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| Jan. 1 |
1. Extract from a letter of Mr. Stock at Deal. Reporting that a ship which sailed in September or October for Virginia with letters was captured by the French, but that all the packets were thrown overboard before the capture. Copy. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 638. No. 1.] |
| Jan. 4. |
2. Order of Sir William Phips to Captain Richard Short, R.N. To hand over four of his men to H.M. Sloop Mary, for immediate service. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 17.] |
| Jan. 4. |
3. Depositions of John March, Captain of Pemaquid Fort, and Captain Nathaniel Hatch of H.M.S. Mary, as to the provocation given by Captain Short to Sir William Phips which led to the scuffle between them. Copy. 1 p. |
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Another copy of the foregoing. Endorsed. Read at the Committee, 15 June, 1693–4. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 18, 19.] |
Jan. 5.
Whitehall. |
4. Order of the King in Council. Referring the presentment of the Commissioners of Customs as to illegal trading on the part of the Governor of Bermuda, to Lords of Trade and Plantations, who will recommend a fit person to be Governor of Bermuda. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. Annexed, |
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4. I. Presentment of the Commissioners of Customs. We have received a report from the Collectors at Liverpool as to Governor Richier's having built a sloop and sent tea with sugar and tobacco to Scotland, contrary to the Acts of Navigation. Signed. Robt. Southwell, P. Warde, Robt. Clayton, Jo. Werden. Copy. 1 p. Copies of Reports from the Liverpool Customs House of 21 and 26 Dec., 1692, are attached. 4½ pp. The whole endorsed. Recd. 7 Jan., 1692–3. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 2. Nos. 6, 6I.; and 28, pp. 39, 40.] |
| Jan. 5. |
5. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor produced a letter written by Abraham Gouverneur, which had inflamed the followers of Leisler, and asked the advice of the Council thereon. The Council advised that he should send copy of the letter to Sir William Phips, telling him of the mischief that it had done and
asking for Gouverneur to be given up to him. Captain Thomas Clarke was recommended as a suitable emissary to carry the letter. Order for survey of Richard and Thomas Willett's and of Col. Van Cortland's land lately purchased from the Indians. The Governor showed the Council the letter that he had written to Sir William Phips, and it was approved. Order for a proclamation exhorting the people to peace. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 364, 365; and pp. 388, 389.] |
| Jan. 6. |
6. Governor Fletcher to Sir William Phips. Abstracted below under date 31 Jan. (see page 11). Copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 579. No. 24.] |
| Jan. 7. |
7. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Presentment of Commissioners of Customs read (see No. 4 I), and the question of a new Governor for Bermuda considered. |
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The Commissioners of the Admiralty and Mr. Thomas Povey attended on the business of the Naval Officer at Jamaica. Agreed that a clause be inserted therein to preserve the rights of the Admiralty. |
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Petition of Stephen Duport read, and decision thereon taken. |
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Petitions of Jeffrey Jeffries and others read, and order given thereon. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 158–160.] |
Jan. 7.
Whitehall. |
8. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the Lord President recommend on their behalf that, on the petition of Stephen Duport, orders be given to Governor Codrington for petitioner to be allowed the same benefit in recovering his possessions in the Leeward Islands as all other subjects. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. p. 114.] |
| Jan. 7. |
9. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the names of Colonel Long and Captain Goddard, recommended by Lord Falkland and the Earl of Scarborough, be submitted to the King for the Government of Bermuda. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 28. p. 46.] |
| Jan. 7. |
10. Petition of Edward Richier, on behalf of Isaac Richier, to Lords of Trade and Plantations. To respite all judgment on Isaac Richier until his answer to the charges against him has been heard. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 7 Jan., '92. Read same day. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 2. No. 7.] |
| Jan. 7. |
11. Petition of Jeffrey Jeffries and other merchants of London, owners of the hired ship Wolf, to Lords of Trade and Plantations. For the stop on the ship's pay, imposed on account of salvage-charges, to be taken off, on their giving security for the same. 1 p. Endorsed. Read 7 Jan. 1692–3. [America and West Indies. 638. No. 2.] |
| Jan. 7. |
12. Minute of Lords of Trades and Plantations. Order for directions to be given to the Admiralty in compliance with the petition of Jeffrey Jeffries. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 216.] |
Jan. 7.
