|
| Feb. 1. |
649. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. On the petition of Ruth Rowe, praying that all suits against her husband may be suspended till he be restored to his right mind, it was ordered that two persons, nomiated by her, should represent her husband and appear for him. Order for sale of a forfeited vessel. Leave granted to Joseph Simpson to build a house at the southerly end of Boston, abutting on the highway leading into the Neck. Order for payment of £5 to Captain Williams for arrest of a dangerous Indian, and for the said Indian to be transported. Order for payment of £16 to Bartholomew Green for printing of public documents, and of £4 10s. 0d. to Captain Ephraim Savage for the entertainment of two Frenchmen with a flag of truce. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 68–71.] |
| Feb. 1. |
650. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Order for publication of a letter from the Commodore of the homeward bound fleet as to the time of sailing. Further order (dated 3 February) for all masters who cannot have their ships ready to sail by the 1st of March to give notice to one of the Council. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 13. pp. 218–221.] |
| Feb. 1. |
651. Memorial of Edmund Harrison. (1–3) It is more than ever necessary at this juncture to secure the English Colonies in America against the French and Indians, who may otherwise utterly ruin if not conquer them. (4) The English Colonies having been planted at sundry times and under different grants look upon themselves as so many distinct principalities, are jealous of each other and stand upon their separate laws and customs, to the prejudice and weakening of the whole. They may be 15 or 20 to one against the French, yet being without a head in so many small bodies and separate interests they may be an easy conquest to a smaller united party. (5) The French, knowing their advantage from the jealousy of the English provinces and their weakness owing to their divisions, may, if not prevented, attempt speedily the ruin of all those hopeful plantations, one after another. No further proof is needed than what they have already done in Maine, New Hampshire and Pemaquid, and their taking of Newfoundland will further that design. (6) It is therefore humbly proposed that the person who is sent Governor to New England may also be civil Governor of New York and New Hampshire and General of all the forces of New England, New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and the Jerseys, that by the union of their forces they may be able not only to oppose the enemies' designs but (with some assistance from regular troops) to remove the French from that part of America. (7) The designs of the French can only be prevented by the union of all the forces of the above colonies under one head, so that they may be able not only to defend but to offend. I in no way question a due compliance, for though New England and other places may have been discouraged by having mean and oppressive persons set over them, and though in strictness they may not be obliged to march out of their own territories, yet their cheerful attendance on Sir William Phips, in his unhappy expedition, sufficiently proves their readiness to obey if a person of honour and temper command them—one who may treat the English and their Indian allies with equal humanity and not break in on the grants and privileges of the several provinces, but will let them enjoy their just right without violation. (8) The uniting of New England and New York is of the utmost necessity for the good of both and most expedient for the support of the Governor; and as the King pays the Governor of New York it is supposed that he will do the like for the Governor of New England. The two allowances would maintain a man of quality and honour in a reputable port, but without them he cannot subsist unless a very large allowance be made to him. Signed, Edm. Harrison. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Feb., 1696–7. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 60; and 36. pp. 116–118.] |
| Feb. 1. |
652. Memorial of the Agents for Massachusetts to Council of Trade and Plantations. In our last letter from Boston there is the following memorial as to New Hampshire, which we shall give you in the words of the Lieutenant-Governor and Representatives:—"It is also very requisite that you pursue the matter of annexing "New Hampshire to Massachusetts. There are many inconveniences "attending such a chasm in the very bowels of the province, which "is but a receptacle for our disaffected persons and for such as run "from us to evade their duty in the defence of the province. Nor "is it any convenience to the inhabitants there to be a distinct "province, for they have always complained that they cannot "support it owing to the smallness of their numbers. They have "but pour towns, of which Mr. Usher has split one to make them "look the larger. Besides they have been a particular charge to "us for relief and defence, and contribute nothing to answer any "part of our expense on them." Signed, Hen. Ashurst, Con. Phipps. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Feb., 1697. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 61; and 36. pp. 118–119.] |
| Feb. 1. |
653. Memorial of several proprietors and inhabitants of the Northern Colonies of America to Council of Trade and Plantations. We are under deep apprehension from the late attempts of the French, wherein we have in a manner lost our fishing, furs, mast, timber and peltry-trade alike in Newfoundland, New England and New York, so that unless the further progress of the enemy be checked it will end in the subversion of the Colonies. This will alter the King's honour and revenue and the interests of the nation as well as our private estates. We therefore beg you for timely protection and preservation of the Colonies, and that among other things some good form of government may be established by uniting the many interests occasioned by the divers and separate Governments. We think this the only means left to us for their preservation or for any attempt on the enemy. We do not conceive the thing to be impracticable in itself, but that a single Governor may be so established over the provinces as to ensure to each its civil rights, properties and customs, even as in England, where though there are divers corporations in several towns yet there is one Lord Lieutenant in every shire to command its forces. As the Governments were joined from 1686 to 1689 there arose great confusions, but the disorders that arose should not be attributed to the union of the Colonies but to the exorbitant and illegal commissions then granted and to the exorbitant manner of exacting the same. The inconveniences in the future will easily be prevented by sending a person of worth and honour, whose instructions may be so regulated as to render his government easy to all, honourable to the King and advantageous to the realm. We beg that relief may be given to us by the uniting of the several Governments under one head, or by such other means as you think fit. Twenty-nine signatures. Memo. Sir Henry Ashurst and Mr. Phipps blotted out their names. Large sheet. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Feb., 1696–7. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 62; and 36. pp. 114–115.] |
Feb. 1.
