|
| July 1. |
1041. Mr. Robert Mason's agreement with the King about New
Hampshire. Reciting that the King has thought fit to free
the province of New Hampshire from the jurisdiction of Massachusetts; and has required Robert Mason to remit unto the
inhabitants all rents and demands to the 24th June last past, and
to make them a legal grant and title to the lands improved by them,
on condition that the said inhabitants become tenants and for the
future pay to the said Robert Mason a quit rent of sixpence in the
pound upon the full and yearly value of all houses and pounds
thereto belonging, and upon all improved lands, excepting woodlands only which are to remain at the said Robert Mason's disposal;
and that the said Robert Mason accepts the above terms. Signed
and sealed. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 2, and Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 80.] |
July 1.
New Plymouth. |
1042. The Governor and Council of New Plymouth to the King.
Have received the King's letter of 12th February 167 8/9 concerning
claims and claimers of lands in the Narragansett and Niantick
countries, and have made it known to those in the Colony that
pretend to any interest there by virtue of a purchase made by
Major Atherton, who desire their humble submission, still hoping to
obtain settlement in their rights. By the same letter are informed
that Mr. John Crown has petitioned for a grant of Mounthope, and
are directed to inform His Majesty of their title to that country
and of its true extent and value. The lands of Mounthope belonged
to the Sachem Philip, and are unquestionably within the patent
grant made to New Plymouth, within which none might purchase
or in any way obtain lands but they and those whom they allowed,
and were conquered by the joint forces of Massachusetts, Connecticut,
and New Plymouth by the expense of more than 100,000l. besides
inestimable damage sustained by particular persons and plantations,
and the loss of the lives of many hundred of their brethren,
children, and choice friends. The profits of the war (except a few
prisoners taken in the latter end thereof) were only land. New
Plymouth being the seat of the war suffered more in proportion
than any, and therefore had Mounthope, with a small ragged tract
of land adjoining to it, for their part, by agreement of the
confederate colonies, who were allowed 1,000l. because the New
Plymouth lands were judged more valuable than theirs, and
Mounthope with its appurtenances by far the better part of the
conquest lands. Have put it to sale for 3,000l. but have not yet
found chapmen. The area is reckoned to be 7,000 acres at the most,
part of it a good soil and much of it rocky, mountainous, and barren,
which commends it and causeth them highly to esteem it and
earnestly to beg that they may not be deprived of it, not only
because they have fought and paid and bled for it, but because this
Colony for want of good harbours could never get considerable
improvement of the sea, whereas these places are well accommodated
for the settlement of a sea-port town or two. Humbly offer an
answer to His Majesty's blame for that they had not given an
account of the war; perceive that they have been greatly abused
by miscarriage of letters, both from the Colony and particularly
from the Governor, bearing date 12th June 1677, copies whereof
they transmit. Hope to find the originals, and also a small present
of their Governor's therein mentioned. Know that letters and
present came safe to London and hope to. have them presented,
though very untimely. Pray that this poor Colony that made the
first settlement in this wilderness to spread the Gospel and enlarge
the King's dominions may not by misinformation of any evilminded persons, their neighbours, be deprived of what they have to
live upon. Their whole patent is but a very narrow strip of land
and generally mean, and the people here by God's goodness are
greatly increased. Should they be eaten out by their neighbours of
Rhode Island, to whom they have in a certain sense given being, it
would argue high ingratitude in them, and New Plymouth would
account it the worst of deaths. Having written about two years
since and doubted not till now that the letters were received, did
believe the King was satisfied and thereupon disposed of some of
the conquered lands in order to a settlement, which, if reversed,
would reduce them to great straits and plunges, they having the
above-mentioned 1,000l. to pay, and many lame soldiers, widows,
and orphans to provide for. Beg for a speedy answer. Their
Governor was careful last year to give an account of the trial of the
controversies between Mr. Harris of Patuxet and his neighbours,
but sent the letters to Secretary Williamson, who was dismissed
from that trust before the letters arrived, so that they were sent
back and are herewith presented. Signed by order of the General
Court, Nath. Morton, Secy. Endorsed, Presented in Council by
Mr. S. Coventry 26 Sept. '79. Read the 2nd of March 16 79/80. 1 p.
Original damaged at the edges, signature gone. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 81.] |
|
Copy of the above. 6 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 17.] |
July 2.
Council Chamber. |
1043. Memorandum and Report of Lords of Trade and
Plantations on the Treaty of Neutrality to be concluded with the
French. Mr. Secretary Coventry having informed their Lordships
that the French Ambassador declares himself ready to treat, the
Lord President is desired to move His Majesty in Council that a
Commission may be passed under the Great Seal empowering such
of the Lords of the Council as are named to treat with him, as also
that orders may be given for negotiating a Treaty of Commerce
with the French. |
|
Here follow the heads of the proposed treaty to provide for
neutrality of the British and French West Indies, even in case of a
rupture between the mother countries. The English possessions
enumerated by name are Barbadoes, Jamaica, St. Christopher,
Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Anguilla, St. Eustatius, Barbuda, Saba,
Tortola; the French, St. Christopher, Martinique, Guadaloupe,
Tordudos (sic), Hispaniola or St. Domingo, Grenada, Santa Cruz,
Cayenne, St. Martin, St. Bartholomew, Mariegalante. Any
differences in the Caribbee Islands shall be settled by the English
and French Generals of the respective Governments; differences
between Hispaniola and Jamaica by the Governors of those two
islands. The Treaty of Breda is respected. Nine Articles in all.
4½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 367–372.] |
| July 2. |
1044. Order in Council on a Report of the Committee for
Plantations concerning William Harris. The Committee, in answer
to the reference of 23rd May concerning the pretensions of William
Harris, enumerate the proceedings previously taken and the order
of 2nd January; are of opinion that by reason of the distance it
will be a matter of great difficulty for His Majesty to give such
judgment as may equally decide the pretensions of Harris and of
Randall Holden and John Greene; advise that commands be sent
to the Governor and Council of New Plymouth to hear the dispute
and to report thereupon to His Majesty, and to the Governor and
magistrates of Rhode Island, requiring the latter to put Harris and
his partners in possession of Patuxet, and to take care that execution
be given for the damages and costs allowed by the verdicts within
three months. 19th June 1679. Shaftesbury, Pr., Bridgwater,
Fauconberg, Thomas Dolman. Ordered, that a letter be prepared
accordingly. 4½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX., pp. 346–351.] |
| July 2. |
1045. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King.
