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April 2.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. Letters received from Capt. Newman by the Happy Return. Wil. Woodcock offers 1,800l. for the Company's part of her lading. Concerning Gab. Rudd, he having broke and gone away with 600l., entrusted to him in Holland, for the purchase of two pinnaces, on the recommendation of Hen. Darley, Dep. Gov. of the Company. Upon consideration whether the Company might not recede from their engagement with Mr. Tinge, Lord Brooke protests that he will not exceed 2,000l. for the present voyage. Liberty to Cornelius Wright, Hickman, and Jeremy Elfrith to come home. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 330.] |
April 4.
Whitehall. |
94. Report of the Lords Commissioners of Plantations. Upon petition of Captain William Claybourne, on behalf of himself and partners, for confirmation, under the Great Seal, of the King's commission and letter for the quiet possession and government of the isle of Kent, in Chesapeak Bay, discovered and planted by them, and of which Lord Baltimore now seeks to dispossess them; declaring the right and title, in consideration of a former order of 1633, July 3 [see ante, p. 169, No. 76], to be absolutely with Lord Baltimore; no grant of such places to pass to Claybourne; the violences complained of, to be left to the ordinary course of justice. |
April 4.
Whitehall. |
95. Another copy of the preceding. |
| April 6. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. John Arrat, carpenter, his wife and child, Robt. Abell, John Clerke, Edm. Fole, and Peter Talbot, sawyer, who were going to New England, declare their willingness to go to Providence; conditions. Propositions of Capt. Axe; 900l. to be sent to Holland for the purchase of two pinnaces. Finance. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 331.] |
April 6.
Point Comfort [Virginia]. |
96. Richard Kemp, Sec. of Virginia, to See. Windebank. Sends papers concerning the contract for tobacco. Does not think it will ever come into effect, if it depends upon the yielding of an Assembly. People of late are more given to affect good buildings; scarce any inhabitant but hath his garden and orchard planted; most endeavour the raising of stocks of cattle or hogs; the savages ever awake to do them injuries in the streightest times of peace. Of hundreds of people, who arrive in the colony yearly, scarce any but are brought in as merchandise to make sale of, nor can the planters generally better provide, when this year they cannot promise to themselves ability to purchase a servant next year, nor until their crops of tobacco be taken down. Incloses, |
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96. I. The King's propositions to the Assembly of Virginia. Concerning a contract for tobacco, the excessive demands of merchants for their commodities, and the quantity of farthing tokens required for the province. |
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96. II.The first answer of the Burgesses of Virginia to the King's propositions. |
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96. III. Reply of the Governor and Council of Virginia to the answer of the Burgesses. |
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96. IV. Answer of the Burgesses of Virginia to the second reply of the Governor and Council. |
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96. V.The last answer of the Burgesses to the King's commands. |
April 10.
James City. |
97. Rich. Kemp, Sec. of Virginia, to Robt. Reade, secretary to Sec. Windebank. A levy has been raised according to instructions, upon all tobacco in the colony for repair of the Fort at Point Comfort and building a state house at James City, part of which tobacco is sent to England by the bearer Geo. Menefie to sell, and with the proceeds to send over workmen to accomplish those public works. Has received orders from the Governor and Council of Virginia to inclose a petition which they desire may be presented to the King. |
| 1638? |
98. Review of the old Acts of Assembly of Virginia; also abstract of certain laws conceived by the Governor and Council fit to be enacted. Orders concerning Church government to be reduced into an Act. Former Acts concerning ministers, their tithes and duties, to be confirmed. Acts of 20 Feb. 1635, for restraining excessive pur-chase of wines to be revived; and of 4 Sept. 1632 for inclosing ground to be considered. Running away to the Indians, or trading with them without licence to be made felony. Constables to be established to prevent disorders and abuses. Taking away goods attached for debt to be made felony. Acts to be passed for laying out ground for merchants, handicraftsmen, and tradesmen in James Island; for planting vines, mulberry trees, and apple and pear slips; and also hemp, flax, and other staple commodities. Against exporting cattle from the colony. [Copy, certified by Rich. Kemp, Secretary.] |
April 12.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island. Wil. Woodcock, Capt. Hastler, and Lieut. Powell, ordered to attend, to answer complaints in a petition of the seamen of the Happy Return. Capt. Thos. Scott entertained in the Company's service; to be Capt. of Fort Henry, have command of the regiment on the western side of the island, and be of the Council of War, &c.: John Forster to be his ensign. Valentine Holland and three others ordered to Holland to assist in bringing home the pinnaces. Mr. Saunders treated with as minister. Wil. Woodcock agrees to give 2,000l. for a portion of goods brought home in the Happy Return. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 331–32.] |
