|
Sept. 2.
Barbados. |
397. Lieutenant-Governor Stede to the Earl of Shrewsbury. All is quiet since my last, but the Island cannot be put in a better posture of defence without naval aid. A few days after receiving a request to send help to St. Christophers I heard from Colonel Hill that the French in that Island had sent for help to Martinique, which was readily complied with, the Governor having received advice of the declaration of war by a swift ship in a voyage of twenty days. Count de Blenac accordingly embarked with what men he could raise, and sailed with five men of war, fourteen homeward bound merchantmen and three and twenty sloops directly against St. Kitts. On their approach the French in the Island took advantage of the withdrawal of the English into their fort to fire
their canes, houses and works. The ships meanwhile cannonaded the fort heavily, firing eleven hundred and thirty eight shot and two and twenty bombs, but killed only a dog or two one Christian man, three children and a negro, so that had Colonel Hill been able to hold out till the arrival of the forces from hence, which were sent with all possible speed, we had probably saved the English and taken the French. Never men embarked more cheerfully than the eight hundred sent to the relief of St. Kitts under Sir Timothy Thornhill. They embarked in one ship and thirteen small craft on the 17th of August, and steered for Antigua to join the ten companies there raised, but on arrival they heard that St. Kitts had surrendered a fortnight before, Colonel Hill having held out for four days after he had spent his last grain of powder and consumed his last morsel of victuals, in hope of relief. But so careful were the French by sea that none should come, that the Governor of Nevis could not get a sloop-load of ammunition, which I had sent, into the Island; otherwise he would probably have held out for long enough. Even now if we had any considerable naval force and a few more men besides what we can raise ourselves we could not only retake St. Kitts but take all the French Islands, so ill are they provided with men, ammunition and provisions. The forces I have sent will serve to protect the rest of the Leeward Islands till we have relief from England, though de Blenac boasts Montserrat his own without a stroke, and that the rest of the Islands will easily fall into his hands, wherein I doubt not he will find himself altogether disappointed. It is said that the English lost about thirty men at St. Kitts, and the French two hundred, and that de Blenac gave the English fair quarter though prisoners at discretion. The Irish would have put all to the sword, but de Blenac would not have them harmed. He sent all the common soldiers, about four hundred, to Nevis, not having provisions for them, but kept the officers to exchange for some Irish who are prisoners at Nevis for a rebellion at Montserrat. This is all I know, and I can only say that I shall do my best for this Island and for our neighbours. Surinam is as much in want of aid and advices from Europe as we I hear that M. D'Eas, the French admiral, after his repulse from Surinam made an attempt on Berbice, but was driven off with loss of two hundred men and of one ship run aground, of which the whole crew surrendered. |
|
People here are taking the oaths cheerfully, Papists as well as others, but I fear the Irish Papists are still not to be trusted. Mr. Hugh Montgomerie and some others of that gang are in custody for using dangerous words and will shortly be brought to trial. On the 24th July arrived Captain Francis Dykes of the Bonetto sloop, in twelve weeks from Gravesend and six weeks from Plymouth, into which he was forced by bad weather. By him I received your letters of 15 and 19 April, which give us good hope of supplies from Europe. Pursuant to your orders I despatched the vessel without delay. Captain Hewetson left for England with the last fleet, full of reviling and malice against me, and vowing to do his best to get me removed from the government for overthrowing his voyage. I cannot see how I have contributed thereto, and whatever your own interest in that venture I rely on your justice to do nothing against me till you have
heard the whole case; for I can prove that it was his own pride, wilfulness and unheard-of barbarity to his people that really overthrew his voyage. Signed. Edwyn Stede. P.S. By a vessel just arrived from Carolina seven weeks out I hear that all is quiet there, but the people have not yet knowledge of the accession of their Majesties. So little converse have they with their neighbours—for New England, New York and Virginia proclaimed their Majesties some months since. I hear too that all is quiet at New York under the government of Captain Huseler, chosen by the people to that command. Captain Nicholson, their late Lieut.-Governor, is gone to Madeira. Colonel Dongan was to have gone thither also, but being a very timorous man at sea would not trust himself in so small a vessel as a brigantine, so went ashore again and lives unmolested and peacable at his plantation. The Leeward Islands not trusting Sir Nathaniel Johnson's good affection to the new Government or zeal to protect the Islands against the French, he has gone to Carolina, having appointed Colonel Codrington as Governor and Commander in Chief in his absence. Three closely written pages. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 21, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 135–142.] |
| Sept. 2. |
398. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The question of Santiago de Castillo and the Assiento referred to Commissioners of Customs. Their letter of 23 August read (see No. 376). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 266, 267.] |
Sept. 2.
Whitehall. |
399. Order of the King in Council. For the raising and transport of two companies of foot-soldiers to New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 246.] |
| Sept. 2. |
400. Order of the King in Council. For payment of £100 to Governor Sloughter, for presents to the Indians. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 247.] |
Sept. 2.