New York. |
13. Governor Fletcher to Joseph Dudley. After great pains in allaying the heats of these people (to which you are no stranger), I had so far gained my point by persuasion with some, giving
equal justice to all, forbidding names of distinction and exhorting to amity, that all things appeared serene, no cause to ruffle, no cloud to obscure our peace. The face of love was not more smooth. But on a sudden I heard from all parts of several meetings, violent expressions, with reflections on some of the Council, demands of reparation for Leisler's blood, etc. So sudden a storm surprised me. While I was beating my thoughts about the matter, Providence directs the enclosed letter into my hands, by which it appears, if what is there asserted be true, that your Governor is the incendiary or rather the bellows that blows up the dying embers of former discontents. How suitable this is to the trust reposed in him, and how much it conduces to their Royal Majesties' service will best appear when the matter comes before the Council. It is utterly impossible for me to accommodate things according to the Royal commands and my own native temper, while that knight gives encouragement to those actions which the King in Council has allowed to be legal. I enclose my letter to Sir W. Phips on that occasion. Signed. Ben. Fletcher. Holograph. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
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13. I. Copy of Governor Fletcher's letter to Sir W. Phips. (see below, page 11). [Board of Trade. New York. 5, Nos. 1, 1 I.] |
| Jan. 9. |
14. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. Asking the Lords of the Admiralty to draft a clause to preserve their rights, for insertion in the Patent of the Naval Officer at Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 133.] |
| Jan. 9. |
15. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Ordered that no morning or evening gun be fired by H.M.S. Guernsey till further notice. Order for a proclamation to recall all British subjects and invite all allies and neutrals. Orders for certain payments, for permission to two persons to leave the Island, for a Council of War to be held on the 17th, and for the Colonels to be warned to put themselves in a posture of defence, sending no more field-officers than can be spared to the Council of War. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 235–237.] |
| Jan. 12. |
16. Commissions of the Proprietors to Nicholas Trott, as Governor of the Bahama Islands. Signed. Craven, Ashley, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 204–205.] |
| Jan. 12. |
17. Instructions of the same to Governor Nicholas Trott. He is within 30 days after arrival to summon the freeholders to elect an Assembly of 20 members. Laws passed by the Assembly, and ratified by the Governor and any three deputies are to be in force for two years only, unless ratified by the Proprietors. Six freeholders elected by the Assembly and six deputies of the Proprietors will form the Council. Signed as the preceding. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 205–206.] |
| Jan. 12. |
18. Additional instructions to Nicholas Trott. 100 acres of the best land are to be set apart permanently for the Governor, and 50 acres in every parish for glebe. Plots not exceeding 25 acres may be granted to all immigrants, to their wives and children (if over sixteen) and to servants whose term has expired. Proprietors are
entitled to a grant of 3,000 acres. All grants must be signed by the Governor and two deputies. One tenth of produce of salt is reserved to the Proprietors. Signed as the preceding. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 207–208.] |
| Jan. 12. |
19. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for payment of £60 to James Graham for his many public services, since the revenue cannot at present bear the charge of a salary for him. Orders for sundry other payments, chiefly on account of military matters and presents to Indians. The inhabitants of Newtown consented to the Governor's proposal of 22 December last as to their differences with the neighbouring townships. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 365, 366; and pp. 389, 390.] |
Jan. 12.
Virginia. |
20. Proclamation of the Government of Virginia. Announcing the appointment of Peter Heyman as deputy postmaster of Virginia. Copy. Large sheet. |
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Another copy. Endorsed. Recd. 27 March, 1694. [America and West Indies, 638. Nos. 3, 4; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 771.] |
| Jan. 12. |
21. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The Queen's letter in favour of Thomas Neale read, and a proclamation in accordance with his patent ordered. The accounts of the Rangers referred to the Auditor. Ordered that the Rangers do not begin to range again until 1st March, unless something extraordinary require it. |
| Jan. 13. |
Order for hire of a ship from Captain Henry Finch for their Majesties' service, the Henry, prize, being disabled. Order for payment of the Rangers' accounts. Agreed to convene an Assembly for 2nd March. Licenses to several persons to catch whales granted. |
| Jan. 14. |
Order for building a powder magazine. John Lowry licensed as a pilot. Form of commission for Justices of the Peace approved and the list of justices revised. Order for recording a complaint against Ralph Wormeley for neglect of his duties as a Collector. Order for the great guns in the several counties to be mounted. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 785–790.] |
| Jan. 16. |
22. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor produced a letter from Sir William Phips of 26 October as to Martin's Vineyard, and caused his answer to be read, which was approved. Frederick Philips's petition referred to the Attorney General. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 366–367, and p. 390.] |
Jan. 17.
