|
1656.
Jan. 15.
Whitehall. |
241. Order of the Council of State. That it be referred to the
Commissioners of the Admiralty and Navy to take order for the
transportation of Mary Ramsey and her two children and two
servants to Jamaica, and to allow them diet which was also ordered
for other wives formerly sent to their husbands at Jamaica. Signed
by W Jessop, Cleck of the Council. ½ p. [Col Papers, Vol. 32,
No. 41.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
242. Order of the Council of State. Wm. Crispin, Robt. Wadeson,
and Thos. Broughton, Commissioners for Provisions for the Fleet and
Forces at Jamaica, having drawn on Rich. Hutchinson; Treasurer of
the Navy, for 340l., for provisions delivered at Boston, New England,
for supplying said fleet and army, said bill is ordered to be accepted
and payment made. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 42.] |
Jan. 21.
Jamaica. |
243. Account of stores remaining in the State's storehouse in
Jamaica for the Fleet under the Honble. Capt. Wm. Goodson,
Admiral. Also account of stores received from the carpenter, boatswain, and steward of the Marston Moor, and list of sails for the
Grantham and (?) Selby. 9 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 43.] |
Jan. 24.
The Marmaduke (Jamaica) |
244. W. Aylesbury to Robert Black borne, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Admiralty, Whitehall. Since the arrival of the
Marston Moor, 15th current, has had a sore fit of sickness and is
utterly unfit to write, otherwise has much to say of their condition.
All the Army endures proceeds from their own neglect: "never saw,
as to the general, men of such mean spirits; having missed what they
aimed at at first, they regard neither their own nor public honor."
Is established Secretary in the place of Mr. Cary from the time of
his arrival, and has as much free converse with the Admiral and
Commissioner as if they had been bred together. Begs him to
communicate this to his cousin Dayrel (?). 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 32, No. 44.] |
March 7
Whitehall. |
245. Order of the Council of State. That the report of the Committee of the Council on the accounts and demands of Capt.
Crispin, Robt. Wadeson, and Thos. Broughton, for provisions taken
up at New England for supply of the fleet and forces at Jamaica,
be referred to the Commissioners of the Navy to examine, and to
consider the prices and give account to the Council with all speed,
also to inform themselves how said provisions have been put
aboard the Falcon flyboat and the Adam and Eve and the Golden
Falcon have been disposed of to the end it may appear whether
they were delivered at Jamaica, and into whose charge. Signed by
W. Jessop, Clerk. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 45.] |
| March 8 |
246. Order of the Commissioners of the Admiralty and Navy.
In pursuance of an order of his Highness's Council of 7th inst. that
the Commissioners for the Navy examine and state the accounts
and demands of Capt. Crispin, Rob. Wadeson, and Thos. Broughton,
and pursue the directions of the Council. Signed by Thos. Kelsey,
John Clerke, and Edw. Hopkins. ½ p. [Col Papers, Vol. 32,
No 46.] |
March 12
Jamaica. |
247. Account of stores in the State's storehouse in Jamaica for
the service of the ships under the command of Capt. William
Goodson, Admiral, arranged in alphabetical order. Signed by
Rich. Rowe. 5 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 47.] |
March 12.
The Gift, Jamaica Harbour. |
248. Capt. Mark Harrison, of the Gift, to the Commissioners of
the Admiralty, at "Whight Hall." Commanded by the Admiral,
sends enclosed lists of his boatswain's, gunner's, and carpenter's
wants, the chief being sails, with which they were but meanly
fitted at their coming out. But there is one want more without
which they are in poor capacity to make use of the rest, and that is
men. In the Dutch war the ship was allowed 130, and now but 80,
of which they usually have 15 sick and as many more on recovery,
"who are indeed very poor creatures," besides boys and trownsers,
so that both watches can hardly hand on topsails, or man two boats
in harbour. Encloses
|
|
248. i.-III. List of carpenter's, gunner's, and boatswain's stores
wanting for the Gift. Signed by John Auger, George
Browning, and Wm. Noble, March 11, 1656. 4 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. 32, Nos. 48, 48 I.-III.] |
March 13.
