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| Aug. 6 |
Bill appointing Commissioners of the Public Accounts, sent up, was read a first and second time. |
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Bills for regulating fences and preventing abuses by negro slaves read a second time, and, with the preceding, referred to a Committee of the whole House; who reported— |
| Aug. 7. |
(1) That the reason for the Bill for regulating fences was not clear, and that the parties, at whose prayer it was made, should explain the consequences thereof to the Board. (2) That the Bill for preventing abuses, etc., had a clause in it, which gave greater liberty to negroes than the Law of England did to Englishmen, and would encourage them in stealing, etc., and therefore the Bill ought not to pass. (3) They proposed amendments in the Act for appointing Commissioners to state the Public Accounts. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 829–832.] |
Aug. 6.
Maryland. |
694. Governor Blakiston to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I transmit a duplicate of my letter of July 5. In the postscript of the said letter I acquainted your Lordships I had issued out a proclamation to apprehend the pirate King that had robbed Capt. Munday. Munday arrived in this Province about 14 days ago and entered at Pattuxent, but never made any representation to the officer there of any effects belonging to pirates on board him, and I having an account of his bringing in 300 negroes did confirm me he had been no great sufferer as he had represented to the Board. A few days ago a person came to me and told me, if I would give him a gratification, he would discover to me where I should meet with some of those pirates, which I readily embraced, being so strictly enjoined by His Majesty and your Lordships' particular commands. Two of Capt. Munday's men were found on board of his own ship, viz., Nicholas Gellebrand and Atterbury, which at first seemed a riddle to me, but upon enquiry found them as also some money and plate, of all which I have given a full account, as will appear by my deposition enclosed. I enclose also depositions of the men on board and my letter to Mr. Secretary Vernon, etc. With humble submission, by the steps I can trace, Munday seems to be more guilty then any of them. I have been very ill of a feavour, but I bless God I am much better again. I enclose some reasons, which were offered at a distance by the Assembly, for paying the levies in money, which they believe would be the best expedient
to make money more plenty in this Province. I must confess I was under some scruple that it might abate the planting of tobacco, which I stated to the Council, and they are of different sentiments, which opinion I enclose. But notwithstanding I thought fit to transmit the proposals and humbly crave your sentiments concerning it, for I am apt to believe the next sessions of Assembly will press for it. I have often represented the great difficulty I am under to hold a Council, there being but six upon the Western Shore and some of them very infirm; the four upon the Eastern Shore are Mr. Charles Hutchens, James Fresby, Robert Smith and Mr. Francis Jenkins, who I can never get to meet but in time of the General Assembly. There are now two absent which resided on this side the Bay, Sir Thomas Lawrence, who has been absent two years in England, and without His Majesty's licence is out in course according to my Instructions; there is also Mr. Thomas Tench, who lived adjacent to this place and lately gone for England, but possibly he may return again. If your Lordships would be pleased to recommend Mr. Tho. Lawrence, the present Secretary, to His Majesty in the room of his father in the Council, it would much add to the dispatch of business, and in justice to Mr. Lawrence his deportment hitherto seems to recommend him. Signed, N. Blakiston. Endorsed, Recd. Read Oct. 18, 1700. Holograph. 2½ pp. Enclosed, |
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694. i. Abstract of above, with marginal comments. 1 p. |
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694. ii. Governor Blakiston to Mr. Secretary Vernon. Maryland, Aug. 6, 1700. Describes steps which led to his finding Nicholas Gillibrand and Edward Atterbury on board Capt. Munday. This Gillibrand is the person who has been the most active in managing the affair of surprising the sloop from King. His returning again to Capt. Munday seems to point that he had no ill design, but came directly on board Capt. Munday and surrendered the sloop to him and all that was in her. Munday was very stiff and would not own there was anything on board the sloop, but that she was drove on shore and overset in three or four days after. I directed Capt. Coode to search Munday's ship with all imaginable scrutiny, upon which there was found money and plate on board him, as appears by the enclosed account. Capt. Munday in his deposition would own nothing, but Gillibrand, the mate, gives a full account and seems to be very candid. Munday's actions seem to be more notorious than any, to receive the goods and give no account and to complain home how much a sufferer he was by being plundered, when Gillibrand affirms Munday's loss out of his cargo was not above 5l. There is one John Carter and Richd. Writt's deposition, who were in the service of the Royal African Company and taken by the pirate, that Capt. Munday had disposed of several sums of money that was in the sloop. I have obliged Carter and Writt to appear before your Honour, for their evidence may be of some use. Capt. Coode
