|
| May 1. |
Resolved, that a Bill be framed to repeal the Act of 1682 for encouragement of the manufacture of linens. Resolved, on the
petition of Colonel George Lyddall and Captain Jos. Foster, that the militia of the counties ought to defend themselves in case of sudden invasion without charge to the public. Several Acts read. Resolved to address the Governor that Councillors may join with a Committee of Burgesses to amend and digest the law. A Committee appointed to ask Auditor Bacon for an account of the two shillings a hogshead tobacco duty. |
| May 2. |
Reported to the House, in its message to Auditor Bacon, that the Governor thought the House would have known better than to meddle with affairs that did not concern them. Order for an address to the Governor for the accounts referred to, and for access to other records. Address to the Governor asking for the rebuilding of the State-house at James City out of the proceeds of the two shillings a hogshead and port-duties; also for Councillors to assist in amending and digesting the laws. Several Acts read. |
| May 3. |
Address to the Governor giving reasons for its wish to examine the accounts of the two shillings a hogshead duty. The Committee of Claims reported a claim for 98,000 lbs. of tobacco paid to the soldiers out of the quit-rents received by Lord Culpeper. Order for the Committee to report to the House by what right Lord Culpeper receives those quit-rents. Several Acts read. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 135–146.] |
| May 1. |
1655. Minutes of Council and Assembly of St. Christophers. Order that in consequence of depredations by negroes, every negro taken in theft of canes or produce be whipped thirty lashes if taken by daylight; if seen stealing at night it is lawful to shoot at them with small shot. Negroes found in the highways or in any plantation after 10 p.m. without a pass from his master to be secured and his master fined 50 lbs. of sugar. Concurred in by the Assembly, who request that steps may be taken to prevent negroes from profaning the Sabbath by assembling and beating drums, by imposing a fine of 500 lbs. of sugar on the owners; also that robberies by runaway negroes may be checked; that the Act of Resettlement be strictly enforced, and that negroes be prohibited from walking with great clubs or "bangalows." Proposed by the Assembly that in future creditors be required to endorse on oath the quantity that they may have received in part payment on the back of the judgment. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 48.] |
May 2.
Hampton Court. |
1656. Order of the King in Council. Granting the prayer of the petition of the Royal African Company to be re-heard before the Lords of Trade on the subject of the supply of negroes to Jamaica; the Lords to report thereon. Signed, Phi. Lloyd. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 81, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. I., pp. 113–115.] |
May 2.
Hampton Court |
1657. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Sir Henry Morgan, Robert Byndloss, Roger Elletson, and Charles Morgan, to Lords of Trade and Plantations, for their report. Signed, Phi. Lloyd. 1 p. Endorsed and inscribed, Recd. 7 May '84 (see next abstract). [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 82, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXX., p. 257.] |
| [May 2.] |
1658. Petition of Sir Henry Morgan, Colonel Robert Byndloss, Roger Elletson, and Charles Morgan, to the King in Council. Sir Thomas Lynch has suspended Sir Henry and Colonel Byndloss, from the Council and from all public employment, and Roger Elletson from his practice of the law, and dismissed Charles Morgan from his office of Captain of the Forts in Port Royal. Charles Morgan also on his arrival has found that Sir Thomas has greatly misrepresented all of petitioners. Pray permission to present a statement of their case. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Read in Council, 2 May. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 83, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXX., p. 258.] |
| May 2. |
1659. Copy of foregoing petition. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 84.] |
May 3.
