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Dec. 5.
Jamaica. |
1,028. Governor Sir William Beeston to Council of Trade and Plantations. Since mine of 13 October the Act for settling the Royal African Company has reached us, at the end whereof is a clause that no Governor, Lieutenant-Governor nor Judge in any Court shall be factors for them or for any others in the sale of negroes. This has put us in such disorder that I see nothing but that law and justice must cease among us and therewith the King's authority, if there be no officers to support it. Several of them have resigned already, and the rest, when they please, will make it an argument that they serve in those offices for no reward, and therefore not knowing how soon their friends in England may consign them a ship of negroes, they will not part with that which is a sure profit for that which is nothing but trouble and expense. Besides it frightens them all that an information shall lie against them in Westminster Hall, where any envious people may inform against them and judgment may be given against them before they know of it, which no man will hazard. Withal they say that it is against Magna Charta that a man should be tried anywhere but by his neighbours where the fault was committed, and not by strangers at such a distance. Neither was it considered that we have but few people, and of these still fewer fit to make judges and justices, so that in all appearance it must ruin the place and authority. I beg your assistance for redress herein. The Captains of the Sindado, prize, and of H.M.S. Maidstone are both dead, as well as several of their men. I can impute the cause to nothing so much as that, knowing that no one has any great authority over them, they do what they please; for after both of them receiving orders to go to sea, which would have preserved them and their men, they stayed on their own instructions or pleasure; by which they and their men got too much drink and brought the fever among them. Now, they are pretty well again, the sickly season being over, and are commanded by the Lieutenants, there being no power here to make officers, but as they follow one another in course, about which they do not agree, so that the King's service suffers thereby. I am forced to put soldiers on board them to supply their want of men, and send the Sindado after a pirate commanded by one Bourke, an Irishman, who lies about the Isle des Vaches and has taken several of our traders bound thither. From thence she is to sail to St. Domingo to demand restitution of a vessel of this island which the Spaniards have carried in there. I have already sent to the Governor of Carthagena about another which was carried off by the Barlovento fleet, but they put me off, as they always do, and make no reparation for any injury, which they never fail to do us when they are strong enough
to overcome those whom they meet of our nation. The Maidstone I am sending to Mons. Ducasse to demand why Kelly (who is at liberty there and a great man among them) is not punished for piracy since the peace, and obliged to make restitution. I have told Mons. Ducasse that if I am denied I must lay the complaint before the King and Council, and I will send you his answer by first opportunity. From thence the Maidstone will proceed to Providence to demand of the Governor a vessel and cargo worth £3,000 which some of his people by his commission (as I am informed) took, carried away to Providence and there condemned. Thus we are beset and have our ships captured by Spaniards, French, English and pirates; our hands are tied from making any reparation, and to complain to Spain costs more than it is worth, so that it is no booty for any one that has suffered to try that remedy. I send copies of my letters to the Governors, and beg you to move the King to empower me to detain on such occasions for satisfaction, else it will be very uneasy to all the people here. |
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The Assembly are sitting and have passed an Act in Mr. Tyrrell's favour far beyond his deserts from this country, where he has in all things been refractory enough. They have also continued the duties on imported wines and exported negroes, though for eight months only. I hope they have further considerations about it, else I should have rejected it, but I consider it as so much money gained to the public and believe they will continue it, though after eight months they design, I think, to appropriate it towards the payment of the losses which several sustained in the war. The Scotch fleet is arrived at Darien, into which bay one of our sloops saw them sail. If they settle there and are healthy, the noise of gold (of which there is great plenty in those parts) will carry away all our debtors, servants and ordinary people in hope of mending their fortunes, and will much weaken what little strength we have. The season for making sugar approaching, the Assembly have desired a recess, and I have adjourned them to the 11th January. Before they rose they