The claims of Robert Mason to New Hampshire. Recapitulation
of the history of the case, with reference to petitions, opinions,
orders, &c., from the days of James I. Upon the whole matter
the Lords advise an express Order in Council declaring that the
Corporation of Massachusetts have no right either to soil or
government beyond three miles to the north of the Merrimac
river, nor to the soil or propriety of any land lying between the
rivers Naumkeck and Merrimac, and that all alienations of the
said lands made by them are null and void. Also to command the
inhabitants of the tract of land between Naumkeck and Piscatawa
to receive Robert Mason as their lawful proprietor, pursuant to the
Letters Patent of King James I., unless they can show sufficient
reason to the contrary, when their pretensions shall be judged
before the Privy Council. Draft. 8 pp. Endorsed, 2 July 1679.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 82.] |
| July 3. |
1046. Petition of Thomas Oxford to the King. While the
Lords of Trade and Plantations are considering the settlement
of Government in Newfoundland, petitioner, for want of such
settlement, is daily discouraged and wronged, robbed of several
goods and a negro servant. Prays restoration of the negro and
compensation for other damage. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 3 July.
Read in Council 4 July 1679. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 83.] |
| July ? |
1047. Questions proposed to the Lord President to be asked the
gentlemen of Barbadoes; who were called before the Lords of Trade
and Plantatations by name, and answered each question as recorded
in their Lordships' Journal abstracted in the following entry.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 84.] |
July 4.
Whitehall. |
1048. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commissioners of Customs directed to give a particular specification
of Imports from and Exports to the West Indies. Sir Peter Colleton,
Col. Drax, Mr. Lucy, Colonel Thornburgh, Mr. Chaplin, Mr. Bawden,
Mr. Gorges and others called in and asked as to the laws of Barbadoes.
They conceive that laws made by Commission from the Earl of
Carlisle remain still in force unless repealed, whether approved by
the King or otherwise; also that the laws made by Lords Francis
and William Willoughby, though their Commissions expressly
required the Royal confirmation thereof, remain perpetually in
force, since His Majesty has not for so long time excepted against
them. They say that all laws made since that time remain in
force for two years and no longer, unless confirmed by the King; it
is the Governor's duty to send them home for the purpose; they
are surprised to hear of any difficulty herein, for the Council would
send them home without fail; since His Majesty has chosen the
Council, the Councillors very jealous for the royal prerogative and
the royal interest. They declare themselves surprised at the
Governor's failure to send home the Act for a second free entry for
goods lost at sea; defend the Act itself as sanctioned by custom
under the Lords Willoughby in imitation of an English Act of
Parliament; hence the Governor re-enacted it in good faith. When
the present Act was made retrospective for three years it was
supposed that the present farmers were concerned in the first farm.
Since their Lordships take such offence at it, the Assembly will
doubtless repeal it, being far from desiring to do or continue anything to the King's prejudice. Their Lordships taking exception to
the short time for which certain laws are enacted, causing frequent
meetings of the Assembly and hence interruption of trade and
business, Sir Peter Colleton replies that the Assembly is always
bound to meet frequently for the amendment of the laws concerning their negroes and plantations; the members pay their own
share of the expense, and enjoy no privilege for selves nor servants;
even Councillors have no particular immunity. The custom is to pass
no law without three adjournments, which means frequent sitting.
Their Lordships think hereupon, that the Governor and Council, who
make two parts of the Legislature, being nominated by the King,
no prejudice can happen to His Majesty while they do their duty;
that for greater security the Governor, on receiving from the
Assembly any Bill of more than ordinary importance, or relating
to the King's revenue, should send it to the Council with the
reasons why the law should pass, that the same being examined in
England may be returned with such reasons as should here occur
concerning it. |
|
Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Drax state that they are
empowered to offer that the Island shall take the 4½ per cent. duty
so far as concerns itself, with its own hands, and pay to the King in
England the same sum as the farm is now let for, without any
defalcation. Captain Crispe makes the same offer on behalf of the
Leeward Islands. |
|
The gentlemen being withdrawn, their Lordships consider the
Book of Laws sent by Sir Jonathan Atkins, and are of opinion that
they may be confirmed by the King, after examination by Serjeant
Baldwin to make sure that they contain nothing derogatory to the
royal authority. Sir Jonathan Atkins, having neglected several parts
of his instructions, and failed to answer letters and enquiries, it is
agreed that a particular account be sent him of his past omissions,
and of what is expected from him in future; and whereas he says
that on the death and absence of divers Councillors the King's
business is forced to lie idle, their Lordships will report that five
instead of seven members may make a quorum in future. 6 pp.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 46–51.] |
| July 4. |
1049. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The
Bermuda Company attend and say in reply to questions that they
have not failed to answer their Lordships' letters from want of
respect, but because their magazine ship is not yet come in.
Ordered, that they be furnished with copies of the Petition and
Complaint, and that both parties attend on Wednesday sennight at
nine in the afternoon. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 52.] |
July 4.
Council Chamber. |
1050. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King in
relation to Barbadoes. As to the laws which are to be in force
two years and no longer unless confirmed by your Majesty within
that time: The Governor has upon various and frivolous
excuses delayed to send them and at length has sent them so imperfect and so late after the time of their enacting, as they could
not admit of our examination and your Majesty's allowance
within the time limited. We were finally assured that Governor
Atkins had transmitted all the laws in force, when at the same
time a complaint was presented by the farmers of the 4½ per cent.
duty against an Act of which we had not received any
notice, "whereby we are convinced that instead of complying with
your Majesty's instructions, endeavours are used by him to conceal
matters of that nature from us." Notwithstanding our repeated
instances he has failed to be accountable unto us of divers particulars
relating to his government. Though directed to make laws for
two years, many are limited to a few months without any reason
given, which occasions great inconvenience and danger to that
island, and which, as Governor Atkins himself has observed, tends to
the great confusion of the people and prejudice of the country.
For remedy of all which inconveniences propose that His Majesty
by letter declare his pleasure to Sir Jonathan Atkins upon the
above-mentioned particulars according to the draft annexed (see
No. 1,074). Have received from him a book of laws made in
Barbadoes from 1660 to 1672 which we propose should be sent to
Mr. Serjeant Baldwin, one of His Majesty's Council, to examine and
report upon. And whereas Governor Atkins complains that by the
death and absence of many Councillors he cannot without great
difficulty get a quorum to attend, we humbly advise that the
quorum be reduced from seven to five councillors. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 85, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 269–273.] |
July 5.
