|
April 1.
Whitehall. |
1,681. The King to the Governors of the Colonies. Asking exact information as to the limits and boundaries of the Colonies under their governments, that these may be determined before the cessation of hostilities with France comes to an end on the 1–11 January 1689. Countersigned, Sunderland. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 24, 25.] |
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The same to the Leeward Island. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., p. 295.] |
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The same to New England. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 13.] |
|
The same to New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 184, 185.] |
|
The same to Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 458, 459.] |
| April 2. |
1,682. Minuites of Council of New York. Order for a proclamation for a day of thanksgiving for the Queen's being with child. Stephen Cortlandt sworn Deputy-Auditor of the Royal revenue. Sundry petitions read. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 25–27.] |
| April 3. |
1,683. Minutes of Council of Maryland. A letter of recommendation from Lord Baltimore in favour of Mr. Matthew Travers read; also a letter from him in favour of James Thompson, who seeks redress of justice in respect of an estate. Order for summoning Colonel Wells, Miles Gibson, and another, who are parties concerned. A third letter read in favour of John Standly, to make easy his succession to the estate of his uncle Hugh. A fourth letter from Lord Baltimore to the Council to the following
effect:—You will take bail of Giles Porter for good behaviour, as the case against him for using treasonable words is doubtful. I find that John Llewellin, who was dismissed from being Clerk of the Council for insolence and misbehaviour, has been chosen Clerk of Assembly by you. I take this unkindly of you, and moreover you had no power to do it. Again, Henry Coursey was chosen Speaker of the Upper House, which was also contrary to my commission. I shall be back in September, and meanwhile I exhort you to unity. I had a complaint from a sheriff, who had been removed by an order in Council, very oddly obtained, for no reason. This is a great dishonour to the Government. You should reward and encourage your men. |
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Robert Carvill appointed Attorney General and William Dent Solicitor General. Mr. Francis Jenkins made his report as to the murder of an Englishman by the Nanticokes. The chief lamented the murder, and promised to do his best to secure the murderer. Mr. Jenkins ordered to apply to the chief again for fulfilment of this promise. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 146–157.] |
April 4.
Boston. |
1,684. Governor Sir Edmund Andros to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Immediately on receiving the King's order I sent an express to Governor Dongan at Albany, where French Commissioners from Canada were treating with him, but, as he tells me, without success. So he renewed his desire for four hundred foot, a hundred horse, and one company of red coats to be sent from hence. I heard yesterday from New York that he had heard no more from Canada, as he expected, and that he still wished the reinforcement to be ready to move in case of occasion, which letter I communicated to the Council. I have ordered the number of men required to be ready, and have endeavoured to put the militia into order, its arms being unsizable and bad. If the French persist in their invasion we cannot be unconcerned to eastward. I send herewith Acts lately passed to continue existing Acts in Connecticut, for choice of select men, for settling the militia, and for an additional duty of impost and excise, pursuant to the King's orders. This last with the other revenues will, I hope, suffice for the ordinary expenses of Government. If it be insufficient we shall, with the King's approval, impose another country rate. I also send the minutes of Council. I had taken security in £5,000 from a small vessel, lately come from the wreck to pay the King's tenths, and in accordance with instructions have now taken the half, amounting to 5,137 ounces of plate. The people complain much of this, pretending to be great losers by the voyage. The money is at hand, and would be useful for the repair of the fortifications. I hope to send the Treasurer's account by next conveyance. Signed, E. Andros. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 26 May 1688. Read 6 July. Enclosed, |
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1,684. I. Governor Dongan to Sir Edmund Andros, New York, 28 March 1688. I arrived here last night from Albany. We have received no hurt from the French. Mr. Wessells, whom I sent to Canada with the French agent, is not come back. The King's order as to the war in
Canada has been read in Council. We are at great expense by reason of these troubles, and cannot bear it without your help. The Council thinks that the aid you give us should be in men, but if there should be no occasion for them it is absolutely necessary that you help us with money. Meanwhile I beg that your men may be ready to march at the first notice. Signed, Tho. Dongan. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 26 May 1688. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., Nos. 44, 44I., and (letter only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 15, 16.] |
April 4.