The Torrington, Jamaica. |
249. Vice-Admiral William Goodson to the Commissioners for
the Admiralty. Before Genl. Penn's departure, a small vessel called
the Red Horse was taken off Hispaniola (by the Grantham), out of
which Capt. Lightfoot took 150 Spanish hides and put them
aboard Vice-Adml. Lawson's dogger, which he says he did for
supply of the vessel, and that he would be accountable to their
Honors for it; he also took 25 hides out of the Spanish vessel
taken by Capt. Clarke and himself, for his own use. This has been
referred by a Council of War to their Honours. Two copies. ½ p.
[Col. Papers. Vol. 32, Nos. 49, 50.] |
March 13.
Jamaica. |
250. Capt. Ja. Tarry to the Commissioners for the Admiralty.
Gave account from Barbadoes of their proceedings thither: arrived
here February 8th; the Marston Moor and Cardiff came before
them; the Lyon and Success 14 days after; have 25 men sick,
one drowned, and one dead since. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32,
No. 51.] |
March 13.
Aboard the Success, Jamaica. |
251. Capt. Za. Browne to same. Arrived in company with the
Lyon, 26th last. Touched at Nevis for water; the Governor informed him that the Lord Pretector had ordered him to draw what
people he could from those "Weather Islands," and that 500 men
upon that island were ready to embark to leeward with their
families. Perceived a great willingness in many of them, the
Governor being very inquisitive what shipping were making ready
for their transportation. Could only tell him great preparations
were making in England, but where designed it was not for him
to know. Have discharged their goods according to order. 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 52.] |
March 13.
Torrington, Jamaica. |
252. Vice-Adm. Wm. Goodson to the Navy Commissioners.
Sends duplicate of his letter by the Wildman on 26th Jan.,
stating that he has had 5 ships lying for some time between Carthagena and Portobello, but that they took nothing; others however
off the island took 20 scattered Spanish men and women from
whom they have intelligence. There were but few of their number
left in the island and they were so sickly and in great want of
necessaries that they dare not resist 50 English, but that when the
negroes found any English straggling in the woods they butchered
them with lances. That a vessel had arrived from Carthagena with
corn and wine, and had informed them that if they would all unite,
the Governor of Carthagena had resolved to send 1,000 men to
their assistance to beat the English off; but that was not credited
as there were not above 1,000 soldiers in the king's pay in the
towns and castles. Notwithstanding has sent the Arms of Holland,
the Cardiff, and other ships to prevent it. Has heard nothing of
the Spanish Fleet reported from England as designed for the Indies.
Has bad all the ships left by Gen. Penn eareened, except the Hound,
useless, and sends account of stores expected from New England.
The various crews went through great hardships through the
defective state of the provisions; is in great need of a recruit.
To be engaged for 4,800l. is a serious matter to one who never
before did the like for 100l., and unless he has some satisfaction or
is called home he will ultimately have to be in prison, and, if
removed by death before being heard, will leave a ruined family.
Received 3, 105l. left by Gen. Penn and has spent 2,005l. 16s. 0d.,
thereof in paying the seamen's short allowance at 7d. per day each,
and other disbursements have reduced it to 797l. 11s. and for which
he desires order. Capt. Willgress of the Falmouth has resigned his
commission rather than stand the trial of a court-martial for
swearing and drunkenness, and Lieut. Saunders, brother of Capt.
Saunders of the Dover, has been appointed in his room. Encloses
|
|
252. i. Accounts and demands for provisions and stores. Two
copies. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, Nos. 53, 531, 54.] |
March 22.
(Jamaica)? |
253. Robert Dickenson to his cousin, Robert Blackborne, near
Whitehall. Received his of the 15th. Was glad to hear his letter
came opportunely to give him a true narrative of "that sad
tragedy." The murderer had a legal trial, was found guilty, and
executed 21st inst. and died very penitent, and most of all troubled
that he had killed one that had the good report of all; the other
was acquitted. Major-Genl. Waley made a speech to the whole
Bench that neither my Lord Protector no: he countenanced any
such actions in the soldiers, and so left him to the law, which gained
him much credit, many imagining he would have interposed for his
freedom. "My aunt, your mother," gives many thanks for his
comfortable letter. She is still very sad, though she has many
causes of comfort. Presents his own, wife, and mother's services,
&c., to him and his wife, "with many thanks for my son." 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 32. No. 55.] |
| April 3. |
254. Order of the Commissioners of the Admiralty and Navy.
That in pursuance of an order of the Lord Protector and Council of
26th March, copy annexed, the Commissioners of the Navy make
out bills for the several sums therein mentioned due upon the bills
of exchange recited in said order as are not already accepted and
paid. Annexed. |
|
254. i. The Order of the Council of State above mentioned.
