America and West Indies: April 1691, 17-30

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

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'America and West Indies: April 1691, 17-30', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692, ed. J W Fortescue( London, 1901), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol13/pp411-425 [accessed 29 November 2024].

April 1691



April 17.	1,404. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That a copy of the address from Boston, referred by Order in Council of 9th inst., be sent to the Agents for New England to give an account in writing of the state of the Colony; also that all persons concerned and in particular Sir Purbeck Temple and Sir William Phips attend the Committee on the 21st inst. Draft with corrections. 2¼ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 147.]
April 17.	1,405. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives of New York. Eight resolutions condemning Leisler and all his works, and an order for an address to the Governor. Minute of Council, April 18, recording the thanks of the Governor and Council to the House. Copy. Large sheet.
	Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. Nos. 11, 12.]
[April 17.] New York.	1,406. Address of the House of Representatives of New York to Governor Sloughter. Congratulations on his arrival; and expressions of abhorrence for the acts of Leisler, and of loyalty to King William and Queen Mary. Signed. James Graham, speaker. Copy. 1 p.
	Duplicate of the foregoing. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. Nos. 13, 14.]
April 17.	1,407. Minutes of the General Assembly of Virginia. The Burgesses were summoned to hear Lord Howard's Commission and dismissed to elect their speaker. They presented Thomas Milner, who was approved. Speech of the Lieutenant-Governor recommending the lessening of the levy by poll, by the imposition of a duty on liquors, and the regulation of the Indian trade. The Clerk of the Burgesses approved, and the law as to the new oaths delivered to them for perusal.
	Members appointed to swear the Burgesses and copy of the Governor's speech sent to them. Address of the Burgesses approving the proposal for a general fast. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 619–624.]
April 17.	1,408. Journal of the House of Burgesses of Virginia. Thomas Milner elected speaker and Peter Beverley clerk.
April 18.	List of the Burgesses:—
	William Randolph Francis Eps	Henrico County.
	Henry Batt Robert Bowling	Charles City County.
	Henry Hartwell	James City.
	James Bray William Lewis	James City County.
	Tho. Barber Jos. Ring	York County.
	Lawrence Smith John Smith	Gloucester County.
	Arthur Allen Francis Mason	Surrey County.
	Arthur Smith Henry Applewhite	Isle of Wight County.
	Tho. Milner John Brassier	Nancymond County.
	Richard Whitaker Miles Cary	Warwick County.
	John West William Leigh	New Kent County.
	Geo. Mason Martin Scarlett	Stafford County.
	Charles Scarborough William Anderson	Accomack County.
	John Robins Tho. Harmanson	Northampton County.
	Anthony Lawson John Sandiford	Lower Norfolk County.
	Chr. Robinson William Churchill	Middlesex County.
	Robert Carter William Ball	Lancaster County.
	Richard Kenner Peter Prestly	Northumberland County.
	William Hardidge Laurence Washington	Westmoreland County.
	William Wilson Tho. Allonby	Elizabeth City County.
	Henry Aubrey John Stone	Rappahannock County.
	The Governor's speech considered in Committee, and an address in reply voted. The Clerk sworn. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 691–699.]
April 20.	1,409. The Bishop of London to William Blathwayt. Desiring that Captain John Blackwell may be summoned to attend the Committee to-morrow. Holograph. Signed. H. London. Dated. Monday night [20 April], though endorsed apparently, 9 April, 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 148.]
April 20.	1,410. Warrant of the Governor of New York permitting an unfree ship to trade at New York. Copy. 1 p. Minuted and endorsed by Edward Randolph. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 15.]
April 20.	1,411. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for a patent to George Brown for 120 acres of land on Staten Island. A petition for compensation for goods spoiled by Leisler, referred to Colonel Bayard.
April 21.	Order for two belts of wampum to be sent to the Indians, and a letter encouraging the Praying Indians to return to their friendship. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 250, 251.]
