America and West Indies: March 1685 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 12 1685-1688 and Addenda 1653-1687. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1899.

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'America and West Indies: March 1685', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 12 1685-1688 and Addenda 1653-1687, ed. J W Fortescue( London, 1899), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol12/pp8-27 [accessed 29 November 2024].

March 1685



March 1.	41. A list of Councillors chosen by the Somers Islands Company at the last election. Endorsed. Recd. from Mr. Tucker 1 Mar. 84– 5. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 43.]
March 3.	42. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Charter of New York considered. The Government to be assimilated to that of New England. Letters to be written accordingly to Governor Dongan.
	The business of Bermuda. Colonel Cony to send a list of a Council.
	A memorial of Sir Philip Howard for stores read (see next abstract). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVIII., pp. 101– 103.]
[March 3]	43. Memorandum by Sir Philip Howard for the Earl of Sunderland. Enclosing a list of arms, ammunition, and military stores required for Jamaica, value 2,202 l. The Ordnance Office has always provided Jamaica with stores for the forts, which are now the more important since the Spaniards, since the capture of Providence, are threatening Jamaica. There is no fund nor provision for these things in the Island. 2 pp. Imperfect. Endorsed. Read 3rd and 14th March 1684– 5. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 44.]
[March 5]	44. The King to the Governor of New York. Intimating that the province is now part of the Royal dominions. All officers are to be continued in their places, and subjects to be assured that the Bills and Addresses lately received by the Assembly shall receive gracious and suitable return. Draft. In the handwriting of William Bridgeman, with several corrections. 2½ pp. Printed in New York Documents III., 360. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 45, Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVIII., p. 60.]
March 5.	45. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Dongan. Reporting the death of King Charles II. and the devolution of New York upon the Crown, and forwarding the usual proclamations. Signed, W. Cant., Guilford, Rochester, Halifax, Clarendon, Beaufort, Arlington, Huntingdon, Sunderland, Bath, Peterboro, Bridgewater, Ailesbury, Middleton, Craven. Printed in New York Documents III., 359. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVIII., p. 59, and Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 46.]
March 9. Barbados.	46. An Act to raise a sum of money to farm the duty of four and a half per cent. upon commodities of the produce of this country exported this Island. Copy. 4 pp. Endorsed. Attached,
	46. I. Extract from a letter from the Commissioners of the four and a half per cent. duty in Barbados to the Commissioners of Customs. We hope by the measures which we have taken that we have made this revenue greater than ever was thought possible. We do not doubt that this year, although the first of our being concerned therein, will see it worth from eight to ten thousand pounds, without any unfitting or unlawful exactions from the inhabitants. If peace and prosperity continue, we shall bring it to a settled revenue of the same amount. Dated, 31 March 1685. Copy. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., Nos. 47, 47 I.]
March 9.	47. Minutes of Council and Assembly of St. Christopher's. Proposals of the Governor and Council. 1. For an Act for an impost on imported liquors, and licences of 2,400 lbs. of sugar upon retailers of wine, and 600 lbs. of sugar on rum-sellers. 2. For a joint Committee to draw up an account of such matters as shall be proposed to the King on behalf of the Island. Answer of the Assembly:— 1. Refused. Referred to Act of 12 October last. 2. Agreed to, and two members chosen. Proposed by the Assembly, that an order be issued for the observance of the Act of Trade and Navigation by all officers civil and military. Answered, that such an order has already been published. Endorsed. Recd. 25 May 1685. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 48.]
March 9. Treasury Chamber.	48. Henry Guy to William Blathwayt. Reporting the arrival of a ship from New England, said to contain part of the goods taken in La Trompeuse. Signed, Hen. Guy. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 49.]
March 10.	49. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of Nathaniel Weare read, asking for an early hearing of the case against Governor Cranfield. Agreed to appoint a time at next meeting.
	Petition of Sarah Bland read (see No. 36). Agreed to remit the business to Lord Howard of Effingham. Memorandum of letters despatched and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVIII., pp. 103– 107.]
March 10.	50. Minute of the Attorney-General's report on the laws of New England. All Laws of Government in force. Power to make laws not only as a Corporation, but local laws. Their children to have the freedom of English. Local laws to be continued, so far as agreeable to laws of England. Their laws enact that no man's goods shall be taken from him without a General Assembly. The assessment to be by General Assembly. Similar incoherent notes. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed as headed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 50.]
March 10.	51. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for Captain Allen, H.M.S. Quaker, to cruise in search of privateers who have lately robbed inhabitants of Isle of Wight. Secretary Spencer to write to the Governor of Carolina, in case the privateers shall have sailed thither. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 209– 210.]
March 10. Barbados.	52. Return by the Provost Marshal of the goods of Sir John Witham, whereon he made levy for the fine of five thousand pounds imposed on him. Signed, George Hannay. Copy. 2¼ pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 51.]
March 11.	53. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Embezzlement of piratical goods considered. Judge White repeated his former evidence. Colonel Fuller declared that he had seen the jewels said to have been embezzled, and that they were not worth five pounds. Several more witnesses were examined at great length. Adjourned sine die. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 68– 72.]
March 12.	54. Commission from Lord Craven to Joseph West, to be Governor of the Province of Carolina South and West of Cape Fear. Signed, Craven. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 57.]
March 11.	55. Instructions of Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Joseph West, Governor of the Province South and West of Cape Fear. Thirty eight articles. Signed, Craven, Bath (for Lord Carteret), Albemarle, P. Colleton, Tho. Amv. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XXII., pp. 44– 49, and Vol. XXI., pp. 116– 125.]
March 12.	56. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Stephen Ball, Surveyor-General of the Province South and West of Cape Fear. You will observe the instructions which you have taken over from Mr. Maurice Mathews. You will grant possession of no land in future till the grantee has signed the counterpart of the indenture according to our last instructions of September, 1683. When you have surveyed the land, you will give the certificates to the Secretary, who will not deliver them until the indenture has been signed as above. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 49.]