Hampton Court. |
401. Order of the King in Council. That the Treasury pay £3,000 to the Commissioners for victualling the Navy in payment for six months' provisions for the regiment to be sent to the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 77, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 443, 444.] |
| Sept. 2. |
402. Draft circular of the King to the Governors of Colonies. Asking their good offices in helping a gardener to obtain plants and shrubs for him. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 202, 203.] |
Sept. 3.
Whitehall. |
403. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of St. Jago del Castillo, Commissioner of the Assiento, to Lords of the Treasury for report. Signed. Cha. Montague. ½ p. Annexed, |
|
403. I. Copy of the petition referred to. (see No. 369.) [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. Nos. 25, 25 I, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 281.] |
| Sept. 3. |
404. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Two members only appearing, the meeting was adjourned for a fortnight. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., p. 190.] |
| Sept. 4. |
405. Address of the Protestant representatives of Maryland to the King. Praying for consideration of their grievances and the extension of the great Protestant deliverance to Maryland. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. LII., pp. 143–145.] |
Sept. 4.
Maryland. |
406. The Speaker of Assembly of Maryland to the Secretaries of State. The enclosed address from the representative body of this province is sent for presentation to their Majesties. The ground of it has already been expressed to you in an application of like nature, made on the 2nd of August last by the gentlemen here associated in arms for their Majesty's service and the defence of the Protestant religion. Signed. Kenelm Cheseldyn, Speaker. ½ p. Duplicate. Enclosed, |
|
406. I. Address of the representatives of the Protestants in Maryland to the King. We beg your royal attention to our grievances and oppressions already represented to your Secretaries of State, and that our religious rights and liberties may be secured under a Protestant Government. Meantime you may rely on us for the defence of your rights and of the Protestant religion here. Dated. 4 September, 1689. Thirty-nine signatures. [America and West Indies. 556. Nos. 1, 1 I.] |
Sept. 5.
Common Gaol
in Boston. |
407. Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Five months are passed since this people overthrew the Government, and imprisoned Sir Edmund Andros, myself and others. During all this time the Indians have overrun the greatest part of the Eastern Country from the St. Croix to the Piscataqua, two hundred miles of coast. They have taken the town and fort of Pemaquid, also the towns of New Harbour, New Town and New Dartmouth with the strong fort there, the fort on the pass at Damaraslothe river, the fort of Tuesset on the Kennebec, and the fort on Pojebscot side, all built and well manned by Sir Edmund Andros's orders, the towns of Sacadehock, North Yarmouth, Richmond's Island and Saco, where two good forts were well settled, and Cacheca in the township of Dover in the Piscataqua; most of the houses, corn and cattle are burned and destroyed, and about three hundred Christians are killed or taken. In Maine Wells, Casco, Kittery, &c., some few fortified houses still remain but do not expect to hold out long, for no care is taken for their relief by the Government of Boston, being "out of their colony," as they are told. Three weeks ago the enemy attacked some scattered houses in the towns of Havarell and Andover, thirty miles from hence, on which the Government are raising three or four hundred horse and foot, but they have no officers fit to command them, so the soldiers prefer to lie in gaol than to serve under them. If they can complete this number they design only to defend their out towns and not to suppress or destroy the Indians. The damage already amounts to £60,000. The fisheries and lumber (our principal commodities) are quite destroyed, besides the loss of a fruitful country; all the great masts for the Royal Navy are in the hands of the French or Indians. This is but the beginning of the desolation brought on this country by an anti-monarchical faction. Three days after they had subverted the Government the Council gave orders
to Captain Savage to dismiss all the officers and draw off all the soldiers settled by Sir Edmund Andros in the forts above named, by which the whole country was until recently so well secured that the Indians were about to bring in their chief rebels and submit to mercy. But by this success and extraordinary booty their numbers are increased, several nations have joined them and made them up to five or six hundred fighting men. In March last they were supplied with ammunition by some merchants of Boston, and since then by the French from Canada. The inhabitants of Cape Cod are apprehensive of a rising of Indians there also. These calamities befalling other Colonies in no way related to Boston set Sir Edmund Andros upon attempting his liberty, and on the 3rd of August he arrived at Newport, Rhode Island, intending to moderate the minds of the people. But the Council at Boston hearing that he was gone sent orders to apprehend him, and by their agitators stirred up a rabble in Rhode Island, who treated him inhumanly and betrayed him to the troops of horse which brought him back to the Castle. He is now charged with unbailable crimes, and his keeper treats him as the worst of malefactors. This people by their resolves and proceedings shew that, however specious their pretences against Sir Edmund and others of papacy, they are resolved to maintain their Charter Government as they call it. You will remember the resolution of King Charles II. to prevent further mischief from the many independent and petty Governments of the Colonies by setting up a central Government, which was done in 1686 by Sir Edmund Andros's Commission. The evil consequences of the old system were seen in the war of 1675–6. The Bostoners could never subdue those Indians to the eastward till Sir Edmund Andros, the Governor of New York, sent a large party of soldiers to build the fort of Pemaquid. What arguments may be used by others I know not, but from fourteen years' experience of the country I say that it is absolutely necessary to send ten or fifteen hundred good soldiers to regain what is lost and to reduce this people to firm dependence on the Crown; otherwise the other Colonies, Maryland, Virginia and Carolina will shortly be overrun by the French. I may add that the revolt here was pushed on by the Agent in England, Mr. Mather, who sent a letter to Mr. Bradstreet encouraging him to go cheerfully to so acceptable a piece of service to all good people. Signed. Ed. Randolph. Holograph. 2 closely written pages. Endorsed. Read at the Committee Feb. 29, 1689. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 34, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 158–163.] |
| Sept. 7. |
408. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Draft commission for Captain Sankey to be Governor of the Leeward Islands read and approved. Letter from Commissioners of Admiralty (see next abstract) to be laid before the King. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 267.] |
Sept. 7.