Whitehall. |
1051. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Ordered
that the petition of the inhabitants of Bermuda be sent as the
former to the Company to make answer thereunto. [Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 52.] |
| (July 5). |
1052. Petition to the King from the Merchants and Freeholders
of Bermuda. At the general planting of the Bermudas many of
the nobility, gentry, and others were incorporated under the name
of the Governor, &c., under pretence of a grant of the said islands
to them by the Virginia Company, long since dissolved; the said
Company were then owners of all the lands in the said islands, and the
planters and their tenants or servants sent thither at the Company's
charge. The petitioners with great hazard, labour, and industry, long
since purchased three quarters of the land and became owners thereof.
The Company, besides the alienation of their lands, are now so few
that their government is not practicable as it is directed by their
charter; nor have they traded as a Company upon a joint stock for
more than fifty years. The now pretended Company, however,
(contrary to the laws made by the true Company before they had
sold any of the land) does now impose so many taxes, payments
and intolerable hardships (a schedule whereof is annexed), keeping
petitioners under such slavish subjection and tyrannous oppression,
that they can no longer endure it. Petitioners by their Assembly
made complaint five years since by petition to the King and the
pretended Company; but the Company concealed the petition, gave
no relief, and ordered that the Assembly should meet no more.
Pray the King to grant them a Governor who will give them free
trade according to the Navigation Act; will cheerfully pay all
duties and customs, fortify their land, and pay their Governor
without any expense to His Majesty. Annexed, |
|
1052. i. An abstract of the Planters' Articles against the Bermuda
Company. The Articles are sixteen in number expanded
from the eleven in the former petition (see ante,
No. 990 II.), the additional particulars being that the Port
dues charged amount to a shilling a ton; that though the
Company prohibits whale fishing, it had previously granted
a lease thereof; that ships and goods bringing tobacco
from Bermuda are confiscated by the Company; that the
Company lays a tax on tobacco which amounts to a third
part of the profit on the land; that the Company suffers
the planters to have no goods from England except those
brought in its own magazine ship, and those at excessive
rates; that when the officers make distress for those
payments they never return the surplus; that the forts
and guns are in so ruinous a condition that the place is
incapable of making any defence. Signed by 57 of the
inhabitants. Recd. 5th July 1679. The two documents
together, 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVII., pp. 69–73.] |
July 7.
Wapping. |
1053. Sir W. Warren to Sir R. Southwell. Has for many
years traded to New England, but was never there in his life, and
so knows but few people there; those that he has dealt with in
the parts about Piscataqua that are eminent men and fit to serve
His Majesty in the quality he mentions are Sampson Sheafe,
Richard Waldron, Peter Coffin, John Cutt. From inquiry amongst
the New England men there find that the most eminent and best
qualified men for that trust are, in Exeter, Gillman, Fulson; in
Portsmouth, Sampson Sheafe, Elias Stileman, John Cutt, Thomas
Davies [Daniel ?], Richard Martin, Nathaniel Fryer, William
Vaughan; in Dover, Richard Waldron, Peter Coffin, John Gerrish,
Anthony Nutter; in Hampshire, Sam. Dolton, Captain Hussey,
John Samburn, Nathaniel Wyer, 1 page, with seal. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 86.] |
| July 7. |
1054. Names of Councillors for New Hampshire. Identical
with those in the foregoing, except that the name of Sampson
Sheafe is omitted. Endorsed, From the Agents of New England
7 July 1679. Scrap. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII, No. 87.] |
| July 8. |
1055. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. Colonel Richard
Guy again chosen Speaker. Orders for allowance of the duty of
"decayed liquors" of 24th June last (see ante, No. 1018) confirmed.
The Act for the speedy collecting of arrears of levy passed with
amendments made by his Excellency and Council. The Assembly,
finding their year to expire this night, order that their records be
left in the hands of the present Speaker until there be a new
election. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 351–353.] |
| July 9. |
1056. The King to the General Court of New Plymouth.
Concerning William Harris (see ante, No. 1044). Requires the
Governor and Magistrates to examine the pretensions of Holden
and Green and others against Harris. If Rhode Island does not
within three months allow Harris peaceable possession of Patuxet,
they are to cause the first and three last verdicts of the Commissioners, with costs, to be executed without delay. 4 pp. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 2–5.] |
| [July 10 ?] |
1057. [Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Governor and
Council of New Plymouth (?).] Recommend to them Thomas
Baxter, who lost his tingers and most part of his left hand in the
defence of the Colony against the Indians. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXI., p. 1.] |
July 10.
Whitehall. |
1058. Order of the King in Council on Report of Lords of
Trade and Plantations. Concerning the Government of New
Hampshire. The King having determined to take all the towns
and province of New Hampshire into his own care, the Lords
propose the following form of Government:—(1) A President and
Council constituted under the Great Seal. (2) The Council to be
of nine members, six to be nominated by the King, who shall swear
in three more of their own selection from the several parts of the
country. The President to have power to name a deputy; and the
President or his deputy with five others to make a quorum. (3) The
Council to open its commission at Portsmouth and be provided
with a seal from England. (4) The Council, for the present, to
administer justice, civil and criminal, according to the laws of
England, so far as circumstances permit; appeals to lie to the
King in Council in matters of real property, personalty to value of
50l., and criminal cases except murder. (5) President and Council
to issue commissions for defence of the territory. (6) Liberty of
conscience to all, and special encouragement to Church of England.
(7) The oath of allegiance to be administered to all that hold office;
all old commissions to be recalled, and future commissions to run
in the King's name; the present directions to be proclaimed.
(8) The present taxes to be continued for the expenses of Government. The President and Council, three months after constitution,
to issue writs for election of a General Assembly. Details of
suffrage, etc., entrusted to them. Acts of Assembly to come into
force after approval by President and Council, pending confirmation
by the King. The Assembly to nominate three persons, of which
the King will choose one to be President of that Council, and 18
more, of whom the King will select nine to be members of the
said Council. Vacancies to be filled by election of the Council, the
name of the chosen member being sent home, with those of two
others, for the King's choice. The Council to be informed that the
King "inclines to observe this method of grace and favour towards
Assemblies till by inconveniences arising from thence he see fit to
alter the same." (9) Titles to land to be settled, if possible, according to a proposal of Mr. Mason's to recognise all existing titles
as valid on payment of sixpence in the pound on the value of all
houses and improved land, and retain all land unclaimed for his
own use; if not, by the President and Council, and in the last
resort by the King and Privy Council. (10) All rules and methods
of the President and Council to be sent home for confirmation.