March 12.	57. Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Pursuant to orders, we have enquired into the embezzlement of pirates' goods and seizures, and encouraged all who can give evidence to come in, particularly Mr. John White, Mr. Roger Elletson, and the naval officer, Mr. Reginald Wilson. We began the enquiry on 25th February. The Registrar's accounts shewed that the value of those seizures was 1,197l., of which you have received 962l., the remainder being computed under expenses of 20 per cent. for factorage, exchange, and other costs. Merchants will inform you if this charge be just. Mr. Elletson could give no information except from others, so desired time to gather it. We met again, therefore, on the 11th, but without obtaining evidence of any value. Elletson was very careful to show that the said goods and moneys had been taken to account by Sir Thomas Lynch, and sent to his correspondent in London, though he must have known that this was the regular practice. It also appeared that some jewels taken from Spurre and put, by Sir T. Lynch's orders, into the hands of the Judge-Admiral, were afterwards remanded and opened by Sir Thomas without knowing what afterwards became of them. Those who saw the jewels valued them at no more than 10l.; Mr. Elletson maintains that they were worth far more, and we accordingly adjourned to allow time for his principal witness to the fact to be summoned. I hear since that Sir Thomas opened the packet upon the importunity of a gentlewoman, who pressed him for a token to send by her to his daughter, but finding nothing fit among them, he put them back again. Whether Sir Thomas forgot to return them to the Judge-Admiral I know not, but the jewels are now in possession of Lady Lynch, and will be produced before you at the first opportunity after the further evidence, if any, has been heard. It was also shewn that Mrs. Wilson, wife to the Naval Officer, had received a ring, on pretence of buying it, and had kept it. Lastly it appeared that Sir Thomas had received a gratuity from some Frenchmen of twenty shillings per pack on fifteen packs of cochineal, for liberty of exportation, whereof nothing had been accounted for to the King, Sir Thomas having apparently treated it as a perquisite. This Elletson was lawyer to Spurre's widow for defence of the piratical goods against the King, wherein his methods were so irregular that Sir Thomas Lynch suspended him from practice. It, therefore, seemed strange to me that, in spite of all his efforts, he could prove no more. Signed, Hder. Molesworth. Holograph. 3 pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 52.]
March 13.	58. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Joseph West. We have received your letter, and approved the choice of yourself by the Council in the room of Governor Sir Richard Kyrle, deceased, the more so since you tell us that the dealers in Indians are the greatest sticklers against having the Parliament elected according to our instructions. We take this plain dealing as a pledge that you are not swayed by that party. We observe your seeming unwillingness to retain the Government. We do not propose to put you out if you are prepared to continue in it, but if you really have a mind to lay it down, we have appointed your successor in your instructions, which instructions you will order to be recorded. We note what you have written that the people are not satisfied that the members of the Grand Council of the people's choice should succeed to be deputies upon the death or departure of any of the proprietors' deputies, and that if any deputy should fall sick, affairs would be at a stand for want of deputies. To remedy this we have provided that the Governor shall appoint deputies for such of the proprietors as have no deputies commissioned in Carolina, and we desire you to appoint fitting persons, and not to appoint Mr. Maurice Mathews, Mr. James Moore, or Mr. Arthur Middleton, whom we have recently removed for disobedience in sending away the Indians. We would not have these men or their abettors in any office of the Governor's choice, or of that of the Palatine Court, till they have shewn promise of better behaviour. Observing that factious people would not let us dispose of our land as we think fit, we have ordered the Secretary to make out no warrants for land till the counterpart of the indenture has been signed by the grantee. You will suspend any secretary or surveyor not observing this rule. The produce of less than a quarter of an acre will pay the rent of one hundred acres, which, if any men will not covenant to pay, we prefer their room to their company. If any desire not to be encumbered with a rent, we shall sell outright for a shilling an acre, and at that rate one year's produce of three acres in corn and pease will, at current prices, purchase the inheritance of one hundred acres. We have appointed Robert Quarry to be Secretary. If Governor West be dead or departed, Joseph Moreton shall succeed him. Signed, Craven, Bath (for Lord Carteret), Albemarle, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vols. XXII., p. 50, and XXI., pp. 113– 115.]
March 13.	59. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Joseph West. The prisoners are arrived, and will speedily be tried. We understand that they had negroes' gold and other things, which were seized in Carolina. We desire that they may be forthcoming, and if the offenders be acquitted, they must be restored, but if they be found guilty they belong to us. The King would have you try all pirates in future according to the Act transmitted to you. You say that the people of Berkeley County will not submit to have ten members chosen out of each county. Pray are you to govern the people, or the people you? Is it just that the inhabitants of Port Royal should have no representatives in Parliament, or be put to the trouble of coming to Charlestown to choose them? Is it just that all the inhabitants of a Carolina should be subjected to laws made by members of Parliament chosen only by the inhabitants of Charlestown or the neighbourhood? For that will be the result if the twenty members for the Commons are always chosen there. Would the inhabitants of Berkelev think it just to have all the twenty members chosen at Port Royal? Do York or Bristol in England choose more than two burgesses for Parliament? Are there not many boroughs of ten houses that choose as many? Does not Rutland, with not a tenth of the inhabitants of Yorkshire, choose two knights of the shire, and Yorkshire no more? The members for the least borough and county have equal votes with the members chosen by the greatest cities and largest counties; so that it is no reason why Colleton County, not having an equal number of inhabitants, should not choose an equal number of members. These things go by the place and not the proportion of people. What harm can be done to Berkeley County if Colleton County choose half the people's representatives? Can they make a law injurious to Berkeley County that would not be as injurious to themselves? Would the Grand Council propose any unequal laws to them? Would the deputies ratify such a law? Would you, the Governor, consent to it? Does anyone imagine that we should approve of it, our object being to cherish the whole country alike? Who then makes the opposition? By our letters it is the dealers in Indians.
