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| Dec. 1. |
1,028. Order of the House of Commons, that a copy of the Privy Seal and of the indenture and commission under the Great Seal of England granted to Capt. Kidd, and of the petition and all other papers upon which the same were granted be laid before this House, as also such representations as were made by the merchants relating to pirates and an account of what Captain Kidd has done abroad and what has been done thereupon here. Signed, P. Jodrell. Recd. Read Dec. 4, 1699. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 5. No. 38; and 35. p. 134.] |
| Dec. 1. |
1,029. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Jersey. Mr. Broughton has a little mistaken the matters he writes about (Vide No. 963 I.) We enclose a copy of our representation (Sept. 15) concerning the Logwood Ship, Caleb Fibber (or Phippard) Commander, that being a matter much of the like nature. We do not conceive that the Patent of Charles II, upon which the Royal African Company found their right to the rivers and forts they enumerate (Nov. 23) and to the whole coast of Africa from Sally to Cape Bon-Esperanza, can give them any manner of right to exclude foreigners from trading on that vast coast further than they have castles, forts or other strength in each place to enable them to do it. But as for His Majesty's subjects it is true that by a late Act of Parliament all others not of that Company trading between Cape Blanco and Cape Bona Esperanza are subjected to certain conditions and the payment of a certain duty to the Company under penalty of forfeiting both ship and goods. And this being the case, however much it may be the interest of England that H.M. subjects, either of that Company or others, should preserve unto themselves as much as they can the benefit of that profitable trade, yet we do not see any ground of right to exclude foreigners of any nation whatsoever from trading also to places not actually in English possession, as the Portuguese, Dutch, Danes, Brandeburgers and others have long practised, nor of preferring any formal complaint against the Princes or States that encourage it in their subjects. The only remedy that we know against Englishmen or other H.M. subjects sailing in such foreign ships is that, whenever they are met with by any of H.M. ships of war the commanders may press and take them out of such foreign ships, which we understand has been sometimes done, and we
conceive may in like manner be done when opportunity offers by the commanders of any forts or places on land having Commissions of Admiralty Jurisdiction, as we suppose the African Company and their officers have. As to what Mr. Broughton writes about Phippard's Pass from the Deputy Governor of Antigoa and his proposition thereupon, we conceive that all the Governors of H.M. Plantations are directed upon their instructions upon the Acts relating to trade, which they are sworn to observe, not to permit any ship to lade any of the enumerated Plantation commodities in their respective Governments without security have first been given, either in England or in the Plantations, that the goods shall by the said ship be brought either to some other of the Plantations or to England, Wales or Berwick-upon-Tweed, which seems to be all the precaution that can well be used in relation to trade from thence. And as to the apprehension intimated of foreigners carrying negroes thither, there are laws to the contrary, which not only Governors are to see executed, but also the officers of the Customs are engaged by their own interest in the penalties and confiscations to be watchful against all contraventions of the said Acts. But as for foreigners carrying negroes to any other places not under His Majesty's Jurisdiction, we know of no right to hinder them. Signed, Stamford, Lexington, Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. pp. 375–379.] |
Dec. 2.
Bristol. |
1,030. Copy of Deposition of James Brown. I never heard any ill of Governor Day. Adderley was imprisoned in Bermuda Sept. last for striking a Public Officer. 1½ pp. |
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1,030. I. Copy of Deposition of Richard Cradduck and John Harlooe. Governor Day is well-beloved. Harlo heard that Isaac Adderley was imprisoned upon the complaint of his men. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 3. Nos. 58, 58 I.] |
Dec. 4.
Bermuda. |
1,031. Petition of Edward Randolph to the Court of Assizes for a writ of Habeas Corpus. Enclosed, |
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1,031. I. Mittimus of June 8. Signed, Gilbert Nelson, Chief Justice. Copies. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 39. p. 18.] |
| Dec. 4. |
1,032. Abstract of Representations made by merchants and others, 1697, 1698, relating to Piracies in the East Indies. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 35. pp. 136–138.] |
Dec. 4.
