Journal, February 1712: Journal Book P

Journal, February 1712

February 1. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie.

New England.

New York.

Virginia.

Letters to the Governors.

Letters to the Governors of New England, New York and Virginia [fo. 70], were signed.

New York.

Letter to the Lord Treasurer about Palatines.

A letter to the Lord High Treasurer [fo. 70], relating to the settlement and subsistence of the Palatines at New York, mention'd in the minutes of the 29th of the last month, was signed.

Leeward Islands.

Order of Council about Virgin Islands.

An Order of Council, of the 3rd of September, 1711 [fo. 105], referring to their lordships the petition of Captain John Walton to her Majesty, relating to the Virgin Islands in America, was read; whereupon ordered that Mr. Walton have notice to put what he may have to offer further touching the said islands in writing, and lay the same before the Board as soon as he can conveniently.

February 4. Present:—Lord High Treasurer, Lord President, Sir John Leake, Earl of Dartmouth, Mr. Secretary St. John, Mr. Chancellor of ye Exchequer, Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gwyn.

Antego.

Papers relating to Major Douglas and persons concern'd in the murder of Col.

Park.

Sir John St. Leger and Capt. Narbury summon'd.

Their lordships, taking into consideration the several papers referr'd to in the Order of Council of the 10th of the last month, (mentioned in the minutes of the 15th ditto), relating to Major Douglas's sending over the principal persons concern'd in the murder of Colonel Park [fo. 63, 82], read a letter from the said Major Douglas to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated at Antego the 27th of August last, upon that subject, as also the depositions of Richard Oglethorp against Captain Marshal and Captain Narbury; whereupon ordered [fo. 82] that Sir John St. Leger and the said Captain Narbury have notice to attend the Board on Friday morning next.

Bermuda.

Petition from Mr. Hyde to be secretary.

Mr. Blackmore to attend.

A petition from Mr. William Hyde [fo. 78], praying their lordships to recommend him to her Majesty's favour, that he may be appointed secretary of the island of Bermuda, in the room of Mr. Edward Jones, late secretary of that island, was read; whereupon ordered that Mr. Blackmore, who appears in behalf of the said Hyde, be desired to attend their lordships to-morrow morning.

Barbadoes.

Petition for Mr. Bond to be a counsellor.

A petition from Mr. Thomas Cook, in behalf of Mr. Francis Bond, praying that the said Bond may be appointed a member of her Majesty's Council of Barbadoes, upon any vacancy that may happen therein, was read; whereupon ordered that his name be put upon the list of persons recommended to serve her Majesty in that station.

Trade.

Memorialls on state of the British trade at.

The secretary laid before their lordships several memorials relating to the state of the British trade in foreign parts [fo. 61], which are as follows:—
Leghorn. Letter from Mr. Crow, Consul at Leghorn, dated the 20th July, 1711, with a memorial from the merchants there relating to the state of the British trade.
Spain. Letter from Sir William Hodges to the secretary, dated 14th August, 1711, relating to the Spanish trade.
Ibidem.
Letter from Sir William Hodges, of the 14th instant, being a supplement to his memorial, read the 24th May last, relating to the Spanish trade &c.
Zant.
Letter from Mr. Paul, Consul at Zant, dated the 15th June, 1711, relating to the state of the trade in the currant islands.
Naples.
Letter from the Consul at Naples, of the 23rd of June, 1711, inclosing a copy of a letter to the Lord Dartmouth from the merchants there, relating to the state of the British trade.
Ibidem.
Order of Council, of the 30th July, 1711, referring to the Board a letter from the Consul at Naples to the Lord Dartmouth, as also a memorial from the merchants there relating to the state of the British trade.
Ostend.
Letter from Mr. Secretary St. John, inclosing the copy of a letter from the Consul at Ostend, with one from Mr. White, a merchant at Bruges, complaining of the majestrates there.
Ibidem.
Letter from the Consul at Ostend, of the 19th July, 1711, n.s., inclosing two memorials from the merchants of Ostend and Bruges, relating to the present state of the British trade in those parts.
Bruges.
Letter from Mr. Loggan, Consul at Bruges, dated the 29th of July, 1711, relating to the trade carry'd on by the people at Bruges with Spain, which is prejudicial to her Majesty's subjects &c.
Ibidem.
Letter from Mr. Secretary St. John, inclosing the copy of a letter from Mr. Loggan, Consul at Bruges, relating to a clandestine trade carried on between the Netherlands and Spain.
Dresden.
Letter from Mr. Tilson, inclosing the extract of a letter from her Majesty's secretary to the King of Poland &c., dated at Dresden the 13/24 of July, 1711, relating to the state of the British trade there.
Lisbon.
A memorial from the British merchants residing at Lisbon, relating to the present state of the British trade, dated the 1st of October, 1711.
Italian Trade.
Letter from Mr. Ball, of the 4th instant, inclosing a memorial relating to the Italian trade.

Trade.

Draught of representation on state of the British trade.

