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Sept. 16.
St. John's. |
792. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. The Assembly presented the Supplementary Act to the Act of Militia. They proposed that, the importation of Irish Roman Catholic servants being very great and likely to prove of very evil consequence, they should not be reckoned in the number of those appointed by the Act for the encouragement of the settlement of the Island with white people. The Governor and Council concurred, reserving for consideration the Assembly's further proposals that the Bill restraining Papists intermarrying with Protestants and the Bill for Aliens should be made into Laws. |
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The Assembly proposed that the guns intended for the platform at Parham should be mounted in the Fort of St. John's and sizeable shot for the guns sent to Willoughby Bay platform. |
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A Joint Committee was appointed to draw up an act relating to Special Courts. |
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Some land in St. John's was granted to John Raine. |
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Some land in Parham was granted to Peter Lucas. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 317–321.] |
Sept. 17.
H.M.S.
Hampshire,
St. John's
Harbour. |
793. Capt. Leake's answers to the enquiries of the Council of Trade and Plantations (Ap. 12). List and description of the vessels and their crews in the various harbours and coves of Newfoundland. (22 pp.) Total: 236 ships, 5,120 men in the ships, 805 Adventurers' Boats, 115 By-boats, 520 By-boatmen, 467 Planters' Boats, 3,171 inhabitants, 465 stages. There were 68 sacks and 166 fishing ships. 300 quintals of fish were taken by each boat and sold at 24 Ryalls per quintal. |
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The inhabitants live by catching fish which is then splitted, salted and laid on flakes to dry, which will be six weeks before it
be thoroughly cured. Their employment in the winter is by sawing trees to make board for building shallops, and some go a furring, the Western Charter is broken in some particulars. The Colony is not able to support itself, for they have their provisions and necessaries for fishing mostly from England: the commodities which are brought from New England is bread, tobacco, molasses and rum, which is a considerable quantity. They make no destruction of the wood, but the stages that are left behind are generally destroyed by bad weather and inhabitants together. Neither is there any want of wood to build stages. They generally seize on the best fishing places, but do not destroy anything to obstruct the Adventurers. The boat-keepers that stay behind do not begin first to destroy the stages, but what bad weather has occasioned the breach. They have not any supply of cloths, nets and other necessaries for fishing, only some provisions and liquors from New England. The chiefest sustenance the planters receive from land is deer, bear and beaver, which they commonly eat. Their trade is but little as to fur, only the N. parts, viz. Bonavista. The trade between New England and Newfoundland is by the New England men bringing rum and other liquors, which debauch the fishers, who run in debt and commonly hire themselves as servants for the payment. The inhabitants commonly sell their fish cheaper than the fishing ships. The New England men exercise their fishing trade only on their own coast, and take considerable quantities. The Masters do not encourage their men to stay behind, only those which request it when shipped. The New England ships carry away from hence a great many men, there being such great wages given to seamen there. The rules of the Western Charter is generally broke by the Adventurers by coming out of England sooner than the limited time, and in the country by ryneing of trees to cover their houses and cook-rooms. |
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The French shipping wholly employ themselves about the fishery, and meddle not with any trading for furs; they usually bring a small matter of merchandize from Europe with them for supplying the inhabitants; the ships in Placentia keep from 5 to 20 boats. They are in all about 60 sail, who allow as we do 3 men to each shallop for ketching the fish and two ashore for working the same when brought in. They depend not on sack-ships for fetching their fish off, neither have they any by-boat keepers, but are wholly ship's crews and planters. The latter are about 30 families; ships' burthen from 70 to 3 or 400 tuns. At Placentia there is about 120 people; at Little Placentia 11 families; at Green Pond 5 families; at St. Mary's only one; on the island of St. Peter two or three and twenty; in the Bay of Fortune a few. Those wholly mind the fishery in summer, and winter drives a small trade in furs. The French Plantations are of no other use more than preserving the boats, craft and other goods left by the merchants' ships for the succeeding voyages, and do not meddle in cultivating the ground, but in winter usually follow hunting for deer and other beast, and cut down trees for board and making oars for the summer's expedition. They sell their fish from 7 to 8 livers per quintal, which is nigh about the price sold by the English, though they can well afford to sell cheaper than us, and are at less time in