Admiralty. |
409. Commissioners of Admiralty to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have received orders at different times for transporting three Governors and various stores for a regiment of foot to the West Indies. We beg for further particulars and suggest that it will be good husbandry to arrange that all shall be transported at the same time. Signed. Tho. Lee, J. Lowther,
M. Chicheley. 1¼ pp. Endorsed. Read 7 Sept. '89. Presented in Council the 9th. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 16, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 80, 81, and Vol. XLVII., pp. 444, 445.] |
| Sept. 7. |
410. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have prepared a Commission for Nicholas Sankey, Esq., to be Governor of the Leeward Islands, as ordered. ½ p. Endorsed. On advice that Sir N. Johnson had surrendered the Government to Colonel Codrington, the King appointed Colonel Codrington to be Governor. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 39.] |
| [Sept. 7.] |
411. Memorandum of Colonel Kendall's proposals. 1. That he may have power to commute the four and a half per cent. duty for any other imposition, that may be more beneficial to the revenue and easier to the inhabitants, if the Assembly should desire it. 2. That he may have a Commission of Vice-Admiralty from the King, the present Commissioners of the Admiralty having no power to grant one. 3. That no person may be appointed Attorney General who is not well acquainted with the laws and customs of the Island. For date see Entry Book. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 22, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 81.] |
| Sept. 9. |
412. Order of the King in Council. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations, 26 August 1689. We have examined the petition of Philip Ludwell. As to the Act revived by royal proclamation of an Act repealing it, we find that it is represented as prejudicial to the Colony and recommend that it be disallowed. As to the fees for the Great Seal, we find that though not disallowed they were not established by the Council, and as they are complained of we recommend that they be discontinued. The fee for surveys we find to be customary and recommend its continuance. As to fines and forfeitures we find that no part of that revenue has been applied to the support of the Government, and we think that in future it should be. Ordered accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 268–270.] |
Sept. 11.
Whitehall. |
413. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Directing the preparation of despatches for William, Earl of Inchiquin on his appointment to the Government of Jamaica. 1 p. Endorsed. Presented the 18th Sept. 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 26, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., p. 229.] |
Sept. 11.
Whitehall. |
414. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Directing preparation of despatches for Colonel Christopher Codrington, appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands. Signed. Shrewsbury. ½ p. Endorsed. Read 18 Sept. 1689. Presented same day. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 40, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 1.] |
| Sept. 11. |
415. P. Bowles to William Blathwayt. Desiring to know if the letter of the Admiralty of 7th inst. (see No. 409) has been communicated to the Lords of Trade, as until it is answered the Admiralty has suspended further steps towards provision of shipping. Signed. P. Bowles. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. the 18th. [America and West Indies. 601 No. 17, and Col. Entry Bks., Vol. C., p. 82, and Vol. XLVII., p. 445.] |
| Sept. 12. |
416. Deposition of Nicholas Browne. That being in the King's service in 1686 he several times saw Captain Francis Nicholson at mass, especially in the King's tent on Hounslow Heath. Sworn, Sept. 12, before Gerard Beckman. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 10 April, 1690. |
|
Duplicate of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 57, 58.] |
| Sept. 12. |
417. William Blathwayt to Lord Baltimore. The Lords of Trade meet to-morrow, when they will expect your answer to their letter of 31st ult. Memorandum. That Lord Baltimore attended on the 13th and showed the duplicate of the order which he had sent (see No. 38); and it was arranged that he should bear half the cost of sending a messenger to Maryland. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 123, 124.] |
Sept. 12.
