|
March 1.
Brooke House. |
Minute as above. Directions concerning letters received from Providence. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 257.] |
March. 1.
Brooke House. |
Agreement between the Company [for Providence Island] and Capt. Robt. Hunt. Capt. Hunt to go by the next ship, and be Governor of Providence Island during the Company's pleasure. Should another Governor be hereafter appointed, to have the command of one of the best forts in the island. Expenses of transportation of himself and family to be paid by the Company. The labour of twenty servants as a salary. In case of death, the Company promise to take care of his wife, "doing what shall become them in honor and conscience." Liberty to choose any part of the island, not already planted, for a government house, for the speedy erection of which, a levy of persons will be made. Credit for clothes and provisions, until well settled. One hundred acres of land for his own benefit. Fifty acres for his future residence, and fourteen servants, in case the government is altered. Encouragement to persons to go over at their own charge. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 90.] |
March 2.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island, concerning many foul aspersions laid upon divers persons in Providence by the records lately sent over. Resolution respecting two ships for better defence of the island, and advancement of other designs. Objections against Capt. Bell considered; reasons why it is not thought fit to remove him as a delinquent; the strength of his party in Capts. Elfrith and Rous; resolved, therefore, to divide them and employ them in the two ships intended for prizes. Capt. Bell to be used by the Governor [Capt. Hunt] with courtesy and respect. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 257–58.] |
March 3.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Financial business. Resolutions respecting abatements to be procured in the customs upon tobacco, "they [the Custom authorities] being so far authorized by the book of rates, without addressing themselves therein to His Majty." Committee recommended to agree with Mr. Delahay, through a probability of 200 or 300 men going to Tortuga at their own charge. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 258–59.] |
March 8.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Petition of Randall Ince for allowance for services at the main referred to the Treasurer. Mr. Jackson, a minister, recommended to the Company's service, desired to preach before the Company next Sabbath. News of the death of Capt. Riskinner. Concerning a ship to take over Mr. Delahay, and those who will go with him, to Association. Math. Downes goes with Mr. Hunt this voyage. Proposal for Mr. Knight to be Lieut. of Fort Henry, and to command in Capt. Rous' absence. In case Capt. Hunt should not go before May, Capt. Delahay, a godly man, might undertake the government until his arrival; and Mr. Tanner act as Delahay's lieut., so that the advantage may not be lost of sending 200 or 300 men at their own charge. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 259–60.] |
March 9.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Math. Downes admitted of the Council of Providence. Reasons to postpone sending Capt. Hunt over until next term; he is for the present dismissed, upon undertaking to do all in his power to get ministers and men of worth to transport themselves with him at their own charge. Capt. Delahay, if willing, shall go by "these ships" to Providence, for settling the government there, until Capt. Hunt arrives. Committee appointed for dispatch of business. Nich. Marston desires satisfaction for disbursements for tobacco for the Company's service; he states there is little hope of benefit by prizes, and that their designs are likely to suffer for want of a skilful pilot; a vessel of 14 tons, with eight oars on a side, may be very useful. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 261–62.] |
| March 9. |
Agreement between the Company for Providence Island and Mat. Downes. To be of the Council in the island, have eight servants transported at the Company's charge, and a proportion of land. Profits to be divided. The servants to be furnished with four months' provisions, and clothes, but the charges reimbursed. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 97.] |
| March 9. |
Agreement between the Company for Providence Island and Lieut. Jo. Adcock, to serve as Lieut. of Fort Henry. Have six servants and passage money allowed. Profits to be entirely his own, and to have a proportion of land and a loan of 10l. [Ibid.] |
| March 9. |
Agreements between the Company for Providence Island, and Edw. Hudson, gunner, Serj. Edw. Staunton, Jo. Riche, and Fr. Loft-house, for training and exercising the inhabitants [in the use of arms, &c.]. Passage and profits on the same terms as the preceding, but fewer servants allowed, according to the rank of the settler. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 97.] |
March 11.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island concerning Capt. Delahay undertaking the government. Serjeant Barnes, recommended by the Earl of Warwick, to be Lieut. of Fort Henry, and to have the command during Capt. Rous' absence. Proposal to Serj. Adcock to be Lieut. of the Fort at Black Rock. Edw. Hudson, a gunner, and three soldiers, undertake the voyage upon terms of four men and land proportionable. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 262.] |