And their lordships then took into consideration the draught of a representation upon the general state of the trade of this kingdom to foreign parts [fo. 50], mentioned in the minutes of the 18th of December last, and made a progress therein.

Trade.

Trade to the Low Countries.

Mr. London and Mr. Dorpere attending [fo. 61], presented to their lordships a memorial containing their thoughts of what will be for the advantage of the British trade to the Spanish Low Countries, which was read.

Trade to Africa.

Their lordships then took into consideration the present state of the trade to Africa [fo. 46, 80], and read the queries sent to the African Company and to the separate traders the 16th of January, 1710/11, together with their several answers to the same, and agreed to proceed further in this matter at the first opportunity.

February 5. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Moore.

Bermuda.

Mr. Hyde recommended for secretary.

Mr. Blackmore, a member of Parliament, attending, with Mr. William Hyde [fo. 74, 106], whose petition was read yesterday, the said Mr. Blackmore recommended Mr. Hyde as a person fitly qualify'd to serve her Majesty as secretary of Bermuda, in the room of Mr. Jones; whereupon he was told that this Board had not yet been acquainted from the Council Office that her Majesty had removed the said Jones, and thereupon gave directions that enquiry be made concerning the same.

Antego.

Mr. Warner's memorial to be of the Council.

Colonel Blakiston, Colonel Scot, Mr. Tryon, Mr. Chester, Mr. Clealand, Mr. Mein and Mr. Gohear attending [fo. 101], a memorial from Mr. Edward Warner, praying to be appointed a member of the Council of Antego, was read; and these gentlemen giving a very good character of the said Warner, order'd that his name be put on the list of persons recommended to serve her Majesty in that station.

Mr. Mathews's petition on the same subject.

A petition from Mr. William Mathews [fo. 101], also praying to be appointed a member of her Majesty's said Council of Antego, was read, and his name order'd also to be put on the said list.

February 7. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gwyn.

Miscellanies.

The Board's permission to Mr. Wheelock to be absent 6 months longer.

Mr. Moore acquainting their lordships that Sir John Cropley had desired from my Lord Shaftesbury that Mr. Wheelock, one of the clerks who had leave to go with his lordship into Italy, might be permitted to stay six months longer, their lordships granted the same, and order'd that Sir John Cropley have notice thereof.

Trade.

Abstract of what has been offer'd by the Company and separate traders.

Their lordships took into consideration the trade to Africa [fo. 78, vide infra], and the secretary laid before their lordships an abstract of what has been offer'd to the Board, as well by the Royal African Company as the separate traders.

February 8. Present:—Lord High Treasurer, Lord President, Earl of Dartmouth, Mr. Secretary St. John, Mr. Chancellor of ye Exchequer, Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gwyn.

Trade.

Additional proposals from the separate traders to Africa.

Sir Robert Davers, Mr. Robert Heysham, Mr. Harris, with other of the separate traders attending [vide supra, fo. 81], they presented to their lordships some additional proposals touching the maintenance of the African settlements, which were read.

Hudson's Bay.

Memorial of the Company's desire at the ensuing treaty.

Captain Merry and Mr. John Perry, with other members of the Company of Adventurers of England trading into Hudson's Bay, attending [fo. 52, 102], they presented to their lordships a memorial containing what the said Company desires may be stipulated for them at the insuing Treaty of Peace, which was read.

Trade.

to Africa. A stock necessary to carry on the same.

Company and separate traders to be acquainted therewith.

Then their lordships took into consideration the trade to Africa [fo. 80, 85], and after some discourse thereupon, agreed that a stock is necessary for carrying on the trade to Africa, to the best advantage of her Majesty's subjects, and for preserving and improving the same; and ordered that the said resolution be communicated to the Company and separate traders, and that they be desired to let their lordships have their proposals hereupon in writing, on Monday or Tuesday morning next.

February 11. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gwyn.

Antego.

Order of Council about Col. Douglas's proceedings in relation to the murder of Col.

Park.

Mr. Pepper's memorial and affidavits relating thereto.

Their lordships again read the Order of Council of the 10th of the last month [fo. 74], mentioned in the minutes of the 15th ditto, directing them to consider how far Major Douglas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, had comply'd with his instructions, relating to the sending over some of the persons concerned in the murder of Colonel Park, and a memorial from Mr. Pepper, with copies of three affidavits, relating to the said murder, was also read.

Capt. Narbury on complaints exhibited against him by Col.