Report dated 5th July 1679. Signed, Shaftesbury, Anglesey,
Arlington, Russell, H. Powle, J. Ernle, Tho. Dolman. Ordered
hereupon, that Mr. Solicitor Finch prepare a Bill for the Royal
Signature in accordance with foregoing report, to be passed
under the Great Seal. Mr. John Cutts of Portsmouth to be
the first President; Mr. Richard Martin, Mr. William Vaughan,
Captain Thomas Daniel, all of Portsmouth, Mr. John Gillman of
Exeter, Captain Christopher Hussey of Hampton, and Major Richard
Waldron of Dover, to be of the Council, as recommended by the
Lords of Trade and Plantations. 8 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX.,
pp. 360–366.] |
uly 10.
St. Jago la Vega. |
1059. Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Coventry. A week
ago a vessel arrived from Nevis. She was in harbour, when two
French men-of-war, passing by the fort where the King's flag was
flying, refused to strike. The fort fired seven guns, two of which
are believed to have struck the French hull, whereupon the
Frenchman, luffing, edged into the harbour, fired seven shotted guns
through the harbour into the town, and so stood out to sea. On
the 7th instant, at 11 p.m., the Point was alarmed by the appearance of eight French men-of-war in the offing. The Point fired
guns to give the alarm to leeward. I received it myself at
Guanaboa, 22 miles from the Point, took horse, and was in with
the forces at their arms before day. Being got early to the Point
in a good condition of defending itself, I met there Count
d'Erveaux, a Knight of Malta, with some other French officers,
who pretended to come from Count d'Estrees to ask leave to wood
and water at Blewfield's Bay, or Point Negril, one of the most
leewardly ports of this Island. The reason given was that they
were bound first for Carthagena to demand thence all French
prisoners, but, being driven to this coast by violent breezes, were
now bound to Havanna to make the like demand; that they were
unwilling to trust to Spanish courtesy for wood and water, which
they intended to demand, but believed that the denial thereof by
the Spaniards would lead to quarrel, they expecting the same
privilege in the West Indies as in the Mediterranean. They told
us they came from France 14 sail, but had left seven at Lisbon to
attend Count Schomberg. To what end these French are come
here we cannot possibly learn; they say, against the Spaniards, but
the people distrust their speech. They admired the island, but
said they should have a better in Cuba. They were respectfully
treated from morning till evening, when a small frigate came into
the harbour-mouth, took them aboard, and, after saluting the port,
stood off to the fleet, which was cruising all day about two leagues
to windward of our port. The Point was so alarmed that the
inhabitants removed their goods and families for fear of a French
descent; and several sloops coming in with advice that the French
fleet was standing off to windward, this so increased their jealousies
that I called a Council to the Point. It was agreed that a council
of war should be held and martial law proclaimed for 30 days,
which was done accordingly. The whole of the inhabitants,
soldiers and slaves, were set to work to increase the fortifications, I
being very glad of the opportunity of carrying on work which would
otherwise have gone forward very slowly. Still, in my opinion,
the French aim rather at Havanna than Jamaica, and if they
get possession of this, the key of the West Indies, as they certainly
may unless obstructed by England, they will command the treasure
of this part of the world more to the prejudice of England than
the Spaniards. Pray consider this. H.M.S. Hunter and two
sloops are watching the French fleet. On 12th July, at 7 p.m.,
news came from Blewfield's Bay, to leeward, of eight French
war-ships within the bay. This has quieted the people, who
feared they were to windward. The occurrence has done us
more good than harm, but the generality of people will not give
up their opinion that the French fleet when reinforced is designed
against this Island. The common law will take place again nine
days before the meeting of the Assembly; a busy Session expected.
Pray move the Master of the Ordnance to hasten to us guncarriages, powder, and small arms; the alarm has occasioned the
using of all we had in store; and also the King to order recruits
for the two companies under pay here. I shall continue or shorten
the duration of martial law according to the progress of our defences.
"Read at the Committee 9 Oct. 1679." 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XXIX., p. 329.] |
July 14.
Maryland. |
1060. Lord Baltimore to William Blathwayt. Thanks for your
letter of 1st January. I enclose "for your divertisment" copy of
an Act of the Assembly of Virginia, just passed for their security
against the incursions of the Northern Indians, who daily infest
them, and cause me to apprehend some mischief; but as yet
Maryland has received no prejudice from them. You may
remember that I left with you some papers relating to a peace
made by Maryland with the Northern Indians, and made for
Virginia as well as Maryland. It is with these Indians that they
now have all this trouble, that peace having been violated last
summer by some indiscreet, or rather mad, men of the Colony. It
would be a long story to write, so I must wait till I see you.
By those Acts that I send, you may be perceived how they
precipitate their business, taking very great care in the penning
of laws. Many things mentioned in this great law for their
defence of the Colony in my opinion nowise becomes the grandeur
of an Act. But I must not trouble you further. |
|
Postscript.—My humble service to Sir R. Southwell and his
lady; I should have writ to him but that I apprehended to
have given him too great a trouble. Signed. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 88.] |
| July 15. |
1061. Answers of the Somers Islands Company to Inquiries
from the Lords of Trade and Plantations. [This paper is given in
form of successive questions and answers in Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XVII., pp. 51—62.] (1.) The Bermuda Islands were
discovered by the English in 1609, being then unclaimed and
uninhabited; and the said Company having purchased the soil
thereof was incorporated in the 13th year of King James by the
name of the Governor and Company of the City of London for
plantation of the Somers Islands, and thereby had the sole government committed to them, with power to make laws and ceremonies
of government. The said Islands are governed subordinately by a
deputy governor and his council. The deputy governor has his
commission from the Company in London, and his council are
eight persons of note in the Island; the sheriff and secretary of the
Islands are also of the council. Deputy governor, sheriff, and
secretary are all chosen by the Company in one of their four quarter
courts. By law of the Company there is constituted a general
assembly, consisting of governor, council, and forty persons chosen
by the respective tribes, who have power to present laws to the
Company for approval, such laws being valid only on confirmation
by the Company. General sessions and assizes are held every year
by the governor and council, to decide all causes criminal or civil.
(2.) There is no court of admiralty; governor and council determine
maritime causes on occasion. (3.) The legislative power is in the
Company, and the executive in the Island. (4.) The Company
have made several laws and statutes, which are contained in their
books. They conceive these to he pursuant to their power, and in
no way prejudicial, and are ready to produce them if desired.