passed an Act to quiet people's possessions, and another in which they have showed their respect and gratitude to me by making me a present of £1,500, and declaring the reasons that moved them to it. This is their spontaneous act without any motion from me nor from anyone for me, by which they have declared their satisfaction in me, and therefore I hope that, being done by the body of the country, it may silence the envious allegations of those who are lately gone to England to traduce me. I am sending a copy of the Act to Mr. Popple, and beg your favour to obtain the King's leave for me to receive this mark of the country's respect. The adjournment of the Assembly being short, I hope that when they meet again they will soon finish what they have to do, and I am not without hope that I may prevail with them to pass the bill for the revenue indefinitely, as it was done in the Duke of Albemarle's Government, and now lies before you not yet passed by the King. I will send all Acts passed as soon as possible. I intend to move the Council for the erection of two large store-houses at Kingston for the reception of such things as may be sent for the King's ships. I doubt not to obtain their concurrence therein, and
in anything else that is for the King's service. Signed, Wm. Beeston. Holograph, 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 18th, Read 28th Feb., 1698–9. Enclosed, |
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1,028. I. Governor Sir William Beeston to the Governor of Carthagena. 17 September, 1698. I send this ship-of-war with this letter in the hope that he may meet the Barlovento fleet at Carthagena and acquaint you that they have carried away a small vessel from Carolina, which was returning thither from Jamaica. For what reason she was seized on the high seas at a time of peace I cannot see. It looks so like piracy that if I meet with any of your people that deal so with English subjects I shall hang them as such. I desire you to restore the vessel, otherwise I shall not only complain to England but shall order the King's ships to detain any Spanish ships that they meet, until satisfaction be given me. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,028. II. Governor Webb to Charles Hobby, merchant of Port Royal. New Providence, 19 October, 1698. A brief note about a missing vessel commanded by one Edwards. Holograph. 1 p. |
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1,028. III. Governor Sir William Beeston to Governor Webb. Jamaica, 11 November, 1698. By singular providence John Edwards has arrived here. His brigantine was chased by some of your island, who captured her, took her to Providence and there condemned her. This is piracy, for I never heard that the King had empowered any to give men commissions to rob their fellow-subjects. Edwards goes with this to seek for restitution, and I advise you to make it, otherwise I shall certainly report it to the King and Council. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,028. IV. Governor Sir William Beeston to the Governor of the Isle des Vaches. 14 November, 1698. A master of a ship has come in here who tells me that she was taken by a pirate near the Isle des Vaches and that she was carried in there. In that case I hope you have secured her and will restore her, for I cannot think that this piratical vessel is protected by you. Pray then advise the Captain of this present man-of-war where to cruise for her. Some time since you wrote to me that Kelly should be secured and punished. I hear on the contrary that he is at liberty and that neither he nor his booty have been secured. Unless you can prevail that he shall make restitution, I must complain to the Court in England. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,028. V. Governor Sir William Beeston to the Spanish Governor of St. Domingo. 14 November, 1698. I send this man-of-war to cruise after French pirates and to enquire as to the Englishmen carried into your port for no reason that I know of. The Barlovento fleet has also taken an English vessel, and I shall be obliged to stop any Spanish ships that I meet with, in satisfaction. Pray explain to me the reason for these violent acts in time of peace. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,028. VI. Governor Sir William Beeston to Mons. Ducasse. 15 November, 1698. I was told that if Kelly came on your coast he should be secured and obliged to make restitution for his many robberies. He has since taken two of our ships and plundered the pinnace of a King's ship. I ask you again to give me satisfaction for these piracies or I must complain to the Court of England. Finding that many French pirates cruise and harbour about the Isle des Vaches I have sent a man-of-war there. Copy. 1 p. |
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1,028. VII. Act of Jamaica for presenting £1,500 to Sir William Beeston. Copy. Large sheet. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 8. Nos. 102, 102 I.–VII.; and (without enclosures), 56. pp. 278–287.] |
Dec. 5.