Nevis. |
1660. Sir William Stapleton to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I beseech you to let me know the King's pleasure on the heads of the enclosed petition, that I may leave the officers and soldiers of the garrison of St. Christophers in credit and some way of subsistence, and may discharge several debts incurred for provisions and necessaries for the said soldiers. I wish to leave after seventeen years of government without any just clamour for debts and promises. It is very hard for our soldiers to see the French paid punctually ninepence a day, while their wage is but eightpence a day and that three years in arrear. The French have nothing stopped except for provisions and clothes, and six deniers for the Hotel des Invalides. Mr. Gold, the minister, arrived here on the 25th April, and next day was presented to St. James's parish. Signed, Wm. Stapleton. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Aug. '84. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 85, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 160–161.] |
| May 3. |
1661. Additional instructions to Sir Richard Dutton. 1. To bring in a new law for the regulation of grand sessions, the Governor or Chief Judge to be assisted by the Council, and the Council and no others to have votes in the settling of fines and other matters. This method to be pursued at once till the Act be passed. 2. A law to be passed for the punishment of wilful and wanton murder of negroes. 3. To pass a law to restrain privateers and pirates. 4. To publish the rules for regulation of commerce and navigation fixed by proclamation of 12th March last. 5. To check exports to Tobago, which has been recently settled without royal permission, and discourage the settlement. 6. To furnish a list of twelve persons best qualified to be councillors, and supplement it as required. 7. Sir John Witham to retain his precedence in the Council and his rank as President on the Governor's death or absence. 8. The Militia Act being temporary is not to receive your assent unless it may be made indefinite. 9. To prevent vexatious suits, no appeals to the King and Council shall be allowed unless made within a fortnight after sentence, and good security be given for its prosecution. 10. To revise existing laws, and send home a complete list of them. 11. To recommend to the Assembly the building of a common gaol. 12. Returns of the money raised for the support of the Government to be furnished half yearly to the Lords of Trade and the Commissioners of the Treasury, with accounts and vouchers. 13. All masters of ships are to produce a certificate of the bonds entered into by them before they are permitted to ship any of the articles enumerated in the Act for securing the Plantation Trade of 25 Car. II. 14. The first Councillor to be Custos Rotolorum and be responsible for the keeping of all public records. [Col. Entry Bk8., Vol. VII., pp. 234–238.] |
| May 3. |
1662. Memorandum of the Attorney-General. The information should be slightly amended, and it should be moved that Mr. Humphreys produce his power of attorney in Court and justify Massachusetts of the charges against it if he can. The returns of the writs should be amended by Mr. Normansell upon the letter of the Governor and Magistrates (see No. 1603); if he refuses them, a new writ should be sent over by direction of the Lord Chief Justice, since the Sheriffs of London pretend that it is not of their bailiwick, because the Governor and Company have no estates in the liberties of London. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 86, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 213.] |
| May 5. |
1663. Journal of Assembly of Virginia. Address of the House to the Governor for building him a residence, proposing that he should choose a site and a plan. Bills returned from the Governor assented to with amendments which were accepted by the House. Message from the Governor, asking for reconsideration of the answer to Colonel George Lyddall and Captain Jos. Foster, as he could not be responsible for the defence of the Colony unless the militia were encouraged. Another message from the Governor. I have no power to suspend the King's Order for Colonel Codd to answer Sarah Bland's appeal, but I will represent to His Majesty how unfairly and untruly she has stated her case. I concur with you in the expediency of rebuilding the State-house, but there are, as you know, no funds. I therefore commend to you the King's instructions for a duty on imported liquors. I have received bills which you have sent up to me, and suggest a few amendments. Address from the House to the Governor. We can find no order cr vote of the House acquainting you of our decision respecting Colonel Lyddall and Captain Foster, so the information given to you is a breach of privilege, and we must beg your Excellency not to receive such. Order that Colonel West and Captain Foster have infringed the privileges of the House by communicating this vote, and that they be sharply reprehended by the Speaker. Colonel West and Captain Foster refusing to submit to this order, were committed to their chamber to be strictly confined till further order. Message from the Governor that if there were any mistake in the matter it was on his side, and he would amend it. Addresses ordered to be prepared for to-morrow. |
| May 6. |
