America and West Indies: January 1698 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 16, 1697-1698. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1905.

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'America and West Indies: January 1698', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 16, 1697-1698, ed. J W Fortescue( London, 1905), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol16/pp78-97 [accessed 29 November 2024].

January 1698



Jan. 3.	142. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Edward Randolph produced a commission to Robert Dacres, to be surveyor of Somerset County, and Dacres was accordingly sworn. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 13. pp. 401–402.]
Jan. 3.	143. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Nevis. The Council and Assembly agreed to a payment for a hired sloop to carry the news of the peace to Antigua. The Assembly resolved to send a letter to the Council of Trade together with copies of its journals. The Assembly proposed that a list of negroes be taken in order to the raising of a levy. The Council declared its concurrence with the Assembly's message of 30 December. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 445–446 and 456–458.]
Jan. 3.	144. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Assembly returned the papers which had been sent to them for consideration. Order for the release of a French ship, captured by H.M.S. Newcastle since peace was concluded. Captain Reeves submitted a list of stores needed for H.M.S Newcastle's homeward voyage, which list was submitted to Mr. Lascelles with the request that he would supply what was required. Order for Captain Reeves to prepare to sail immediately and that a survey be made of all the King's stores. Order for Captain Vincent Cutter to sail with H.M.S. Bonaventure to Martinique, taking the French prisoners with him, and bring hither such English prisoners as are there; also that he take with him the French mulatto who had proved himself to be a free man. Order for the homeward-bound fleet to sail on the 8th. Account of charges for a hired sloop passed. The Assembly brought up a bill to appoint a Treasurer, and asked that the bills concerning Agents and Grand Sessions, now before Council, be despatched. The President informed them of the orders, above recorded, which he had given, and recommended to them the applications of the Captains of the King's ships and the letter of Mr. Edwards, the engineer. Bill to ascertain the powers of the Assembly read as amended by Committee and passed.
Jan. 4.	No quorum. Copy of a letter from the Council to the King congratulating him on the conduct of the war and the happy conclusion of the peace. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 269–272.]
Jan. 3. New Hamp shire.	145. Lieutenant-Governor Partridge to Council of Trade and Plantations. It is now twelve months since I arrived here with a Commission as Lieutenant-Governor superseding that given to Mr. John Usher. It was forthwith signified to the inhabitants by proclamation, but finding myself wanting an oath prescribed to all Governors by Act of Parliament, and understanding that a person was shortly coming over to administer the same, I deferred taking over the Government and left it in the hands of the President and Council, as is directed by my Commission in the absence of the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor. Mr. Usher, however, tried to disturb us, and, as I understand, has complained of us to you, whereupon to prevent the like, I have by the Council's advice assumed the Government. I hope that I shall not be blamed herein, having no design but peace and the King's service, and I hear moreover that the time for taking the oath is extended to 25 March next, and that Mr. Randolph is coming over to administer it. Thus we remain at present until Lord Bellomont shall arrive. The General Assembly has given you an account of affairs here. Signed, Wm. Partridge. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 6 April, 1698. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 1; and 36. pp. 351–352.]
Jan. 3. Kensington.	146. The King's Commission to Governor Codrington for restoring the French portion of St. Christophers. Copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 66; and 45. pp. 164–166; and America and West Indies. 551. No. 87.]
Jan. 3. Kensington.	147. Instructions to Governor Codrington for restoring the French portion of St. Christophers. While re-delivering possession he is to claim the former right enjoyed by the English on the Island, and by English ships of fetching salt from the salt-ponds. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 45. pp. 160–162.]
[Jan. 3.]	148. Memorial of the Bishop of London to the Lords of the Treasury. By the King's command I lay this memorial before you. The late King Charles II., out of great compassion to his Plantations in the West Indies, which till then had been almost destitute of a ministry, granted a bounty of £20 to each chaplain that should go over to supply the great want there was in those parts. This was bestowed all the time during his reign and that of King James II., and was continued during his present Majesty's reign until this last year's difficulties put a stop to it. It is therefore prayed that the King will renew his former bounty in this behalf, by reason of the great want there is in those parts through the sickness that has carried off many ministers in the Southern Plantations, the scarcity that is in Virginia, and particularly the erection of several new parishes in Maryland. Signed, H. London. Holograph, ½ p. Endorsed, Delivered to the Board by his Majesty's order. Recd. Read 3 June, 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 83; and 34. p. 220.]
Jan. 3. Falkland, Spithead.	149. The Purser of H.M.S. Falkland to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have a packet in charge to deliver to you from Mr. Addington, the Secretary at Boston, but not knowing how soon I may get leave to London, I send it on by this post, having taken a receipt for it. Signed, T. Wilkins. ½ p. Endorsed, Read 4 Jan., 1698. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 2.]
Jan. 3.	150. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Draft representation as to Tortola agreed on.
	A memorial of the Bishop of London to the Treasury for an allowance of £20 apiece to ministers going to the Colonies was received (No. 148).
Jan. 4.	Mr. Boun and Mr. Sedgwick, Governor and Deputy-Governor of the East India Company, attended, and being asked what they had to propose as to piracy, requested that the King would send a small squadron to rout them out of their settlement in Madagascar. Order for Captain Warren to attend on Friday morning next.
	Mr. Crown's memorial as to Penobscot received (No. 151).
Jan. 7.	The Council met in Essex Street owing to the burning of its apartments in Whitehall on the 4th inst., when, however, the books and papers were saved by the diligence of the officers, and conveyed to the Secretary's house.
	Order for Captain Warren to attend on Monday.
	Mr. Secretary Vernon's letter of 4th inst.; enquiring as to Governor Codrington's instructions for restitution of St. Christophers read (No. 152). The Lords agreed upon draft instructions and a covering letter to Mr. Vernon, and ordered them to be written fair. Representation as to Tortola signed (No. 156). [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 388–392.]