March 14.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Nath. Marston to be paid 10l. Serj. Adcock to be Lieut. of Fort Henry, Serj. Barnes having declined the Company's offer. Hudson, the gunner, and three soldiers entertained in the Company's service. Account of Ant. Roberts; prays for a reward for his services. Mr. Jackson having, in his sermon, given proofs of his abilities, is offered the same conditions as Mr. Sherhard. Payment to Ant. Roberts for 1½ tons of wood. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 262–63.] |
March 18.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Payment ordered for ordnance for the Blessing. Capt. And. Carter to be Governor of the Island of Henrietta, and capt. of the passengers that go in the Hopewell. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 263.] |
March 19.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Wil. Rous. Refer him to their general instructions to the Governor and Council, for answer to his letter. Commend his carriage at the Spaniards' late attempt, which has encouraged them to employ him as requested. Appoint him captain of the Blessing for taking prizes. If well managed the defects of the island may be supplied, which alone "will not yield profit answerable to our disbursements." Send commission and instructions; is requested to return to England when he has performed them, for conference about the state of the Company's affairs. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 93.] Inclose, |
|
I. Commission to Capt. Rous for command of the Blessing. 1636, March 19. [Ibid.] |
|
II. Instructions for Capt. Rous. His ship's course; taking and disposal of Spanish prizes; manning two shallops with 20 men a piece from Providence. Captured negroes to be conveyed to the Somers Islands, those who can dive for pearls to be so employed at Providence. To confer with John Leicester, and Wil. Billinge, the master of the Expectation. To freight his ship with tobacco, cotton, &c., if a competent freight of prizes is not obtained. No person to be brought home without having first discharged his debt to the Company's stores. To make strict inquiry where indigo, cochineal, sarsaparilla, ginger, rice, any fruits, drugs, or other useful commodities may be had, fit to grow in Providence. Liberty to join any English or Dutch ship, ton for ton and man for man. If any good Spanish pilots are taken, well acquainted with Nicaragua, Honduras, Terra Firma, or other parts of the main, use may be made of them. 1636, March 22. [Ibid., p. 94.] |
March 19.
Booke House. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island. Financial business. Sir Ben. Rudyerd adventures 250l., and desires an entry may be made of his protestation not to adventure more. Money necessary for dispatch of the ships; order thereon. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 264.] |
| [March 19.] |
6. Petition of Richard Nicholas and Joshua Foote, ironmongers, to the Privy Council. In 1629 they furnished Sir John Harvey with iron wares for Virginia, to the value of above 45l., and he gave bond to pay them in Jan. 1630, but has altogether denied to satisfy them. Pray that they may be paid before his return to the colony, out of the monies due to him by the King. Underwritten is an order requiring Sir John Harvey to give satisfaction to the petitioners, or to attend the Privy Council to show cause to the contrary. Whitehall, 1636, March 19. |
| March 22. |
Instructions from the Company of Providence Island to John Leicester, master of the Blessing. Upon the same subjects, and very similar to those for Capt. Rous; see above, 22 March, inclosure II. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 95.] |
| March 22. |
Instructions to Cornelius Billinge, master of the Expectation. Almost word for word the same as the preceding. [Ibid., p. 96.] |
| March 22. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island. Capt. Hunt willing to go by "these ships" to Providence, upon certain conditions, agreed to. John Francis to accompany him, to be appointed capt. of a fort and one of the Council. A "treaty" proposed with Sir Ed. Conway, about to send a ship into "the Indies," for matter of prizes, provided he will transport 50 men to Providence. Capt. Delahay desires to have his conditions in writing for the government of Association, which are annexed and agreed to. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 264–65.] |
March 26.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Bell and the rest of the Council. He having long since served the time of Governor allotted to him by commission, and desiring to be disburdened from that office, Capt. Robt. Hunt is appointed in his stead. Desire that all those who have been or are of the Council will meet for the new Governor's reception and entertainment. Direct him and the next eldest Councillor to administer the oath to Capt. Hunt, whose commission and instructions will be read to them. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 89.] |
March 26.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Sam. Axe. Have received his letter. Thank him for his services "upon notice of the Spaniards intending to attack the island," and wish to requite them with most satisfaction to himself. Are not able to clear him from the slaughter of Indians, by English under his command, upon the main. Know that the law will not take notice of it, yet the Lord is the avenger of blood, and his justice will certainly require it. "Besides, we are yet ignorant how far the guilt thereof may redound to the blasting of our own designs." Expect his defence by the next ship. If not able to take off the guilt of blood from his conscience, advise him to humble himself before the Lord, and give public testimonies of the truth of his humiliation. Hear of his industry in the prosecution of trade upon the main; desire an account by his next. Would be glad to hear of his proceedings, upon the letters of marque he has obtained from the Dutch. Direct him how to employ the ordnance left by Capt. Camock. If his answers are satisfactory will restore him to his place of Councillor and Capt. of Warwick Fort, remit all his fines, and give him other encouragements to remain in Providence. Desire him to maintain fair correspondence with Capts. Bell and Elfrith. Will reply to his demand for money. [Colonial Entry Bk. Vol. IV., p. 92.] |