April 22.	1,412. Order for Edwin Palmes's protest against the injustice of a pretended Court of Justice in Connecticut to be recorded. Orders for the Collector to issue writs to the Sheriffs for the collection of quit-rents in the provinces; for the records of Westchester County to be delivered to Joseph Lee; and for payment of £25 due to Alexander Boyle.
April 23.	Order for hue and cry after three deserters from the King's frigate.
April 24.	Order for Nicholas Bayard and William Pinhorne to administer the oath to the leading inhabitants and officers of the city. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 250, 253.]
April 20.	1,413. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for issue of a commission for trial of a murderer.
April 21.	James Minge appeared and was required to obey the order issued as to his proceedings. Richard Lee, Isaac Allerton and John Armistead, Councillors, refusing to take the oaths and being therefore unable to sit, Edmund Jennings was appointed to the Council. Order for the goods of Edward Davies and others to be sent to England. Order for the examination of the public accounts of the late William Spencer. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 527–538.]
April 20.	1,414. Journal of House of Burgesses of Virginia. Major Arthur Allen having scruples about being sworn, the fact was reported to the Lieutenant-Governor. Sundry Committees appointed and the clerks sworn. Message from the Lieutenant-Governor appointing a day of humiliation. Address to the Lieutenant-Governor thanking him for his care for the security of the country. Order for examination of the records of last Assembly.
April 21.	Order for the accounts of the threepence per gallon duty to be presented. The grievances of the several Counties read and referred to a Committee. Order for James Bray, who has failed to attend the House, to be brought before the House to-morrow morning.
April 22.	James Bray excused attendance on account of sickness. Report on the threepence per gallon duty presented. Grievances of Counties read and referred to a Committee. Several bills proposed by last Assembly. Order for further examination of the accounts of the threepence per gallon duty.
April 23.	Petition of an Indian interpreter for his salary read and referred. The House adjourned.
April 24.	Propositions on behalf of two counties considered. Message from the Governor as to the appointment of rangers. Sundry petitions read and referred. The Committee for propositions presented the following bills:—To give rewards for killing wolves; for charge of criminals; to prevent the casting of ballast into rivers; to prohibit innkeepers from giving credit to seamen; for regulating public claims; and for regulating accounts of Sheriffs. Sundry petitions referred by the Governor and Council read. Adjourned to 27th. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 700–714.]
April 20.	1,415. Minutes of General Assembly of Virginia. A new writ ordered for selection of a burgess in place of Arthur Allen. Address of the burgesses received, and a message sent to them appointing a day of humiliation.
April 21.	Order for a proclamation appointing a day of humiliation.
April 24.	Message from the Lieutenant-Governor acknowledging the Burgesses' thanks and their recognition of his measures for security of the country. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 624–628.]
April 21.	1,416. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That Captain Blackwell shall be summoned to attend the Committee this afternoon on the business of New England. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 149.]
[April 21.]	1,417. Sir William Phips's account of his expeditions against Acadia and Quebec. In March, 1690, I sailed with seven ships and seven hundred men, raised by the people of New England, reduced Acadia in three weeks and returned to Boston. It was then thought well to prosecute a further expedition. 2,300 men were raised, with whom and with about thirty ships I sailed from New England on the 10th August, 1690, but by bad weather and contrary winds did not reach Quebec till October. The frost was already so sharp that it made two inches of ice in a night. After summoning Count de Frontenac and receiving a reviling answer I brought my ships up within musket shot of their cannon and fired with such success that I dismounted several of their largest cannon and beat them from their works in less than twenty-four hours. At the same time 1,400 men, who had been landed, defeated a great party of the enemy, and by the account of the prisoners the city must have been taken in two or three days, but the small pox and fever increased so fast as to delay the pushing of the siege till the weather became too severe to permit it. On my leaving Quebec I received several messages from French merchants of the best reputation saying how uneasy they were under French administration and how willing they would be to be under their Majesties'. The enemy suffered much, having several men killed and prisoners. Our loss did not exceed thirty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 267–269.]