Boston. |
1,685. Governor Sir Edmund Andros to the Earl of Sunderland. I have duly received the instructions as to wrecks and pirates, and have sworn the new members of Council, except Mr. Lynde, who died a little before. Repeats substance of the letter to the Lords, given in the preceding abstract. Signed, E. Andros. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 29 May 1688. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., No. 45.] |
| April 4. |
1,686. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. William Drax returned as member for the period of St. Ann. His Grace reported the joyful news of the Queen's being with child. Order for Tuesday in Easter week to be observed as a day of thanksgiving. |
| April 5. |
The Assembly sending a messenger as to a day of thanksgiving his Grace informed them of the day that he had appointed. Mr. Constable's warrant read empowering him to receive, as the King's due, one half of all treasures recovered from the wreck. Case of Mr. Towers examined for using the seditious words, Populus est suprema lex. Negro Bill committed. |
| April 6. |
Bill for prevention of perjury read a first time. His Grace declared the words used by Mr. Towers to be of dangerous consequence, and evidence was taken, which shewed that the words were spoken because Towers was refused leave of absence by the Speaker to attend a horse-race. Some witnesses averred the words to be Salus populi. At the request of the Assembly his Grace granted them a short adjournment. |
| April 7. |
Order for the trial of a seized Spanish sloop in the Admiralty Court. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 218–220.] |
| April 5. |
1,687. Minutes of Council of Maryland. A letter from Colonel Spencer, desiring help in capturing a prisoner escaped from Virginia. Question raised whether the Whorekills are not part of Maryland, A letter of recommendation from Lord Baltimore in favour of Mr. Butler read. Captain David Brown and another, being summoned by Frederick Ellis, were discharged, and Ellis was ordered to beg their pardon or to be whipped. Sheriffs appointed for 1688. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 157–160.] |
| April 7. |
1,688. Commission to Sir Edmund Andros to be Governor of New England. New York and East and West Jersey are annexed to New England, and the limits of the Government are fixed north and south from the fortieth degree of north latitude to the river
St. Croix, and east and west from sea to sea, Delaware and Pennsylvania being excepted. Laws are to be made by the advice of the Council. Printed in New York Documents III., 537. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 381–391.] |
| [April ?] |
1,689. A representation of the flag of New England. St. George's Cross on a white field, with the initials J. R. and a crown embroidered in gold in the centre of the cross. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., No. 46.] |
| [April 8.] |
1,690. Petition of the proprietors of East New Jersey to the King. Submitting a schedule of their rights for consideration on surrender of their Charter. Signed, Perth, Melfort, Wm. Penn, and by thirteen others. 1 p. Inscribed. Recd. April 8. Read 4 May. Endorsed. A minute referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations, 3 April 1688. Signed, Middleton. Annexed, |
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1,690. I. The substance of what is humbly desired to be contained in the patent for the province of East New Jersey. 1. Privileges of free navigation and free trade with Indians, and freedom of ports as in Boston and New York. 2. The same rights as lords of the manor in England. 3. A Council and a surveyor of their own choice for purchase of Indian lands. 4. Powers to erect Courts of Justice. 5. Officers and Governors to be chosen from any among the proprietors. 6. The assurance of the aforesaid privileges. 7. Instructions to the Governor of New England to leave affairs in Jersey unaltered for the present. 2 pp. Inscribed. A minute of the Lords of Trade, referring the paper to Sir Thomas Powis for report. Signed, William Blathwayt. [Col Papers, Vol. LXII., Nos. 47, 47I.] |
| [April.] |
1,691. Draft of a grant of the province of East New Jersey to James, Earl of Perth, and others, proposed by the proprietors of the province. 18 pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., No. 48.] |
| April 9. |
1,692. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for the justices of the peace, who have not furnished the names of assessors for levying the penny and a half per pound, to be summoned before the Board to answer for their neglect. Several appeal cases heard. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 27–29.] |
April 9,
10. |
1,693. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. No quorum could be collected in these two days. |
| April 11. |
Several accounts delivered by Captain Thomas Spragge of H.M.S. Drake and referred to the Auditor General. Order for the caro of the sick and wounded men of the King's ships, who had been brought ashore. A petition from Henry Perkins read respecting seventy or more English prisoners detained at Carthagena. His Grace promised to send and demand them. Order for discharge of John Wilkinson on giving security to take his trial. The King's patent read for Joseph Bathurst and William Doddington
to be Clerks of the Common Pleas for the district of Port Royal. His Grace informed the Council that the Assembly had sat two months and done little, and seemed unlikely to do anything. The Council advised that it be dissolved. His Grace assented to the Bill concerning coin, and having summoned the Assembly dissolved it. |
| April 12. |
Order for arrest of John Towers, and for his detention till he find security in £2,000 and two sureties in £1,000 to answer the charge against him at the Grand Court. Order for payment of Captain Spragge's account. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 220–222.] |
| April 10. |
1,694. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Howard of Effingham's letter of 21 December read. Agreed to recommend that leave of absence be granted to him. Agreed to recommend that the order in Council of 3 November 1680 be amended that the King's sign manual may be sufficient authority for a Governor to leave his Government. |
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The Duke of Albemarle's letter of 19 December read (see No. 1,567). Agreed to recommend that Sir Henry Morgan's and Colonel Ivy's suspensions be taken off. |
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Draft report on Lord Culpeper's petition read (see next abstract, April 10). |
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Memorandum of documents sent and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 143–147.] |
April 10.
