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| Nov. 1. |
1,158. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Kendall. We are to convey to you the King's approbation for your care of the soldiers on arriving at Barbados. You are permitted to receive the present offered to you by the Assembly. You will receive particular instructions as to the Monmouth rebels. You are empowered to reinforce Governor Codrington for attack on the French Islands, so far as you can without jeopardising Barbados. The fleet being obliged to come home the King has directed one frigate to be left at Barbados and another at the Leeward Islands, and has ordered a fourth rate, or a fifth and sixth rate to be sent thither instead of to Jamaica. Admiral Wright has also been empowered to apply to you or to the Governor of the Leeward Islands for victuals if he needs them, and orders have been issued for your bills for the same to be accepted. Signed. Carmarthen, P., Bolton, Pembroke, Newport, R. Hampden, H. Goodricke, H. Boscawen. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 232–236.] |
| Nov. 3. |
1,159. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Assembly attended by special summons, when the Governor informed them that Admiral Wright's fleet was victualled for but three or four months longer, and asked whether it would not be advisable to victual the fleet so as to keep it longer for the protection of the Island. The Assembly brought up the following paper:— 1. May not General Codrington keep the fleet in the Leeward Islands although we victual it? 2. Will you write to General Codrington suggesting that if we victual the fleet for two months the Leeward Islands shall victual it for two months more? 3. May not a frigate lie to windward of the Island to guard our provision ships and relieve our land-guards? 4. We will pass an Act to raise the money provided no victuallers arrive for the fleet before Jan. 1. The Governor promised to write at once to Admiral Wright and General Codrington. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 146–148.] |
| Nov. 3. |
1,160. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Colonel Abel Alleyne chosen speaker, William Foster being ill. The House waited on the
Governor and received his proposals as to the victualling of the fleet, returning its answer after debate. Adjourned to 25th inst. [Col Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 248, 249.] |
| Nov. 3. |
1,161. Memorandum as to recruiting the Duke of Bolton's regiment, now in the West Indies. The regiment at its prior establishment consisted of 780 private soldiers, but by the accident of Captain Dobyn's company being driven back to England and otherwise, it did not arrive at the Leeward Islands above 500 strong; and the Governor presses much for a further supply. The King, finding it difficult to send over a whole regiment, ordered the Duke of Bolton to get 400 recruits, to be sent with the present army. The Duke having received no money will not have raised any great number of recruits in time; and since so slow progress has been made no money has been assigned to the service, which will therefore suffer extremely, even to the loss of the Leeward Islands if care be not taken to hasten these recruits; for the time of the convoy's departure is already expired. Will the King order a draft from the Marine regiment at Portsmouth, and in that case give the order at once? Again, this regiment has been but once clothed since the raising and is now in a very ragged condition, so that clothes for them and for the recruits must absolutely be sent by these ships, which clothing the Agent will not provide unless money or tallies be assigned to him for it, whereby the regiment will be unfit for service. 2¼ pp. Endorsed. 3 Nov. 1691 [evidently an error for 1690.] [America and West Indies. 550. No. 122.] |
| [Nov.] |
1,162. Computation of three months' pay in advance for four hundred recruits for the Duke of Bolton's regiment. Total, including levy-money of £1 per man, £2,252. 1 p. Undated. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 123.] |
| [Nov.] |
1,163. Memorial relating to the Duke of Bolton's regiment. The King has ordered four hundred recruits to be raised. It is proposed that levy money of £1 be given, and £300 for subsistence for them advanced to the officers. Besides their ordinary clothing the men will need a striped suit for the West Indies, which will come to about twelve shillings, and a frock or surtout to wear on ship-board, which will come to about four shillings. The whole charge of the clothing will be £1,790, of which half should be at once advanced. Commissions to the officers for a new company should be despatched at once, and the number of sergeants and drummers should be fixed. Fifteen sergeants and eight drummers at least will be necessary. To reimburse the King for his expense it is proposed that besides the two pences [deducted for clothing] fourpence a day should be deducted from each man while on ship-board and eightpence from each sergeant. Estimated immediate expenses, £1,595. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 124.] |
Nov. 4.