Crutched
Friars. |
654. Solomon Merrett to William Popple. I have received the following intelligence from Poole. The ship Two Brothers of Poole, Pinnell Phippard master, sailed from England under convoy of the Dreadnought and Oxford, left those ships about seventy leagues from England and anchored in the Bay of Bulls on the night of 3 November. Going ashore next morning he found all the stages burned, upon which he returned on board, when he was presently hailed from the shore, and going there again found 115 men, women and children who had been left behind by the French. These told him of the spoil the French had made of all the harbours to south of St. Johns, and that they were at Ferryland with two men-of-war of forty and fifty-four guns, who were only waiting for a fair wind to bring them up to St. Johns. They came up accordingly with the fair wind on the 10th, and Phippard sailed to New Parlican before they could catch him. When he left on 31 December he knew of but one ship in the land which went out with the last convoy, and left them about 100 leagues at sea. I fear that two ships which I sent out with the convoy are lost. On the 31st December the French had not been to northward of St. Johns, nor did the inhabitants fear any insult from them this winter, but they dread the spring, when the rest of the harbours must inevitably fall into the hands of the French unless prevented by early succours from hence. Our hope is that you will recommend the sending of such succours as soon as possible, and with the greatest possible privacy, or we shall certainly lose all the rest of the land, and the French may be able to thwart our designs. Signed, Solomon Merrett. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 1 Feb., 1696–7. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 34.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
655. J. Tucker to William Popple. Last night Mr. Secretary moved the King in the matter of Newfoundland, when the King was of opinion that before any orders be given, a scheme should be drawn up and an estimate made of the several particulars suggested in the Council of Trade's representations of 21, 23 and 25 January. The King desires that the Council of Trade will look to this scheme and estimate. Signed, J. Tucker. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Feb., 1697. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 35; and 25. p. 79.] |
| Feb. 1. |
656. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Two letters from John Whitrow and John Warren of 26 January were read (Nos. 622, 623) on the business of Newfoundland, also Mr. Merrett's letter of this day's date (No. 654). Sir John Parsons offered to undertake the victualling of the expedition on certain conditions, which he was desired to draw up against to-morrow. Mr. Tucker's letter of this day's date read (No. 655). |
|
An Order of Council as to the Bahamas of 28th January (No. 644) was read, and the Secretary's letter to Mr. Thornburgh approved. |
|
Letter to Mr. Secretary Trumbull as to convicts for Barbados approved. |
|
An Order in Council as to three ministers in Maryland was read, and a letter thereon ordered to be prepared. |
|
Draft Act for a Post Office in America read; and order given for Mr. Neale to attend on Wednesday next. The New England Agents
presented memorials from Mr. Harrison and others as to the uniting of New Hampshire with New England, and the uniting of all the Colonies in the North parts (Nos. 651, 653). Copies of Mr. Harrison's memorial ordered to be sent to Major-General Winthrop and Mr. Gilbert Heathcote. |
|
Letters to Maryland, Virginia, and New York signed. |
| Feb. 2. |
Sir John Parsons presented his estimate for victualling 1,000 men for the Newfoundland expedition for 224 days (No. 644), which was reserved for consideration. |
|
The Secretary was directed to write to the Commissioners of Sick and Wounded concerning the prisoner Breador (No. 666). |
| Feb. 3. |
Mr. Neale attended on the business of the American Post Office Act. Ordered that a copy thereof as amended by him be sent to the Governor of Massachusetts. |
|
Letter to the Governor of Maryland, on behalf of the three ministers, signed. |
|
Letter to the Master-General of the Ordnance and to the Commissioners of Transportation respecting the expedition to Newfoundland signed. |
| Feb. 4. |
Leave given to Lord Arran to inspect the records relating to his claim to territory in New England. |
|
Draft Circular to the Proprietary Colonies approved. |
|
Memorial of Robert Livingston received (No. 678) and consideration deferred. |
|
The Commissioners of Transportation excused themselves for not having their estimate of provisions for the Newfoundland expedition ready, and received further notes for the preparation thereof. Mr. Bridgeman's letter of this day (No. 679) was read. Order for notice thereof to be given to the out-ports, and for a letter asking further information of Mr. Bridgeman to be written (No. 680). |
|
Order for the Secretary to ask the East India Company for their suggestions as to a Treaty of Commerce with France. |
|
Order for Mr. Gilbert Heathcote and Major-General Winthrop to be requested to hasten their answer to the memorials sent to them. |
| Feb. 5. |
The Commissioners for Transportation brought up their estimate for the Newfoundland expedition, which the Council at once despatched to Mr. Secretary Trumbull. |
|
Governor Codrington's letters of 2 and 30 September, and 7 and 10 October received and read. Resolved to recommend Edward Parsons to succeed John Palmer as Secretary of the Leeward Islands, if Palmer be displaced. [Board of Trade. Journal, 9. pp. 381–392.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
657. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Trumbull. In reply to your enquiry in which of the Plantations the malefactors to be transported might be found most useful, we find that the only place disposed to receive them is Barbados, and we are informed by the Agents that there are persons here willing to take any numbers of such of them as are fit for laborious service, but no women, children nor other infirm persons. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 48–49.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
658. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Nicholson. We have first to apprize you that the design for establishing Admiralty Courts in the Colonies is still pursued, so that we suppose there will be no occasion for an Exchequer Court now for attainting juries as suggested in your former letter. The King has directed £20 each to be paid to the three ministers, Richard Sewall, Thomas Cockshutt and Joseph Bordley, from the funds of Maryland as they have not received the usual allowance here. The King has ordered expressly that all Captains of men-of-war on service in the Colonies are to be under the orders of the Governors, and that if they require seamen they must apply to the Governors, to whom the sole power of impressment is committed. The King has further ordered effectual laws to be made against the harbouring and entertaining fugitives and deserters, and that effectual care be taken to prevent the countenance or protection of pirates. Finally the King expects that the contribution to the defence of New York, as laid down by the late Queen, shall be punctually complied with, Maryland having complied but in small measure. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, J. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 9. pp. 26–29.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
659. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Fletcher. We have received yours of 13 July, 22 August and 17 and 18 September to Mr. Blathwayt, also two of 20 August, and one of 17 September to the late Committee. The matters therein, as also those represented by the Agents, have been laid before the King. The King approves of your method for keeping up the five Companies by raising the pay of the soldiers fourpence a day, and allowing £3 a head for enlisting new ones, for which you say that the Assembly has provided a fund until May next. You are to use your best endeavours for the continuance of the same methods until recruits can be sent from hence or until further orders. To remedy the harbouring of deserters and fugitives in the neighbouring provinces, the King has caused letters to be sent to all the Governors to pass effectual laws to prevent the practice, which letters have already been despatched to some Governments, and will be despatched to all as opportunity offers. You likewise will take care that this is done in your Government. Further complaints have also been made, especially from Jamaica, as to the entertainment of pirates in several places, and the King has given orders to the Governors of all Colonies to prevent the sheltering of pirates under the severest penalties. We must recommend this the more particularly to your care, since, by information given lately at the trial of several of Every's crew, your Government is named as a place of protection to such villains, and your favour to Captain Tew given as an instance of it. The King has confirmed the appointment of Caleb Heathcote to the Council, but as no one appeared to take out his warrant, it has lain for some while and still lies without effect. The reason given to us is that he is about to remove from New York; but you will take care for the future that Councillors recommended by you shall appoint somebody here to look after the despatch of what is desired for them. On your request and that of the Agents the King has directed an engineer to be sent
to New York, together with four hundred fusils and a supply of warlike stores (list given). You will send us frequent and particular accounts of the consumption and remains of the stores sent to you, to guide us in sending you future supplies. On your representation of the great expense and little use of the Richmond frigate, the King has directed her to be recalled and another light and quick sailer to be sent over in her place, which is to continue cruising during the summer for the service of New York and the neighbouring provinces, and towards the beginning of winter to convoy any ships from America to the West Indies, staying there for defence of the Islands until the spring, when she will convoy the homeward trade to England. Another man-of-war will be sent to New York annually, to take her place, to be there against the end of each winter and to be employed in the services above mentioned. This seems to us the best method, but if it does not suit the season of your ships that carry provisions to the Southern Colonies, you will inform us. Several complaints have been made to us that the Captain of the Richmond had kept a brew-house and bake-house for the service not only of his own ship but of the merchantmen, and that he did not keep his complement complete. You will keep an eye on the King's ships in New York to prevent such irregularities in future. To enable you the better to do this, and generally to inspect the King's naval service in the province, the King has ordered the Commanders of his ships that are sent for the service and defence of any Colony to be under the direction