Council
Chamber. |
1,695. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. On the petition of Lord Culpeper and others, we submit draft of a letter to Sir Edmund Andros, ordering him to make out patents for them, at the usual quit-rents, provided that it be without prejudice to the rights of the King or of any of his subjects, and to refer all disputes concerning the Narrangansett country, which he cannot decide, to Whitehall, sending a map of the country concerned together with the documents. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 8, 9.] |
| April 10. |
1,696. Minutes of Council of Marvland. Mr. Butler made Sheriff of Talbot county. New commission for Kent county ordered, also for Cecil county. James Lewis, having been burnt on the hand for manslaughter, and being so ill that he is likely to lose his hand, was acquitted of any fees due during his imprisonment. Thomas Hussey was brought before the Council. It was found that there was good ground of complaint against him, but he was discharged, promising not to offend again. Petition from Thomas Hussey as to a certain plot of land required for the Court House of Charles county. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 160–166.] |
[April
11.] |
1,697. Petition of Henry Perkins, mariner, and others, his fellow-prisoners at Carthagena, to the Duke of Albemarle. We are some seventy in number, who have been here subject to the tyranny and severity of the Spaniards for some five years past. Though guilty of no crime we are kept in slavery, and nightly return to prisons and loathsome dungeons. A short time ago we
begged the Governor that we might be transported to Jamaica or any other place, but were refused. We beg your good offices in procuring our release. Certified copy. 1 p. [Col. papers, Vol. LXII., No. 49.] |
April 12.
Carolina. |
1,698. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to [the Governors of the province]. Enclosing the two circulars of 22 January, relating to pirates and to the Treaty of Neutrality. Signed, Craven, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 137, 138.] |
| April 12. |
1,699. Minutes of Council of New York. Many petitions and appeals considered. Henricus Salinus applied for a quietus for the administration of the estate of John Shaker, which was conditionally granted from the close of the month. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 30–32.] |
| April 13. |
1,700. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Letters from Colonel Dongan and from the King as to furnishing help to New York read. Order to summon Colonel Tailler to help in the deliberations. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 167–170.] |
| April 16. |
1,701. Minutes of Council of New York. Petition of the inhabitants of Flatbush for the surveyor to run the division line between Flatbush and Brencklin. Order for a copy to be sent to Brencklin. Further order for justices, who have failed to furnish the names of assessors, to answer to the Council for their remissness. Order for the inhabitants of King's and Queen's County to repair the highway between Bedford and Jamaica. Order for a special commission to try William Jones. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 32–34.] |
April 16.
Whitehall. |
1,702. Instructions to Sir Edmund Andros as Governor of New England. The Council nominated consists of Joseph Dudley, William Stoughton, Robert Mason, Anthony Brockholes, Thomas Hinckley, Walter Clarke, Robert Treat, John Fitz-Winthrop, John Nicholson, Frederick Philips, Gervis Baxter, John Pyncheon, Peter Bulkeley, Wait Winthrop, Richard Wharton, Stephen Cortlandt, John Usher, Bartholomew Gidney, Jonathan Tyng, John Hincks, Edmund Tvng, Barnby Lathrop. John Sanford, William Bradford, Daniel Smith, Edmund Randolph, John Spragge, John Walley, Nathaniel Clerke, John Coxhill, Walter Newberry, John Green, Richard Arnold, John Alborough, Samuel Shrimpton, John Young, Nicholas Bayard, John Palmer, William Brown, jun., Simon Lynds, Richard Smith, John Allyn. Seven councillors to be a quorum, except in emergency, when five shall suffice. Printing without license is forbidden. The Five Nations of Indians are to be protected. Countersigned, Sunderland. Printed in New York Documents III., 543. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 392–404.] |
April 16.
Whitehall. |
1,703. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to [the Governor]. We recommend to you Mr. Edward Ketchmaid, who is going to Carolina to recover an estate, to which he is entitled through the death of a relation intestate. Though his business must pass through the ordinary course of law, you will see that he have a
fair trail. Mr. Timothy Biggs has a release and confirmation of the estate claimed from us, but this extends only to such rights as we had therein. You will take care that justice be done. Signed, Craven, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 139.] |
| April 18. |
1,704. Proceedings at the General Assizes at Bermuda held on 5 March 1687–8, and adjourned to 18 April 1688. Address of the Grand Jury to Chief Justice Hordesnell. We would call your attention to the following facts:—(1) The tax of a penny a pound on tobacco has never been paid here, and is no profit to the King, but the contrary, since it discourages cultivation. The Assembly has devised other means of raising revenue to defray public charges. We beg liberty to transport tobacco in any ships qualified under the Acts of Trade to the port of London. (2) We beg that the King will continue the public land as a contribution towards defraying the expenses of defence, and the glebe lands towards the maintenance of ministers. (3) We beg to be allowed to secure our vessels in such harbours as we please, after performing the duties required by law. (4) We beg the annexation of New Providence to this Government, for our relief, as we were the first discoverers thereof. (5) We beg for free trade. Presentment of the Grand Jury. We find the value of the treasure brought to this island from the wreck to amount to £47,880 or thereabout, the King's moiety of which should forthwith be paid, and we beg for pardon on behalf of those who have been remiss in payment. We append particulars of the public lands and of the King's slaves. We repeat the presentments made in 1677 and 1681 as to profanation of the Lord's Day. We beg for the appointment of a day of humiliation before the visitations of sickness and destruction of crops, which have overtaken us. We present the perversion of land bequeathed for the benefit of the youth of these islands to improper uses. We beg that births, marriages and deaths may be puncutally registered. We present the prevalence of drunkenness, swearing, and unlawful games, the perversion of certain public lands into glebe lands, and the disrepair of some of our roads and bridges. We append a full account of the school lands and of the persons in whose hands they now are. The whole 15 pp. Marginal notes by Hordesnell against each article. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., No. 50.] |
April 16.