making their fish, and for the number of boats generally catch more fish than the English do, and victual their men cheaper. They commonly arrive a month into the country before the English, by reason their part of the land is commonly free of ice when ours is fully blocked up. They frequently depart a month or six weeks sooner than our ships, and furnish the markets in the Streights with fish before our shipping arrives, viz., Aligant, Barcelona, Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, etc. The French are more in number at Placentia by ten sail than last year, which adds 70 or 80 to the number of about 400 boats kept on the fishing; and generally in all their harbours adjacent is more boats kept than last year, though their voyages this last two years have been much inferior to what has been made formerly. At Placentia is a fortification of 44 very good cannon at the larboard side going in, one of four, and another of six, all fronting the entrance of the harbour, and on a very steep mountain is another of 8 guns, which is all the fortification in that place, and on that part of the island in those garrisons is about 60 soldiers besides officers commanded by Mounseir de Coastebell in the absence of the Count Brouillont, who has been this two year in France. They are extraordinary well stored with all ammunition, but yearly depend on the shipping for bringing provision for the garrison. No foreign ships fisheth on our eastern coast. Placentia is much stronger than formerly when Sir Francis Wheeler was before it, and they are daily working about the fortifications in enlarging them, so whenever is occasion to gain such a place, must be no otherwise than by bombing of it. On the Banks the French are yearly in great numbers, most belonging to Rochelle, Normandy, and Bordeaux; on the coast of Canada their trade is wholly in furs etc. with the Indians; they follow not the fishery, but come yearly to Placentia to buy fish and return with it to Quebec, which is the chiefest place on that coast. The Bay of Fortune on the W. side of Newfoundland is frequented by the Biskaires which come to make voyages as we and the French do, but in no great number of ships. The French make greater advantage by this country than the English, by reason they have the better part of the land, both on the N. and S. of it. |
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By what I have from several hands that our Bay of Bonavista affords many secure harbours for shipping, I had an order from the Admiralty to make survey of it, but coming so late into the country, lacked time. I am informed it is the best land on the island. I don't doubt but their Lordships will take it into consideration, and send a small vessel early next year on that service; it is a large tract of land and will require at least 3 months' time to take a complete survey thereof, there being a great number of rocks in the bay. Signed, Andw. Leake. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 23. Read Oct. 26, 1699. 27 pp. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 150; and 25. pp. 322–330.] |
Sept. 18.
St. John's. |
794. Capt. Lilburne, C. in C. in Newfoundland, to Mr. Blathwayt. The enclosed are copies of letters I received from Ferriland. I delivered the original letters to Capt. Andrew Leake, of the Hampshire, with the four prisoners taken in Ferriland, and two prisoners that attempted to run away with a ship from the Bay of Bulls, whom upon receipt of a letter, I marched, Ap. 12th.
to surprize with 30 men, but the letter of the 14th came with the prisoners. I returned to St. John's and wrote to the L.G. of New England to enquire after the welfare of those masters mentioned in the letter and received an answer per Mr. Reinkin who has taken his affidavit with four of his men that on Ap. 1 these four men did strip them of their clothes and money and what they could get out of the vessels. The letter I received from New England and a copy of what I writ thither with the affidavits, and two of the men that was robbed by these men are put on board the Deal Castle to be sent to the Lords of the Admiralty to be evidence against these prisoners. Signed, W. Lilburne. Endorsed, Recd. Read Oct. 26th, 1699. 1¾ pp. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 149; and25. pp. 319–321.] |
| Sept. 18. |
795. Minutes of Council and Assembly of New Hampshire. The Assembly was adjourned by the L.G. till Nov. 7. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. p. 545.] |
Sept. 18.
Whitehall.
Sept. 19
and
Sept. 20. |
796. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Opinions of Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General and of Sir Charles Hedges concerning appeals from Maryland, desired. Mr. Sansom's letter, Sep. 15, read. Reply directed and approved. Letters to Messrs. Day, Randolph, White and Jones agreed upon and signed. Representation upon the case of Richard Bate agreed upon and signed. Letter to Col. Blakiston agreed upon and signed. |
| Sept. 21. |
Acts of the General Assembly of Jamaica, June 27, and Acts of the General Assembly of New York, March 2—May 16, 1699, sent to Mr. Attorney General for his opinion. |
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Letter from Capt. Norton, L.G. of St. Christopher's, May 3, read. Copy of enclosed address and memorandum of stores wanting there ordered to be sent to Mr. Yard. Directions for an answer to Capt. Norton given. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 178–183; and96. Nos. 145–148.] |
Sept. 19.