tells me Munday did behave himself very arrogantly and threatened what he would do when he came home for his taking the money from him. With humble submission I think Munday deserves to be secured more than any, except Atterbury, who went voluntarily; but I am always very tender and cautious of giving any just grounds to the merchants at home to think they have the least difficulty put upon them; for if Munday should be secured it might be a means of the ship's miscarrying; but I have made him enter into a bond of 1,000l, with two sufficient securities that upon his arrival in England he appear before His Majesty in Council. Munday in his declaration affirms now that Gillibrand was forced away with the pirates. The manner of his returning looks as if he had no intention to continue in that course of life. But what I perceive by the rest, this Edwd. Atterbury was not forced away by the pirates, but joined himself voluntarily to them. I send home Gillibrand and Atterbury in obedience to His Majesty's letter of Feb. 10, 1699. I enclose the account of the money and plate seized on board Capt. Munday. I hope there will be care taken that I be no loser in this, as I was in Turner's affair. I find by Gillibrand's deposition that this money and plate, which was on board the sloop, is thought by him to have belonged to Mr. Webb, late Governor of Providence; for King ran away with a brigantein from Philadelphia about a year ago, which belonged to Webb, and left him there. It was reported here that the brigantein had above 8,000l. on board her. What is become of the rest perhaps Capt. Munday is able to give the best account. Endorsed, Recd. Read Oct. 18, 1700. Copy. 3¾ pp. |
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694. iii. Copy of Deposition of Henry Munday, Commander of the John Hopewell. Describes his being robbed by a pirate on the coast of Guinea; how the pirate took his mate Gillibrand, and how he seized the pirate's sloop. July 27, 1700. The pirate's sloop, seized by Gillibrand, had little or nothing in her but some water-casks and barrels of Irish beef. Endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. |
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694. iv. Copy of Deposition of Nicholas Gillibrand, July 30, 1700. After the pirates at Cape Mounserada had rifled the John Hopewell, their captain gave me my choice immediately to be shot at the mast or go with them. The other seven hands of our crew, who had been detained on board the pirate, went voluntarily with him. John Sanders, a trumpeter, an Indian, was forced. Several pirates being sick and going on shore at the Isle of Annabo, deponent consulted with one John Carter and Francis Brown, and Moses Right, negroes, and presenting a pistol to the pirate captain's breast, put him and his men ashore and sailed away with their
sloop to Angola, where he joined the John Hopewell, Feb. 5. Capt. Munday, Capt. Clay of the Fortune and Capt. Prince of London came aboard and searched the sloop. We found 300l. in coined silver, 12 pound weight in wrought plate. Other items enumerated, which Capt. Munday took in his keeping. Capt. Clay took Brown with him by force and Capt. Prince the other man. I inspected to know how the pirate, whose name was King, might come by this plate, etc.; and found it belonged to the Governor of Providence. At the end of April, having a violent gale the sloop was overset as she rid at anchor. The goods taken out of the John Hopewell were provisions, arms and liquor; the India goods taken did not exceed 5l. in value. Same endorsement. 2¾ pp. |
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694. v. Copy of Deposition of Edward Atterbury. July 28, 1700, as to the same affair. The pirates took him by force from the Hopewell. He afterwards saw Munday take some bags of money that had been in King's chest on board the Hopewell. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
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694. vi. Copy of Deposition of John Carter and Richd. Writt, mariners, Aug. 1, 1700, who, in Sep., 1699, were compelled to join Henry King, the pirate. Corroborates preceding narratives. Capt. Munday sold and disposed of goods which deponents told him belonged to the African Company, and gutted the sloop. Same endorsement. 2 pp. |
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694. vii. Copy of Governor Blakiston's deposition as to the pirates' effects found in Capt. Munday's ship. Aug. 5, 1700. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
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694. viii. Copy of Reasons offered by the Assembly of Maryland for paying the public levies for the future in money and not in tobacco. July, 1700. It would make money of general use and cause our beginning trade in markets to increase by a oftner returns, being at present only according to a crop once a year, etc. Same endorsement. 2 pp. |
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694. ix. Copy of Minute of Council of Maryland, July 18, 1700. The Council is of opinion that the above proposal of the Assembly would not occasion any less tobacco to be grown than before. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 4. Nos. 8, 8.i.–ix.; and (without enclosures) 9. pp. 536–552.] |
Aug. 6.