[April 21.]	1,418. The Agents for Massachusetts to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We have received a copy of an address to the King from divers in Boston and Charlestown. There are several mistakes therein, for the late Revolution did not divide the territory into ten Colonies. Fort Pemaquid was and is under the Government of New York, where it is hoped that Governor Sloughter's arrival has composed all differences. The province of Maine was purchased many years since by Massachusetts. New Hampshire was taken to be within the charter of Massachusetts, continued under it many years, and since the Revolution has by desire of the inhabitants been rejoined to it. The King's Province never was a distinct Colony, but was claimed as part of Massachusetts. Connecticut and Rhode Island have their charters still in full force, having neither been cancelled by legal process nor surrendered. As to Massachusetts the present administration of the Government was authorised by the King's letter of 12 August, 1689, until things could be brought to a settlement. We hope that such authorisation does not make us pretended governors, as the writers insinuate. Most of those writers are well known to us, one of the principal of them having opposed the Revolution in England as well as in New England, insomuch that he imprisoned the messenger who brought the present King's (then the Prince of Orange) declaration to Boston. Several of them are men of little or no fortune, and some, as we are informed, were entrapped into signing the address. It is evident that the majority of the inhabitants do not approve of the address if no more signatories could be found, though they have been gathering hands from three several Colonies. Massachusetts has done its utmost always not only for their Majesties' interest against all enemies whatever, but also to enlarge their dominions, and have taken Port Royal and Acadia, whereby the Indians in those parts were disappointed of further supplies of arms and ammunition and so distressed that they desired a truce. This was granted to them on condition that their Sachems would meet our Commissioners in May to settle a final peace. The French inhabitants also have sworn allegiance to their Majesties and are well satisfied with the change, having tasted the sweetness of English Government in former years, and the French garrison have been brought prisoners to Boston. So we know not what more could have been done, in the circumstances, to serve the Crown of England. The incursions upon Albany were prevented by the expedition to Canada, of which an account has already been given, and Sir William Phips, who commanded it, is ready to lay the particulars before your Lordship. It is true that Massachusetts and the other Colonies of New England were in a distressed condition, which was first occasioned by putting them under a despotic power, who disposed of their persons and estates, imprisoned and fined at their will and pleasure to the terror of the inhabitants, so that the people became careless in business and solicitious not to earn more than sufficed for their necessities; whereupon trade failed, rents fell by one third and the land was greatly impoverished. Then the present war came, and the attack of the French and Indians on Pemaquid, soon after Sir Edmund Andros's seizure of Mons. de Castine's sloop at Penobscot. This was continued until the breach between the two Crowns, whereby we were great sufferers in our shipping and merchandise and disappointed of seasonable supplies of arms and ammunition. Still as yet, by God's blessing, there is not a fourth part of the desolation wrought by the enemy as in the Indian war of 1675–1676. The most damage is in Maine and to Eastward and there only of such places as were then destroyed. But our present most imminent danger lies in the French from Canada, and this trouble arises from our loyalty to their Majesties, the French have proclaimed that their reason for invasion is our declaring for King William and Queen Mary. The removal of their neighbours would not only secure the English interest in these parts, but cut off a growing nursery for seamen, which the French King has here and in Newfoundland. The people of New England hope to be restored to the former charter-privileges taken from them in the last year of King Charles II., and, notwithstanding the great expense to which they have been already subjected, are willing to make another attack on the French in Canada with such supply as the Government of Massachusetts has already begged for. Nothing could be greater encouragement to the prosecution of this war than restoration of the ancient liberties and privileges for which our fathers transported themselves to the wilderness, and have since defended it against all enemies, with considerable advantage to England. Signed. Hen. Ashurst, Elisha Cooke, Increase Mather, Thomas Oakes. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Read 21 April, 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 150, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 263–266.]
April 21.	1,419. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The agents of New England and Sir William Phips attended, and the petition of merchants of Boston and Charlestown (see No. 1393) was read. After which the agents delivered their answer to the same (see preceding abstract) and Sir William Phips gave in an account of the expedition to Canada, both of which were read. Ordered that Captain Blackwell and others attend and that the Lord Chief Justice be also present.