Whitehall, 1656, March 26. |
|
254. ii. Various mem. and figures referring to the above. Together,
6½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, Nos. 56, 56 I., II.] |
April 19.
Holb[orn]. |
255. Mr. Jessop, to Robt Blackborne, Secretary of Commissioners
of the Admiralty. Is commanded by the Lord Commissioner
Fiennes, and Gen. Desborow, to give notice to the Admiralty Commissioners that they have appointed next Monday to consider the
petition of Mr. De la Tour concerning the forts taken from the
French about Newfoundland, and as the accounts of Major Sedgwick
and Capt. Leverett concerning that business should be laid before
them, desires he will get them ready. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32,
No. 57.] |
April 30.
On board the Marmaduke, Jamaica. |
256. Capt. Wm. Godfrey, to the Commissioners for the Admiralty
and Navy. Has remained in Harbour ever since he arrived,
conceiving it is merely for the accommodation of Commissioner
Sedgwick who hath continued always on board. If he had his
choice would rather be cruising abroad in a small frigate than in a
great ship that will not turn to windward. She has 42 guns and is
poorly manned, there being as many gunners as seamen. Except
he receives a new supply of seamen we shall be hard put to it in
getting home. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 58.] |
April 30.
Marmaduke, Jamaica. |
257. Capt. Wm. Godfrey to Robt. Blackborne. Sent account of
proceedings by the Grantham which sailed 14 March, as also of God's
goodness in stopping the raging fury of mortality in the Army which
is almost destroyed. If he may speak his thoughts, believes the
soldiers were much bound up with thoughts of their own strength,
not considering the power of God's ability, and with covetous
expectations of Indian treasure. As yet no planters are come down
to them, our soldiers are too much addicted to sloth, and would rather
famish than use means of preservation. A few days since a number
of them revolted, but most of them were retaken and three of the
ringleaders banged. Most of the Spaniards have deserted the
Island and now and then we receive opposition from the negroes
and mulattoes who slew about 40 of our soldiers about a month
since. There is great want of seamen to supply the places of those
dead, and provisions are getting searce, not having above 4 months
in the fleet. There are 11 sail abroad with the Admiral. 1½ pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 59.] |
April 30.
Gift, Jamaica. |
258. Capt. Mark Harrison to the Admiralty and Navy Commissioners. Sent account by his last of the condition and wants of his
ship, in stores and men, since which his condition has been worse
through sickness and his few men have become children. The
Admiral has gone to Carthagena with 10 sail. The soldiers are
being employed by the Commissioners in planting, and it not being
relished by many, about 25 of them ran from their colours but were
retaken and some of them executed. A party of soldiers lately fell
upon some negroes as they were in Council and killed eight, the
rest excaping save one woman, which is the first service they have
done upon the enemy since his arrival, and it is supposed they were
the negroes who killed so many of our men. There are 10 sail at
present in harbour. Two letters. Together, 2 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 32, Nos. 60, 61] |
April 30
Indian, Jamaica. |
259. Capt. Ja. Tarry to Robt. Blackborne. The frigates sailed
a month since intending something against a place called Realdy
Hatch. Last week 30 soldiers ran away but were retaken and
three hanged as an example. A party of soldiers also fell upon
some plantation negroes, killed eight and took a boy and a woman.
½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 62.] |
June 24.
Torringtoo, Jamaica. |
260. Vice-Admiral Wm. Goodson to the Admiralty Commissioners.
Received his letter with the three ships with provisions, some
good and some bad. Set sail 15 April with 10 of the best ships
for Hispaniola in hopes of meeting with some of the Spaniards, but
not encountering any stood for the main and landed upwards of 450
ment Rio del Hacha. The people having six hours sight of us be fore
our arrival fled out of the town, carrying their wealth with them,
leaving only 12 men to secure a castle which our men stormed, and
in less than half and hour had possession of. There were four brass
ordnance of about 4,000 lbs. each which we brought away, and
demolished part of the fort. Departed 8 May, being retarded a
day longer than we determined upon pretence of the Spanish
redemption of their town which upon their non-compliance we
burnt. Arrived 11 June at St. Martha, stayed to water until the
13th, and upon departing chased and took a small ship from St.