April 14.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Complaints in the seamen's petition. Mr. Tinge's insurance for 400l., in case the Expedition should miscarry in her voyage to Providence, ordered to be taken in the name of Wil. Jessop, Secretary to the Company. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 333.] |
April 16.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Heads of letters to Capt. Elfrith agreed on. Capt. Butler to be Governor and Admiral of the island. John Peck entertained as purser under Capt. Axe, or in any other service in Providence. Capt. Bell's cattle in the island to be bought for the Company. Capt. Scott, accused of drunkenness and other misdemeanors, discharged from the Company's service. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 333–34.] |
April.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Mr. Sherhard. Have received his letter and are sensible of the burden that he has undergone. Mr. Ward now sent over, whose assistance in the ministry, it is hoped will be comfortable to him and the colony. Are content to raise his salary to 60l. per annum. Send him two servants with clothes proportionable. Cannot do as they would in matter of recompense by reason of their great charges and losses. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 117.] |
| April 16. |
Commission from the Company of Providence Island, appointing Capt. Nat. Butler, Hen. Halhead, Sam. Rishworth, and Elisha Gladman to examine Rich. Lane concerning the employment of a magazine of goods of large value committed to him by Lord Brooke, of which no account has been given, with authority to seize his goods, servants, plantations, and debts in case he has been negligent or unfaithful. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 117.] |
| [April 16.] |
Petition of George Griffith, merchant, to the King. Sets forth his great loss by sending men to the River Amazon, and planting on the coast of Guiana, through the Portuguese and the treachery of the natives; and that the Dutch are likely to gain Brazil and parts adjacent, by which a great revenue in customs will be lost. The King's subjects were the first Christians who ever planted the Amazon; the old Company does nothing therein; is assured that no design is so hopeful. Prays for some speedy course to be taken to encourage adventurers to underwrite, that English subjects may be planted there before the Dutch or any other nation. With reference to the Lords Commissioners for Foreign Plantations to order what is fit for the King's service. Whitehall, 1638, April 16. [DOMESTIC Car. I., Entry Bk., Petitions, 1636–38, p. 272.] |
| April 17. |
Articles of agreement between the Company of Providence Island and Capt. Nath. Butler, appointed Governor and Admiral. To be allowed 66l. 13s. 4d. per annum, and twelve servants, including three negroes. To have the use of the cattle left by Capt. Bell, if found to belong to the Company. After deduction of the Company's one-fifth of all prizes, to receive 1 per cent. of the remainder. To be brought home at the Company's charge, whenever he desires to return to England, and to be allowed 30l. in hand. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 118.] |
April 18.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island. Capts. Butler and Axe desired to examine the provisions on board the Expedition "in regard the lives of the persons now sent do principally depend upon the goodness and quantity of the victuals provided for them." Payments ordered to be made to Capt. Rous, Ensign Fitch, and Mr. Rishworth. Elisha Gladman appointed clerk of the stores and one of the Council of the island, and to have eight servants transported at the Company's charge. Mr. Coleborne entertained for the voyage, to be employed as a "Lieut. of some sort in the island." [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 334.] |
April 20.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Capt Axe to be paid what is due for his plantation from his brother; articles agreed on with him. He is appointed commander of the greater pinnace, the Swallow; Capt. Parker commander of the lesser, the Spy. Lord Brooke not to be pressed to exceed 2,000l. Oath agreed on, for the Governor and Council of Providence, administered to Capt. Butler, to be transmitted thence. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 335.] |
| April 23? |
Commission from the Company of Providence Island to Capt. Nath. Butler, appointing him Governor. [Minute, "in the same form as formerly granted to Capt. Hunt," see ante, p. 227. Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 118.] |
| April 23. |
Commission appointing Capt. Butler Admiral of the Island of Providence. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 119.] |
| April 23. |
Commission to Capt. Butler for government of passengers in the Expedition, bound to Providence Island. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 119.] |