	Several representations from Virginia read and referred to Lord Howard of Effingham. [Board of Trade. Journals, 7. pp. 7, 8.]
April 22.	1,420. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations to Lord Sydney. To ascertain if the agents of New England will accept a New Charter from the King, with as large privileges as are enjoyed by any corporation within their Majesties' dominions, leaving to their Majesties the power of commissioning the Governor and Council from time to time; the representatives of people meeting once a year or oftener, as the Governor shall think fit, in the nature of a House of Commons for the making of laws relating to property and good government. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 151.]
April 23.	1,421. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Assembly attending, the Governor informed them that money was wanting to pay sundry debts, to keep the fortifications in repair, and to hire a couple of sloops now that the fleet was absent in the Leeward Islands. The Assembly presented petitions from John Salton and John Pilgrim against the return of Captain Thomas Morris. The Governor said that he had looked into the matter and had given his opinion that Colonel Morris was duly elected; and that he was astonished that the Assembly should receive petitions as to matters which did not belong to them, especially when the Governor had already decided them.
April 24.	The Assembly attended and insisted on the point raised by them yesterday, quoting precedents, which being turned up in the Council's books proved to be against them. The Governor therefore told them to persist no further in the matter. The Assembly afterwards sent a message to say that they were considering a bill to raise money, but could not pass it this sitting. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 181–183.]
April 23.	1,422. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The Assembly waited on the Governor. (See preceding abstract.)
April 24.	Address to the Governor as to the right of the Assembly to decide contested elections, and the Governor's reply. Bill for a levy on negroes passed. Bill to decide qualifications of electors passed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 267–272.]
April 23. Whitehall.	1,423. Order of the King in Council. That the fines imposed on William Ivy, John Towers, Francis Blackmore, Charles Bourchier, James Bannister, and William Ivy, junior, in 1688, be wholly remitted. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 12, 13.]
April 23.	1,424. Memorandum of names of persons to be summoned to attend the Committee on the business of New England, viz. Captain John Blackwell, Colonel Charles Ledgett, John Usher, Thomas Brindley, Thomas Dudley, Captain David Kelly, Thaddeus Mackerty. Scrap. Endorsed. 23 April, 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 152.]
April 24.	1,425. Summons for the gentlemen named in the memorandum of 23 April (see preceding abstract) to attend the Committee on the business of New England on the 27th inst. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 153.]
[April 24.]	1,426. A collection of documents relating to the trial of the murderers of John Payne.
	1,426. I. Order of the Convention of Maryland for the trial of the murderers of John Payne. Signed. John Llewellin. 16 April, 1691. Scrap. Endorsed. Recd. 10 Oct., 1691.
	1,426. II. Commission for the trial of the said murderers. 21 April, 1691. Endorsed as the preceding.
	1,426. III. Record of the proceedings at the trial of John Woodcock, George Mason and William Burley for the murder of John Payne. 16th to 24th April. 6½ pp. Endorsed as the preceding.
	1,426. IV. Account of the case of the murderers of John Payne. A long story, endeavouring to set forth that the prisoners had not a fair trial. 11½ closely written pages. Endorsed as the preceding.
	1,426. V. An account of the quarrel that led to the murder, with the depositions taken at Virginia. 10 March, 1690. 14 pp.
	1,426. VI. Minutes of the meetings of the Virginia Council. 16 January and 10 March, 1690. 4 pp.
	1,426. VII., VIII. Minutes of the meeting of the Virginia Council on 28 and 29 April, 1690. 5 pp.
	1,426. IX. Copies of letters written to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson by John Coode, on 19 and 28 May, and 24 June, as to the murder of Payne and the escape of Richard Hill, accused of treasonable words, to Virginia. Also copy of a letter from Jacob Younge, 30 May, 1690, as to movements of Indians. The whole, 3 pp.
