|
| June 1. |
919. Richard Hill to Captain John Brown. The terror that I am under drives me to address you and other masters of ships. Forty armed men have been at my house these two days with order to bring me before the General alive or dead, but for what crime I know not, except opposition to their illegal and arbitrary proceedings. I crave your safeguard. They have seized my ships, which cost me £700, and dispersed my men merely out of spite. They have rifled my house, turned their horses into my cornfield and destroyed it all. I throw myself on your protection and offer £5,000 security to answer the charges against me, whatever they may be. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 13.] |
| June 2. |
920. Demands of James Heath, Agent to the Lords Proprietors, against the revolutionary Government of Maryland. (1) The delivering of the bills and bonds relating to Lord Baltimore's private estate;
(2) of Mattapany house and estate; (3) of accounts of all shipping entered and cleared and of bills of exchange received for the same; (4) of all other papers relating to his private estate; (5) orders to stop all persons exacting revenue as collectors, that the duty may be left to Heath and his deputies. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 14.] |
|
921. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 15.] |
June 2.
Ann Arundel
County
Maryland. |
922. Samuel Phillips, John Brown and Edward Burford to [Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson?]. We beg to recommend to you the bearer Richard Hill, who has thrown himself upon our protection, thinking that we held the King's Commission. We have known him for some years as of good fame, a Protestant and a loyal subject. We went to his house and found it in possession of armed men, as also his ship. The warrant to bring him in alive or dead mentions no crime, and was entrusted for execution to a Highlander. So far as we can gather Captain Hill's only crime is that he has dared to say what others hardly dare think. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 13.] |
June 3.
Serjeants'
Inn. |
923. Lord Chief Justice Holt to the Marquess of Carmarthen. I think it would have been better if an inquisition had been taken, and the forfeitures committed by Lord Baltimore had been found before any grant were made to a new Governor, but in case of necessity I think the King may lawfully commission a Governor whose authority would be legal, though he must be responsible to Lord Baltimore for the profits. If an agreement can be made with Lord Baltimore it will be convenient and easy for the King's Governor. An inquisition may be taken at any time if the forfeiture be not pardoned, of which there is some doubt. Signed. J. Holt. Holograph. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 16, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 176.] |
| June 3. |
924. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Francis Nicholson sworn as Lieutenant-Governor. Order for proclamation for all officers to continue in their posts. Order for a receipt to be given to the Auditor for the Council's allowance from the Royal revenue. Edward Davies and his accomplices summoned, who said that their petition to the Privy Council was still unanswered. Order for their debts to be paid out of their goods, and the balance to be sent home. Order for the goods in custody of Captain Rowe to be also sent to England. |
| June 4. |
The Bishop of London's commission to James Blair read. The Lieutenant-Governor was asked to thank his lordship. Order for the report of the Lords of Trade as to Philip Ludwell's complaints to be entered, and for the law of 1680 as to Attorneys to be proclaimed void. Order for the question of calling an Assembly to be considered on 24 July. Order for survey of the guns, ammunition, and stores of war. Order for the interpreters to go at once to the friendly Indians and dissuade them from listening to foreign Indians, who try to tempt them away. The Lieutenant-Governor asking if it would be well for him to visit the heads of the rivers in person, the Council agreed that it would. Order for a return of the officers and soldiers of the militia. |
| June 5. |
Order for some tobacco, for which no freight is ready, to be shipped on board the King's frigate. Resolved to send a messenger to ascertain the truth of matters in New England and New York, and Colonel Cuthbert Potter proposed as a fit person. Order forbidding all ships to sail to England except under convoy of the man-of-war, and all collectors to clear there before 10 July. Resolved that the King be requested to purchase Lord Culpeper's rights on the Northern Neck. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 349–367.] |
| June 4. |
925. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Councillors sworn in. Petition of grievances presented by the freeholders to the Governor, who ordered the Attorney General to thank them for their moderation therein. Order for the appeal in the case of the ship St. Jago de la Victoria to be heard by the Governor in Council on the 15th, and for the ship to be delivered meanwhile to Captain Daniell's attorneys. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 53, 54.] |
| June 4. |
926. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Last year's orders for proclamation of their Majesties in Newfoundland renewed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 326.] |
June 4.
