|
| Sept. 1. |
Debate on an import duty on liquors deferred till next sitting.
Orders for payment of salaries, gunners of James Fort, Charles Fort,
Willoughby Fort, Fontabell Battery, Carlisle Bay Breastwork,
Holetown Fort and Forts at Speight's Bay. Adjourned to 28th
September. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 393–397.] |
| Sept. 2. to Sept. 9. |
1494. Proceedings of the General Court at Boston. (1.) Proposition of Randolph to have the tobacco and other goods that was
seized on 17th August, brought to trial and a day appointed for
Hutchinson, Mitchell and others to make their defence. (2.) 2nd
September 1680. Permission given Randolph by the Council to
prosecute on 9th September at 9 a.m. (3.) Warrant of the General
Court summoning Jonathan Jackson and Nathaniel Ballard summoning them before the Court of Assistants on 9th September. (4.)
7th September 1680. Proceedings of the Court of Assistants on
the trial of 50 hogsheads and 4 bags of tobacco and other plantation
commodities; after the pleas and evidences of the plaintiff, Edward
Randolph and of George Hutchinson (who acknowledged the goods
as his), the jury found for the defendant with costs of court, to which
verdict they adhered after having been twice sent out of Court.
(5.) Information of Edward Randolph demanding the forfeiture of
the goods for breach of the Navigation Acts. (6.) Deposition of
Daniel Mathews giving an account of the seizure of Ballard's sloop,
Jackson's sloop, and of Captain Lawrence. Attested by Gerrard
Francks, 26th August 1680. (7.) Deposition of Jonathan Jackson
disclaiming any interest in the goods save only for freight. (8.)
Deposition of Nathaniel Ballard and Timothy Bread giving an
account of the way in which the tobacco, &c., came on board their
vessel. 9th September 1680. (9.) Deposition of Thomas Standford
with an account of a conversation with Jonathan Jackson. 9th
September 1680. (10.) Deposition of Gerrard Francks concerning
his lading and unlading of some tobacco. (11.) The boatswain's
receipt for tobacco. Copies. 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI.,
No. 1.] |
| Sept. 3. |
1495. The Attorney-General to William Blathwayt. Recommending Richard Chamberlain, barrister-at-law, to be Secretary of
New Hampshire (see ante, No. 1478). Signed, Creswell Lewins.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 80, and Col Papers, Vol., XLVI.,
No. 2.] |
Sept. 4.
Rhode Island. |
1496. Governor Peleg Sanford to William Blathwayt. Acknowledges letter of 8th April 1680 directed to Governor Cranston (who
deceased in March last). Encloses humble remonstrance and
address to His Majesty with a copy of the agreement of the two
agents in England and of the Commissioners. The intrusion of
Connecticut notwithstanding the King's commands is prosecuted
with much violence and fury to the disturbance of the loyal subjects
of that colony; Connecticut presuming on their strength to force
obedience, as if they were assured the King's arm would never be
stretched forth, for the relief of his poor (and by them almost
ruinated) subjects. Endorsed, "Recd. 12th Nov. 1680." 1 p.
Enclosed, |
| Sept. 4. |
1496. i. Governor and Council of Rhode Island to the King.
Several of His Majesty's subjects, coming to New
England to enjoy liberty in matters of religion were,
after their first settlement in Boston, forced by their
neighbours' persecution, to adventure among the wild
and most populous body of the natives for habitation,
which they accomplished by purchasing lands of the chief
sachems, the government of which, with all others of the
Narragansett and Niantick lands, was granted by a patent
of 14th March, 19 Chas. I. His Majesty, in the 15th
year of his reign, gave them a charter bounded W. with
Pauquatuck or Narragansett River (10 miles E. of their
first charter), which bounds, after a long debate between
John Clarke, their agent, and John Winthrop, agent for
Connecticut, were fully agreed upon on John Clarke
consenting to part with some of their former claims for a
peaceable issue. It was also agreed that Pauquatuck
should be called Narragansett River. Petitioners have
been informed that Mr. Richard Smith and others lately
settled in the Narragansett country (the greater number
being not so ripe in years to give a certain information
of the settlement), have in a petition to the King,
complained of being wronged and oppressed by the
Rhode Island government (which assertion is altogether a
deception) under which they expect a confirmation of
what His Majesty's Commissioners made null and void.
The said Mr. Smith with others is a maintainer of
discord, sometimes yielding obedience to the government
as by his accepting and executing the place of an
Assistant, and then at other times denying obedience.
Providence (according to the information of the ancient
English inhabiters and the records of each town), being
the first town settled by Roger Williams and others in
1635/6, Pawtuxett and Rhode Island were settled in 1637/8,
and some time after, at Narragansett (eight miles from
Rhode Island) Mr. Wilcocks and Roger Williams obtained
leave of the Indians to set up a trading house for
commerce with the Indians there, and some years
afterwards Mr. Richard Smith, senior, of Portsmouth, and
a freeman of the colony, removed to this trading house,
as it was said a partner to Mr. Wilcocks, the trade with
the natives being then the most profitable employment
in those parts. Warwick was settled in 1642/3, Pettacomscutt in 1657 by Samuel Wilbore and partners
of Rhode Island, and in 1659 Major Atherton and
accomplices (of which Mr. Richard Smith was one), most
of them of Rhode Island, settled some parts of the
Narragansett country, the place they settled on being
now called Kingstown. In 1661 Misscommacutt or
Westerly on the E. of Pauquatuck, and in 1677 East
Greenwich were settled, both by inhabitants of Rhode
Island. In 1664, at Pettacomscutt, after a long debate
and "adjetation," His Majesty's Commissioners, in the
presence of the Governors and Agents of the two colonies,
determined the Rhode Island Government to extend to
Pauquatuck River, and went in their own persons and
stated the bounds thereof, a determination confirmed
by His Majesty's letters, Rhode Island enjoyed the
government till 1672, and then was (and still is)
molested by Connecticut, who assert government on the
E. side of the Pauquatuck, assessing, fining, imprisoning,
and oppressing His Majesty's subjects, they having lately
in July, in violent manner, broke open the door of one
Joseph Clarke, of Westerly, and carried him away a
prisoner. Petitioners ask for protection from the furious
oppositions and oppressions of their neighbours, and for
a confirmation of their charter. Signed, Peleg Sanford.