Whitehall. |
1,029. William Popple to Thomas Weaver. Enquiring as to the progress of his solicitations for payment of the forces at New York since his arrival in England. [Board of Trade. New York, 53. p. 108.] |
| Dec. 5. |
1,030. Journal of General Assembly of Massachusetts. Bill to regulate ship-building again read, and ordered to be engrossed; bill for a Court of Equity read, and additional clauses proposed. |
| Dec. 6. |
Bill for a Court of Equity again debated. Additional bill to regulate townships read a first time. Bill proposed by the Representatives for the preservation and increase of deer read. |
| Dec. 7. |
Poll-tax bill again read and ordered to be engrossed. Bill to regulate ship-building passed into an Act. Impost Amendment bill again read, and alterations proposed. Votes of the Representatives for certain payments agreed to, as also a resolution on a petition from the select men of Boxford. |
| Dec. 8. |
Impost Amendment bill read and ordered to be engrossed. Townships Additional bill read and debated. Bill for a Court of Equity sent down for concurrence. A vote of the Representatives for a payment to a chaplain agreed to. |
| Dec. 9. |
The Poll-tax bill and Impost Amendment bill were passed into Acts. Deer Preservation bill again read and ordered to be engrossed. Bill to enable Sheriffs, etc., to call in assistance in criminal cases was read and ordered to be engrossed. |
| Dec. 10. |
The two bills last named were passed into Acts, also bills for a Court of Equity, and to establish the form of oath for justices. Several payments voted by the Representatives were agreed to, as also their resolutions on two petitions. William Paine appointed Commissioner of Impost. The Assembly was then dissolved. [Board of Trade. New England, 48. pp. 270–278.] |
| Dec. 5. |
1,031. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Order for a letter to Mr. Vernon to acquaint him of the menaces used by Mons. de Frontenac to the Five Nations; and for a letter to the New York Agent to ascertain what care is taken in soliciting the pay of the forces at New York. |
| Dec. 7. |
Draft letter to Mr. Vernon approved. Order for Mr. Weaver to be enquired of, as to the English prisoners who refused to return to New York. |
| Dec. 8. |
Letter to Mr. Vernon signed. |
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Lady Clara Wood's letter of 7th inst. concerning Mr. Samuel Gray read (No. 1,032). Ordered that the information for which she asks shall be given to her. |
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Copy of a deposition against Nicholas Trott, presented by Mr. Edward Richier yesterday (No. 1,034), was read. [Board of Trade. Journal, 11. pp. 296–299.] |
| Dec. 7. |
1,032. Lady Clara Wood to William Popple. Asking for any information as to Mr. "Samyouell Gray of Vergine," minister, to be sent to her at the lodgings of her husband, Sir Edward Wood, in Somerset House. Signed, Clara Wood. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 8 Dec., 1698. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 6. No. 72.] |
Dec. 7.
Whitehall. |
1,033. William Popple to Thomas Weaver. Desiring to be informed if possible of the number of English prisoners, taken by the French, who refused to return from Canada. [Board of Trade. New York, 53. p. 108.] |
[Dec. 7.]
Bermuda. |
1,034. Deposition of several persons. That on the occasion of the wreck of a ship, with 74,000 dollars and merchandise on board, Nicholas Trott disarmed the 65 survivors of the crew that came ashore, sent a boat to the ship to bring off all the money and merchandise that could be saved, took it all for himself and his gang, and would not restore to the crew their arms nor suffer them to depart without paying him fifty dollars apiece. Copy. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. from Edward Richier, 7 Dec., 1698. Read 8 Dec., 1698. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 2. No. 39; and 25. pp. 259–261.] |
Dec. 8.