[Jan. 4.]	151. Memorial of John Crowne concerning the English title to Penobscot and lands adjacent. In 1621 King James I. granted Nova Scotia to Sir William Alexander, who in 1630 made over his right to Sieur Claud de St. Etienne, Lord de la Tour, his son Charles and their heirs. The said Claud and Charles were French Protestants, who for liberty of their religion had left France many years before, and for their good service done in promoting the settlement were both created baronets of Nova Scotia. About 1631 King Charles I. agreed to make over Nova Scotia to France, for what reason is unknown, the French having no pretence to it since it had been both discovered and planted by subjects of England and had been named Nova Scotia by King James I. Before delivery of the country King Charles I. stipulated with the French that the said Sieurs de la Tour should enjoy their rights in Nova Scotia, the King himself being bound in honour to take care of him, as is shown by an original letter from Sir William Alexander to Sieur Claud. Accordingly the Sieurs de la Tour did enjoy their rights, though with much molestation from the French Governors, and on the death of Sieur Claud, Sieur Charles became proprietor of Nova Scotia. Many years before this some inhabitants of Plymouth in New England discovered Penobscot and began to seat themselves there, many leagues to westward of Nova Scotia, but being much disturbed by the French Governors of Nova Scotia they began to neglect it; and when Sieur Charles aforesaid became proprietor of Nova Scotia he built a fort at Peno bscot and took all the lands extending from thence to Musconcus, bordering on Pemaquid. About the year 1654 Major Sedgwicke by Cromwell's orders sailed to require the French Governor to deliver it up, and found Sieur Charles de la Tour in possession of both Nova Scotia and Penobscot, which Sieur Charles quietly resigned to Sedgwicke, for having suffered great oppression from the French Governor he desired to live under English protection. Shortly afterwards he obtained a grant from Cromwell to enjoy his lands, and then by deed of 20 September, 1656, he made over all his right and title to Penobscot and Nova Scotia to Thomas Temple and William Crowne for the sum of £3,300, reserving, however, to himself considerable annual profits. The three proprietors aforesaid then went over to take possession, Temple holding Cromwell's Commission to be Governor. Shortly afterwards Temple and Crowne divided their lands, and Crowne made over by deed to Temple the whole of Nova Scotia, while Temple, by deed of 12 September, 1657, made over Penobscot to Crowne from the Machias in the east to the Musconcus, the two interchanging bonds of £20,000 to abide by the agreement. For some time Crowne possessed Penobscot quietly, built a trading-house far up the river Penobscot at Negue, and called the place Crowne's Point. Temple, however, finding there was a great beavertrade at Negue, pretended that Crowne had broken some article or another and took from him by violence his fort at Penobscot, the trading-house at Negue and all his lands; and the Courts in New England were so partial to Temple that Crowne could obtain no justice from them. At the Restoration both Crowne and Temple came over to England, proved their title and were permitted to repossess their lands. Crowne threatening to complain of Temple to the King and Privy Council, Temple persuaded him to forbear, promising him restitution and reasonable satisfaction. Temple further gave Crowne letters to his Agent in New England to restore Penobscot and his other lands to him, but on arriving in New England Crowne found that Temple had written to his Agents in a contrary sense. Temple was then created a baronet of Nova Scotia, and obtained a Commission as Governor of that and of Penobscot, but on his arrival Crowne complained of his shameful proceedings, which Temple could not justify. He therefore persuaded Crowne to grant him a short lease of Penobscot and the rest of his lands, and several merchants of New England were bound for payment of rent, but Temple kept the lands and paid no rent, nor would the Courts of New England interpose, saying that the matter lay without their jurisdiction. So it continued until 1668, when at the Treaty of Breda, the French prevailed with King Charles II. to surrender Nova Scotia. Sir Thomas Temple knew very well that Penobscot formed no part of Nova Scotia, but from hatred of Crowne and to disable him from taking proceedings at law against him he gave up Penobscot as well as Nova Scotia to the French. King Charles was extremely displeased when he heard of this, and would not consent to it. Not long afterwards war broke out between France and Holland, when the Dutch took Penobscot from the French, levelled the fort with the ground and then entirely quitted it. Shortly afterwards King Charles commissioned the Governor of New York to take Penobscot and the adjacent lands under his jurisdiction, which he did, and put a garrison into the trading-house at Negue or Crowne's Point. William Crowne being dead, his son John, hearing that the Duke of York had begged Penobscot of the King, petitioned the Duke to restore it to him and was by him referred to the commissioners of his revenue. The cause lay before them undetermined during the latter end of King Charles's reign and the whole of King James's. It is thus plain that the French have no pretence to Penobscot, for the English discovered it and English subjects possessed it nearly forty years. The French had it for a short time in King Charles's time, but got it not by virtue of a treaty but by the treachery of Sir Thomas Temple. They lost it very soon to the Dutch, and on their quitting it both of the last kings enjoyed it quietly to the end of their reigns. 6 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 4 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 3; and 36. pp. 333–339.]
Jan. 4. Whitehall.	152. Mr. Secretary Vernon to William Popple. The King has ordered an advice-boat to be prepared with all speed to carry his orders to Governor Codrington at the Leeward Islands. How soon will the Council of Trade's instructions be ready, which are to accompany the commission for restoring to the French their part of St. Christophers? Signed, Ja. Vernon. ½ p. [Board of Trade, Leeward Islands, 5. No. 67; and 45. p. 158.]
Jan. 7. Essex Street.	153. William Popple to the Attorney and Solicitor-General. Immediately before the late fire at Whitehall, the Council of Trade ordered me to send you the Laws of Pennsylvania with some for the Leeward Islands to you for your opinion. I send them accordingly. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 34. p. 221.]
Jan. 7.	154. List of the laws of Pennsylvania sent on 7 January to the Attorney-General for his report. 6 pp. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 2. No. 8; and 25. pp. 190–194.]
[Jan. 7.]	155. A list of three Acts passed in Montserrat, and fifteen Acts passed in Antigua, in the years 1696 and 1697. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Sent to the Attorney and Solicitor-General, 7 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 68; and 45. pp. 146–149.]
