|
| Jan. 17. |
816. John Povey to Mr. Sotherne. The further hearing of Captain Short's complaints against Sir William Phips will be taken on the 19th inst. when some of the Lords of the Admiralty are desired to attend. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. No. 7.] |
Jan. 17.
St. James's
Square. |
817. Lord Sydney to the King. I duly gave orders for the despatch of the Ordnance stores to New York, in obedience to Order in Council of 28 December, 1693, but the Board of Ordnance has made a representation thereon, on which I beg your directions (see No. 812). Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 42; and 48. pp. 81–82.] |
| Jan. 17. |
818. Minutes of Council of New York. Letters from Albany as to the French designs, and the treaty between the French and the Five Nations read. A letter from Colonel Henry Beeckman complaining of the backwardness of the militia to repair to Albany, having no pay and being apprehensive as to their families during their absence. An express message sent to him to expedite such militia as he can collect to Albany. Order for the neighbouring colonies to be informed of the news from Albany. Address from the Mayor and Common Council thanking the Governor for his care in projecting the new battery, offering assistance, and asking if they are empowered to levy money on the inhabitants. Committee appointed to draw up an answer. |
| Jan. 18. |
The Governor reported that he had spent the day before in writing to the neighbouring Colonies, and had ordered all the Colonels of the militia to have a detachment ready to march at beat of drum. Orders for certain payments. Answer to the Mayor and Corporation that in the Council's opinion they have power to levy money. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 494–496.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
819. Order of the King in Council. The Report of the Office of Ordnance of 13th inst. being read, it was ordered that ten of the twenty guns mentioned therein, with stores proportionable, be provided, and that these be sent forthwith to New York. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. pp. 82, 83.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
820. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Charles Mein to the Treasury. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 438, 439.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
821. Order of the King in Council. Report of the Lords of the Admiralty, that the gentlemen interested in Barbados ask for five ships, and the Agents for the Leeward Islands for six ships, but that no more than six ships can be spared for both. Ordered, that the Lords of Trade and Plantations consider the matter and report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 2 Feb., 1693–4. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 44; and 44, pp. 50, 51; and Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 44. p. 158.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall |
822. Order of the King in Council. Referring the report of the Treasury, on the heads of incorporation proposed by Sir Matthew Dudley, to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. Annexed, |
|
822. I. Copy of the letter of the Lords of the Treasury of 13 December, 1693 (see No. 734). |
|
The whole endorsed, Recd. 2 Feb. 1693–4. |
|
Copy of the foregoing. Endorsed, Recd. 22 July, 1696. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. Nos. 8, 8 I., 9, 9 I.; and (without enclosure) 35. p. 39.] |
| Jan. 18. |
823. Governor Sir William Phips to the Earl of Nottingham. On the 23rd December last I sailed for Pemaquid, to meet the Indian Sachems and ascertain their fidelity to the treaty. I found that the French had done their utmost to break the same, but without success, for the Indians with a great deal of freedom changed their hostages, who are kept as pledges of their fidelity at Boston. The Indians also informed me that small-pox is very sore at Quebec, sweeping off many of the inhabitants and Indians, which seems encouraging for an attack in the spring; and if Their Majesties will commit the command to me I doubt not to reduce Quebec to their obedience. Signed. William Phips. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, R. April 15, 1694. [America and West Indies. 561. No. 40.] |
| Jan. 18. |
824. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for relief of debtors to the Crown. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. p. 269.] |
| Jan. 19. |
825. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Agents for New England attended, and the complaints against Sir William Phips were heard, and laid by for further consideration. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 258–259.] |
| Jan. 19. |
826. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On consideration of Captain Short's complaints against Sir William Phips we find that Sir William Phips did, after a scuffle with Captain Short, keep him in illegal imprisonment for nine months, that he did break open Captain Short's chest and carry off his goods, that he did condemn a French prize, sitting himself as judge, and that it does not appear that he ever accounted for the King's share nor the ship's company's, and that he did condemn the ship St. Jacob without reserving any share for the King, though it is sworn in evidence that he pressed guns and stores for the ships that captured the St. Jacob on pretence of His Majesty's service. Draft. 3 pp. Endorsed, Approved, 22 Jan. '93–4. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. No. 10; and 35, pp. 89–92.] |
| Jan. 19. |
827. A collection of documents used in evidence, during the examination of the charges against Sir William Phips. |
|
827. I. The complaints of Peter Woodbery. 4 July, 1692. 1 p. |
|
827. II. The complaint of John Tomson. 4 July, 1692. These two have been already abstracted under date. |
|
827. III. Warrant for the arrest of Captain Richard Short. 4 Jan. 1693. 1¼ p. |
|
827. IV. Letter from the warrant officers of H.M.S. Nonsuch. 20 February, 1693. Already abstracted. See No. 88 I. |
|
827. V. Deposition of Elizabeth Harris, as to the forcing of Captain Short's chest, by Sir W. Phips's order. Sworn, 30 March, 1693. 1 p. |
|
827. VI., VII. Depositions of John Halsey and David Thomas, mariners, as to Captain Short's taking money from them when lent from H.M.S. Nonsuch for service in other vessels. Sworn, 25 April, 1693. |
|
827. VIII. Record of the Admiralty Court of Massachusetts, 27 July, 1692, on the condemnation of the ship Catharine, of Rochelle, prize to H.M.S. Nonsuch. Parchment sheet. |
|
827. IX., X. Records of the same Court on the condemnation of the ship St. Jacob. 30 October, 1693. Two large sheets. |
|
827. XI. Affidavit of Captain Robert Fairfax as to Captain Short's good observance of his duty before his quarrel with Sir W. Phips, and the cruel treatment of him in prison. Sworn, 13 January, 1694. 1 p. |
|
827. XII. Sir Robert Robinson to William Blathwayt. 15 Jan. 1694. Testimony to Captain Short's good behaviour as an officer. Surely it is very strange that the Captain of a man-of-war should be struck by any Governor whatsoever. I told Sir William how ill it looked on his part, and that if he had fault to find with Captain Short he ought to have complained at home. Holograph. 1 p. |
|
827. XIII. Deposition of George Mills, of H.M.S. Nonsuch. As to the appropriation of the ship Catharine by Sir William Phips, and his borrowing of men from Captain Short for his private interests. 1 p. |
|
827. XIV. Deposition of George Webster. That Sir William Phip's clerk and the purser of the Nonsuch were always trying to stir up animosity between Sir William and Captain Short; but that Captain Short always showed great respect and civility to Sir William. 1 p. |
|
827. XV. Deposition of Joseph Short. As to the provocation of Sir William Phips towards Captain Short that led to the scuffle between them; and the offers made through Mr. Moody and another to Captain Short while in prison, that on his submission and confession of disobeying orders, all his goods would be restored to him. 1 p. |
|
827. XVI. Deposition of Benjamin Jackson. To the effect that Captain Short rifled the Catharine, prize, before giving her up, and did not attend the prize court when it was tried. A long story of the proceeding subsequent to the quarrel, in favour of Sir William Phips. 6 pp. |
|
827. XVII. Depositions of Captains March and Hatch. Already abstracted. |
|
827. XVIII. Depositions of Alexander Mitchell and another. As to the help given to deserters to escape to New Hampshire. 3 pp. |
|
827. XIX. Summary of the depositions against Sir William Phips. 19 January, 1694. 7½ pp. The whole of the foregoing endorsed, Recd. 19 Jan. 1693–4. [Board of Trade, New England, 7. Nos. 10, I.–XIX.] |
Jan. 19.
New
Hampshire. |
828. The Council of New Hampshire to the Earl of Nottingham. We give thanks for the great guns and ammunition sent to us, for we are much reduced by the war. Of late we have had a small cessation, but are in daily fear and expectation of a fresh invasion. Thomas Davis, who left for England in the last ships, has entered in the Council book an order for his going, to give an account of this province. Such an order was never passed, as enclosed declaration will show, so we beg that he may not be received as a messenger from us. Signed. William Redford, Secretary. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 25 May, '94. Annexed, |
|
828. I. Resolutions of the Council of New Hampshire unanimously declaring that no such order as that entered by Thomas Davis for his departure to England was ever known to them, nor was their advice or consent thereto asked or given. Signed. William Redford. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. Nos. 32, 32 I.] |
|
Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. Nos. 33, 33 I.] |
Jan. 22.