Whitehall. |
1,035. Council of Trade and Plantations to Secretary Vernon. We have received letters from Lord Bellomont of 14 and 16 September (No. 822) in which he expresses apprehension lest Count de Frontenac should invade our Indians. On his arrival he sent messengers to the Count with a copy of the treaty and with our French prisoners, asking for the return of our prisoners in his hands. Whereupon the Count ordered the English prisoners to be brought forward, all of whom with few exceptions refused to return, but declined to give up the Indian prisoners, alleging that the Indians had begun a negotiation with him; and when he was told that this negotiation was disavowed by the Nations he claimed sovereignty over the Five Nations for the French, saying that these were his orders and that he must obey them until changed. In July Lord Bellomont had a very successful conference with the Indians, but in August Count de Frontenac refused to give up the Onandaga and Seneca prisoners and threatened to invade four of the Nations unless they sent their Sachems to him within fifty days. Lord Bellomont has promised help to the Five Nations, sent the Lieutenant-Governor with a reinforcement to New York and addressed a remonstrance to Count de Frontenac. It is in our opinion of vital importance to our Colonies that the Five Nations be protected and preserved. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. New York, 53. pp. 109–113.] |
| Dec. 9. |
1,036. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Order for payment of £4 to John Cooke for various postal services, of £3 to William Jamison for attending a gentleman to Piscataqua, of £14 to the Commissioners of Excise, of £40 to two persons for expense of their journey to Albany, and of several sums to various persons for their services against the Indians at Hatfield. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 181–183.] |
| Dec. 9. |
1,037. Minutes of Council of New York. Sundry petitions considered, on which it was ordered that William Bradford appear before the Council on the 15th inst., and that Mary Milborne's case be heard by John Guest, second judge of the Supreme Court. Lieutenant George Sydenham made a report that one Legat had taken possession of the estate of Thomas Williams, deceased, which estate was properly escheated to the King, and that much of it had been disposed of. A committee was appointed to enquire into the matter. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 172–173.] |
| Dec. 9. |
1,038. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Three members present, besides Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson presiding. William Byrd and Richard Johnson were excused from attending owing to sickness. Charles Scarburgh was absent, having no sufficient notice of the meeting. Colonel Nicholson then communicated his commission as Governor, which was published in the house used as a state-house. He then took the oaths, and, producing the names of the Council as given in his instructions, swore in Benjamin Harrison and Matthew Page besides the three members present. Proclamation to continue all officers in their posts. |
| Dec. 10. |
Several of the Governor's instructions were read and entered in the Council-book. The Auditor was ordered to prepare a statement of the public accounts. The Attorney-General was ordered to prepare an oath to be taken by the Council in their capacity as judges. Order for the Royal instruction as to the suing of Councillors to be published, and for those affecting Dr. Blair to be communicated to him. Order for lists of the militia to be obtained against next Council, for the instructions as to land to be published at next General Court, for the instructions as to quit-rents, lands, salaries and the Receiver-General to be sent to Auditor Byrd, for Collectors and Naval Officers to send in copies of their present instructions, and for the Secretary, Clerk of Council and Clerk of Assembly to give in accounts of the records in their possession. The questions of a Court of Exchequer, of a survey of the Colony, and of the Governor's house were deferred. Order for Edmund Jenings to wait on Sir E. Andros and receive from him all letters and public papers. Order for Captain Aldred to report on the condition of H.M.S. Essex, under his command. The Council nominated Miles Cary and Benjamin Harrison to take the place of James Sherlock, incapacitated by ill-health from continuing as Clerk of Council; and the Governor selected Harrison. Adjourned to 12th. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 157–162.] |
| Dec. 10. |
1,039. The Agent for New York to William Popple. In reply to yours of 5th inst. as to the pay of the forces in New York, the pay of each private centinel is 8d., New York money (which is
30 per cent. worse than English money). From this 2d, a day is deducted for clothing, reducing it to 5½ d. or ¼ d. New York money, or about 3½ d. English. This makes the soldiers' subsistence so slender that they can scarce live on it, whereupon the Assembly granted 4d. a day additional at the country's charge in 1696 and 1697. In those years the forces had no clothing. By agreement with the victuallers Governor Fletcher reduced the subsistence from 5½ d. to 5d. a day, New York money, which was a further hardship on the private centinels, nor (that I can learn) has he accounted for the overplus, which amounts to a considerable sum. He also detained and delayed the payment of great part of the 4d. a day granted by the country to the soldiers, who, being without clothing, deserted; whereby all money due to them before their desertion was (as is presumed) converted to