Whitehall. |
797. Mr. Popple to the Attorney or Solicitor General, and to Sir Charles Hedges. A doubt having been proposed by Governor Blakiston relating to appeals from Maryland in cases tried by the Vice-Admiralty Court, their Lordships have commanded me to send you the enclosed copies which he has sent them of the clauses in his Commissions and that of the Judge of the Vice Admiralty Court and to desire your opinion in answer to his query. Signed, W. Popple. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 30. Read Oct. 3, 1699. Enclosed, |
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797. I. Copy of the clauses in the commissions referred to with Col. Blakiston's query about appeals. Annexed, |
| Sept. 28. |
797. II. The Attorney General to Council of Trade and Plantations. I am of opinion that in regard there are express clauses both in the Commission of Vice-Admiral and in the Commission to the Judge of the Vice-Admiralty which do allow a right of appeal from any sentence in that Court to the Court of
Admiralty in England, that, where either party thinks himself aggrieved by any sentence given in the Vice-Admiralty Court, he hath a right to appeal to the High Court of Admiralty in England, and that such appeal must be allowed there. Signed, Tho. Trevor. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 3. Nos. 73, 73 I.–II.; and9. pp. 400, 401, 408.] |
Sept. 20.
Whitehall. |
798. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Blakiston. We have received your letters of Jan. 29, May 20, and June 18. We are glad to understand your safe arrival in Maryland and to observe your care in the affairs of that Province, and therefore doubt not of your prudent conduct in the business of the General Assembly whereof we hope your next will bring us a good account. The depositions of Theophilus Turner with your letter to Mr. Secretary Vernon happening to come at the same time with other informations of the like nature from other places, have given us occasion to prepare a report to be laid before the Lords Justices about Pirates in the Plantations, which we doubt not will produce orders for your and the Governors of His Majesty's other Plantations future direction. You do well to give us advice of the three seizures of ships, and will do well to continue any such like advices, for they may sometimes be useful for our information. But as for directions upon these cases or upon your query about Scotchmen residing in England, we must refer you to the Commissioners of Customs, who have already writ to you. We are very well pleased with the thought you say Lord Bellomont, Col. Nicholson and yourself have to meet at Philadelphia, and the rather because Mr. Penn will probably be there at the same time. It is a great opportunity the Governors of so many provinces may have to advise together about things of general advantage. In our letter of Sept. 2, 1697, to Col. Nicholson we sent him the copy of an order of Council of the late King James with directions upon it for settling the boundaries between Maryland and Pennsylvania, together with a letter from Mr. Penn to Col. Markham directing him also to concur therein, but not having understood from Col. Nicholson that the thing has yet been done, and esteeming it very necessary for the preventing of disputes between those two provinces, we send you here enclosed another copy of the said Order (Nov. 13, 1685), that you may endeavour to have it executed whilst Mr. Penn remains in the country. In recommending the Attorney General of Maryland you omit to mention his name, but having searched into other papers we think he is Mr. William Dent who, we find, is also Advocate General. We observe that Col. Nicholson having formerly recommended him to us that he might be Solicitor General, did upon our signifying to him that we thought it not convenient to propose the establishment of a new office, answer us, Aug. 20, 1698, that he would endeavour to make Mr. Dent some other satisfaction for his services. We can hardly doubt he has done something of what he designed, and, at least, that the making him Attorney General, which we observe by Mr. Dent's own petition is a place that has fees belonging to it, has been done upon that consideration, and that the place of Advocate General is also a further encouragement to him. Wherefore, though we think it very reasonable that Mr. Dent be rewarded according to his merit, yet we do not esteem it proper for us to meddle therein at present. There are
several things mentioned in your instructions that you are directed to send us from time to time, which we desire you to be careful in observing, but there is one thing further which we have from some places and not from others and are therefore now desiring it from all. It is a copy of the form of writs for the election of Assembly-men. This may sometimes be of use to us. As to the doubt which you propose about appeals, we do not see any contradiction between the clauses which you have sent us out of H.M. Commission to you for the government of that province and those of the Commissions issued out of the High Court of Admiralty. But if you find any inconvenience in pursuing the directions of each Commission us different cases respectively may require, we will use our best endeavours upon any notice thereof that such remedies be applied as may be fit. Signed, Ph. Meadows, Jno. Pollexfen, Jno. Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 9. pp. 401–407.] |
| Sept. 20. |
799. Mr. Popple to Mr. Sansom. The Council of Trade and Plantations are in doubt whether without leave they may give any entire copy of the whole Instructions to Gov. Nicholson. But if you will let me know upon what matter the Commissioners of Customs desire to be informed their Lordships will order extracts to be sent. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 37. pp. 337, 338.] |
Sept. 20.