Antigua. |
927. Governor Codrington to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Soon after despatch of my last there was a terrible earthquake, which laid some of our buildings in rubbish and killed some persons. Scarce any stone-work in these Islands has escaped without damage, and I myself am a loser to the value of £2,000. The great earthquake was on Sunday, 5 April, between four and five o'clock in the afternoon; for a month afterwards we had almost daily shakes, and even now there passes not a week without some tremblings. The French Islands have suffered as severely as ours. On the 10th ult. our long expected fleet arrived at Barbados, but being delayed by the sickness of the men and other causes arrived not here until Saturday the 31st. I received the King's Commission and Instructions to me. Meanwhile I have to report that after the date of my last letter I sent a flag of truce to Martinique for the exchange of prisoners, and were able to discover, to our great satisfaction, that the ships which we dreaded so much were bound shortly for France and that our enemies had very slender hopes of any fleet from thence. To complete our joy we received the news of the arrival of our fleet at Barbados. Admiral Wright will doubtless have reported to you the damage done by the great storm in his passage. It was no small satisfaction to me to find by my additional instructions that the Governor of Barbados was to send us such assistance of men and provisions as with the advice of his Council he should think requisite, but I was surprised to hear that any of the Council consider that we need no assistance and that the majority were of opinion that they could not spare it. The Governor indeed was very willing and anxious to serve us and the common interest, but being bound by his Council he was powerless. I wrote to you in my last of the inconvenience of this restriction, and am sorry to be confirmed in my opinion by the action of the Council of Barbados. I have received the list of stores sent out to me, but know not yet whether any of them are wanting, excepting three chests of medicine which were lost
in the Downs. I have inspected the muskets and think them as bad as ever came to these parts. The matchlocks, which make five hundred of the thousand and fifty sent, are of no use to us, for our people are accustomed only to firelocks and cannot use them. As to the firelocks, the locks are very bad, the steel being so soft that they are as likely to miss fire as not. Both matchlocks and firelocks are extraordinarily heavy, which is a great inconvenience in these hot countries. The barrels of powder which have been viewed are a kind of mixture of great and small together, and as no distinctions are mentioned in the list I suppose that the rest are the same. Good pistol powder should have been sent for the small arms. It is a great misfortune to us that the officers entrusted with these matters have not been more careful. Were our enemies no better off I should not complain, but no people in the world are furnished with better arms and ammunition. I do not find that any mortars or bombs were sent, nor can I hear anything of the engineer and two miners, who will be greatly wanted. Lieutenant-Colonel Holt's regiment, mentioned to be nine hundred and thirty men, little exceeds five hundred. I cannot withdraw more than twelve hundred men from these Islands nor can I arm half of them except with the arms that are now come. The remains of the Barbados Regiment are three hundred men, so that for any expedition I cannot depend on more than two thousand men at most, while the Admiral cannot spare me above two or three sailors. On Sunday last, the day after the fleet's arrival, I called a Council of War, and pursuant to its resolutions the fleet sailed yesterday to Montserrat for water. I and the men from this Island shall follow this week. Having despatched my orders thither and to Nevis on receiving the news of the fleet's arrival at Barbados, I hope to find their proportions ready to embark, but I have not yet decided where we shall attack the French. I shall only correspond as ordered with Barbados and Jamaica, and hope that Colonel Stede may yet prevail with the Council to join us with fifteen hundred men. They can better spare them than the Leeward Islands can spare five hundred. With their help I hope we may do good service. Lord Inchiquin before sailing from Barbados for Jamaica was very pressing for a regiment at least to be sent to us from thence, and sent word to me that if I wished it, he would send me what help he could from Jamaica and his own son along with it. I shall send an express to him shortly, and meanwhile shall endeavour to turn such forces as I have to the best advantage. I hope my next will report that we have supplied ourselves at the enemy's expense with such utensils of war as are now wanting to us. Signed. Chr. Codrington. 4 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 4 Aug., 1690. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 86, and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. pp. 226–233.] |
| June 6. |
928. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson to the Revolutionary Government of Maryland. Referring to your letters of 19 and 28 May, I find that the persons suspected of the murder of Mr. John Payne were apprehended and examined, and the matter reported to
the Secretary of State for the King's orders. I can satisfy you that no enemy of the King's has received any protection here. Colonel Digges is a stranger to me, but for all that I can learn he has always been an obedient and loyal subject, though if anything such as Mr. Coode insinuates can be proved against him or any other, I promise that they shall be secured, but a mere letter without proof is insufficient. I shall be busy to learn all that goes forward in the Northern colonies, and to do my best for the security of the country. Colonel Sloughter should have arrived at New York before now. I hope you will see that the King's orders as to ships sailing to Europe are obeyed. Pray tell me to whom I am to address my letters in Maryland. Copy. 4 pp. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 17.] |
June 7.