Whitehall. |
695. William Popple to Sir Thomas Trever, enclosing, for his opinion in point of law, Acts of Barbados passed in the General Assembly, Jan., Feb., March 1699/1700. Annexed, |
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695. i. List of Acts referred to above. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 45. pp. 102, 103.] |
| Aug. 6. |
696. Minutes of Council in Assembly of Barbados. The Governor of Martinico's letter, July 13, in answer to His
Excellency, relating to the French having settled themselves at Sta. Lucy, was read. The Board advised that copies thereof be sent home to one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, and that His Excellency proceed no further in this matter till His Majesty's further pleasure be known. |
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Letter from the Lords of the Council of Trade, April 8th, 1700, relating to Col. Robert Bishop's being removed by the Council from the office of Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for St. Michael, St. George and St. John, together with the petition of Dorothy Bishop and the Order in Council thereupon, read. |
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Ordered that the Honble. Lt. General Farmer, George Lillington, and George Andrews, or any two of them, be a Committee to examine into the proceedings of Col. Stede, in ascerta[in]ing His Majesty's right relating to the island Sta. Lucy, in order to be transmitted to the Secretary of State, and likewise to be a Committee with full powers to enquire and to report for what reasons Col. Robert Bishop was removed from office. |
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Salary of Jos. Welgrove, Montross of Willoughby Fort, ordered to be paid. |
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25l. paid Tobias Frere, for a negro, who was executed for running away from him. |
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23l. paid John Adams for a negro, who was executed for stealing and absenting himself from Adams' service. |
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Salary paid to James Mashart, Clerk to the Committee of Public Accounts. |
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William Cole paid 25l. for a negro, who was executed. |
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Tho. Maycock paid 25l. for a negro woman, who was executed for poisoning him, and 23l. 10s. for a negro, who was executed for felony. |
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Lt. Col. Christopher Warren and Lt. Col. Henry Applewaite paid 20l. for a negro, who was executed for stealing. |
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George Church paid 5l. for a negro, who was xecuted for murdering a negro woman belonging to Major Mathias Lake. |
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William Martindale paid 50l. for two negroes, who were executed for attempting to poison him. |
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Salaries paid to John Thomas, Chief Gunner of Orange Fort, and several mattrosses. |
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Salary paid to Christopher Berrow, Gunner of Rupert's Fort and the Battery on Thompson's Rock, and two mattrosses. |
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Walter Caddell paid 45l. 15s. 6d. for several entertainments of the Commissioners for the Leeward fortifications; also his salary and that of 4 mattrosses for their attendance at Denmark Fort. |
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Ordered that all petitions relating to the country's servants, placed by several of the Collectors on the petitioners, wherein they suppose themselves aggrieved, be heard next Council day of Course. Notice to be given thereof at the most public places in the Bridge Town. Entered in Council Book, |
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696. i. Letter of the Governor of Martinico to Governor Grey. Martinico, July 13, 1700. I have been astonished to see in yours of June 25th that you believe that the King of Great Britain has any rights upon the island of Sta. Lucy, and I have to tell you about this
that the said island belongs lawfully and in all propriety to the King my master, since his subjects are settled in these islands of America, and therefore that His Majesty of Great Britain has absolutely no right on it upon that ground. You may reckon that I shall not cause to depart from the island the subjects of the King my master, which have been there since a great while, and to the contrary that I shall maintain them against all these that would undertake to trouble 'em; besides, if there is anything done by you or by the people under your command, any enterprise in Sta. Lucy, I shall look upon it as a breach on your side to the last Treaty of Peace, and as an act of Hostility that you shall have done, to the which I shall oppose myself with all the forces that are under my command, if occasion be, of which I shall ask reparation against you, as an act that you ought to answerable according to the conventions of the last Treaty of Peace, and the laws established by the Laws of Nations there is what I had to let you know you shall take such party as will be convenient for you people is not much troubled of the disagreeable wayes in which you speak to me, and of which you threaten to make use of, that might only be for those that would attempt any enterprise against the subjects of the King my master, who are in the said island of St. Lucy, whome I pray you to let 'em live in peace, without doing them any trouble, if you are willing that I may be Your most humble and most obedient servant. Signed, Le Marquis D'Amblimont. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 525–530.] |
