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July 21.
Whitehall. |
685. Secretary Vernon to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have laid before the King your report on Colonel Fletcher's petition (see No. 667), but the King does not think fit to give any orders for discharging or changing his security. Lord Bellomont writes that a clause in Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan's commission makes him subject to his lordship's authority only during his residence in New York, and desires that the commission may be altered and made more conformable to that granted to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson under Sir Edmund Andros. Lord Bellomont asks also for power to change his lieutenant-governor and appoint a new one if he judges it necessary for the King's service, which arises from his distrust of Mr. Nanfan, though he is his relation
and was recommended by him for the post. You will report your opinion hereupon, and make such alteration in the commission as you think fit. Your opinion is further desired as to the pardon recommended by Lord Bellomont for Samuel Burgess and Edward Taylor, whose confessions and affidavits are enclosed. The King intends to send Commissioners with the ships that are ordered to Madagascar for the suppression of the pirates in the East Indies, and to give them power to offer pardon to those who shall surrender. You will prepare instructions for them. Signed, Ja. Vernon. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read 22 Sept., 1698. Enclosed, |
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685. I. Copy of John Nanfan's instructions as Lieutenant-Governor of New York. 1 July, 1697. 1¼ pp. |
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685. II. Copy of Francis Nicholson's commission as Lieutenant-Governor of New England. 20 April, 1688. 1¼ pp. |
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685. III. Deposition of Samuel Burgess (see No. 473 II.). |
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685. IV. Deposition of Edward Taylor (see No. 476 III.). [Board of Trade. New York, 7. Nos. 87, 87 I.–IV.; and (without enclosures) 52. pp. 375–377.] |
| July 21. |
686. Memorandum of the last paragraph of the preceding letter, referring to the instructions required for the Commissioners that accompany the East Indian squadron. ¼ p. The paragraph itself is transcribed in Board of Trade. Plantations General, 34. p. 308. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 120.] |
| July 21. |
687. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. On the death of Governor Codrington, John Perrie, his private secretary, produced his instructions. The Assembly asked to have perusal of them, but this was denied by the Council. Thomas Duncombe, who had been suspended by Governor Codrington, demanded to sit in the Council. It was unanimously resolved that his suspension was in force. |
| July 22. |
On the resolution of the Council a letter was written to the Council of Nevis, enclosing copies of part of the Governor's instructions. In answer to a question of the Assembly, the Council gave its opinion that all offices and officers appointed by the late Governor stand in full force. The Assembly disputing this and asking that the matter might be referred by joint action to the Council of Nevis, the Council answered that it thought this unnecessary, but sent its letter down to the Assembly for perusal. The Council held that Governor Codrington's authority devolved upon John Yeamans as Deputy Governor by the late Governor's commission. The Assembly held that the chief authority in the Leeward Islands devolved on the Council of Nevis. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 262–266.] |
| July 21. |
688. Minutes of Council of Maryland. Two gentlemen were brought up on information of drinking King James's health, but exonerated themselves. The letter of the Council of Trade of 21 March was read, with a copy of the Jamaica Act against pirates, which the Governor said that he should lay before the Assembly. Order for a letter to Mr. Paggan approving his action as to the public arms, and giving him further commissions for purchases in
England. A Jesuit priest appeared and made a deposition against Gerard Slye. A copy of the Governor's proclamation, forbidding Popish priests to visit people's houses unless sent for, was given to him, and he was required to show it to the other priests. Further depositions against Slye. A letter from the sheriff that Robert Mason could not be brought before Council without endangering his life. Order for a medical certificate that his illness is not counterfeit. Orders sent to Colonel Lowe to arrest several persons for scurrilous words against the Governor, and in case of any commotion to raise the posse and inform the Governor, who will visit the place in person. Proclamation for securing runaway seamen. On complaint of John Young, that Elizabeth Wilson had threatened him with a knife when he attempted to take a horse of her husband's under warrant of impressment for the public service, it was ordered that she be brought before the Council. John Young also complained of other similar obstructions to him in the execution of his duty. |
| July 22. |
Richard Smith bound over to take his trial for seditious language, and Benjamin Hall likewise for the like. A new Commission of the peace for Charles County ordered, with Hall's name omitted. The committee appointed to take care for transcription of the laws reported their difficulties therein, and received assurance that the clerks employed by them should be paid. Major Walter Smith bound over to take his trial for seditious language. Order for enquiry as to the number of people converted to the Romish faith during the past twelve months. Proclamations against drinking the health and promoting the interest of King James, and for the apprehension of Philip Clarke and John Coode. Order for observance of the Council of Trade's regulations respecting official documents. John Blackmore and William Cotter were brought before Council as former pirates, but several members of Council testifying to their good behaviour, they were released on giving security to appear if called upon. |
| July 23. |
William Harris accused of making charges against James Frisby undertook to prove them, and order was given for his witnesses to attend. The Pennsylvanian Act to prevent frauds was read, when the law-officers pronounced the clause therein, whereby offences against the Acts of Trade are to be tried by jury, to be illegal, in which opinion the Council concurred. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 13. pp. 558–580.] |
| July 22. |
689. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. On the intelligence of the murder of English settlers at Hatfield by Indians, it was ordered that notice be given to Lord Bellomont to restrain the Indians from coming to the western part of the province. Leave granted to Andrew Rankin to add to his house in Boston. Order for admission of Jacob Smith to bail of £500 on a charge of piracy, and of Matthew Carey to the like bail on a charge of bigamy. Order for payment of £300 to the Lieutenant-Governor and of other salaries for the past year, of £12 to Major Convers for expenses in the King's service, of £20 smart-money to Eliezer Rogers, of £15 to a sick and disabled soldier, and of £46 to various persons for billeting soldiers. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 162–166.] |
| July 22. |
690. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Nevis. Resolved unanimously that the Government continue as it was left by the Governor and that his death be reported to the Council of Trade. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 471–472.] |
| July 22. |
691. Estimate of the value of Stephen Duport's estate in St. Christophers. Total £10,007; with a confirmatory certificate of the same. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 22 July, 1698. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 102; and 45. pp. 226–227.] |
July 22.