	True, we hear that divers sober men are scandalised about this affair of the Parliament, but in quite a different manner than you have represented to us. They have been scandalised to see the combination that is made to have all the members still chosen at Charlestown, where the dealers in Indians boast that for a bowl of punch they could get whom they would chosen for the Parliament and the Grand Council. By this means they have got Acts passed prohibiting the sale of arms to Indians, on pain of forfeiture of all estate and of banishment, which they caused to be observed by others but themselves broke with impunity. By packing Councils and Parliaments they have made war and peace with the Indians as best suited their private advantage, which cost the country great expense, and caused the death of many innocent inhabitants. It is the apprehension of living under a Government where such things are possible that makes some weary of living among you and others cautious of coming to you. The King has given no power to assemble the freeholders to make laws as we think fit; we have fixed the method by our fundamental constitutions and by a temporary method until those constitutions can be put in force. If you are unable or unwilling to cause us to be obeyed herein, we must think of other measures. Meanwhile you will supply every deputy with a copy of our instructions. We regret to hear of the general sickness; we attribute it to the unhealthy situation of Charlestown and the bringing down the people of the country to keep guard there in the unhealthy months. We have sent you directions by another route hereon (see No. 19). We do not think Charlestown a proper place for the seat of Government, for besides its unhealthiness, it is so much exposed that a few men could surprise Governor, Council, and Parliament in their beds. You will propose to us a healthy site, over thirty miles from the sea, well watered and fit for the building of a town. We wish you also to think of dividing Berkeley County into four equal parts, that members of Parliament may be chosen there by precincts, and thus the freeholders may be able to choose their representatives near home, and be saved the trouble of going to sickly Charlestown to do it. We have been informed of the insolent behaviour of our former deputies and certain officers towards the Governor. We do not allow this, and will not suffer it for the future. If you, our Governor, complain of undutiful behaviour in any deputy or other officer, we shall not fail to apply the remedy requisite. We expect the Governor, to be treated with respect, not that deputies should run from the Council without his leave when there is business to be done. In order that men may attend Council without prejudice to their own affairs, we would have the meeting of the Grand Council fixed for the first Tuesday in every month. The Palatine's Court could be summoned, if necessary, at the same time, and it would be your business as Governor to arrange such matters that men may be put to the least possible inconvenience. We think that you mistake the fundamental constitutions regarding the Sheriffs. The Sheriff in Carolina is to be the chief judge of the County Court, and to continue during pleasure, not an annual ministerial officer like the Sheriff in England, for his duty is performed by the Marshal. You will take note of this, for to change the Sheriff annually would be to shift the Judge of the County Court as soon as he has learned his business. You will see that the Clerk of the County Court enjoys the fees, and not the Sheriff, for that might cause exacting, delay of justice, and oppression. We would have you consider that the magistracy is placed in your hands for the good government and welfare of the people, and not to make a prey of them, as we doubt has been too much practised in Carolina. We would have our letter of 30 September 1683 (see preceding volume, No. 1,284) to be read in Council forthwith and in Parliament when it meets.
	We have received hints that Mr. John Moore, our Escheator, has exceeded his duty in some respects, seizing on personal estate of persons dying intestate but leaving wives and children. This is none of his business. We have also some blind hints that he has sold lands of people dying intestate who had no heirs in Carolina. True, all such land of intestates dying without heirs reverts to us, but we would have time given to heirs to appear and make their claim, and meanwhile the land and houses should be let, not sold. You will call Moore before you and examine the matter, and report to us how he has fulfilled his office. If you find that the first complaint against him is true, you will cause him to restore the estate to them who have by law the right of administration. We hear that pirates frequent your ports. You will give them no encouragement; and if any vessel put into Carolina with a number of armed men more than her sailing company, you will cause them to give security for their peaceable behaviour towards the subjects of the King and of friendly nations. Signed, Craven, Bath (for Lord Carteret), Tho. Amy, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 51– 55, and XXI., pp. 107– 112.]
March 13.	60. Instructions to Robert Quarry, as Receiver of the Province of Carolina, South and West of Cape Fear. Signed, Craven, Bath (for Lord Carteret), P. Colleton, T. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 55.]
March 13.	61. Instructions for the same, as Secretary of the same Province. Signed as the preceding. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 56– 57.]
	62. Oath of the Surveyor-General of Carolina. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 72.]
March 13. Barbados.	63. The Secretary of Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding quarterly returns of the proceedings in the Council and the Secretary's office. Signed, Edwyn Stede. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 17 June 1685. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 53, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 295.]
March 13. Barbados.	64. Governor and Council of Barbados to the same. Forwarding quarterly returns of the Council's transactions and of imports. Signed, Ri. Dutton, Henry Walrond, John Peers, Edwyn Stede, Tho. Walrond, Tim. Thornhill, Stephen Gascoigne. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 2 June 1685. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 54, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 291.]
March 14.	65. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir Philip Howard attended. Agreed to order him to report as to the stores which he finds in Jamaica, when his request will be considered.
	Mr. Weare's complaints against Governor Cranfield considered. A copy of Mr. Cranfield's defence to be sent to him. Memorandum of despatches sent and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVIII., pp. 107– 109.]
March 14. Jamaica.	66. Deposition of William Peet. As to the discovery of two hundred pieces of eight in the house of Thomas Atkinson by Reginald Wilson. 1 p. This concerns the charges of embezzlement against Sir Thomas Lynch (see No. 68). 1 p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 55.]