Douglas

with

Captain Narbury attending [fo. 74, 92], their lordships communicated to him what Colonel Douglas writes in his letter to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated at Antego the 27th of August, 1711, in relation to his not obeying the said Colonel Douglas's orders; whereupon he said that he never received but two in relation to the bringing over of prisoners, both which orders he punctually obeyed; that, some time before his coming away, he sent his Lieutenant, Mr. Hay, to Colonel Douglas to know if he had any orders for England, and to acquaint him that Captain Narbury had heard there had been depositions made against him; and, if so, to desire to see them; to which the said Colonel Douglas reply'd that he knew of none; that he came away from Antego the 27th of August last, and that the Governor had been there about two months before he left that island; that he might have sent over the principal planters, if he would, as well as these three officers; that there were 250 of the Queen's troops upon the island; that he did not conceive he could be in any apprehension from the New Assembly he had call'd, they being upon very good terms with him; that they had given him 500l. for purchasing horses and negroes, as also, by an Act pass'd the 4th of August last, appropriated the duty of impost on liquors to the sole use of Colonel Douglas (after the repayment of 540l. lent by Mr. Perry), to purchase a house for his residence; that he was told by several of the persons concern'd in the murther of Colonel Park, that they had agreed to give Colonel Douglas's bonds for 5,000l., with interest at 10 per cent., till the said bonds should be paid; that bills for 500l. more had been sent over by the said persons to Sir John St. Leger.

his Lieut., Mr. Hay.

Then Lieutenant Hay being called in, he confirmed what Captain Narbury said in relation to his being sent to Colonel Douglas, and that he had been told by several persons there, particularly by Mr. Painter, Mr. Mackenin, and Mr. Watkins, that they were to give the Governor bonds for 5,000l. as aforesaid, and that it was for procuring a general pardon for the criminals.

Sir John St. Leger justifying Col.

Douglas’ complaints against the said Narbury.

These gentlemen being withdrawn, Sir John St. Legar was called in, and being acquainted with what Captain Narbury had said, he communicated to their lordships the extract of a letter from Colonel Douglas to Mr. Lewis, some paragraphs of which relate to the said Captain Narbury, which was read; and he added that it was not to be expected the Governor could have pursued the orders he carried over with him, for that, upon his arrival, he found the island in very great commotions; that he did dissolve the Assembly that was then sitting; that upon the new election all the same members were chose again except one, and that therefore, without force sent from hence, he durst not attempt to send over the principal offenders. Besides that, Captain Narbury had refused to bring over even witnesses against the three officers that were sent home, and he acquainted their lordships that there was one Martin here in town (whose affidavit he would in a day or two lay before their lordships), that was able to give them all the particulars of Captain Narbury's refusal as aforesaid; whereupon he was desired to bring the said Martin or his affidavit to their lordships on Friday morning next. And he added that, in relation to the 500l. said to be sent to him, he had not directly or indirectly received one farthing upon the account of the Governor.

Trade.

Memorial from the African Company about the necessity of a joint stock.

Mr. Perry attending, presented to their lordships a memorial from the Royal African Company [fo. 81, 100] (in answer to a letter writ them the 8th instant), setting forth that there is an absolute necessity of a joint stock for the carrying on the trade to Africa &c.; which was read.

February 12. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Gwyn.

Trade.

African Company papers.

The secretary laid before their lordships the two following papers receiv'd from the African Company, which were read, vizt.:
An account of the annual charge of the Company's forts and settlements in Africa.
Particular valuation of the Company's forts, castles and factories in Africa.

Letter from the separate traders.

Stock, &c.

Sir Robert Davers, Mr. Bromley, and Messieurs Heyshams, Mr. Harris, and several other separate traders, attending [fo. 81, 100, 104], they presented to their lordships a letter, in answer to that writ them the 7th instant, containing an account of the stock of the separate traders, and proposals for managing the trade to Africa in a regulated Company, which was read; and their lordships communicated to them the fore-mentioned papers from the Company; and they desiring to have copies thereof, the same were ordered accordingly.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from the Governor.

A letter from Colonel Douglas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, dated at St. Christopher's, the 28th of November, 1711, was read, and the papers therein referr'd to were laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers referrd to.
Address from the Council and Assembly of Nevis to Colonel Douglas for arms, ammunition and stores of war.
An account of stores &c., wanting in the Island of St. Christopher's.

February 14. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gwyn.

Jamaica.

Hearing between Finch, Simpson and Gandy, on an Act for vesting the said Finch's estate in trustees, &c.

Mr. Serjt. Webb.