Jan. 7. Whitehall.	156. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Some time since the Envoy of the Elector of Brandenburgh presented to you a memorial asking for the island of New Tortola to be placed in possession of Peter van Bell, acting for Joseph Shepheard. Having received Governor Codrington's report thereon, we represent as follows. In the third year of King Charles I., a grant of all the Carribbee islands between the 10th and 22nd degrees of latitude was made to the Earl of Carlisle, in virtue of their having been first discovered by the English. It does not appear that Joseph Shepheard had any right to Tortola prior to that of England. The envoy says that the island was afterwards placed in trust in Sir William Stapleton's hands, but he produces no proof of that trust. Governor Codrington tells us that he can find no one who knows anything of the Dutch title to the island, from which Joseph Shepheard claims his title by purchase, and that though the island was a short time since settled by some English it is now wholly deserted. In 1694 you ordered the Governor of the Leeward Islands to assert your right to the Virgin Islands and to hinder the settlement of them by foreigners. Governor Codrington further represents the injury that may be done to English trade by a settlement of Brandenburgers in Tortola. We think that the claimant's title is not made out, and that the concession of it would be disadvantageous, but looking to the Elector's intercession in the matter, we think that, in view of the small value set upon the island, some compensation might be granted. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 45. pp. 150–157.]
Jan. 7.	157. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Vernon. We forward draft instructions for the restitution of the French part of St. Christophers; and we hope to report shortly as to other matters to be submitted to the Commissioners of the two countries upon the late Treaty. Signed as the preceding. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 45. p. 159.]
Jan. 8. [Barbados.]	158. Earl of Bellomont to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have had the misfortune to be driven off the coast of New York by violent storms which broke our shrouds and other parts of our rigging, and since the officers feared that our main-mast would come by the board we bore away to Barbados, where we arrived on the 5th inst., and find the Island very healthy. Our ship was very weakly manned, which was one reason why the captain thought it necessary to bear away, for by the men's continual labour during the bad weather, which I believe lasted a fortnight, they were so wearied out that we had not hands enough to work the ship. Besides we had not water enough to last much longer. Since my arrival here a Boston ship, bound thither from Madeira, has come in here, having been driven off the coast of New England by the same storm that drove us. Within four or five days we were separated from our transport-ships and the rest of our convoy by bad weather, though we made as little sail as possible to bear them company. It has been no small disturbance to me to miss getting into New York, but I shall endeavour to make up lost time by more than ordinary industry after I arrive. The captain promises to refit the ship by the 7th prox, when we shall sail again for New York. Signed, Bellomont. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16th. Read 17th March, 1697–8. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 55; and 52. pp. 303–4.]
Jan. 8. [Barbados.]	159. Earl of Bellomont to William Popple. I must refer you to my letter to the Council for our voyage. I must add that neither H.M.S. Fowey nor any of the ships that started under our convoy are yet come here. The Arundel, a fifth-rate frigate, arrived from Boston on the same day as ourselves, and reported that our two biggest merchant ships arrived safely in Boston before his departure, and that peace was proclaimed there on the 11th ult. A sloop sails hence to Pennsylvania in a few days, by which I will send Governor Fletcher the proclamation of peace, though I hope that he will already have received it from Boston. At least a dozen ships have come in here from Boston since my arrival. All the masters report that the storm which drove us off the coast was so violent that the Fowey and the other ships could not have made it, which puts us in some pain for them, but we hope they may have put in at Bermuda or some of the Leeward Islands. I dissuaded Sir Henry Ashurst from putting the persons sent to survey the forests of New England and New Hampshire on board the Deptford, but he would not listen, and now they are driven here with me, which will delay their business. Sir Henry obtained an order from the captain of our ship to carry them to New York, which was too much out of their way even if we had arrived there. A ship is come from New Hampshire with accounts (which are confirmed by the ships from Boston) that the Eastern Indians have made several incursions lately upon New England and New Hampshire, murdering many families in a most barbarous manner. I believe it would be easy to engage the Five Nations to make war on them and extirpate them; and so say some people from New York whom I meet here. If the Council of Trade will send me orders to that effect I will try what can be done. The Surveyors are mightily frighted by these reports of the Eastern Indians, and I doubt if they will venture to view the woods in those eastern parts without a strong guard, which I hope the people of New England will be prevailed with to furnish. We hope to sail again on the 7th prox. Signed, Bellomont. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16th, Read 17th March, 1697–8. [Board of Trade. New York, 7. No. 56; and 52. pp. 304–306.]
Jan. 10.	160. Memorial of Lieutenant-Governor James Norton to Council of Trade and Plantations. Praying for tonnage for the transport of himself, his wife, two children, seven servants, six or seven tons of household goods, and ten recruits for his company, to St. Christophers. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 10 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 69; and 45. p. 166.]
[Jan. 10.]	161. Petition of Jeronimy Clifford to Council of Trade and Plantations. I lately presented a petition to the King concerning several injuries done me in Surinam. This "sispute" depends on the Articles of Capitulation made between William Byam, James Banister and Abraham Qurynson concerning the surrender of Surinam to the Dutch in 1667. I beg therefore that you will grant me copies of these articles from your office. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 10 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 84.]
Jan. 10.	162. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Duplicate of Lieutenant-Governor Stoughton's letter of 30 September, 1697, received, together with a long list of papers from Massachusetts.
	Petition of Jeronimy Clifford read (No. 161), and order given for the papers for which he asks to be delivered to him.
	Captain Warren attended and gave information as to the pirates in the East Indies. Order for a representation to be prepared on the subject.
	Memorial of Captain Norton read (No. 160), and the Secretary ordered to write to the Admiralty thereupon.
	Governor Fletcher's letters of 2 July and 16 November read.
Jan. 12.	Order for a new draft of the representation as to pirates to be prepared.
Jan. 13.	The Secretary was ordered to ascertain if any rooms had been appointed for this Board among those fitted up by Sir Christopher Wren in the Cockpit.
	The Solicitor-General having returned some of the Acts that were in his hands, but not others which had lain with him for still longer, the Secretary was directed to request to despatch them all.