Luca with wine bound for Carthagena. Encloses copy of her cargo.
She reported that she set sail in company with the Nova Spania
Fleet of 28 sail on 29 February (10 March), four bound for Angola,
besides others to scattering ports in the Indies, and three Flemish
ships for St. Domingo which carried a new Governor and 500 soldiers.
Of those ships which came out for Nova Spania there were also four
galleons with four great merchantmen manned as galleons by the
King and others of smaller force, but meeting with a storm were
forced to bear for Cadiz. Has sent over the Captain, Sweetes, son
of a late English Merchant in Seville. Anchored 14 May in view of
Carthagena where were six ships, but not being able to do anything
upon them and having under consideration whether these ships
might not be intended for Jamaica made us desert the coast and
bend our course for Jamaica leaving the Admiral and two other
ships lying upon the coast to intercept any scattering ships that
might come thither. On the way took a small vessel bound from
Domingo for Nova Spain. Had advise of the arrival of the new
governor and 500 men, and that the ships of Nova Spain only stayed
to water at Porto Rico. Arrived there 23rd, and found Major Gen.
Sedgwick very sick, and he died the next day, he truly feared God,
was of singular use in this work, and generally beloved by the
soldiery. The Vice Admiral arrived 3 June from the other side.
The Portland and Falmouth also chased another on to a drowned
Island near Rio de Grand, and sent a boat on shore after her, but
she was staved all to pieces and the boat's crew had like to have
perished. Upon notice given from Governor Stokes of himself
and the people of Nevis their intention to transplant themselves
hither, dispatched three ships for their transport, and 4th June a
vessel arrived from the Governor with three gentlemen to treat with
us concerning shipping and to view the country. Afterwards
fitted out a small vessel to carry back our resolutions of sending
ships for about 1,000 people besides women, children, and servants.
The Marmaduke. Mary flyboat, and the Adam and Eve since sent,
and 14 others appointed to lie between Cape St. Antonio and the
Havana to encounter any ships from Carthagena. Nova Spain,
or elsewhere bound for the Havana, and others appointed to keep
this Port and to lie upon the Coast. Great complaints of the bread
sent over in old liquor casks by which the major part is spoiled and
the casks are generally so bad that much of the provisions and stores
have been damaged. Also great increase of vermin such as cockroaches, weevils, ants, carwigs, mites, and such like, and not sufficient
carpenters sent in the ships to do the necessary repairs and make
boats. Could wish it were considered the great deal of carpenters
work required in these parts, as also the disease and mortality
incident to men forced to work in the heat of the sun, that many
ships sent with old boats fitter for a carpenter's yard than a twelve
months' service. Capt. Hen. Harris died here on 30th May, has
appointed Capt. Bunn to accompany these. Has formerly given an
account of the ships required for these seas, which is a more ticklish
piece of navigation than is understood by most men, and sent from
80 to 100 prisoners in the ships to St. Christopher's for detention
until his Highness's pleasure is known, including five or six captains
of small forts taken. Hears from St. Domingo that they have about
26 or 30 prisoners, some officers kept close prisoners, the rest have
liberty to go up and down to work for bread. "Recd 12 Sept.
1656." 3½ pp. Incloses, |
|
260. i. List of ships appointed to lie between Cape Antonio and
the Havana, also those to the windward of Jamaica.
Total No. 25. 1 p. |
|
260. ii. Surveys of the ships Convertive, Gloucester, Bear, Dover
Frigate, Mary flyboat, Torrington, and Welcome, signed
by the respective officers of each ship. 1656, June 8–12.
Eight papers. 12 pp. |
|
260. iii. Account of stores remaining in the State's storehouse at
Jamaica. 1656, June 21. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, Nos. 63,
63 I.–III.] |
June 30.
Marmaduke, Jamaica |
261. Capt. Godfrey to Robt. Blackborne, Secretary to Commissioners of the Admiralty. Is sorry to acquaint him that by the
pale hand of death on 24 May they were deprived of Major-Gen.