(5.) There are six companies of foot in trained bands—about a
thousand men armed with musket and sword. The deputy governor
is captain general, the six foot-commanders are appointed by the
Company. Troops are mustered at least four times a year. (6.)
There is one castle, called King's castle, and one fort, Southampton
fort, at the entrance to the castle harbour; two more forts, Padgett's
and Smith's, at the entrance to the town harbour, all victualled
annually at the Company's charge, and attended and served by the
public tenants; the Island is naturally fortified and very difficult to
take. (7.) No privateers or pirates frequent the Island. (8.)
Virginia, Carolina, and Bahama Islands are the nearest neighbours,
planted with English; their trade, tobacco, furs, and wood. (9.)
Bermuda trades with them in all sorts of provisions. (10.)
Description,—Bermuda is a ridge of land lying nearly N.E. and E.
and S.W. and W., but rounding; its broadest point is two miles,
its narrowest half-a-mile wide; length, twenty miles; longitude,
58° 20" West of the Lizard; latitude, 38° 20". The eight tribes are
sub-divided into 50 shares, each share 25 acres, besides the public
lands appropriated for maintenance of the government, all settled
and inhabited. (11.) St. George's is the only town; the places of
trade are the storehouses of the inhabitants; houses generally built
of cedar, none exceeding two storeys and garrets. (12.) Each tribe
is a distinct parish. (13.) No rivers; two harbours; no soundings
out of sight of land; very good anchorage in 8 fathoms in Castle
Harbour, 5 fathoms in Town Harbour; 18 feet and 13 feet water
at the entrance at low water. (14.) Staple produce,—tobacco,
exported and consumed on the spot, to value of about 5,000l.
annually. There is timber growing, but nothing else that may be
produced for shipping. Imports,—wearing apparel, household
goods, and some liquors. Exports to neighbouring islands,—beef,
pork, fish, wax, honey, Palmeto hats, baskets, wooden ware; value
about 6,000l. annually. (15.) No salt or saltpetre in the Island.
(16.) Population,—four merchants, English, no strangers, about
400 planters, total 8,000 men, women, children, and slaves; about
1,000 men fit to bear arms. (17.) No white immigrants from any
quarter whatever for seven years past the Island being fully
peopled; about 50 blacks brought in during past seven years, and
sold at about 15l. a head. (18.) About 120 blacks, whites, and
mulattos born in one year, and half of them christened. (19.) About
30 marriages a year in the whole Island besides those of blacks.
(20.) About twenty deaths per annum on average of past seven
years. (21.) The estates of the merchants may be about 100l.
each in value, total wealth of the Island about 20,000l. (22.)
Shipping,—ten or twelve sail of small vessels come in annually
from New England, New York, Barbadoes, &c., for the provision
trade; eight or ten more may call on their passage to and from
other places; thirteen or fourteen vessels belonging to the Island
varying from twenty to eighty tons. (23.) There is no obstruction
to trade or navigation, nor (24.) is there any improvement that
can be wrought thereto. (25.) Rates and duties,—No duties
payable on any goods exported or imported, whether produced in
the Island or not, except a duty of fourpence a gallon on rum,
which has never yet been levied, except for public uses in the
country, and a duty of about one penny per pound upon tobacco
brought into England, which is paid by the merchants that import
it in England, and is applied to the public use of the Company and
country. (26.) Religion,—the Presbyterian persuasion is most
prevalent, being reckoned to include two-thirds of the population,
the remainder being Independents, Anabaptists, and Quakers.
(27.) There are nine churches and five ministers, who are sufficient
to supply all churches; each of them receives 40l. a year from the
Company, a house, and two shares of land; there are some poor
indigent persons in the Island, but no beggars. Signed by order
of the Court 15th July 1679, Gilb. Gerard, Dep. 4½ pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 89, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVII.,
pp. 51–62.] |
| July 15. |
1062. Answer of the Somers Islands Company to the grievances
and complaints of the signatories of the Bermuda petition (ante,
Nos. 990 I., II.), "who call themselves freeholders, merchants, and
inhabitants of Bermuda," and to the abstract of Planters' Articles
(ante, No. 1,052 I.). (1) No freeholders have ever been dispossessed
without due proceedings. (2) No ships are prohibited from touching
at the Island; port dues are charged everywhere, and those at
Bermuda are reasonable. (3) The duty of 4d. a gallon on rum is
levied by law of the Company and is conceived to be reasonable.
(4) The Company never omitted to send a magazine ship, but in
one year, viz., that of the Dutch war. (5) There is a law for the
holding of Assemblies, which, if neglected by the Governor without
occasion, will be enforced by the Company. Petitions to the King
are not stopped; only private petitions under five pounds between
party and party require the Company's approbation. The
Company know of no occasion to examine the proceedings of the
Governor and Council, and therefore have not sent a Commission for
the purpose. (6) If the Governor and Council impose illegal taxes,
it is without the Company's order, and upon complaint will be
redressed. But the public lands are not sufficient to pay the
expenses of the Government. (7) The Company's magazine ship is
sufficient to carry all dry goods, and no others ought to go without
the Company's leave. The matter has already been brought before
the King in Council by Mr. Trot and others, and decided in the
Company's favour. (8) The building of ships of over five tons
burden is prohibited, to preserve the timber supply of the Island.
(9) The Company's ship is generally sufficient to carry away all the
tobacco, and in case of an extraordinary crop, a second ship is sent.
The bringing it to the Port of London secures His Majesty's customs
which might otherwise be lost. (10) The whale fishery is a
Royalty of the Company. There is a lease thereof existing, but the
fishery has lately been prohibited at the request of several of the
lessees (owing to differences among themselves), the Company
deriving no benefit from the same. (11) No tobacco should be
brought from Bermuda, but in the Company's ship; any brought
otherwise the Company has power, by its charter, to confiscate.
(12) There is a duty on tobacco, and has been for fifty years, to
pay the expenses of Government; it cannot be very prejudicial to
the planters for it does not amount to more than 20l. a year. If
the Government could be supported otherwise, the traders living in
England would not lay this burden on themselves. (13) The
Company's magazine ship is sufficient for the Island; the rates are
reasonable and the Island well supplied. (14) If there had been
any unlawful distress, the Company would, on complaint, have
redressed it. (15) The forts were never in a better state then at
present, and the Company takes care to keep up the supply of arms.