Whitehall. |
800. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Day. We require you to transmit your reasons for removing Charles Walker, Col. White and Capt. Thomas Harford from the Council, together with the charge, proofs and answers. This is a new occasion to observe the irregularity of your conduct, and also your neglect of sending to us the transcripts of all Journals of the Council and other public proceedings, which we cannot but look upon as an omission designed on purpose to cover disorderly practices. Signed, Ph. Meadows, Jno. Pollexfen, Jno. Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 29. pp. 211, 212.] |
Sept. 20.
Whitehall. |
801. Council of Trade and Plantations to Edward Randolph, Col. White and Edward Jones. We require you, or any one of you, except Mr. White in his own case, to enquire particularly into each of the cases of Messrs. White, Walker and Harford (see preceding abstract), and to report what has been done and shall be done thereupon by Mr. Day. Signed, Ph. Meadows, John Pollexfen, John Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 29. pp. 213, 214.] |
| Sept. 21. |
802. Governor Day to Council of Trade and Plantations. I received your letter of Jan. 2 from Capt. Tucker in August, and immediately issued a proclamation forbidding all persons from having any correspondence with the Scotch or giving them any assistance. Since which I have news that the Scotch have quitted and wholly relinquished their possession amongst the Spaniards and are run away, but some discourse as if they were on a further design. I have also an account of Captain Kidd being taken and now in irons in New England, with several of his company and great quantities of their riches and wealth taken. As I was writing this, arrived here one Capt. John Trimingham, commander of the
brigantine Larke of these islands from New York, who gives me an account, that about the latter end of April last, one Capt. Hind, a notorious pirate and sea-rover, having lately got into a brigantine with a mixt company of Dutch, French and other people, came up with an English-built ship mounted with two and twenty guns called the Providence galley, under the command of Capt. William Rhett of Carolina, who made a very generous defence, but was outdone and taken by the said Pirate; that having taken the said ship, Hind and his mixed and divided gang fell into a mutiny. And the English party prevailing, they laid hands and exercised their power on their Captain, Hind, and turned him and fifteen more of his comrades on shore on a place called the Berry Islands, about ten leagues to the leeward of Providence, allowing them three small arms and a bottle of gunpowder. After this, one, John James took upon him the command of the ship, and standing out to sea they spied a sail, which proved to be a man-of-war, and they chased her into Virginia, having killed her above forty men. And the said Pirates, James and Company have given out that they resolve to stay there and take a better ship, which lies within the capes of Virginia. And I have news of several other vessels, some belonging to these Islands, which have been taken by the pirates aforesaid, but cannot at present give a particular account. Signed, Sam. Day. Endorsed, R. Oct. 30. [America and West Indies. Bermuda, 477. No. 58.] |
Sept. 21.
Boston. |
803. John Usher to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Repeats his charges and says he is ready to prove them. Signed, John Usher. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 22. Read Dec. 5, 1699. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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803. I. Copy of John Usher's letter to Lord Bellomont, giving his reasons for not taking the oath as a Councillor. Portsmouth, July 31, 1699. Signed, John Usher. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. Nos. 69, 69 I.; and37. pp. 190–193.] |
| Sept. 21. |
804. Sir Charles Hedges to Mr. Popple. Answer as to appeals from Maryland to same effect as (No. 797 II.) Signed, C. Hedges. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 22. Read Oct. 3, 1699. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 3. No. 74; and9. pp. 408, 409.] |
| Sept. 21. |
805. William Popple to Sir John Hawles. The Lords Commissioners desire your opinion upon the enclosed packet of Acts past in the General Assembly of New York, March 2—May 16, 1699, and also upon a former parcel of Acts of the said province sent you Sept. 22. 1698. List of Acts annexed. [Board of Trade. New York, 53. pp. 370–373.] |
Sept. 21.
Whitehall. |
806. William Popple to Sir Thomas Trevor. I send for your opinion a packet of Acts passed in the General Assembly of Jamaica, June 27. List of Acts annexed. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 56. pp. 360–362.] |
Sept. 21.