Whitehall. |
418. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sanson. The Lords of Trade are awaiting a draft letter by the Commissioners of Customs to Massachusetts respecting the Acts of Trade and Navigation, wishing to send it to New England as soon as may be. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 35.] |
| Sept. 13. |
419. William Blathwayt to Mr. Bowles. I assure you that I lost no time in laying your letter before their Lordships, but the King not having appointed all the Governors they can give you no further information at present. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 83, and Vol. XLVII., p. 446.] |
| [Sept. 13.] |
420. Petition of John Gray and others. A case between us and Sir John Witham was moved to England from Barbados about two years ago by way of appeal; but has never been brought to a hearing, though one of us has been in England sixteen months about the business. We beg for an early hearing. ½ p. Endorsed. Read 13 Sept., 1689. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 10.] |
| Sept. 13. |
421. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the case of Sir John Witham against John Gray be heard on the 18th September. Endorsed. The like order was made on 11 November for hearing on the 15th, but Sir John Witham being sick the hearing was put off, and he dying shortly after, nothing was done. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 11.] |
| Sept. 13. |
422. Journal of Lords and Trade of Plantations. Lord Baltimore presented his duplicate orders as to the proclamation of their Majesties in Maryland. The Lords agreed as to the Governors to be recommended for Jamaica and the Leeward Islands. Petition of Richard Lloyd read and referred to the Attorney General. Agreed to advise issue of letters of denizenation to the French Protestants recommended by Sir Nathaniel Johnson. Agreed to ask the King's further orders as to the independent companies in the Leeward Islands. The Office of Ordnance reporting that no land carriages for guns were in store, it was ordered that ship's carriages be provided for the heavy guns in Barbados. The Ordnance reported also that it could not supply tents for the Duke of Bolton's regiment, ordered to the West Indies. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 268–270.] |
| Sept. 14. |
423. William Blathwayt to John Sanson. The Lords wish the Commissioners of Customs to despatch their reply on the memorial of the African Company touching the Assiento and the regulation of passes, so that they may be ready on the 18th inst., when they desire the attendance of the Commissioners. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 27.] |
Sept. 16.
Custom
House. |
424. John Sanson to William Blathwayt. The Commissioners have nothing before them relating to the Assiento, but will be ready to attend the Lords on Wednesday with the draft of a letter for New England and a report concerning the rules for passes. Signed Jno. Sanson. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 28.] |
| Sept. 16. |
425. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Lieutenant-Governor Stede. You have been good enough to forgive me as to yourself, but my misfortunes are like to have no end but from your pity. It is only you that can shield me from an incensed people. I beg that you and the Council will admit me at last to bail, or if I continue here as long as seems probable, the remainder of my life must be under the tyranny of disease and pain. I have submitted a humble petition to you and Council. Signed. Tho. Montgomerie. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 12.] |
| Sept. 17. |
426. Petition of John Stede to the King. For appointment to the post of Clerk of the Markets in Barbados. Inscribed. Order of the King in Council, referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury, Whitehall, 17 September, 1689. 1 p. Endorsed. Read in Committee of Plantations, Oct. 28, 1689. [America and West Indies. 456, No. 23.] |
| Sept. 17. |
427. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Vote for a present of £1,000 to the Lieutenant-Governor carried. Carried that the money be raised by a tax on negroes and that the traders and Jews shall pay their proportion. Addresses for payment of the Clerk's and Marshal's salaries carried. Order for fining of two absent members. A committee appointed to join with the Council in preparing an address to the King respecting the impost on sugars. Adjourned to 26 November. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 190–194.] |
| Sept. 17. |
428. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The King has appointed Mr. Isaac Richier Governor of Bermuda. Pray prepare his instructions. Signed. Shrewsbury. ¼ p. Endorsed. Recd. 18 Sept., 1689. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 17, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., p. 230.] |
| Sept. 18. |
429. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The petition of the administrator of John Knight, read; ordered that the case be heard in May. Lord Inchiquin being appointed Governor of Jamaica, his commission was ordered to be prepared. Sir Nathaniel Johnson's letters of 24 May, 7 June, and 15 July, and Mr. Hutchinson's of 27 June read; and ordered to be laid before the King. Orders received to prepare a commission for Colonel
Codrington as Governor of the Leeward Islands, and for Mr. Isaac Richier as Governor of Bermuda. The Admiralty requested to say what is the usual allowance of tonnage for a Governor going to Jamaica. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 272–274.] |
| [Sept. 18.] |