his own use. By this desertion Lord Bellomont on his arrival found the companies much thinned, and many soldiers who had not deserted complained of the detention of the country's bounty from them. No pay or subsistence has been paid for these troops from the Treasury for twenty-two months, but the soldiers have been subsisted by victuallers on the credit of the Governors, whereby a great debt has become due to them. The officers had no subsistence till Lord Bellomont raised money on his credit for the purpose, which money Sir William Ashurst seeks to recover from the Treasury on his behalf. On the 12th of October last, I drew up the enclosed memorial to the Treasury on the subject, and since then £500 has been paid to Sir William Ashurst on account, but this sum is still £150 short of that advanced by Lord Bellomont. The Lords of the Treasury have promised me that speedy care shall be taken for the support of the forces and of Lord Bellomont's credit in raising money for them. I daily expect that he will draw more bills, if his credit be not impaired by the delay and short payment of the last bills. I cannot learn what fund is appropriated for the pay of these forces, but I hope that the Council of Trade will take speedy care to secure payment of it, to remove the 30 per cent. deduction and to send out recruits. In reply to yours of the 7th inst. as to English prisoners in Canada, I happened to be at New York when Captain Schuyler returned, and, as I gathered, there were ten or twelve young people who, having been converted to the Popish faith, professed themselves unwilling to return. Signed, T. Weaver. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. Read 12 Dec., 1698. Enclosed, |
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1,039. I. Copy of a memorial from Mr. Weaver to the Treasury. 12 October, 1698. The forces in New York have not received a farthing of subsistence since January twelve-month, and a large debt is contracted for their subsistence which daily increases on Lord Bellomont's credit with the victuallers. The officers have had but a very small supply of money. Lord Bellomont has given bills to the value of £800. I expect more bills daily, without which the officers cannot live. The Earl pays interest on his private bond for £700 for clothing for the forces over and above the off reckonings received by him; this is so much loss to him till it be discharged by payment of the arrears. The last ships to New York this winter
sail in eight days; and Lord Bellomont's bills if not paid will be returned protested at 60 per cent. loss, besides the damage to his credit in future. Unless money be speedily despatched for subsistence of the men and officers, Lord Bellomont will be in the greatest difficulty to keep the troops from deserting or starving. I beg, therefore, for payment of the subsistence, pay and off-reckonings from 1 January, 1696–7, to 1 January, 1697–8. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 8. Nos. 29, 29 I.; and (without enclosure), 53. pp. 113–116.] |
| Dec. 12. |
1,040. Petition of Benjamin Fletcher to Council of Trade and Plantations. I lately received a paper containing the heads of several charges against me. The paper is unsigned and the heads are very short and general, so that I know not my accusers nor what proofs they bring in support of the said charges, which would enable me to save you time and to confine my answers to the manifestation of my innocence. I understand by common fame that in October last you laid before the Lords Justices and Privy Council a very heavy representation against me, but that their Lordships directed that I should be heard in my defence. I beg that I may have copies of all that was so represented against me and of the proofs in support of the charges, without which I shall not be able to vindicate myself. Signed. Ben. Fletcher. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 12 Dec., 1698. [Board of Trade. New York, 8. No. 30; and 53. pp. 117–118.] |
| Dec. 12. |
1,041. Lieutenant-Colonel Handasyd to Council of Trade and Plantations. I presume that Colonel Gibsone has given you an account of the provisions which he left on board a transport-ship in Newfoundland. As to the three provision-ships that arrived at St. Johns at the beginning of November and the ship John sent by the Commissioners of the Navy, I have already reported to Captain Norris, except as to the amount expended, of which I can produce an account. I could have made a considerable advantage by selling the provisions, which were then very scarce, but fearing that it might be a reflection on me, I lent them to the planters, making agreement that they should restore the same amount in quantity and quality when the ships arrived this year, which they did, without any advantage, direct or indirect, to myself. But for the poor planters we would have starved. The detachment of troops left with me by Colonel Gibsone on his return to England was 299 of all ranks. As long as the extremity of the weather would permit I kept the men at work in finishing the fortifications and building the barracks, but plank was so scarce that the barracks could not be brought to that perfection to withstand such a terrible winter as this last, which, notwithstanding all the care that could be taken, with the scarcity of provisions and the hard work during the summer, cost most of the poor men their lives. For of the number already given, from the time of Colonel Gibsone's departure to my own, there died 214 besides the men of the train that died. If barracks of stone or brick be not built there, it will be impossible for the men to live, besides the hazard of fire.