	1,426. X. A duplicate of the letters of Samuel Phillips and others and Richard Hill of 1 and 2 June (see Nos. 919, 922).
	1,426. XI. Copies of Colonel Nicholson's letters of 6 June and 1 August to the Government of Maryland (see Nos. 928, 1002). 4 pp.
	1,426. XII. Copy of the protest against John Coode of June 19th (see No. 948). 3¼ pp.
	1,426. XIII. Copy of the letter from Maryland to Colonel Nicholson of 8 August (see No. 1014). 2 pp.
	1,426. XIV. Copy of Richard Hill's bond to surrender to the Secretary of State. 18 August, 1690. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. Nos. 45I–XIV.]
April 25. Maryland.	1,427. Representatives of Maryland to the King and Queen. The murderers of John Payne have duly been tried, and three of them condemned and sentenced, to the terror of like evildoers. Still we have cause to complain of the rude and insolent carriage of the popish party and of their efforts to disturb the peace; and in particular of the persons whom Lord Baltimore procured to appear against us in Council last year. These have since returned hither, loaded with notorious false pamphlets and letters from Lord Baltimore, which they scatter abroad to terrify your loyal subjects from their allegiance by a prospect of a renewal of the popish Government from which you delivered us. They scruple not to say that King James will be restored, but we doubt not under Providence of your safety and our salvation. Signed. Nea Blakiston and twenty-one others. 2 pp. Endorsed. Oct. 12, 1691. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 46, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 229–231.]
April 25.	1,428. Edward Randolph to William Blathwayt. I hear that Mr. Rafford of New England has a full account of the state of that country and can offer the reasons he has received from Mr. Tippet, one of the subscribers to the Address. Pray let him be summoned. He lives in Bow Lane. I take physic, so cannot wait on you. Signed. Ed. Randolph. Holograph. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 154.]
[April 25.]	1,429. Petition of John Riggs to the King. In 1688–1689, I was ensign of a foot-company in New England and was posted at Pojebscot Falls in Maine. On the outbreak of the Revolution I was obliged to quit my garrison and was carried prisoner to Boston, but on being liberated went at once to New York, from whence Colonel Nicholson sent me with despatches to England, and in August, 1689, was sent back to New York with despatches, and back once more to England. My expenses for the journeys amount to £80, which I beg may be repaid. 1 p. Inscribed. Recd. 25 April, 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 155.]
April 26. May 6. Quebec.	1,430. Passport of the Count de Frontenac to Sieur de la Chesnaye. Copy. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 156.]
April 27.	1,431. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order for the merchants concerned in convoys to attend on the 4th of May, and agreed that the present embargo on shipping be removed.
	Petition of John Grey and others read and decision taken (see Nos. 1433, 1442).
	Several merchants or others interested in New England called in, when Mr. Wrayford presented abstracts of letters. On consideration of the former Charter of New England and the drafts of a New Charter presented by the Agents, it was resolved to take the King's pleasure as to whether he would appoint a Governor, or leave the making of laws wholly to the people. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 8–10.]
April 27.	1,432. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That it be submitted to the King's decision whether the Governor of Massachusetts shall be appointed by the Crown or elected. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 269.]
April 27.	1,433. Petition of John Grey and others, defendants against an appeal of the executors of Sir John Witham, to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Praying for dismissal of the appeal (as in No. 1334). Inscribed below. A minute by the executors praying for further time till the arrival of the next West Indian fleet. Signed. Robert Chaplin. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 27 Apr., 1691. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 61.]
April 27.	1,434. Minutes of Council of New York. Sundry documents relating to the revolution of 1689 were read. In answer to the petition of the Mayor and Council of New York for the restoration the weigh-house taken into the King's hands in 1674, the Governor deferred his answer. Petition of James Wright and John Jordaine of Connecticut complaining of the existing government, and praying for the Governor's protection. The Governor said he would do all that he could for them, and represent their grievances to the King. Order for their depositions to be taken. Nicholas Bayard's claim for repayment of money spent by him on the fortifications considered.