430. Petition of Richard Knight to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The King, on my appeal to him in Council against certain decrees of the Chancery of Barbados, has ordered you to send for an account of the proceedings, as by copy of order annexed. I beg that you will do so. 1 p. Annexed, |
|
430. I. Copy of order in Council of 11 May, 1688. Admitting Ralph Knight's appeal and directing an account of the proceedings to be sent for. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 456. Nos. 24, 24 I.] |
| [Sept.] |
431. Petition of Richard Knight to the King. Setting forth his case, a matter of private estate, and asking for appeal from the decision of the Court of Chancery of Barbados. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 25.] |
| Sept. 18. |
432. Representation as to the state of the Leeward Islands for the King. Three or four hundred men are retired into the fort at St. Christophers. Four hundred have been ordered from Nevis and as many more from Antigua, which puts the English nearly on a level with the French. Six months' provisions, two months' pay in advance, arms, stores and clothing will be required for the regiment embarking for the Leeward Islands. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 68, 69.] |
| Sept. 18. |
433. Earl of Inchiquin to William Blathwayt. Asking for speedy directions to the Admiralty to provide for his transport to Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 30.] |
| Sept. 18. |
434. William Blathwayt to the Secretary of the Admiralty. Asking as to the allowance of tonnage for household goods and passage for servants granted to Lord Windsor in 1662. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 29.] |
| Sept. 18. |
435. Lord Carbery to [William Blathwayt]. I send you enclosed the number of servants and their allowance, etc., made for me when I went to Jamaica. Signed. Carbery. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 31.] |
| [Sept.] |
436. Freight for goods and passage for servants allowed to the Governors of Jamaica and Barbados. Lord Carlisle had passage for seventy servants and 350 tons of goods; Duke of Albemarle for a hundred servants and 500 tons of goods. Sir Richard Dutton had an allowance of £100, passage for himself and twenty-four servants on a man-of-war. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 32.] |
| Sept. 18. |
437. Memorandum from Lord Carbery. In October, 1674, Captain Davis of the Foresight had orders to carry Lord Vaughan with a hundred men of his retinue, allowing them victuals on their passage. The Navy Board was also ordered to furnish freight for two hundred tons of stores. 1 p. Endorsed. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 33.] |
| [Sept. 18.] |
438. Phineas Bowles to William Blathwayt. I can tell you nothing as to the allowance of tonnage made to Lord Windsor in 1662, nor can I tell you more as to Lord Carbery than he has sent you to-night. Signed. P. Bowles. Undated. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 34.] |
| Sept. 19. |
439. Commission to William, Earl of Inchiquin, to be Governor of Jamaica. The powers of Vice-Admiralty are identical with those imposed on Governor Molesworth. (see No. 292.) [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 230–246.] |
| Sept. 19. |
440. Order of the King in Council. That an order to Colonel Kendall to examine the case of Ralph Lane be inserted in his instructions. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 134 and 136.] |
| Sept. 19. |
441. Instructions to Colonel James Kendall as Governor of Barbados. No law for an impost on liquors is to be passed for less than one year; all other laws, except those for temporary purposes, are to be indefinite. Fees are to be regulated and not to be extortionate. Liberty of conscience is to be granted to all except Papists. An exact account of births, baptisms, and deaths to be kept and transmitted annually. The four and a half per cent. duty may be commuted for some other impost if the Assembly desire it. Observance of the Treaty of Madrid and cultivation of friendship with Spain is specially enjoined. The building of a proper house for the Governor to be recommended. Sir Thomas Montgomery and Willoughby Chamberlayne are to be brought to speedy trial or security to be taken for their good behaviour. Ralph Lane's' case is to be enquired into. The Governor's salary is to be paid in the Island. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 82–103.] |
| [Sept. 19.] |
442. List and seniority of members of Council of Barbados as fixed by Colonel Kendall's instructions. 1. Sir Peter Colleton. 2. Edwyn Stede. 3. Sir John Witham. 4. Thomas Walrond. 5. Francis Bond. 6. Richard Howell. 7. Sir Robert Davers. 8. Sir Timothy Thornhill. 9. John Hallett. 10. Henry Quintyne. 11. John Hothersall. 12. John Gibbes. 13. Edward Cranfield. 14. John Farmer. 15. Richard Salter. 16. Thomas Lewis. 17. George Lillington. 18. Robert Rich. 19. Michael Prideaux. 20. George Andrews. 21. John Brainley. 22. William Sharpe. 23. — Walker. 24. Added later. Samuel Crispe, by warrant of 28 May, 1691. Captain Lawrence Wright. Warrant of 31 Dec., 1689. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 77.] |
| [Sept. 19.] |
443. Memorandum. Colonel Kendall having applied for grenades for Barbados, and the King being moved therein on the 19th, Sir Henry Goodricke gave information that though there were mortars and bombs at Portsmouth, the things necessary for putting them into use were only to be had at the Tower. A few more memoranda scrawled on the same sheet. 1 p. Endorsed. 13 Sept., '89. From Colonel Kendall about carriages and ball. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 13.] |
Sept. 19.