At my coming away I formed an independent company of 53 of all ranks, pursuant to my orders. The fortifications were all left in good condition, but the batteries at the harbour's mouth should be faced with stone or brick, or the surges of the sea will damnify them from time to time in the winter. A boom should also be laid across the harbour's mouth between the two batteries. The stores of Ordnance are in the charge of the officer of the train, so I say nothing of them. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. 2 pp. Endorsed, Presented by Lieut.-Col. Handasyd to the Board. Recd. Read 12 Dec., 1698. Enclosed, |
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1,041. I. Return of the provisions received and delivered by Colonel Handasyd at St. Johns, Newfoundland. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. Nos. 127, 127 I.; and 25. pp. 259–261.] |
| Dec. 12. |
1,042. Minutes of Council of Nevis. A letter from the Lords Justices was read, confirming the Council in the government of the Leeward Islands. Proclamation issued accordingly. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 478–479.] |
| Dec. 12. |
1,043. Minutes of Council of Virginia. James Sherlock acknowledged that (being deprived of the use of his hands) he was unable to discharge his duties as Clerk of Council, and Benjamin Harrison was sworn in his place. Bartholomew Fowler was sworn Attorney-General. Order for John Coode to be arrested, in accordance with the late Governor's proclamation, and for the Sheriff of Westmoreland to attend next Council and explain why he had not been arrested already. A written order was sent to Captain Aldred to return a seaman impressed by him, and to report what he had done in virtue of the impressment warrant granted to him by Sir E. Andros. Order for next Council to be on the 23rd of February, travelling being difficult at this season of the year. The Governor being obliged to go to Maryland for a few days, delivered his instructions, sealed up, to the Clerk of Council. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 163–165.] |
| Dec. 12. |
1,044. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Fletcher's petition of this day read (No. 1,040). Mr. Weaver's letter of 10th inst. read, concerning the prisoners that refused to return to New York. Resolved that the behaviour of the French in perverting their prisoners from their religion, as also the want of 200 recruits for New York, be remembered against some proper occasion. |
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Colonel Gibsone introduced Lieutenant-Colonel Handasyd and Captain Petit, the former of whom handed in papers concerning Newfoundland (No. 1,041). |
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Order for the Secretary to write to Mr. Burchett for a list of the men-of-war now attending the Colonies; and to remind the Attorney and Solicitor-General to answer his letter of 4 August last as to appeals to the King from Massachusetts in respect of penalties under the Acts of Trade. |
| Dec. 14. |
The Secretary was directed to inform Colonel Fletcher that his answer to the charges against him would be expected on the 18th inst. |
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Order for the Secretary to write to Mr. Lowndes about ports in New Jersey (No. 1,049). |
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Representations as to the seals of Virginia and New Hampshire and as to the Acts of Jamaica signed. |
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Order for Mr. Penn to attend on Friday, bringing with him the Pennsylvania Act for preventing frauds and regulating trade. |
| Dec. 16. |
In reply to a letter from Colonel Fletcher, order was given to inform him that the papers already delivered to him contain all the charges against him. |
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Order for the Secretary to give notice to Sir Henry Ashurst to attend the law-officers on the subject of appeals from Massachusetts. |
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Order for a representation to be drawn respecting Rhode Island. Mr. Penn attended with a copy of the Act, as ordered on the 14th. |
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Mr. Burchett's letter of 15th inst. with a list of the men-of-war attending the Colonies was received and read. [Board of Trade. Journal, 11. pp. 299–304.] |
Dec. 13.
Whitehall. |
1,045. William Popple to the Attorney and Solicitor-General. Reminding them of his former letter of 4 August, respecting an address from the Council of Massachusetts. [Board of Trade. New England, 37. p. 56.] |
| Dec. 13. |
1,046. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Instructions to James Convers and John Phillips in their negotiation with the Eastern Indians read and approved. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. p. 183.] |
Dec. 13.