Nevis. |
692. Council of Nevis to Council of Trade and Plantations. Governor Codrington died at Antigua on the 20th inst. We shall be very careful in performing the trust reposed in us by him in the Government of this island till further notice. Signed, Wm. Burt, Mich. Smith, Dan. Smith, Jno. Smargin, Rich. Abbott, Walter Symonds. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 26 Sept., 1698. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. No. 103; and 45. p. 294.] |
July 22.
Admiralty
Office. |
693. J. Burchett to Mr. Secretary Vernon. The Admiralty have heard from Captain Bowles of H.M.S. Norwich, under date Montserrat, 14 June, that no packet has arrived for taking over the French part of St. Christophers, and that the French gentlemen are going home to acquaint the French King of our pulling down French houses in that island since the peace, and to ask satisfaction. Signed, J. Burchett. ½ p. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 89.] |
July 22.
London. |
694. Captain Thomas Warren to Council of Trade and Plantations. According to your orders I have enquired as to the navigable part between this and Madagascar. I find that we may go at all times of the year. The East India Company have several ships now going for India, which is far more difficult navigation than that to Madagascar with regard to the time of year. The western monsoons begin at the latter end of January, which in my judgment is the time when we should be at Madagascar, and have done what we had to do there and have been ready to take the first of the westerly monsoons, proceeding eastward according as we meet with intelligence. I desire that in my instructions there may be directions concerning the traders with pirates and ships that I may meet illegally trading, also that, in case the pirates have any other place of rendezvous besides Madagascar, I may have liberty to follow them; also how I am to dispose of those who surrender on account of pardon. I desire also that I may carry credit with me, or power to demand what necessaries I require from our English factories. I am informed that there is a ship daily expected hence from India which can give a full true account of the places and strength of the pirates. I am promised the whole account, and I shall acquaint you as soon as I get it. I think that another frigate would be of great service, for if I desire to divide my squadron I cannot conveniently do it, having but three ships. With four I could order two and two together for any service that required it. I ask also that we may have two responsible men for two of our ships, who are acquainted with the coasts that we may be called to. Signed, Tho. Warren. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed, Read 26 July. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. No. 121; and 34. pp. 309–310.] |
| July 22. |
695. Minutes of Council of New York. The Lieutenant-Governor informed the Council that Governor Basse and Mr. Willocks had been with him and had asserted the right of East Jersey to a free port at Amboy. Order for the officers of the Customs to do their duty in enforcing Lord Bellomont's proclamation with reference to Amboy, and for an officer to proceed thither at once in quest of a sloop which was about to land goods there. |
| July 23. |
It was reported to the Council that the Governor of the Jerseys asked for the clearing of a ship in the roads for Amboy, offering security to abide a trial about the right of a port at Amboy. The Governor and Mr. Willocks appeared and upheld the right of the said port under an Act of 25 Car. II., saying further that the bills of lading for Amboy had been signed by the master, and cockets signed by the Commissioners of Customs. He also handed in further documents, which were ordered to be sent to the Governor at Albany. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 125–126.] |
July 25.
Antigua. |
696. Lieutenant-Governor Yeamans to Council of Trade and Plantations. Governor Codrington departed this life on Wednesday morning last. I have reported this to the President and Council of Nevis, with whom, by the late Governor's instructions, his power seems to rest; but owing to the suspension of Lieutenant-Governor Gardner of Nevis and the Governor's death before the King's pleasure was know therein, some hold that Colonel Gardner may assume the Government, which I fear may raise trouble among us. I and my Council hold that his suspension continues. Signed, John Yeamans. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 4 Oct., 1698. Enclosed, |
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696. I. Copy of the Minutes of Council of Antigua. 22 July, 1698. Resolved that the Governor's death be at once reported to London and to Nevis, that a copy of his instructions also be sent to Nevis, and that the Government be continued as he had established it. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 5. Nos. 104, 104 I.; and (without enclosures) 45. pp. 296–298.] |
| July 25. |
697. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Order in Council of 16th inst. upon Edward Walrond's petition read (No. 676). The Board resolved to give the business what despatch they could. |
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List of several papers of Maryland brought to the Board by Sir Thomas Laurence on the 21st inst. Order for Sir Thomas to attend the Board, and for the Acts to be sent to the Attorney-General. |
