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May 8.
Warwick House. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. Samuel Border proposes that a ship be set forth by the Company "for lading of silver ore," in the Bay of Darien. He states that the ore is to be had there in good quantities, at a place distant 150 leagues from Providence, being on a continent, at high water severed from the main; that it is a good place for habitation, and has a good harbour, with fresh water. That the mine is 12 miles long and two miles broad. Resolved to send over some persons to procure ore; also that the farmers of customs be spoken with, to deliver one half of the Company's goods in the Custom House, the other half being left for security of the customs. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 357.] |
May 12.
James City. |
20. Governor Sir John Harvey and Council of Virginia to the Privy Council. Report upon a reference to them of the petition of Thos. Covell, of London, representing that for 30 years past he had been an adventurer to the colony, and complaining that upon the death of Thos. Kingston, his factor, Thos. Loving, who was married to the widow, had possessed himself of the petitioner's estate there to a great value. Have caused an inventory to be taken of the whole estate, and Loving to enter into bond not to embezzle any part of it. Endorsed by Nicholas, "Rec. 1 Sept. 1639." |
| May 15. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. A further sum of 20l. to be paid for charges of Capt. Newman's imprisonment. Demand for freight of the Expedition deferred. Propositions concerning the gold ore communicated to Maurice Thompson. Resolutions. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 358.] |
May 16.
Newcastle. |
Sec. Coke to Sec. Windebank. [Pomponne de Bellièvre, Seigneur de Grignon,] the French Ambassador, has complained of an imposition laid on strangers, by Sir David Kirke, for fishing at Newfoundland. The King has referred him to the Council Board, the Lords having been made acquainted by Mr. Attorney with the commission granted to the Lord Chamberlain, Kirke, and the rest. A firm but fair answer is to be given, and the impositions laid by the French on the English merchants considered in justification. [Extract fromDOMESTIC Corresp. Car. I.] |
May 18.
Yarmouth. |
21. Officers of the Customs to the Privy Council. Certify that since their last advertisement no passengers nor goods have been shipped from that port for Massachusetts Bay. |
May 20.
James City. |
22. Governor Sir John Harvey to the Privy Council. Received their order of 25 July last, inclosing petition of Ambrose Harmer, resident in the colony, to whom the King granted the tuition of Benoni Buck, an idiot, since deceased, one of the sons of Rich. Buck, late minister in Virginia, deceased. Long account of his proceedings in the business. Implores, on behalf of the colony, that no such grants may pass hereafter, being very prejudicial to the State. |
May 23.
Warwick House. |
Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. The Earl of Holland elected Governor of the Company, John Pym, Deputy Governor, and Wil. Jessop, Secretary. The choice of a Treasurer respited. Agreement with Sam. Border about his wages, "if the ore prove right.... and if it prove not right." Contract with Mr. Amirant to be a minister at Providence; to have 50l. per annum, a servant, and his diet at the Governor's house. Orders upon Capt. Bell's request for an allowance for his cows, and Mr. Grossage's charges into Holland about Capt. Newman's consort ship with Capt. Diego. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 358–59.] |
| May 25. |
Minutes as above. Agreement with Maurice Thompson for sending a ship to Providence, and by the way to go to the Bay of Darien, "upon some particular discovery which is conceived to be very advantageous and beneficial to us;" the expenses are estimated and divided among 21 adventurers; and resolutions passed concerning the division of profits, charter part of the ship to be employed, the Mary, and other business connected with the discovery. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 359–60.] |
| May? |
23. Petition of James Earl of Carlisle, Sir James Hay, and Archibald Hay, trustees for the late Earl, to the Privy Council. Are informed by Sir Thos. Warner, Governor of St. Christopher's and Lieut.-General of the Caribbees, that there is great scarcity of ammunition in those islands, for want of which about 20,000 planters are in great danger, not only of the Spaniards and French, but of being devoured by the natives, cannibals. St. Christopher's is half planted with French, who receive large supplies, which increases their power and number, and they insult the English, and set forth colonies in other islands within Lord Carlisle's grant, which if not speedily prevented, the benefit of 12,000l. per annum at least in duties from that island will be lost. Through the restraint on tobacco the poor planters are debarred from free trade, and unable to furnish themselves with necessaries, much less to buy ammunition. Pray for leave to purchase 20 lasts of powder at the price paid by the King, for their encouragement to preserve the islands they have gained, and to plant others. |
| May 28. |
24. Warrant to the Officers of Ordnance to deliver to the Earl of Carlisle, Sir James Hay, and Archibald Hay, trustees for the late Earl, the proportion of powder requested in their above petition, upon paying the usual price of 18d. per lb. [Draft.] |