March 15. Jamaica.	67. Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth to the Earl of Sunderland. By letters from Panama I understand that eight or nine hundred piratical English have possessed themselves of an Island called Perico, a league and a half from Panama, where they have fortified themselves and maintained it against all the force that the Spaniards could make against it. At Panama the Spaniards were well provided for defence, and preparing to join with the supplies ordered from the galleons at Carthagena. Manta, near Lima, has been plundered by pirates, and much damage done. It is supposed that these ships are English, whereof Swan and Eaton are two; but we cannot hear whether they are in correspondence with those at Perico. Fifteen hundred men have been sent by land from Carthagena to Lima, and twelve hundred to Panama, to make an end of these pirates, and more than twenty vessels from Lima to follow up their ships. The men at Perico are for the most part those who have long haunted these seas, and, finding themselves discouraged at their old trade, have joined together and have been conducted by the Darien Indians through the country till they got opportunity to seize the island. The design has been afoot a year, when the pirates began to make rendezvous at Golden Island, the Darien Indians being ever enemies to the Spaniard. The English are said to have made great booty by sending out parties from time to time. The Spaniards are much alarmed, and the galleons will be retarded, to the great disappointment of affairs in Spain. If these pirates are not at once overthrown, before they grow any stronger, the Spaniards will be compelled to come to terms with them or to suffer great loss, for the pirates command some passes by which great part of the plate is sent to Porto Bello. Not only Spain but all Europe will be injured, and many men will be drawn away from this Island, despite all our efforts. Signed, Hder. Molesworth. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 11 June. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 56, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., pp. 34– 37.]
	Duplicate of foregoing. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 57.]
March 16.	68. Roger Elletson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have done my best since receipt of your orders to bring to light the embezzlement of seizures by Sir Thomas Lynch's Government. The Council met to examine the affair on the 11th inst., but your orders to encourage and invite all who might be useful in the affair seems not to have been pursued, but rather the contrary. The most material matters and witnesses have not yet been examined, nor should they be, until the arrival of the new Governor, who will do right and justice therein. Captain Davis, who took Spurre's plunder, is not yet come, by whose evidence (if not by some or other taken off [sic]) I hope to prove another considerable embezzlement. I knew not what account you have received of the proceedings, for I have been refused a copy of the minutes. 1 p. En- dorsed.
	Duplicate of foregoing, dated April 15. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., Nos. 58, 59, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., pp. 51– 52.]
March 17.	69. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Mason's letter of 20 October read (see preceding volume). A copy to be sent to Mr. Weare.
	Minutes of Council of Barbados of 10 October read (see preceding volume), as to the trial of Sir John Witham, and the account of his indictment and condemnation. Agreed to report that Sir R. Dutton had not done well (see No. 95).
	A letter from Mr. Penn, dated this day, read, praying an order for quieting the possession of Delaware, as the King had placed it, till his difference with Lord Baltimore was settled. Agreed to do nothing therein. Mr. Markham produced three letters (see Nos. 71, 72, 73). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVIII., pp. 110– 116.]
March 17. Doctors' Commons.	70. The Judge of the Admiralty Court to William Blathwayt. The Amity has been arrested ever since 29 January last, by order of the late Commissioners of the Treasury, but the master was not examined till Saturday night. The Elizabeth is also under arrest, and the master to be examined to-day. I can wait on you if required. Signed, Rich. Lloyd. Holograph. 1 p. Inscribed and endorsed. Letter about the New England pirates. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 60.]
[March 17.]	71. Testimony of William Markham. As to Lord Baltimore's lies respecting the delay in marking off the boundary of Pennsylvania, his tampering with Markham's instrument, and his tricks in regard to the whole business up to July, 1682. Sworn to by William Markham. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Sworn before Committee 17 March 1684–5. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 61.]
[March 17.]	72. Testimony of William Markham of his meeting with Lord Baltimore in September 1682. I desired Mr. Haig to give me in writing an account of what had passed, which he did as follows: — Saturday Sept. 23 1682. Lord Baltimore with Colonel Coursey and others and forty horse came from Newcastle to Upland. The 24th being Sunday, Lord Baltimore compared his instrument and Colonel Morris's. Both instruments having been set up and none left to mind them but Lord Baltimore's own men, they told him that they found the place to lie in latitude 39° 45'. Monday, 25 September. Lord Baltimore wished to go further up the river to latitude 40°, but George Markham objected that from twelve miles above Newcastle and so to the Delaware river he had no ground of claim, the land being granted to Mr. Penn. Lord Baltimore disputed this from his patent, but George Markham would not allow him to take any further observations. After long dispute Markham said that the King must decide between his master, Mr. Penn, and Lord Baltimore, but Lord Baltimore said that he would not go before the King, since the land in question was his. Markham urged him to wait till Mr. Penn should arrive, but he would not, but took boat to Chichester and went from house to house forbidding the inhabitants to pay quit-rents to Mr. Penn. Next day, when Markham was waiting for Lord Baltimore at Newcastle, according to appointment, the inhabitants came to him, terrified by all that Lord Baltimore had said, and wished to move their habitations, not thinking themselves safe from his lordship's claim. Sworn to by William Markham. Three very closely written pages. Endorsed. Sworn before Committee March 17, 84– 5. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 62.]
[March 17.]	73. William Markham to Lord Baltimore. I waited for you yesterday at Newcastle, and heard from Chichester of your carriage towards the people. You have left the province in such disorder that it is absolutely necessary for me to stay in it to quiet the minds of the people, and to prevent repetition of such an occurrence. This letter was written 26 Sept. 1682 (see preceding abstract). Copy. ½ p. Sworn to by William Markham. Endorsed. Sworn before the Committee March 17 1684–5. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 63.]
March 17.	74. Address of the Assembly of Barbados to Governor Sir Richard Dutton. Requesting to be granted the farm of the four and a half per cent. duty for eleven years, on payment of 6,000l. per annum; asking the Governor's mediation in favour of the request, and suggesting the appointment of a joint Committee to settle details; and ending with an expression of thanks for the removal of obstructors of justice. Signed, Richard Cartwright, Clerk of Assembly. Copy, certified by Edwyn Stede, 20 March 1684–5. Large sheet. Inscribed and endorsed. Recd. 4 June 1685. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 64.]