Boston. |
1,033. Isaac Addington to Mr. Popple. I send herewith by the Jane of Jersey, John Dauvergne, Master, duplicates of the Minutes of Council of Massachusetts Bay, Ap. 11–Aug. 24, 1699, and of the Journal of Assembly, May 31st, with the Acts and Laws then made. His Excellency sends so full accounts of all affairs relating to this Government that it would be superfluous for me to write. Signed, Isa. Addington. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 19, 1699/1700. [Board of Trade. New England, 10. No. 6; and 37. pp. 230, 231.] |
| Dec. 4. |
1,034. An account of what Captain Kidd has done abroad according to the information received by the Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, and what has been done thereupon. |
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The East India Company having, about Aug., 1698, communicated some informations they had received from their Factors in the East Indies of piracies committed by Capt. Kidd, circular letters were thereupon sent to all the American Plantations by the Secretary of State commanding the Governors there to make search and seize him if he came within their reach. The first advice of Kidd's return to America was a letter from the President and Council of Nevis to Mr. Secretary Vernon (May 18, 1699), (abstract of their account), and to the Commissioners for Trade (June 27, 1699), from which and other advices from Lord Bellomont it appears that Kidd sailed from St. Thomas's for the Island of Mona lying between Porto Rico and Hispaniola and there meeting with one Bolton of Antegoa and one Burt of St. Thomas's he sold them several goods and sent Bolton to Curassao to fetch him provisions, which being done he bought of Bolton a sloop and therein laded the best of his own goods and sailed towards New York, leaving Bolton in trust with the Quidah Merchant. The next advice of him was from Col. Quary, Judge of the Admiralty Court in Pennsylvania, who wrote, June 6 (q.v.) that Kidd was arrived in Delaware Bay. From thence it appears he sailed into the Sound of New York, sending word to his friends at New York. (Repeats substance of Bellomont's Letter, July 26.) On July 6th Lord Bellomont caused Kidd to be seized and committed to prison. Such of his men as could be met with were seized and by informations of some of them, it appears that about April, 1696, he sailed in the Adventure galley from Plymouth to New York and in his way took a French prize which he carried with him. From New York he sailed to Madera, thence to Bonavista and St. Jago, where he took in provisions and proceeded to Madagascar. After that, having sailed to and again and touched in several places, he cruized off the Babs at the entrance of the Red Sea in expectation of ships that might pass by, but effected nothing there. Thence he sailed to Calicut and after 4 or 5 days' stay went a cruizing upon that coast and there took a ship of 150 tons laden with cotton, which he carried to Madagascar, May, 1698. Five weeks after he took the Quidah Merchant of 400 tons, commanded by Wright, an Englishman, which he carried into St. Maries near Madagascar and shared the goods with his company, about 115 men. After that, 90 of the company left Kidd and went aboard the Mocha frigate. Kidd and the men that remained with him carried their goods aboard the Quidah Merchant and ran the Adventure galley on shore, she being very leaky, and set her on fire, and having procured some more men came away for the West Indies. |
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Lord Bellomont in transmitting this account of his proceedings in relation to Kidd said that he was fearful of the escape of the prisoners and that there are no laws in that country for punishing piracy with death and that the people are so favourable to pirates that there could be no expectation of any justice against them there. Upon which their Excellencies the late Lord Justices sent one of H.M. ships to fetch over Kidd and other pirates in safe custody together with their effects that had been seized, and the evidences in order to their being tried here. But the ship having met with storms at sea and suffered such damage that she could
not proceed, is lately returned into Portsmouth. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 35. pp. 139–148.] |
Dec. 4.