Endorsed, Recd. 12 Nov. 1680. 3 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLVI., No. 2.] |
Sept. 6.
Windsor. |
1497. Don Pedro de Ronquillos, Spanish ambassador to the
King. The Governor of the province of Carthagena reports that
a barque arrived at that port sent by the Governor of Jamaica,
with a letter from himself and the Governor of Tortue, whereby he
was informed from Vincent Sebastian, Governor of the province of
Santa Martha, and the other persons who were taken in the
invasion made by pirates upon that province and are still in the
island of Tortue, that those governors demand a Frenchman, a great
pirate, who is a prisoner at Carthagena, and also 4,000 pieces of
eight for the liberty of Vincent Sebastian and the other prisoners
of Santa Martha. Now nothing can be more contrary to the treaty
than to demand a ransom for prisoners that are subjects, especially
after an invasion made against all reason such as that of Santa
Martha. For though it be said that Frenchmen did it, yet it is
certain that English were with them, and that they sailed with
their prisoners to the port of Jamaica, where the Governor ought
to have chastised your Majesty's subjects and not consented to
demand a ransom for them. The ambassador, therefore, hopes that
your Majesty will order the liberation of Vincent Sebastian and his
fellow prisoners without any ransom. |
|
Further, Don Francisco de la Guerra de la Vega, Governor of
Santiago, in Cuba, reports that about September 1678 a bilander
of the Isle of Jamaica arrived in that port on pretence of
delivering a packet of letters to the Governor; but the ship being
searched was found to contain five slaves, and other things
brought with the intention of trading with them. The Governor
thereupon ordered him to depart immediately (having first
delivered an answer and allowed the ship to be victualled), without
suffering anything to be landed, recommending the Governor of
Jamaica at the same time that he would take care to prevent such
exorbitances on the part of Jamaican subjects on those coasts, as
prejudicial to the service of the King of Spain, and fraught with
ill consequences. The ambassador, therefore, begs your Majesty to
enjoin on the Governor of Jamaica to be very careful that the
inhabitants forbear to carry on this unlawful trade. Translation.
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 3, and Col. Entry Bks.,
Vol. XXIX., pp. 423–425.] |
Sept. 6.
Windsor. |
1498. Don Pedro Ronquillos, Spanish Ambassador, to the King.
Sir Henry Goodrick, your Majesty's envoy to my master, has
delivered a memorial complaining of a breach of the Treaty between
the two Crowns concerning America, and alleging that the Admiral
of Carthagena seized by force some English vessels belonging to
Jamaica, took away their cargo, imprisoned the master, obliged
them by torture and threats to deliver bills of sale, and in case of
refusal detained them until with hunger, irons, and other ill-usage,
he had obtained it; adding that this has been verified on oaths
before Lord Carlisle who reported it to your Majesty, particularly the
losses and sufferings of Paul Abney—how the Admiral seized him,
confiscated his vessel with her cargo of cacao, and obliged him by
threats and cruelties to sign a bill of sale, and how Paul Abney saw
at the same time six other masters of English ships on board the
Admiral treated by him in the same manner. All this Sir Henry
Goodrick has represented by your Majesty's order, and prayed that the
Admiral might be punished, the injured English subjects indemnified,
and the Spanish Governors instructed to subject the English to no
more such treatment. His Catholic Majesty ordered the Council
of the Indies to examine the matter, from whose report it appears
as follows:—In September—October 1679 the Governors of Havana
and Caracas, and Don Antonio Quintana of the Armado of Barlavento (styled by your envoy Admiral of Carthagena), gave an
account of the prizes they had taken, sending likewise authentic
instruments of the hostilities committed in the Spanish dominions
by different privateers. By these instruments it does not appear
that the prize demanded in your Majesty name was taken by the
Armado, while of the three taken, one was French, one Dutch, and
the third a derelict, judged by her cargo to be English. This
derelict proves that the English deal not sincerely in sailing along
the coast of Santa Catalina (where she was found), for such a course
leads to none of your Majesty's possessions, and lies to leeward of
the Colonies to which they are permitted to go; nor is there any
place on that coast for some distance where a ship may refit, whereas
they had before them islands and havens proper for it. As to the
captain and crew detained by the Admiral, it appears that the ship
was not that alluded to by your envoy. Presumably they made
use of this supposition on behalf of the prize taken by the French,
as your Majesty's subjects made use of the commission of the
Governor of Tortue in their piracy, which is clearly proved by the
declaration of an inhabitant of the Isle of Margarita whom they
carried prisoner with them for several days. Your Majesty will
perceive hereby how little ground there is for this complaint, and
look upon it as a captious information of the real facts. The
Captain of the Armado of Barlovento, having given notice of his
intention to winter in the Havana, reports no capture of an English
prize on his voyage, but only that he met two English ships, and,
though finding by their course and cargo that they were engaged
on unlawful trade, suffered them to pass freely; and this, notwithstanding that he had experimented the infraction of the peace, in
that a small vessel under his charge was taken by him in company
of an English frigate, a bark and a flat bottomed boat (piragua).