James City,
Virginia. |
1,164. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I have now seen all the country, with the places improperly called fortifications, and the militia. The men are ill armed
because of their poverty, and I beg you to intercede with the king to send us some arms; grenadier arms will be best. In the spring I shall review the militia and see if they have obeyed my orders as to arms, equipment and ammunition. Pray also obtain for us some stores for the platforms. There are so many broad navigable rivers that it is impossible to secure shipping without a good fort or two on each of the four rivers. To build and maintain them will cost more than can now be raised in the country. I suggest that both Virginia and Maryland would be best secured by frigates. A fireship would also be of great service, to do the work that H.M.S. Dumbarton does now. At present we are liable to have our ships and towns taken by a privateer or two. The frigates would guard the country and secure the King's customs. I must also bring before you the matter of the Northern Neck, of which the Secretary has written for details. The Council wish me further to point out that the King's revenue will be lessened and the country much injured if no ships come from England to transport the tobacco. I have visited the Southern boundary. If the proprietors of North Carolina obtain a part of a boundary from 36½degrees they will take many plantations of ours, which will lessen the quit rents and dissatisfy the people. |
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I send copies of the letters that have passed between me and Maryland. I hope the country will be settled soon, for I am forced to be very watchful of them lest their disorder should spread to this Colony. I send copy of a letter which we have written to New England. I hear from several of the principal men there that they are in a bad condition. The French and Indians have killed and taken a thousand of the people and have carried destruction to within thirty miles of Boston. The people are uneasy through poverty and heavy taxation. The honest men have little or no trade; but the others still ply as formerly a dishonest trade, especially with Newfoundland. On the 10th August an expedition sailed from New England against Canada. I have had accounts also from New York, where there are robbery, plunder and exactions on pretence of collecting taxes. Many of the chief persons are in prison, others have left the town and their trade is ruined. The three ships sent from New York to join the fleet against Canada only replundered Port Royal. The attack on Canada by land has failed, as Leisler failed to furnish Colonel Winthrop with canoes and provisions as he had promised. One small party crossed the lake and attacked a French outpost, but the rest came home. When these last rejoined the rest of the troops at Albany, they found that Leisler had imprisoned Winthrop and his officers. They demanded their release, and as Leisler did not comply, told him that unless he did they would serve him and his crew as they had served the French, and made him break open the door and let all the gentlemen out. Winthrop is gone home, determined to give no more assistance till a new Governor arrives from England. If New England fails against Canada, the war will probably reach the head of the rivers in Pennsylvania (where little resistance is expected from the Quakers) Maryland and Virginia, for the Five Nations, though still our friends, cannot be governed as formerly. The English are distracted in their sight, and the French make great offers to gain them. I send the account of the platforms and the
survey of H.M.S. Dumbarton. It will hardly be safe for her to cruise this year. Signed. Fr. Nicholson. 6 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 29 Jan., 1690/1. Annexed, |
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1,164. I. Nehemiah Blakiston to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. 17 Sept., 1690. Already calendared under date (see No. 1,054). Endorsed. Recd. 29 Jan., 1690–1. |
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1,164. II. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson to Nehemiah Blakiston. 21 Sept., 1690. Already calendared under date. No. 1,061. Endorsed as the preceding. |