New London. |
929. Robert Livingston to Francis Nicholson. We of Albany stood out the longest till we were deserted by all New England. While I was absent to procure help from the neighbouring Colonies, Leisler sent up one Jacob Milborne, formerly servant to a man in Hartford, with 160 men, who got the fort surrendered to him, after I had maintained the garrison and the public expense till the 12th of March, and disbanded all but a few of the soldiers. Milborne and his fellow-commissioners spend their time drinking and quaffing, while the Indians come and cut off the people at Canestagione, and never one of them caught. We have all Leisler's seditious letters secured; they were found in the streets of Senectady, all imbued in blood, on the morning after the massacre. So we want nothing now but a Governor to call him to account. I have written to New York to send an express to Virginia as soon as Colonel Sloughter is expected, lest our tyrant should make his escape. He has fitted out ships on pretence of going out to Canada, which commit all manner of robberies in the sound. They have taken several sloops from Major Winthrop's Island and fired several guns at Rhode Island. From what a deserter says they intend to take a vessel with provisions and so to the South Sea or Guinea. It is thought that Leisler will escape as soon as he has collected his last rate. If a Governor come not soon, the country will be lost. All the Eastern parts are lost, no ships are ready to attack Quebec, no army on shore. The few sorry and despicable fellows sent by Leisler to Albany die like rotten sheep of the bloody flux, due to feeding on the fishy pork which Leisler robbed from the merchants. I am forced to abscond, and my estate has been seized because I will not account to Leisler for the excise. Others have been forced to do the like. I live at Hartford, but am passing a few days with Colonel Winthrop. The united Colonies have requested him to be General, after the Commissioners had left it to Leisler to name the Chief Commander. Brave doings, when all New England can truckle to such an usurping tyrant. The 160 men on their way to us from Boston were recalled on the news of Casco. This Colony has another camp which they keep at home, for fear of the flux which is in the camp at Greenbush. Contrary to all expectation Colonel Winthrop has accepted the command of the forces at Albany, which is more than the Government here deserve, but in his zeal for King and Country, he waives all that.
I know not what answer Leisler has made to it. Signed. Robt. Livingston. Copy. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 22 Oct. 1690, from Capt. Nicholson. Printed in New York Documents, III., 727. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 140.] |
June 7.
Port William,
New York. |
930. Proclamation of the Revolutionary Government of New York. Ordering the inhabitants to renew their association for the defence of the city and fort for King William against King James. 1 p. Copy. [America and West Indies. 578.No. 141.] |
| June 7. |
931. Order of the same. For the arrest of several persons for assembling in a tumultuous manner to obstruct the proclamation for watch and ward, and for completion of the fortifications. Copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 142.] |
| June 7. |
932. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. I learn that several of the Council have interposed to prevent the Governor from giving me my liberty. You are become my refuge, and if you cannot procure me mercy, I am resigned and willing to be sent home. I had some confidence in your intercession though none in my offences, and had drawn up an order which I had hoped would have served for a model for the treatment of my own case, but now I despair. But despite all my misfortunes your noble generosity sticks to me, and I can endure the anger of the Council since you are my friend. I had thought that the end of my misfortunes were nearer, but I hope that when all accounts are cast up, the Council may find the mercy which it denies me. I send what I have written however, though I have little hope from it. Copy. 1 p. Annexed, |
|
932 I. Draft of an order of the Governor of Barbados in Council, annulling the commitment of Sir T. Montgomerie to prison in consideration of his temptations, his repentance and his promise of amendment. This order is the work of Montgomerie himself. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. Nos. 34, 34 I.] |
| June 10. |
933. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for the Provost Marshal to bring Ralph Lane before the Council. The Governor decided to hear his case on the 19th. Order for sundry payments. Archibald Carmichael was returned for the vacant seat in the Assembly for St. John's. The Assembly attended, took the oaths, and presented John Sutton as their speaker, who was approved. The Governor communicated the royal instructions respecting the commutation of the four and a half per cent. duty. The Assembly sent in the names of members to form a joint committee to inspect the books of the royal revenue, and the Governor appointed Councillors to work with them. Sir Thomas Montgomerie's petition for release considered. The Council advised against granting it, and the Governor ordered that he be sent home by next ship. Warrant to Captain Breholt to convey Sir Thomas home as a prisoner, dated 24 June, 1690. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 130–133.] |
| June 10. |
934. Order of the Governor of Barbados in Council. That Edwyn Stede, John Hallett and Nicholas Prideaux be a committee to draw up a charge against Sir Thomas Montgomerie, to be sent home with him. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 4 Sept., 90. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 35.] |
| June 10. |
935. Order of the Governor of Barbados in Council. For Sir Thomas Montgomerie to be sent home by the first opportunity to await his Majesty's pleasure, and that meanwhile he be continued in custody. [Ibid. No. 36.] |
| June 10. |
936. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Archibald Carmichael sworn in succession to John Bromley, appointed to the Council. John Sutton chosen speaker. George Payne chosen clerk of Assembly. Committee appointed to consider the question of commuting the four and a half per cent. duty. Adjourned to 8 July. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 226–228.] |
| June 11. |
937. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. Pray let me have a line to tell me what is to be done with me. I doubt not that you befriended me all that you could, and thank you heartily. Copy. ½ pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 37.] |
| June 12. |
938. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Petition of Roger Elletson read. The Secretary ordered to acquaint him that the article of treason exhibited against him was for giving money to furnish a chapel for Father Offlin, and that he should be heard if he wished; but that article being deferred he was bailed. Order for prosecution of Samuel Mayo for sedition at the next Grand Court. Francis Hickman's petition received and rejected. Richard Lloyd sworn clerk of the Crown and Peace. The Order in Council of 9 January as to transported rebels read (see No. 699). [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 54–56.] |
| June 12. |
939. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. We have considered the address of Simon Bradstreet and others concerning the desolation wrought by the Indians, and announcing the intended expedition to Canada. We have also been attended by Sir Edmund Andros and other officers and gentlemen, who have laid before us several letters shewing the mischief done by the withdrawal of the garrisons by the Revolutionary Government and the increasing injury done by the French and Indians, as also the daily violation of the Acts of Trade. We learn also that the French are making great preparations for an attack on Albany. The New England Agents represent that they are short of ammunition and ask permission to export some. We recommend that it be granted, as also that the convoy to New York with Colonel Sloughter and two companies be hastened, and that a ship of war be sent to America. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 222–227.] |
| June 12. |
940. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Requiring the attendance of some of the Commissioners of Customs on the 14th inst., when the question of New England trade will be considered. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 228.] |
| June 12. |
941. Order of the King in Council. Allowing five hundred fuzees, two hundred barrels of powder, and twelve tons of lead to be exported to New England on board the ship James. [Ibid. p. 229.] |
| June 14. |
942. Governor Henry Sloughter to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have orders to have a New England sloop. The last that came from thence is the King's and is now under restraint by order of the Customs. I am told that she is a very good one and fit for the service. The bearer, Captain Billop, is my friend and wishes to attend on you in this matter. Signed. H. Sloughter. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 143.] |
| June 16. |
943. Account of the King's slaves in Bermuda. This is identical with the account of the previous year of same date. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 15 Feb., 1690–91. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 26.] |
| June 17. |
944. Lord Nottingham to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Ordering the preparation of a Commission and Instructions to Lord Howard of Effingham as Governor of Virginia. ¼ p. Endorsed. Read 22 Aug., 1690. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 33, and Col. Entry Bk, Vol. LXXXIII., p. 305.] |
| June 18. |
945. The Council of Bermuda and Lords of Trade and Plantations. In October last we sent a loyal address to their Majesties and a letter, which were intercepted in the harbour here, as we suspect, by the privity of Sir Robert Robinson. The Governor refuses to govern by the advice of his Council, or to put the judicial proceedings on record. He continues to exercise arbitrary and unlimited power, suspending some, as Mr. Samuel Trott and Mr. Charles Walker, without any sufficient reason and threatening others. He admits of no contradictions in Council, and denies the validity of the laws of England here. Samuel Trott was elected Receiver under a recent Revenue Act, but the Governor turned him out and imprisoned him for refusing to pay him the money. He then put in one Ashworth, a stranger, who left the island without furnishing any accounts. Again the Governor refuses to admit Samuel Trott to be Collector of Customs, though he has a commission from the Commissioners in London. The Governor bought twenty barrels of powder from Captain Hewetson, with the Council's approval; he thought the Council had taken care as to payment for it; the Governor sent half the powder away. The Governor has declined to impart public letters and orders from the King to the Council, whereby the Council is incapacitated from doing its duty. A nice sperm whale was lately stranded here, which the Governor took into his own possession, and though he said he would send all the proceeds to the King we have reason to believe to the contrary. There are many other injuries to private persons also. We beg redress. Signed. Wm. Peniston, Wm. Greene, Perient Trott, Arthur Jones, Law. Dill, Richard Peniston, Wm. Pitt, Joseph Stowe, Tho. Outerbridge. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 11 Sept., 1690. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 27, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 279–282.] |
| June 18. |
946. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Commission for a Grand Court drawn up. John Bodle committed for spreading vain tales as to Lord Inchiquin's instructions. Order for the rent of the house now occupied by the Governor to paid out of the revenue. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 56, 57.] |
| June 18. |
947. Answer of the Revolutionary Government of Maryland to the demands of John Heath (see No. 920). (1) Granted, except for such lands whereof no certificates have been recorded, until the title be made out. (2) Mattapany house being a garrison inforted (sic), the property cannot be altered until the King's pleasure be known, but the Agent will not be prevented from making the best use thereof. (3) Granted. (4) Granted. (5) The Agent may collect the moiety of the two shillings a hogshead; other revenues by the collectors appointed by this Government. Signed. John Coode, George Robotham, John Edmundson, Henry Tripp, Dr. Brook, Ninian Beal, Michael Miller, Wm. Harris, -King, Edw. Jones. Copy. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. Mary-land, 2. No. 14.] |
June 19.