Whitehall. |
1,035. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. An Order of the House of Commons (Dec. 1), being brought hither, their Lordships agreed upon two papers (i) Abstract of Representations made by merchants and others, 1697, 1698, relating to piracies in the East Indies; (ii) An Account of what Capt. Kidd hath done abroad and what hath been done thereupon, which were put into Mr. Blathwayt's hands to deliver to the House of Commons. |
| Dec. 5. |
Order of Council, Nov. 23, about H.M. ships carrying off servants etc. read. Copies ordered to be sent to all Governors. |
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Order of Council, Nov. 23, about Mr. Richier and Mr. Trot, read. |
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Order of Council, Nov. 30, about Maryland Laws read. Ordered to be sent to the Governor. |
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Letter from Sir W. Beeston, Aug. 24, read. |
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Copy of Commission for administering oath to the Governor of Pennsylvania, Ap. 30, 1697, read. |
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Letter from Mr. Usher, late Lt.-Gov. of N. Hampshire, Boston, Sept. 21, read. |
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Letter from the Earl of Jersey, Nov. 24, referring Capt. Elrington's petition, read. |
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Letters etc. from Lord Bellomont, Aug. 24, Sep. 11, Sep. 15, Aug. 28, Sep. 9, were laid before the Board. |
| Dec. 6. |
Letter from Mr. Burchett about Algier Passes read. Admiral Aylmer summoned. |
| Dec. 7. |
Answer to Lord Jersey about Capt. Elrington (Nov. 24) ordered, and signed. |
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Admiral Aylmer said the Government of Algiers was very desirous to keep peace with England and in order thereunto were willing that all ships navigated with the major part English seamen should be free from their capture for 18 months till Plantations ships etc. may be furnished with passes according to the Treaty. Letters to Mr. Secretary Vernon and Mr. Burchett for further information ordered. Representation with draught of an Instruction for Col. Codrington about Kidd's goods signed. |
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Dr. Dockwra was given the observations of the Board upon the Memorial of the Proprietors of East New Jersey. |
| Dec. 8. |
This day was devoted to the consideration of Lord Bellomont's letters, New York, Ap. 13th, 17th, 27th, May 3 and 13. Mr. Boyd, a Frenchman lately come from Carolina, was summoned to give information on the expediency of promoting a new trade with some Indians on the back of Carolina mentioned in the letter Ap. 13. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 269–289; and 96. Nos. 194–198.] |
| Dec. 5. |
1,036. Copy of the Commission given to several persons for administering to the Governor of Pennsylvania the oath appointed by Act of Parliament for preventing frauds etc. Ap. 30, 1697. Endorsed, Recd. Dec. 5, 1699. 4¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. No. 31.] |
| Dec. 6. |
1,037. John Poyntz to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The matters of fact referred to in my memorial, for which you require proof, I have often heard from the three last Residents and Envoys
from the Court of Courland to the English Court. (1) Mr. Lucas Lyons, Resident for nearly 50 years in the reigns of Charles I. and II. save for about 4 years when (2) Abraham Marine intervened. Mr. Lyons' widow lives next door to the Peacock in King's street near St. James' Square, Westminster, and has her husband's papers. (3) Monsieur Bloombergh. I annex a copy of his letter to me in June, 1695. He lives at Doctor Dickinson's house in St. Martin's Lane in the Strand, and will, I presume, be ready to confirm the account of Tobago here given. As to the word Surinam in my memorial that was a mistake and should have been Cajan. The other circumstances are notoriously known or may be had from the Records. I repeat my humble prayer to your Lordships that His Majesty may be graciously pleased to encourage this much desired and noble expedition by ordering me one of H.M. lesser frigates for this service and other projects worth some millions sterling of which his Majesty is to have one-fifth part. Signed, John Poyntz. Dated, Dec. 6, 1699. 3 pp. Annexed, |
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1,037. I. Monsieur Blombergh to Capt. Poyntz. This is an abstract from my memory, as I sent back all the original papers and copies seven or eight years ago. His late Highness Duke Jacobus in Livonia of Courland and Semigalia, whose godfather was King James I., bought the island of Tobago with consent of the King, and took possession of it when it was quite empty and deserted. He built a fort upon it and called it after his own name, Jacobus; took a world of pains in clearing it from stubs and stocks, and for many years together enjoyed and planted it, without any contradiction or interruption, until one Lampson, a Zealander, a wealthy man and one of the States, who had got into a corner of the island, and after much dispute was suffered there to plant, paying a yearly tribute to the Duke, took advantage of the war that happened between the Swedes and Poles and of the Duke's imprisonment, to dispossess the Duke of the island. For he appeared with some forces before Fort Jacobus and persuaded