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1,164. III. The Lieutenant-Governor and Council of Virginia to the Government of New England. Hearing of great depredations committed by the Indians we thought fit to send Mr. Cuthbert Potter to learn the full truth about it. He was therefore sent with a pass from the Lieutenant-Governor; and truly he went on the King's service. On the day before he was leaving Boston with letters from Governor Bradstreet and others he was seized and brought before some persons sitting in the town-house, where his portmanteau was broken open and a letter directed to the Lieutenant-Governor broken open. We thought fit to let you know of this affair. We are also advised that contrary to the Acts of Parliament divers goods are imported into New England not directly from England, and that no Collector is in New England. We have therefore ordered that any ships bringing European goods hither from New England must produce their cocquets from England or be proceeded against at law; and we warn you hereof that no man may feel aggrieved if by his own obstinacy he suffer damage. The bearer has the Lieutenant-Governor's pass; and we request that he may be courteously treated. 1½ pp. On the opposite page. The order of the Council of Virginia above quoted, as to New England ships that arrive with European goods. ½ p. Copies. Endorsed as the preceding. |
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1,164. IV. Representation by Captain Rowe, of the defects of H.M.S. Dumbarton, and of the necessity for a sloop or two to cruise in the bay. |
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Order of the Lieutenant-Governor empowering Captain Rowe to impress a sloop. 12 November, 1690. |
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Account of the defects of the Dumbarton, and of the carpenter's requirements. |
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Copies. The whole, 2½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding. |
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1,164. V. Survey of stores on board H.M.S. Dumbarton. 4 November, 1690. 4 pp. |
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1,164. VI. Copy of Philip Ludwell's commission to George Brent to be Ranger-General of the Northern Neck. 3 pp. Endorsed as No. IV. |
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1,164. VII. Journal of Cuthbert Potter's journey from Virginia to New England (see No. III.). July 6. Left Mr. Ralph Wormeley's house in a shallop, but owing to stormy weather did not reach Casparus Harman, in Bohemia, till Sunday. July 14. Took horse to Newcastle, thirty miles. Saw Mr. Williams, the collector, who told me that little tobacco is brought to the town; but by others I perceived
that it is frequently brought. July 15. Went from Newcastle to Chester, twenty miles, by water. July 16. From Chester to Philadelphia by water, twenty miles. Saw President Lloyd and two gentlemen who had been forced to fly from New York. July 18. By water, thirty miles, up to the falls. Stopped half-an-hour at Mr. Penn's. July 19. Took horse for Elizabeth town, seventy-two miles, but got no further than Onions. July 20. From Onions to Elizabeth town, there having been much rain. My horse fell with me when in sight of Colonel Townley's house, but by God's mercy escaped drowning. All my papers and linen wet, having been twice under water. July 21. Tarried all day with Colonel Townley, dried my linen and left letters for some from New York. July 22. To New York by water, sixteen miles. Hearing of their severity towards strangers, put my portmanteau on board a ship in the harbour and went privately ashore. Brought my portmanteau ashore at night and delivered my letters. July 23 and 24. Saw most of the honest gentlemen of New York, who deplored the present condition of affairs, but spoke highly of our honourable Governor, and longed for Governor Sloughter's arrival. Leisler called upon all the people to join in the common defence owing to the menace of Indian invasion, and they responded. He was too busy to see me, as he had intended. July 25. Took horse for New England; reached Horseneck, forty miles. July 26. Rode to Fairfield, twenty five miles, very bad road. Stayed the next day, being Sunday. July 28. Rode to Guildford, forty two miles. July 29. Rode to Seabrook, twenty miles. It rained hard all day. July 30. From Seabrook to New London, twenty miles. Major Winthrop being at Albany, I gave his letter to his brother-in-law. Heard that French privateers had anchored off the town but had not dared to attack. The inhabitants in no fear of the French Indians. July 31. From New London to Bulls in Narragansett Country; forty five miles. Aug. 1. By water ten miles to