of the Governor of each of those Colonies during their continuance there. Also, when the commanders have occasion for seamen they must apply to the Governor, to whom the sole power of impressing seamen is entrusted, and who will take care that such applications are duly answered. We observe with satisfaction your diligence in repairing to Albany upon advice of Count Frontenac's late expedition, his speedy retreat on your approach, and the care you were taking for the relief of your neighbour Indians and for confirming them in our friendship. Since you complain of the backwardness of several of your neighbour Colonies in furnishing their quotas, we have written to some, and, as occasion offers, shall write to all, that they observe the King's orders therein, so absolutely necessary to their common safety. Upon the information of the advantages gained by the French by their methods of insinuating themselves into the friendship of the Indians, and in particular by their sending some of them from time to time over to France, you must endeavour, as much as in you lies, to impress them with our power by accustoming some of our neighbour Indians to our manners, and sending some hardy youths among them to be inured to their fatigues and to learn their language, and especially by all the engaging arts that you conceive most proper to persuade some of them to consent to be transported hither, with assurance of their being well used in the voyage and kindly entertained here, so that they may be filled with an advantageous opinion of the King's greatness and power. We have received several papers from you besides those already acknowledged, and among them several Associations, but all of them (except one signed by a few civil officers in Albany County) defective in a very essential expression, which is not well. However,
since then, the Agents have shewn us another in due form signed by yourself and the military officers, so we shall say no more of the first omission. We have also found among the papers a sealed copy of the laws which you had formerly sent unsealed. These, together with some earlier laws and the complaints of the three Lieutenants and Mr. Livingston, are under our consideration. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. New York, 52. pp. 68–77.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
660. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir Edmund Andros. The King has directed two men-of-war to be sent to Virginia, probably arriving there in February, to convoy home the remainder of the merchant-fleet which is supposed to be left there. Though these ships will sail later than was intended we hope that they will yet arrive in time. One of them will bring you this letter. The King has confirmed Colonels Richard Johnson and Charles Scarburgh as members of the Council of Virginia. But on this subject of Councillors, a complaint has been made to us of a privilege claimed by the Councillors of Virginia, that they shall not be liable to any action for any cause whatever. The complainants add that in the General Court several persons sit as judges who have not taken the oath of a judge, whereby it is said that a plaintiff in any cause against a Councillor can have no remedy at law. This appears to us very unreasonable and hardly to be credited in the strict sense of those terms. We desire you to report as to this privilege, the reason for it, and as to the allegations of unqualified persons sitting as judges. It has also been represented to us that the engrossing of too large tracts of land in Virginia hinders others from settling thereon, and that, the quitrents of these lands not having been paid, these may on demand thereof be the means either of raising a considerable sum for the King or (by the forfeiture and new division of these lands) of furthering more regular planting and improvement in future. This being a matter of great importance, wherein the property of many private persons is concerned, we have been unwilling to meddle in it without your advice, which we now require of you, fully and plainly. Now as to matters concerning the whole of the Colonies. On complaints of irregular behaviour of the commanders of some of the ships of war in the Colonies, the King has expressly ordered all commanders of his ships sent for the defence and service of the Colonies to be under the Governors of the respective Colonies, and that when such commanders require seamen they shall apply to the Governors, to whom the sole right of impressing seamen is committed. On receiving such applications the Governor shall take care that the ship be supplied with the number of men required. The King has further issued orders to all Governors of Colonies to take care that effectual orders be made against receiving and harbouring not only deserters, but such fugitives as shall leave any of the Plantations contrary to their laws; and you will observe this order. The King has further issued general instructions, which though not particularly applicable to Virginia, must be repeated to you, against the sheltering and entertaining of pirates. You will continue in future, as in the past, to observe the late Queen's orders as to
furnishing your quota for the defence of New York. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 37. pp. 27–30.] |
| Feb. 2. |
661. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Upon intelligence of the arrival of Mons. Pointis's squadron in the West Indies it was resolved that the homeward bound fleet be stopped until further intelligence. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 79. pp. 52–53.] |
Feb. 2.