Sedgwick, and three days afterwards Capt.Leonard Harris, of the
Great Charity, was taken from them. Mortality has not yet left
off reigning here. Our perplexed condition much aggravated by
commotions and discords. Wishes the spirit of love were more
deeply stamped upon them. Our Admiral and the rest of the ships
are come safe into harbour, also two small prizes. They took a
town called Rio del Hacha, without the loss of a man, it having
only one fort mounted with 4 pieces of brass ordnance, which he
brought away, after firing the fort. Is going with some ships to
Nevis and St. Christopher's to fetch the Governor his lady, and
such planters as will come to Jamaica. Hopes before the voyage is
over they will have a fresh supply of ships and men. Endorsed:
"Rec. 12 Sept. 1656." 1¼ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 32, No. 64.] |
July 10.
Aboard the Lion, Cape St. Anthony, off Cuba. |
262. Capt. John Lambert to Commissioners of the Admiralty
and Navy. In reply to their letter charging him with neglect
before he got to the Downs, sends copy of his journal from 21 Dec.
last, when he weighed anchor in the Hope, to 3rd Jan., when he
left the Lizard. Admiral Goodson sent him here, and with him are
the Indian Success, Dover, Selby, and Martin. Endorsed: "Rec.
12 Sept. 1656." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 33, No. 1.] |
July 14.
Torrington, Cape Anthonio. |
263. Vice-Admiral Goodson to Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Refers to his last of 24 June [see ante No. 260]. Account of fourteen
ships sent to lye before Havana. The Arms of Holland blown
up, and only three men and the Captain saved, who were sent for
by the Captain of the Indian to dine with him not half-an-hour
before. The Laurel had her maintopmast shattered to pieces by a
clap of thunder, and her mainmast rendered unserviceable, and the
Dover has sprung her mainmast. Will be forced to send home the
ships that have been long in the country by advice of a council of
war, when he hopes they will provide some fitter person than himself
for his Highness' service in these parts. Endorsed: "Duplicate
brought home by the Gloucester, 19 Oct. 1656." Encloses, |
|
263. i. Account of cuckaw [cocoa ?] laden on board the Great
Charity, Capt. Thos. Bunn. Together, 2 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 33, Nos. 2, 2 I.] |
| Aug. 7. |
264. Robt. Tillghman to Robt. Blackborne, at his house near
Scotland Yard. Cannot justify what he informed his Highness
concerning the Jamaica soldiers "being sould," so must be forced
to suffer my loss and scandalous speeches in Virginia, and lose
what estate he has left behind, and lay under the censure of those
whom he has most ambition to serve, or else be ruined by sad imprisonment. Married a widow of New England who was thought
to have a handsome estate clear of engagements, but since his
coming to England so many of his predecessor's cruel creditors have
fallen upon him that he is forced to keep his chamber, and though
we have proffered to let them have all they have they will be
satisfied with nothing but his ruin by imprisonment, when his
great hopes were to have been employed in his Highness' service in
the Indies, and where he has been at sea and on shore for 4 years.
Desires his advice as to petitioning his Highness for a Protection
until he has cleared this Jamaica business, and that he will notice
that his greatest enemy is Capt. Wood's brother, who employed
Bolocke and sold the soldiers in Peauketaucke. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 33, No. 3.] |
Aug. 12.
[Received.] |
265. Robt. Tilghman to Robt. Blackborne. Particulars of
certain proceedings he took in the Court at Virginia against
Capt. Ruther for bringing certain soldiers there from Jamaica in
the Strong Rowland, now called the Virginia Merchant, Col.
Obedience Robins being Judge of the Court, who Tilghman desired to swear and examine Capt. Potts and Mr. Doutye,
Col. Scarborough being present. Desires Thos. Price, who has come
over with him, may be examined. Endorsed: "Rec. 12 Aug.
1656." 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 33, No. 4.] |
Aug. 19.
On board the Mathias, Coast of Cuba. |
266. Capt. Fras. Parke to Robt. Blackborne, Secretary to Admiralty Commissioners. Has buried 24 men, and has 14 sick, and
provisions very bad and scant. Thirteen sail have been before
Havana 6 weeks, but Adm. Goodson has given a full account of all
passages. They have been very diligent in watching for the Plate
Fleet, but no success. The Nova Spania Fleet not yet come for
Havannah, and it is supposed will not do so this year. Has intelligence that the Catharine Fleet of 12 sail left Havana 13 July,
7 only bound for Spain. Hopes our Fleet on the coast will light
upon them. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 33, No. 5.] |
Aug. 20.