	The new representation as to pirates in the East Indies was signed.
Jan. 14.	Mr. Bridgeman's letter of 13th inst. read (No. 170).
	The Council wrote a letter to Mr. Secretary Vernon to enquire as to the accommodation that was to be given to it; since it appeared that Sir Christopher Wren had received no orders therein. [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 392–398.]
Jan. 11. Essex Street.	163. William Popple to the Secretaries of the Admiralty. The Council of Trade desires to be informed what ships of war are appointed for the Colonies, with particular reference to Captain Norton's request for tonnage to carry himself, family, baggage and recruits to the Leeward Islands. Can such tonnage or any part thereof conveniently be made in the convoy bound for that station? [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. p. 167.]
Jan. 11.	164. William Popple to the Secretaries of the Admiralty. Enquiring what ships are appointed for the several Plantations, and when they will be ready to sail. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 34. p. 221.]
Jan. 11.	165. Receipt of the Government of Rhode Island for certain letters from the Council of Trade, delivered by Jahleel Brenton. Signed, Wes. Clarke. Scrap. Endorsed, Recd. 10 Oct., 1698, from Mr. Brenton. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 2. No. 9.]
Jan. 11.	166. Minutes of Council of Maryland. The Council met at Battletown. The letters from England as to the peace and the Courts of Admiralty were read. George Robotham was appointed Admiralty Judge for the Eastern, and Thomas Tench for the Western shore. The Governor took the oaths for enforcement of the Acts of Trade. The collectors at Patuxent and Potomac were informed by Mr. Randolph that their salaries would be raised. Edward Randolph then produced a commission as Surveyor-General of prizes. The Governor acquainted the Council with his intention to call an Assembly, and the Council agreed that it should be summoned for the 23rd of February. Proclamation for the calling of an Assembly and for further adjournment of the Provincial Court. Order for all electors to have notice of the coming elections. Order for militia-officers to send in lists of their men and arms, and to signify to their delegates, when elected, their opinion as to the necessity or otherwise of new-modelling the militia. Ordered further that the delegates acquaint themselves with the conditions of the militia in each county, and inform themselves as to the disposal of the public levies, about churches, grievances and resident Indians, of which last the gentlemen appointed to decide differences between English and Indians will give them an account. Order for all vestries to send in their accounts, for all public claims to be sent in by the delegates, and for collectors, naval officers and all other receivers of public money to bring in their accounts. The gentlemen specially summoned were then called in, and the Governor communicated to them several charges drawn up against him by Gerard Slye, of which they were said to be able to attest the truth. He then put to them the 1st charge, of intercepting letters; the 5th, of arbitrary seizure of men's estates; the 6th, of granting special commissions to all spiritual courts; the 14th, of establishing Annapolis in an inconvenient place; and several more, all of which the witnesses named by Mr Slye denied to be true on oath.
Jan. 12.	Further of Slye's accusations were read and, like the rest, denied. The Governor thereupon ordered the King's lawyers to prosecute Slye, and collect certain abusive letters written by him as evidence. Order for certain money due to the public by John Coode to be secured on his effects. Order for prosecution of Robert Mason for holding secret correspondence with John Coode. The Justices of Somerset County acquitted themselves of contempt for the Governor in the matter of James Cranford. On a dispute between Edward Randolph and Peter Jennings as to the limits of Patuxent district, it was ordered that Randolph revoke certain of his Commissions and issue new. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 13. pp. 402–413.]
Jan. 12.	167. The Solicitor-General to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered six Acts of Jamaica (list given) and find nothing to object to them, except that I cannot judge as to one clause of one of them which repeals certain other Acts, since those Acts are not before me. Signed, Jo. Hawles. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 13 Jan. Read 4 Feb., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. No. 82; and 56. p. 174.]
	168. President and Council of Barbados to Council of Trade and Plantations. We have had no safe conveyance to carry our public papers to you since 19 June, for though we allowed one vessel to sail in August we could not think that a sufficient opportunity. On the 27th September arrived the remains of our late unfortunate London fleet, with your orders for keeping all ships to go together under the Newcastle's convoy. About that time we had the rumour of a peace, and that the French had four large men-of-war at Martinique, so we thought it best to detain our ships here. And thus matters stood until on 28 December we received your orders to publish the peace, which we did on the 30th with great joy. On the 7th December the French took a London ship within sight of this Island and carried her into Martinique, but they having earlier intelligence of peace than we, she was released. The Newcastle also released a French prize which she had taken. We are under great difficulties in getting the King's ships fitted with necessaries for want of a credit. Though we, as well as former Governors, have pressed this upon the Assembly to obtain their help, yet they will not be prevailed on to do anything, fearing (as they say) that it may become a duty hereafter beyond what the country is able, together with payment of other taxes, to bear. The merchants also will not take the captain's or purser's bills of exchange unless they have security that they will be punctually met. This is the reason why we cannot send home the Newcastle and Bideford now, though we hope they will be ready in fourteen days, for seeing that the Assembly will do nothing towards their supply, we, the members of the Council, have undertaken in our private capacity to give security to the merchants who will furnish them with necessaries, rather than that the King's service should suffer. The captains tell us that the charge will be from £500 to £600 for carpenter's, boatswain's and gunner's stores. We beg that the captain's bills may be duly paid when they arrive and ourselves indemnified. Since the proclamation we have thought it for the benefit of all parties to let the merchant-ships sail when they please after due performance of all duties; and they will carry the present letter; but the journals of Council and laws of the past six months we shall send by the men-of-war. Signed, Fran. Bond, Prest., Geo. Lillington, Geo. Andrews, Wm. Sharpe. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16th, Read 21st March, 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. No. 57; and 44. pp. 140–142.]