Bideford. |
662. Richard Usticke to William Popple. I am to thank the Council of Trade on behalf of the merchants for yours of 30th ult., but they fear it will be too late to send any ships this year. I beg for a line if anything should offer for their satisfaction and encouragement. Signed, Richd. Usticke. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. 6. Read 8 Feb., 1696–7. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 36.] |
Feb. 2.
Dartmouth. |
663. Thomas Floud to William Popple. The merchants thank you for your signification of the King's pleasure concerning Newfoundland. Here are several ships designed for those parts, but unless the men can be protected from impressment the design must fall. There are seven press-ketches here, so that not a man can work for them. Signed, Thomas Floud. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. 6. Read 8 Feb., 1696–7. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 37. |
| Feb. 2. |
664. Estimate of victuals for 1,000 men for 224 days, total £12,840. The week was divided into two beef days, signifying 2lb. of beef a day per man; two pork days, or 1lb. of pork and 1 pint of pease per man per day; three fish days, signifying (in lieu of fish) 1 pint of oatmeal, two ounces of butter, four ounces of cheese per man per day. Also every day every man received a pound of bread and a gallon of beer. Tonnage required, 1,454 tons. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Sir John Parsons's estimate. Recd. Read 2 Feb., 1686–7. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 38; and (pecuniary items only), 25. p. 80.] |
| [Feb. 2.] |
665. Copy of a receipt of Edward Lawford, purser of H.M.S. Duchess, for one hundred and twelve days' victuals for 640 men. Printed form, showing the amounts and description of the victuals. Endorsed, 19 Feb., 1645–6. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 39.] |
Feb. 2.
Whitehall. |
666. William Popple to the Commissioners for Sick, Wounded and Prisoners. My letter of 30 October last, concerning the French prisoner, François Breador, was intended only for your information. The Council of Trade having had no further information about that matter have no further directions to give you. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. p. 49.] |
Feb. 2.
Whitehall. |
667. William Popple to Gilbert Heathcote. Fowarding copy of a memorial for the uniting of New York, Massachusetts and the adjacent Colonies under one head, for his opinion thereon. [Board of Trade. New England, 36. p. 119.] |
Feb. 2.
Whitehall. |
668. William Popple to William Thornburgh. Some difficulty being arisen over Captain Webb's confirmation as Governor of the Bahamas, I am to acquaint you that information has been
given that, though Captain Webb be now willing to take the oaths and sign the Association, he has lately distinguished himself by marks of a contrary disposition, and has been noticed as disaffected to the present Government. The Proprietors are therefore required to make a strict enquiry into the matter. The Council of Trade also desires information as to the state of the fortifications of the Bahamas, and thinks it necessary, in view of the encouragement of piracy and violation of the Acts of Trade therein, the Governor should give security for good behaviour in that respect. Also, to save him from temptation, the Council thinks that the Proprietors should allow him a larger salary. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 25. pp. 33–34.] |
Feb. 2.