London. |
807. Lords Proprietors to the Governor and Council of S. Carolina. We expected you should have countenanced our judge, but can easily discern that you raise him all the enemies and
troubles that you can. He is not altogether blameless. We earnestly desire that what is past may be forgot, and that for the future you should give him due assistance as we shall require him to carry himself with all respect to you and justice and kindness to the people. You will do well to observe the Acts of Parliament for regulating the Plantation Trade, but must not oppress the people by vexatious seizures. We are somewhat surprized that our Judge of the Admiralty, and Mr. Bellinger, one of our Deputies and Surveyor General, should take other Commissions. Pray send us a copy of them, and then you shall hear further concerning this matter, which you have embroiled as much as is possible for you to do. 'Twas much the blustering of Mr. Randall should make you forget us, yourselves, and the country. As to the constitutions, 'tis for the people's sake we desire they may pass not our own, and when they can judge calmly, they will be glad to lay hold of such an offer. We are well satisfied with your behaviour towards the French. We fear the Act against Pirates would not go without the Repealing Clause and Amendment because of your willingness to connive at that sort of people, whom you must prosecute with the utmost severity. We are very glad Mr. Marshall answers the character we gave him and thank you for the Act of Assembly for his provision and his successors. We will return the Acts with all convenient speed. Signed, Bathe Palatine, Wm. Craven, Bathe for Lord Carteret, Wm. Thornburgh for Sir Jno. Colleton, Tho. Amy, Wm. Thornburgh. [Board of Trade. North Carolina, 4. pp. 73, 74.] |
| Sept. 21. |
808. Lords Proprietors to Edmund Bohun, Chief Judge of Carolina. We are sorry you have not met with the assistance you should have had, but you have yourself acted irregularly. We expect you should show the Governor and Council all respect, and recommend you not to show too great a love for money, which is not beautiful in any man, but worse becoming a Judge. Take no more than your dues and if they at present be of the least, consider time will mend them, and if that don't, there may be means found to do it. Signed as preceding. [Board of Trade. North Carolina, 4. p. 74.] |
| Sept. 21. |
809. Lords Proprietors to John Ely, Receiver General of South Carolina. We note that you have an accompt of at least £2,000 in arrear of rent, which you hope will be speedily got in. We expect you should by the next ship send us our accompt, and in rice and other commodities the balance thereof. We are pleased with your diligence. Stay proceedings at law against Sir Nath. Johnson or his bonds till further orders. Signed as preceding. [Board of Trade. North Carolina, 4. p. 75.] |
| Sept. 21. |
810. Lords Proprietors to Governor and Council of Bahama Islands. We understand from Pennsylvania that your Governor Webb has left you without any order from us, but hope he has observed his Instructions in appointing a Deputy. We expect he and you shall act according to law and justice, discouraging vice, especially piracy, the reigning vice of the West Indies, which if not rooted out will destroy all commerce. We wonder how you came
to take upon you the auditing the Governor's accompt, and much more that you pretend to allow disbursements without our order. We have sent you two laws which we approve, but can't allow the form; for the power of making such laws is by Charter granted to the Lords Proprietors (with the consent of the people), of whom you are pleased to take no notice, which we have only rectified; and Act for enrolling strangers etc., and an Act for appointing eleven men with a Captain to wait upon the Governor. Two we have not thought fit to assent to;—(1) An Act for making Hog Island a free common, because we had granted it to Col. Nicholas Trott and have given you no power to dispose of our estate. (2) An Act to prevent adultery and fornication, because it will rather encourage that vice than punish it and you may lay a penalty on the aggrieved person, when you lay a fine upon the wife which must be paid by the husband. We recommend to your care Mr. Dudgeon, to whom we have granted some land on Abucco and Andrews Island, with a liberty to fish for whales, or some from him who intend to set to work next spring; and Mr. Gore, your Secretary, who will come to you this shipping. Signed, Bathe Palatine, Craven Bathe for the Lord Carteret, Wm. Thornburgh for Sir John Colleton. [Board of Trade. North Carolina, 4. p. 75.] |
| Sept. 20. |
811. Copies of Commission and of Instructions from the Lords Proprietors to Thomas Gower, Secretary of the Bahama Islands. Signed as preceding. [Board of Trade. North Carolina, 4. pp. 76, 77.] |
Sept. 21.