the garrison that, as the Duke was a prisoner, they could not expect relief from Courland. The soldiers mutinied, chained the Governor and forced him to capitulate. Lampson engaged himself to restore the Island and Fort with all that was left there, according to an inventory made for that purpose, as soon as the Duke was at liberty again. Thus the Hollanders being got in possession of that island, the Duke after a long time fruitless endeavours with Lampson first and then with the States, sent an Envoy to England, to try if he could prevail with King Charles II. to assist him for the recovery of that island. The King was willing to undertake the resettling him in it by way of concession or grant upon condition that he should yield to his Crown the Island of Gambia in Guinea, etc., as the grant of Nov. 17, 1664, doth show. His Majesty at the same time sent a letter to the States General to
let them know of this grant and to recommend to them the just persuasions of the Duke. His Majesty, intending to retake the Island from the Dutch by fair or foul means, when a war broke out between the English and Dutch, the King's forces landed in that island, whereupon the Duke of Courland ordered a ship to hasten thither, but soon after news came that the English, not hearing from the Duke by reason of the distance, to put him into the possession of it, had done there no more than what is usually done by land, to fall upon the enemies in their quarters, to plunder, kill and destroy and then retreat. The like happened in the war after, so that the Hollanders, being in a more readier and nearer posture, always prevented the Duke from getting into possession. At last the Count de Etree, the French Admiral, took the island and made a miserable slaughter and extirpation of the Dutch, but quitted the island again, and some of the French gentry and merchants soliciting that King to grant the island to them, the French King generously declared that it belonged to a neutral Prince, who was concerned in no war. Thus the judgments of God having cleared the island of the usurpers, the Duke without further loss of time prepared to send some ships thither, and King Charles II. sent his Royal Letter to the Governor of Barbados, directed to Sir Jonathan Atkins, dated Jan. 19, 1680, to assist the officers of the said ships to supply themselves with what they might stand in need of. The like letter the same King dispatched some time before for the said Governor with one of the Duke's ships called the Flower Pot, but one Capt. Nayell, the commander, betrayed the same to those of Algiers. Since, the Duke sent several times ships thither, some returned, some perished. At last the Duke Jacobus died and the present Duke sent another Governor thither with 400 men, who, after the Governor's death, dispersed. Since that time the Duke hath still continued in possession of the Island by sending ships and men thither, and, I believe, at the present he hath some there and is fitting out some others for that purpose. Now if there were a suitable assistance from the English for settling the same, who understand plantations better than any others, there is no doubt but in a little time [it] must prosper, the island being able to be improved to a vast interest and profit. Therefore seeing there are gentlemen of worth to engage in it, I should very willingly take upon me all those services which might procure them easy and reasonable terms for the settlement of the island and matters of government. Signed, Charles de Blombergh. June 11, 1695. Copy. 3 pp. Endorsed, Recd., Dec. 6, Read Jan. 2, 1699. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. Nos. 29, 29 I.; and 45. p. 4.] |
Dec. 7.
Whitehall. |
1,038. William Popple to Josiah Burchett. The Council of Trade and Plantations would be very glad to be possessed of all the regulations and methods now practising by the Admiralty Board in relation to Passes. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. p. 386.] |
Dec. 7.
Whitehall. |
1,039. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Vernon. We understand that you have some letters lately received from the Government of Algier upon the business of Passes and desire the favour of you to communicate to us what you think proper relating thereto. Signed, Stamford, Lexington, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. p. 386.] |
Dec. 7.
Whitehall. |
1,040. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Jersey. We are of opinion that Capt. Elrington [Nov. 24] is fitly qualified to serve H.M. as L.G. of Nevis, but do not find that there has been hitherto any salary for any L.G. of any of the Leeward Islands. Signed, Stamford, Lexington, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, Jon. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 46. p. 21.] |
Dec. 7.
Whitehall. |
1,041. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. We humbly present a draught of an Instruction to Col. Codrington to endeavour to recover goods plundered by Kid and carried to St. Thomas'. With relation to those carried to Curaçoa, we offer that a like Instruction be given to Sir Wm. Beeston. Signed, Lexington, Ph. Meadows, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, George Stepney. Annexed, |
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1,041. I. Draught of additional Instruction to Col. Codrington referred to in preceding. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 46. pp. 22–24.] |
Dec. 7.