Jan. 12.	169. The Solicitor-General to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have perused the Acts passed in Barbados from 9 October, 1694, to 1 July, 1696, and find nothing to object to in nineteen of them (list given). An Act of 1694 for remission of excise duty to Jonathan Langley, three Acts of 1694–1695, and one Act to encourage privateers, being all in diminution of the King's revenue, I do not know how it is fit that they should be confirmed. As to the Act of 20 June, 1696, to encourage the bringing of Christian servants, I certify that an Act of the like effect from another Colony has heretofore been refused, lest it should encourage kidnapping or stealing of white servants, wherefore I conceive that this Act should not be confirmed. Signed, Jo. Hawles. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 7. No. 58; and 44. pp. 122–127.]
Jan. 13. Admiralty Office.	170. William Bridgeman to William Popple. In reply to yours of 11th, the following ships have been appointed and will very shortly be ready to proceed, viz., the Speedwell for Barbados, the Queenborough for the Leeward Islands, and the Sandadoes (prize) and Maidstone for Jamaica. Besides these, the Essex, sixth-rate, is gone to attend on Virginia, and the Swift, advice-boat, on Maryland, to enforce the Acts of Trade. As regards accommodation for Captain Norton, who goes Lieutenant-Governor to St. Christophers, there can be but little convenience in the Queenborough, being a sixth-rate. I must remind you also that it is not usual for men-of-war to carry Governors, with their families and goods, without immediate direction from the King. Signed, William Bridgeman. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 14 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 85; and 34. p. 228.]
Jan. 13.	171. Memorandum of the receipt of the above letter. ¼ p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 70.]
Jan. 13.	172. The Solicitor-General to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the Acts passed in Massachusetts at the Sessions held 20 November, 1695, 26 February and 27 May, 1696, and see no objection to eleven of them (titles given). Two Acts for continuing certain expiring Acts I can give no opinion on, not having seen the expiring Acts alluded to. An Act to encourage the making of salt I can also give no opinion on, no person having been with me to satisfy me as to the matters suggested therein. Signed, Jo. Hawles. 1¼ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 13 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 4; and 36. pp. 343–344.]
Jan. 13.	173. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Vernon. Forwarding a report upon piracy in the East Indies, to be laid before the King. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney. Annexed,
	Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. 13 January, 1698. Since our report of 9th ult. we have received your commands to consider the best means of suppressing the pirates in the East Indies, and offer as follows. First, as the source and support of these piracies is chiefly in the Colonies, particularly in those under distinct Proprieties and Charters, we think that the security suggested in the address of the House of Lords of 18 March last would conduce very much to the redress of the evil. We have signified the King's pleasure to all the Colonies in pursuance of that address, but have not hitherto found any compliance therewith. Next, we have discoursed with the East India Company and with Captain Warren, but though the informations as to particular acts of piracy are many, yet we have been unable to obtain any information as to the fort or settlement at St. Mary's beyond that given by Captain Warren. If your Majesty be satisfied as to the existence of this settlement, we recommend that you should send next March two fourth-rate and one sixth-rate men-of-war (who may be joined by the East India ships then sailing) with instructions to proceed to St. Mary or Madagascar, there to offer your pardon to all pirates who will surrender, and, if the pirates refuse to submit, to attack them there or where-ever they may be found. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 34. pp. 222–225.]
Jan. 13. Kensington.	174. Order of the King in Council. Referring a memorial, with its enclosure, from the Board of Ordnance to the Council of Trade, for their report whether it is necessary that any engineer should be continued in the King's service in the Plantations. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 14, Read 17th Jan., 1697–8. Annexed,
	174. I. The Officers of Ordnance to the Earl of Romney. We submit a list of the engineers employed in the King's service abroad with their pay per diem. You will see that hereby there lies on our office a considerable charge, which, or some part thereof, we hope at this time may be taken off. We beg you to consider whether it would be advisable for you to receive the King's orders to remand some of these engineers home. Signed, H. Goodricke, Jno. Charlton, Ja. Lowther, C. Musgrave, J. Boulter. Original. ½ p.
	174. II. List of engineers employed in the Colonies. Hugh Simms at Antigua, Christian Lilly at Jámaica, Talbot Edwards at Barbados, Heber Lands at the Leeward Islands, and Colonel Romer at New York; also a master-gunner at Barbados. Total annual charge, £1,405 15s. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. Nos. 86, 86 I., II.; and 34. pp. 229–230.]
Jan. 14. Essex Street.	175. William Popple to the Attorney and Solicitor General. Reminding them that there are Acts of Massachusetts of 1695 on which they have not yet given their opinion, asking for the said opinion, and forwarding further Acts of 1696 and 1697 for consideration. List of Acts follows. [Board of Trade. New England, 36. pp. 345–347.]
Jan. 14.	176. Commission to Samuel Day to be Governor of Bermuda. The full number of the Council is to be seven. The rest of the Commission is in the usual form. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 29. pp. 59–72.]
Jan. 14.	177. Minutes of Council of Barbados. A committee appointed to arrange the ceremony of embarking Governor Russell's corpse, two regiments of foot and one of horse to be present, and mourning to be provided for covering the drums, trumpets and colours. The Receiver of the King's casual revenue reported that he had a balance of money in his hands, but could not send it home since he had no orders to do so. A proposal of the President to call an Assembly, since there was no certain news when the new Governor was to be expected, was negatived. A committee appointed to provide a house and cellar for the new Governor. Resolved that the depositions taken for Mr. Edward Walrond be not sealed with the public seal until the King's pleasure be known. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 273–274.]
Jan. 15.	178. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Nevis. Address of thanks from the Assembly to the Lieutenant-Governor for the safety and preservation of the island. A proposal of the Assembly, for a proclamation to call in arrears of taxes, was returned, as there was not a full Council. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 447–448; and 458.]