Marston Moor, Havannah. |
267. Matthew Clerke to [Robt. Blackborne]. Sends account
of medicines he has supplied as Surgeon General to 5 ships under
Adm. Goodson. Sickness and indisposition of body, many times
accompanied with death, have been most men's insuperable companions. Has had a large taste of sickness himself, which has
made him silent hitherto, but now desires instructions as to charging
for what he shall supply during the remainder of his stay, which
he desires may not be long. Encloses, |
|
267. i. List of the five ships supplied with medicines for 9 to 15
months: Torrington. William Cattle, surgeon; Gloucester,
Edw. West; Laurel, Thos. Rook; Dover, John Hillis, and
Portland, John Forrest, surgeon. Together, 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. 33, Nos. 6, 6 I.] |
Aug. 21.
A board the Success, near the Havannah. |
268. Cornelius Cole, Purser, to the Navy Commissioners. Sends
two muster books, duly signed by the officers and himself. The
company have been very sickly, but now are indifferently well
recovered. The ship in good condition, but provisions drawing
towards an end. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 33, No. 7.] |
Aug. 22.
Aboard the Convertive, Gulf of Florida. |
269. Capt. Thos. Wilkes to the Commissioners for the Admiralty. Has been with Adm. Goodson in expectation to have met
the Spanish Fleet, but as yet they have missed them. If they do not
meet the Nova Spain Fleet in 8 or 10 days, has small hopes to see
them this year. After many deaths at present their men generally
well in health, some few excepted. The public suffer through the
badness of cask and bad victuals. It were well to allow ships
coming into these American seas 2 Mates to each Surgeon, 2
Coopers, 2 Armorers, and more Carpenters. Wine and vinegar to
make beverage with, agree better with the men's constitution than
brandy and water, especially those sick and weak. 1 p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. 33, No. 8.] |
Aug. 23.
Aboard the Marston Moor, upon the coast of Cuba. |
270. Vice-Admiral Goodson to the Commissioners for the Admiralty. Since his last of the 14th of July by the Charity (see ante,
No. 263) we have lain at the Havana expecting the Nova Spania
fleet, but as yet no advice of them. Took a bark belonging to the
Havana on 3 Aug. but nothing in her. News that the ships from
Carthagena bound for Spain departed 13th June, three days before
our coming. Describes the ships, in all eight, which sailed for
Spain. If he had had timely advice should have sent a frigate to
General Penn. At a council of war on the 19th inst. it was
resolved that the Gloucester, Torrington, Dover, Portland, and
Laurel, be sent for England because of their "deficiency and
inability." Has embarked on board the Marston Moor with Capt.
Mynors. It is not safe to lye longer upon this coast than the end
of this month. In straits for victuals. Believes the soldiers will,
if it be possible, lay hold of the bread and peas expected from New
England. Forty Spanish seamen prisoners sent home, which is
safer than to put them ashore in these parts. Capt. Nuberry and
the Commanders with him will inform them fully of the state of
affairs. Endorsed, "Brought by the Gloucester." 1¼ pp. Original
and duplicate. [Col. Papers, Vol. 33, Nos. 9, 10.] |
Sept. 23.
Marston Moor. |
271. Vice-Admiral Goodson to Commissioners for the Admiralty
and Navy His last was of 23 Aug. (see preceding), by Captain
Nuberry who sailed homeward same day with four ships under
his "conduct." Extremity of wind and weather has prevented
them attaining the island of Nevis. The bearer, Wm. Simons,
Master of the Peter of Bristol, advises that the Hope, Capt. Martin,
sent to New England, arrived at Barbadoes, and from thence
sailed to Jamaica; that he hath not heard of any ships from
England, but a report of eight sail fitting for Jamaica, and that
three ships had some time since arrived at Nevis, that the Govornor
there had not only used all means possible to induce the people of
Nevis to transplant themselves [to Jamaica], but had gone to
St. Christopher's to draw what people he can from thence. Complains of the quantity and quality of provisions sent, and the
destruction by vermin, their short allowance of liquors. Although
the Indies is understood to be a fair weather country it has much
destroyed their sails, of which there is a general want, also of
cordage and all sorts of carpenters' stores. 2 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 33, No. 11.] |
Sept. 23.