| Aug. 6. |
697. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter from Mr. Cary, signifying that he is no longer Agent for Nevis and that another person has been lately appointed for that service, read. Ordered that the Secretary write to him to enquire the name of the person so appointed. |
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Letter from Mr. Grey, June 15th, read, and the papers enclosed were laid before the Board. The Acts of Barbadoes, Jan., Feb., March, 1699/1700 ordered to be sent to Mr. Attorney General. Further progress made in considering the Acts of New York. But not being able to go through therewith, for want of the objections which Mr. Montague the Solicitor has desired to dispatch [sic] what he has to offer on that subject, or if he cannot perfect it immediately, that at least he send the titles of the Acts against which he intends to offer his objections. |
| Aug. 7. |
Their Lordships taking into consideration some heads of Col. Nicholson's letter, June 10th, ordered that Mr. Perry be desired to call here at his first conveniency. In reference to the pirates now sent over, a list of the papers relating thereunto was sent to be shewn to the Secretary of the Admiralty. Answer returned that they had duplicates of them. |
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Letter received from Mr. Cary, signifying that Col. Joseph
Jory is appointed agent for Nevis. Ordered that notice be given him that their Lordships desire to speak with him. [Board of Trade. Journal, 13. pp. 142–145; and 97. Nos. 135, 136.] |
| Aug. 7. |
698. Attorney General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the Acts passed in the General Assembly of Barbados, April 18 [? Aug. 2]—Oct. 17, 1699, and find nothing is contained in them contrary to law or prejudicial to His Majesty's Royal prerogative. Signed, Tho. Trevor. Endorsed, Recd. 29th Oct., Read 14th Nov., 1700. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 8. No. 59; and 45. pp. 131, 132.] |
| Aug. 7. |
699. Richard Savage to Wm. Popple. I have laid before the Commissioners of His Majesty's Customs your letter of July 19th to Mr. Sansom, concerning the Collector's place in Bermuda. I am to acquaint you, in his absence, that by letters formerly received from Mr. Randolph they were advised that Mr. Day had refused to admit Mr. Saml. Spofforth upon his nomination to act in the collection of the Customs at Bermuda, and had intrusted that collection in the hand of Mr. Thomas Brookes. But for the clause you mention to have been constantly the same in the Commissions given to the Governors of all His Majesty's Plantations for impowering them to nominate and appoint Customhouses, ware-houses and officers relating thereunto and them to alter, change, place or displace from time to time with the advice and consent of the Council, the Commissioners conceive that to relate to the Customs and Country duties raised for the support of the Government, and not the duties imposed by the Act for the encouragement of the Eastland and Greenland Trades and better securing the Plantation Trade, 25 Car. 2, because that clause was in those Commissions several years before the making of that law. And moreover those duties are thereby ordered to be collected and paid at such places and to such Collectors and other officers as shall be appointed in the respective Plantations by the Commissioners of the Customs in England by and under the authority of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Nevertheless the Commissioners have thought it advisable that the Governors should be empowered by an article in their Instructions to employ fit persons upon the death or removal of any of the officers until such persons should be approved of here or others nominated from hence. And though the Commissioners did incline for the good character which Mr. Randolph gave of the aforesaid Mr. Spofferth to present him for the Collection of the Customs in Bermuda, yet upon a late letter from the said Brookes, wherein he gave them an account of the condemnation of two vessels and one of their ladings, whereof His Majesty's ⅓ part amounted to 210l. 15s. 4d., which his brother and Mr. Wm. Brookes, a merchant of good credit in this city, hath deposited in the hands of the Receiver General and Cashier of the Customs here, who offered likewise to be his security for what he should further receive in the collection and otherwise, and upon some other particular recommendation, the Commission did lately present the said Mr. Thomas Brookes for the Collection of the
Customs in Bermuda, and the Treasury have approved of him. Signed, Richd. Savage. Endorsed, Recd. Read 8th Aug., 1700. Addressed. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Bermuda, 4. No 38; and 30. pp. 42–44.] |
Aug. 7.