Mr. Serjeant Webb attending [fo. 72, 105], as council in behalf of Mr. Thomas Finch, of Jamaica, and of his creditors there and here (mentioned in the minutes of the 22nd and 23rd of November last), and Mr. Hungerford attending, as council in behalf of Mr. Simpson and Mrs. Gandy (mention'd in the minutes of the 23rd of October and 23rd of November last), Mr. Serjeant Webb open'd the case of Mr. Finch and his creditors, as follows:
State of the case.
The 5th of April, 1710, an Act was pass'd in Jamaica for appropriating the sume of 5,000l. for the fitting out of two sloops or brigantines for the guarding the sea coast and better defence of this island, and appoints Thomas Finch, Charles Gandy and Thomas Simpson, Commissioners for the execution of the Act, any two of them to act in the hiring or fitting out the said sloops, but by a clause in the Act the collector is to pay the said 5,000l. into the hands of the Commissioners.
The 15th of May, 1710, the said Commissioners enter'd into separate bonds to her Majesty in the penalty of 5,000l., that they shou'd each of them render a just account to any Assembly, when sitting, of the monies by them received for the services aforesaid. Simpson received 800l. of Mr. Chaplin, the collector, towards the said services; soon after which he and Gandy went to sea, where Gandy was killed. During their absence, Finch received 1,500l. of the said Chaplin.
After Simpson's return, he and Finch apply'd themselves to the business intended; but, as money came in slowly from the said Chaplin, Finch, on the 10th of April, 1711, inquired of Chaplain the reason, who told him that the money was wanting from him, he being indebted to the said Chaplin; upon which a dispute arose between them, and at last Finch, by threats and otherwise, did sign a receipt to Chaplain for 2,300l. and for 1,500l. above mentioned, making together 3,800l., though he had received but 1,500l. thereof.
The Assembly met the 17th of the said April, and inquiring what had been done in pursuance of the last-mentioned Act, Chaplain produced the said receipt of Finch.
Finch, in his justification, declared to the Assembly that he had only received the 1,500l. aforesaid, alledging the receipt for 3,800l. had been exacted from him by force; notwithstanding which, the Assembly expelled him their house, of which he was a member.
On the 8th of June, 1711, the Assembly pass'd another Act for vesting the estate, real and personal, of the said Thomas Finch in trustees, the better to enable his sureties to pay the sum of 3,800l. due from the said Finch as Commissioner to the publick of this island.
Upon which last-mentioned Act, he observed that the Act takes notice that it was pass'd at the suit of the said Finch, which is in fact directly contrary, for that he made all the opposition to it he was able; that he made an offer to the Assembly that, if they would give him a few months’ time, he wou'd dispose of part of his estate to pay what he was charged with; that the Act vests his real and personal estate in trustees to enable the said Simpson and Mrs. Gandy, to pay the sum of 3,800l. aforesaid, but makes no provision for the overplus; which he observed was a great neglect in the Assembly, and a very great hardship upon the said Finch; besides that, by the laws of that island, real estates are not subject to pay debts; that there was no need of taking this extraordinary method of an Act, for that his sureties might have had their remedy at law; that Finch never received but 1,500l. of Mr. Chaplin, the deputy collector, and that his receipt for the 3,800l. was extorted from him as aforementioned; that by the Act for appropriating the sum of 5,000l. aforesaid, the said Chaplain was to pay the money to the Commissioners, so that his paying the 3,800l. to Finch only (if it was really so) was not according to the intent and meaning of the Act, and therefore Chaplain himself ought to be answerable for it; that pursuant to this Act, the trustees have already seized and sold part of his estate for 420l., for which they had been offer'd 600l.; that the said Finch has a daughter who, by this Act, is cut off from what was provided for her by the marriage settlement; that the creditors of the said Finch here in this kingdom had considerable effects of theirs in his hands, and his books being all seized, it is impossible to make a distinction which is theirs, and which is his estate, so that they are likely to be very great sufferers, if this Act be continued; and therefore he hoped for the reasons aforesaid, and for that his sureties might have their remedy at law, their lordships would lay this Act before her Majesty for her disapprobation.

Mr. Hungerford.

Reason for passing the foresaid Act.

Then Mr. Hungerford said, that the reason why the Assembly took that extraordinary method of passing the Act was, that Finch absconded, and, though he had been summon'd several times, would not appear to justice; that Simpson and Mrs. Gandy have actually paid the 3,800l., and therefore it was necessary that they who did not receive the money should be indemnify'd; that though he beleiv'd the forementioned Chaplin might in some things be to blame, yet Finch as sub-collector to the said Chaplin, having received several sums of money for him, was indebted to him; that as his clients have already paid the money as aforesaid, he hoped their lordships would not lay the Act before her Majesty to be repealed, which would be a great hardship upon them.

Mr. Serjeant Webb.

Finch never received any publick money.

Mr. Serjeant Webb took notice that Finch had never been a sub-collector (fn. 1) under Chaplain, but only a clerk in his office, and so had never received any of the publick money.

February 15. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Gwyn.

Leeward Islands.

Sir John St. Leger with Mr. Martin's affidavit against Capt. Narbury.

Sir John St. Legar and Captain Narbury attending [fo. 82, 107], as they had been directed the 11th instant, Sir John presented to their lordships an affidavit of William Martin of Antegoa (now in England), sworn before Sir Charles Cox, the 14th instant, against Captain Narbury, which was read.

The said affidavit sets forth that the deponent, having in August last, taken his passage for this kingdom, on board her Majesty's ship the Bedford gally, Captain Lee comander, having letters from Major Douglas to the Earl of Dartmouth and others, Captain Narbury, the comodore, suspecting the deponent was coming home with articles against the inhabitants of Antegoa, or to be an evidence against them, sent an order to the said Captain Lee not to take this deponent, or any of the inhabitants of Antegoa, on board as passengers for England; that the deponent then gave security in the secretary's office in the penalty of 2,000l. for the payment of his debts, notwithstanding which the said Captain Lee, pursuant to the orders from Captain Narbury, refused to bring him home, so that he was obliged to take his passage in a merchant-man.

His reply thereto.