April 28.	Order for a letter to the sheriff of Richmond County, directing him to secure the ringleaders of the riots there. Order for payment of £36 to Nicholas Gerritse. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 253–255.]
April 27.	1,435. Journal of House of Burgesses of Virginia. The six bills brought in on the 24th read a first time. Sundry petitions sent down from the Council read. Benjamin Harrison sworn, being returned in place of Major Arthur Allen.
April 28.	The committee for examination of the threepence per gallon duty reported the balance in hand to be £789, but the balance due to be £950. Ralph Wormeley's petition, as assignee of Cuthbert Potter, for £108 rejected. Dame Francis Berkeley's petition, on behalf of Philip Ludwell, read. Order for preparing an address of thanks to the King for redress of the grievances represented by Philip Ludwell. The six bills aforesaid read a second time, and a bill for ports read a first time.
April 29.	Order for James Bray to be brought up to attend the House. Resolved to order the Lieutenant-Governor to forbid settlement in the land of Nottaway Indians in future. Order for a bill to be prepared to prevent horses from running wild and barking fruit trees. A free conference with the Council as to the maintenance of forces desired. Order for preparation of a bill as to tanners and curriers. Order for addresses to represent to the King the grievances of the inhabitants of Northern Neck, and the state of the country. Order for bills to be prepared for an impost on liquors, and to encourage manufactures. The six bills brought in on the 24th passed and sent up to the Council. Mr. James Bray again excused. Message from the Council appointing conferrers.
April 30.	Conferrers appointed to arrange with the Council as to the forces to be raised, as to erection of a college, and obtaining a royal Charter and a grant of quit-rents for the same. Several bills returned from the Council. Order for drawing up an address as to the college. Bill for Ports read a second time.
May 1.	Bills for Ports recommitted with instructions to the Committee. Martin Scarlett, a burgess, committed to custody for neglect of his duty and misbehaviour in the House. Bill as to horses read a first time. The bills as to wolves agreed to, and those as to ballast and Sheriffs' accounts amended.
May 2.	The Bills to prohibit giving credit to seamen and as to certificates for public claims agreed to. Martin Scarlett made his submission and was readmitted. Message from the Lieutenant-Governor asking for names to be submitted of persons fit to be justices of the peace. Bill as to horses read a second time. Bills as to sheriffs' accounts and as to ballast received from the Council with amendments and recommitted. The Council's amendments on the bill as to criminal's charges approved. Adjourned to 4th. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 714–726.]
April 27.	1,436. Minutes of General Assembly of Virginia. Councillors appointed to swear Benjamin Harrison.
April 29.	Councillors appointed to meet the Burgesses in conference. Six bills brought up from the Burgesses.
April 30.	William Cole reported the sense of the Conference as to the defence of the country and founding of a college. Three of the six bills agreed to; and three sent back with amendments. Conferrers appointed to meet the Burgesses to-morrow.
May 1.	Mr. Cole reported as to the addresses. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXV., pp. 628–632.]
[April 27.]	1,437. Representation of the Lieutenant-Governor and Council of Virginia. King Charles the Second in 1669 granted to the Earl of St. Albans the profits of the neck of land between the Potomac and the Rappahannock on condition that for such of the land as should not be settled within twenty-one years the grant should be void; and in 1679 the King granted fifty acres of land to any person coming to settle there. There are many people anxious to settle and ready to pay quit-rents to the King for the same. Nevertheless the late Lord Culpeper having purchased the Earl of St. Albans's rights to the said land in Northern Neck obtained an unconditional grant for the same from King James in 1688; and his agent, Philip Ludwell, without a word to the Governor or Council, has erected an office of Ranger General of the Northern Neck and other offices with strange and unusual powers, whereby those employed by him take upon themselves to seize horses and cattle, and to appropriate lands, under pretence of escheat, which have long been quietly held by settlers, and all without enquiry or redress, to the great disturbance of the inhabitants and endangering of the public peace.