Jamaica. |
1,705. Governor the Duke of Albemarle to Lords of Trade and Plantations. On the 16th March oath was made in Council that Colonel Samuel Barry had spoken scandalous words of me. As he did not disown it I suspended him from the Council, and ordered the Attorney General to prosecute him. I hope that the King will approve my action. I had advice from Sir John Narborough that Lord Mordaunt had been at the wreck with a Dutch ship of war and a hoy. Sir John Narborough allowed some of his officers and seamen to see the wreck, but they being inexperienced and the sea rough they saw nothing of it. Lord Mordaunt then sailed to the Bay of Samana, where he had left two other ships of war. Captain Wright, with the Assistance and my yacht
met him in Samana Bay, and Lord Mordaunt treated him quite friendly and fairly. Wright left Samana on the 15th ult., when my yacht went to the wreck, and the Assistance came to Port Royal. I was surprised to find Wright return without seeing Sir John Narborough, but he told me that Sir John did not want him, and that he should be more useful here. As Wright was on his way to Samana a master of a sloop informed him that an English pink, one Whiffin commander, had been carried into St. Domingo by a Biscayer. He immediately stood towards the place, and sent Captains Monk and Nowell with the treaties and a letter to demand the pink in the King's name. The Governor sent the men back with a letter to Captain Wright, of which I enclose a translation, but detained the ship and cargo. I enclose Wright's letter and other documents. I have been informed that Yankey and Jacobs fought the Hulke in the port of Cavana from seven in the morning till three in the afternoon, and took her. On the 1st Mr. Constable arrived at Port Roval in my vacht, direct from Sir John Narborough. The Falcon has been with Sir John over a month. On the 2nd inst. the elder Lieutenant of the Assistance died, and at Captain Wright's request I appointed Mr. Swan, midshipman. in his place. On the 5th I had news of Erasmus, a pirate, at Blewfield's Bay, and sent Captains Wright and Monk to take him, but he had escaned before they came. On the 19th I seized two Spanish sloops, for clandestine trading contrary to law. One of them has been tried and cleared by the Judge of Admiralty; the other will be tried in open Court. H.M.S. Drake came in on the 27th March. I ordered her to be careened and refitted. Colonel Molesworth has given security in £100,000 to answer the King's demands in respect of treasure. The Assembly have done very little, the major part having made it their business to wrangle and oppose all things that are for the King's service and the good of the country. Their private heats growing intolerable, and there being no hope of reducing them to a proper temper I dissolved them, after passing their one Act. one for the passing of Spanish money. The malcontents in the Assembly, being satisfied that they outnumbered the rest, would allow no fair debate, but were for putting everything at once to the vote. I intend soon to review the militia, and when I have settled the officers civil and military shall order the choosing of another Assembly. I must remind you that it would be of great service if I had the power of creating councillors when necessary, that business may not be obstructed by the want of a quorum. The capture of the Hulke by Yankey and Jacobs is confirmed. Signed, Albemarle. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 6 July 1688. Enclosures wanting. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., No. 51, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 109–116.] |
| April 19. |
1,706. Report of the Attorney General touching estates in Montserrat and the Leeward Islands. Montserrat. On the regaining of this island from the French it was declared vested in the King by local Act. Next day another Act was passed, restoring estates to their old proprietors, and enabling them to obtain patents for further confirmation of title. Some proprietors,
however, were excepted. Several such patents have been issued by different Governors. Those who held under the original Act I conceive to have a good title, but the majority of the proprietors have no such title nor any patent. Again, none of the patents are granted by the King's authority, nor with the Council's consent, as they should have been, nor under a public seal. There are other faulty titles, founded on bills and instruments of sale, some of them with half a dozen endorsements of transfer. I conceive thereupon that all the laws held by any other title than the Act above quoted are by good right escheated to the King. As to rents, services, etc., I can give you little or no account, nor of fines and forfeitures, other than those appropriated to some special service by Act. Antiqua. I have not yet made particular inspection of this island, but from general enquiry I find that there are two Acts similar to those in Montserrat, and a third, granting ten acres of land for every servant imputed. Holdings under these titles I conceive to be good, but the patents are subject to the same objection as in Montserrat. It is probable that there are other faulty titles, but at present there is not an acre of ground at the King's disposal. St. Christopher's. I can speak little more positively of this island than of Antigua, for, in spite of your commission, the Lieutenant-Governor and Council were unwilling, as they were no lawyers, to act as a Court of Exchequer. It was useless for me to urge that their objections might be equally well urged against their