Kensington. |
1,042. Order of King in Council. Upon a representation from the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, instructions are to be prepared for the Governors of the Leeward Islands and Jamaica to use their endeavours for the recovery of goods plundered by Kidd the pirate and carried to Curassaw (Curacoa) and for the prosecution of such persons as have been managers with him in that commerce. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 14, 1699. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. No. 46; and 46. pp. 25, 26.] |
| Dec. 7. |
1,043. Minutes of Council in Assembly of Barbados. Upon an address of the Assembly it was ordered that the Churchwardens should bring in the lists of the several parishes and that the late Treasurer should bring in a list of the names of the persons on whom servants were lodged, and the number, and that persons on whom they are placed have notice to give an account of them. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 479, 480.] |
Dec. 8.
Whitehall. |
1,044. Mr. Secretary Vernon to Council of Trade and Plantations. I send you copies of what I received from Vice-Admiral Aylmer relating to Passes, with an extract of what was writ to him from hence upon that subject. What your Lordships have heard of fresher letters from Algiers, I suppose they have
been sent to my Lord Jersey, who I hear has received a packet from hence, which he intends to lay before His Majesty on Sunday next. Signed, Ja. Vernon. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. p. 405.] |
Dec. 8.
Bermuda. |
1,045. Discharge of Edward Randolph from prison. Signed, Charles Minors, Clerk of Assise. Copy. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 39. p. 19.] |
| Dec. 9. |
1,046. Copy of a contract of agreement between the Duke of Courland's envoy and Nicholas Dupin, John Britton, Thomas Puckle, John Beighton, Richard Goddard, and Joseph Blake, about Tobago. Dec., 1699. Endorsed, Communicated to the Board by Mr. Stepney. Recd. Feb. 9, 1699/1700. 5¼ pp. Latin. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. No. 35.] |
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1,047. Copy of above. Signed, by the contracting parties. Dated, Dec. 9, 1699. Endorsed, Recd. March 18. Laid before the Board, March 22, 1699/1700. 18 pp. Latin. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. No. 37.] |
Dec. 11.
Whitehall. |
1,048. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Vernon, applying on behalf of Col. Edward Fox that he may have a particular warrant to be admitted into the Councils of the Leeward Islands without staying for Gov. Codrington's arrival. Signed, Wm. Blathwayt, Jon. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 46. pp. 24, 25.] |
Dec. 11.
Adruiralty
Office. |
1,049. J. Burchett to Mr. Popple. I send you the regulations and methods now in force in relation to Mediterranean Passes. Signed, J. Burchett. Annexed, |
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1,049. I. Copy of rules and regulations for Mediterranean Passes, 1676–1698. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. pp. 392–405.] |
Dec. 11.
Whitehall. |
1,050. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter to Mr. Secretary Vernon, applying for a particular warrant for Col. Fox, ordered and signed. |
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Draught of a letter in reply to Governor Nicholson, July 1, read. |
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Col. Parks and Mr. Perry ordered to attend. |
| Dec. 12. |
Representation upon the necessity of an able Judge and Attorney General being sent to New York ordered. Signed, Dec. 14. |
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Mr. Boyd promised an account in writing of what he knows about trade with the Indians and about Carolina. |
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Lord Bellomont's letter, May 15, read and considered. |
| Dec. 13, 14. |
Col. Parks and Mr. Micajah Perry agreed that Mr. Robt. Carter and John Custis, named in Col. Nicholson's list of persons fit for the Council of Virginia, are fitly qualified. Representation ordered recommending them and signed. |
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Representation and instruction for Sir W. Beeston to receive the salary of a Capt. General ordered and signed. |
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Sir Henry Ashurst delivered the report of William Pa[r]tridge and Benjamin Jackson on Naval Stores in New England, Sept. 25. |
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Memorial from Col. Codrington, proposing alterations in the Councillors appointed for the Leeward Islands, read. Answer
ordered that, they having been chosen by this Board with great deliberation, no alteration was thought fit at present. |
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Order of Council, Nov. 30, about Sir W. Beeston's Commission read. |
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Order of Council, Dec. 7, about an Instruction to the Governor of the Leeward Islands, read. |
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Report of Attorney General upon the Laws of Maryland, 1692–1698 laid before the Board. |