April 23.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to the Governor and Council. Have received their letter of 27 July last. Send a good supply of men. Are sorry for the scarcity that befell the island; suspect want of industry to have been the cause. Every man to plant a certain proportion of provisions, including oranges, lemons, and other fruits. The terms of halves from the planters are "discharged," the Company expecting only 20 lb. of tobacco per head. Every family to plant at least 150 lb. of tobacco per head yearly, or cotton in proportion. Prohibit the desertion of old plantations, especially about New Westminster, near the harbour, and Warwick Fort. The bounds of each to be settled, for which leases are promised. Employers of labourers on the public works. Negroes to be chiefly employed in that service. Sale of servants reproved. Council of War to be established. Benefit of prizes to the planters. Recommend fair means being used to bring in those negroes who still stand out, "their submission to be received courteously." Against partiality. Capt. Newman's imprisonment. The storekeeper discharged, and Barton and Woolsey appointed. No unnecessary officer to be appointed. No man under the degree of Councillor to be exempt from serving as a juror. Concerning 5 per cent. for the sale of plantations. Public instructions to be published. Recommend Capt. Butler, now sent over Governor, to their "acceptance and respect." A government house to be erected with convenient speed. In case of Capt. Butler's death, Capt. Hunt to continue Governor; he is appointed Commander of the Black Rock, Capt. Elfrith having requested liberty to come home. Recommend John Ward, a minister, to their esteem. Reasons for restoring Mr. Rishworth to the Council. Sam. Rishworth, his son, to be Clerk of the Council. Elisha Gladman to be also admitted of the Council. A large magazine of clothes, provisions, and arms sent over; also a good number of servants. Distribution. Directions for clerks of the stores. Glad to hear of the increase of cattle. Iron and steel has been shipped for their use; will consider about supply of bricks. Concerning Capt. Rous' plantation, goods left by Messrs. Floud and Johnson and Chas. Wettenhall's debts. John Baynes' account for ordnance carriages. Ph. Trippett's servants. Capt. Bell at liberty to sell his plantation and cattle, and to transport his wife from the island, "together with his Indian woman," and his negroes. Two weavers and a woman that spins cotton go over under Mr. Rishworth's care. Hope a way may be discovered to procure clothing out of the native commodities of the island. Strict inquiry to be made into the state of the plantation formerly belonging to Capt. Axe. Capt. Elfrith may bring his wife and negroes away. Employment of negroes on the public works. John Arratt, a carpenter, and family, go by this ship, the Expedition; his agreement. Capt. Butler has taken his oath; that for the Council is written at length. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 114–17.] |
| April 23. |
Instructions from the Company of Providence Island to Capt. Nath. Butler, Governor. Mr. Tinge's articles to be fully performed. Power to take Spanish prizes. Directions for their disposal. Limitation of command of the Expedition. Immediately upon his arrival to read his commission. To look after the fortifications and training of the men. Distribution of servants. To buy 100 negroes for the public works. Liberty to trade with Dutch vessels. No hostility to be attempted by the island, until well secured. A strong prison to be speedily erected for Spanish prisoners. Respect to be shown to the captains of the Company's men-of-war. Military provisions delivered to Elisha Gladman. A powder house to be built. To examine, with Gladman. into Capt. Elfrith's complaints. To treat with a German [Van Botten is named in the margin] at Providence, who professes much skill in fortifications; power to employ and reward him. Lieut. Coleborne recommended for employment as Lieut. of one of the chief forts. In case Providence is taken, to set down the ment at Cape Gratia de Dios, where the servants are to be employed in clearing Camock's flax, and procuring other commodities. Offensive carriage towards the Indians to be restrained. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 119–21.] |
| April 23? |
Instruction for Thos. Clerk, master of the Expedition, bound to Providence. Chiefly in reference to the taking and disposal of Spanish prizes. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 121–22.] |
April 23.
London. |
The Company of Providence Island to Capt. Elfrith. Have received his letters, and consent to his leaving the island. Freely discharge him from his command of the Black Rock, the place of Admiral, and his other employments. Being unable to depend upon him, these appointments have been conferred upon others. Refer his complaints to Capt. Butler, the Governor, and Elisha Gladman. Liberty to bring home his wife, and in case his debts are paid, as many negroes as properly belong to him. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 122.] |
| [April 23.] |
List of persons to whom servants were assigned in Providence Island by the Expedition; the number of servants follows each name. There are 33 passengers, including Capt. Butler and planters, to whom 131 servants are assigned. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., p. 122.] |
April 24.
Southampton. |
99. List of the names of 110 passengers intended for New England, in the Confidence of London, of 200 tons, John Jobson, master. Made by virtue of the Lord Treasurer's warrant of 11 April 1638. |
April 25.
Brooke House. |
Minutes of a Committee for Providence Island. Mrs. Ward being solicitous for her husband's release from "this voyage," letter to be written to Capt. Butler. Complaints of the seamen of the Happy Return answered by Capt. Hastler and Lieut. Powell. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 335–36.] |
April 30.
Brooke House. |
Minutes as above. Concerning the hire of the Mary Hope, and propositions by Mr. Dike. Certain payments ordered to the seamen of the Happy Return. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 336.] |
| April? |
100. Remonstrance of divers of the principal planters in Virginia and others that have long continued in that plantation, touching the contract proposed by Lord Goring and others, the King's agents for the regulation of tobacco. |