Admiralty. |
669. J. Burchett to William Popple. I have just received your letter of to-day with two packets directed to Sir Edmund Andros, and am sending them away to Captain Douglas, the Commander-in-chief of the convoy going to Virginia, with directions to take care of one of them and to deliver the other to Captain Thomas Legg, of the Southsea Castle. The ship that Captain Douglas commands is the Harwich. She and the Southsea Castle are both in the Downs. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 6. No. 11.] |
| Feb. 3. |
670. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for four great guns to be mounted at Kirton's Bay and for a matross to be appointed. George Andrews appointed Colonel of the Scotland Regiment. Sundry orders as to disposition of arms and ammunition, and for the disposal of the records in case of invasion. Richard Salter appointed captain of the forts. Sundry payments ordered or recommended to the Assembly. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 184–186.] |
| [Feb. 3.] |
671. Copy of the Act of Massachusetts of 1693 for encouraging a post office, which was afterwards repealed. 5 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 3 Feb., 1696–7. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 63.] |
Feb. 3.
West Sheen. |
672. Samuel Allen to John Gardner. I send you my reasons against the unreasonable and unjust petition of Sir Henry Ashurst for the annexation of New Hampshire to Massachusetts. (1) The King and Council made New Hampshire a separate government, and notwithstanding Sir H. Ashurst's many petitions has maintained it so, confirming the government to the Proprietor, myself. (2) One reason for keeping the government separate is to keep a check upon them of Boston, that they may no more presume to do what they did when they clapped up Sir Edmund Andros and his Council, which was a mark of their inclination to renounce subjection to the Crown of England. (3) To prevent Boston from having power to tax New Hampshire unreasonably for maintenance of their own government. (4) New Hampshire has been a separate government since 1682, and can continue to maintain itself at its own charge, without Boston's assistance, so that there is no more reason to put it under Boston than Pennsylvania, Carolina or Rhode Island. (5) No man can be more careful than the present proprietor for the people, nor more loyal to the King, and he hopes that the Council of
Trade will order to Sir Henry Ashurst not to call in question the wisdom of the recent decision of the King in Council as to New Hampshire. Unsigned. 1 p. Endorsed, Mr. Samuel Allen's reasons against subjecting New Hampshire to the government of Massachusetts. [Board of Trade. New England, 8. No. 64; and 36. pp. 121–122.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
673. William Popple to Major-General Winthrop. Forwarding copy of a memorial for uniting New York, Massachusetts, and the adjacent colonies under one head, for his remarks thereon. [Board of Trade. New England, 36. p. 120.] |
Feb. 3.
Bristol. |
674. The Mayor of Bristol to William Popple. Yours of 30 January has been communicated by me to the merchants, who desire to thank the Council of Trade for the care they have taken for the recovery of Newfoundland. I am to ask the attention of the Council to the fact that all the North part, viz. Conception Bay, Trinity Bay and Bonavista is still in the hands of the English, and to ask that a fourth-rate frigate may be despatched at once to inform the inhabitants of the intended succours and encourage them to resistance. Signed, John Hine, Mayor. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 6. Read 8 Feb., 1676–7. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 40.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
675. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Master-General of the Ordnance. The King has ordered an expedition to be sent to recover Newfoundland, take Placentia if possible, and leave garrisons at three of our ports during the winter, and requires an estimate of the cost so far as it concerns your office. Copy of our representation on the subject is enclosed. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 81.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
676. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Commissioners of Transportation. Asking for an estimate of the cost of transporting a certain number of men and feeding them with sea provisions, and enclosing a form to be filled up with answers. Signed as the preceding. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 82.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
677. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Nicholson. Three ministers, Mr. Richard Sewell, Mr. Thomas Cockshutt and Mr. Stephen Bordley, having been appointed by the Bishop of London for the province of Maryland, but not having had the accustomed allowance of £20 apiece out of the Treasury here to defray their charges, the King directs that you shall pay that sum to them after their arrival out of such money as can be spared from the other uses of Government. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Tankerville, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 9. p. 30.] |