Parham. |
812. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. A letter from the President of Nevis, requesting the Acts of General Council and Assembly confirmed by His Majesty to be sent to Nevis, was read. The Council decided that the said Acts ought to remain in the Secretary's office, pursuant to a late Act. |
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The Assembly presented engrossed the Act for ascertaining to what executors are entitled of crops growing on the ground of tenants for life, in dower and at will. |
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A supplemental bill to the last Act of Courts was twice read in Assembly and sent up. |
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The Council disapproved of the Act restraining Roman Catholics intermarrying with Protestants, but whilst approving of the Bill for aliens, proposed to hold it over till the arrival of the Governor, since it had already been refused the seal in Nevis. |
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A Joint Committee was appointed to choose a more proper piece of ground for the building of a platform for Parham harbour. |
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The Assembly proposed the payment of £7 a year for five years to the orphan of Matthew Thorne, killed on an expedition to Martinico. |
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Land of James Burrell granted to Owen McCarty. |
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Land of John Mollony granted to John Elliott. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 321–323.] |
| Sept. 21. |
813. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for the Mayor of Albany to furnish the garrison there with firewood for £75 a year. The back part of the Custom-house leased to Michael Hawdon. |
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Order to endenize Peter Basset, Chirurgion, on the Governor's recommendation. |
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Capt. Lancaster Syms, having bought a negro boy off Capt. Wm. Kidd and sold him for £15, on Nassau Island, offered to refund the money. Elizabeth Worsherd allowed to bring her chest ashore to be viewed by the Custom house officers. |
| Sept. 22. |
Proclamation ordered forbidding the cutting, barking or girdling of any pine trees of above six foot round in Albany County. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 283, 284.] |
Sept. 22.
St. John's. |
814. Captain Lilburne to Mr. Thurston. I received yours. It gives an account of masons and workmen coming to build houses and face the works. It is very much wanting. If they do not come the first of the year it will not avail anything. I have received the cloathes, which I like very well, and desire an accompt. Swords and belts is a thing I very much want, and cartouch boxes and bedding for the men, they being all burnt when the houses were. The money is also received for the next year. The recruits I took three of them, having no occasion but to change three, which I did not like. It is very hard I have no chyrurgeon allowed for the garrison. I have but as much medicines as will serve till the ship comes next year. I am all the chyrurgeon they have. I hope they will not be against sending me a small chest of medicines. When the barracks was burnt the kettles the company had was burnt and all the platters and cans, so having no necessaries allowed for it, must desire you to see if any can be sent them. I have advanced £30 to buy bedding to keep the company warm this winter. I hope this will be considered by the office, being a great loss to the poor men. Signed, W. Lilburne. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 13, 1699. 1 p. Seal. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 151; and25. pp. 333, 334.] |
| Sept. 22. |
815. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Benjamin Tully permitted to unlade his vessel, the Adventure, in York River, leaving her in security till he have produced a legal register. The Essex prize, wanting stores, ordered to come up to the mouth of Princess Creek, lately called Archbishop Creek, in James river. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 53. pp. 330, 331.] |
Sept. 23.
Bermuda. |
816. Complaint of Isaac Adderley, master of the Dolphin sloop of Jamaica (to the owners?). Having this opportunity by the way of Bristol, I write to acquaint you of the receipt of your letter of June 29, and also of my hard misfortune and great captivity. For since I came to this island no slave hath lived as I have done, in being wronged and abused as I am, no mortal man was ever served at the rate as I be, and all is because I will not pay the 15 p.c. that the Governor demands and no likelihood of alteration. I have endeavoured to get my deposition attested by the Public Notary, as you direct, but find no way to attain it, but send the substance of it enclosed which I can make oath of when required. The ship lies by the walls mored to the shore, for the Governor has got my sails and sheet anchors, but the sails, I believe, by this time is rotted to pieces and likewise the ship's bottom, for she is in a shameful condition with lying so long. I have kept the servant man on
board to pump and look after her, but I believe the worms have eaten her out, for she leaks unreasonable, insomuch that he can hardly keep her free and I fear she will sink. I have taken all methods imaginable to get her, but cannot except I will pay the 15 per cent. Mr. Walker hath petitioned for a Court either to clear or condemn her, and cannot have it granted. Had I been taken by some enemy, it could not have been worse, for my own part I could not have been used as I am. At this very time I am in close prison for nothing but their own, and thus they serve me, that I am almost aweary of my life. Sir, I hope you will take all the measures possible for satisfaction for the wrong done you and my deliverance out of this thraldom. This Island is in such a confusion as the like was never seen, for there seldom comes a vessel in but the Governor seizes her, so that the people are almost ready to leave the island with their vessels, by reason of the oppression used to them. For the Governor has appointed one Gilbert Nelson Chief Judge, and one Roger Crane Sherif, and thus they three rule together after such a manner that here is scarce any living. I have had no letter from Jamaica since you went from thence, neither have I had any opportunity to send, but I hope I shall suddenly have an opportunity. Signed, Isaac Adderley. Endorsed, R. Oct. 30. Enclosed, |
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816. I. Deposition. The Dolphin sailed from Port Royal in Jamaica for the Port of Maderas with £1,200 Jamaica money shipped by the owners, Col. Charles Sadler, Jacob Mears, and John Sadler, and, making for Bermuda to mend a leak, ran ashore in a storm but got off in 6 minutes without damage, rode safely at anchor and signalled for a pilot to take her into harbour. The Governor however maintained that she had fallen on the rocks and claimed as Vice-Admiral 15 p.c. of the money on board and the sheet anchor and cable. The Master offered to pay the pilotage and port charges and refused the rest. The Governor took the ship's sails ashore, confined her to the harbour and the Master in prison. Signed, Isaac Adderley. 2½ pp. |
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816. II. Confirmation of the above deposition by a fellow-prisoner. Signed, F. Randolph. [America and West Indies. Bermuda, 477. Nos. 59, 59 I.–II.; and Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. Nos. 49, 49 I.–II.] |
Sept. 25.