sitting as judges in any other of the Courts of law. They also claimed some remuneration for service, if they should undertake it, and my arguments could not prevail with them. Mr. Joseph Crispe and Mr. Charles Mathews were the chief spokesmen. Crispe was Escheator General for eight years, until superseded by Mr. Tyacke, and has showed no account of his receipts. Mathews's whole estate is held by a bad title, and stands in danger of reverting to the King. Mathews also questioned that your commission was issued by royal instruction, until I produced the attested copy of that portion of the instructions. Having thereupon no authority to assist me in making enquiry at St. Christopher's I could not do so thoroughly. It is easy to guess from the difficulties that the Council have already raised that they will not cease to raise more and to obstruct the work. In St. Christopher's the titles generally fall under three heads; those held under the Treaty of Breda and Lord Arlington's explanation of the same, those obtained by purchase from the French under the same authority, and those dependent on patents. The first and second may be good or not, according to the instructions put on the articles aforesaid and the validity of the titles before the Treaty; but most of the people can produce no better title than the imperfect patents already described. Charles Mathews's estate is held by so imperfect a title that I should have preferred a bill of intrusion to recover it for the King had the Council consented to sit as a Court of Exchequer. I intended also to have laid an information against Joseph Crispe for furnishing no accounts of his receipts as Escheator General, but have likewise deferred this. He described the receipts as trivial, but others give a different account, and from an instance that came under my
notice I am inclined to think that the others are right. One complicated case I design to lay before the King's Attorney General. Nevis. Here again the obstruction of the authorities has prevented me from making such through enquiry as at Montserrat. I know not, indeed, how we could ascertain their titles except by preferring bills of intrusion against every particular person. The titles fall under four heads, those authorised by a grant of King Charles I. and by the Acts of 1664 and 1680, which are in reality reducible to two; titles under the Act of 1664, and titles by patent. The patents are of course imperfect, and I think that flaws could be found in the others. Full inspection I believe would show that the Crown is entitled to most of the estates. Fines and forfeitures, unless appropriated by Act to some particular use, were generally remitted by the late Governor. Altogether I believe that nearly all the titles in the Leeward Islands are insecure, which is a hindrance to settlement, and a loss to the King by the failure of escheats. The only sure way of securing the titles is for the King to grant his letters patent to the proprietors. The details and conditions of the grant would have to be considered. It would be open to question, too, whether the instructions requiring the consent of the Council to the Governor's patents should not be altered, the councillors being all interested parties. As to rents, I believe that if the titles were confirmed at a rent of one per cent, or a half per cent. on the annual produce of the estates the revenue would be considerable and the burden very slight. An Act confirming the patents granted by Governors would also give great satisfaction: such an Act was passed in Ireland in Lord Strafford's time. The rent taken might be applied to the payment of the Lieutenant-Governor's salary, and then that officer would be wholly dependent on the King instead of on presents from the Colony, which have been in the past and may again be withheld. Moreover, to increase the King's revenue, escheated lands should not be granted away gratis, and fines and forfeitures should be more carefully looked to. Again, the due regulation of the customs or methods of the Courts of Justice would be a great boon to these islands. I give you some instances of the anomalies and inconveniences, and suggest means for remedying them. Finally, I would point out that it would be of great advantage to the islands to have a gentleman conversant with the laws and customs of England resident in them, and no one fitter than the Attorney General, which is the title that I bear. I give an outline of his duties. He might be allowed a percentage on the accidental revenues, fines, forfeitures, etc., of the Islands. Signed, Archibald Hutcheson. 32 closely written pages. Endorsed. Recd. 25 July 88. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., No. 52, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 342–385.] |
| April 19. |
1,707. Minutes of Council of Barbados. An escheat of two acres granted to Alice Byrne for twenty shillings. Two licenses granted to build wharves at St. Michael's on payment of £10 and £2 respectively to the King. Robert Rich, John Thomas, and Robert Bishop sworn of the Council. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol., XII., pp. 83–85.] |
April 19.
Barbados. |
1,708. Deputy Governor and Council of Barbados to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding quarterly returns of the Naval Office and of imposts. Signed, Edwyn Stede, Chr. Codrington, John Gibbes, John Hallett, Henry Quintyne, Richard Salter, Tho. Walrond. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 3 July, 1688. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., No. 53.] |
April 20
and 21.