Kensington. |
23. Warrant for the respite of William Dolby and Edward Legg, condemned to death, and for sending the prisoners to England with copies of the evidence concerning them. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 221.] |
| Jan. 17. |
24. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for delivery of ammunition to H.M.S. Guernsey and to St. Mary's parish. Order for payment of salaries. Order for proclamation of martial law. |
| Jan. 18. |
Order for H.M.S. Guernsey to cruise for ten days to windward and make signals if any hostile fleet be seen. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 237–239.] |
| Jan. 19. |
25. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. The Queen's letter granting Thomas Neale power to erect post offices and appointing Andrew Hamilton Postmaster General read. Address to their Majesties read and approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., p. 216.] |
| Jan. 19. |
26. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for grants of land to Thomas Fullerton. Augustine Graham sworn Surveyor-General. A Committee appointed to run the boundaries of Boswyck, Brenklin, Flatbush and Newtown. Grant to Frederick Philips of the manor of Philipsborough and of the right of building a bridge to be called Kingsbridge. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 367, 368, and pp. 390, 391.] |
| Jan. 20. |
27. Abraham Gouverneur to Governor Fletcher. I am informed that you have demanded of Sir William Phips that I shall be sent prisoner to New York, for writing a certain letter, whereof the contents are construed by yourself as the words of His Excellency to me. I presume that the original has not been well examined, for, if any such matter be written, it is what I have been informed of by others and has no relation to His Excellency. You are also pleased to term me a fugitive from justice, though I was liberated by your own order in Council of 1 September last. Copy. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 561. No. 17.] |
Jan. 21.
Boston. |
28. Warrant of Sir William Phips to Captain John Fairweather to arrest and take into custody Captain Richard Short of H.M.S. Nonsuch. Copy. 1 p. |
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Another copy of the foregoing. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 20, 21.] |
Jan. 23.
Admiralty. |
29. J. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. Enclosing copy of a clause for preserving the rights of the Admiralty, for insertion in the Patent of the Naval Officer of Jamaica. Signed. J. Sotherne. ½ p. Enclosed, |
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29. I. The clause referred to in the covering letter. 1¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. Nos. 1, 1 I; and 53. pp. 134, 135.] |
| Jan. 23. |
30. Answer of William Cole to the petition of James Twyford and others of Bristol. Defending his action in the seizure of the ship Society. Copy. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 23 January, 1692–3. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 13.] |
| Jan. 24. |
31. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for sundry payments to officers, and for payment of ten guineas to Alice Mills for castrating forty two negroes according to sentence of the Commissioners for trial of rebellious negroes. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 396–398.] |
Jan. 26.
Whitehall. |
32. Order of the King in Council. Giving effect to the Lord President's recommendation on the petition of Stephen Duport (see No. 8). [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. pp. 114, 115.] |
Jan. 26.
Whitehall. |
33. Order of the King in Council. That a letter be written to Sir William Phips approving his action in stopping the proceedings against the witches in New England, and directing that in all future
proceedings against persons accused of witchcraft or of possession by the devil, all circumspection be used so far as may be without impediment to the ordinary course of justice. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 417, 418.] |
Jan. 26.
Whitehall. |
34. Order of the King in Council. Report of the Attorney-General of 11 January, 1693, that the letters patent to Margaret, Lady Culpeper and others, granting them the Northern Neck in Virginia, are good and valid in law. Ordered that they enjoy the benefit of them accordingly. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 219–221.] |
Jan. 26.