Maryland. |
948. Protest of John Heath against the proceedings of John Coode and his associates, in plundering good protestants, violating the King's orders as to the revenue and taking bills of Exchange for the same in their own names. Copy. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 18.] |
| June 19. |
949. Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Gives an account of his services as Collector of Customs in New England from 1679 and of his imprisonment at the revolution in Boston, and continues as follows. The chief end of my imprisonment was to restore for themselves free trade for their vessels to all parts of Europe, to deter any person from accepting the post of Collector after me, and to make Boston a depot for all sorts of European commodities. They have sent several ships to Holland, Scotland and the Straits. By the Acts of Trade the Governor of every English Colony is required to take bond of every captain loading the enumerated commodities, and to send copies of those bonds to England every year. If the Boston agents can shew that such copies have been sent by the present Government at Boston, there is some hope that the Acts of Trade will be observed. But they will openly violate the Acts, as they have done and now do, unless a competent officer be sent to enforce them. While I held the office of Collector I enforced the Acts strictly, and therefore it was resolved that I had broken a capital law of the Colony and was to be punished with death, as is shown by the journal of the House of Representatives of 28 June, 1689. Having undergone such hardships I beg restoration to the post of Collector. Here follows a long list of ships that have violated the Acts of Navigation. The whole, 7 pp. Endorsed. Read in Council, 19 June, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 110, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 231–242.] |
| [June ?] |
950. Copy of the docket of Edward Randolph's commission, whereby he is appointed Surveyor of all forests within twelve miles of any harbour or navigable river in Maine, with annual fee of £50 payable by the Treasurer of the Navy. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 111.] |
| June 20. |
951. Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede. By your advice I wrote to the Governor this morning, thanking him for letting me wait till next fleet and asking him if the Council would shew me mercy. I asked also that my brother, who must perish when I am gone, might be ventured with Captain Wren, to be at liberty so long as he behaved well. The Governor answered me that the Council was inexorable, and that he would try my brother shortly by a special Court. He advised me to go home and gave me the day to think over my answer. I beg your advice. If I must go home I beg that my brother may be sent too, not in the same ship but in the same fleet, for he has no subsistence but must perish if parted from me. I ask also that my clerk may go with me and two negroes to attend me, because of my great sea-sickness. I beg also that you will procure for me the payment of one or two debts, and if you let me have a bill, let it be for £100 or £150 at most. Copy. 1 p. Undated, but endorsed. Brought by his servant 20 June, 1690. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 38.] |
| [June 20.] |
952. Petition of Ralph Lane to Governor Kendall. For release from confinement, and for levy of the writs and decrees against him upon his goods. Below. Order of the Governor for the petition to be shown to the persons named therein and for them and petitioner to attend the Governor. 20 June, 1690. Certified true copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 39.] |
| [June 20.] |
953. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Ibid. No. 40.] |
June 23.
New York. |
954. The Revolutionary Government at New York to the King. We have sent another letter for your royal information. Signed. Jacob Leisler, P. Delanoy, Samuel Edsall, Samuel Staats, Gerard Beeckman, Hendrick Janse, Cornelis Pluvier, Robert Walters, Gerrit Duykinck, Pieter Adolf. ½ p. Endorsed. Read 29 Sept., 1600. Printed in New York Documents, III., 750. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 144.] |
June 23.