(16) The Company has endeavoured to obtain its just tax on tobacco,
according to its laws and constitutions, the same being necessary
for support of Government. Signed by order of the Council on the
15th July 1679, Gilb. Gerard, Dep. "Recd. 16 July." 3½ pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XL., No. 90, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVII.,
pp. 73–77.] |
July 15.
Nevis. |
1063. Governor Stapleton to Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Acknowledges receipt of His Majesty's decision as to the Tobago
negroes (see ante, No. 972). It will be impossible to take the
whole number or their proceeds in possession, Captain Haddock
having disposed of some by sale and gift, to what parties is not
yet discovered, and sent one or two home; others again were free
negroes. Nevertheless, will endeavour to comply with his orders.
Comte d'Estrées is in the vicinity with nine men-of-war besides
"curvetts" and other tenders; he passed Nevis on 25th June,
bound, it was supposed, to take St. Thomas from the Dane, an easy
matter; but, as has since been ascertained, he did not touch there, but
sailed for French Tortugas and Hispaniola, where the inhabitants
are something refractory over an impost of 4 livres per cent. on
sugar and tobacco. Thence he may go home, having victuals only
to last to the end of October. This is all the intelligence that can
be gathered, but their design may be quite different—more probably
to fetch up men, as they did 1,500 buccaneers last year, for they
expect six more men-of-war and two great fly-boats with provisions
and soldiers, and plague the planters of the Leeward Islands with
watching and trenching. These precautions are necessary from fear
of a French attack after the hurricane season, for the French
Admiral and General both (according to report) have power to make
war at pleasure. If D'Estrées goes home, another squadron may be
expected to relieve the present, for since the last 12 years the
French King has sent out a fleet once or twice a year, to the great
encouragement of his own Colonies and the discouragement of the
English. Has received the King's commands respecting the enforcement of the Acts of Trade, but protests before God that he knows
of no violator thereof in late years who has not been prosecuted.
Bonds are taken according to law from all that have not certificates
from the ports of England, and the certificates are compared with
the seals sent out. All Deputy Governors, Marshals, Secretaries,
and Customers, are sworn to respect the Acts of Trade, as also
Stapleton himself. Their Lordships kind admonishment of the
penalties he might incur by wilful neglect of the Act are too fresh
in his mind to allow him to fail in his duty in respect of the Acts;
5,000l. fine and incapacity to serve his sovereign would make a
great hole in his estate, and he would rather resign than have the
least complaint of him made with any colour of justice. Repeats
that there is pressing need of a frigate in the Leeward Islands, in
time of peace and of a squadron in time of war, otherwise cannot
well answer for any island, except where he may happen to be in
person, if attacked or invaded; though the whole blame will be laid
on him by those who do not consider the distances, nine or ten
miles greater than that between England and France, which divide
the different parts of the Government. Were it as compact as
Jamaica and Barbadoes would not care how soon he were attacked
by the French if they decline the Articles of peace. 3½ pp. Recd.
20 Sept. 1679. Read 1 Oct. 1679. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 91, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 364.] |
| July 16. |
1064. Mem.—That a duplicate to the King's letter of 31st
May (ante No. 1011) was signed at Hampton Court, July
10th, with the postscript that the King had received Lord Carlisle's
letter by Sir Francis Watson on the 9th July, but had had no time
to discourse yet with him. The duplicate was despatched to
Jamaica on the 16th July by Captain Tyte, of H.M.S. Success.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 299.] |
July 16.
Whitehall. |
1065. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Read, the
project of a Treaty of Neutrality with the French in the West
Indies. Ordered, certain alterations in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th
Articles. |
|
The business of the Bermuda Company. The Patent first read,
and then both Company and complainants called in. The answer
of the Company to the Articles of Complaint was read; but the
complainants stating that they were not ready to come to a final
hearing, and the Company desiring that the occasion of their
particular complaints might be specified, and that the names subscribed to the petition might be given them, it was ordered that
a copy of the Company's answer be furnished to complainants,
and of the particular complaints to the Company, and both parties
be ready on Wednesday next. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI.,
pp. 63, 64.] |
| July 18. |
1066. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Read, the
project of the treaty with the French in the West Indies. Ordered,
that Mr. Secretary Coventry move the French Ambassador to appoint
a time for treating the same with the Commissioners nominated by
His Majesty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 66.] |
| July 19. |
1067. Copy of Warrant issued by Governor John Cranston
for the arrest of Richard Smith, merchant, inhabitant of the
Narragansett. Certified by John Easton, Constable of the town
of Newport, to whom the warrant is addressed. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 92.] |
| July 21. |
1068. Certificate of John Greene, of the Narragansett country,
a Conservator of the Peace. Declares on oath that 40 years and
more ago Mr. Richard Smith, whom he then lived with, did first
begin and make a settlement in the Narragansett country by the
consent of the Indians, and did improve land, now meadows,
several years before Warwick was settled by any Englishman, and
that he saw and heard all the Narragansett princes assembled
together give by "livrey and sesing" some hundreds of acres, about
a mile in length and so down to the sea, about 30 years ago; and
that in all the time of their late troubles the inhabitants of the
King's Province had no relief from Rhode Island, although they
often complained of the injuries done by the heathen, which made
them apply to the Massachusetts; nor had they any relief in the
time of the late war to keep any one place or house in the King's
Province. Signed. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Sawyer 3 March
16 79/80;. 1p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 93.] |
| July 21. |
1069. Deposition of Roger Williams touching the Narragansett
countries. |
"Providence, 21 July 1679 (ut vulgo).