Jan. 15. Nevis.	179. The Assembly of Nevis to Council of Trade and Plantations. We send herewith our journals, beseeching that what may be thought amiss may be pardoned, and what judged as reasonable grievance redressed. Our first grievance is our being debarred from making laws binding (be the occasion never so emergent) till first sent to Antigua for the consent of the Governor-in-Chief, a thing quite contrary to the former privileges of this and other Islands, which were that in the Governor-in-Chief's absence the Deputy or Lieutenant-Governor, Council and Assembly of each island made laws, binding for two years, which were sent home for confirmation, and unless so confirmed were void. The Governor's present Commission expressly makes his assent, or in his absence the Lieutenant-Governor's assent, necessary to the making of laws. We beg that our old privilege may be restored, and that the word absence may be explained, whether it means that the Governor is never absent until he be dead or out of the Government, or that he is absent from every island but that which he actually is on, and that in such absence the Lieutenant-Governor's assent to laws is sufficient. There has been much contention about it. If he is never to be construed as absent unless he be removed or dead, then we are very miserable, and indeed there is no occasion for Lieutenant-Governors in the several islands; though great inconveniences must necessarily follow if there be not Lieutenant-Governors clothed with powers to make laws with the Council and Assembly, for some of the islands are ten leagues distant from each other. Another privilege of ours was that the Lieutenant-Governor and Council, in the absence of the Governor-in-Chief, were a Court of Chancery and a Court of Admiralty on occasion. But since some few years Governor Codrington has disallowed it to us, declaring that no matters shall be finited in Chancery but when he is present, nor Court of Admiralty or for gaol delivery held except by his special Commission. This has been some cost to us in hire of sloops and delay of justice, for the Governor is sometimes not here for a whole year. These privileges and others have been taken from us by the unusual instructions of the Governor-in-Chief to Lieutenant-Governor Samuel Gardner. Signed, Wm. Buttler, Speaker. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 23 March, 1697. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 71; and 45. pp. 173–176.]
Jan. 15.	180. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for a proclamation to announce the conclusion of peace with France, and for the embargo on ships intended for Europe to be removed. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 107–108.]
Jan. 15. Boston.	181. The Secretary of Massachusetts to William Popple. I sent copies of the Minutes, Acts and public accounts by Mr. Thomas Wilkins, purser of H.M.S. Falkland, which sailed from Piscataqua on 20 October last. I now send the further Minutes of Council to December, 1697, also the Journals of Assembly and Acts. The Lieutenant-Governor is sending an account of the public occurrences. Lord Bellomont was not arrived at New York upon the 1st inst., having been more than seven weeks at sea. Several merchant ships that started with him arrived here in thirty days' passage, and H.M.S. Fowey arrived at New York a fortnight since, having parted with the ship on which he was embarked five weeks before. It is much feared that the severity of the cold and of the north-westerly winds has driven him off the coast. His arrival has been earnestly desired and long expected. Signed, Isa. Addington. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read 11 April, 1698. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 5; and 36. pp. 361–363.]
Jan. 17.	182. Minutes of Council of Montserrat. Order for several Acts expired by reason of the conclusion of the war to be continued for a limited time. Persons named for taking an account of the inhabitants in order to a levy. Order for a warrant for the viewing of a ship. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. p. 528.]
Jan. 17.	183. Instructions to Samuel Day as Governor of Bermuda. The Council is to consist of William Peniston, Samuel Trott, William Outerbridge, Gilbert Nelson, Richard Peniston and John Tucker. He is to propose to the Assembly: (1) That an export duty of one penny per pound be levied on tobacco, but in such manner that the Crown may lessen it in such proportion as shall seem good from time to time, and that no tobacco be laden without security first given for payment of the King's customs and duties. (2) That moderate quit-rents be settled from the lands enjoyed by the inhabitants. (3) That the Governor's house, prison, fortifications and other public buildings be repaired at the public charge, a levy being laid for that purpose. He is to take an account of the public lands and of certain claims thereto, to continue to public officers their shares of land and slaves, to send an account of the slaves belonging to the late Company, and to require from public officers their accounts for money received from the late Company, on pain of suspension. The law as to keeping white servants is to be enforced, the forts and defences are to be kept in good repair, and a certain number of tenants trained to work the guns. No ships are to load or unload except in Castle Harbour or St. George's Harbour. Isaac Richier is to be permitted to come to England, to give security to prosecute his appeals in his suits against Nicholas Trott and John Goddard, and his goods are to be restored to him. Goddard and Trott are also to give security to abide by the decision of the King in Council, and Trott, if in Bermuda, is to be obliged to come to England to answer for misdemeanours in his Government of the Bahamas. The Acts of Trade and Navigation are to be strictly observed. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 29. pp. 72–107.]
Jan. 17.	184. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Order in Council of 13th inst. on a memorial of the Board of Ordnance read (No. 174).
	Major Handasyd's letter of 18 November last from Newfoundland read.
Jan. 18.	The Acts of Barbados were considered.
Jan. 19.	Acts of Barbados further considered, and directions given for a representation thereupon.
	Journals of Jamaica from December 1695 to July 1696 perused.
Jan. 20.	Perusal of Journals of Jamaica continued.
Jan. 21.	Acts of Jamaica perused. [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 399–404.]
Jan. 18.	185. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Orders for several payments for salaries and for various services, including £50 to the captain of a sloop for good service in bringing intelligence and a prisoner from St. Domingo. A petition read from the inhabitants who furnished Admiral Nevill's squadron with wood and water, that they might be paid from the proceeds of the sale of the King's victuals. Order for the claims to be examined and, if certified, to be paid as requested in the petition. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 79. pp. 75–77.]