This is affirmed in the declaration of the inhabitant of Margarita
aforesaid, who says that the captain of one ship was called Thomas
Pem, and of the other Heohapireray, both English, and that the
men were also English, with a commission from the French Governor
of Tortue, and that they had both made the invasion on the Colonies
on the coast of Caracas and Rio de la Hacha. |
|
By these attempts it is likely that these were the same people
who were so bold as to capture the city of Santa Martha, and,
not content with plundering it, to carry away the Governor and
other prisoners. These same and some other pirates also landed in
Honduras, and after many insolencies plundered the King's
magazine, and, among other things, carried off a thousand chests of
indigo which they are known to have sold in Jamaica as they do the
rest of their booty and prizes. These are not the only insolencies
of these pirates; they infest the Isles of Barlovento, and have
plundered Porto Bello, the most important city on the coast. We
understand by certain advices that in Jamaica the pirates thereof met
with others of Tortue and Guavos to the number of three hundred,
provided themselves with victuals, arms and ammunition, embarked
on five ships of middle size (two whereof were said to be lost in a
storm), and sailed about March last, with one Cook for their captain.
They coasted along, anchored in Porto Bello, landed their men and
plundered the suburbs. Each man's share amounted to 30l. sterling,
but the affair not succeeding according to their full satisfaction they
retired to Jamaica to replenish with supplies, and be ready either
for new insolencies on that coast or to sail to Vera Cruz. Thus
their invasions already amount to hostilities, to the great damage
alike of the King of Spain and of your Majesty, since the advantages
of production are lost when the labourers leave cultivation and
take to piracy. The Ambassador hopes your Majesty on receiving
this information will order satisfaction to be given to the King of
Spain and compensation to his subjects, and give effectual commands
for the extirpation of these pirates, forbidding them to remain in
Jamaica, or to be provided with arms and victuals, or to dispose
of their booty therein, or to accept commissions from the Governor
of Tortue, and ordering that no pardon be extended to them.
Translation. 6 pp. Inscribed, Read 18 Sept. 1680. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 4, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX.,
pp. 425–431.] |
Sept. 6.
St. Christopher. |
1499. Deputy-Governor Abednego Mathew to William Blathwayt. Yesterday came a French shallop belonging to a ship just
out from France, and now lying at Martinique, which reports that
on the 8/13 August last there was a more violent storm than ever
was known before among the French Islands. All houses,
churches, and forts are blown down; in Martinique hardly a tree
or a plant left growing; the citadel which Count de Blenac has
been so long a building is all ruined; over twenty sail of ships,
laid up in a famous harbour called the "Coulesack" (cul-de-sac) to
secure against the approaching danger, were all scattered and
wrecked; not one can be again repaired. She reports also that two
English ships being at sea in the hurricane sought shelter there
and were also lost with most of their men. Whence these English
ships came or what are their names I know not, but I fear they
are some blown out of Barbadoes roads, where, it is to be feared,
the storm was also. I have lately heard from most of the English
Windward Islands under Sir William Stapleton's government, and
God be thanked, no such violence hath been there. We had stormy
weather here the same day, which forced the ships in the roadstead
to go to sea and wrecked two of the shallops in the harbour, but
more sea than wind. Count d'Estrées is expected with his squadron
every day, and eight men-of-war from Europe to join with him,
which puts us to the trouble of securing our fortifications against
a surprise. Copy. 1½ pp. Unsigned. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI.,
No. 5.] |
| Sept. 6. |
1500. Warrant from the Duke of York to Sir J. Churchill or
Sir George Jeffreys, his Counsel, to prepare a release to Sir George
Carteret of his moiety of East New Jersey. See ante No. 1479.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXX., p. 33.] |
| Sept. 7. |
1501. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Secretary
Jenkins reported that Colonel Long of Jamaica had some days before
surrendered himself to him on a bond of 10,000l. given to Lord
Carlisle, and that he had taken his security for the like sum to
attend the first Council. Ordered, that Colonel Long appear on the
10th instant. |
|
Draft Commission to Sir R. Dutton read. Ordered, that Sir P.
Colleton and Colonel Drax be asked when they propose to return
to Barbadoes, and what assurance they can give their Lordships of
the time of their return. Their Lordships will consider whether
Colonel Codrington and Francis Bond be not well qualified to be
put into the Council, the former being recommended by the
Marquis of Worcester. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 193–194.] |
| Sept. 7. |
1502. The Clerk of the Assembly of Barbadoes to Lords of
Trade and Plantations. Forwarding copies of the votes and
proceedings of the Assembly. Signed, John Higinbotham. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 55.] |
| Sept. 10. |
1503. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations That Lord
Carlisle attended a Council this day with Colonel Long and stated
the grounds why he had brought him over. Referred to the Lords
of Trade and Plantations to examine Lord Carlisle's charge against
Colonel Long. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 194.] |
| Sept 10. |
1504. General Account of the commodities imported to Barbadoes
from 10th June to 10th September 1680. Signed by Abraham
Langford, Clerk of the Naval Office. Endorsed, "Recd. 24 Jany.