Whitehall. |
35. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Sir Thomas Laurence, Bart., to the Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. Annexed, |
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35. I. Petition of Sir Thomas Laurence to the King. I was appointed Secretary of Maryland in September, 1691, but did not reach the Colony till September, 1692. There I found that by two Acts recently passed a great part of the fees of my office had been diverted to the Governor, and another part of them diverted to another office by a single order in Council of 17 August, 1692. My protests have been disregarded. I beg that the fees belonging to my office may be restored to me. Copy. 1½ pp. The whole endorsed. Recd. 31 Jan. Read 11 Feb., 1692–3. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. Nos. 99, 99I; and 8, pp. 91–94.] |
| [Jan. 26.] |
36. Abstract of the complaints in the foregoing petition. 1 p. Attached, |
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36. I. Copy of order of the Council of Maryland, 17 August, 1692, to separate the Chancery Office and records from those of the Provincial Court, and the fees likewise. 1 p. |
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36. II. Memorandum of the Acts of Maryland relating to the Secretary's fees. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. Nos. 100I, 100II.] |
| Jan. 26. |
37. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for grant of land to Jane Berriman. Report of the Committee on Major Ingoldsby's accounts. Agreed to allow to William Blathwayt 5 per cent. on all sums arising from the revenue, as Auditor-General. Orders for payment of the Collector's salary. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 368, 369, and p. 391.] |
| Jan. 30. |
38. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Report on John Usher's accounts brought up and read. Day of thanksgiving appointed for the successes of their Majesties' arms. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., p. 216.] |
Jan. 31.
Boston. |
39. Lieutenant Governor Usher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I gave you an account of my arrival in New Hampshire. On the 29th October the Assembly, having passed by-laws, settled Courts and provided for raising money, was dissolved. I could obtain neither Courts nor money until I would consent to an act to prevent prosecution of all law-suits above £20, which act was made only to prevent Mr. Allen from endeavouring to enjoy what he apprehends to be his right. Such is their
wilfulness that they will neither raise money for defence of the place nor pay Mr. Allen what he demands to enable him to support the Government and defend the province. I pointed out that the Massachusetts Government expected them to find provisions for the soldiers sent by it, and that six months' provisions would cost £362, but all that I could obtain from the Assembly was a rate of eighteen pence a head and of three pence in the pound, which may amount to £150, a sum too small even to mount the great guns which the King graciously sent to an ungrateful country. They hope by refusing money to compel the King to annex them to Massachusetts. I think that it would be better to keep them distinct until a General Governor is sent to take over all from Connecticut to Nova Scotia. Until then I see no prospect of an end to the war. I find that the people are against Kingly Government, whatever else they pretend to. The King's Commission was never more slighted than by those who petitioned for annexation to Massachusetts, and in truth the Government has so far been no expense to them. But if joined to Massachusetts they hope at a favourable opportunity to throw off the Kingly Government and that they may return to their former Charter-Constitution; and upon this they will adventure unless timely prevented. In the Massachusetts Government many loyal subjects complain greatly of arbitrary proceedings and hardships put upon them, only because they favour Kingly Government. The Acts of Navigation are frequently violated by sending enumerated commodities to France, Holland and Spain, and importing goods from those places without clearing in England. The King's collectors are laid aside and obstructed in their duty and threatened with imprisonment for attempting to do it. New ports are appointed and naval officers also, which were not in Sir E. Andros's time, merely to encourage breaches of the Acts. The Commissioners of Customs can tell you more. The Collector is diligent and faithful in his place, which is sufficient to make him maligned by the Government. Sir William Phips has passed many laws. That for raising money is, I think, contrary to their Charter, which gives them no power to do so except for defence and support of the country. But I am informed that money is raised to pay for the Canada expedition, which was not authorised by the King and cost £100,000, besides the loss of 1,000 lives. It is to be hoped that the people are not to be taxed for things done without authority. There is now a rate of £30,000 imposed, to be paid in May. Never was there such a time to send a General Governor here. You will observe that the Councillor's oath is to give advice to the Governor and for the Government, but not on behalf of the King, as it should be. It was my fortune to be a Councillor and Treasurer under Sir E. Andros. The revolution lost me £1,000. I thought it my duty to submit my accounts to the King's Exchequer and obtained an order for the Government of Massachusetts to examine them. They find that I have disbursed £850 more than I received, but so far I can get no report from them. I have received not a penny yet as Governor of New Hampshire, and hope you will give orders for a salary to be paid to me from the date of my commission. I shall do my duty, but as my business lies in Boston, I beg dismissal from the post. Signed.
John Usher. 2½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 19 July, 1693. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 19; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 238–243.] |
Jan. 31.