Chancery
Lane. |
700. John Montagu to William Popple. I am making all the dispatch I can to put into writing what I have to offer against the New York Acts. I believe I shall not particularly object to any but these three;—that for a present to the Governor and his Lieutenant, that for committing Ebenezer Wilson and Samuel Burt, and that for annulling grants, etc. Signed, Joh. Montagu. Endorsed, Recd. 7th. Read 8th Aug. 1700. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 10. No. 22.] |
| Aug. 7. |
701. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts Bay. George Tohanto, one of the Pennecook Sagamores, accompanied with some other Indians, attended in obedience to His Excellency's warrant directed unto him and Wattanuman, who, as George informed, was gone out into the woods a hunting before the receipt of the said warrants. Examined as to the report of his intentions to make war upon the Mohegan Indians, Tohanto said he was abused therein, having no such purpose, nor did pretend himself to be anyways injured by them, but alleged that the Wabaquasits, or New Roxbury Indians, lately come to reside at Pennecook, designing to stir up a quarrel betwixt the Pennecooks and Mohegans by lying insinuations to one and the other of them, endeavoured to set them at variance. The Wabaquasits were very unruly. He was told by the Lieut. Governor that he ought not to entertain them without the leave of the Government, nor should they have removed from their own Plantation. Whereupon he promised to dismiss them, and that he would not attempt anything against the Mohegans, but continue in peace with all the King's subjects, being admonished that if at any time he should apprehend himself injured by any of the English or Indians, he must make his application to the Government for redress, and not take any private revenge, for they were all the King's subjects; but in case he should act otherwise, the Government would interpose and repress such disorderly practices; and if any of the Wabaquassits or other Indians at Pennecooke should be unruly or misbehave themselves, that he then cause them to be apprehended and carried before Major Tyng, one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, to be proceeded against according to law. |
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Licence granted to Edward Brattle to erect a dwelling house of timber upon his land lying on the backside Thaddeus Mackarty's, near the new Meeting-house in Boston, provided he slate or tile the roof and rough cast the sides. |
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Licence granted to Edward Boylstone to make a timber addition to his brick-house in Prison-Lane, Boston, provided he slate or tile the roof and rough cast the sides and ends. |
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Licence granted to Mary Smith to build a lean-to of timber on the backside of a brick house she is now building over against the dwelling of Col. Hutchinson in Boston, with the same proviso. |
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Licence granted to Richard Honnywell to erect an addition of timber to his house, standing in a lane from the back street to Madam Richards' at the North end of Boston. |
| Aug. 8. |
Proclamation ordered proroguing the Assembly to September 25th. |
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Col. Phillips praying to be excused from going eastwards, ordered that Major James Converse, with the assistance of Capt. Cyprian Southack, Commander of the Province Gally, manage the affair of erecting a trading-house at Cascobay. Major Converse presented a memorial of what is necessary to be provided for that purpose. Treasurer ordered to provide accordingly. |
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Carpenters and masons employed there to be paid 50s. per month. A detachment of 60 soldiers from the Militia of Plymouth, Barnstable and Bristol, to attend that service, and to be allowed for their labour. [Board of Trade. Massachusetts Bay, 2. pp. 7–10.] |
| Aug. 7. |
702. Minutes of Council of New York. Payment ordered to John Allen and John Reynolds, sawyers, for work done by them in Fort William Henry, eight days at 4s. 6d. per diem each. |
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4l. 7s. 9d. paid to Col. William Smith for sundries given by him to the Indians of Nassau Island for services to this Government. Col. William Smith, Chief Justice of this Province, acquainted this Board that all the time he was commissioned to be Chief Justice, he was told that in consideration that his salary was so small that he was not therewith enabled to defray the charge of going the circuit and pay such other attendance, as is expected from one in his station, he should be allowed his charges out of the Revenue; that during the Government of Col. Fletcher, the Second Justice of this Province, who had 100l. per annum salary, performed the said service, but that almost ever since the arrival of Lord Bellomont he hath for want of a second Justice been obliged to perform the service of both, to his great charge and trouble. He prays His Excellency and Council to allow him some part of the second Justice's salary that has been saved. 40l. granted towards his expenses. |