Whitehall. |
1,709. Commission to Captian Francis Nicholson to be Lieutenant Governor of New England. Countersigned, Sunderland. |
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Memorandum of commissions to Anthony Brockholes, Gervais Baxter, Thomas Sharp and — Bradford, each to be captain of a company of foot. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 406, 407.] |
| April 21. |
1,710. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Letter to Colonel Dongan that the country will be very glad to help New York as soon as it receives the King's order, which, so far, it has not. The attorneys for the several counties nominated. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., pp. 171, 172.] |
| April 21. |
1,711. Minutes of Council of New York. The jurors who tried the case of Josiah Hobart and Jonathan Hall appeared, who explained the reasons for their verdict, and were discharged. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 34, 35.] |
April 22.
Whitehall. |
1,712. The King to Governor Dongan. Recalling him from the government of New York on the arrival of Sir Edmund Andros, and requiring him to return to England, where he may expect marks of royal favour and assurance of the royal satisfaction in his good services. Countersigned, Sunderland. Printed in New York Documents III., 550. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. LXI., p. 404, and Vol. LXIX., pp. 179, 180.] |
| April 22. |
1,713. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The Governor announced that the King had given the Colony a great seal. Colonel Byrd appointed auditor. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 275, 276.] |
| April 23. |
1,714. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Thomas Granwin appointed assistant clerk of Council. |
| April 24. |
Letter from Francis Jenkins, on which it was ordered that the Englishman murdered by the Indians be disinterred to satisfy them that he is dead. The Indians, however, to be informed that this will not be done again. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LIV., p. 173.] |
| April 24. |
1,715. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Duke informed the Council that a pirate's vessel, lately seized by Captain Spragge, had been claimed by Mr. Lynch, and, on examination of the case, ordered Mr. Lynch to bring the pirates to trial. Order that the Governor's order shall be sufficient warrant for the issue of money in payment for work on the fortifications. Petition of Thomas Wenbourne to be admitted as deputy clerk of the markets. He was ordered to give security accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 223, 223A.] |
| April 24. |
1,716. Minutes of Assembly of Virginia. The burgesses presented Arthur Allen as their speaker, who was approved. |
| April 25. |
Francis Page's commission from the Governor as clerk of Assembly read. |
|
List of members. |
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Nancymond County |
Thomas Milner.
Thomas Lear. |
|
Warwick County |
Miles Cary.
Richard Whittaker. |
|
James City County |
Philip Ludwell.
James Bray. |
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James City. |
William Sherwood. |
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York County |
Francis Page.
Thomas Barber. |
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Surrey County |
Arthur Allen.
Samuel Swan. |
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Rappahannock County |
Arthur Spicer.
Henry Aubrey. |
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Westmoreland County |
Thomas Yowell.
William Hardedge. |
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Accomack County |
Charles Scarburgh.
William Anderson. |
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Northampton County |
Thomas Harmonson.
William Kendall. |
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Middlesex County |
Christopher Robinson.
Robert Dudley. |
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Elizabeth County |
William Wilson.
Thomas Allonby. |
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Northumberland County |
Richard Kennor.
Hancock Lee. |
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Lancaster |
William Bull.
John Pinkard. |
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Stafford |
Geo. Mason.
Geo. Brent. |
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New Kent County |
John West.
Joseph Foster. |
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Lower Norfolk County |
Anthony Lawson.
William Crawford. |
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Isle of Wight County |
Arthur Smith.
Henry Applewhite. |
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Charles City County |
Peter Perry. |
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Election returns examined. Address to the Council asking for members to be appointed to administer the oaths. Answer of the Governor. The King, by his declaration of indulgence, has dispensed with the old oaths, but if any of you wish to take the oaths I will meet your wishes. Colonel Richard Lee and Colonel John Lear appointed, and the oaths administered. |
| April 26. |
Address to the Governor for a copy of his speech, which was promised. Committee for propositions and grievances appointed.
The Governor's speech, commending to the Assembly the bill to prohibit export of bulk tobacco, and some assistance to the Government of New York. Address of the burgesses praying that the clerk of Assembly may be sworn to secrecy, though he be appointed by the Governor. The Governor consented, saying that he did not wish the clerk to be a spy, but only to keep him informed of the business in hand, and that he had therefore amended the oath of secrecy so far. The Governor of New York's letter read, as also the King's letter to him. The House resolved itself into a committee to consider as to the supplying the money to carry on the war. Resolved, that it sees no just ground why Virginia should afford any assistance to the Government of New York. |
| April 27. |
Committee appointed to draw up reason for the resolution as to New York. Message from the Governor asking the House to be expeditious in the matter of the supply for New York. The House replied that it was considering the matter, and meanwhile addressed the Governor to appoint a day of fasting and humiliation. |
| April 28. |
Message from the Governor consenting to appoint a day of humiliation. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 501–525.] |
April 25.