	There is a great need of ammunition for the forts at James City, York, Nancymond and Rappahannock, which we beg that His Majesty will supply to us. The militia is in great want of arms and ammunition, many of the people being so poor that the officers cannot compel them to equip themselves as the law directs. We beg therefore for some grenadiers' arms, swords, bayonets and ammunition. Further, as the country lies low and trade cannot be secured without a fort or two in each river (which we cannot afford to build) we think that Virginia and Maryland can be best defended by frigates and a fireship. The revenue consists wholly of the export duty of two shillings a hogshead on tobacco and the port duties of trading ships. There are now 10,000 hogsheads of last year's crop still here, and a great crop this year; so that if ships be not sent to carry it away, the King's revenue will suffer much and the Colony will be unable to subsist for want of clothes and other goods imported from England. The Indians of Pamunkey Neck have diminished greatly in numbers, and many settlements are made with agreement for quit-rents. We propose that land enough shall be set apart for the Indians and the rest granted to settlers on payment of quit-rent. It would be well if all officers holding commissions in Virginia were compelled to reside there, unless specially excused by the King. Captain Alexander Culpeper, who holds a patent as Surveyor-General, has appointed Colonel Philip Ludwell his deputy, who accordingly has granted commissions to divers persons, who executed the same by deputies, which has given rise to much quarrelling and complaint. These Surveyors being generally elected burgesses have exerted an evil influence in the Assemblies; and we therefore propose that Surveyors be appointed by the Government in Virginia. We do not recognise Captain Culpeper's power to appoint deputies, and we are therefore of opinion that there are no duly authorised Surveyors in Virginia. It would be well too if the Indian trade were regulated. The necessary money could easily be raised by a company, whereas at present some men lose their lives every year. The unsettled state of New England, New York and Pennsylvania has been a great insecurity to us, and we would point out the advantages of putting them under a settled Government. Finally we would ask that Councillors enough to form a quorum be chosen from the residents in one of the Necks in time of war. 4 pp. With notes in the margin. Endorsed. Read 27 April and 12 May, 1691. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 16, and Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 41–45.]
April 29.	1,438. Order of the Court of Virginia on the matter of the sloop Katharine and Anne. That the master give £1,000 security to sail direct to London and there await the decision of the King's Court of Admiralty. Copy. 2¼ pp. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 17.]
[April.]	1,439. An account of the persons who signed the address of 9 April (see No. 1393) respecting New England with the value of their estates according to common estimation. Of the sixty signatories here enumerated, two are set down as worth £12,000, two at £10,000, three at £6,000, two at £5,000, two at £4,000, five at £3,000, thirteen at £2,000, one at £1,500, thirteen at £1,000, nine at £500, three at £300, three at £200. (The Agents for Massachusetts had declared that most of the signatories were men of little or no estate. See No. 1418). 2½ pp. Endorsed. Presented in April 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 157.]
April 30. Whitehall.	1,440. Order of the King in Council. Declaring the royal resolve, on the question of the new Charter of Massachusetts, to send a Governor of his own nomination, and ordering the preparation of a Charter on that foundation. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 270, 271.]
April 30.	1,441. Minute of the foregoing order in Council. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 158.]
April 30. Whitehall.	1,442. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Resolving that unless the appeal of the executors of Sir John Witham against John Grey and others be prosecuted on the arrival of the next fleet from the West Indies it shall be dismissed. Signed. William Blathwayt. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 62.]
[April.]	1,443. A collection of papers bearing on the preparation of the Charter of Massachusetts.
	1,443. I. Memorandum of the History of Massachusetts from 1602 to 1637. 5 pp.
	1,443. II. Heads of the Charter granted to Massachusetts in 4 Car. I. 4½ pp.
	1,443. III. A different abstract of the same Charter. Draft with corrections. 4 pp.
	1,443. IV. Fair copy of the preceding. 4¼ pp.
	1,443. V. Another shorter abstract of the same Charter. 2 pp.
	1,443. VI. Abstract of the proceedings against the Massachusetts Charter in 1635. 2½ pp.