Antigua. |
444. Lieutenant-General Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Since my last the French have done little, being afraid, I suppose, to expose their ships at this stormy season; but as soon as
it is over we must expect attack. This Island is indifferent well secured for the present by Sir Timothy Thornhill's regiment of seven hundred men from Barbados, but Montserrat and Nevis are in great danger, the first being mostly Irish, the second near St. Christophers from whence the French may bring their whole strength, and being weakened also by the loss of many men through sickness and pestilential fever. I have endeavoured all I can to make it defensible by raising works at all landing places, but the people want arms, those landed from St. Christophers having few or none. Our stores of powder are very short everywhere, and I find it impossible to remedy this here, so that I cannot see how the Islands can be preserved from ruin except by the arrival of the fleet, which we daily expect. The French at St. Martin's and St. Bartholomew attacked Anguilla a few days after the capture of St. Christophers and subdued it, but from fear (I suppose) of reprisals have restored to the inhabitants most of their goods except the value of 1400 pieces-of-eight which they took to pay their expenses. They administered an oath of allegiance to King James, and made an Irishman Governor with a commission from the French Commander there. As soon as I heard of it I manned three vessels and ordered them there to retake the Island, which they did; and the Irish Governor with his commission now lies here in custody. All the English with their slaves and goods have been brought here where I mean that they shall stay, Anguilla being untenable against a small force. The insolent behaviour of the Irish at Montserrat led to the arrest of several of them, but as I could not try them with safety during the siege of St. Christophers I shipped them to Jamaica. I have also caused the leading and most troublesome Irish in this Island to be transported to places where they can give us no trouble. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 22 Nov., 1689. Read. 23 Nov., 1689. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 41, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 253–255.] |
Sept. 19.
Hampton
Court. |
445. Order of the King in Council. Approving the draft commission of Christopher Codrington as Governor of the Leeward Islands. Signed. Cha. Montague. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 42.] |
| [Sept. 19.] |
446. Commission to Colonel Christopher Codrington to be Governor of the Leeward Islands. This includes power to raise troops and use them within or without the limits of the Government. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 2–17.] |
Sept. 19.
Hampton
Court. |
447. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Philip Ludwell to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Cha. Montague. ½ p. Annexed, |
|
447. I. Petition of Philip Ludwell on behalf of the Colony of Virginia to the King and Council. The Colony has suffered under much oppression under Lord Howard's Government; and the King's attention is begged to the following grievances. In 1685 the Governor maintained that he had two negative voices in the making of laws, and though he had assented to a law had still a negative voice.
This caused great distraction, so much so that the Assembly, and two Assemblies since, broke up re infecta. The Governor has power to suspend Councillors, who are incapable of becoming burgesses during suspension. This is of dangerous consequence. Several members have been turned out of all employment and disgraced by the Governor without trial, and one was committed to gaol for some months without trial or habeas corpus. In April 1688 the people of Accomack being met to elect their burgesses drew up their grievances to present to them. One of the Council took their grievances from them by force and forbade them to draw up more till they had brought them to him. The Assembly complained of this to the Governor but without redress. In June 1688 three men came from the South Seas to surrender under the King's proclamation, but were imprisoned without bail or trial, and their goods detained, until the Governor's departure, when they were released to the great danger of the country. The fort duties have lately been turned to other uses than the defence of the country, and the fortifications and guns are fallen to decay. King Charles II. supplied us with a quantity of arms and ammunition, which was spent without cause and without account since Lord Howard's arrival. Again, since Lord Culpeper's Government the accounts of the revenue have not been submitted to the Assembly. Lord Howard has also abused his power of erecting Courts of Judicature and appointing officers and fees. 3 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 24 Sept. Read 25 Sept. and 16 Oct., 1689. [America and West Indies. 636. Nos. 17, 17 I., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 271–277.] |
| Sept. 21. |
448. Privy seal for payment of Colonel James Kendall's salary. £1,200 a year to be paid in England quarterly. Copy. 3 pp. [America and West Indies. 456. No. 26, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 153–155.] |
| Sept. 21. |
449. Extract from a letter from St. Malo. I heard yesterday that the French have besieged the English fort in St. Christophers. All on shore is burnt and ruined. If the fort do not surrender the French are going to batter it with bombs by land. Copy. Scrap. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 43.] |
| Sept. 23. |
450. Extract from a letter from Nicholas Bayard at Albany to a gentleman in Boston. At the outset of Leisler's rebellion all pressure was used to bring in some of the chief and leading men, but no man of sense and few of estate would be concerned except the captains, who stood out at first but were at last terrified and cajoled into humouring the proceedings. They say they were threatened with plunder, but I doubt if private advantage in the matter of Customsdues have not been an encouragement to some of them. Of late several letters and protests have alarmed them, and many begin to recant. Our last news is that only Peter Delanoy and Samuel Edsall continue to advise Leisler, but that Delanoy will set his hand