" I Roger Williams of Providence, in the Nahigonsett [Narragansett] Bay in New England, being (by God's mercy) the first
beginner of the mother town of Providence and of the Colony of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, being now near to
fourscore years of age yet (by God's mercy) of sound understanding
and memory, do humbly and faithfully declare that Mr. Richard
Smith, senr., deceased, who for his conscience towards God, left a
fair possession in Gloucestershire and adventured with his relations
and estate to New England and was a most acceptable and prime
leading man in Taunton in Plymouth Colony—for his conscience
sake (many differences arising) he left Taunton and came to the
Nahigonsik country, where (by the mercy of God and) the favour
of the Nahigonsik Sachems he broke the ice (at his great charges
and hazards) and put up in the thickest of the barbarians the first
English house among them. (2) I humbly testify that about
forty-two years from this date he kept possession (coming and
going) himself, children, and servants, and he had quiet possession
of his housing, land, and meadow, and there in his own house, with
much screnity of soul and comfort, he ejected up his spirit to God
(the father of spirits) in peace. (3) I do humbly and faithfully
testify (as aforesaid) that since his departure his honoured son,
Capt. Richard Smith, has kept possession (with much acceptation
with English and pagans) of his father's housing, lands, and
meadows, with great improvement also by his great cost and
industry, and in the late bloody pagan war I knowingly testify
that it pleased the Most High to make use of himself in person, his
housing, goods, corn, provision, and cattle for a garrison and supply
to the whole army of New England under the command of the
ever to be honoured General Winslow, for the service of His
Majesty's honour and country in New England. (4) I do also
humbly declare that the aforesaid Capt. Richard Smith, junr.,
ought by all the rules of justice, equity, and gratitude (to his
honoured father and himself) to be fairly treated with, considered,
recruited, honoured, and by His Majesty's authority confirmed and
established in a peaceful possession of his father's and his own
possessions in the pagan wilderness and Nahigonsik country. |
"The premises I humbly testify as leaving this country and this
world.
"Roger Williams." |
|
Holograph by the said Roger Williams in a perfectly firm,
legible hand, attested as follows:—"Taken upon oath this 21 day
of July 1679 before me, John Whipple, of this His Maj. Colony of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England in
America." The whole 1½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 94.] |
July 21.
Nevis. |
1070. Warrant of Governor Stapleton, Captain General and
Chief Governor in and over His Majesty's Caribbee Islands in
America and Vice-Admiral to the Duke of York. Complaint
having been made by Henry Carpenter, Agent to the Royal African
Company, that several negroes have lately been imported into this
Island, contrary to His Majesty's charter to that Company, in
the sloop Richard Thomas, George Standley master, belonging to
Richard Cary and Thomas Belchamber, merchants of St. Christopher's;
this warrant authorises Cæsar Rodeney, Marshal of the Island, to
seize the said sloop and secure her under the guns of one of His
Majesty's forts until legal trial be held. Copy. Certified by
Cæsar Rodeney. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 95.] |
July 22.
New York. |
1071. Certificate by Abraham Corbett, Clerk of the Court of
Record, of the grant of an appeal to John Palmer in the case of
John Ward against John Palmer. Endorsed, Read 4 March
1679–80. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 96.] |
July 23.
Whitehall. |
1072. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The complainants against the Bermuda Company excused themselves for
not being ready to make good their accusations, as their Counsel
had disappointed them. Their Lordships, believing this to be a
bare pretence, tell them they are not to expect further hearing
unless they pay 5l. to the Company for the expenses of their
Counsel. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 67.] |
| July 24. |
1073. Abstract of the King's letter to the Governor and Company
of Massachusetts. (See ante, No. 1028.) 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 97.] |
July 24.
Hampton Court. |
1074. Order of the King in Council approving Report of Lords
of Trade and Plantations of the 4th instant (see ante, No. 1,050), and
draft of letter to Sir Jonathan Atkins which Secretary Coventry
is directed to present to His Majesty for his signature. |
|
Trusty and Well beloved We greet you well. We little imagined after our
letter to you of 9th December 1676 (see No. 1179 in previous Volume of
Calendar) (wherein with great tenderness towards you and with so much
sense of the inducements leading us to employ you in that trust We
gave you rather caution than reprehension for some proceedings of yours
derogatory to our service) that we should yet receive fresh information
from our Committee of Trade and Plantations that you have still
continued under the neglect of transmitting the laws of that our Colony
by the first opportunity after the enacting of them, according to your
instructions and the reiterated letters of our said Committee, which hath
been of very great prejudice to our service. Nor have the excuses and
evasions by which you endeavour to justify yourself (as will more particularly appear by a letter from said Committee) had any other effect with
us than to increase the offence We have justly taken thereat. And to
the end you may now receive all our resentments together We cannot
but further take notice of your non-observance of several parts of our
Commission and Instructions, whereby you are directed to give yearly
accounts of divers matters to the Committee, and your evading the
answering the inquiries at several times directed by them concerning
the state of that Government. And the inconveniences that have arisen
to our service thereby will sufficiently appear unto you by another
despatch from us in the single instance of the laws passed by you
concerning our duty of the 4½ per cent., to which we refer you and for the
future charge and require you not to intermeddle with our revenue so
that any part of it may be thereby lessened or interrupted, without first
receiving our special commands. |
|
And that the intention of the power we have entrusted in you may be
rightly pursued and many mischiefs prevented which may otherwise
happen, Our will and pleasure is that for the future all laws may be made
indefinite and without limitation of time so that the continuance of them
may be for two years pursuant to our Commission, except the same be for
a temporary end which before that time shall expire and have its full
effect And therefore you shall not re-enact any law which shall henceforth be enacted by you, except upon very urgent occasions, but in no
case more than once without our express consent, for which purpose We
expect that you transmit all laws unto us within three months after
they are enacted or sooner if occasion offer. In all which abovementioned particulars if you give not due compliance for the future We
shall not only interpret it a supine neglect or weariness of the trust
reposed in you but an avowed disobedience to our commands, and shall
thereupon find ourselves obliged to provide in such other manner for
our Government as may better answer all the parts of our service and the
tender care We will ever take of the welfare of our good subjects. But
hoping you will hereafter redeem yourself in our good opinion We
further you to our said Committee for further information and direction
in all the said particulars and any other that shall at any time occur. |
|
And whercas We are given to understand by your letters that by the
death and absence of many of our Councillors in that our Island you
cannot without great difficulty get a sufficient number of them to attend
our service We are therefore well pleased that the number of five of
our Councillors be henceforth sufficient to make a quorum until further
order. And so We bid you farewell. From our Court at Hampton
Court this 24th day of July in the 31st year of our reign. |
By His Majesty's command,
H[entry] C[oventry]. |
|
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 274–277.] |
July 24.
Hampton Court. |
1075. Order of the King in Council. Referring a book of laws
of Barbadoes from 1660 to 1672 to Mr. Serjeant Baldwin, one of
His Majesty's Council, to examine and report whether they be
agreeable to His Majesty's authority in that island and the good of
His Majesty's subjects there. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., p. 286.] |
July 25.
Whitehall. |
1076. Memorandum of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
The French Ambassador met the Commissioners for the Treaty of
Neutrality in the West Indies in the Council Chamber, and, on
receiving a copy of the project of the treaty, declared that he had
no power to proceed thereon, but would send it to the French
Court by first opportunity. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 67.] |
July 25.