Newport, Rhode Island; and delivered my letters. Aug. 2. To New Bristol, sixteen miles. Tarried next day, being Sunday. Aug. 4. Rode for Boston, fifty miles. At midnight reached Mr. Townsend's, and the town next morning. Delivered two letters. Aug. 6. Visited Governor Bradstreet, and delivered him his letter which he did not then open. I told him it was from the Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia and requested an answer, to which he replied that he was going to Council, and that I should be sent for to receive an answer. In the next two or three days I delivered the rest of my letters; also went to Salem to deliver my letters there and on my return waited on Governor Bradstreet, who shortly after gave me his answer. I caused seven hundred copies of the King's letter to the Bishop of London to be printed and distributed them according to my orders. Meanwhile they were very busy at Boston with fitting
out their fleet for Canada. The people generally are much dissatisfied and blame the Government for their sufferings, which were due only to their ill management in sending away Sir E. Andros. I visited Cambridge and Charlestown and delivered my letters. Aug. 13. Prepared to return to Virginia, but hearing that the Government had issued orders to seize and search me, I informed Colonel Shrimpton and Colonel Dongan, who said that they did not think the Government would be so unworthy. I then went to Governor Bradstreet who told me that he knew nothing of it, but was going to Council and would let me know. While he was at Council officers were sent to seize and search me. Aug. 14. The officers seized my portmanteau at a house from which I intended to start, but meeting them in the street I asked them for their authority. They shewed me an Order in Council, but would not let me read it. I then asked for a copy, but they refused it, and taking me into a private room searched me and took several letters, but gave me leave to lock them in my portmanteau. The Council not being able to see me till the afternoon I went home to dinner, took out the letters I had secreted at my back and breast and waited till near four o'clock before I was summoned to Council. They told me that many people were scattering seditious papers for the subversion of the Government, and that they feared some of them were in correspondence with the enemy, that they had been at great expense for the expedition to Canada and had an order to stop and examine all strangers. I asked for a copy of the order. They replied that I was before them, which was sufficient, and bade me open my portmanteau. I refused and shewed my pass, but I was chidden; my portmanteau was forced and all the contents thrown out. They took the papers and bade me withdraw with the rest. I refused to carry them, so an officer was told to carry them to a coffee house, where, after I had waited some time, they sent for me and told me they had reason to stop some of my papers. They bade Mr. Jeffreys find security to appear next court, turned the public notary out of office, kept five or six letters directed to the Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, told me they would write next day and dismissed me. Aug. 15. Waited on Governor Bradstreet for his pass, and took my leave. Aug. 16. To New Bristol. Aug. 17. To Newport. Wind-bound till the 23rd. Aug. 23. Took sloop to Long Island; was seven days getting within three miles of Flushing. Aug. 30. To New York; collected the answers to my letters and hastened away, as Milborne had given orders to seize my papers. Sept. 1. To Colonel Townley's. Sept. 3. To Mr. Onion's. Sept. 4. To Burlington. Sept. 5. To Philadelphia. Sept. 6. To Chester and Newcastle. Sept. 8. To Harman's at Bohemia; waited three days before I could hire a boat. Sept. 12. Sailed, but owing to contrary winds did not
get into Rappahannock till the 24th. Memo. At Boston I understood there was great plenty of Canary wine. I was told I could have my choice of good wine at £18 a pipe. Several small vessels had lately arrived from Spain, one of which was direct from Cadiz. 7 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 29 Jan., 1690–1. [America and West Indies. 636. Nos. 50, 50 I–VII., and (without enclosures), Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 29–33.] |
| Nov. 4. |
1,165. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson to the Earl of Nottingham. A transcript of the preceding letter. Endorsed. Recd. 29 Jan., 1690–1. [America and West Indies. 636. No. 51.] |
| Nov. 5. |