| Feb. 4. |
678. Memorial on behalf of Robert Livingston to Council of Trade and Plantations. Concerning the answers to Livingston's case from the Council of New York, in the preamble of the first paper, dated 1 August, 1696, it is surmised that the Council have found in Livingston's statement addressed to the Governor several
false allegations, whereupon they have thought it their duty to make a true representation of his case. Hereon the said Livingston requests that it may be observed whether the same be verified or not by any of his proceedings in or concerning that matter in question. As to the first particular represented by the Council, it is submitted that although £490 (being part of the £561 claimed by Livingston) is included in Colonel Van Cortlandt's order, yet the whole £561 was disbursed in the same service by Livingston, and the remaining part advanced for the subsistence of the soldiers, and is therefore as justly due to him as the £490. He hopes therefore that this sum will not be kept from him on any pretext that he is indebted to the brewer or other tradesmen. These tradesmen will exact payment from him without application to or reliance on the Government. The mere allegation of such a pretence shews no good-will nor impartiality. Even if he holds bonds for the other £200 owing to him, yet they ought not to be made use of to keep his money from him. The second article deals with a sum of £388 advanced by Livingston to the officers and soldiers in 1688, of which the whole charge was taken over by Colonel Dongan and paid to him in England. It is, however, submitted that though Colonel Dongan undertook the expedition, Livingston advanced the subsistence which is still owing to him. Colonel Dongan had no authority to receive Livingston's money, so that the Government is still his debtor for it. The third article concerns interest demanded in money advanced to the Crown, and contends that it ought not to be considered, or at least that 8 per cent. ought not to be allowed when 6 per cent. is the legal rate. Now the late Committee of Trade held that the debt was not Colonel Dongan's but the Government's, and the Lords of the Treasury ordered payment of the principal, to which the Council of New York offers no objection. It is plain that the money was advanced to Colonel Dongan for the use of the Government, and how Colonel Dongan's agents may have disposed of it is no affair of Livingston's. As to the fourth article, Livingston has already abandoned his claim to the £900, as it has been satisfied to Colonel Van Cortlandt. As to the fifth article, it is a strange insinuation that, because all the sufferers by our unhappy disorders have not been reimbursed, the King may not for particular reasons gratify the request of any one of them. As to the sixth and seventh articles, it is submitted that the Governor and Council of New York have exceeded their authority in representing matters relating to Robert Livingston's commission and not in any way referred to them. It is therefore prayed that you will not, for mere want of the good-will of the Governor and Council, do otherwise than recommend the King to confirm the former orders and commission granted to Livingston. The revenues of New York and Albany are in no greater danger of being swallowed up thereby than if left to the disposal of Governor Fletcher, whose new created officers and augmented pensions are passed over by the Council of New York without remark or complaint, whereas the King's own commission falls under their peremptory suspension, and, to say no worse of it, most severe question. 3½ pp. Endorsed, Feb. 4, 1697. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 12.] |
Feb. 4.
Admiralty
Office. |
679. William Bridgeman to William Popple. Several merchants trading to Newfoundland request that the convoy for the salt ships to Lisbon and Newfoundland may sail from the Downs with the first fair wind after the 10th inst. with such ships as shall be ready to sail, also that she may call at five of the Western ports for such ships as are ready there, not waiting for any. My Lords have therefore resolved that the said man-of-war, which is now at the Nore, should be hastened to the Downs and receive her orders accordingly. Pray inform the Council of Trade. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 4 Feb. 1696–7. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 41.] |
| Feb. 4. |
680. William Popple to William Bridgeman. The Council of Trade would be glad to know in what readiness the other frigate intended for Milford is at present; and what number of troops the squadron designed for Newfoundland can conveniently take aboard. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 83.] |
Feb. 4.