Whitehall. |
1,717. Grant of the office of secretary and sole registrar of New England to Edward Randolph. By writ of Privy Seal. Countersigned, Pigott. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 408, 409.] |
April 25.
Barbados. |
1,718. Lieutenant Governor Stede to the Earl of Sunderland. Since my last I have inspected the forts and fortifications on the windward side, all of which I found in perfect order. I shall visit those to leeward in a day or two. The forty guns sent by his Majesty have been mounted, but we still want thirty or forty long whole culverins to put in the place of some old small guns, which do not mix well with those lately sent out, but might be useful elsewhere, or might serve for field pieces, being light. Will you move the King to grant us thirty long culverins more, and then I hope nothing will be wanting for the defence of the island. Whoever has chief command will have no excuse if he fail in his duty, for I am sure that the people are loyal enough. It would be a kindness to make us this grant, for the people are poor and indebted, owing to loss of negroes and other servants by sickness, and of horses and cattle by the like casualties. After inspecting the leeward fortifications I shall review the regiments, and send you an account of them. Our strength is much decreased by the great mortality that still prevails among us, especially among the black and ordinary sort of people, though they are generally better fed, clothed, and looked after than they used to be. Owing to the decay of trade, too, many of the whites born here and of the white servants who have finished their term, leave the island to seek a living elsewhere, which weakens the militia and leaves no people to be hired for military service. Quakers keep so few white servants that almost an eighth portion of our military force is wanting, which is a serious danger. |
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Captain Wrenn, of the Mary Rose, is just returned from St. Lucia, whither I had sent him to drive the French away. They treat the island as their own when the frigate is not there, Count de Blenac, the Governor of Martinique, giving them formal licence to do so, and having for some time past plumed himself thereon. I send a few copies for you to see. Captain Wrenn burnt all their huts, destroyed all their settlements and gear and some of their canoes, and sent the French back to Martinique. In this service the French shot one of Captain Wrenn's men, and, joining with some Indians from St. Vincent, tried to hurt the English, who were cutting timber at St. Lucia. They fired some poisoned arrows, but without effect, and the French, finding that they were not strong enough, retired into the woods. Two days since a ship arrived from Providence, and gave an account of some small settlements made there by a kind of piratical and ungoverned people. It reported also that Captain Spragge had been there in the Drake on his way to Jamaica and had seized and carried off such of the people as, according to his information, had been pirates or accomplices in piracy. This ship was at the wreck, but was forbidden to work there by Sir John Narborough. He believes that so far Sir John has not recovered much treasure. What is become of Lord Mordaunt and his Dutch squadron I have no account, nor of the discovery of any new wreck. Many vessels from Jamaica and Bermuda have been in quest of other wrecks, but have found none. A gentleman of this island has sent a sloop and other boats whale-fishing to the Bahamas, which he hopes may be profitable, many whales having been found in those parts; but it seems that it is difficult to take them there, as the seas are full of rocks and sands, so he succeeded only in taking one small whale, while a larger one, which he struck, got away. Alteu Bocken, late Governor of Tobago for the Duke of Courland, is dead there. The settlement has made small progress from want of men, materials, and all sorts of necessaries. The second in command, Mr. Marreen, is at Boston, though daily expected back, so the captain of the few soldiers they have is now in command there. The Dutch ship which touched at Tobago, as was said, with intention to make a settlement there, made little stay. I hear nothing of Mr. Esmit, the Governor of St. Thomas, since he touched here on his way there. Signed, Edwyn Stede. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 19 July 88. Enclosed, |
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1,718. I. Copy of a pass given by the Governor of Martinique to Jacques le Curieux to hunt, fish, and wood at St. Lucia. Dated 11 February 1688. Signed, Blenac. Countersigned, Dubois. Scrap. |
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1,718. II. Duplicate of foregoing. |
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1,718. III. Similar pass for Jullien Pescheur. 18 February 1688. |
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1,718. IV. V. Similar pass in triplicate, for Sieur Henry St. Amour. 1 March 1688. |
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1,718. VI. VII. Similar pass for M. St. Amour, père. Same date. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., Nos. 54, 54I.–VII., and (letter only), Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 481–484.] |
| April 26. |
1,719. Minutes of Council of New York. The Assessors for Queen's County who refused to do their duty under the Act appeared, and were committed for trial. Order for appointment of new Assessors. Certain justices of the county of Westchester appeared, and were ordered to ascertain the fees of the clerk of the peace. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 35–39.] |
April 27.