New York. |
829. Governor Fletcher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I send herewith several papers concerning this Government and the Five Nations, whereby you will see what discouragement has possessed them owing to the sloth and negligence of our neighbours. The whole burden of the war lying on this province, we cannot give the Indians requisite succour nor make that appearance on the frontier which was necessary to secure all its parts. The French in Canada have now supplies annually from France and are a growing vigilant enemy. The Indians are now upon overtures of
peace with Count Frontenac and break all their covenants with us. They would be for neutrality, but it's much feared that the French will not allow that, but will make them wholly their own. I foresaw this as soon as I arrived in New York and have been unwearied in my applications to our neighbours; and though Their Majesties have ordered assistance to be given, nothing is done to purpose. The people here, though numerous, are scattered so wide and into so many different governments that they are divided in affection and interest, which makes them weak. I told you of the failure of my attempt to collect commissioners to settle the quotas, and of Sir William Phips's positive refusal to send one. The £500 and £250 ordered to be furnished by Virginia and Maryland were discounted for bills given for other contributions before that time, although the Royal order was that they should be paid out of their own coffers: and the bills from Maryland were returned protested. Connecticut refused obedience to my commission, and has since cajoled me with the offer of a sum of money towards the expense of the frontiers, but I find nothing done, having had no answer from them. Pennylvania consists mostly of Quakers, who under that pretence would escape all duty and payment, nor could I find enough others among them to make any figure of government. New Jersey alone has been of good help, thanks to Governor Hamilton. The Assembly gave us upwards of sixty men last year and have agreed to give us thirty from the 1st of May next as long as the war lasts. Our youth are gone to pursue their private ease among the neighbouring provinces, so that scarce any men are left for service except poor farmers, who cannot be spared but at the loss and ruin of their families. The people on Nassau Island value themselves upon their situation and grow hard hearted towards their brethren up the Hudson, saying that if Albany be destroyed they will be able to shift better than Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut. They bear great sway in our Assembly and I doubt will throw difficulties in the way of furnishing a supply for next year's reinforcement. I have had the fort at Albany fitted with new stockades and a dry graft round. I hear that Count Frontenac comes in person with the whole strength of Canada, and if we lose Albany it will open a way to the loss of all. There are 245 fusiliers on pay in the frontier, and the company of grenadiers in the fort. All the circumjacent farmers are gathered into the city, and I have ordered other forces to march from Ulster County, and detachments of militia to be ready to march at beat of drum. I expect every moment to hear of the enemy's approach, when I shall head the militia, march to Albany and put myself in that post. While we are thus harassed, our neighbours are all at ease and pursue their private advantages. I have projected a new battery for defence of New York against attack by sea, and the people are busy getting stockades to fill up the water. It will take some time to finish. I hope that you will send me out the great guns and stores for which I asked. The guns I brought with me are not so long as I could wish, our river being over a mile across. I also want money to pay the two companies of grenadiers. I hope that an expedition to take Canada will be sent next summer, or that a regiment of foot will be sent here, with money to build a stone fort at Albany, otherwise
I do not see how our hold on the main can be preserved. This Colony must sink under, which will be the greatest trouble that ever happened to these Colonies. Signed. Ben. Fletcher. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 28 Mar. Read 13 April, and in Council 19 April, '94 Annexed, |
|
829. I. Governor Fletcher to the General Court of Connecticut. Milford Bay, 19 October, 1693 (error for 14th). Abstracted in No. III. |
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829. II. General Assembly of Rhode Island to Governor Fletcher. Warwick, 25 October, 1693. Your letter of 22 September was laid before us, with our Governor's answer of 27th, wherein we concur. It was impossible for us to send you a Commissioner, the time being already elapsed, but, in order to yield obedience to Their Majesties' wishes as far as possible, we have elected a Commissioner to be in readiness in case any future time be appointed for a meeting of the Colonies. Signed. J. Weston Clarke. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 28 March, 1694. |
|