New York. |
955. The same to the Earl of Shrewsbury. By Ensign Stoll's arrival on the 20th May we hear of the loss of our former packets, taken by the French, and of the arrival of Captain Nicholson and Alexander Innes before him, who have doubtless perverted the truth; but since affairs have been entrusted to you we do not doubt that the truth will be vindicated. We enclose duplicates of our former letters, and have to add that we have now four hundred men at Albany, ready with provisions and ammunition. On the 3rd of May the Five Nations came to Albany and arrived at good terms; and at the same time the Commissioners from New England met, and it was agreed to raise a total of 355 men in New England, of whom no more than seventy are yet arrived, and those from Connecticut only. We hear of great French preparations, but we have 1,800 Indians ready to march with us, who have given good proof of their fidelity. Hearing from an Agent at Onandaga that messengers were expected by the several nations from Canada to reduce them from their allegiance (as appears by the Chevalier d' Eau's instructions, annexed) we gave orders that those messengers should be taken and brought to Albany. This was promptly done, but the French were treated in a most barbarous manner and only
the Chevalier was brought here. A letter to Father Milet was found on him describing Mr. Dell, the Minister at Albany, exactly as we had always suspected him to be (see No. 853). He is at present confined in Fort William. We are greatly in want of arms; and the collection of the tax of threepence a pound has been opposed by the malignant party which, we fear, will abate its value by one half. We have set forth a ship with 24 guns and 150 men, a brigantine with 10 guns and 50 men, and a sloop with 8 guns and 70 men to go to Boston, bring from thence the troops for the attack on Canada by land, prevent relief arriving from France and take part in the expedition by sea. The news that King James's party in Ireland hold power provoked a riot on the 6th June; also thirty odd persons appeared in the street and struck at the Lieutenant-Governor with an adze, refusing to pay taxes and demanding the release of prisoners. They were easily quelled, and twenty of them are now in prison awaiting trial. Postscript. 24 June. News from Albany tells of great distraction among the troops designed for Canada, which unless composed may be fatal. Mr. Milborne, who was to have carried this letter, has therefore been sent thither, and Captain Blagge will be the bearer in his stead. Signed as the preceding. 2pp. Endorsed. Recd. 26 Sept. 1690. Read Oct. 3, 1690. Printed in New York Documents, III., 731. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 145, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 273–278.] |
| [June 23.] |
956. Abstract of the foregoing letter. Draft with corrections. 2 pp. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 146.] |
| [June 23.] |
957. Instructions to the Chevalier D'Eau, on his mission to the Iroquois. To dwell on the restoration of a captured chief who had been sent to France, and exalt the greatness of France and the littleness of England generally. French. 2¼ pp. Imperfect. Certified copy. 25 June, 1690. Translated in New York Documents, III., 733. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 147.] |
| [June 23.] |
958. Abstract of the foregoing, made for the Plantation Office. Draft with corrections. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 148.] |
| [June 23.] |
959. Instructions sent by the returned captive Indian to the messengers which he sent to the Iroquois. French. 1½ pp. Copy. Translated in New York Documents, III., 735. [Ibid. No. 149.] |
| [June 23.] |
960. Abstract of the foregoing, made for the Plantation Office. Draft with corrections. 1 p. [Ibid. No. 150.] |
| [June 23.] |
961. A collection of depositions as to the riot in New York on 6th June. Taken on various dates from 8th to 23rd June. All agree as to an assault on the officers employed in making a proclamation, and as to the attack on Leisler with an adze. The great majority of the deponents bear Dutch names. Copies. The whole, 12 pp. Printed in New York Documents, III. 740–748. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 151]. |
| [June 23.] |
962. Abstract of the foregoing. 2½ pp. Draft, with corrections. [Ibid. No. 152.] |
| [June 23.] |
963. Fragment of the foregoing abstract. ¼ p. [Ibid. No. 153.] |
June 24.
Winocomico.
Maryland. |
964. John Coode to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. The convention for preserving the peace of Maryland will meet on the 8th of July, when your letter shall be communicated to them. I hope then also to give you full satisfaction as to Colonel Digges. One Richard Hill, charged with uttering treasonable words and raising arms against the King, is lately fled to Virginia. The enclosed letter from Mr. Younge (see No. 916) may interest you. You shall receive any news that we have from Northward without delay. The ships have been ordered to apply to Captain Rowe for their sailing orders. The present Collectors appointed are Nehemiah Blakiston, George Layfield, and Andrew Abbington, who succeeds Mr. Payne. Copy. 2 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 12.] |
| June 24. |
965. William Blathwayt to Lord Baltimore. Desiring him to be present at the meeting of Lords of Trade and Plantations on the morrow. ¼ p. Draft. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 19.] |
| June 25. |
966. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Edward Ryves admitted as Deputy Provost Marshal of the Island. Order for all bonds which ought to be in the possession of the Chief Justice to be transferred for the present to the Governor. Reginald Wilson gave bond as Naval Officer and Auditor. Bodle discharged on giving security for good behaviour. The case of the ship St. Jago de la Victoria postponed to the 30th inst. Order for the jurors who served in the case to be summoned and for Sir Francis Watson to deliver up all papers relating to it. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 57–59.] |
| [June 26.] |