Two bills read. Two addresses to the Governor. We have received no answer to our request for the accounts of the two shillings a hogshead duty. We beg that they may be submitted to us as necessary for our deliberations. As to revision of the laws we conceive that it can be done only by the General Assembly. |
| May 7. |
Two bills read; several divisions on that for repealing the Act for cohabitation. A note from Colonel Kendall to Colonel West and Captain Foster desiring their attendance at a Committee, with their answer saying they believed they could not comply without ample restoration by the whole House which bad confined them. |
| May 8. |
Petition from Colonel West and Captain Foster, acknowledging their fault, received; and they were re-admitted to their places. Message from the Governor thanking the House for its offer to build him a house, and asking for time to consider, as he was still so new to the country. As to your desire to inspect the accounts of the two shillings a hogshead, I have already told you that it is in arrear, and that it is a matter for the Lords of the Treasury only; but I am willing to show them to you, though J expect of you that when you have satisfied yourselves that the receipts fall short of the charges in the fund you will proceed to pass a duty on imported liquors. I must ask you to reconsider the Bill of Escheats. As to the revision of the laws, it is directed by my instructions; when done, the revised set will be submitted to the General Assembly. Resolved to draw up a new Bill concerning Escheats. |
| May 9. |
Two bills read. The Governor made the Assembly a speech, saying that they had sat nearly a mouth, and had done very little towards carrying out his suggestions and the Royal instructions, and that he could not let them sit much longer. The House answered with thanks, and brought up the Bill to repeal the Act for encouraging the linen manufacture. Bill for better defence of the country read a first time. |
| May 10. |
The Governor communicated the Royal instructions concerning fines. Resolved to observe them. Resolved to reward Captain George Brent and his men for their good service against the Indians. Bill for better defence read a second time. Address of congratulation to the King on his escape from the Popish plot. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 147–167.] |
| [May 6.] |
1664. Account of the Trade of St. Christophers from 1682. A list of ships with cargoes, &c. 6 pp. Endorsed, with a précis as follows:—Imported in sixteen months ending 2nd February 1683–84:—Provisions 251½ tons, fish 18½, wine 62½, liquors 7. Total provisions of all sorts, 339½ tons. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 87.] |
| May 7. |
1665. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir William Stapleton's letter of 13th January read (see No. 1504). Agreed to press the Danish envoy for a speedy answer and redress for the injuries received from the Governor of St. Thomas, and that to this end an abstract of Sir W. Stapleton's complaints be made; also, that a proclamation be issued by the Governor of the Leeward Islands recalling all British subjects from St.Thomas and other foreign Colonies under penalties. Colonel Thomas Hill's letter of 13th February read (see No. 1536). Also an address from the Council of St. Christophers of 1st February, and from that of Nevis of 14th February (see Nos. 1526, 1539). The Lords will take notice in their answer of the too great forwardness of these Islands in meddling with the King's intentions as to the appointment of a new Governor. Petition of Christopher Jeaffreson read (see No. 1668). Ordered, that the keeper of Newgate report what number of persons condemned to transportation are now in his custody. |
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The Attorney-General's report as to the new Court of Pleas of the Crown in Barbados read and approved. Memorandum of documents received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVII., pp. 286–290.] |
| May 7. |
1666. Conveyance of the public lands of the Somers Island Company to William Gore and John Lloyd, merchants, and John Mallory, citizen of London, in payment of the Company's debts. Certified by Richard Banner. Three sheets. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 88.] |
| [May ?] |
1667. Schedule of land proposed to be sold for the Company's debts. Fifty acres in St. George's, Long Bird Island, Cooper's Island. Fifty acres at Tucker's Town. 1 p. Endorsed. No date. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 89.] |
| [May 7.] |
1668. Petition of Christopher Jeaffreson, agent for St. Christophers, to Lords of Trade and Plantations. In November 1682 petitioner asked for three hundred malefactors to be transported to St. Christophers, and it was long ago ordered by the King in Council that they should be delivered to him, yet not one has been transported, though many have been sent to other colonies. Prays for delivery of three hundred male malefactors; also for arms and ammunition for the forts. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 7 May 1684. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 90.] |
| May 7. |
1669. Act of Bermuda for restraining and punishing privateers and pirates. 3½ pp. Endorsed. Made by the Company at Sadler's Hall, London. Recd. 13 May '84. Certified by Richard Banner. Attached is a note to William Blathwayt,"Sir,—A great part of this Act is left out in the Company's Act, as you may see by the black lines drawn about what is omitted." Unsigned. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 91.] |
May 7.