To this Captain Narbury answer'd, that ‘twas true he did give Captain Lee an order not to bring home any of the inhabitants that were in debt, there being a law in that island forbidding the same; and the said Martin owing at Antegoa 2 or 3,000l., besides a great deal more in some of the other Leeward Islands, was the reason that he forbid the bringing him off; he denied that ever he had heard or had been told by any person that the said Martin was coming over as evidence against the offenders, or that he had letters for the Earl of Dartmouth or others.

The affidavit further sets forth that 20 days after the fleet's departure, the owners’ Adventure (in which ship the deponent was) sprung her foremast, and so could not keep up with the fleet; Captain Narbury being informed thereof by Samuel Cozens and Edward Troward, and that the deponent was on board, and Serjeant Bows, the principal evidence for the Queen, the said Captain Narbury declared he wou'd not take care of the said ship, for no other reason but that the deponent and Bows were aboard; and accordingly the commodore crowded and made the best of his way, and left the said shipowners’ Adventure in distress five weeks without convoy till she arrived at Appledoor in the west of England.

To this Captain Narbury said (and called in his Lieutenant, Mr. Hay, who confirmed the same), that when the forementioned Cozens and Troward came on board, they only told him that Martin and another passenger in that ship had quarrel'd, and that person was come on board one of their ships, and therefore they desired him the said Narbury to bring too, till that person's trunk and cloaths could be got out of the said owners’ Adventure; to which he told them that it being stormy he could not then bring too, but would do it in the morning, which he did accordingly; that he constantly brought too every day, for three weeks together, two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, that the fleet might keep up with him; and both he and his Lieutenant absolutely deny'd that the said Cozens and Troward ever acquainted him with the distress of the owners’ Adventure.

The affidavit further sets forth that Major Douglas sent some wounded soldiers on board Captain Narbury's or Captain Lee's ship, to be transported to this kingdom as evidence for the Queen, but that they were set on shore at the island of St. Christopher's; that the Governor then sent a positive order to Captain Lee to bring them home at his peril.

To this Captain Narbury reply'd, that he had no orders, directly nor indirectly, from the General in relation to the said soldiers; that one of the officers at Antegoa spoke to him to bring ‘em home, but did not mention their being evidence; that he acquainted the said officer he was willing to bring ‘em home, if they were provided with bedding and provisions, but that he could not do it otherwise, his instructions from the Lords of the Admiralty being to the contrary; to which that officer reply'd, that he wou'd write to the Captain of those soldiers, who was at St. Christopher's, to that purpose, when they came to St. Christopher's, and that Captain Narbury spoke to the Captain of the soldiers about their passage, the said Captain refused to give ‘em either bedding or provisions, whereupon Captain Narbury order'd them to be put on shore; that the Governor's foremention'd order to Captain Lee was so far from taking notice that they were to come as evidence, that it expressly declares they were to come on the regiment's service; all this was also confirm'd by Lieutenant Haye.

The affidavit further sets forth that Captain Narbury was frequently caballing with the enemies of the late Colonel Parke.

To which the Captain replyd that ‘twas true he had often dined at the houses of some of the principal offenders, and that Major Douglas was there every time with him.

Then being asked what he knew, particularly in relation to the 5,000l. bond that was to be given to the Governor, he said that Mr. Painter, Mr. Mackenin and Mr. Watkins (three of the offenders) had told him that six of them were to give the said bond to the Governor for his procuring a general pardon.

Mr. Foy.

Sir John St. Legar hereupon called in Mr. Foy (lately come from the Leeward Islands), who said that he was at Nevis when Major Douglas came there; that a little time after Mr. Trent, one of the principal offenders at Antegoa, came thither also, and brought letters to the Governor from the said offenders; that he was told that the said letters contain'd an offer of 5,000l. to the Governor, provided he cou'd procure a general pardon; that the Governor, upon reading the said letters, was very angry, and tore them, and writ a very severe reprimand to the people of Antegoa for offering him a thing of that nature.

Then Sir John St. Legar, being asked whether he had not received bills for 500l. from thence, he said that he had from the people of Antegoa as their agent; but finding difficulty in the business, he had turned it over to Mr. Nevin, who was their former agent, and had paid him the money.

Mr. Chester.

Mr. Chester, who paid the said money to Sir John St. Legar, and Mr. Nevin, were called in; and Mr. Chester said that Sir John St. Legar had brought to him a bill drawn on him by Doctor Mackenny for 500l. at 20 days’ sight, which he paid, and he believed it was sent by the people of Antegoa to Sir John as their agent; and Mr. Nevin said that he had received the money from Sir John, and that it was intended to bear the charges of the agent of those people, during his endeavours to get a pardon for them.

Their lordships then enquiring about the 500l. said to be given to the Governor for horses and negroes, Sir John St. Legar said that it appears by the minutes of the Council in Assembly of Antegoa, of the 19th of July last, that an order was signed by the Council directing the treasurer to purchase horses and negroes to the value of 500l. for the Governor, and sent to the Assembly for them to sign also, but it does not appear by any of the said minutes that the said order was signed by the Assembly.