967. Answer of the New England Agents to Mr. Randolph's account of irregular trading (see No. 949). The Government of Massachusetts have from time to time declared that they would strictly observe the Acts of Trade, and have published them and required obedience to them accordingly. The Governor and people in general have no advantage from irregular trade, but only the offenders, whom they have always been ready to detect and punish. Mr. Randolph's says that his commission was invalidated by a law passed for the purpose, but the law expressly requires all officers to assist informers who report breaches of the Acts of Trade. It is very likely that Mr. Randolph was displeased at this law, because he wished to be the only informer, but the Government wished to encourage others also, that the Acts might be impartially administered. It is true that he prosecuted several vessels for irregular trading, but juries would not convict owing to the defectiveness of his proofs. It was understood in the Colony that he wished only to bring it into odium so as to destroy the charter. Divers credible persons in the Colony say that he was notoriously guilty of bribery and corruption, and that on that account he let several offenders go unpunished, which they will no doubt be able to prove. Mr. Randolph says that his only crime was the enforcement of the Navigation Acts. But we would point out that he was
the chief person employed in the prosecution of our charter, and that his false reports were the chief reason why it was destroyed. Again he procured for himself the office of Secretary, and a seat in the Council which presumed to make laws without an Assembly. He was also active in endeavouring to obtain the property of the people and to persuade them to hold their land by quit rent to King James. There were reasons for his imprisonment. The merchants of New England pay a considerable revenue to the Crown. We hope that Mr. Randolph's statements as to his own merits will not be accepted as true. It is difficult at this distance to disprove his statements as to the various ships, but we offer what we know. Here follow statements as to the various ships enumerated in Randolph's paper. Signed. Hen. Ashurst, Elisha Cooke, Inc.: Mather, Tho. Oakes. Copy. 7 pp. Endorsed. Read 26 June, 1690. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 112, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 242–251.] |
| June 26. |
968. Governor Kendall to the Earl of Shrewsbury. I landed here on 12 May and was received by the Lieutenant-Governor and Council very decently. I found an Assembly sitting that had been called by the Lieutenant-Governor, and finding it to consist of good substantial men I continued it. Having ascertained that the French had no strength by sea but were strong in men and fortifications at St. Christophers, Martinique and Guadeloupe, I sent for Admiral Wright who commands the fleet, and pointed out to him the need for despatch and for his fleet to sail in ten or twelve days. He promised that it should, and he kept his word. I ordered all the sick soldiers to go ashore and sent fresh provisions to the healthy men on board. Never was a regiment so carelessly sent out or so extremely neglected; but by the care of myself and of Lieut. Colonel Holt and Major Nott (who are very good men) seventy out of a hundred odd men who were landed very ill were sent on board well in ten days. In that short time we clothed the whole regiment, which was naked before. I had orders to refit the regiment but no orders to deduct it out of their pay or out of such part of it as they receive here, but they hope that the King will grant them this needed refreshment, and I beg your orders. The day before the fleet sailed for the Leeward Islands H.M.S. Guernsey came in, having already repaired damages, so that only the Jersey is wanting of the whole fleet. Admiral Wright sailed on the 26th May with the fleet and regiment. I gave the General of the Leeward Islands the best advice that I could by this channel, but I cannot yet tell you what they have done. |
|
When the fleet was gone I had leisure to look about me, and I must do the Lieutenant-Governor the justice to say that I found most of the people in perfect duty and obedience towards their Majesties and all the fortifications in good order. But to my grief I find the Militia very thin, the Island having sent six hundred men to relief of the Leeward Islands, without which they had probably been lost. There has also been great mortality among the white servants here, and by reason of the war the planters have been unable to supply themselves with white servants. For this reason I have not announced the
repeal of the Act concerning the Monmouth rebels to the Council and Assembly. It seems that, when they arrived, the Lieutenant-Governor received positive orders from King James that their servitude should be fixed by Act at ten years. The planters accordingly bought them, and thinking themselves secure of them during that time taught them to be their boilers, distillers and refiners, and neglected to teach any others as they would otherwise have done. If these men are freed, the loss to the planters will be great, and since we are at war and so thinly manned I think it would be a great kindness to the Island if the King ordered an Act to reduce their servitude to seven years. But if the King adhere to his original orders no injustice will be done to these rebels, for by law of the country if they come without indentures they must serve for five years, which period will expire next Christmas. |
|