Kensington. |
681. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of Thomas Bulkley, late Deputy-Secretary of the Bahamas, to Council of Trade for report. Signed, John Nicholas. |
|
Here follows the petition of Thomas Bulkley to the King. I was Deputy-Secretary of the Bahamas and gave £1,000 security to the Proprietors for due performance of my duties. The Governor, Cadwallader Jones, being guilty of arbitrary and tyrannical exercise of power, of neglect to fortify the place, of malversation of the public funds, and of inviting a notorious company of pirates to make war upon your subjects, I accused him thereof in the Council, whereupon he was secured and I was bound over in £500 to prosecute him. Jones, however, continued to get a party of pirates and seditious persons to rescue him and his papers from the Government's hands, seized me and took my books from me and imprisoned me in heavy irons on board a ship infected with pestilential sickness. There I was kept for fourteen months, and my house was ransacked, and my wife killed by fright. Then came one Nicholas Trott with a Commission as Governor, who preferred Jones to high places of trust, kept me prisoner for two months longer, and encouraged a malicious prosecution of high treason against me by conspiracy of Jones and others. I was acquitted, and I then appealed to Governor Trott for justice upon Jones, but Governor Trott delayed it and enabled Jones to escape from the Colony, so that I have been obliged to leave everything and come three thousand miles to obtain justice. I beg that the Proprietors may be compelled to compensate me for the damage done to me by their Agents Jones and Trott. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 25. pp. 47–50.] |
| Feb. 4. |
682. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Nevis. Governor Codrington was present. The members of Assembly were sworn and Major William Butler was elected Speaker. Two disputed elections were decided. William Bates elected Clerk. The Assembly addressed the Council for a writ to elect a new Assembly man in place of Thomas Weaver. The Council replied that since Thomas Weaver had been declared incapable of serving in the Assembly and yet the people of his district declared that they would elect no
other, the candidate next to him in number of votes should be admitted. Joint Committee appointed to draw up Articles of War. The Council proposed that the complement of soldiers of Colonel Holt's company be billeted for twelve months longer. |
| Feb. 5. |
The Assembly agreed to billet Colonel Holt's company for three months longer. A second request of the Assembly for a writ to elect a new member in place of Thomas Weaver was refused. In reply to a question of the Assembly the Council replied that executions decreed by a deceased judge should not be levied until the defendant had been summoned by a new judge to shew cause why they should not be levied. The Assembly agreed to admit the candidate next in number of votes to Thomas Weaver, provided that entry were made in the books of the Assembly and Council that this should not be taken as a precedent. The Council concurred, and entry was made accordingly, that the new member was admitted to make up an Assembly on an occasion of great emergency. The Assembly addressed the Governor for the removal of Thomas Weaver from the common gaol, the place being unfit for a Christian to be imprisoned in. The Governor would return no written reply. Message from the Council proposing a joint committee to draw up five bills which are urgently needed, viz.: Bills for recording deeds relating to lands, for reinforcing an Act for punishment of slaves, to regulate elections, to prevent false and scandalous reports about the Governor, Council Assembly and justices, and for raising a levy to pay the country's debts. The Assembly proposed that a joint committee do first examine the Treasurer's accounts, with a view to the collection of arrears. The Assembly agreed to the Council's proposal that immediate care be taken for new gun-carriages and other matters necessary for the fortifications. Joint Committee appointed to draw up the bills aforesaid. The Assembly proposed that Thomas Weaver's bail be discharged since he had surrendered his body. The Governor answered that he had nothing to do with it. Order for the joint committee to prepare the additional bills, viz.: A bill for the better securing of titles, and a bill to explain the Act of limitation. Messages from the Assembly to the Council, praying the Governor to issue new executions in cases where the time is too long for plantiffs to summon defendants before the next court, to appoint assistants to several courts, and to restore to the Lieutenant-Governor his former power of passing Acts, without sending them to Antigua. |
| Feb. 6. |
The messages sent by the Assembly yesterday were confirmed. The Council assented to a proposal of the Assembly to billet Colonel Holt's men for six months, and that a full proportion of the regiment should be kept in Nevis when the recruits arrived. The Articles of War were presented and approved by the Assembly for six months. Members appointed for a joint Committee to draw up an Act to enforce them. The Assembly unanimously resolved that the Governor's expenses during his visit be paid by the Country. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 399–408.] |
| Feb. 5. |
683. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for prorogation of the Assembly till 17 March. Leave granted to William Clough to build a timber house at the north end of Boston. [Board of Trade. New England. 49. pp. 71–72.] |
| [Feb. 5.] |
684. Abstract of the papers sent by Governor Codrington concerning Mr. John Palmer, Secretary to the Leeward Islands. 8¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 5 Feb., 1696–7. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 35.] |
Feb. 5.
Transport
Office. |
685. Commissioners of Transportation to Council of Trade and Plantations. We estimate the cost of sea-provisions for 1,000 men for 224 days at full allowance at £11,164 (all items given). The cost of freight, beds, cabins, cradles and hammocks will bring the total to £19,071. Signed, Saml. Atkinson, Tho. Hopkins. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read, 5 Feb., 1696–7. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 42; and 25. pp. 84–85.] |
Feb. 5.
Whitehall. |
686. Council of Trade and Plantations to Secretary Trumbull. We enclose estimates of the cost of victualling 1,000 men for 224 days from Sir John Parsons and the Commissioners of Transportation. The latter is much cheaper than the other, being drawn up for ready money, whereas the other is for tallies. The Treasury only can decide as to the agreement. The other estimates required have been called for. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. pp. 85–86.] |