1681." [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. X., No. 2.] |
| [Sept. 11.] |
1505. Sir Richard Dutton to Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Suggestions on the draft of his commission as Governor of
Barbadoes. He contends for the insertion of an article formerly
found in the Commissions of Francis and William, Lords
Willoughby, empowering him on urgent occasions to pass ordinances
by the authority of the Governor and Council only, without the
Assembly. He asks also for special powers to deal with refractory
members of Council; that suspended members may not be
eligible to the Assembly; that Councillors be not appointed without
the Governor's recommendation; that no further officers may be
appointed by patent under the Great Seal to offices in Barbadoes,
nor Deputies be permitted to act for patentees without the
Governor's certificate: and that no persons employed by the Island
of Barbadoes be noticed by the King, unless themselves duly
accredited and their propositions duly endorsed by the Governor
and Council. Unsigned. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 6.] |
Sept. 15.
Council Chamber. |
1506. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King.
We have read the letter from the Governor and Council of
Massachusetts of 22nd May last (ante, No. 1363), wherein they
report the several measures that they have taken in obedience to
your Majesty's letter of 24th July 1679; but we find therein not
the least notice taken of certain material parts of your letter
desiring them to permit freedom of conscience to members of the
Church of England, and admit them to a share in the government,
as also to all your Majesty's subjects (except Papists) whether they
dissent from the "Congregational way" or not. Nor do we find
that they have repealed the Acts specified by the Crown Law
Officers nor obeyed other of your directions, for we hear that they
still carry on their mint without permission, and obstruct the
working of the Acts of Trade and Navigation in every possible way,
nor have they sent over new agents as directed. We have also
read the petition of Robert Mason for the confirmation of his right
to a certain tract of land within that government, and by all these
particulars we are made the more sensible of the small regard they
have for you, and offer the following draft of a letter to be sent to
them. Draft.—By our letter of 24th July we signified our
willingness to forget all past errors, and showed you the means
by which you might deserve our pardon, and desired your ready
obedience to certain commands, all of which we intimated to your
agents. We little thought then that our favour would have found
so little acceptance with you; but we learn by a letter from you of
22nd May last that few of our directions have been pursued, and
the rest put off on insufficient pretences. You have not even sent
us the new agents that we ordered to be sent over within six
months after receipt of our letter, though the petition of
Mr. Robert Mason was left undecided at the request of your
former agents until their successors should arrive. Nevertheless
we continue our clemency towards you, and we therefore require
you seriously to reflect upon our commands already intimated to
you, and within three months of the receipt hereof to send us such
person or persons as you think fit as your fully qualified agent or
agents, who shall bring us such evidences of right as you may have
to the land claimed by Robert Mason. You will also warn the
inhabitants and tenants on that land to produce their titles, that
they may not complain that they have been deprived of their
lawful defence. You will further call a General Court on receipt of
this letter, read our letters and see to the execution of the commands
therein, in default whereof we shall take the most effectual means
to enforce the same. Dated 15th September 1680. |
|
Further, we have received two addresses from New Hampshire (ante
Nos. 1413, 1414) acknowledging your Majesty's favour in granting
them a separate government, but no intimation of their proceedings
thereupon nor of the laws, methods of government, &c., agreed upon
by them, which by your Royal Commission were to be submitted to
your approbation. For the better provision of such means we think
it well that a Secretary should be appointed, competent to help them
in framing their laws and settlement, and at the recommendation
of the Attorney-General, we suggest Mr. Richard Chamberlain for
the post. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 87–94.] |
| Sept. 15. |
1507. Petition of the General Court of New Plymouth to the
King. Thank His Majesty for his grace to them for the granting
of Mounthope, and for the invitation to apply for a confirmation
of their privileges. Pray for the continuance of their civil
privileges and religious liberties, the exercise of which was the
known end of the first comers in 1620. Pray for an incorporation
into a body politic with the privileges that have been granted to
Connecticut; are confident of His Majesty's favour as they bore
the brunt of the first English colony there settled, and were forced
to sit down in the barrenest part thereof and destitute of any
convenient place for beaver trade or fishing, especially since
Penobscot and other of those eastern parts fit for trade granted in
their patent were forcibly taken from them by the French and
have since been granted to the Duke of York. Intended to have
sent one of their members to have waited on His Majesty with this
address, but considering their paucity of fit men to stand before
His Majesty, and Lord Culpeper condescending to give his favour
to so low a service for them, hope no neglect will be charged to
them. Have betrusted and entreated Mr. William Blathwayt to
give himself the trouble of managing this weighty concern. Give
an abstract of the Charter they would desire, defining the government, jurisdiction, limits, &c. Signed Josiah Winslow. Endorsed,
Recd. 26 March 1680. Read 27 October 1681. Read 17 Nov. 1684.
3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 7.] |
[Sept. 15.
Whitehall.] |
1508. Warrant for payment of 2,245l. 2s. 8d. to the Colony of
Virginia for six months from 1st July 1679 to 1st January 1680, viz.,
to the Governor 500l., the Lieutenant-Governor 300l., the MajorGeneral 150l., incidental charges 300l., the Commissary of the
Musters 46l., and to Sir Henry Chicheley's company 949l. 2s. 8d.
[Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. LIX., p. 52.] |
| Sept. 16. |
1509. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Carlisle
delivers a paper with his charges against Colonel Long which
is read (see No. 1512). His Lordship declaring that he had
nothing against him except what was contained in the paper
though reserving the right to explain the same. Colonel Long is
called in and the paper is read to him. He denies the erasure of
the King's name from the Bill of Revenue, and gives an explanation
which is confirmed by the letters of four gentlemen of Jamaica and
the Clerk of Assembly. As to the habeas corpus he declares that he
did not know the person was condemned and that it is usual for
Judges to sign blank habeas corpus which the Clerk gives out in
due course. He had never opposed the King's order except by
expressing his opinion that they were not for His Majesty's service
or the good of the country. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp.