Bostou. |
1670. Joseph Dudley to Sir Leoline Jenkins. My late attendance in London assured me of your care for the King's interest and the perfect settlement of this place, which might have been happily brought to pass had the people been persuaded to listen to the king's letters and submit. We have tried our utmost to persuade the people to take advantage of the King's declaration, the issue of which is that we are rendered as enemies to their liberties and peace, and several of us dismissed from our place of trust among them. We do not attribute this to the body of the people, who are well-disposed, but to particular persons who have infected it with false intrepretations of the royal declaration and of the assurance that we gave them of the King's favour should they submit. I say this not in complaint but in assurance of my truth and plainness, and in fulfilment of my promise to you to do my utmost to persuade the people to submission. I can now only await the proceedings of the quo warranto and the severity of the law therupon; but I beseech you on my knees for the King's favour towards the Colony that no severity may be used to spoil the growth of the plantations. The revenue will suffer, and the West Indies are greatly dependent on us. I beg, too, that the King's orders for future settlement may be prefaced by the Royal pardon, assurance of property and indulgence in matters of religion, which will greatly oblige the people to obedience and advance their confidence in the King's grace. Signed, Joseph Dudley. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed. Read 9 July 1684. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 92, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 205–206.] |
| May 7. |
1671. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommending the confirmation of the Court of Barbados for holding pleas of the Crown, established by Sir John Witham in consequence of the daily misdemeanors of disaffected persons and of the great expense of Grand Sessions. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 238, 239.] |
| May 9. |
1672. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The case of Robert Beverley was brought up for judgment. It was resolved that the King having pardoned the plant-cutters, and Beverley having made humble and abject submission, his crimes be remitted on his giving good security for future quiet and peaceable deportment. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 187.] |
May 9.
Port Royal. |
1673. Matthew Meverell to Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the 6th instant I seized the ship St. Thomas in Port Royal harbour for trading here contrary to the Act of Navigation, she being a Dutch built ship and her master and owner Spanish. The Attorney-General refused to undertake the case, and the Clerk of the Grand Court refused me process when I presented my information by another counsel. I informed the Captain of the fort under which the ship lay, and Sir Thomas Lynch had notice of my seizure eight or ten hours before she sailed, but refused to see me the whole day. Next morning the ship sailed under convoy of H.M.S. Ruby, Captain David Mitchell. Her cargo is valuable, and her method of trade is vastly prejudicial to the people of Port Royal who have been obliged to lay up five-and-twenty sloops in consequence. I hope to sail for England shortly and lay the matter before you; but Sir Thomas Lynch will render this seizure ineffectual if he can. Signed, Matt. Meverell. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 4 Aug. 1684. Read 20 Aug. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 93, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXX., pp. 262–263] |
| May 12. |
1674. Relation of Gerrit van Sweeringen of the settlement of the Delaware by the Swedes and Dutch. The Dutch came to the Delaware in 1648, and called the creek where they landed Whorekill. They made a second voyage and were all murdered, giving their landing-place the name of Murderkill. In 1650 came a third expedition and went as far as New Castle, but finding English families there went as high as they could, and set up a post marked so as to claim the river for the Dutch West India Company. In 1652 some Swedes came out and, asking leave of the Dutch to refresh themselves, drove out the Dutch and took possession of the river, but in 1684 were dispossessed in turn by a ship from Amsterdam. Meantime a ship arrived from Sweden and prepared to attack the Dutch, sailing by stealth up a creek called Schuylkill or hiding creek; but abandoned it and left the Swedes and Dutch to live together. In 1656 another ship was sent from Amsterdam, in which I came, and we took possession of Newcastle. It was not till 1659 that Lord Baltimore protested against our occupation. Two years after, we abandoned the Whorekill. Then in 1664 Colonel Nicolas captured New Amsterdam. Sworn before Henry Darnall, Wm. Digges, Nicholas Sewall, and John Darnall. Signed, G. V. Sweeringen. 9 pp. Printed in New York Documents, Vol. III., pp. 342–346, [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 94.] and in archives of Maryland, Vol. III pp. 411–417. |
| May 12. |
1675. Journal of Assembly of Virginia. Several Bills read. A Committee appointed to prepare estimates of the cost of the Governor's residence. |
| May 13. |
Two bills discussed. Act concerning escheats passed. Debate on the imposition on imported liquors. Bill for better defence of the country sent up for assent. Debate on rebuilding the Statehouse. |
| May 14. |
Bills returned with assent of the Governor on proposed amendments. Several amendments offered to the Bill for better defence of the country, most of which were accepted by the House. Several Bills read; that for a duty on imported liquors passed. Divers claims settled. |
| May 15. |
Debate on rebuilding the State-house. Divers claims settled. Several Bills passed, including one for better securing the King's Customs. Message from the Governor declining to assent to the Bill concerning Escheats. Bill for better defence committed. Message from the Governor directing the preparation of a Bill enabling counties and parishes to make byelaws. |
| May 16 |
Address to the King on the grievances of the Colony (see July 22). Message from the Governor, that he was concerned to find the House hesitate to reimburse Lord Culpeper for pay advanced at a critical time to the soldiers. Address from the House to the Governor on his amendments to the Bill for defence, and his attitude towards the Bill for Escheats; and another address asking that the Bill as to byelaws of counties may be deferred to next Assembly. Message from the Governor proposing the impost on liquor to be extended to all imported liquors, and an increase of the amount imposed. The House accepted his suggestion. The Governor suggested a conference about Indian affairs which was agreed to. |
| May 17. |
Petitions dealt with. Conference on Indian Affairs. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 168–190.] |
May 13.