| Dec. 15. |
Mr. Attorney General's report about Dr. Cox's title to Carolana Florida presented by Dr. Cox and read. Dr. Cox ordered to attend Monday next to prove several articles in a paper he lately presented to the Board entitled, "A Demonstration of the King of England's just pretension to the Province of Carolana Florida, and of the present Proprietary under His Majesty." Secretary ordered to inform the Lord Privy Seal that the Board will consider Dr. Cox's petition then. [Board of Trade. Journal, 12. pp. 290–297; and 96. Nos. 199–203.] |
| Dec. 12. |
1,051. Attorney-General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I am of opinion that Dr. Cox hath a good title to the Province of Carolana and tract of land in Virginia called Norfolk County. The original deed from Sir Robert Heath (conveying the grant to Lord Maltravers) doth not appear, only the counterpart signed by the Lord Maltravers, but it was made so long ago as the 13th year of Charles I., and has been recited in the several subsequent conveyances, and no claim has ever been made by the heirs of Sir Robert Heath. Signed, Tho. Trevor. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 15, 1699. 2½ pp. Enclosed, |
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1,051. I. Abstract of the title of Dr. Cox to Carolana Florida. 1¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Proprieties, 4. Nos. 32, 32 I.; and (without enclosure) 26. pp. 136–139.] |
| Dec. 12. |
1,052. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Capt. Rupert Billingsley, Commander of H.M.S. Queenborough, ordered to take command of H.M.S. Margett now ordered to attend this Government in place of the Queenborough. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. p. 511.] |
| Dec. 12. |
1,053. Minutes of Council of Montserat. Act to renew the impost upon liquors for a year passed. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. p. 546.] |
Dec. 12.
Whitehall. |
1,054. Earl of Jersey to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I send you copies of a letter from the Dey of Algiers and from Mr. Cole, about Passes. His Majesty would have you report your opinion what is proper to be done to satisfy the Government of Algiers in this matter and to provide for the ease and security of the Trade and Navigation of H.M. subjects. Signed, Jersey. [Board of Trade. Trade Papers, 14. p. 406.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
1,055. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King, enclosing draught of an Instruction to Sir William Beeston as to his salary as Governor. Signed, Stamford, Lexington, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, George Stepney. Annexed, |
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1,055. I. Draught of Instruction to Sir William Beeston to take £2,000 salary. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 56. pp. 410, 411.] |
Dec. 14.
Kensington. |
1,056. Order of King in Council approving of preceding draught of an Instruction and directing accordingly. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 22, 1699. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 9. No. 4; and 56. p. 413.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
1,057. Earl of Jersey to Council of Trade and Plantations. On your report of the 7th, His Majesty is pleased to appoint Capt. Elrington to be Lieutenant Governor of Nevis. A draught of his Commission is to be prepared accordingly. Signed, Jersey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 19, 1699. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. No. 48; and 46. pp. 26, 27.] |
| Dec. 14. |
1,058. Governor Codrington to Council of Trade and Plantations. 'Tis most humbly recommended for consideration whether it be for His Majesty's service that Mr. Burt, Mr. Danl. Smith and Mr. Abbot be left out of the Council of Nevis, whether Mr. Crisp should be left out of the Council of St. Christopher's, and whether Mr. Mead, who is the King's Commissioner, and has double the estate of any of the other Councillors, should be placed at the lower end of the Councils and by that means discouraged from serving at all. Col. Holt (if Mr. Popple be directed to write a line to him), Col. Bayer, Mr. Cary and Mr. Martin, who does business for most of the gentlemen of Nevis, can give the best answers to such questions as their Lordships shall think fit to ask. Signed, Chr. Codrington. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 14, 1699. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. No. 47.] |
| Dec. 14. |
1,059. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Governor Nicholson having complained that, owing to the death or absence of Members of the Council of Virginia, the distance of the habitation of divers of them from the seat of Government, and the difficulties that many times happen in passing the bays and rivers, he finds it a hard matter to get a quorum, we humbly offer that Robert Carter and John Custis, who are named in Col. Nicholson's list, be appointed. Signed, Stamford, Lexington, Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, Geo. Stepney. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 37. pp. 365, 366.] |
Dec. 14.