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12l. each paid to Garrit Luykass, Hendrick Rooseboom and Nicholas Bleeker, and 15l. to Jan Baptist van Epe, interpreter, for their journeys to the Indians at Onnondage with Col. Peter Schuyler, Robt. Livingston, Hendrick Hansen and others on account of the Government; and 93l. 15s. 8d. to Robt. Livingston, and 25l. 16s. 4½d. to Hendrick Hansen for charges for the said expedition. |
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12l. 6s. paid to Cornelius Depeyster and Gerrit Blanker for work done by James Wells and Clement Elsworth, carpenters, in Fort William Henry. |
| Aug. 8. |
32l. 10s. paid to Hendrick Hansen for providing firewood for His Majesty's Fort at Albany. |
| Aug. 9. |
Ryer Schermerhoorn's account referred to a Committee. |
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15l. paid to Abraham Governeur, Speaker of the House of Representatives, for services done by him during the sitting of the Assembly prorogued to-day. |
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50l. paid to Dyrk Vandenburgh, bricklayer, for plastering and finishing the new lodgings in the Fort. |
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25l. each paid to Col. Peter Schuyler and Hendrick Hansen for their journey to the Indians at Onnondage. |
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9l. 5s. paid to Ryer Schermerhoorn for passage of soldiers and Indians, etc., at and since His Excellency's expedition to Albany, June, 1698. |
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His Excellency acquainted the Board that the Fortune, having been condemned in the Court of Admiralty here for being foreign built and consequently useless to everybody in point of trade, he had thought fit, that she might not be totally lost to His Majesty, to send her for England, loaden with ship timber for the use of His Majesty's Navy, and he desired the Council to appoint fit persons to equip her for the voyage. Col. Abraham Depeyster, Samuel Staats and Robert Walter appointed accordingly; the charges to be allowed out of His Majesty's Revenue here; His Excellency promising to use his best endeavours that the same may be repaid to the Revenue here from England. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 340–344.] |
| Aug. 8. |
703. Minutes of Council in Assembly of New York. Bill for the better payment of the Representatives, sent up, was read twice and committed. |
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An Act for the better securing the Five Nations in their fidelity to His Majesty, sent up, was read twice and committed. |
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An Act for reviving such actions and suits as were discontinued in the late Superior Court, and an Act for the confirmation of a patent granted by William Keift, late Dutch Governor of this Province, to Mathias Hansen, late of Ulster County, decd., and the confirmation thereof by Richard Nicolls, late Governor of this Province, to the co-heirs of the said Mathias J. Jansen (sic), sent up. |
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Bill appointing Commissioners to state the Public Accounts read a third time, passed with amendments, and sent down. |
| Aug. 9. |
The Representatives returned the last mentioned Bill with their assent. |
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The Council considered that the money granted by the Bill for securing the Five Nations will not extend to defray the charge of the intended fortification; and that the manner of raising the same will be pernicious to the trade of the Province and destructive to His Majesty's established revenue, especially of such branches thereof as this new additional duty is charged on; yet they considering the great importance of giving satisfaction to the Indians, that it is the intention of the General Assembly that a Fort be erected at the public charge for their security, for that reason only and to comply with the present necessity, advise His Excellency to pass the same, but that it be done under the protestation of what ill consequence the manner of raising this money may be to the Province, until His Majesty's pleasure be known therein, or that some expedient be found to supply the defects of the Bill. His Excellency approved of this report, and the Bill was read a third time and passed. His Excellency signed and enacted the Bills against Jesuits, appointing Commissioners of Accounts, and for the better securing of the Indians. The Representatives attending, His Excellency acquainted them with what Acts he had passed and the protest of the Council
with regard to the last. He joined with the Council in opinion that it would be destructive to the Trade and Revenue of the Province; and said that they had in a strange manner demonstrated their affection and loyalty to His Majesty. He thought it fit, however, as the present circumstances required, to pass the Bill and to prorogue the Assembly to the first day of October. [Board of Trade. New York, 72. pp. 832–836.] |
Aug. 8.