Marston Moor. |
272. Duplicate of preceding, also that they arrived at Nevis
road on 9th Oct., and have been embarking about 1,400 men,
women and children, with their goods and servants, and intend
sailing [for Jamaica] 21st inst. Would be very glad to know their
pleasure concerning these heavy sailing F'emish ships unfit for the
Indies. Many of their men have had the scurvy, and some died.
Provisions exhausted Since writing, the above has arrived, the
Hopewell, Capt Huitt, and the Lieut.-Col., and the rest of the
people indifferent well in health. They have not heard of General
Brayne and the ships which went with him for Ireland. Finds no
letters nor any bill of lading for eatable or drinkable goods. 19th'
20th Oct. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 33, No. 12.] |
Oct. 4.
Aboard the Falcon, Falmouth. |
273. Capt. Thos. Fleete to Commissioners of the Admiralty. By
order of the Commissioners for the affairs of America, sailed from
Jamaica 2nd May last bound for Portsmouth in Old England, the
Church in company bound for New England to lade provisions and
return to Jamaica. Met with an extraodinary storm of wind, could
scarcely keep the ship above water; she being so leaky, and their
bread and powder much damaged, were forced to make for Boston.
Had the ship surveyed and repairs performed in six weeks, and
loaded her with good masts. Set sail from Piscataway 27th August
for Portsmouth, but forced to put into this harbour. 1½ pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. 33, No. 13.] |
Oct. 10.
The Bear, [Jamaica.] |
274. Captains Jeffery Dare and Mark Harrison to [Commissioners of the Admiralty]. Their last was by way of New England,
since when have had no intelligence of the Admiral. As to the
affairs of this island, through the industry of the army, no visible
enemy now appears except some few negroes. Intelligence from
Cuba that a boat had been twice at this island (of Jamaica) and
transported about two hundred Spaniards; that there is a very
great mortality in Cuba, the like hath not been known for many
years, and that most of the Spaniards that fled are dead, and those
that survive are building forts, and casting brass guns for defence
of that island. Account of the condition of their own men and
provisions. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 33, No. 14.] |
Oct. 24.
Torrington, Dover Road. |
275. Capt. Robt. Saunders to the Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Arrived before Havana 17 July, with 10 sail under the conduct of
Adm. Goodson, and 3 days before eight Spanish ships left bound for
the Groyne, in Galicia, and four for Carthagena, their Admiral, a
galleon of 28 guns. They came foul of the shoal going through the
Gulf when one of the galleons ran on board the Admiral and sunk
her, saving only 36 men. The other galleon struck off her rudder, but
gained a port near Porto Rico, and from thence went to Carthag na.
Had they taken Jamaica for Carthagena might have given a better
account of those 6 sail. Sailed from Havana 23 August in company with the Gloucester, Dover, Laurel, and Portland, leaving the
Admiral on board the Marston Moor, in company with the Lion and
6 others, he having resolved to stay there until the end of the
month. When in the lat. of 43, and the meridian of Newfoundland, his bowsprit and foremast went by the board in a gale, since
which the Laurel has kept him company. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 33, No. 15.] |
Oct. 24.
Downs. |
276. Capt. Wm. Powell to Col. Clerke. Has little good to speak
of the proceedings at Jamaica; they have had a very sad dispensation, and have wanted that comfort that the State allowed them.
Most of the provisions sent were layed on shore and rotted and
spoiled, whilst many poor souls perished for want. Has seen many a
poor soul languist and die of hunger by the wayside. Pride and
emulation amongst the Commanders, and not that unanimous love in
the fleet which ought to be in men. Those that sit at the helm would
do well to send out, not only a Joshua, but Joshuas. While in the
Indies, took and fired the city of Rio del Hacha, where only 10 men
were left. A parcel of Brazilletto, valued at 1,500l., and another of
bides, were found sat does not know how they were disposed of;
some of the wood, however, may be found in the ships that have
come here. Also took a vessel from Spain with wine, linen, and
serges. Experienced a grievous storm, and lost nearly all his masts,
and a thunder bolt coming into his ship killed one of the QuarterMasters, and did much damage in the gun-room. Two letters.
Together, 3¼ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 33, Nos. 16, 17.] |
| Nov. 18. |
277. Warrants from the Council of State for Charles Rich to
transport forty horses to Barbadoes, also for Anthony Rous to
transport twenty geldings. [Dom., Interreg., I. 114, pp. 44, 46.] |