194–196.] |
Sept. 16.
H.M.S. Assistance, Bay of Bulls (Newfoundland). |
1510. Captain Sir Robert Robinson, R.N., to William Blathwayt.
I send you answers to your heads of inquiry which I have collected
out of each harbour belonging to the English. I give an account
of 200 ships and vessels now in these parts of the island; but daily
several ships and vessels come in and out from New England,
which may, in the whole year, amount to 100 sail, and which it is
impossible for the men-of-war to take account of. Again, we give
you an account of but 170 and 180 quintals to a boat, but this is
what the planters and fishers gave us this year, and they always
speak of the least; but their general voyages are from 250 to 300
to a boat, which in the whole will amount to 100,000 quintals
more [than named in my returns]. Further, I would desire their
Lordships should be acquainted how grossly he is abused by the
New England men that come to this place, who, contrary to the
Royal Command, annually carry away from here several of his
subjects, seamen and others, who never return to England. When
therefore occasion calls for seamen, His Majesty must want them,
as was done this year, as I understand by the complaints of several
masters of merchantmen and even more of the fishermen. Signed.
1 p. Annexed. |
|
1510. i. Names of the fishing ships in St. John's harbour, with
other particulars. In all 24 ships, of 2,425 aggregate
tonnage, carrying 619 men, 77 guns, 121 boats. They
catch annually 19,290 quintals of fish, make 173½ hogsheads of train, and use 23 hogsheads of "fats." |
|
1510. ii. List of the by-boat keepers in St. John's, who each
keep stages, 42 in all, with 97 boats, employing 455 men,
catching 16,680 quintals of fish. (N.B.—Every vessel in
these two lists, with one or two exceptions, is from a South
Devon port.) |
|
1510. iii. An account of the stages, rooms, trainfats, ships,
and men employed in St. John's and Bay of Bulls, with
number of horses and planters—35 inhabitants in all. |
|
1510. iv. Account of the inhabitants in St. John's and Queue
de Vide, 39 men, 18 wives, 17 sons, 14 daughters, 6
women servants, men servants, 200 in winter, and 93 in
summer. (N.B.—A large proportion of the names are
Devonshire names). |
|
1510. v. A list of fishing ships in Newfoundland— 24 in all,
with the exception of one or two Spanish vessels, exclusively from Plymouth, Teignmouth, Topsham, and
Dartmouth. |
|
1510. vi. Account of the sackships in St. John's harbour, 30
ships from divers ports, 2,410 tons, 331 men, and 122
guns. |
|
1510. vii. "A list of the harbours and fishing coves between
Cape de Race and Backelive, which is the nether part of
Bay of Consumtion." |
|
1510. viii. Copy of a letter from Rennooes, dated 29 July 1680,
giving particulars of fishing at Trepassy, average catch of
the ships, movements of the Admiral, damage done in
St. Mary's by the English last winter. ½ p. |
|
1510. ix. Declaration signed by six men of St. John's harbour
that they had seen the master of the ship Katherine
cast his press stones out of his ship into the harbour
contrary to His Majesty's orders and to the damage of
the port. Dated 9th August 1680. |
1510. x. Inquiries made by Sir Robert Robinson, Commander
of Her Majesty's frigate Assistance in answer to the heads
given to him by the Lords of Trade and Plantations:—
(1.) Numbers of population given above. The people
live from 1st May to 1st November by fishing, and in
the winter by sawing, board-making, fowling, and
furring.
(2.) They are not able to support themselves, but
obtain their provisions from England, Ireland, France,
and New England.
(3.) The inhabitants make no destruction of wood, but
last year some new settlers spoiled the stages.
Timber abounds except at St. John's, where, owing
to the number that resort thither, it must be brought
from a distance.
(4.) The planters take their fishing places, good or bad,
as the Adventurers do, and desire not maliciously to
obstruct the Adventurers anywhere.
(5.) The byboat-keepers make little or no spoil of the
Adventurers' stages, but generally the fishermen
themselves first and the planters afterwards, but this
does not force them to come two months earlier
to repair them, as represented. They could not
come a month earlier than they do, and generally
they come later and later every year.
(6.) The boat-keepers have a supply of provisions,
clothing and fishing necessaries from England,
Ireland, France, and New England.
(7.) Planters cannot live far from the waterside because
of their employment in fishing. There is a little
arable and pasture but fishing is more profitable.
The French monopolise the fur trade.
(8.) There is trade with New England, sugar, bread,
tobacco, and rum.
(9.) The boats and catch of the inhabitants is given
above. They cannot afford to sell their fish cheaper
than the Adventurers, for they pay more for their
materials, &c.
(10.) The New England men fish on their own coast
but not in Newfoundland; and their fishing decays
owing to French interference.
(11 and 12.) Are answered by the returns.
(13.) Masters allow their men to stay behind, and
more stay every year, some of whom are taken to
New England.
(14.) The Western Charter is little regarded and its
rules neglected till the men-of-war arrive.
(15.) The French far exceed us in the land and on the
sea in ships. They are fortified and have a government, have better fishing grounds, and better organisation than the English.
(16.) There may be 80 families in Placentia and several
families in each of the many harbours in Fortune
Bay. No inhabitants in St. Mary's.