Whitehall. |
1077. Order in Council, on a complaint made to this Board
from Virginia that several arrears are due to His Majesty's forces
in that Colony, and particularly to Major Mutlow's company,
directing that Lemuel Kingdon give an account of this matter to
the Lords of Trade and Plantations. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXX., p. 358, and Col. Papers, Vol XLIII., No. 98.] |
July 25.
Whitehall. |
1078. Order of the Privy Council referring to the Committee of
Plantations a letter from Sir Henry Chicheley and the Speaker of
the Assembly of Virginia to the King, together with a letter from
Sir Henry Chicheley to Secretary Coventry (see ante, Nos. 994, 995).
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., p. 362.] |
July 26.
Whitehall. |
1079. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Sir Jonathan Atkins.
Have received His Majesty's especial directions to take notice unto
you of the several omissions which upon view of his letters have
occurred to their Lordships in relation to his Government (of
Barbadoes). In the first place must observe the prejudice arising
to His Majesty's service for want of a regular and speedy transmission of all laws in force within his Government. "But that
which we cannot pass in silence is that although these difficulties
arise from yourself yet you cease not to impute the blame and evil
consequences unto us; and even without respect to the power given
you in your Commission you forbear not to intimate that, if by
more necessary occasions we should think fit to lay those laws aside
(which were never yet regularly before us), or that you have no
advice of His Majesty's resolutions, you are in danger of being
without laws, to the disturbance of the Government and provocation
of a most stubborn people that have the arms in their own hands,
although with all obedience unto His Majesty. These indeed are
inducements, if you reflect upon your own omissions, which alone
might have moved you to a punctual observance of your duty."
Their Lordships point out how contrary his assertion is to the fact,
that never any laws had been sent home by preceding Governors; yet
because they are equally sensible with himself of the great prejudice
to the country by the wanting of lasting and conclusive laws, have
advised His Majesty to give him such powers as cannot fail to cure
the evil so justly apprehended by him. This is the more necessary,
as their Lordships show by the Act for settling the Militia, which
"is left so loose as to have been three times re-enacted since 13th
December 1677," and by other laws in like manner limited to very
short terms without any just reason. As to his answer that he
had no precedent for sending the laws under the seal of the Island,
remind him that he sent two in the private cases of Plumley and
Middleton authenticated with that seal. "But we are most
surprised, after you have assured us in your letter of 17th April
last that you had sent all the laws in force," that His Majesty was
presented with copy of a law touching the 4½ per cent. which
contains very great irregularities. [Their Lordships' observations
and consultations with the chief merchants of Barbadoes and
censure of Governor Atkins' conduct in reference to this Act, and
other Acts not transmitted by him, are calendared in the Abstract
of their Journal of 26th and 27th June and 4th July (see ante,
Nos. 1034, 1036, 1048)]. Will now proceed to mark out the other
parts of his duty wherein his compliance is wanting, notwithstanding
their most pressing and continual desires in that behalf; and first
will show other particulars of his instructions upon which they
have not yet received any satisfaction, viz. the establishment of
jurisdictions, courts, and officers, a yearly inventory of arms and
ammunition, of the number of inhabitants, planters, masters,
servants, and slaves, and how many are able to bear arms, account
of entry of goods throughout the Island, of the duties payable upon
imports and exports, and of the public revenue, of the number of
negroes supplied to the Island, and at what rates. Add what their
Lordships have already demanded without effect, viz. description
and map of the country which he promised to send in 1675, the
stores and provisions of war, the yearly value of exports and
imports, accounts of christenings, burials, and marriages, number
of ships trading to the Island, and what rates and duties are payable
on goods exported and how same are applied. Their Lordships
command he should acquaint them with all material things and
Acts of Council to guide their knowledge and direct themselves
in the performance of the trust reposed in them. Have already
explained what they mean by a Journal, so doubt not he will
observe their directions, "although you seem to suggest (we cannot
tell with what reason) that there are many things incident to the
Island which ought to be kept secret by you because you are
accountable to His Majesty for your duty with the utmost peril
of your life, as if those privacies you mention could receive any
prejudice from us, to whom His Majesty has been pleased to commit
the care and inspection of all things relating to his foreign
plantations. But not doubting for the future of your ready
compliance in all the above-mentioned particulars, we bid you
heartily farewell." Signed by Shaftesbury Pr., Anglesey C. P. S.,
J. Bridgewater, Bathe, and J. Ernle. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol, VI.,
pp. 277–286.] |
| July 29. |
1080. Petition of 42 inhabitants of the Narragansett country to
the King. Describes the settlement of Richard Smith, the father
of one of the petitioners in the Narragansett country 42 years
back; the foundation of Rhode Island from Massachusetts under
Mr. W. Codinton; the settlement at Warwick of Mr. Gorton and
Holden, and of Mr. Roger Williams at Providence; the further
settlement of the Narragansett country, at Richard Smith's invitation, from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Plymouth; the purchase
of the island of Quononaquat by a company of Rhode Island and
Boston joined together, and of another tract of land to the south for
the digging of black lead; the disputes as to government of the
Narragansett country, which was granted both to Connecticut and
to Rhode Island; the submission of some of the colonists to
Connecticut by articles made in England by Lord Brewerton,
Captain Deane, Major Thompson, Doctor Worsley, and Captain
Brookhaven; the settlement of the country as the King's Province
by the Commissioners in 1664, who granted orders for settling a
part of it to Mr. Brown, Captain Willit and others; the aggression
of Rhode Island in violation of the Commissioners' orders; the
abandonment of the country by Rhode Island and its desolation
during the Indian war; the distress of the inhabitants; their flight
to Rhode Island and return. Prays the King to put an end to the
differences about the government which have been so fatal to the
prosperity of the place. Endorsed, "Reed, from Mr. Sawyer, 3 March
16 79/80" 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 99.] |
July 30.
Whitehall. |
1081. Journal of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. The
complainants against the Bermuda Company attended, having paid
the Company five pounds as they were bid. On the first article of
complaint, after hearing both sides, their Lordships agreed that the
Company has no right to sit as a Court of First Instance, and that
the practice is illegal. |
|
Four letters to the governors of the New England Colonies
signed, requiring them to give account of their governments under
certain enclosed heads of enquiry. New Plymouth to send a copy
of its patent. Mr. Randolph being ready to leave for New England
is directed to observe his former instructions so far as they suit with
the present constitution of affairs there. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI.,
pp. 68–70.] |