March 26.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island. Exceptions concerning the agreement with Capt. Delahay. Wil. Stevenson and Owen Durning, late planters in the island [of Association], give information that there were about 80 English there. The ordnance, six pieces, taken by the Spaniards. Capt. Riskinner "carried himself ill in his place," and died after [he had been there] three months. The island governed by a Council chosen from the principal inhabitants. The Hollanders desirous to make use of it themselves. There are 150 negroes; 27 belonging to the Company. It is very healthful, and produces the best salt in the world. There is a good gunner, and three pieces of ordnance, which were taken over by Capt. Riskinner. Petition presented from the island against the French, for taking away braziletta wood and negroes. Resolved that a ship be hired to carry over 100 men; it is hoped that passengers may be found without much charge to the Company. The wife of Mr. Johnstone, Sec. in the island, and two servants to be sent over. Six servants each promised to Francis, Downes, Betton, and Woolseley. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 265–67.] |
| March 26. |
Commission from the Company of Providence Island to Capt. Andrew Carter, for government of the Island of Henrietta, according to the form of Capt. Hunt's for Providence. [Minute. Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 98] |
| March 28. |
Instructions for Capt. Carter, Governor of Henrietta Island. Religion and justice to be maintained. To provide for the fortification of the island. To observe Mr. Woodcock's directions. Disposal of the men under his charge. To send over any number of persons required for defence of Providence, provided 20 be left in Henrietta. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 98.] |
| March 28. |
Commission to Capt. Robt. Hunt, appointing him Governor of Providence island during the Company's pleasure. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 88.] |
| March 28. |
Instructions from the Company of Providence Island to Capt. Robt. Hunt, Governor. Upon his arrival, the letters to be sent to the Governor and Council and to Capt. Bell, who will attend his landing. Capt. Hunt's commission and instructions to be published. The house of Ensign Fitch recommended as spacious and conveniently situated for his lodging. Account of the state of the plantations, ordnance, arms, ammunition, fortifications, and boats to be sent, all of which Capt. Hunt is desired to inspect. To acquaint himself with the contents of former instructions and letters. To labour to settle peace and unity, many differences having been already referred to the Company's determination. Watches to be duly kept; the storehouses guarded, and the ammunition carefully preserved. The last magazine by the Robert to be accounted for. Mr. Sherhard to be advised with in private, how to compose some differences about ecclesiastical censures. In case of Capt. Hunt's death, certain closed instructions to be put in execution. The inhabitants to be brought to a perfect knowledge of the use of arms. Respect to be shown to Capt. Bell, and encouragement given to industrious planters, who have long expected servants from the Company. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 89.] |
March 28.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to the Governor and Council. Have received their letters by the Robert and Expectation. Are heartily thankful that they were delivered from the attempt of the Spaniards to seize the island. Have resolved upon weakening the enemy and strengthening the island; will shortly send a great supply of men and ammunition. The State has taken special notice of the island as of great importance, and a strict account will be required of the Company's care of it. Recommend the fortifications to be finished, the soldiers to be properly trained, and all matters necessary for defence to be attended to. Colours will be sent for the several forts and companies. Are glad to hear of a better way of agreement, the late differences having occasioned the greatest trouble. Have deferred particular inquiry into the records, being very long. All fines, imprisonments, and suspensions to be remitted up to the day "whereon your deliverance was, thro' God's mercy, obtained." Mr. Sherhard's fine and imprisonment for matters ecclesiastical utterly misliked. Forbid a minister being disturbed in any way, in matters appertaining to his functions. Mr. Rishworth restored to his place in the Council. No man to attempt any prize from the Spaniard. Encouragement for the inhabitants not only to live plentifully, but to gain fortunes. Planting of silk grass. Dettee may prove of value. Trade with Dutch ships disliked, because being only for sack, it has tended to the increase of drunkenness, disorder, and proverty. A return of the last magazine expected; no man to come home until his debts to the stores are paid. Goods belonging to Capt. Hook to be seized to the Company's use. Have sent two servants apiece for the two carpenters. A Magazine will be received upon Mr. Woodcock's account. Were ignorant of the death or absence of Robt. Reignold and Thos. Denny. Ordnance and