America and West Indies: December 1659

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1860.

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Citation:

'America and West Indies: December 1659', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660, ed. W Noel Sainsbury( London, 1860), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol1/pp478-479 [accessed 29 November 2024].

December 1659



Dec. 29. Boston.	77. Col. Thos. Temple to Lord Fienes. Gave a full account of the state of affairs in his last [see p. 475, No. 71]. Expresses gratitude for his promises to use his influence to establish Temple's interest in those parts. Is altogether ignorant how affairs stand in England; whether peace with France continues. In great perplexity how to proceed. Wants men and money. The country of much more concern to "old England" than is believed. The fertility of fishing hardly to be credited. Has fortified St. John's, and built two other houses for trade, and paid 1,500l. for assistance and provisions for the forts. Passed the whole summer in putting all things in the best posture of defence. Has received intelligence that the French had a design to surprise St. John's. Two small vessels from Rochelle came under pretence of friendship, but he refused to treat with them. Unfounded report that the French had taken St. John's and Port Royal. The plantation of New England would find the French a very bad neighbour. Hopes to have assistance from New England in the spring, when he will settle and fortify the most convenient place, with about 50 or 60 men. Intends fortifying Le Have or Cape Sable. His pretensions to the country, besides the State's interest, are just. Statement of his debts, increased by being forced to deal with New England merchants, and pay cent. per cent. for what he has had. Desires he will stand his friend; some small assistance for defence by shipping; that his commission may be renewed and a new patent granted to him. Col. Crowne willing to sell his part. Sends pattern of a mine found within 10 leagues of St. John's Fort, at the bottom of the bay, the foot of the mountain washed by the sea; it is thought by men of judgment to be the richest ever known. Would not ask above 3,000l. to carry on all his designs and settle the country. What he writes is "real." Means to send a pattern of silver ore very rich. Has given orders to buy out Mr. Rea with 500l. Philemon Stevens, bookseller, at the sign of the Golden Lyon in St. Paul's Churchyard, will forward his Lordship's letters by way of New England or Barbadoes.
1659.	78. Extracts of two letters from Col. Temple to Lord Fienes, concerning mines in Nova Scotia. One of 6 Sept. [see ante, p. 475, No. 71]; the other of the preceding.
1659?	79. Petition of Edward and Oliver Godfrey, Ferdinando Gorges, Robert Mason, and Edward Rigby, Henry Gardner, and sundry others, patentees and inhabitants of the Province of Maine and Laconia, in New England, to "the Parliament of the Commonwealth." Complaining of the Government of Massachusetts by strong hand and menaces bringing the most part of their vast country under their own power and subjection, depriving them of their privileges, patents, and interests, and imposing upon them an oath of fidelity to their state without any relation to England. Pray that the whole business may be fully examined into, matters of high importance to the State being involved therein. [Printed, with MS. notes in the margin.] Endorsed, "This was after Richard Cromwell was out."