	75. Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Read at Committee 11 June 1685. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 65.]
March 17.	76. Minutes of Council of Barbados. 300l. ordered to be paid on account to Symon Cooper for work on the fortifications, and half of his claim to Thomas Howard, blacksmith, for the same. Order for payment of 67l. to Major John Johnson, of 22l. 5s. to George Hannay for rent of the house for Grand Sessions, and of a quarter's rent for Government House, Fontabelle. James Carter took the oaths on election to the Assembly. The Assembly brought up an address to the Governor (see No. 74). The Governor appointed Henry Walrond, Thomas Walrond, and John Peers to join the Committee of the Assembly. Report of the Committee on the petition of Richard Bate agreed to.
March 18.	Resolutions of the joint Committee appointed yesterday to draw up the scheme for commutation of the four and a half per cent duty.
March 19.	The Assembly brought up three bills, for the commutation of the four and a half per cent. duty, concerning attorneys, and for the collection of arrears of taxes from labourers. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 579–587.]
March 17.	77. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. John Read chosen Speaker in place of Richard Seawell, deceased. Agreed to pay Richard Bate 50l. a year rent for the magazine and store-houses. The Assembly's proposals to the Governor for commutation of the four and a half per cent. duty carried.
March 18.	John Codrington. John Hothersall, John Davies, Paul Lyte, and Abel Allen appointed to be of the joint Committee in the commutation of the duty. Carried, that persons possessing less than twenty acres be exempted from the tax. Militia Bill debated.
March 19.	The Bill for Commutation of the four and a half per cent. duty read and passed. Bill for collection of arrears from labourers passed, also a bill concerning Attorneys and a bill to prevent stealing of sugar. Adjourned to 7 April. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 18– 22.]
March 19.	78. Acts of Barbados passed by 19 March. Supplemental Act for better ordering of Negroes. Act for collection of arrears of labourers. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVI., pp. 95– 97.]
March 19.	79. Journal of Assembly of Nevis. The Assembly proposed a levy of 130,000 lbs. of sugar on planters and merchants, four-fifths to be raised in the country, one-fifth on Charlestown, Jamestown, World's End, and New Castle, and one-fifth on the nation of the Jews. The Council assented. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 40.]
March 20.	80. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Robert Quarry. Appointing him Secretary of the province South and West of Cape Fear. Signed, Craven, Bath (for Lord Carteret), Albemarle. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 43.]
March 20. Whitehall.	81. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Richard Wharton to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. 1 p. Annered,
	81. I. Petition of Richard Wharton. Is owner of lands on the Kennebec in Maine; but forbears to improve them till the King shall take the County into his own hands. Prays that the King will do so, and grant petitioner fresh immunities and privileges such as he enjoyed under his former tenure. 2 pp. Copy. The whole endorsed. Recd. 30 Mar. Read 15 April and 5 May 85. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., Nos. 66, 66I., and (Order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 221– 222.]
March 20. Virginia.	82. Governor Lord Howard of Effingham to [William Blathwayt]. I am sorry to report to you the escape of Colonel Talbot from prison. Ours is so weak here that I rather wonder he was kept so long. He had a guard of two men by night and one by day and was sufficiently ironed, but he corrupted the guards and others. I have examined those who assisted his escape, and found suspicion but no positive proof against them, though enough to commit them to prison, from which they are since escaped. I at once sent advice to Maryland that it was their duty to retake him. Extract. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 104.]
March 21.	83. Dr. Henry Woodward to Deputy-Governor Colonel John Godfrey. John Chaplin is returned to Port Royal. He owned to me at my house, before several witnesses, that he saw arms and other things delivered to the Yamasees, and that they are gone against the Timechoes, but he knows not against what place nor who the Timechoes are. Last Monday week Lord Cardross, Mr. Dunlop, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Westbrooke went to Amecaraw, on the South side of the Westo River, but on what errand Chaplin says he knows not, though it is easy to guess. Chaplin says that a great booty is expected from the Timechoes, and that he believes that it is by Westbrooke's persuasion only that my lord has undertaken this (as I think) unadvised project. Antonio has been with me from St. Helena with seven others, who all complain that it is through Westbrooke's means that the Scots and Yamasees are gone on this design. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXI., p. 143.]
March 23.	84. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Governor reported that one Richard Holloway had tried to seize the ship St. Antonio, to the prejudice of the negro trade with the Spaniards. Holloway was called in, and having been heard in defence, was ordered to give security for his appearance at the next Grand Court. Ordered that the Attorney-General do prosecute him, and that a new proclamation be published, setting forth the King's approval of the trade with the Spaniards. Copy of the proclamation. Order for various payments. The enquiry into the embezzlement of piratical goods was resumed, and several witnesses examined. Adjourned sine die. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 73– 81.]