1,166. Commission to Lord Howard of Effingham as Governor of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 306–321.] |
| Nov. 6. |
1,167. Petition of Archibald Carmichael to the King. For leave of absence to return home from Barbados, where he is Naval Officer. 1 p. Inscribed. Recd. 6 November, 1690. Read Nov. 24th. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 56.] |
| Nov. 6. |
1,168. Mr. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. H.M.S. Jersey has been appointed to convoy the fleet to the West Indies instead of H.M.S. Wolf; please send the farthings down to her without delay. Signed. J. Sotherne. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 125.] |
| Nov. 7. |
1,169. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. The Lords of Trade and Plantations desire to be informed what ships have been appointed to carry the four hundred recruits for the Duke of Bolton's regiment to the Leeward Islands, the King having yesterday signified his pleasure in Council that no ships nor convoy bound to the West Indies shall wait for the recruits after it is ready to sail. Draft with corrections. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 126.] |
| Nov. 7. |
1,170. John Clapp to the Secretary of State. At a town meeting upon Long Island it was resolved that Captain John Clapp should apprise the Secretary of State what oppression the people lie under through the tyranny of Jacob Leisler. This bold usurper's tyranny was such that he gathered together a rabble of the worst men, with two or three leaders, the chiefest of which were Jacob Milborne and Samuel Edsall. Milborne has been under sentence of death for clipping of coin. These two base villains then came over with their rabble from New York to Long Island, broke open our houses, plundered our estates, stripped our wives and children and shot and wounded divers men. They then sequestered our estates and exposed them for sale, giving no reason but that we refused to take commissions from Leisler to execute his tyrannical will. There are over a hundred of us thus dispossessed, and the tyrant has taken our estates to his own use. We patiently await the coming of a Governor, but the year is so far spent that we have no expectation of his coming, so beg to lay our miseries before you, and pray you to deliver us from this worse than Egyptian bondage. Signed. John Clapp. 2 pp. Endorsed. Read 23 March, 1690/1. Printed in New York Documents III., 754. [America and West Indies 578. No. 184.] |
| Nov. 8. |
1,171. Mr. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. There is no mistake in appointing H.M.S. Wolf instead of H.M.S. Jersey to carry the farthings to the Leeward Islands. Please hasten the money down to her by the yacht appointed for the service. Signed. J. Sotherne. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 127.] |
Nov. 8.
Admiralty. |
1,172. Mr. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. Some of the merchant ships have orders to transport the recruits to the West Indies; their names will be reported to you as soon as possible. A yacht has been ordered to carry the farthings from Greenwich to H.M.S. Wolf. Signed. J. Sotherne. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 128.] |
| Nov. 8. |
1,173. Mr. Dudley to William Blathwayt. The soldiers have been some days on board, and the merchants are impatient. The impetuous wind has damaged the fleet somewhat. With a fair wind we expect Sir Cloudesley Shovel to accompany us down channel. Colonel Sloughter and Mr. Richier offer their service. Signed. J. Dudley. ½ p. On the other sheet. |
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Mr. Richier to William Blathwayt. A gentleman from me will wait on you to receive the flags and the seal for Bermuda. Signed. J. Richier. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 35.] |
| Nov. 8. |
1,174. Abstract of an Act of the Leeward Islands for supplying the fleet with provisions. Four hundred and fifty barrels of flour, fifteen hundred bushels of pease, and a thousand and eighty barrels of beef or pork to be purchased; and a sloop to be forthwith sent to Porto Rico for the purpose. |
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Abstract of an Act appointing Commissioners for the affairs of the Leeward Islands in England. Bastian Bayer, Christopher Jeaffreson, Jeffrey Jeffreys, Joseph Martin and Richard Cary are appointed. The sum to be remitted to them annually for their expenses is £750. The whole, 2½ pp. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 129.] |
Nov. 9.