829. III. The Governor and Council of Connecticut to Governor Fletcher. 27 November, 1693. Your letter met the Governor at New London on the 13th (?) inst., who at once called the Council together. It was then agreed that, even taking your late intelligence of the renewed and increased danger of Albany for granted, it did not seem to us safe for you or for us to wear away time in fruitless controversy about those things which you, as we hear, and [ourselves], be sure, have endeavoured to present to Their Majesties for decision. We held it part of our obedience to them to await the issue, and not to preoccupy the same. [We] suppose it to be more savouring of loyalty for us all, according to our capacity to join together for preventing and repelling the common enemy. We have always been willing to put our hands hereto, as we suppose is evident to you, and we hope will quickly be manifested to Their Majesties as well by our past expenses for the securing of Albany as by our late tender to you of men and money, as we suppose, beyond our proportion. Had you accepted our offer then, the season of the [year] would have allowed us to do either, whereas now by reason of the winter's coming on [it will be] certainly difficult and probably impossible for us to transport men, am [munition] and provisions to Albany. Moreover we take it to be a new thing for any part [of our] Militia to be called so far from home and for so many months, and to be [required at] our own charge and on our own backs to carry provision. We suppose it is [ordinary practice] for the King's strongholds to be furnished with provisions for those who are called [thither], but we would not take up time about these things. We still are willing [to do] what we are capable of. If by the authority of the General Assembly we should essay to send men, we fear we shall not be able at this season to send provisions for them. Wherefore please give us a few
words of advice whether allowing a suitable [sum] of money, being the most certain, be not also the most eligible way to [afford assistance] to Albany, and [to send it?] up this river of Connecticut [against] your return. We hope there will be such [three lines lost]. We will only intimate in conclusion that whereas in your proclamation you are [pleased to say] that the General Assembly did positively refuse obedience and [compliance] you will esteem it preposterous for us until the Royal pleasure is known to do anything in submission to your commands. We therefore desire your patience, and that it may be quiet till the Royal pleasure be made known to us. We are quite ready, in obedience to the Royal letters of 3 March, 1693, to agree to state a quota of men for Albany and New York. Signed. John Allyn, Secretary. Copy. 1½ pp. Much damaged by rats. Endorsed, Recd. 28 March, '94. |
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829. IV. Information of Johannes Luykasse, who was sent up to the Onandagas. The Indian messenger is returned from Canada, and the Onandagas summon the Governor and Council of New York, as well as the rest of the Five Nations to come and keep Council in Onandaga and hear all the news. The Onandagas do not pass the Governor by, for it was intended that the messenger to Canada should return to Albany, and that the meeting should be held there, but now that he is come to Onandaga, the meeting is to be held in that place. Luykasse also brought a secret message from the Sachems of Onandaga to Major Schuyler, that he should not hinder the Maquas and Oneidas from coming to the meeting as he did on his last journey, but rather encourage them, that a firm conclusion may be made. The parties are requested to arrive within ten days' time. The messenger from Canada says that the Governor there will have nothing to do with Governor Fletcher, but only with the Five Nations. The question of sending Indians down to guard Albany will be considered at the meeting. The Governor of Canada has since sent for two of the principal Indians of each nation to go to Canada and treat with him; and this matter also is to be considered at the meeting. Copy. 1 p. Dated. Onandaga, 22 November. Endorsed, Arrived at Albany, 1 December, 1693. |
|
829. V. Godefridus Dellius to Governor Fletcher. Albany, 12 January, 1693. On the 30th December came a writing from the Jesuit, Milet, explaining the meaning of the three belts of peace which the Indian messengers should bring to Canada. I have copied it, to be sent to you by Major Ingoldsby. The original, with a translation by myself, Major Schuyler took with him to Onandaga. I find some words doubtful in the lines beginning, "J'ai resolu de m'exposer," etc. I suppose the sense to be "That he had hazarded himself as being more willing to die or to be thrown into the kettle than to live longer in the Indian country when Honontochionni gives up the
ghost." This Indian word I take to mean the whole house, or all the Indians together. I have not answered the letter, for I saw no occasion for it. I hear that Major Schuyler is coming back and will be here to-morrow because of the rumour that the French are coming against us or Onandaga. What truth may be in it, time will show. If they attack us, I hope God will bless our arms. Copy. 1 p. |