(17.) The French have few plantations and live like
the English in the winter.
(18.) The French carry on their trade with less expense
and therefore with greater gain.
(19.) About Placentia ships come far earlier, 1st Feb
ruary. and leave sooner, elsewhere the French season
is the same as ours.
(20.) The French rather increase than decrease, making
better voyages than we do.
(21). There is a fort at Placentia and one at St. Peter's
which is supplied annually by a French man-ofwar.
(22.) Several English live among the French and in
good accord, but there is no correspondence between
the planters of the two nations.
(23.) There is no such thing on the coast.
(24.) The French trade increases greatly on the bank
of Canada, but an account of their ships must be
sought at the ports of France.
(25.) The Biscayans fish to north of Bonavista, and
with the French, but not with us. |
|
3½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 11 October 1680. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLVI., Nos. 8, 8 I.–X.] |
| Sept. 16. |
1511. [Secretary Sir Leoline Jenkins ?] to Mr. Godolphin. Lord
Carlisle gave in his charge this day at the Committee against
Colonel Long, charging him with having razed the King's name
out of the Act of Revenue; 2ndly, with having granted a habeas
corpus for a private convict; 3rdly, with having opposed the new
model with seditious insinuations among the people. Colonel Long
denies the razure, pretends that the habeas corpus could be of no
ill consequence because the trial was illegal, and justifies his opposing
the new model, but with such arguments as mutinies and seditions
use to be maintained withal. He has some skill in law (he was
Chief Justice in Jamaica), but seems to have little affection for the
Government. Their Lordships will report to-morrow to the Council
that Long and his bail are to be discharged of their recognizances,
which he fears may be of some disadvantage to Lord Carlisle, and
matter of great triumph to this man when he returns to the
Island. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. LXII., pp. 72, 73.] |
| [Sept. 16.] |
1512. Lord Carlisle's charge against Colonel Long. At my arrival
in Jamaica I met Colonel Long, being Chief Justice and a member
of Council, which induced me to believe him a fit man to help me
to put the new model into execution, but upon discourse with him
found him utterly averse. He urged that it was against law and
justice to alter the constitution Jamaica had so long lived under,
or subject her to any form but that of England, which is an
Englishman's birthright. I tried hard to convince him of his error
but found him obstinate, yet thought it prudent to do no more
than oblige him not to report his opinions publicly, lest he should
pervert others, which with some difficulty I persuaded him to
promise me. This promise he observed not. I then warned him
how pernicious his opinion and his obstinacy therein might prove
to himself, in respect of his high station and thwarting of the
King's authority. Soon after, upon the perusal of the Acts made
in Lord Vaughan's government, I found the King's name which had
been inserted in the Act of Revenue razed out and interlined.
Colonel Long was Speaker of that Assembly, with whom I discoursed that affair. He owned the interlineation to be in his own
hand, but denied the erasure. After much discourse I argued that
it was most rational to conclude that he that did the one did the
other. He replied that if it were so, he knew of no crime there
was in it. I referred the matter to the Council in his presence,
and he said that what was done had been done by himself as
Speaker and in the Assembly. Thereon several of the Council
said that, as to the alteration, it was plain that the King's name
had been in, but had been razed out; the Council book contained a
fair entry of the passing of that Revenue Act and of several
amendments thereon, but not a syllable of this, and they desired
that the Assembly's journal might be searched, wherein the alteration or razing, with the words interlined, must needs appear by a
vote. The journal was perused (a true copy thereof is to be
produced) and there is no such thing. The Council in their address
disown all knowledge of the alteration, and did all but one, the said
Colonel Long, affirm that the Act was passed by them with His
Majesty's name in and not otherwise, as appears by the Council
Journal. |
|
Colonel Long was Chief Justice when he signed a habeas corpus
on behalf of one Brown, a condemned pirate, the Marshal having then
in his hand a warrant for his execution, and brought the Assembly
to espouse his cause so warmly that by vote of the majority the
Speaker, Lieutenant-Colonel Beeston, signed a warrant to the
Marshal to suspend the execution of Brown and obey the habeas
corpus, in so disorderly a manner that Lord Vaughan was forced
to dissolve the Assembly. |
|
On the debate on the address from the Council to the King,
Colonel Long with a most unbecoming heat opposed it. In the
course of debate one member said that by humility and obedience
they might prevail with His Majesty to grant at any rate a part
of their wishes, and that they ought to be content with one concession at a time. Whereupon Colonel Long replied that he desired
nothing but his rights as an Englishman, and that he would not be
contented with less, he wanted no half measures, but to be governed
as formerly and the new model to be laid aside. |
|
When the Assembly's address was read, I dissapproved of great
part of the matter and altogether of the manner. Colonel Long
pleaded for its justice, truth, and regularity. I replied that by his
zeal and as well as the matter and manner and it was likely he
helped the Assembly to draw it. He replied that he had. I told
him that in this as in other matters he had forgotten his station.
He answered that he believed he might answer the discoursing and
assisting of the Assembly men for the parish he belonged (sic) by
whom and under whom he was concluded. Finally, notwithstanding
my great and often pains with him to cause him to alter his
opinion or at least not to poison others, I met with nothing but
undutifulness and obstinacy. So evilly did he practice with all
that he had credit with that I was forced to divest him of all public
authority. Unsigned. Endorsed, Read 16 Sept. 1680. 2½ pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 9, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol.