Boston. |
40. John Usher to the Earl of Nottingham. The Assembly sat from 4th to 29th October, and passed several Acts. On my arrival I asked the Council what laws and revenue were in being, and they said none, nor could be but by Act of Governor and Assembly. Notwithstanding this, duties of impost were paid to one Captain Stileman all the time from the overthrow of Sir Edmund Andros till my arrival. Yet now that the Government is settled by the King, let it be never so easy, it is such a burden that they had rather perish than act with any cheerfulness as to support thereof. I acquainted the Assembly that as Massachusetts supplied men, this Province was expected to supply provisions, which for 6 months would be £362, and reminded them that before my arrival they had engaged with Massachusetts to raise pro rata with them, or 10s. a head. Still all that I could raise was 18d. a head and 3d. in the pound, which will amount to about £150, which will not be enough to mount the guns sent by the King to this ungrateful people; and though there is absolute necessity for constant attendance of a captain and gunner for the King's fort, I cannot get the Council to appoint a certain salary for them. Sir William Phips has appointed a naval office at Kittery side. As only two vessels of 50 tons burden belong there I look upon this only as a cloak to rob the King by violating the Acts of Navigation, and as vessels at all times have made entries and paid duties to the Governor in Hampshire I am resolved to assert the right of the river according to the Commission until I receive the King's orders. I learn that the Assembly are addressing the King to annex them to Massachusetts on account of their poverty. It is not poverty but disaffection to Kingly Government. Never was greater affront put on the King's Commission than when I arrived. Endeavour was made that the Councillors nominated by the King should not accept, and they have manifested their anger towards those who did accept. It would be better to keep the province distinct until a General Governor is sent over, which is much desired. A levy of 100 soldiers would also be a great security. The loyal subjects in Massachusetts implore the King to annex all the Governments from Connecticut to Nova Scotia under one Governor General; otherwise they see no likelihood of an end of the war nor relief from the grievances under which they suffer from arbitrary proceedings, especially towards those favourable to royal government. I was asked in England as to the capability of New England to supply naval stores. In two or three years' time pitch, tar and rosin could be supplied sufficient for both England and Holland. Hemp needs good seed and understanding men to raise it. I send copy of a letter from Governor Fletcher to Sir William Phips, and copy of a letter sent by our Governor to New York with reflections on the Court at home. I send also the proceedings of Governor Fletcher's messengers, by which you may judge how much esteemed here are persons at Court at home and how necessary it is to have such in places of trust. I think that a
Governor General and 200 soldiers should be sent here as speedily as possible. Signed. John Usher. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. July 19, '93. Enclosed, |
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40. I. Narrative of the messenger sent to Boston by Governor Fletcher. I set out from New York on the 7th January 1692–3, and on the 16th arrived at Boston, where I applied to Colonel Joseph Dudley and Governor Usher, and presented them my letters from Governor Fletcher. They showed great willingness to oblige Governor Fletcher and sent to acquaint Sir W. Phips, who was just returned from Rhode Island, of my arrival. Sir William fixed nine o'clock the following morning for me to wait upon him, which I did in company with Governor Usher and presented my letters in the presence of Mr. Usher, Joshua Moody and one Jackson, Sir William's clerk. Sir William gave Gouverneur's letter to his clerk to be translated, when I pointed out that there was already a translation. After the letter was read I asked about Gouverneur, when the Governor said that he would consider of it and then reflected extraordinarily upon Governor Sloughter, Major Ingoldsby and Governor Fletcher, justifying Leisler, and saying that if he had delivered the fort to Major Ingoldsby he would have deserved to be hanged. He told me that if Sloughter had lived he must have stood at the bar for putting Leisler and Milborne to death. I answered that if he had, it would have been for not hanging them all. I asked for his answer as to Martha's Vineyard; he answered that he had sent me; but I required another for Governor Fletcher. He then fell a railing against Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson, saying that he had never done a good action in his life. I replied that he had never done a bad one and that the King knew him to be a better man. He then said that the King did not know him, that he had been recommended by some courtier, and reflected upon the Court for putting improper persons in places of trust. I then told him, according to instructions that Governor Fletcher intended to be at Martha's Vineyard early in the spring, before he went to Albany, and since Sir William pretended that Martha's Vineyard was in the Charter of Massachusetts, I told him that Governor Fletcher would meet him there. Sir William asked if I came to challenge; I replied that I came to deliver my message and had done so. He enquired if I had any such orders; I replied that I had my private instructions which I would show to no one. He told me that if they were my own words I was an impudent fellow; I answered that I thought so too, but that the words were not mine. Sir William then said that he would take the words as a challenge, and would certainly meet Governor Fletcher. I told him that he might interpret it as he pleased. He then said that if he heard Governor Fletcher was at Martha's Vineyard he would take him prisoner if it cost him twopence, and that he would give