Jan. 20. Boston.	186. John Usher to Council of Trade and Plantations. I enclose what has come to my hands since I left New Hampshire. By my warrant Major Smith ordered the militia under arms for the solemnity of publishing your orders, for which Mr. Partridge summoned him before Council for disturbing the peace. It is hard for men who obey your orders to be thereupon charged as disturbers of the peace; but those now holding the Government are so ill-affected that they hate every loyal man. You have heard that Mr. Partridge and Council propose to maintain the Government as it now is, that is to say as no kingly but as a Commonwealth Government. The purging of Fyfield out of the Assembly shews that they will not suffer a loyal person to hold a place of trust. I have been told that in several towns the inhabitants were not warned of the election of Assembly men, and that but a few, malignant to the King's Government, met and chose them, which I judge to be illegal. Pickering, the Speaker, is the person who some years since seized and still detains all the records of deeds and wills. These three or four years I have endeavoured to prosecute him for the same, but without effect, owing to the failure of the officers. He is chief leader of the mob, and without him Hincks, etc., dared not have adventured in the Government. By him they are upheld, and they dare do nothing but as he directs. He of all men should be made an example, considering a speech that he once made in the Assembly reflecting on the King, quoting "He which goes to build a tower and doth not first sit down and count the cost, etc." I hope you will give orders to bring him to justice, that his example may be a terror to other evil doers. Then I judge the Government will have rest. Signed, John Usher. ¾ p. Enclosed,
	186. I. Joseph Smith to John Usher. Hampton, 17 January, 1697–8. On the 28th December I appeared before His little Honour and Council, according to summons, to answer for disturbing the peace. I told them in short that I had obeyed your warrants as Lieutenant-Governor not only on the 12th and 13th December but ever since, in virtue of the instructions received by you from Whitehall, and that if obedience to God and the King were a crime to be summoned fourteen miles to answer for, then I was guilty of that crime. Colonel Packer made a like answer. Waldern after an impertinent discourse said that they had no more to say at present. The same day the Assembly met and chose Pickering Speaker. Partridge delivered them a paper, desiring their advice as to sending to England to have the Government confirmed as it is. The Assembly withdrew and down comes old Penny with a deposition against Ben. Fyfield that he had been heard to say that he was as well contented to be under Mr. Usher as Mr. Partridge, and that those who sent Ichabod Plastead to New York ought to pay his wages. On this testimony they purged the Assembly of this honest man, and issued a writ for the election of another in his room. I know nothing of their proceedings since. The Assembly are like those that met to choose them, men of anti-monarchial principles. I hear that not above six met at Exeter and not above twenty at Hampton. It will be very strange if these proceedings be countenanced—the acceptance by Mr. Partridge of such a person as Speaker, who is known to be of ill principles, being a common drunkard and a notorious felon. There are others who were delivered out of gaol by that rebellious Revolution, such as Furber, etc. If they be countenanced, every good man must quit his habitation or be made a prey to unreasonable men. Copy. 1¼ pp. The whole endorsed, Recd. Read 12 April, 1698. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 6, 6I.; and (without enclosure), 36. pp. 364–365.]
Jan. 20–22.	187. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. The Assembly, twenty in number, chose George Gamble for Speaker, who was approved. The Council and Assembly agreed to appoint a joint committee to draw up a Militia Act, an Act to encourage importation of white servants, and a short Act for better regulation of the Registry, and another joint committee to report as to the number of standing guards that it is still necessary to keep. The Council sent down to the Assembly the depositions of Edward Walrond, and the letter signed J. Johnson, for their consideration. The Assembly asked for further time to consider them, and that the Governor, looking to the expense which the island had incurred in fortifications, would ask for one of the companies of Holt's regiment to be kept in that island at the King's charge. The Governor consented, and urged them to despatch the business before them. Message from the Assembly asking for the Council's directions as to the amendment of the bills for regulating Assemblies, and for regulating fees. Several patents for lands passed. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 235–240.]
Jan. 21. Admiralty Office.	188. William Bridgeman to William Popple. The Admiralty desire to know when the Council of Trade propose that the convoy for Newfoundland should be ready to proceed from England. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 24 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 93; and 25. p. 174.]
[Jan. 24.]	189. Petition of Charles Story to Council of Trade and Plantations. I was sent over by the Lieutenant-Governor of New Hampshire to lay before you the ill-state of the Colony. My expenses were such that without your assistance I cannot return. I beg you to contribute £20 towards transporting me to New Hampshire again. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 24 Jan., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 7.]
Jan. 24.	190. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Bridgeman's letter of 21st as to the Newfoundland convoy read (No. 188). Order for Mr. Cole and Mr. Merret to be summoned to attend on Wednesday.
	Mr. Story presented a memorial (No. 189). Order for the Secretary to represent his case to Mr. Lowndes for the consideration of the Treasury.
Jan. 26.	Mr. Cole and Mr. Merret attending, gave their opinion as to the Newfoundland convoy, which the Secretary was ordered to represent to the Admiralty (see No. 196).
	The Council again wrote to Mr. Vernon upon the subject of rooms for this Board.
	An order of the House of Commons for copy of the Board's Commission and instructions was received and read.
Jan. 27.	The letter as to Newfoundland convoys was approved; and the representation on the Acts of Barbados signed.
	Perusal of the Acts of Jamaica continued.
Jan. 28.	Perusal of the Acts of Jamaica continued.
	Copy of the Commission and instructions sent up to the House of Commons. [Board of Trade. Journal, 10. pp. 399–408.]
Jan. 25. Boston.	191. Lieutenant-Governor Stoughton to Council of Trade and Plantations. Since my last of 30 September I have received your further letter of 27 October, with the proclamation of peace, which was published amid great rejoicing. The people have very sensibly tasted the direful effects of war and are glad to be freed from the heavy taxes laid upon them for the prosecution of the war; they will enjoy great ease if the barbarous Indian rebels can be reduced to obedience. I have also received yours of 3 August, desiring me to further your intentions as to New Hampshire, which came not to my hand until Mr. Usher had started for the province on your order to proclaim peace, which I understand that he did. On his arrival in the province, however, Mr. Partridge published his commission and took over the Government. Whether he be qualified or not I cannot judge. I have not received one line from him since, nor has he at any time advised with me concerning the Government. No doubt Mr. Usher will give you a full account. I was ready to have given him all credit and countenance with the people of New Hampshire, had opportunity offered for my interposing. I enclose an account of three prize ships brought in here since the sending of the last list. I hold the King's share in my hands ready for payment to any duly authorized person. The last ships brought a commission from the Prize Office for John George, merchant, to be their Agent in these parts for all prizes brought in since 19 June, 1689, without a notice of the Royal Grant made to Lord Romney and Mr. John Glover. The matter is not well understood here. I paid to the Agents of the latter £286, which I hope was right; but I ask for instructions as to the further prize-moneys remaining in my hands. On his return home from Newfoundland Colonel Gibsone despatched a ship here to be laden with provisions and supplies for the forces left in that country. I sent her off as soon as necessary repairs to her were finished and the season would permit, for winter had set in before she arrived here. The cost of the said repairs and provisions amounted to £ 1,610, at the most reasonable rate possible, and I have sent the account to Sir Henry Ashurst. I have detained this ship for some time in the hope of reporting to you Lord Bellomont's arrival at New York, but there was no news of it up to the 10th inst., being near five weeks after the arrival of some of the merchant ships that started with him. I fear that he has been driven off the coast by gales of unusual severity, and has been exposed to the hardships of a tedious winter-voyage. Signed, Wm. Stoughton. 2 pp. Inscribed, a short abstract of the above. Endorsed, Recd. Read 12 April, 1698. Enclosed,
	191. I. Account of three prizes brought into Massachusetts on 9 November, 1697. Total value, £774. King's share £154, less £120 deducted for 12 guns, making the King's share, net £34. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 12 April, 1698. Copy of the above letter. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. Nos. 8, 8I., 9; and (without enclosure), 36. pp. 366–370.]