James City. |
704. Minutes of Council of Virginia. His Excellency laid before the Council His Majesty's letter, March 18th, recommending the French Protestant Refugees. The Council, upon consideration that there is no such land in Norfolk County as was represented for their settlement there, and the land in those parts not as yet actually seated lying in dispute betwixt Virginia and the Proprietaries of Carolina, unanimously ordered that the Refugees be seated upon James River at Mannikin Town, which is about 20 miles above the falls, where the land is very good, a fertile soil, wholly in His Majesty's grant and without any other pretentions, as the most proper place for the advancement of His Majesty's service and the interests and safety of this Colony. The further care and management whereof, for their assistance in settling, recommended to Mr. Auditor Byrd and Mr. Benjamin Harrison, Senior. |
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His Excellency announced that the French Refugees arrived July 23. He immediately went down to Hampton Town and had a muster-roll taken. They were 108 men, 59 women and 38 children, besides the Marquis de la Muce and M. de Sailly. |
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Ordered that it be recommended to the Committee appointed to revise the Laws to consider of the most proper method to be used for the nationalisation, settlement and civil government of the French Refugees. |
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His Excellency laid before the Board the Letter of the Lords Commissioners of Trade, April 12, recommending the Refugees and signifying his Majesty's pleasure in approving of a meeting to be held between His Excellency and Col. Blackiston with His Excellency the Earl of Bellomont, to consult about the opening a new Trade with some Western Indians. |
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His Excellency said that, pursuant to these instructions, he had written to the Governor of Maryland intimating that he would attend him about ye ninth or tenth of Sept., to meet with the Governor of Pennsylvania about ye middle of the aforesaid month, in order to their meeting with His Excellency the Earl of Bellamont at New York, Sept. 21st or 22nd. |
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His Excellency laid before the Council a letter from Capt. Passenger, July 29th, stating that M. de Sailly and some of the French Refugees have a quarter part of the Mary Anne, Capt. George Haws, Commander. Prosecution ordered in Court of Admiralty. |
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Ordered that in future, upon the condemnation of any ship in the Court of Admiralty, the marshal immediately take her into his possession, and render an account of her condemnation together with an inventory of her lading, guns, ammunition, tackle and
furniture to Mr. Auditor Byrd, that such proceeding may be thereupon had as shall be agreeable to law. |
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The petition of George Sleycomb, master and owner of the sloop Slowfeild, representing that he lately came from Annapolis in Maryland, with a permit from William Taylor, Dep. Collector there, but that for want of a register, his sloop was here seized by Capt. William Passenger and condemned and forfeited in the Court of Admiralty, and praying for clemency and the remission of fines and forfeitures aforesaid, granted in consideration of his distressed condition. |
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His Majesty's Order in Council, Feb. 16, 1699, referring to the naturalisation, etc., of aliens, referred to the Committee for revising the laws. |
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In consideration of the case of John Harwood, Master of a ship, who was forced into York River (Va.) for wood and water and thence carried off George Stoakes a carpenter to England, it was recommended to the Committee for the Revisal of the Laws, that for the future masters of vessels, driven in by stress of weather, or for wood or water, be enforced to give bond to perform the Laws of the Country. |
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In the absence of several members of the Council other matters were referred to a fuller Council. |
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The precedents for issuing writs for election of burgesses upon prorogation, in case any should be dead or otherwise removed, were laid before the Council. |
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Mr. Benjamin Harrison ordered to deliver to Dionisius Wright, Clerk of the Council, a list of the papers, etc. belonging to the Council Office. The next General Court being about to be held in Oct. at His Majesty's Royal College of William and Mary, near to the city of Williamsburgh, and most of the houses for reception being in the county of York, where the Sherif of James City County hath no jurisdiction, the Attorney General and Mr. Benjamin Harrison ordered to consider which method is most proper to prevent delay of Justice for want of jurors. |
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On the petition of Joshua Broadbent for a license to keep Ferry at Tindol's Point over York River, the question of keeping of ferry was referred to the Committee for Revising the Laws. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 55. pp. 3–9; and (duplicate of greater portion) 53. pp. 303–307.] |
| [? Aug. 8.] |
705. Attorney and Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Upon perusal of their Excellencies the Lords Justices' letter to the President and Council of Nevis, Sep. 29, 1698, and a copy of a Commission granted by His Majesty to Col. Fox, Nov. 15, 1699, we are humbly of opinion that the powers and authorities given by the Lords Justices to the President and Council of Nevis were determined by the Commission to Col. Fox upon the arrival of Col. Fox there, and publication of his Commission, and we conceive he might, upon his coming there before Col. Codrington, by virtue of his Commission dispossess the President and Council and assume to himself that Government until the arrival of Col. Codrington there. Signed, Tho. Trevor, Jo. Hawles. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 9th Aug., 1700.