From letters found in the French vessel captured by us, I learn of great preparations making in France to send a considerable fleet here as soon as this summer's expedition is over. Admiral Wright's instructions are to return with the fleet to England as soon as his provisions are spent, without a word as to leaving any ships with me or with the Leeward Islands. Now this fleet left Portsmouth at the end of February with eight months' provisions, and though Admiral Wright is a good husband of them, yet unless ships are now on their way from England with supplies, or orders be given me to victual the ships somehow, our fleet will be sailing home just as the French fleet is sailing hither. I beg, therefore, that the King will let the men of war remain with us till next summer, by which time I doubt not that we shall destroy all the French settlements. But if the King's affairs do not permit this I beg that I may not be left naked, but that two ships may be left to me and as many for the Leeward Islands, with which we shall make as good a defence as we can. I should like to have Captain Kegwin in the Assistance, Captain Houghton in the Bristol, and Captain Robinson in the Hampshire from Barbados, being sober and able men. You cannot imagine what a lamentable condition this Island was in just before our arrival. A small French ship of war was insulting it daily and taking the inward bound vessels, so that they were forced to fit out two ships to drive her away. The Island is too valuable to be neglected, and will be grateful for help. My instructions empower me to release Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Mr. Chamberlayne. I find that the latter was an ambitious fat fool who changed his religion on the day of the King's landing in England, in the hope of being raised to the Council. He was seduced by Montgomerie, and as he has expressed penitence and returned to the Church of England I have released him. Sir Thomas Montgomerie's crimes I find more serious, being of a treasonable nature, and as the Council was extremely averse to release him I send him home by the ship New Exchange. He is extremely inclined to the service of King James, and I believe will escape to him if released. I am examining the statements of Ralph Lane against Colonel Stede, but do not so far find them made out. Signed. J. Kendall. 3 pp. Endorsed. Read 5 Sept., 1690. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 41, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 218–227.] |
| [June 26.] |
969. List of the stores, arms, and ammunition delivered by Colonel Stede to Sir Timothy Thornhill for the expedition which started for the relief of St. Kitts. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 42.] |
| June 27. |
970. A list of interrogatories put by Sir Thomas Montgomerie to Colonel Stede, and answered by him on 27 June, 1690. The effect of this is that Sir Thomas Montgomerie tries to make out that he acted by advice of Colonel Stede in making his submission to the Council, and that Colonel Stede denies the fact and reveals facts inconsistent with it. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 43.] |
| [June.] |
971. Abstract of depositions touching Sir Thomas Montgomerie and Mr. Chamberlayne. These are taken from the depositions in No. 157, as to receiving Jesuits, hearing mass in his house and magnifying the French, to the discouragement of the English. 4 pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 44.] |
| [June.] |
972. Memorandum of George Hannay. Sir Thomas Montgomerie was committed by order of 25 February, 1690, and delivered to my custody on 1st March, having been caught when trying to escape in a boat to the French. I gave him three rooms in my house, from respect to his dignity, and all good usage, but such was his strange lewd behaviour that I could not enjoy quiet in my own house, and I was obliged to keep a guard over him at my own expense, while his behaviour was so bad that the Council passed several orders to prohibit him from receiving visitors, news, ink or paper. On Governor Kendall's arrival he had great hopes of release, but was recommitted to my house until his departure, when he refused to pay me my fees, whereupon I distrained upon his property. On my return he attacked me with a sword. I am ready to restore his goods on payment of my just fees. 1 p. Endorsed. Memorial from Mr. Hannay. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 45.] |
June 28.
Barbados. |
973. John Whetstone to William Blathwayt. I send you a bill of lading for Sir Thomas Montgomerie, who goes home a prisoner in the ship New Exchange. Signed. Jno. Whetstone. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 3 Sept. 1690. Annexed, |
|
973. I. The Bill of lading aforesaid. Dated. 28 June, 1690. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. Nos. 46, 46I.] |
| June 30. |
974. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The appeal in the case of the ship St. Jago de la Victoria heard. The defendants demurred to the jurisdiction of the Court, but after long argument were over-ruled. The appeal was allowed; all money in the hands of the Receiver General for the ship was paid to the plaintiff's attorneys, and they were left to their legal remedy to recover the portion embezzled. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 59–61.] |
[June.]
Talbot
Country,
Maryland. |
975. Thomas Smithson to the Bishop of London. Though a stranger I make bold to write to you. Several of us for signing a petition to set forth the state of this province have been threatened and some imprisoned by John Coode and his associates, who seized the Government on pretence of defending the country against
French and Indians and now detain Lord Baltimore's revenue. To give a true character of them would be too like revilings for me to write to you. They boast of the King's commission and that their power will be confirmed, and so threaten myself and my fellow-prisoners, Protestants, for not adhering to them. I beg you therefore to intercede for us and to deliver us from the passions of such men, that we may return to the King's service in this province and vindicate our characters for loyalty. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. from my Lord of London, 1 Nov., 1690. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 20.] |
| [June.] |
976. Memorandum by Colonel Copley. If the King consents to my going to Maryland with Lord Baltimore's Commission, let the Commission be as full as those of other Governors, and let it be during the lives of the King and Queen, revocable only by one or the other of their Majesties, and let the King give his instructions that Lord Baltimore give half of the two-pence per hogshead duty and of the quit rents with all the perquisites received by Governors in the neighbouring Colonies. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. from Col. Copley. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 21.] |