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829. VI. Major Richard Ingoldsby to Governor Fletcher. Albany, 12 January, 1693–4. Your orders for Major Schuyler to start for Onandaga were duly received, and he had prepared all things for his journey, when, two days after, Indians from thence told us that the Sachems were coming down. He stopped his journey hereupon, thinking it better that the Indians should fulfil their promise to you. On the 30th December two Sachems came in who advised us that the Sachems would not come down, that they had had a meeting at Onandaga, at which the priest Milet was present, when some overtures for peace had been discussed but no conclusion arrived at until we should first be heard from. Milet was asked to take minutes of the meeting, which were sent to us to see if he had acted faithfully therein. He had enlarged somewhat; but in the main the Indians had agreed to send to Canada and make peace, which I believe they will do if they have not done it already. If this be so, and if the French attack us, I cannot believe that the Five Nations will be neutral, but will become our enemies. Copy of the minutes is enclosed. This hastened Schuyler's journey. He sent an express to them that he was on his way and that they should assemble at Oneida and on the 3rd inst. he set out with Major Wessels and the interpreter. When arrived between the Maquas' and Oneidas' Castles they got an alarm that the French were coming down on Onandaga. Suspecting their real designs to be against Albany they turned back. I have sent express to Colonel Beeckman to send me what forces he can get ready from Ulster County and I design to call in all the farmers also and make what force I can, since we have so long warning. I doubt not that we shall be able to make a good defence, although the fusiliers here in the towns and at the outposts do not exceed 245 men. Copy. 1½ pp. |
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829. VII. Minutes of the meeting of the Five Nations at Onandaga, by the Jesuit Priest, Milet. I was summoned to Onandaga by the Iroquois, who shewing me the belts made me write as follows:—The first belt has four black squares on a white ground, which stand for the Five Nations and shew that they have all agreed to send this Embassy to Quebec. By this belt they say "We are come, Father Onnontio, whither you have called us, and myself also, whom you call Gannisoren, having heard you call me by name three times, I am come. You ask, it is said, what doth Gannisoren fear that he hesitates to come? My father, it is your cauldron of war
that I fear and that has hindered me from coming before. But at the last I have resolved to expose myself to death and to be thrown into the cauldron that the land of the Iroquois may live where Notinnonchioni giveth up the ghost. (See No. v.) Hearken then, my father, to that I have to say. I like better to let you speak first. It is said that the Iroquois have no reason left in them. We will enquire among us, and we will see if we can content you." The second belt, large and almost entirely black, signifies that if Onnontio will not himself overthrow his cauldron of war, this belt of the Iroquois, his children, is to overthrow it. The third belt, which is the largest of all, signifies that the Iroquois wish their words to cross the sea and be carried to the Kings of France and England, especially to the King of France, to the end that he may himself speak in this matter and that he may give them, if possible, a general peace, not only among the Indians, but between all their kinsmen, and above all between the Kings of France and England; and they beg for an answer as soon as possible. |
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Fifty days have been assigned for their ambassadors; if they delay for sixty days, there will be much anxiety. The Iroquois asked me [Milet] to open the letter from the Minister at Albany [Dellius] to Father D'Ablon, but as it was sealed I said that this was forbidden, but that I could ask Father D'Ablon to let me learn the contents, which I would then impart to the Iroquois. French. Copy. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. Nos. 43, 43 I.–VII.; and (without enclosures) 48. pp. 96–99.] |
|
830. List of five more enclosures belonging to the above letter, with a memorandum that they were eaten by rats at Whitehall. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. No. 44.] |
Jan. 22.
New York. |
831. Governor Fletcher to the Earl of Nottingham. I have written at such length to the Lords of Trade and to Mr. Blathwayt that I shall be brief. The French have debauched our Indians on the frontier, whereby Albany is exposed and must be lost unless strongly garrisoned. Our neighbours still look on, but give no assistance. New Jersey alone has helped up beyond expectation; Sir William Phips positively refuses; Connecticut sets up for a free state and will own neither the laws nor the Crown of England. We are torn in pieces by these little governments who rail at arbitrary power, while they exert it to the height of Turkish tyranny—I mean these little commonwealths, Rhode Island and Connecticut. I am gathering what forces I can to Albany and shall leave nothing undone to prove my loyalty. Signed. Ben. Fletcher. Holograph. 2 pp. Endorsed, R. Mar. 29, 1694. [America and West Indies. 579. No. 39.] |
Jan. 22.