March 24. Jamaica.	85. Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth to Lords of Trade and Plantations. One Richard Holloway, cooper (a busy fanatical fellow), notwithstanding the King's known orders to the contrary, has lately attempted to seize the ship Saint Antonio, belonging to Don Nicholas Porcio, and employed for buying of negroes, to the great dissatisfaction of the Spanish factor and the discouragement of the trade. The act seemed to the Council to be malicious, as there was no reasonable cause of seizure. I beg explanation of the King's said orders in favour of the Spaniards here. Is the liberty of buying and exporting our English manufactures comprehended, though not expressed, within the intention of the order? My construction is that it is so, but, on putting it to the vote of the Council, most of them began to hesitate, which made me waive it. I then asked Holloway if he would give security to pay damages in case he could not make good his seizure; and, on his refusal we judged his whole proceedings to be vexatious. Had I not put the question in this way, I should have been at a loss how to get the Council to join me in punishing Holloway, because it is not expressly in the King's orders that Spaniards may buy and export our English manufactures, though the advantages that would thereby accrue to the King and kingdom are obvious, in the consumption of our English manufactures and the importation of bullion, or of foreign goods paying heavy duty, in their stead. The seizure being null, there was no occasion for an order to cancel it, but the Council thought fit to issue a proclamation in favour of the trade, with greater restriction in the matter of seizure than heretofore. The reason is that, unless they take out their process and give security before seizure, every little fellow will be continually giving trouble to the Government and vexation to the Spaniards. We can think of no better expedient, and hope that it will meet with your approval. It cannot be supposed that these restrictions will encourage the Spaniards to violate the Acts of Trade and Navigation by exporting produce of the Island. They would be liable to confiscation of ship and negroes, insomuch that Don Nicholas Porcio has given heavy security not to permit such goods to be taken on board. And though there be some penalty upon their importation of English manufactures from hence, yet the danger is easily avoided, by making up the goods in small parcels and so covering them as to protect them from rain. These are landed in some wood near the port to which they are bound, and left with a man to watch them till they can be brought into the town by night. This cannot be done with our Island produce, through its nature, weight, and bulk; moreover, it is of no value there. Signed, Hder. Molesworth. Holograph. 4 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 10 July 1685. Read July 15. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No.67, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXI., pp. 42– 48.]
March 24.	86. Petition of the inhabitants of Jamaica to the King. The late King assented to an Act providing for repair of our fortifications and supply of stores, but the fund has been such a short time settled and so much money has been expended in building forts that we have no money to buy ammunition and stores. The powder introduced under the Act is only sufficient for salutes and the common expense of public occasions. Our stores therefore are fallen low, and we beg you to grant us some as your free donation. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Read in Council March 24 1684(5). Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 68.]
March 4. Panama Road.	87. Charles Swann to Captain John Wise. My voyage is at an end. In the Straits of Magellan I had nine men run from me in one night, after they saw that they could not prevail with me to play the rogue. But God's justice overtook them, for after weathering Cape Victory we met with an extreme storm of long continuance, which drove me down to latitude 55d. 30m. South, and in which the ship to which they deserted was lost. Then I came to Valdivia, when I had two men killed under a flag of truce, after three days' parley and all oaths, human and divine. An ambuscade of between one and two hundred men came out and fired upon a poor eight of us in the yawl. But God punished them likewise, as we hear, we killing three of their captains and some others. It is too long to give you an account of all my troubles, which were chiefly owing to the fact that the ship was meant to be run away with. In Nicoia the rest of my men left me, so that, having no one to sail the ship, I was forced to join them. So that now I am in hostility with the Spaniards, and have taken and burnt some towns, and have forced the President of Panama to send me two men he had taken from us. The same day 270 new men came to me, and we are going to take in 200 more that they left behind. We shall soon be 900 men in the South Seas. Assure my employers that I do all I can to preserve their interest, and that what I do now I could in no wise prevent. So desire them to do what they can with the King for me, for as soon as I can I shall deliver myself to the King's Justice, and I had rather die than live skulking like a vagabond for fear of death. The King might make this whole kingdom of Peru tributary to him in two years' time. We now await the Spanish fleet that brings the money to Panama. We were resolved to fight them before we had reached this strength, and had lain in wait six months for them, but now we hear that they are at sea, and expect them every day. If we have success against them we shall make a desperate alarm all Europe over. I have some money, which I wish were with you, for my wife. I shall, with God's help, do things which (were it with my Prince's leave) would made her a lady; but now I cannot tell but it may bring me to a halter. But if it doth my comfort is that I shall die for that I cannot help. Pray present my faithful love to my dear wife, and assure her she is never out of my mind. Copy. 2 pp. On next page, A letter from Richard Slinger to Mr. Barry, reporting receipt of Swann's letter. ½ p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 69.]
March 24. Barbados.	88. Sir Richard Dutton to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Assembly being made sensible by their own losses of the injury to the country through their neglect of the King's offer of commuting the four and a half per cent. duty, now beg that they may become the farmers of it. Thinking myself bound to encourage them herein, I thought it best to reduce their proposals into an Act which it is open to the King to confirm or to repeal, and which is herewith enclosed (see No.46). My caution in obliging them to pass this measure was the greater inasmuch as former Assemblies, after first receiving the proposal with all gratitude, laid it aside next day as unworthy of their acceptance. This was done by some ill members, who studied their own seditious humours before the King's honour and the good of the country. You will find the proposals of the Act worthy of your favourable consideration, especially when you compare them with the former receipts, not only from Barbados, but from the Leeward Islands in addition. They offer six thousand pounds a year in advance, without any expense to the King, saving him two thousand a year in cost of collection, as well as the risk involved by sending home sugar in specie. The country is obliged to raise seven thousand pounds for the payment of six thousand to the King, one thousand being for the Treasurer to pay him for punctual remittance of the money. he gives twelve thousand pounds security; but if the King would prefer the whole sum to be paid to him here, I am sure that the country would readily consent. I cannot but tell you that the acceptance of this would mean a great loss to the King, for the Treasurer now appointed is obliged to pay the King in sterling, whereas here he is only to receive the current money of the Island, pieces of eight at five shillings, of which very few weigh more than three and sixpence, so that the loss in sending them home would be thirty per cent., apart from the risk. The reason which has prompted the Assembly to make the liberal proposals embodied in this Act are that, though the money is paid cheerfully, the manner of collection is grievous, especially in the leeward parts of the Island. Now they are limited to carry, weigh, and ship their sugars at certain times and places, which they were not before, whereby not only do their cattle suffer much in this hot country, but they lose much time, being unable to observe the strict rules of the Custom-house for despatch of their business. I beg your intercession in favour of the Act. Signed, Ri. Dutton. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 4 June 1685. Read 11 and 20 June. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 70, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 292.]
March 24.	89. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Governor reported that private letters brought news of the death of King Charles II. The Council resolved that no notice should be taken until the news were publicly signified. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 587– 588.]