Sir John St. Legar being acquainted that the Governor, in passing an Act appropriating the duty on liquors to his use, had not comply'd with his instructions, that duty amounting to considerably more than he is allow'd to receive for house-rent, Sir John said that he was not at present apprized of that matter, and therefore desired leave to wait upon their lordships another day on that subject, which their lordships agreed to.

Plantations General.

Representation about stores of war.

A representation [fo. 71] relating to the want of a fund for supplying the plantations with stores of war from time to time, was signed.

Maryland.

Memorial about a Governor.

A memorial from some Maryland merchants [fo. 65, 120], praying that a Governor may be sent to that province, was read.

Miscellanies.

Mr. Drift.

Additional salary.

Ordered that one hundred pounds per annum be added to Mr. Drift's salary by inserting 25 pounds in each quarterly account of incident charges of this office, for extraordinary service.

February 18. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore.

Miscellanies.

Letter to the Lord Treasurer with account of incidents.

An account of incident charges of this office from Michaelmas, 1711, to Christmas following, were laid before the Board, and are as follows:—

And a letter to the Lord High Treasurer, to desire the payment thereof, as also of the salaries due to this office, was signed.

Barbadoes.

Draught of a representation on a private Act.

The draught of a representation upon an Act pass'd at Barbadoes the 21st of March, 1709 [fo. 72, 102], entituled An Act to render more effectual certain legacies given and bequeath'd by Captain Williams, deceased, to the parish of Christ Church, within this island, which was agreed, and ordered to be transcribed.

Maryland.

Barbadoes.

Letter to Mr. Borret to solicit the dispatch of Mr. Attorny and Solicitor General's report on Acts, &c.

The secretary acquainting their lordships that there were in the hands of Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General several Acts of Maryland and other papers relating to Barbadoes, which had been sent to them the 27th of November, 1710, and 3rd January, 1710/11, for their opinion upon the same, ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Borret, to solicit the dispatch of their reports thereupon.

Trade.

to Africa.

Great officers summon'd.

Their lordships taking into consideration the trade to Africa [fo. 85, 104], letters were writ to the great officers of this Commission, to desire their presence at the Board on Thursday next.

Jamaica.

Petition of Major General Handasyd relating to his regiment sent to Lord Lansdown.

A petition from Major-General Handasyd, late Governor of Jamaica [fo. 101], to her Majesty, relating to his regiment there, was read; whereupon ordered that it be sent to the Lord Lansdown, Secretary at War.

Antego.

Draught of a representation proposing two new counsellors.

Ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared, proposing Mr. Warner and Mr. Matthews as persons fitly qualify'd to be members of her Majesty's Council of Antegoa.

February 19. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Gwyn.

Antego.

Representation proposing two new counsellors.

A representation [fo. 79, 160], proposing Mr. Edward Warner and Mr. William Matthews to be members of her Majesty's Council of Antego, was signed.

Jamaica.

Letter to the Lord Lansdown with Major General Handasyd's petition.

A letter to the Lord Lansdown, Secretary at War [fo. 100, 104], inclosing the petition from Major-General Handasyd to her Majesty, relating to his regiment in Jamaica, read yesterday, was signed.

Trade.

Letter to the Earl of Dartmouth touching what the Turkey Company desire at the insuing treaty.

A letter to the Earl of Dartmouth, upon a petition and memorial of the Turkey Company [fo. 52], mentioned in the minutes of the 21st December last, touching what they desire may be obtain'd for them at the ensuing Treaty of Peace, was sign'd.

Hudson's Bay.

Letter to the Earl of Dartmouth about the Company's desire at the ensuing treaty.

Another letter to the Earl of Dartmouth [fo. 81], upon the petitions of the Hudson's Bay Company to her Majesty, mentioned in the minutes of 21st December and 8th of February last, relating to what they desire may be stipulated for them at the ensuing Treaty of Peace, was likewise signed.

Barbadoes.

Representation repealing a private Act.

A representation proposing the repeal of an Act past in Barbadoes the 21st March, 1709 [fo. 100, 216], entituled An Act to render more effectual certain legacies given and bequeath'd by Captain Williams, deceased, to the parish of Christ Church, within this island, agreed at the last meeting, was signed.

Nevis.

Mr. Millikin's memorial about his being removed from the Council.

Mr. Tryon attending [fo. 158], he presented to the Board a memorial in behalf of Mr. George Millikin, relating to his being removed from the Council of Nevis by Colonel Douglas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, without the said Governor's assigning any reasons for his so doing, was read.

Trade.

Reference from Mr. Secretary St. John on Sir John Lambert's petition praying a pass for the Brandon frigat.

Answer.

Reference from Mr. Secretary St. John upon the petition of Sir John Lambert, praying for a pass for the Brandon frigate to sail from the Downes to Ostend, and from thence to Cadiz, and to return to Great Britain with her loading from thence, was read; and Mr. James Brandon, master of the said frigat, attending, he communicated to the Board a certificate and an oath, that the property of the ship and cargo was in her Majesty's subjects, and also shew'd to their lordships a Mediterranean pass from the Lords of the Admiralty; whereupon an answer to Mr. Secretary St. John's said reference, signifying that the Board had no objection against the granting of such a pass, was signed.