Council
Chamber. |
1676. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. The King of Denmark having sent a new Governor to St. Thomas with orders to dispossess the former Governor, and the Danish envoy having desired that in case Governor Esmit should resist, Sir William Stapleton might have orders to assist him, it is recommended that the requisite orders be sent to Sir William Stapleton accordingly. ½ p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII.,p. 117.] |
| May 13. |
1677. The Attorney-General to Mr. Wynne. I received yours with Mr. Randolph's enclosed. I proposed to wait on the Lords this afternoon, but am prevented by several important trials at Westminster. The quo warranto was brought against the present members of the Company for usurping to be a body politic, and the process was directed in the ordinary form. A letter was sent from the Sheriffs of London to the master and members of the Company by Mr. Randolph, but the letter was not delivered till after the return of the writ was out. The Sheriffs' principal objection against returning a summons was because notice was given after the return was past. He also raised the question whether he could take notice of New England as out of his bailiwick. I think that the best way to reach them will be by a scire facias against the Company to repeal the patent, and upon a nihil returned by the Sheriff of London, a second special writ being directed to Mr. Randolph who shall give notice in time before the return of the writ who may make return thereof. Signed, R. Sawyer. Holograph. 1 p. Written below in another hand: And upon two nihils returned by the Sheriff of Middlesex, if they do not appear, judgment will be entered against them. Enclosed, |
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1677. I. Edward Randolph to Lord?. Yesterday Mr. Ward, a clerk of the Crown Office, who was employed to draw the writ of quo warranto against the charter of Massachusetts, told the Attorney-General that he had not inserted the words "Governor and Company" as the Charter directs, so I fear that after all it will not answer its purpose. The Sheriffs of London again object that New England is outside their liberties. The Attorney-General seemed to think that a new writ should be directed to me, and that I should serve it at once on the Corporation, but will consult the Lord Chief Justice. Pray move Mr. Attorney to say what is to be done to make them appear, for so far they refuse. I am ready to return to New England when ordered. Copy. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No8. 95, 95 I., and (without enclosure) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 199.] |
| May 13. |
1678. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Secretary Godolphin reports that a new Governor has been actually sailed from Denmark with orders to dispossess Governor Esmit. The Danish envoy asked that, in case of Esmit's resistance, Sir William Stapleton might have order to give the new Governor help. Agreed to recommend this to the King. |
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Several members of the Royal African Company and the agents and other gentlemen of Jamaica attended. The Company pointed out that if the draft Act pass, they are obliged to furnish twice five thousand negroes, and if it be rejected five thousand, which they suppose was not the King's intention. Ordered that the Act be altered so as to acquit the Company of the necessity of the double supply. The Company insisted that they should not be obliged to furnish five thousand negroes in the year unless they were assured that the Act would pass, and offered to furnish three thousand at all hazards within a year of the signification of the King's pleasure. Agreed to recommend that the Company be bound to furnish three thousand in any case, giving security to furnish five thousand if the Act pass. |
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Sir William Stapleton's and Sir Thomas Lynch's letters announcing the sack of New Providence to be represented to the King. |
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Ordered, that the whole matter of the complaint of Sir Henry Morgan and others against Sir Thomas Lynch be heard on the 20th instant, and that Captain Morgan be furnished with copies of all papers that have passed concerning it. |
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Memorandum of documents received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVII., pp. 291–295.] |
| May 13. |
1679. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommending that the number of negroes to be supplied by the Royal African Company to Jamaica be changed from five to three thousand (see No. 1571). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. I., pp. 115.] |
| May 13. |
1680. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Reporting the capture of New Providence by the Spaniards. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVII., p. 110.] |
May 14.