Temple. |
1,175. S. Guillym to William Blathwayt. I was at the House yesterday but could find neither you nor Mr. Povey. The gentlemen of the Leeward Islands yesterday showed me a list of ships and the manner of shipping the four hundred recruits thereon. The Navy Board is to receive this list to-morrow, to settle the matter better, and pass it on to the Admiralty to-morrow evening. You shall have a copy of the list as soon as possible. The gentlemen tell me it will be very inconvenient to ship the soldiers in the river (where all the vessels now lie), as they are likely to fall sick and very many may die before the ships reach St. Helen's. Besides if detained by weather they might consume the victuals shipped for them. They therefore beg that the men may be embarked at St. Helen's. 1 p. Endorsed. 9 Nov., 90. [America and West Indies. 550. No. 130.] |
| Nov. 10. |
1,176. Information as to the ketch Two Brothers at New York, 16 October, 1690; with declaration of the officers of H.M.S. Dumbarton that in the trial of the case on 10th November, the King's interest was deliberately thwarted from the bench. The whole, 3 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 123.] |
| Nov. 11. |
1,177. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of the officers and men of the New York companies read. Agreed to refer it to Colonel Sloughter. Petition of James Graham read and referred likewise. Petition of John Severin (see No. 1,124) read. Agreed to refer it to Governor Codrington. Memorial of the merchants of the Leeward Islands read. The King's pleasure to be taken thereon. Memorial on behalf of Colonel Rowland Williams asking for the Government of Antigua to be laid before the King. Petition of Colonel Tobias Frere read (see No. 1,133). Agreed to recommend him for the next vacancy in the Council of Barbados. A draft grant of land to Dr. Cox was read. Agreed not to recommend it. Memorandum of documents sent and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 356–360.] |
| Nov. 11. |
1,178. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Referring the petition of John Severin to Governor Codrington for report. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 43. p. 285.] |
| Nov. 11. |
1,179. Petition of James Graham to Lords of Trade and Plantations. For restoration to his offices of Recorder and Attorney General of New York, from which he was ousted by the Revolution. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 11 Nov., '90. [America and West Indies. 578. No. 185.] |
| Nov. 11. |
1,180. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Referring James Graham's petition to Governor Sloughter for report. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 284.] |
| Nov. 11. |
1,181. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Referring the petition of the officers and soldiers at New York (see No. 1,069) to Governor Sloughter for report. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., p. 283.] |
Nov. 13.
Whitehall. |
1,182. The King to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. Forwarding copies of Lord Howard's commission and instructions. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., p. 340.] |
| [Nov. 13.] |
1,183. Petition of Sir Walter Young and others to the King. For release of the victims of Monmouth's rebellion who were sent as slaves to the Colonies. 1 p. Inscribed. Recd. 6 November. Read 13 November, 1690. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 16, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 136, 137.] |
| [Nov. 13.] |
1,184. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Representing to the King the difficulties caused in Barbados by the repeal of the Act obliging the rebels of Monmouth's rising to serve (see No. 968.) [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 137–140.] |
Nov. 13.
Whitehall. |
1,185. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Edward Davies and others to Lord Howard of Effingham for report. Signed. William Blathwayt. Enclosed, |
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1,185. I. Petition of Edward Davies and others. In April 1688, while returning from the South Seas we met a ship which told us of the King's proclamation offering pardon to pirates who should surrender. We immediately shipped our goods and sailed for James River, Virginia. In the
Bay of Chesapeake we surrendered to Captain Thomas Allen of H.M.S. Quaker and received his certificate. A week later while in an open boat we were seized by Captain Simon Rowe of H.M.S. Dumbarton and put in irons. We were then brought before Lord Howard of Effingham and committed to gaol on suspicion of piracy till his departure, when the Council released us, allowing us £30 a piece for our voyage to England, but detaining the rest of our goods. We petitioned meanwhile by Micaiah Perry, but further examination of the matter was stopped owing to the capture of some papers by the French. On Captain Nicholson's arrival we applied for our goods, but were told that he had orders to ship them to England. Since our arrival in England we have enquired, but cannot find that such an order was ever given, and fear that it may have been a pretext to deprive us of our goods. We beg for pardon and restitution of our property. Copy. 2½ pp. [America and West Indies. 636. Nos. 52, 52 I.; and (order only) Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 52.] |