February 20. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Secretary St. John on a memorial about duties on linnens from Prussia.

A letter from Mr. Secretary St. John, dated the 31st of December, 1711 [fo. 55, 105], upon a memoriall from the Prussian Resident, complaining of duties on foreign linnen, mentioned in the minutes of the 8th of January last, as also another letter from him, dated the 6th instant, upon the same subject, were read; and directions given for preparing the draught of an answer thereto.

Trade.

African papers consider'd.

Company and separate traders summon'd.

Their lordships then taking into consideration the papers from the Royal African Company and separate traders [fo. 85, 100, 108], mentioned in the minutes of the 12th instant, ordered that Mr. Pindar, for the Company, and Mr. Harris and Mr. Morris, for the separate traders, have notice to attend the Board to-morrow morning at ten of the clock.

February 21. Present:—Sir John Leake, Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gwyn.

Jamaica.

Letter from the Lord Lansdown touching Major General Handasyd's petition about his regiment.

A letter from the Lord Landsdown, Secretary at War, of the 19th instant [fo. 101], in answer to one writ him the 18th ditto, inclosing the petition of Major-General Handasyd, late Governor of Jamaica, relating to his regiment there, acquainting this Board that that matter is already under the consideration of the Comptrollers of Accounts of the Army, was read.

Trade.

Answer about duties on linnens from Prussia.

A letter to Mr. Secretary St. John [fo. 103], directed at the last meeting, upon the memorial from the Prussian Resident, complaining of the duties laid here on foreign linnens, was sign'd.

Jamaica.

Representation proposing the repeal of an Act for vesting the estate of Mr. Finch, &c.

A representation upon her Majesty's Order of Council, of the 17th of September last [fo. 87, 230], on the petition of Mr. Thomas Simpson, and the widow of Charles Gandy, of Port Royal, in Jamaica, praying to be reliev'd from the prosecution of Mr. Chaplin, collector there, for moneys pretended to be issued by the said Chaplin to Mr. Thomas Finch, and proposing the repeal of an Act pass'd in that island for vesting the estate of the said Finch in trust &c., passed the 8th of June, 1711, was agreed, and signed.

Leeward Islands.

Mr. Walton's memorial.

Virgin Islands.

A memorial from Mr. Walton [fo. 73], in answer to a letter writ him the 2nd instant, relating to the Virgin Islands, was read.

February 25. Present:—Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gwyn.

Bermuda.

Order of Council.

Complaints against Jones.

Mr. Hyde recomended to succeed him.

An Order of Council, of 13th December, 1711, relating to the complaints against Mr. Jones, secretary and provost marshal of Bermuda, directing this Board to make report thereon without allowing any proofs to be made against the records of nine several convictions against the said Jones, was read; and directions were given [fo. 78, 109] for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon, proposing Mr. William Hyde to succeed the said Jones, as secretary and provost marshal of that island.

Leeward Islands.

Extract of a letter from the Governor.

A letter from the Earl of Dartmouth, of the 12th instant, referring to the Board the extract of a letter to his lordship from Major Douglas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, relating to his government there, was read.

Virginia.

Reference from the Treasury about houserent for the Governor.

A letter from Mr. Thomas Harley, referring, by order of the Lord High Treasurer, to their lordships a memorial from the Earl of Orkney, relating to the rent of a house for Colonel Spotswood, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, &c., was read; whereupon order'd [fo. 108] that Colonel Blakiston and Mr. Micajah Perry have notice to attend their lordships on Wednesday morning next.

Leeward Islands.

Sir John St. Leger about the Governor.

Sir John St. Leger attending [fo. 92, 115], and desiring to know when he might wait on their lordships in relation to the matters depending before them concerning Major Douglas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, he was acquainted that their lordships would be ready on Wednesday morning next to hear what he had further to offer upon that matter.

New York.

New England.

Method of making tar in Russia.

A letter from Mr. Whitworth of the 3rd of January last [fo. 16], in answer to one writ him the 13th of November, 1711, promising to send their lordships an account of the method of making tar in Russia.

Barbadoes.

Letter from Mr. Hodges about his leave to be absent six months.

A letter from Mr. Hodges, Attorney General of Barbadoes, of the 13th instant, to the secretary [fo. 45], acquainting him that her Majesty has been pleased to grant him six months longer to be absent from Barbadoes, was read.

Maryland.

Memorial in behalf of Mr. Vernon about an Act confirming the will of Mr. Knighton.

Consideration thereof respited till Vernon arrives.

A memorial from Sir Thomas Laurence, in behalf of Mr. Vernon, an inhabitant in Maryland, against an Act pass'd in that province for confirming the last will and testament of Mr. Thomas Knighton, deceas'd, praying that the said Act may not be passed till the said Vernon, who is coming for England, be heard to what he may have to offer thereupon, was read; whereupon their lordships agreed to respit the same till his arrival accordingly.