Nevis. |
1681. Sir William Stapleton to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since my last I am a little better informed of the arrival of Count de Blenac. He came with three men-of-war, and brought recruits for the twelve companies already in the Islands and three companies more for Mariegalante, St. Croix, and St. Christophers. Once in three years, or as often as they are wanted, they exchange and complete the companies. The Count de Blenac is Vice-King, and M. de St. Laurens designs to go with the Intendant, Mons. Begon, to reduce the Spanish part of Hispaniola. The Governor, Council, and Assembly of Antigua have appointed Mr. William Barnes to be their Agent in England. I beg you to hear him, as a man well able to give you an account of affairs. I hear from Jamaica that the Francis, Captain Carlisle, is not there, so I conclude he was lost in the storm that struck Barbados—a thousand pities, a brave hopeful young man. The Leeward Islands, where a man-of-war is most wanted, are destitute of so much as a boat to take me from island to island to write my account of them. A fortnight ago the Governor of St. Thomas sent his wife and two sloops to Barbados with what gold and plunder he has. I hear he is in want of provisions, and I hope that they may not furnish him in Barbados. No one shall in the Leeward Islands if I can help it. Signed, Wm. Stapleton. Holograph. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 30 July; read 6 Aug. 1684. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 96, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 158–160.] |
| May 14. |
1682. Warrant of Sir Thomas Lynch to the Provost Marshal for the commitment of one Meverell and Abraham Gill for illegal attempt to seize Don Juan Gesnes y Spinola in the ship St. Thomas. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 3 Sept. 1684. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 97.] |
May 14.
New Hampshire |
1683. Governor Cranfield to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since my last the Indians to eastward in Maine have been very disorderly, and have threatened to kill the English and burn their houses, which gives us and the neighbouring Colonies great fear of another Indian war. I wrote to the Governors of the several Colonies to send to the principal Chiefs, which are called Sagamores, to know the reason of these threats, and to tell them that if any wrong had been done them the English would give satisfaction and use all methods to preserve peace and amity. I hope this has been done by the other Colonies as well as our own, for we have a good understanding with the Indians that inhabit among us, but notwithstanding this the Governor of Massachusetts and myself have thought fit to ask Colonel Dongan for the assistance of the Marquas and some of the Southern Indians (who know their skulking way of fighting and are always at war with them) in case of a war. Mr. Bosten and Mr. Shrimpton were sent from Boston on that errand, and I myself went in person. We found ready compliance from Colonel Dongan, but I hope that it will all blow over and that peace will continue; and, although peace is the interest of all the Colonies, it especially concerns us to pray for it, for we have not twopence in the Treasury, nor one farthing paid since my arrival, though I have pressed earnestly on two Assemblies for money for the support of the Government. But the influence of Moody, Vaughan, Walderne, and Elliott was too strong. I recommended Elliott to you lately as a fit person to serve the King, but I find that I was as much mistaken in him as I was in others of whom I saw the outside only when I first came. It is their way to insinuate themselves artfully only to get the better opportunity of thwarting the King's Government. He not only betrayed the secrets of the Council, but disturbed its proceedings in matters relating to navigation, he being a great shipowner; so I was compelled, with the Council's advice, to suspend him till your pleasure be known. I recommend Mr. Francis Champernoun and Mr. James Sherlock in place of him and of Mr. Nathaniel Fryer, who is gone to live in the other province. I have said so much about ministers in former letters, but I cannot omit to report to you the insolent speeches of Mather, the minister of the North Church at Boston, and Mr. Nowell, one of the magistrates, concerning the declaration sent by the King with the quo warranto. They told the people that their inheritance which God had given them was like to be taken away like Naboth's vineyard, and excited them to arms to defend it, putting them in mind that David, when he sinned, preferred to fall into the hands of God rather than of man. I hear also that a minister of Boston declared Hugh Peters was unlawfully put to death and died a martyr. The same spirit prevails here. There are affidavits of speeches to the effect that the King knew nothing about the coming of myself and Mr. Mason hither, but that we were sent by the Duke of York, and that we are dogs for acting by such a power. Such virulent and malicious speeches of the ministers poison the minds of the ignorant people, and while they are allowed to preach there will be no allegiance here. Mr. Bernard Randolph, his brother's deputy, is dead. Having observed myself that Canary wines and French commodities are more plentiful in Boston than ever, I think it absolutely necessary for the vacancy to be filled. It is my humble opinion that the Church of England should be established and the ministers here silenced, and that the maintenance upon the regulation both of officers and ministers should depend wholly on the King. This cannot be better done, without burdening the Crown, than by continuing the taxes, customs, and other impositions they have made; for I assure you that there is such a canker among the generality of the people that it will take a long time to accomplish it by Assemblies. Signed, Edw. Cranfield. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 13 Aug. '84. Read 29 Nov. '84. Annexed, |