other things left at the Mosquitos by Capt. Camock, to be fetched away. Desire that encouragement may be given to the men sent by Mr. Woodcock and his partners to plant at Henrietta. Have agreed to ease the planters of their payments, to increase their benefits, and secure their estates. Have sent over Capt. Robt. Hunt to succeed Capt. Bell in the government. Would have Capt. Bell remain one of the Council; his services will be considered. Commend several masters of families who go over, particularly Messrs. Downes, Francis, and Johnson. Request that Ensign Fitch will entertain the Governor and his family. Servants sent over for supply of the Company's officers; a further supply may shortly be expected. A levy to be made upon the inhabitants for building a Governor's house. Every man to plant a store of provisions. Capt. Wil. Rous to return to England with his servant, Thos. Grimsditch; Lieut. Adcock now going over will supply his place. Desire that Fred. Johnson, Math. Downes, and John Francis be sworn of the Council; Johnson is appointed to the vacant post of Secretary; and Francis is to have the charge of Trippett's Fort, to be henceforth called Brooke Fort, and to train the inhabitants on that side of the island for martial services. Have taken great care to provide good ministers, but if such as is desired cannot be sent, they must blame themselves, "the unhappy discontents that have fallen out betwixt the minister and the Government being so public and offensive." Excuse the colony from paying halves for the past and present year upon certain conditions. The land to be divided into farms and tenements, and to pay a yearly rent in tobacco, cotton, or other staple commodities. Instructions thereon. A convenient place to be chosen for the Governor's house, with 100 acres of land adjoining, and a suitable house for the minister, "with a proportion of land." The men of better quality to have 50 acres of land; those of ordinary rank 30 acres, with reservation to the Company to confirm the allotments. Expect the rent reserved to be about a fourth part of the commodities produced by the land. The plantations to be inspected every three months. Fruit trees to be planted, because it is intended hereafter to send over "preservers". Plentiful subsistence of the Company's tenants; profitable manufactures will be settled upon the island, and other privileges are intended. Would have no man stay upon the island who has not some honest employment, nor any plantation sold, nor servants disposed of, who have been sent over at the Company's expense. Instructions concerning prizes. Ensign Rous and John Elfrith may be employed that way. Negroes to be disposed into families, and divided amongst officers and industrious planters, a strict watch being kept to prevent plots or any danger to the island being attempted. Divers to ascertain if there be any likelihoods of pearl fishing. Wonder there should be any complaints of a deficiency of clothing by the Robert; enumerate the proportion sent for every servant. Arnold did not bring a letter; danger of conveying advice of the weakness of the island by uncertain ways. Jo. Latimer to be released, if he did not voluntarily engage himself. Isaac Barton to be freed from the general works. Thos. Streete, servant of Jo. Hunt and Geo. Philips, lately with Ensign Fitch, to have the remainder of their times free, "yet not allowing that they or any other shall live idle." Complaints of Wil. Haman against his master, Chas. Toller, and of Sam. Bennett to be examined. Encouragement to Wil. Painter and Rich. James; their wives may go over by the next ship. Mr. Halhead to be allowed 100 wt. of tobacco, as a mark of respect for his public employments. The purchasers of Capt. Axe's plantation to account to him for the price of it. Hudson, a good gunner, sent over; hope to send more by the next ship. Young men to be instructed in that art. Edw. Staunton, appointed serjeant, to be employed in training the men. Expect the inhabitants to be exercised once or twice a week, so that they may know the use of their arms. Mr. Symonds to execute the office of Sheriff, if Isaac Barton resign. One Ray, who went over a freeman, to be at liberty to dispose of himself. Jo. Sampson, Aaron Butcher, Rich. Reade, and Roger Floud, may return to England; also ensign Fitch, provided his command be well supplied; and Sam. Rishworth, Isaac Barton, and Eliz. Jones. Good store of provisions to be planted. 500 or 600 men may be expected within a few months. All former letters and instructions to be delivered to Capt. Hunt. Commend the defence of the island to their particular care. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 81–88.] |
March 28.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Phil. Bell, Governor there. Assurances of respect for his good services. Will be much gladder to find him deserving thanks and reward than any way blameworthy. Request he will go on cheerfully as belong to his place of Councillor. Have sent a Governor to succeed him, who will merit his good opinion and affection. Desire he will be assis-tant to him publicly and privately. Hope that he will not be "transported with any jealousy." The consideration of his salary deferred. He may freely enjoy his plantation and servants, to which number they have now added four more. Will "indifferently" consider the differences that stand upon record. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 91.] |