to nothing, throwing all responsibility on Leisler. New Jersey, Esopus and Albany would never approve of Leisler's rebellion, although several seditious people are among them, and now since Leisler's falsities are daily revealed, many think that even if a Governor should not arrive, the rebels will soon fall of themselves. The Five Nations stick close to Albany, and acknowledge the civil magistrates. They have been out most of the summer with small parties, endeavouring by stratagem to master Cadaraqui Fort, but could only speak with a priest and one other Frenchman, so went near Montreal, where they killed from three to four hundred men, as is reported. They brought back about one hundred and thirty prisoners, whom they have for the most part most barbarously tormented and burned. They continue to make incursions and bring in French prisoners, but a Christian heart cannot endure to see the cruelties they impose on these poor souls. The prisoners report that five ships are arrived from France, but no men-of-war or soldiers; that Denonville is returning home to command some of the French forces; that a new Governor is expected, and that a vessel has been sent to bring the Indian prisoners from France. Milborne having arrived at New York from Holland, it was reported that King James had sold this country to the French, that Dongan was recalled because he would not deliver it, and that Andros was put in, with me and some others, who had undertaken to surrender it. This lie soon vanished, but they daily invent new ones to buoy up the people in their madness. Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Plymouth have renewed the peace with the Indians, but the Five Nations will not take up the hatchet against the Annagonges until the latter side with the French. Added in Edward Randolph's hand. Certain notes as to the French priest above mentioned. Milborne is the same man who gave such trouble to Sir E. Andros at New York and in London, brother to Milborne the Anabaptist preacher, the great ringleader of the rebellion with us. 2 pp. Printed in New York Documents, III., 620. [America and West Indies. 587. No. 59.] |
| Sept. 24. |
451. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Several papers read as to the allowance of tonnage for officers going abroad. Orders for Lord Inchiquin to have the same as Lord Carlisle. |
| Sept. 25. |
Orders received to prepare a commission for Colonel Henry Sloughter as Governor of New York. Agreed to recommend Captain Nicholson to be Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia. Lord Howard handed in an account of the state in which he left Virginia. Colonel Ludwell's petition read (see No. 447-I.), and the case fixed to be heard on the 16th. The business of Jamaica appointed for the 14th October. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 276–277, and (as to Lord Inchiquin) Vol. XXXII., p. 307.] |
| Sept. 25. |
452. Petition of Richard Lloyd to the King. For the post of Clerk of the Crown and Peace in Jamaica. Annexes certificates. Inscribed. Order of the King in Council, 10 September 1689. Referring the petition to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Shrewsbury. In the margin. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations referring it to Mr. George Treby for report. Inscribed.
Minute, certifying that petitioner is fit for the post. Signed. Geo. Treby, 25 Sept., 89. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 38, and (minutes and order only) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 321, 322.] |
| Sept. 25. |
453. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lords having fixed the 14th of October for the hearing of Mr. Ralph Knight, order notice to be given to the Deputy-Governor of the Royal African Company. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 35.] |
| Sept. 25. |
454. Similar order for notice to be given to the parties concerned. [Ibid. No. 36.] |
| Sept. 25. |
455. Similar order to be given to the merchants and planters of Jamaica in London. [Ibid. No. 37.] |
Sept. 25.
Whitehall. |
456. Earl of Shrewsbury to Lords of Trade and Plantations. The King has appointed Henry Sloughter to be Governor of New York and desires his despatches to be prepared. Signed. Shrewsbury. ¼ p. Endorsed. Read 28 Oct., 1689. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 60, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 204.] |
Sept. 26.
Hampton
Court. |
457. Order of the King in Council. Petition of John Usher setting forth that since the revolution at Boston he is come as Treasurer to render his accounts to the Lords of Trade in London, that since his departure several persons having debts due from the public revenue have commenced suits against him, that the pretended Courts of Justice in Boston have given judgment against him, and that on this pretence he will be liable for £3,000 of debts contracted by the Government for purposes of war, and praying that he may not be molested for any such debts. Order that he be not molested accordingly, and that the Government at Boston receive instructions to that effect. Signed. Cha. Montague. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 36, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 152.] |
Sept. 26.
New York. |
458. Declaration of Bartholomew le Roux. Colonel Bayard asked Captain Minviell's company, in Captain Nicholson's presence, why it appeared in arms at the fort, to which I answered. 1. That we had an account that the papists were threatening to massacre the settlers in Staten Island and then come and burn New York. 2. That we had certain information of about a hundred men coming from Boston and elsewhere, who had been hunted away as Irish and papists. 3. That many of the regular soldiers in the fort were papists and that we did not think it secure. 4. That it was complained on the same day that Colonel Dongan's brigantine had been allowed to sail though fitted out as a man-of-war. To this Colonel Bayard answered, I knew from a boat just arrived from Staten Island that all is quiet, and if you find more than two guns in Mr. Laprerie's house I will give you twenty pounds. As to the brigantine, I have been aboard of her, and the captain offered to leave his guns behind if I would insure him against capture by pirates or Turks. I could not give him that security, and the guns are his
own, so I cannot take them; and the captain swears that if any one comes to take them he will knock their brains out. As to the papists in the fort you are very anxious to be afraid of so few of them. |
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Mr. Bayard lent us his boat to go to Staten Island next day to satisfy ourselves, and the first news we heard was that people were afraid to lie in their beds from fear of papists, and that there were arms for a hundred men at Mr. Laprerie's house. The Frenchman we spoke to had lain in a boat in the river from fear, and others, we were told, had fled to the woods. Sworn before Jacob Leisler. Copy. 2 pp. |
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Duplicate of the foregoing. Endorsed. Recd. 10 April, 1690.