him cause to repent it. Many reflections also he made on Governor Fletcher, saying that he would do his business at home, that he would not long be at New York, that he was short-lived, and then went on vindicating Leisler. I told him that the King and Council were of another mind, having pronounced the whole of the proceedings against Leisler to be legal. He said that he knew better. I told him that Governor Fletcher brought over the judgment of the King and Council; he said it was false and would not be denied. I then again asked for Gouverneur to be delivered to me, as he was a fugitive under sentence. He said that he would speak with him and then give an answer. I pointed out that Gouverneur's letter reflected on himself; but he did not disown the matter of fact, only saying that it was the business of the King's Governors to do what they could against the common enemy. Sir William then declared that Governor Fletcher had the Queen's orders to release the prisoners, but had none the less kept them, in order to force them to petition. |
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On the 19th January I received a summons from Sir William Phips to attend the Council. After waiting some time I was called up and was ordered to relate to the Council my message. I said that I had no message to the Council but only to himself, and that I had delivered it in Governor Usher's presence. He then asked for my instructions: I told him that I could not show them as they were private. He told me he would commit me till I showed them: I answered that he might do his pleasure. Whereupon he told me that I was an impudent, saucy, pitiful jackanapes. I answered that Governor Fletcher would never have sent such a person as express messenger. He threatened to handle me severely, and I told him that he might hang me, but I would do my master's message. He told me that I had abused him: I answered that it was not my custom to abuse any, especially him. Turning to the Council he said, "He justifies his words and says they are no abuse." I said that the words were not mine but Governor Fletcher's, and that if I had gone beyond my orders I would give security to answer for the same to Governor Fletcher, and when he denied that I came on the King's business, I shewed that my pass spake otherwise. He told me I was a pitiful, saucy rascal; and when I protested against such treatment Mr. Stoughton said that not I but Gouverneur was meant. I said that I could take the words as spoken only to myself. Sir William then pulled a paper out of his pocket wherein I was accused of having said fourteen months before at New York that Sir William Phips was a coward and a fool, and deserved to be hanged. I denied the words and told him who was the true author, James Barry, but he said he knew better and would take the other's word before my oath. He then returned to it that Governor Fletcher had challenged him, and that his impertinent and scurrilous letter signified as
much; and then asked of the Council that I should be committed. Mr. Stoughton spoke for me, and urged that an express must not be served so. I was then committed to the custody of the Marshal for half an hour, and was then told that for the present I was dismissed, but must attend the Council. Barry and Gouverneur were seen in company with Sir William's secretaries on the same night. 3 pp. |
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Here follows copy of Governor Fletcher's letter to Sir William Phips, 6 January, 1693. I send you copy of a letter from Boston by one Abraham Gouverneur. Possibly you may not know the person, but the ill consequences of the handing about of this letter, with your name as voucher of the truth of the contents, oblige me to say that, if their assertions are true, you have forgot your duty to the King and your manners to gentlemen. If you have not discoursed such things with one who has fled from this province after conviction and sentence for murder, and if what he says be invented, you will think fit for your own vindication to secure him and return him to New York, whence he fled with apparent designs of disturbing the peace of the Government. I hope you will think it reasonable to give me satisfaction in a matter of this moment, wherein the chief concern is their Majesties' service. ½p. |
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40. II. Copy of Abraham Gouverneur's letter of 12 October, 1692, relating an interview with Sir William Phips, in which the latter showed great sympathy with him and Leisler and spoke ill of the New York Council. Abstracted in the preceding volume of this Calendar, No. 2548. Dutch, with English translations. 4 pp. |
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40. III. Governor Sir William Phips to Governor Fletcher. Boston, 27 January, 1692–3. I have sent you several letters in the hope of maintaining a good correspondence between us, but your aversion therein is shewn by your contriving ways to prevent it. You want some person of understanding to read Gouverneur's letter distinctly and shew you the coherence of sentence and the meaning of stops, the want of which has occasioned your mistaking Gouverneur's opinion of you for my discourse to him. No part of it concerns me, as his own letter to you shews (see No. 27). I see no cause to deliver Gouverneur to your jailor, for it seems that you were obliged by the Queen's order to release him. Your absurd abusive letter demonstrates that if I have forgotten my manners to gentlemen I have forgotten what you never had. I have observed my duty to the King at all times and in particular by asking you what assistance you can send us in the spring for an attack on Canada, but instead of sending answer and concurrence in so good and just a design you send a herald and challenge me to a meeting on Martha's Vineyard, which you mean to take by force, though it is annexed by Charter to Massachusetts. Your jailor has been as insolent in delivering this challenge as you were inconsiderate in sending it. If
you are resolved to assert your power at Martha's Vineyard I shall take such measures to defend it as you may not like. I am only sorry their Majesties' affairs must suffer because your advisers use their royal names to cover their own designs. Copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 561. Nos. 18, 18I.–III.] |
Jan. 31.