Jan. 25.	192. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Order for issue of writs for the election of an Assembly. Thomas Sadleir continued as Acting Treasurer till further order. Major Estwick and Lieutenant-Colonel Fortescue appointed assistants at Bridge Court and Oistins Court respectively. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 274–275.]
Jan. 25.	193. Minutes of Council of Montserrat. In reply to the Council's proposal the Assembly concurred in testifying to Governor Codrington's good carriage, to vindicate him against the attacks of Mr. Walrond and Mr. Lucas. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 528–529.]
Jan. 27. Hartford.	194. The Governor and Council of Connecticut to Council of Trade and Plantations. On 21st inst. we received by our agent, Major-General Fitzjohn Winthrop, the King's letter of 22 April, 1697, and yours of 9 February and 26 August last. We assure you of our diligent endeavours for some time past to enforce the Acts of Trade and Navigation, and of our readiness to observe them in future. We have as far as in us lay complied with your various orders. The General Assembly has chosen Commissioners to negotiate with Rhode Island as to our boundaries, and we hope that they may come to an amicable agreement. If not, we shall observe your orders. As to the militia, no one can deny our readiness to assist neighbouring Governments against both French and Indians with all forces that we could spare consistently with our own safety during the late war. We have had our quota of men and sometimes more in actual service under our pay on the frontiers of Massachusetts and of New York, while other Governments have sat still and contributed nothing, that we could learn, to the relief of those provinces and the security of their frontiers. We take the boldness to vindicate ourselves against the accusations of backwardness which have been suggested against us. The happy return of peace has rendered the quota needless, but we shall not neglect, in times of peace, to take such care of our forces as the King has directed. As to the Acts of Trade we shall be very ready to give Lord Bellomont the security which the King has required. All reports of our harbouring pirates and carrying on illegal trade are utterly false. Our trade at the most is so inconsiderable that it would be impossible for illegal traders to pass undiscovered; and as to our being a receptacle for pirates, not one vessel, belonging or reported to belong to any pirates, real or supposed, has come or been admitted to any of our ports, bays or any other place. How true these reports may be of other Colonies we cannot say, but we ourselves have always been far from countenancing what is contrary to the law of God and man. Signed, for the Governor and Company, Eleazar Kimberly, Secy. 2½ pp. with précis attached. The whole endorsed, Recd. 8 Sept.; Read 20 Oct., 1697. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 2. No. 10; and 29. pp. 237–241.]
Jan. 27.	195. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. We present to you a list of Acts of Barbados, of which we find many to be temporary and expired, some of private concernment and already confirmed, and others which, though of public concernment, may without inconvenience remain without confirmation, that is to say in force until your pleasure be signified to the contrary. We have marked these several distinctions against each Act in the list. There is an Act, declaring the decision of controverted elections to the Assembly to be in the representatives of the people, as to which we have not yet sufficient information to offer any recommendation. As to the Act giving a present of £300 to the late Governor we see no reason why it should not be confirmed and the money paid to his executors. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. Here follows a list of thirty-seven Acts. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 44. pp. 127–135.]
Jan. 27. Whitehall.	196. William Popple to the Secretaries of the Admiralty. With reference to yours of 21st inst. (No. 188) the Council of Trade after consultation with the merchants concerned in Newfoundland think that it may be sufficient at present for one man-of-war to be appointed to be ready to sail from Plymouth about the beginning of April, with orders to stay at Newfoundland till towards the end of September, to regulate any disputes between the fishing-ships there, and convoy back any of the ships to Spain, Portugal or Italy. The merchants expecting that some other frigates may be appointed meanwhile to cruise against the Salleemen (from whom they apprehend most danger) are less determined upon the force necessary to convoy their sack-ships to Newfoundland in June and convoy back the ships for Spain, Portugal and Italy. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 25. p. 173.]
Jan. 28–29.	197. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. The Assembly consented to the Council's proposal to settle £200 or 32,000lbs. of sugar per annum as the Chief Justice's salary. Message from the Assembly vindicating the Governor's integrity and loyalty against the accusations of Edward Walrond. The Council concurred with the Assembly in the discharge of the standing guards and the appointment of some of the King's soldiers to do duty in their stead. Message from the Assembly asking for explanation of a clause in the Act for regulating fees, and requesting that the next General Assembly may be held in Antigua, since the gentlemen to leeward, always unreasonable over the public accounts, will be doubly so when stirred up by their own people. The Assembly also sent up an account with the request that it might be paid. Eleven justices of the peace sworn. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 241–245.]
Jan. 31. Whitehall.	198. James Vernon to Council of Trade and Plantations. By the King's command I transmit to you the list of the ships proposed by the Admiralty for the West Indies, for your opinion whether the squadron is sufficient for the service. Signed, Ja. Vernon. List of ships. Pendennis, 50 guns; Tyger, 50 guns; Sandadoes (prize), 46 guns; Lynn, 32 guns; Maidstone, 24 guns. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 1 Feb., 1697–8. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 87; and 34. p. 231.]