XXIX., pp. 418–422.] |
| Sept. 18. |
1513. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Answers
received from Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Drax as to their
return to Barbadoes. Sir Peter will return as soon as he has ended
a vexatious lawsuit against him, Colonel Drax as soon as his
business permits. Their names are therefore retained on the list of
the Council, which, except the insertion of Francis Bond in lieu of
Benjamin Knight, is left unaltered. Sir Ralph Dutton's commission
and instructions resumed. A clause added making the senior
resident member of Council President in case of the Governor's
death. Sir Richard Dutton's paper of proposals read, and a clause
added to the Commission, empowering him to administer the oath
of allegiance. Agreed to advise the King to insert a clause voiding
the patents of non-resident patentees of offices, and leave the gift of
offices with the Governor. The test, as well as the oath prescribed
for Councillors. |
|
Memorials of the Spanish Ambassador, dated 6th September (see
Nos. 1497, 1498), respecting piracies in Jamaica, read and referred
to Lord Carlisle. Letter from the Council of Jamaica of 20th May
read. Their Lordships think it very necessary that the law therein
mentioned, making it felony without benefit of clergy to serve a
foreign prince, be revived. As to sending four frigates their
Lordships will confer with Lord Carlisle. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CVI., pp. 196–198.] |
| Sept. 18. |
1514. Extract from a letter from [Secretary Sir Leoline Jenkins ?]
to Mr. Godolphin. The Committee for Jamaica did nothing in
Lord Carlisle's business; he himself could not attend being very
ill with the gout. Their Lordships went over the instructions for
Sir Richard Dutton. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II, Vol. LXII.,
p. 76.] |
| Sept. 20. |
1515. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Lord Carlisle. Transmitting copies of the memorials of the Spanish Ambassador and
ordering his attendance (see ante No. 1513). [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XXIX., p. 423.] |
| [Sept. 21.] |
1516. Lord Carlisle to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Answer
to the memorials of the Spanish Ambassador (ante Nos. 1497, 1498).
The representation made by Sir Henry Goodrick as to the arrest and
plunder of Paul Abney by Don Antonio Quintano is truth, being
founded not on Abney's deposition only but confirmed to me by
three masters of vessels, William Beartree, John Tood, and Thomas
Read, all of whom were prisoners on board Don Antonio Quintano
at the time. While Don Antonio continues to deal so roughly
with these English, to make prize of their ships and goods, and
prisoners of their men, no good understanding is possible between
the two nations. |
|
The depredations and injuries of the privateers are committed by
a sort of men without the reach of Government; but the injuries
that we suffer from them are from men in office and public employ.
It is true that at my first arrival in Jamaica I invited the privateers
in, but it was out of kindness to the Spaniard, to endeavour to
reclaim them from evil courses. Finding them persevere I presently
sent out the frigates whenever I heard of them about Jamaica, and I
do believe I have taken while there more of their vessels than Don
Antonio in the whole time of his being Admiral, though I could not
proceed to punishment of any particular person, having no complaint
of the Spaniards against them. It is true that I heard, as news, of
the taking of several chests of indigo in the Bay of Honduras; but
no complaint was made. There were some chests of foreign indigo
brought into the remote parts of the Island, and these I caused to
be searched for, and captured a small quantity. The rest escaped,
and some was brought into Port Royal, but in lawful ships and by
lawful men (no privateer ever brings any such thing thither) and
was therefore admitted to entry by the Customs. As to Vincent
Sebastiano, Governor of Santa Martha, and the allegation that I
demanded ransom from him, I know so little of the matter that I
never heard his name till now nor of any ransom required. I have
always shown all kindness and civility to Spaniards arriving at
Port Royal, and having even set at liberty Spanish negroes who
could prove that they were freeborn in their own country. As to
the derelict vessel, she belonged to Cook. Though at anchor under
British colours and under the command of a Dutch Island near
Curacoa, the men stood ashore and looked on, preferring to sacrifice
their ship rather than fall into the hands of the Spaniards by whom
they knew so many to have been ill-treated and undone. This
caused Cook to turn privateer, he having never been so before. I
heard of the capture of Porto Bello before my departure, but none
of the privateers returned to Jamaica, but sailed straight to the
river Darien, and by that King's assistance passed through to the
South Seas, where for all I know, two and three hundred of them
still remain. Coxon alone, who went with them as their Captain,
with five and fifty more, left them in consequence of some drunken
quarrel; and these I met with off Point Negril on my passage home.
We gave chase with the Hunter frigate in company for twenty-four
hours, but he outsailed us and we could not come up with him, but
we took two vessels belonging to him forsaken by their crews who
were all aboard his vessel. 2½ pp. Signed. Inscribed, Read
21 Sept. 1680. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 10, and Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp. 431–434.] |
| Sept. 21. |
1517. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord
Carlisle's answer to the Spanish Ambassador's memorial (see preceding abstract) read, his Lordship being unable to attend through
sickness. Lord Sunderland directed to send a copy to the Spanish
Ambassador, and to move the King at Newmarket about sending
frigates to restrain privateers. |
|
Mr. Chaplin delivered a box from Sir Jonathan Atkins, with
a map of Barbadoes, and several laws and bills mentioned in his
letter of 21st May. |
| Sept. 22. |
Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Long
called in, asks to be freed from his bond and security, and to be
furnished with a copy of Lord Carlisle's charges; all of which is
granted him. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 199.] |
Sept. 23.