Whitehall. |
1,047. William Popple to Mr. Burchett. The Council of Trade desire the favour of you to let them know what men-of-war are now actually at the several Plantations in America or are designed thither, and at what time each of them is directed to attend each Plantation. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 34. p. 395.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
1,048. William Popple to Benjamin Fletcher. In reply to your petition of 12th, the Council expect your distinct answer to the charges delivered to you on 28th ult., after which your petition will be considered. [Board of Trade. New York, 53. p. 118.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
1,049. William Popple to William Lowndes. We have heard from Lord Bellomont that Governor Basse had controverted before the Council of New York the right of the Proprietors of New Jersey to have a port at Perth Amboy, directly contrary to the Order in Council of 25 November, 1697, and to repeated instructions given to the Governor of New York. The Council of Trade desires to know whether the matter has been brought before the Lords of the Treasury, and what orders they have given thereupon. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 25. p. 262.] |
| Dec. 14. |
1,050. Draft warrant directing the use of the seal of the Province of New Hampshire. 1 p. Endorsed, 14 Dec., 1698. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 48; and 37, pp. 57–59.] |
| Dec. 14. |
1,051. Draft warrant allowing and directing the use of a new seal in Virginia, with the following inscription round it, EN DAT VIRGINIA QUINTUM. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 6. No. 73; and 37. p. 310.] |
| Dec. 14. |
1,052. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Submitting the new seal of Virginia, and the draft warrant of preceding abstract for approval. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 37. p. 309.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
1,053. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. We lay before you nine Acts of Jamaica passed in 1695, of which five are expired, and six Acts of 1696, of which three are expired. We see no reason why the unexpired Acts should not be confirmed. Signed, J. Bridgewater, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 56. pp. 242–244.] |
| Dec. 14. |
1,054. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Two letters from the Governor of Martinique read, as follows. The Marquis D'Amblemont to the Council of Nevis, 4 December, 1698. I have received letters from the King to take over the French quarters of St. Christophers. Copy of these letters were enclosed. No doubt you will have received corresponding orders on your side. I propose to start for St. Christophers on the return of the present messenger. No doubt you are as anxious as I to fulfil the conditions of peace honourably. Letter ends. French. The same to the same. I do not know who has succeeded to the authority of the late Governor Codrington. Pray be so good as to inform me, that I may know to whom to address myself for the restitution of the French quarters of St. Christophers. Letter ends. French. These letters were answered as follows. |
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Council of Nevis to the Marquis D'Amblemont. We have duly received orders for the restitution of the French quarters of St. Christophers, and shall be ready to restore them in ten days. The Commissioners appointed for the duty cannot be ready sooner, as they live to windward. Letter ends. Council of Nevis to Lieutenant-Governor Norton. Yours of 12th with the instructions as to the restitution of St. Christophers has reached us. You will order the English inhabitants to retire from the French quarters of the Island. Consult your Council and Assembly as to the number of men of Collingwood's regiment that you can quarter. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 478–481.] |
| Dec. 14. |
1,055. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for a pilot to take the seized ship Hester further up the river and provide for her safety during the winter. On the Royal Instructions that Ministers of the Church of England should be provided with a house to be built at the public charge, it was ordered that the rent of the house hired by William Vesey, Minister of New York, be paid out of the revenue till further order. Orders for audit of accounts. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 174–175.] |
Dec. 15.
Admiralty
Office. |
1,056. Mr. Burchett to William Popple. In reply to yours of 13th I send a list of the men-of-war now attending the several Plantations in America. I cannot satisfy you how long each of them will remain there, but the Admiralty do not intend them to remain for more than a year unrelieved, or as little longer as possibly the service will admit the sending of other ships in their room. I send you the times of their sailing. Signed, J. Burchett. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 16 Nov., 1698. Enclosed, |
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1,056. I. List of ships now attending the Plantations in America. Jamaica, H.M. ships Sandadoes and Maidstone, sailed 8 and 10 June, 1698. Barbados, H.M.S. Speedwell, sailed 8 June, 1698. Leeward Islands, H.M.S. Queen-borough, sailed 8 June, 1698. Virginia, H.M.S. Essex, sailed 8 November, 1697. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 4. Nos. 147, 147 I.; and 34. pp. 395–396.] |