Whitehall. |
1,720. Order of the King in Council. Renewing the order of 3 November, 1680, that no Governor of a Colony shall absent himself from his government without leave, either under the royal sign manual and signet or by order in Council. Signed, William Blathwayt. Memo. This order was sent to Colonel Stede, 16 June, 1688. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 471; also Vol. XXXII., pp. 106, 107; Vol. XLVII., pp. 291–293; Vol. LXII., pp. 13, 14; Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 211, 212; Vol. C. p. 31.] |
April 27.
Whitehall. |
1,721. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations on the Duke of Albemarle's letter of December 19th (see No. 1,567), recommending that the suspension of Sir Henry Morgan and Colonel Ivy from the Council be taken off. Dated, 10 April 1688. Ordered accordingly. Signed, William Blathwayt. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 81–83.] |
April 27.
Whitehall. |
1,722. Order of the King in Council. Granting leave to Lord Howard of Effingham to come home. Signed, William Blathwayt. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 208, 209.] |
April 28.
Nevis. |
1,723. Governor Sir Nathaniel Johnson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have received your orders as to the wreck and the proclamation as to privateers. The latter have done us little mischief of late, and we have more reason to fear the Spaniards and the Biscayans with commissions from the King of Spain, who have taken, among others, a ship of this island (see No. 1,677). I wish that the King would send a fast sailing frigate to these parts to save our shipping. I have also received orders as to the Treaty of Neutrality and the indulgence to Quakers. I was mightily rejoiced to hear the news of the Queen's being with child, and pray God grant a safe delivery and a Prince of Wales. We appointed a day for public thanksgiving. Signed, N. Johnson. P.S. I hope you do not forget the condition of the poor soldiers at St. Christopher's. 2 pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., No. 55, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 325–327.] |
| April 30. |
1,724. Commission for Sir Edmund Andros to be Vice-Admiral of New England. Countersigned, S. Pepys. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 405, 406.] |
| April 30. |
1,725. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. On the complaint of Mr. Stephen Lynch the Provost Marshal was ordered to assist him in apprehending certain French pirates lately arrived in the island. Petition of inhabitants of New Providence read, complaining of the plunder of their houses by Captains Spragge and Lenham. The two captains replied that they had instructions
from Colonel Molesworth to pursue pirates in New Providence. Complaint of three men against Captain Spragge for capture of their ship read; the captain replied that complainants were pirates. Complaint of William Douglas against Smyth, gunner of H.M.S. Drake read, and consideration postponed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 224, 224A.] |
April 30.
Jamaica. |
1,726. Colonel Hender Molesworth to the Lords of the Treasury. I warned you on the 28th that I had shipped home certain chests of plate and coin which I had received for the King's tenths from the sloops that arrived from the wreck. On the same day Mr. William Constable, Sir Richard Dereham and others, by virtue of a warrant from the Duke of Albemarle, went on board the ship, broke open the door within which the chests were laid and carried them away; Mr. Constable delivering to the commander the bill of lading which he had from me, together with his discharge upon it. I enclose copies of the Duke's warrants, of Mr. Constable's receipt, and of the captain's protest, from which you will see the favour Mr. Constable obtained from his Grace for possessing himself thus unduly of the King's money. He was not qualified to do so by any lawful means, as the copy of the power, which he handed to me, shows. I enclose copy of my reply. I think it hard that when the Duke has made me give such heavy security for the money he should have forced it out of the ship in which I had laden it for the King's service. But I hope that the King will set all right for me. Signed, Hder. Molesworth. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Enclosed, |
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1,726. I. Copy of the Duke of Albemarle's warrant to Captain Joseph Knapman and the Provost Marshal together with Mr. Constable's receipt for ten chests of money. Dated 28 April, 1688. 2½ pp. Endorsed. |
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1,726. II. Copy of Captain Knapman's protest against Mr. Constable and others. 1½ pp. Endorsed. 28 April 1688. |
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1,726. III. Copy of Colonel Molesworth;s answer to Mr. Constable's demand of the King's tenths. 2 pp. Endorsed. |
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1,726. IV. Copy of the bond for £100,000, demanded by the Duke of Albemarle, with Colonel Molesworth's objections thereto. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 23 May 1688. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXII., Nos. 56, 56I.–IV.] |
| April 30. |
1,727. Minutes of Council of New York. Letter from Mons. de Denonville of 14 April read, also from Derick Wessells at Montreal. The Governor's propositions to the Six Nations of 29 April approved. Major Macgregory's claim of £15 for travelling expenses allowed. Robert Livingstone's account for maintenance of the forces at Albany from 11 August 1687 to 1 June 1688, amounting to £2,067, read; also his account for repair of the fortifications at Albany, amounting to £138. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 39, 40.] |
| April 30. |
1,728. The King to Lord Howard of Effingham. Directing Colonel John Armestead to be sworn of the Council of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., p. 210.] |
| April 30. |
1,729. Minutes of Assembly of Virginia. Petitions to the Committee of Grievances. Report of a committee appointed to examine the election for Charles City County. |