Barbadoes. |
1518. The Governor and Council of Barbadoes to Lords of Trade
and Plantations. Transmitting quarterly returns of the proceedings of the Council, of Acts passed, and of imports, with an
excuse for not sending the return of the exports. Signed by the
Governor and nine members of Council. Duplicate copy. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 11.] |
| Sept. 27. |
1519. Sir Richard Lloyd, Judge Surrogate of the Admiralty, to
Lords of Trade and Plantations. Hastens to answer a letter from
Mr. Blathwayt, dated 22nd May 1679, but brought to him for the
first time last Wednesday by Mr. John Wachtendonck, which letter
contained two questions. (1.) Is the Dutch West India Company
liable to pay the necessary expenses incurred by the officers at
Barbadoes in looking after and preserving the ship Asia ? (see ante,
Nos. 999, 1000). (2.) If such charges be paid, what sum should be
allowed ? In answer to 1, Lloyd thinks the charges should be
paid. By Sir Jonathan Atkins's account the ship was brought to
Barbadoes derelict and leaky and was sold for 300l., before any one
laid claim to her or any order for her delivery had been received
from the King. As to 2, the amount cannot well be determined
till the demands be known. If Sir Jonathan ask unreasonably,
their Lordships or the Court of Admiralty can fix the sum. 2 pp.
[Col Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 12.] |
| Sept. 28. |
1520. Minute of Council of Barbadoes. Message from the
Assembly as to the fate of bills sent to the Council. Answer that
some had been dealt with and that the rest were under consideration.
Bill for prohibiting negroes to be artificers thrown out. Orders for
payment of sundry salaries to gunners and mattrosses returned to
the Assembly with amendments. Two payments passed. Message
from the Assembly that they were adjourning for a fortnight, and
bringing up a bill for continuance of expiring laws. Order that
the first quarterly returns required by the Lords of Trade and
Plantations be sent by next ship. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI.,
pp. 321–324.] |
| Sept. 28. |
1521. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. Debate on the
imposition of an import duty on liquors, adjourned. |
| Sept. 29. |
Bill to continue expiring Acts passed. Orders for payment of
several accounts for material for the fortifications. Adjourned
to 19th October. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 398–400]. |
| Sept. 30. |
1522. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir William
Stapleton's letter of 27th July read. Their Lordships think it
very necessary that a frigate should be maintained in the Leeward
Isles, and noticing that the King has received no account of late
years of the revenue arising from the duty of 4½ per cent., will
recommend to the Commissioners of the Treasury the improvement
of that revenue for the support of Government there. Letter of
10th July from the Clerk of the Assembly of Nevis read. |
|
Paper delivered by the Bishop of London for insertion in
Sir R. Dutton's Instructions (see ante, No. 1488). On No. 3, it is
thought fit to instruct the Governor to inquire and report to the
Bishop whether there be any persons that preach and administer
the sacraments in Barbadoes not being in orders. On No. 4 the
Lords will ask the merchants when they attend next week, and
also on No. 5. An Instruction to be inserted whereby the Governor
shall express disapprobation of all laws which hinder or restrain
the liberty of appeal to the King in Council, except in criminal
cases and civil causes where the sum in question does not exceed
100l. Sir Richard Dutton called in, who proposes (1) that he be
not obliged to show all his Instructions to the Council, (2) that a
trade may be permitted with the Spaniard for gold and silver
(which their Lordships do not approve of), (3) that the building of
a house for the Governor be recommended. |
|
Petition from some of the inhabitants of Maine read, complaining of the hardships put upon them by the Government of
Massachusetts, but their Lordships do not think fit to give any
order therein. Letters to the President and Council and Secretary
of New Hampshire to send quarterly accounts, read and signed.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 200–204.] |
| Sept. 30. |
1523. [William Blathwayt] to the merchants of Barbadoes. The
Lords of Trade and Plantations noticing the unhappy state of the
negroes and other slaves in Barbadoes by their not being admitted
to the Christian religion, wish to discover some means whereby
they might be admitted and encouraged thereto without prejudice
to the freeholders; and planters have ordered me to send you a copy
of the law concerning negroes, and to request you to attend
their meeting on Friday 8th October. Copies sent to Sir Peter
Colleton, Mr. Eyles, Mr. Bawden, Colonel Thornburgh, Mr. Scott,
Mr. Davers, and others. ½ p. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. VII.,
p. 23.] |
| Sept. 30. |
1524. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the President and
Council of New Hampshire. Require them to transmit quarterly
accounts of matters of importance relating to the province, debates
in Council, passing of laws, state of trade inwards and outwards,
observations on the state of the province, &c., signed by the
President and Council; duplicates to be sent by the next succeeding
conveyance. This letter to be registered in the Council Book.
Signed, Anglesey, Radnor, Worcester, Essex, Halifax, Clarendon,
H. London, L. Jenkins. 3 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI.,
pp. 101–103.] |
| Sept. 30. |
1525. The same to the Secretary and Clerk of the Council of
New Hampshire, requiring him to send accounts of all things
transacted in his office and of all orders and papers registered there.
2 pp. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. XLI., pp. 103, 104.] |
| Sept. 30. |
1526. Commission appointing Richard Chamberlaine Secretary
and Clerk of the Council of New Hampshire. Endorsed, Entered
among the Patents. 2 pp. [Col Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 13, and
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 3.] |
| Sept. 30. |
1527. Petition of Inhabitants of Maine to the King. Describe
the encroachments of the Massachusetts, and the heavy taxes (to
the amount of 3,000l. and upwards) to be paid by the inhabitants
of York, Wells, and Kittery. Pray that such whose names they
represent may be empowered to govern till His Majesty's pleasure
be farther known. 136 signatures. Inscribed, Read 30 Sept. 1680.
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLVI., No. 14.] |