H.M.S.
Conception,
Boston. |
41. Captain Fairfax, R.N., to Mr. Sotherne. My stores and provisions are all expended some months since, all of which I have reported to the Governor as well as the defects of this vessel. Without a new upper deck fore and aft she will be unfit for the summer's service; but I find that neither he nor any other persons have any instructions in the matter, and I receive little encouragement from him or from the country. I have moved for a survey, but cannot receive any answer. I have given my warrant to the purser for 224 days' provisions, who has obtained credit from Mr. Jahleel Brenton. I have now laid up the ship for the winter. Signed. Robt. Fairfax. 1 p. Copy of the foregoing. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 15 Jan., 1693–4. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. Nos. 22, 23.] |
Jan. 31.
H.M.S.
Conception. |
42. Captain Fairfax, R.N., to Mr. Sotherne. I have before now hinted to you concerning my uneasiness in this station. It is known by every gentleman here that no one commanding one of the King's ships was ever used with common civility, but on the contrary basely abused. I have endeavoured to comply with the humours of those in authority here so far as becomes a gentleman, but find that nothing that bears the name shall be so treated. I wish that I could serve the King elsewhere, for I am sensible that I lie much out of the way of promotion, and beg your favour to obtain my removal from this station. Signed. Robt. Fairfax. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 15 Jan., 1693–4. [Board of Trade. New England, 6. No. 24.] |
Jan. 31.
Dartmouth |
43. John Dottin to John Ive. I found Mr. John Nelson at Brest on a man of war, bound for Rochefort. I came with him from Quebec in Canada having suffered eight months' imprisonment. He is kept close prisoner and will be until the end of the war unless solicitation be made for him. The French say that if he should return to England, Quebec and those parts would soon be lost to them; and there will be no quietness in America until that is done. Pray use your interest to procure his release. A French officer has come back to France in our man-of-war to present to the King plans of Boston and New York, which they know well. The Chevalier Deaux is likewise come, having escaped from prison at Boston, as are also a French protestant who is one of the best pilots in New England, and other gentlemen, who have been sent home from Quebec to ask for twelve frigates and 2,000 soldiers. I am told that this has been granted, that the preparations are well advanced and that the expedition will sail in March, pick up more troops at Quebec and attack Boston and New York. If this be so, those places will be in much danger unless a squadron be sent from England. Piscataqua is also threatened, also Rhode Island (which our ships would have attacked but for foul winds), also Pemaquid
Fort, which is so situated that ships can storm it. It ought to have been built further up the bay. Signed. John Dottin. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 10 Feb., 92–3, from Sir Wm. Warren. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 2.] |
| Jan. 31. |
44. Minutes of Council of New York. A letter having been received from Major Ingoldsby at Albany complaining of the rottenness of the stockades, it was agreed to recommend to the Assembly the building of a stone fort at Albany. Order for audit of Governor Sloughter's accounts. Committee appointed to consider a method for regular payment of the Government's debts out of the fund provided by the Act of Assembly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 369, 370; and pp. 391, 392.] |
| Jan. 31. |
45. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for careening of H.M.S. Guernsey, and for martial law to cease to-morrow. Order for sale of an unseaworthy ship, for appointment of additional justices for St. Andrew's parish, and for prosecution of several persons by the Attorney General. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 239, 240.] |