Portsmouth. |
817. William Partridge and Benjamin Jackson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Report of their survey of New England with a view to the production of Naval Stores. They complain of Mr. Bridger acting without them, and undertake to supply the timber he is sending home, much cheaper, at 50s. per load; propose that Maine, laid waste by the French and Indians, should be garrisoned with 1,000 soldiers and peopled with poor families sent over from England, who would quickly produce sufficient quantities of rozin, pitch, tar and hemp. Nine rivers of Maine described. Signed, Wm. Partridge, Benjamin Jackson. Endorsed, Recd. Dec. 4, Read Feb. 7, 1699/1700. 11 large pp. (with abstract.) [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 70; and37. pp. 194–228.] |
Sept. 26.
Whitehall. |
818. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Consideration of the address of the L.G. and Council of Massachusetts Bay (see July 13) about appeals to H.M. upon seizures of ships etc. under the value of £300, and of the charter of Massachusetts Bay, referred to the Lord Chief Justice Holt, to be attended therein by H.M. Attorney and Sollicitor General. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 2. Read Oct. 3, 1699. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 71; and37. p. 188.] |
Sept. 26.
Whitehall. |
819. Order of Lords Justices in Council, approving the Representation of Sept. 12 and ordering the Council of Trade and Plantations to prepare directions to be sent to all Governors of Plantations accordingly. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 29. Read Oct. 2, 1699. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. No. 22; and35. pp. 74, 75.] |
Sept. 26.
Whitehall. |
820. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter from Mr. Blathwayt relating to the disbanding the soldiers at Jamaica read. |
|
Letter from Sir William Beeston, Jamaica, June 24 and 29, read. Answer prepared. |
|
Several packets received from Lord Bellomont, Sept. 20, laid before the Board. His letter of July 26th read. |
| Sept. 27. |
Letter from Mr. John Smith, one of the proposers for the discovery of silver mines in Carolina, read. He and Mr. Cutler, attending without, were informed that their Lordships do not meddle in what Capt. Moor desires of them and what Smith and Cutler think fit to do upon his request. |
|
Letter to Capt. Norton signed. |
|
Lord Bellomont's letter, July 26, considered. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 184–192; and96. Nos. 150, 151.] |
Sept. 26.
Council
Chamber,
Whitehall. |
821. Order of Lords Justices in Council that the Solicitor General for Barbados enter a noli prosequi to the proceedings begun against Richard Bate. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 2. Read Oct. 3, 1699. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. No. 17; and44A. p. 336; and65. p. 481.] |
| Sept. 26. |
822. Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Hon. Tobias Frere, designing to go down to Sta. Lucia, St. Vincent's and Dominico to cut and bring up windmill and cart timber for the benefit of this island was empowered to wear the King's Jack and Pendant on his vessel in all places except in sight of His Majesty's forts. [Board of Trade. Barbadoes, 65. pp. 438, 439, 442.] |
Sept. 26.
