he will commonly have 150 lbs. of tallow, and
his fore-quarter weigh 1,000 lbs. to 1,200 lbs. (2.) Description of
the Council, Assembly, and Courts of Judicature; also (3.) Courts
of Admiralty. (4.) One regiment of horse 400 or 500 strong, and
7 of foot, being about 5,000, being planters, merchants, and servants
and no others. (5.) Description of castles and forts with copy of a
report made upon them to Lord Vaughan whilst the writer was on
the island. (6.) The strength of their neighbours, the Spaniards,
French, and Dutch. (7.) Commodities and manufactures; cocoa,
sugar, cotton, indigo, ginger, dyeing wood, &c., the great returns
from New England make cotton very profitable to the middle class
of planters, that cannot compass a sugar work; no manufactures,
except some few shoes and hamacaes. (8.) Rivers, harbours, and
roads. (9.) The numbers of planters, servants, and slaves, about
9,000 of the latter, 12 years old and upward. (10.) Fifteen
parishes, 6 churches, and 4 ministers. By Act St. Jago is obliged
to give 130l. per annum to support the minister; Port Royal, 200l.;
and every other parish 100l. (11) No people ever came from
Scotland; some 500 servants have come from Ireland by Bristol
ships these 3 or 4 years; and from England there may come
1,200 or 1,400 men and women free, and to serve a year, threequarters of whom may settle in the country. (12.) Number of
ships. 11 privateers carrying 150 guns, and in all of 1,000 tons
burden, and 20 sloops of 10 or 15 tons the Spaniards have taken
30 sail. (13.) No trade with any place out of America, but
Maderira. (14.) No foreign ships trade there; of English 3 years
ago there were 173 from England, New England, New York,
Virginia, and the Caribbees, but not so many since by reason of
the war; and from New England this year little provisions have
come, the Indians having disturbed their husbandry, but between
September and 17 December, 17 New England vessels touched at
Port Royal, bound to the Bay of Campeachy for logwood. (15.)
Customs and duties on goods exported or imported. (16.) Entries
made on them. (17.) Other taxes or payments. (18.) Collection
and disposition of the public revenues. (19.) His Majesty's
revenue, and how collected and accounted for. (20.) Offices held
by patent under his Majesty's Broad Seal. (21.) Fisheries. The
harbours and bays infinitely stored with extraordinarily good fish,
and plenty of turtle daily caught in nets in all parts. 12 pp.
[Col. Entry Bk., No. XXVIII., 108–121.] |
Dec. 15.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
741. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. Instruction read for
the admission of Sir Henry Morgan into the Council, and the usual
oaths administered; also instruction from the King, dated at
Windsor the 23rd August, ordered to be recorded. His Majesty
having received account from the Queen Regent of Spain, that
several of his subjects belonging to Jamaica, notwithstanding the
strict alliance betwixt his Majesty and the Catholic King, presume
to take Commissions from foreign princes on States, enemies to the
Catholic King, against his Majesty's authority, his Majesty being
resolved to preserve his friendship with said King, and likewise to
let his subjects know how much his Majesty is offended at their
proceedings, requires Lord Vaughan immediately to issue a
Proclamation to recall all such as have already taken such Commissions, and to prohibit any others from taking such for the
future, or anyways attempting or assisting in any hostilities
against said King or his subjects; and that he proceed with the
utmost severity against any that shall dare to offend against
this order, taking care that his Majesty's pleasure be made known
to all officers, civil and military, under his Government. Whereupon a proclamation was ordered to be published, dated 15th
December, to the above effect, and almost in the same words as the
King's Instruction. The King's Warrant, dated at Windsor, 9th
August 1675 (see ante, No. 646). Proclamation of the Governor
and Council: Whereas there have lately been several insurrections
and rebellions of negroes to the great disturbance of the peace and
planting this island, the sole cause whereof has arisen from the
remissness of all persons in not putting the laws for the right
ordering and government of the negroes in due execution, therefore
his Excellency has thought fit to publish and proclaim that all
clauses of said Act be duly put in execution, and that every custos
rotulorum and other justice give in charge at their sessions to the
Grand Jury, to inquire and present all such as shall be remiss
therein, that they may be proceeded against with the utmost
severity; and that said Justices likewise consider of such other
regulations as may be necessary to prevent the correspondence, and
conduce to the better government of said slaves. And that all
planters take care to provide themselves with one white servant
for every ten negroes on their plantations; and all Justices of the
Peace are required to take care that presentments be made of such
as do not so supply themselves within the time mentioned in said
Act. [Col, Entry Bk., No. XXXV., 441–449.] |
Dec. 15.
Jamaica. |
742. Two copies of the Proclamation referred to in preceding
abstract prohibiting hostilities against the Spaniards. [Col. Papers.
Vol. 35, Nos. 58, 59.] |