Kensington. |
1,060. Order of King in Council, for warrants to be prepared requiring Governor Nicholson to swear and admit Robert Carter and John Custis into H.M. Council of Virginia. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 22, 1699. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 8. No. 1; and 37. p. 367.] |
Dec. 14.
Whitehall. |
1,061. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. We are humbly of opinion that unless Lord Bellomont be assisted by two able lawyers of known probity to supply the places of Chief Justice and Attorney-General, sent from hence, it will be impossible for him to perfect what he has begun in the reformation of those evil practices which had formerly taken root in the province of New York. Much greater allowances will be necessary
to invite fit persons to accept of those employments than the benefit of £100 and £70 per annum respectively at present accruing. A dependance upon the General Assembly there for a further allowance will no ways suit with your Majesty's service in the administration of justice against piracy and illegal trade. They should be assured by an establishment here, and we conceive the extraordinary charge will be abundantly recompensed by a very great increase of your Majesty's Customs here, and tend to the encouragement of fair traders both here and there. We humbly offer that the Chief Justice be empowered to officiate as Judge of the Admiralty and the Attorney General as Advocate General, with particular regard to pirates and irregular traders, not only in New York but also in the neighbouring Colonies. Signed, Stamford, Lexington, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Abr. Hill, George Stepney. 3 pp. Endorsed, Dec. 14. [Board of Trade. New York, 44A. No. 32; and 53. pp. 438–440.] |
Dec. 14.
Kensington. |
1,062. Order of King in Council. His Majesty approves the Representation relating to the necessity of sending from hence a Chief Justice and Attorney General for New York at a salary of £500 and £200 respectively. Minute. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 22nd, 1699. ½ p. [Board of Trade. New York, 9. No. 5; and 53. p. 440.] |
| Dec. 14. |
1,063. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts Bay. Payment of the Justices' Guard at Springfield, 1698, ordered. Ann Pedder and Susannah Starkey, whose husbands were supposed lost at sea, licensed to marry again. [Board of Trade. New England, 49. pp. 261, 262.] |
Dec. 14.
St. John's. |
1,064. Minutes of Council and Assembly of Antigua. The Assembly, to meet liabilities for the ensuing year calculated at 676,242lbs. of sugar at 12s. 6d. per lb., proposed the following taxes;—6lb. per acre on land; 30lb. per head on 8,000 negroes; 6lb. per head on 6,000 horned cattle and 52,242lbs. on ground rents in town and trade. Total, 678,242 lbs. sugar. The Dep. Governor and Council, however, were of opinion that 500,000lbs. of sugar would be sufficient. |
| Dec. 15. |
The Assembly proposed that as the land to the windward of the Court House had not been built on within the stated time, it should be reserved. They proposed that writs should be procured from Nevis for the new Assembly. They agreed to lessen the tax on land 1lb. per acre, and proposed to pay Justice Crabb £500 for building a platform at Parham. To these proposals the Council agreed, but continued to maintain, in spite of the protests of the Assembly, that a revenue of 500,000lbs. would suffice. A joint Committee was appointed to enquire into the number of montrosses necessary to be maintained in the forts. It was agreed to pay Mr. Freeman for building the Guardhouses, in money instead of sugar, at 12s. 6d. per lb. £200 paid to the Dep. Governor, John Yeamans, and a piece of plate, value £50, presented to George Gamble, Speaker of the Assembly, for his indefatigable industry and prudent management. |
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Richard Buckeridge granted a Court. |
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Gawen Rea granted land in St. Johns, but "not within 100 ft. to the eastward of the Court House and Prison." |
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Mr. Barry Tankerd was paid £30 for a negro executed according to law. |
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Capt. Edward Perrie was paid £22 7s. 9d. for a carpet, chair and cushion for the Council House. |
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The Council and Assembly received their expenses during their service in public affairs. |
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Nathaniel Crump, (Clerk to the Assembly), was paid 12,400lbs. for salary etc. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 64. pp. 333–340.] |