Trade.

Africa.

Their lordships then taking into consideration the trade to Africa [fo. 104, 110], they agreed to go upon the same again on Thursday morning next, and letters to the Great Lords of this Commission, to acquaint them therewith, were signed.

February 27. Present:—Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Gwyn.

Virginia.

Earl of Orkney's memorial about houserent for the Governor communicated to Col. Blakiston and Mr. Perry.

Their observations upon it.

Colonel Blakeston and Mr. Perry attending [fo. 107, 124], their lordships communicated to them the Earl of Orkney's memorial, relating to the rent of a house for Colonel Spotswood, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, referr'd to their lordships by Mr. Harley's letter of the 21st of the last month; and being asked several questions thereupon, they said that Colonel Spotswood had received, before his departure from hence, an order giving him leave to take to himself the sume of 150l. per annum for house-rent for two years, or till the house for the Governor shou'd be built; that the said rent was paid out of the two shillings per hogshead on tobacco, and that if he could obtain leave to receive the said allowance for two years more, they said that they beleived the house wou'd in that time be finish'd. These gentlemen being withdrawn, their lordships gave directions for preparing the draught of a letter to the Lord High Treasurer, in answer to the aforementioned referrence, read the 25th instant.

Bermuda.

Representation recommending Mr. Hyde to succeed Jones as secretary and provost marshal.

The draught of a representation, upon an Order of Council of 13th December last [fo. 106, 113], relating to the complaints against Mr. Jones, secretary and provost marshal of Bermuda, proposing a new secretary and provost marshal to be appointed, and recommending Mr. William Hyde to her Majesty as a person fitly qualify'd to serve her Majesty in that station, was agreed, and order'd to be transcribed.

February 28. Present:—Lord High Treasurer, Sir John Leake, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Earl of Winchilsea, Sir Philip Meadows, Sir Charles Turner, Mr. Baillie, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gwyn.

Trade.

Separate traders.

African Company.

Proposals.

Mr. Morice and Mr. Harris attending in behalf of the separate traders to Africa [fo. 108, 112], they presented to their lordships some further proposals in relation to the settlement of the trade to Africa, the substance of which is as follows: That if they shall be incorporated in a regulated Company they will be obliged to export in goods to the value of one hundred thousand pounds per annum; that they will be subject to her Majesty's directions in relation to the number of negroes to be supply'd to the plantations; that they will supply the Spanish Assiento; that they will give such security for the performance of all this as shall be thought proper by Parliament; that they will appoint consuls on the coast of Africa, with sufficient quantities of goods for paying grown'd rent, dasheys, and other expences.

Upon which proposals being asked several questions, they said that as to the security to be given by them, in case the common seal of the Regulated Company, or the forts in Africa when purchased from the Company, and the 10 per cent. duty, which may be augmented to 15 or 18, if it be thought proper, should not be thought sufficient, they were willing to raise among themselves such a sum of money as shall be thought fit by Parliament, and make a deposit of it in the bank.

As to the purchasing of the forts from the present Company, they said that when there shall be a reasonable and impartial valuation of the said forts, they were willing to pay the Company out of the duty of 10 or 15 per cent., or give the Company their bonds payable at certain times, and upon failure of payment of any of the said bonds what had been paid before shall be lost to the said Regulated Company.

Then being asked what quantity of goods that trade might take off a year, they said that they did not doubt in time of peace it would take at least 150,000l. per annum, in proof of which they laid before their lordships an account of the 10 per cent, duty paid in three years of peace, vizt., 1699, 1700, 1701, amounting to about 14,000l. per annum, and of the last two years of this war, amounting to 6,400l. per annum.

They were then desired to lay before their lordships a scheme of what priviledges they desired as a Regulated Company, which they promised to do on Monday morning next.

Trade.

Mr. Pindar in behalf of the African Company.

Mr. Pindar, in behalf of the Royal African Company, attending [fo. 110, 116], their lordships comunicated to him the above-mentioned proposals of the separate traders; whereupon he said that he did not conceive it possible for them to do what they propose; that it was only an exclusive Company that cou'd manage and improve that trade; that in the begining of this Company they had a stock of 130,000l., 40,000l. of which was paid to the old Company for their forts and settlements, and that they then exported in goods and manufactures of this kingdom to the value of 80,000l. or 90,000l. a year; and that the trade is capable in time of peace of being very much improved; that a stock of 500,000l. would be sufficient to carry on the trade; that the Company could raise such a stock, including the value of their forts and debts in the plantations.

Then being asked what was the present state of the Company, with relation to their credit in the plantations, they said that the Company owed upon bonds about 250,000l.; that there was due to them from the plantations 180,000l., which being deducted from 250,000l., there remains about 70,000l.

Bermuda.

Representation on complaints against Mr. Jones.

A new secretary recomended.

A representation, directed at the last meeting [fo. 109], relating to the complaints against Mr. Jones, secretary and provost marshal of Bermuda, and recommending Mr. William Hyde to succeed him in that station, was agreed and signed.