March 24.	90. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The King ordered a letter to be prepared to Sir R. Dutton as to the appeal of Sir John Witham (see No. 95). Edwyn Stede to be Lieutenant-Governor of Barbados during Sir R.Dutton's absence. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVIII., pp. 117– 118.]
March 24. Whitchall.	91. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Lord Culpeper, Richard Wharton, and others to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. 1 p. Annexed,
	91. I. Petition of Lord Culpeper, Richard Wharton, and the rest of the owners of the soil of the Narragansett Country. We are ready to pay the quit-rents of two shillings and six-pence, New England money, per hundred acres, and to submit to such regulations as the King shall think fit. We beg the confirmation of our lands to us. Copy. 1½ pp. The whole endorsed. Recd. 30 March. Read 15 and 27 April 85. Memo. in Entry Bk. Referred to Law Officers 15 April. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., Nos. 71, 71I., and (Order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 223– 224.]
March 25. Stuart's town. [Carolina.]	92. Lord Cardross to the Governor and Grand Council of Charlestown. I send Mr. Alexander Dunlop to compose differences which seem likely to arise between us. Mr. Caleb Westbrooke, who lives within this country, has received two orders, one a warrant to apprehend a man within our bounds, and the other an order to Westbrooke to appear before you to give information respecting several transactions that have lately taken place to Southward, all this without notice to us. We doubt not as to the contract that has been made between the Lords Proprietors and us which we mean to keep ourselves and expect to be kept by others. The Proprietors we doubt not will do their part, and it is our interest and yours to do the same, and keep up a good understanding. We had hoped to hear of your resolutions on the Spanish letter we sent you, but we have not. Mr. Dunlop will inform you of the "sinistrous" dealing which two noted Indians have taken, to stir up the Indians against us and against each other. We expect your justice herein. We hear too that they entertain a Spanish Indian, whom we believe to be a spy from St. Augustine or thereabout. Pray deliver to bearer the six guns appointed for us. Signed, Cardrosse, Wm. Dunlop, Hamilton, Montgomerie. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXI.,p. 134.]
March 26.	93. Act of Antigua for the annexing of slaves to freeholders in the Island. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. from the African Company 10 Oct. 1685. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 72.]
March 27. Whitehall.	94. Order of the King in Council, referring the petition of Sir John Witham to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd 28 March 85. Annexed,
	94. I. The petition referred to, addressed to the King and the Committee. By Royal Warrant of 10 December 1682 the Lieutenant-Governor was granted half salary and perquisites during the absence of the Governor on leave. I administered the Government during Sir Richard Dutton's absence, not without marks of the Royal approbation, including appointment to hold first rank in the Council of the Island. No sooner, however, did Sir Richard Dutton return, than he sent to me an overture that I should assign my half salary and perquisites to him, and, on my refusal, resolved to force me. He thereupon summoned and examined some thirty persons for any information that he could obtain against me, and framing thereon three charges, committed me to the Provost Marshal till I should find bail. Three several indictments were then prepared against me, wherein were contained several frivolous matters not mentioned in the warrant of commitment, whereof copies were refused to me. Nor was I even allowed counsel, but was required to plead at once, or have judgment entered against me. I pleaded that your Majesty and the Committee were my only proper judges in matters of maladministration, but the plea was not admitted. Though I was so ill that I nearly died in the Court, I was obliged to defend myself; my defence was ridiculed and omitted to the jury; my judges were many of them my accusers; and I was found guilty, and fined eleven thousand pounds, a sum not only impossible for me to pay, but altogether disproportionate to the alleged offences. I appealed to your Majesty in Council, but no notice was taken; and I was committed, ill as I was, close prisoner to the Provost Marshal, till I should pay the two fines of three thousand pounds apiece. The other fine of 5,000l. was imposed on the suggestion that I had taken a negro girl for a bribe, though there was but one witness, and that of illfame, yet on the 26th December, 1684, I was summoned before the Court of Exchequer to shew cause why I should not pay it. I offered sundry matters in plea of abatement, but in vain. Judgment was given for the levying of five thousand pounds on my estate, and a fieri facias immediately issued for the purpose. I beg that my case may be enquired into, that true copies of all the proceedings may be allowed to me, that I may be released from prison, and further proceedings against me stayed pending the enquiry. Copy. 5 pp. Inscribed. Read in Council 28 March 1685. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., Nos. 73, 73 I., and (under date 26 March) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 288– 289, and 310–314.]
March 27. Whitehall.	95. Order of the King in Council. Approving the following report of Lords of Trade and plantations; and directing Lord Sunderland to prepare a letter accordingly. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. The Report. Since our report of 13 January (see preceding volume) we have received further particulars of Sir Richard Dutton's proceedings towards Sir John Witham, the queries that he addressed to the Council and their answers (see preeding volume), and the three indictments preferred against him. We have received no letters or papers in his defence from Sir John Witham since his trial, nor the plea in answer to the indictment, which ought to have been forwarded by the Secretary; but we cannot omit to point out that the Chief Judge appointed by Sir Richard Dutton for the Sessions was Henry Walrond, whom Sir John Witham had dismissed from the post of Lieutenant-General. On the whole we do not think that Sir Richard Dutton has done well in calling to account in this manner one who has borne the chief command on the Island, but since matters have gone so far, and Sir John Witham has appealed to Your Majesty, we advise that all orders for execution against him be suspended and all issues superseded, and issues superseded, and that if execution in any case be actually passed, restitution shall be made to him; that meantime he be set at liberty and have his papers restored to him, and that he be allowed to appear here himself or by counsel as he shall prefer, and to send over all documents necessary for his defence; also that Sir Richard Dutton send more particular and authentic account of the facts and evidence against Sir John, and that he be forbidden to reverse Sir John Witham's decrees in Chancery on any pretended defect of authority. Dated, Council Chamber, 17 March 1685. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 271– 279.]
March 27.	96. Journal of lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft Commision to Mr. Edwyn Stede read, and draft letter to Sir Richard Dutton.