Whitehall. |
832. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the petition of Richard Rawstone to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. Annexed, |
|
832. I. Petition of Richard Rawstone to the King in Council. I was Deputy Collector of the Eastern shore of Maryland
and as such seized two vessels which had made no entry; but the ships were extorted from me and I was imprisoned and shamefully abused by means of Henry Darnall and Nicholas Seawell, two of the judges there. I beg that my case may be heard again by Governor Nicholson, and that I may have liberty to prosecute Darnall and Seawell. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 31 Jan. Read 12 Feb. 93–4. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. Nos. 103, 103 I.] |
| Jan. 22. |
833. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Ordering notice to be given in the Exchange that due consideration will be given to all proposals for importing Naval stores from North America. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 329.] |
| Jan. 22. |
834. Lord Sydney to William Blathwayt. I find by the report of the Board of Ordnance that the request of the Commissioners for the Leeward Islands may be complied with, but that whenever the arms are delivered an estimate must be laid before Council and sent on to the Treasury, that monies may be assigned, as usual in such cases. Signed. Sydney. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 23 Jan. Read 12 Feb. 93–4. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 4. No. 34; and 44. p. 165.] |
| Jan. 23. |
835. Commission to Francis Nicholson to be Governor of Maryland. Note. This passed the Great Seal on 10 February, 1693–4. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. pp. 131–149.] |
| Jan. 23. |
836. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Orders for sundry payments. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 441–444.] |
| Jan. 25. |
837. Memorial of John Taylor to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I sent a cargo of considerable value to New England, brought back 15 tons of rosin and samples of pitch and tar, and with much difficulty accomplished the building of one ship at Piscataqua. My agent informs me that the work is much interrupted by the Governor of Massachusetts and the Lieutenant-Governor of New Hampshire who try to impress my carpenters and force them to bear arms for days together; also the guard of soldiers has been removed from Massachusetts. I beg therefore (1) for powers not inferior to any other in New Hampshire, with authority to appoint a deputy; (2) that the King will grant his commission to some person to raise 60 soldiers, to be paid by me and employed as workmen or soldiers as occasion may demand; and, (3) that my ships and commodities may be exempted from paying tonnage or duty in New Hampshire, that the commodities imported from New England may be admitted free, and double duty charged on the same commodities if brought from other countries, when once the industry is sufficiently established. If this be granted I shall be ready to supply the King's Navy with all the rosin that it wants next year, and to build another man-of-war as well. Signed. Jno. Taylor. 2¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 25 Jan. Read 2 Feb. and 16 March, '93–4. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 64.] |
| [Jan. 25.] |
838. Petition of Benjamin Jackson to the King in Council. On Friday last I attended in Council and combated Captain Richard Short's complaints against Sir William Phips, and proved several
things against Captain Short. But the charge against Sir William of embezzling the King's tenths of a prize that had been taken, was new to me, so that I was not prepared to meet it; though I doubt not that if I had time to write to New England I could prove it false and scandalous. I have instructions from him to lay before the Admiralty an account of three prizes taken, which gives no appearance of any intention to embezzle. I beg that this matter may be examined by the Commissioners already appointed to enquire as to Mr. Brenton's charges. 2 pp. Endorsed, Presented in Council. 25 Jan., 1693–4. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. No. 11; and 35. pp. 80–84.] |
| Jan. 25. |
839. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for Colonel Peter Schuyler's journal to be copied for England. Orders for certain payments, for the wall at the fort to be repaired, and for letters to be written for the Governor's signature to the County Justices, urging them to gather in the taxes. Order for payment of £50 to Augustine Grassett as weigh-master. |
| Jan. 26. |
Order for a patent for land to be issued to Thomas Hicks and Company. An ordinance of the Corporation to raise money for building and repairing fortifications confirmed. |
| Jan. 27. |
An address from the principal inhabitants of Hartford and other documents from Connecticut read. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 496–498.] |
| Jan. 27. |
840. List of the ships riding at Point Comfort, and bound for England under convoy of the King's ships. 72 ships in all. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 28 Mar., 94. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No.43.] |
| Jan. 27. |
841. Proposals made by Sir Matthew Dudley and others, on their petition for incorporation. 1. Immediately on obtaining our charter we purpose to send out from five to ten thousand pounds to New England to procure men and material for our intended copper works. 2. In the course of the next twelve months we shall also send out some £40,000, to purchase land for timber and naval stores, of which we will contract to deliver 50 to 100 tons each of pitch, tar and rosin within twenty months, double the quantity in the year following, and 600 to 1,000 tons in the third year. For masts, yards, etc., we engage to have three ships loading in twenty months, double the number in the following year and eight or ten ships the year after. In the fourth year, with suitable encouragement, we hope to double all these quantities once more. 3. As soon as our copper works are brought to perfection we shall be ready to grant preemption to the King, or to contract to deliver a certain quantity. 4. We hope that you will obtain for us encouragement by remitting customs on our stores, and by such other reasonable immunities as we may propose. Signed. Jno. Bullfinch, Clerk to the petitioners. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
Copy of the foregoing. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. Nos. 12, 13; and 35, pp. 48–51.] |
| Jan. 27. |
842. Another copy of the preceding. Endorsed, Read. Feb. 2, 93–4. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 65.] |
| [Jan.] |
843. Reasons for granting to Sir Matthew Dudley's Company the right to erect a mint in New England to make small copper coin. The chief reason is that unless this power be given, the Company will be obliged to pay its workmen in commodities or produce, on which terms it will be extremely difficult to procure them. 1½ pp. Endorsed, For my Lord President. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. No. 14.] |
| [Jan. 27.] |
844. Computation of the quantities, sorts, etc. of Naval stores to be supplied by the New England Company, with the prices. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 2 Feb., 1693–4. Read 16 March. [Board of [Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 66.] |
Jan. 29.