Council
Chamber,
Whitehall. |
823. Order of Lords Justices in Council, that some other impartial and disinterested person be appointed to be judge for determining the controversy between the executors of Sir Peter Colleton and Col. James Colleton, etc. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 2. Read Oct. 3, 1699. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. No. 18; and44A. pp. 337, 338.] |
| Sept. 26. |
824. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. A new Bill of Excise was read the first time. Lt. Col. Richard Dounes elected Treasurer of the Island and allowed 2 per cent. commission. Act for laying
an imposition on strong liquors imported this island, passed. Major George Peers re-appointed Store-keeper of the Magazine. An Act to empower the executors of Col. Salter to sue for outstanding debts ordered to be prepared. A present of £2,000 voted to His Excellency. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 423, 424.] |
| Sept. 27. |
825. John Smith to William Popple. Proposing, for the approval of the Board, a silver refiner to be sent to the mines in Carolina. Signed, John Smith. Endorsed, Recd. Read Sept. 27, 1699. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 18.] |
Sept. 27.
Whitehall. |
826. Council of Trade and Plantations to Captain Norton. We have received your reply of May 3. His Majesty has given an instruction to Col. Codrington with regard to the French demands and his report will be expected. We have transmitted the address from yourself, the Council and Assembly of St. Christopher's and the memorandum about stores to one of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, to whom, and not to us, all things that you think fit to address to His Majesty should be sent. Signed, Ph. Meadows, Jon. Pollexfen, Jon. Locke, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 45. pp. 409–411.] |
Sept. 27.
Padstow. |
827. Sidney Bligh to Mr. Secretary Vernon. There being a great many letters brought me taken out of the water, which came out of the Weymouth galley, and among them finding the enclosed (probably Joseph Blake's letter of June 10), I thought fit to send it away by first post. I have dried it as well as I can. The ship was lost with all her men Saturday night last. She came from Carolina. Signed, Sidney Bligh. Endorsed, Recd. Sep. 27, Read Oct. 2, 1699. [America and West Indies. South Carolina, 620. No. 3.] |
| Sept. 27. |
828. Minutes of Council of New York. Quarterly salaries paid. Capt. Robert Sincklair, Capt. John Smart and Isaac Brasher ordered to appraise Cornelius Quick's sloop the William, and deliver it to him upon security. |
| Sept. 29. |
The L.G. and Council nominated David Provoost to be Mayor, Charles Oliver to be High Sherif of the City and County of New York for the year ensuing, and for the City and County of Albany, Peter van Brugan, Mayor, and John Williams, High Sheriff, and as High Sheriffs for King's County, John Elbertsen; Queen's County, Peter Berian; Suffolk, John Wick; Richmond, Jacob Coulson; Westchester, Edmund Ward; Orange, John Peterson; Ulster and Duchess County, Stephen Gassaree. |
|
John Coe and the rest of the Justices of the Peace and the Clerk for Queen's County summoned to appear before the Board. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 284–286.] |
Sept. 28.
Charles Town. |
829. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Lt. Col. John Ward, who had on several occasions affronted the President and Council, was bound to his good behaviour. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. p. 509.] |
| Sept. 29. |
830. Earl of Ranelagh to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In answer to yours of Ap. 18, I return a state
of the claims made by the officers and soldiers who came from Newfoundland— £2,262 6s. 8d. If His Majesty is pleased to comply therewith I humbly conceive it must be by a warrant payable out of the contingencies, the establishment of the regiment having ceased at disbanding, from which time this account commences. Signed, Ranelagh. Endorsed, Recd. Read Oct. 3, 1699. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Newfoundland, 3. No. 152; and 25. pp. 317, 318.] |
Sept. 30.
Province of
New Hamp-
shire. |
831. Samuel Allen, Proprietor of N. Hampshire to the Council of Trade and Plantations. During my continuance in the Government of this province, till Lord Bellomont arrived, I caused that respect to be paid to the L.G. Usher, as you required, and placed in again all his officers which they in a tumultuous manner forced out, for which reason and because I protected the King's Collector in seizing a foreign built ship that came in here from Jersey with some European goods without having cleared in England, they malign me and represent me to be a common enemy to the people. I hope you will vindicate me and mediate unto the King that I may have obedience given to the commands of his predecessors, and that agreeable to a judgment given against them here and on their appeal confirmed by the King and Council Nov. 19, 1680, it was appointed by King Charles that they should pay me 6d. in the pound annually on the value of what lands was or should be improved and deliver me up peaceably all lands not possessed and improved and record them in my name, that I may either improve or order others to do it. But they refuse obedience to the King's and your lordship's commands. Signed, Samuel Allen. Endorsed, Read Feb. 5, 1699/1700. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 9. No. 72; and 37. pp. 303–305.] |