[America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 61, 62.] |
Sept. 26.
New York. |
459. Depositions of Daniel de Clarke. That on intercession being made to Mr. van Cortlandt about a tax imposed on the people, be answered, "Let them be sold for it." Deposition of Andries and John Meyer. There was great joy when Sir Edmund Andros came at the prospect of deliverance from the popish Governor Colonel Dongan, but we find it the contrary. There was a cry that all the images set up by Colonel Dongan in the fort would be taken down, but we were ordered by Nicholson, after Sir Edmund Andros's departure, to help the priest John Smith to move to a better room in the fort and erect his things for him; after which we knew not what to say or think. Sworn before Jacob Leisler. ¾ p. |
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Duplicate of foregoing. Endorsed. Recd. 10 April, 1690. [America and West Indies. 578. Nos. 63, 64.] |
| Sept. 28. |
460. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Ludwell presented a further paper of grievances (see No. 462), which was sent to Lord Howard for his reply. Agreed to recommend an allowance of money in lieu of tonnage to Lord Inchiquin. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 278, 279.] |
| Sept. 28. |
461. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Lords of the Admiralty pointing out the difficulty of providing three hundred and fifty tons of shipping for the Earl of Inchiquin on his passage to Jamaica, notice is to be given to both parties that the King will grant him £500 in lieu thereof, and to Lord Inchiquin that the allowance for passage and victual will be given for not more than seventy-five menial servants. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 39.] |
| [Sept. 28.] |
462. Particulars of the grievances presented by Philip Ludwell (see No. 447 I.). William Sherwood and Thomas Milner, Member and Clerk of Assembly, were both turned out of all employment for drawing up an address of the burgesses to the King. In 1686 Mr. Arthur Allen and Mr. John Smith, burgesses of 1685, were both turned out of all employment and never told why. In 1688 Mr. William Anderson, a member of Assembly, was by the Governor's order committed to prison without trial or habeas corpus, and still remains there. Mr. Charles Scarbrough, a burgess, was also turned out of all employment and his name razed from the Commission of the Peace. Edward Davis and his companions
were committed to gaol, though they came to surrender under the King's proclamation, nor could Captain Allen prevail with the Governor when he applied to him, by the King's order, for the prisoners and their monies. Philip Ludwell, for many years a Councillor, was suspended and turned out of all employment in 1687, without any chance of justifying himself, the complaint against him being sent to England in February and himself not suspended till April. He knows of no reason unless it be his objection as a Councillor to fees for the use of the Great Seal, when to reconcile all differences he proposed an address to the King on the whole matter. Whereupon Lord Howard flew into a great rage and threatened to suspend him; to which Philip Ludwell answered by a complaint of a letter written by the Governor and Secretary in the name of the Council. He knows of no other crime that he has committed, and it is not likely that he would have been one of the three persons appointed to revise the laws if there were anything against him. In 1688 when Ludwell was chosen burgess Lord Howard forbade him to sit as a suspended Councillor, though he admitted a papist to sit and dispensed him from the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. Yet though so many have been suspended, the Governor refused to suspend Colonel William Fitzhugh from his offices, though convicted of a high misdemeanour by the whole County of Stafford. So too no notice was taken of complaints against Colonel Curtis, but he was loaded with honour and favour. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Presented 28 Sept., 1689. Read 16 Oct. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 18, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 278–282.] |
Sept. 28.
Whitehall. |
463. Order of Lords of Trade and Plantations. For a copy of the complaints in the preceding abstract and of Philip Ludwell's former petition (see No. 256 I.) to be sent to Lord Howard of Effing-ham for his reply. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., p. 282.] |
Sept. 28.
Admiralty. |
464. Lords of the Admiralty to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have laid before the Board your letter asking for a frigate of 350 tons to take Lord Inchiquin, his family and seventy-five servants to Jamaica. Signed. Tho. Lee, M. Chicheley, J. Lowther. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 30 Sept., 1689. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 40.] |
| Sept. 30. |
465. Warrant of the King to the Officers of the Ordnance. To supply twenty iron culverin and twenty demi-culverin to Colonel Kendall for Barbados, with fifty rounds of shot for each gun. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 149, 150.] |
| Sept. |
466. Petition of Thomas Sutton, planter of Jamaica, to the King. Prays enquiry as to his arrest on a Sunday by warrant of Chief Justice Bernard, Colonel Molesworth's partner in the Spanish trade, upon a charge of having traded to Guinea. Petitioner to avoid a heavy fine entered into a recognisance in £2,000 not to trade on the coast of Africa without leave of the African Company. Prays discharge from this recognisance. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. Sept., 1689. Never prosecuted. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 6. No. 41.] |
| Sept. |
467. Account of ships taken lately by French privateers; sixty-two ships in all, chiefly from America and the West Indies. Estimated loss to the King's Customs £73,050; loss to the merchants £332,800. 2 pp. Endorsed. Sept. 1689. [America and West Indies. 601. No. 18.] |