March 28.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Mr. Sherhard, the minister. Have received his letter, and are very sensible of his sufferings. Have signified their utter dislike of the proceedings against him, and taken care to prevent the like in future. In matter of excommunication, he is advised to consult with Capt. Hunt, the new Governor, "a discreet and godly man;" and for suspension, the company would not have it in any case used, without giving the party a distinct knowledge of the cause, and a convenient time to give Sherhard satisfaction. Desire he will go on in his function "according to the rule of the Word." As to the excommunications already past, earnestly entreat him to use all the Christian moderation that may stand with a safe conscience. Hope to send some faithful fellow labourers by these or the next ships for his encouragement. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 91.] |
| March. |
The Company of Providence Island to the Council there. Private instructions to be kept secret, and not opened but in case of Capt. Hunt's death, or the government being vacant. Delivered to the custody of John Hudson. If Capt. Hunt should die before the next supply arrives, the affairs of the island are to be managed by the major part of the Council. In case of the approach of an enemy, Capt. Wil. Rous to be General and Chief Commander for the time being; but if he be absent, then the Council in such time of public danger, to make choice of another. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 96.] |
March 28.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Daniel Elfritb, Admiral there. Have received his letters, and commend his industry in erecting and looking to the fortifications of the island. Desire he will continue that service. Have not particularly examined his difference with Mr. Sherhard, but hope the latter will do what is fit for making peace. Have acted upon his advice concerning the abatement of halves. Four more servants consigned to him; if any defect in the last, not out of any disrespect to him. Are willing to employ his son in a ship for [the taking of] prizes. Explain why the Little Anne cannot be granted for that service. Cannot conclude upon his demand for a certain salary. Will shortly think of some good employment for him. Have "procured liberty to right themselves of the Spaniard." Send a good supply of men and ammunition for the island's defence. The King and State look upon Providence as a very considerable place. Are more likely to use his skill and experience than any other man's in the island. Do not find whether he has made any use of his cotton engine, so have only sent one made up. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 92.] |
| March 28. |
Instructions for Mr. Avery, Master of the Hopewell. To observe Wil. Woodcock's directions; seize any Spanish vessel to the southward of the Canaries, and take in freight at Association. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 98.] |
March 28.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island. Alterations in the oath of Governor to be administered to Capt. Hunt, as requested by him, refused; but, by a letter to the Council, the Company suspend his taking the oath until further order. Money advanced to Ed. Hudson for his encouragement; to Mr. Johnson for tools and building utensils; and to Randall Ince for entertaining seven men in the Company's service. The Company's letters, commissions and instructions are read, signed, and sealed. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 267.] |
| March 28. |
Minutes as above. Two commissions, appointing Capt. Robert Hunt governor of the passengers to be transported to Providence in the Blessing, and Lieut. Jo. Adcock governor of those in the Expectation, are sealed according to the form for the Robert. See ante, p. 189, 16 Aug. 1634., [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol., IV., p. 97.] |
March 28.
Point Comfort [Virginia]. |
7. Governor John West to the Lords Commissioners for Plantations. Explains the reason of his having been unanimously chosen Governor "before Sir John Harvey was out of the Capes." If the King confirm the act of the country, will to his utmost, express himself a faithful and zealous servant; or with as devoted a submission be ready to give up his charge. During this year the colony has received an increase of 1,606 persons. Complains of the merchants' crime, who so pester their ships with passengers that they bring infection among them, "the most pestered ships carry with them almost a general mortality." The Government have taken the nearest course for avoiding further unnatural broils between those of Maryland and of the Isle of Kent. Endorsed by Windebank, "Rec. 19 June, at Hampton Court." |
| [March.] |
8. Memorial of Sir John Harvey; requesting, as he is to be at the charge of victuals and mariners' wages, that it may be inserted in the warrant for the ship lent to him by the King for his transportation to Virginia, that he may have the benefit of the freight out and home. |
| March 29. |
Instructions from the Company of Providence Island "for the disposing of the ships and passengers in the Blessing and Expectation, in case the island should be taken at their arrival there. Commended to the custody of Mr. Billinge." Inquiry to be made at the island of Henrietta and the Mosquitos, whether any of the inhabitants are there. Those willing, to be transported to Cape Gratia de Dios, where Capt. Robt. Hunt is to be Governor, or if he be dead or absent Mr. Johnson. The ships are then to pursue their voyage. Directions for those who remain on shore, as to their place of settlement, fortifying themselves, planting provisions, and providing Camock's flax wherewith to freight the ships on their return. If the enemy have subsequently wholly relinquished Providence, the passengers and late inhabitants to be taken there. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 96, 97.] |