Whitehall. |
845. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the petition of the Colony of Connecticut to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Signed. Rich. Colinge. ½ p. Annexed, |
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845. I. Petition of the inhabitants of Connecticut to the King. Our charter of 14 Car. II. granted us not only the civil administration but full power and control in respect of the militia. We have enjoyed all the privileges without molestation (excepting a little interruption in the latter end of King James's time); but now Governor Fletcher under your commission claims command not only of our quota contributed for the general defence (which we were always ready to grant and to send our quota when and wherever commanded by him) but of full lieutenancy over the militia; and he has also by several artifices tried to insinuate himself into the civil government of the Colony. We beg that his Commission may be so restricted as to give us relief. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 30 Jan. Read 2 Feb., 1693–4. [Board of Trade. New York, 5. Nos. 45, 45I., and 48, pp. 109–112.] |
Jan. 29.
Whitehall. |
846. Order of the Privy Council. Referring the petition of the Colony of Connecticut, presented by Major Winthrop, against Governor Fletcher to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. [Board of Trade. New York, 48. p. 112.] |
Jan. 30.
Navy Office. |
847. Commissioners of the Navy to Richard Colinge. We send an account on the other side of the present rates of Naval stores from the East Country, as well as the rates of the same before the war. We cannot wait on the Lords of Trade at the appointed time, as we must be present at the launch of H.M.S. Queen. Signed. R. Haddock, and by six others. 1 p. Over page, |
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Table of comparative prices of naval stores before the war and in 1693. Masts are cheaper as a rule in 1693, deals up to three inches in thickness rather dearer, deals of 4 inches thickness and upwards have risen 50 per cent. Pitch has also risen 50 per cent., hemp about 30 per cent. and tar nearly 100 per cent. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 67; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 330–331.] |
| Jan. 30. |
848. Another copy of the table of prices of Naval stores, given in last abstract, with the rates at which Mr. Sly and Sir Stephen Evans offer to furnish the same, the former in Maryland, the latter
in England. The quotations for timber are in general 25 per cent. below current present. The prices given under the head of "Maryland" are generally speaking one-third of those given under the head of "England." Large sheet. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 68.] |
| [Jan. 30.] |
849. Another comparative table of the prices of Naval stores, as paid by the Navy and as proposed by the New England Company. It is noted that the New England Company does not specify whether the prices are those of Old England of New England. Large sheet. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 69] |
| Jan. 31. |
850. Secretary of the Admiralty to William Blathwayt. Forwarding copy of a report of the Commissioners of the Navy as to the prices of Naval stores quoted by Governor Fletcher. Signed. J. Sotherne. ½ p. Annexed, |
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850. I. Extract of a Minute by the Navy Board, 23 January, 1693–4. The prices quoted by Governor Fletcher are higher than ours. He gives hemp at £1 17s. 4d. per cwt.; we pay £1 2s. 6d. to £1 7s. 6d.; he gives tar at £12 per last, whereas our usual price was £11 12s. 6d.; though we have been accidentally obliged to give as much as £13. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd. 31 Jan. Read 2 Feb. 93–4. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. Nos. 70, 70 I.; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 327–328.] |
| Jan. 31. |
851. William Blathwayt to the Agents for Massachusetts. Desiring them to attend the Lords of Trade on the 2nd February, when the proposals of Sir Humphrey Edwyn and others for bringing Naval stores from New England will be considered. Draft. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 71.] |
| Jan. |
852. The case of the Executors of the late Sir John Witham against Sir Richard Dutton, for the affirmation of a judgment given against Sir Richard in the Exchequer Chamber. Printed sheet. 1 p. Endorsed, In the House of Lords. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 5. No. 45.] |