	1,443. VII. Abstract of the proceedings of King Charles I. against Massachusetts. 2 pp.
	1,443. VIII. Clauses in the former Charter of Massachusetts shewing that it was intended for the Company to be resident in England. 1½ pp.
	1,443. IX. A sketch of the Constitution of the Government of New England under the old Charter. 2½ pp.
	1,443. X. The objections of the Attorney and Solicitor General to the Laws of Massachusetts. 2 August, 1677. Abstracted in a former volume.
	1,443. XI. Case of the Charter of New England. Shewing the many respects in which it was violated up to the proceedings in 1686. A short draft of a few sentences is attached. 6½ pp.
	1,443. XII. Consideration concerning the Charter of Massachusetts, opposing the regranting of the old Charter. 2 pp.
	1,443. XIII. A series of questions, impugning the actions of Massachusetts under the late Charter. 2 pp.
	1,443. XIV. A memorandum of the misdeeds of Massachusetts under the former Charter. 4 pp.
	1,443. XV. Copy of the Order in Chancery for entering judgment against the Charter of Massachusetts. 23 Oct. 1684.
	1,443. XVI. Considerations offered to Parliament against the restoration of Charters to the Colonies, on the ground that the cancellation of that of Massachusetts was justified by her persistence in illegal trading. A copy of certain laws of Massachusetts is attached. Printed pamphlet. 8 pp.
	1,443. XVII. Manuscript draft of the first portion of the preceding pamphlet. 9½ pp.
	1,443. XVIII. Reasons for the confirmation of the Charters in New England. 4 pp.
	1,443. XIX. Reflections on a pamphlet entitled "Reasons for the confirmation of the several Charters in New England." 20 pp.
	1,443. XX. Reasons against restoring the several Charters of New England. 1½ pp.
	1,443. XXI. Memorandum upon the bill for restoring Corporations. That the preamble has no relation to the case of New England. ½ p.
	1,443. XXII. Heads of the charter granted to Sir Ferdinando Gorges. 15 Car. I. 9 pp.
	1,443. XXIII. Abstract of the Charter of the Colony of Rhode Island.
	1,443. XXIV, XXV. Abstract of the Charter of Connecticut. In duplicate. 1 p.
	1,443. XXVI. The address of the inhabitants of Providence to the King of 11 October, 1686, resigning their Charter. Abstracted in a former volume. Copy. 1 p.
	1,443. XXVII. Copy of the letter of the Government of Connecticut to Lord Sunderland. 26 January, 1687. Abstracted in a former volume. 1 p.
	1,443. XXVIII. Case of the grant of Long Island and of its surrender by the Earl of Stirling. 1 p.
	1,443. XXIX. Declaration of Joseph Dudley and other trustees for the land about the Merrimac. 12 May, 1686. Copy. 3½ pp.
	1,443. XXX. A list of the deficiencies of the late Charter of Massachusetts, and of the points in which it was violated by the late Government. ½ p.
	1,443. XXXI., XXXII. A list of additional powers asked for by the Agents for New England with the restoration of their former Charter, to set right the deficiencies and violations of the former Charter. 1 p. In duplicate.
	1,443. XXXIII. Proposals for making the Colony of Massachusetts more dependent on the Crown, viz. (1) that the King may disallow laws within a year after receipt of them, (2) that appeals be allowed to the King in Council, (3) that all officials take the oath fixed by Act. ½ p.
	1,443. XXXIV. Abstract of the former Charter of Massachusetts, with the desires of the Agents added on the opposite page, and a copy of the proposals, abstracted in No. XXXIII. added. The whole, 12 pp.
	1,443. XXXV. Heads of a charter for Massachusetts. 2 pp.
	1,443. XXXVI. A list of gentlemen with letters from New England, who may "be spoke with on the Exchange." ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. Nos. 158 I.–XXXVI.]
[April ?]	1,444. Petition of George Hannay to the Queen. For leave to return home from Barbados for a time to recover his health. Draft with corrections. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 63.]