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1683. I. Francis Hook to Walter Barefoot. The Captain of the fort at Casco has sent to me for ammunition. He has strong suspicions of an attack by Indians, who are instigated by one Casteen, a Frenchman, by whom they have been promised a shipload of goods. They intend to attack Pemaquid Fort first, and Medockawanda, a great Sagamore, married to Casteen's daughter, is said to be the chief person. The attack is expected in a month. Dated 11th February 168¾. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 13 Aug. '84. |
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1683. II. Anthony Bracket to Major Davis. I did not write you all I heard from my friend, lest the province should be set in an uproar, and the Indians hear of it and kill him for betraying their plot. Three men came to me from the Kennebec to know what they should do to secure themselves against the Indians. I could not answer, not knowing what the province would do, and being only six or seven families; so they resolved to come into our town with all speed. There are ten Indians gone to Canada, for ammunition as is supposed; they have been gone ten days, and are expected back from Quebec in ten days more. Mr. Gendall also has had a token left at his house by an Indian, warning him to fly with all speed. The men told me that the Captain of Pemaquid Fort has sent for Medockawanda, to ask him why he is again raising insurrection, and has sent him word that if he does not come he will fetch him, which I fear is more than he can do. Mocces, a Kennebec Sagamore, reports that all his men have left him, and that he has no control over them. He is gone to Pemaquid Fort. Dated Fort Loyal, 23rd February 168¾ Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 13 Aug. '84. |
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1683. III. John Allen and Lawrence Dennes to Anthony Bracket. We have taken it into consideration to send two Indians to Naconick to bring in all the Sagamores there or elsewhere that may be found, and the Indians are bound to return with them or their answers on the 8th instant to Fort Pemaquid. We have also sent the Sagamore Moxes with an Englishman with him east to summon us Casteen and Medockawanda or their answers concerning their treacherous dealing with the English. They are to meet at the same place, and we shall not fail to tell you of the result. We beg you to send speedily for the Sagamores of your parts and bring them to a strict examination; and to inform us of your proceedings. Dated Sagadahock, March 3, 1683/4. 1 p. Endorsed as foregoing. |
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1683. IV. Francis Hook to Governor Cranfield. I have news of an alarm of an Indian attack from Casco and Cape Porpoise. At Casco the inhabitants have laid aside all business to strengthen their defences. The Indians have lately robbed an Englishman's house and declared their intention of killing all the English. Dated March 11. 168¾. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed as foregoing. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 98, 98 I.–IV., and (letter only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp: 111–113.] |
May 14.
New Hampshire. |
1684. Governor Cranfield to Sir Leoline Jenkins. I have received the draft of the Jamaica Act against privateers. I have no money for pirates. I hope that some in authority at Boston may not have too much overlooked the punishment of several privateers that have frequented that port. I am told that those who sacked Vera Cruz put several women and children on an island to starve because their husbands could not ransom them. They boasted of this at Boston, as I am told by one who heard several of them publicly discourse of their cruelties. Unless you favour me with some employment I am ruined, for I have spent on my duty in the Government all the money paid me for my place at Whitehall. Signed, Edw. Cranfield. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed, R. 12 Aug. Presented 30 Sept. '84. [Col. Papers, Vol. LIII., No. 99, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 110.] |
| May 15. |
1685. Order of the King in Council. Confirming the Barbados Court for holding pleas of the Crown, with the limitation that no trial or prosecution be held in that Court without leave of the Governor and Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 239.] |
| May 15. |
1686. Order of the King in Council. That orders be sent to Sir William Stapleton to assist the New Governor of St. Thomas as desired (see No. 1676). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 118.] |
| May 15 |
1687. Order of the King in Council. That the number of negroes to be supplied by the Royal African Company to Jamaica within a year be altered from five thousand to three thousand. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. I., pp. 116, 117.] |
| May 15. |
1688. Order of the King in Council. That the King of Spain be written to for the restitution of New Providence and satisfaction for the damage done. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVII., p. 110.] |
| May 15. |
1689. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. The King's order of 19th December 1683 for repeal of the Act of Extent read, and the Governor's announcement of the same dated 14th April. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIX., No. 81.] |