	The articles against Governor Cranfield and his answer read (see preceding volume of this Calendar). The Lords agreed on their report (see No. 118).
	Sir John Witham's petition read (see No. 94 I.). A copy to be sent to Sir R. Dutton. Petition of Walter Stephens and others read. The Lords agreed on their report (see No. 179).
	Memorandum of despatches sent and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVIII., pp. 119– 129.]
March 28.	97. The King to Sir Richard Dutton. A letter in the terms of the report of 17 March (see No. 95). Ordering both Sir John Witham, and Sir Richard Dutton, and Henry Walrond to come home without delay; and that liberty be given without discouragement for the taking of the necessary evidence. Sir John Witham to give recognisance that he will appear before the Council, and submit to its determination in his appeal. Countersigned, Sunderland. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 279– 282.]
March 29.	98. Sir Richard Dutton to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have received the King's Order of 15 January last to my great astonishment, and think myself very unhappy to have lain under the King's displeasure, owing to the unfortunate loss of my letters at sea, which letters would I doubt not have prevented any such order. I must beg to acquit myself of the charge brought against me. As to my prosecution of Sir John Witham, I shall say no more in my vindication than that I acted with the unanimous concurrence of the Council, the Attorney-General and the Judges, in every step. My precedent was the trial of Colonel Codrington by William Lord Willoughby, who had left him Deputy-Governor during his absence. If I have failed in the method of this prosecution, I have at least acted with all possible caution and advice. The proceedings already forwarded to you show that judgment was passed before I received your order, but further execution shall be stayed. As to the latter part of the order, I doubt not that you will acquit me when I solemnly protest that no such order ever came to my hand, so that I solemnly protest that no such order ever came to my hand, so that I could not have caused it to be entered in the books of the Assembly and Council. Whether it came into my deputy's hands I know not, for he kept not only public orders but also my private letters; but I find no entry thereof in the books. I hope that I now stand fair in your Lordships' estimation, and that the King will permit me to accept the benevolence granted me by the country. I confess that, not knowing I should be guilty of any fault, I received a thousand pounds of it a month before the king's order came to my hands. Without it I and my family should have been in a wanting condition, for everything is very dear and I was put to great expense before I left England. There is a great arrear of salary due to me from the King, which has put me to great extremity. But I shall not touch the remaining thousand pounds now ready for me in the Treasurer's hands without the King's order, though I and my family should die of hunger. Holograph. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 4 June 1685. Read 11 and 20 June. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 74., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 296– 298.]
March 27.	99. Memorandum of Commissioners of Customs. Transmitting a letter from Captain Jones of H.M.S. Diamond, attending the service of Barbados, shewing that foreign vessels are allowed to trade there contrary to law. They move that the Governor may be reminded of his duty, and the Captains instructed to seize all foreign vessels so trading. ½ p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No 75, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCVII., p. 141.]
March 30. Whitehall.	100. Commission to Edwyn Stede to be Lieutenant-Governor of Barbados on the death or in the absence of Sir Richard Dutton. Countersigned, Sunderland. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 282– 285.]
March 30. Whitehall.	101. The King to Sir Richard Dutton. Ordering him to give Edwyn Stede a copy of his Commission and Instructions, and to administer to him the oaths of office. Countersigned, Sunderland. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 285– 286.]
March 30. Whitehall.	102. The King to Sir Richard Dutton. Appointing Henry Quintyne, John Hallett, John Hothersall, and John Gibbes to be of the Council of Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 286.]
March 30.	103. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Colonel William Burt sworn in Deputy-Governor. [Col. Entry bk., Vol. XLVIII., pp. 63– 64.]
March 31. Barbados.	104. The Commissioners of the Four and a half per cent duty to the Commissioners of Customs. By our improvements we hope to make the duty worth from eight to ten thousand pounds a year clear. Extract. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 302.]
[March 31]	105. Copy of the queries addressed to Sir Richard Dutton to the Council on 10 October, 1684 (see preceding volume). Copy. 3 pp. Inscribed. Recd. 31 March. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 76.]
[March 31]	106. Address of loyalty from the Grand Jury of Barbados to the King, 16 December, 1684. Serenteen signatures. Broad sheet. Endorsed. Recd. 31 March 1685. Read I April. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 77.]
[March.]	107. Sir John Witham's plea in abatement before the Grand Court of Barbados. Copy. 8 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 78.]
[March 31]	108. Sir John Witham's plea in abatement before the Court of Exchequer of Barbados; six heads, with the answers of the Court thereto. 1¼ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 31 March 1685. Duplicate received 12 March, read 17th. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 79.]
[March ?]	109. [Sir John Werden ?] to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The annexed show the boundaries of the Duke of York's Patent. I beg you to call for it. The Counsel who drew it for the Duke is without, and is ready to explain any difficulties. Unsigned. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 80.]
[March ?]	110. Memorandum concerning Maryland. A brief description of its rise, of its boundaries, and first charter. In the handwriting of William Bridgeman, 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 81.]
March. Petit Guavos	111. The Governor of Petit Guavos to Lieutenant-Governor Molesworth. One of our privateers (Aibustiers) bearing the Commission of the Admiral having met Captain Bosseville some few leagues off Jamaica without passport or papers, has brought him in here. On examination I found certain proof that he has traded with the subjects of the King, my master, which is as you know is contrary to the orders of my King and yours. Still, to promote the friendship existing between the two crowns, I have released him with his ship and cargo, and without further harm done but the delay. I kept him here for some days for certain reasons, but restored him all that belonged to him. To avoid similar inconveniences in future, pray order your vessels not to go to sea without passes in proper form, or I shall be compelled to confiscate them. Signed, De Cussy. Holograph. French. 2 pp. Endorsed. Transmitted by Colonel Molesworth to the Committee. Recd. 29 July 1685. [Col. Papers, Vol. LV., No. 82.]