¾ p. [Board of Trade. Leeward Islands, 6. No. 77; and 46. pp. 68, 69.] |
| Aug. 8. |
706. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Col. Jory attending said he had heard from Nevis that he had been appointed Agent for that Island, but had not yet received the powers that may authorise him to act in that capacity. |
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Letter from Mr. Montague, signifying against which of the New York Acts he intends to offer objections, read. |
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Letter from Mr. Savage, Aug. 7th, in answer to one writ Mr. Sansom July 19th, relating to the Collector's place in Bermuda and the right of appointing Collectors in all His Majesty's Plantations, read. |
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Mr. Solicitor General's report upon the Acts past in the General Assembly of Antegoa, 1696, 1697, read. Several of the Acts read and considered. |
| Aug. 9. |
Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General's answer to the queries sent them, July 4th, relating to Col. Fox's assuming the Government of the Leeward Islands, received and read. |
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Mr. Perry, attending as desired, and being asked his opinion about the usefulness of the late Act against the bringing of bulk tobacco from the Plantations, he said that the importation of such bulk tobacco is an occasion of very great frauds, which ought to be prevented, and that the most effectual way in his opinion would be by a clause to oblige masters of ships to make an exact report of their lading there, before they come away, and to make the very same entry of their ships upon their arrival here. Their Lordships further enquired of him into the characters of several persons recommended by the Governor of Virginia, to supply vacancies in that Council, and thereupon directed a Representation to be drawn that Mr. Lewis Burwell may be constituted a member of the said Council. |
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Letter from Col. Blakiston, March 24th, was now received and read. |
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Letter from Col. Quary of June 5, relating to the Pirates effects seized by him and sent by order of Mr. Secretary Vernon to the Earl of Bellomont, received and read. Directions thereupon given for preparing a letter to him in answer to that and others lately received from him. |
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A paper received from Mr. Crown, setting forth his title to Penobscot and other lands adjacent, was read. |
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Their Lordships made further progress in considering the Acts of the General Assembly of Antego. [Board of Trade. Journal, 13. pp. 145–148; and 97. Nos. 137, 138.] |
| Aug. 9. |
707. John Crowne's title to Penobscot and other lands adjacent. All the right and title of William Crowne (given at length. See Cal. A. and W. I., 1699.) is descended to John Crowne, his eldest son and heir. who now humbly petitions for restoration. Concludes: No subject of England, except Sir William Alexander, Sir Claud and Sir Charles de Ste. Estienne, Sir Thomas Temple and William Crowne, ever laid claim to Nova Scotia from the first discovery of it, which was about 1610, to
the present year. So that besides what right their heirs have from the Great Seal of Scotland, they have also all the title which can be derived from a long possession time out of mind. 4½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 9th May, 1700. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 1; and 38. pp. 93–100.] |
| Aug. 9. |
708. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the Act for prohibiting the exportation of money and bullion, passed in the General Assembly of Massachusetts Bay, May 26, 1697, which I humbly conceive is agreeable to law, but having heard Mr. Brinton in behalf of the Commissioners of the Customs, who affirms that the Act will be very prejudicial to the Trade of England, unless there be a clause for excepting the exportation of money and bullion in order to be imported into England, therefore how far it is fit to confirm the said Act is humbly submitted to your Lordships' judgment. Signed, Jo. Hawles. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 20th Aug., 1700. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 2; and 38. p. 178.] |
| Aug. 9. |
709. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the Acts of Massachusetts Bay, May 25, 1698, which I conceive are agreeable to law and contain nothing prejudicial to His Majesty's royal prerogative; except that: (i) in the Act for establishing precedents and forms of writs and processes in civil Courts, the form of an attachment for reviewing, etc., seems very extravagant, as where A had recovered judgment against B, and B prays a review, the Sherit is thereby commanded to arrest A, and to have him forthcoming before the Judges, even before the judgment given for him is reversed, which I think is very incongruous. (ii.) Against confirming the Act establishing Sea-ports within this Province, and for ascertaining the fees for entering and clearing vessels inward and outward bound, Mr. Brenton hath appeared before me on behalf of the Commissioners of the Customs, who affirms that several of the ports thereby established have not one vessel belonging to them, nor have for several years past had any vessels unladen there, except such as came privately and imported prohibited goods; and that two or three ports are sufficient for that Province. I conceive that what is meant by the enumerated commodities mentioned in the first enacting clause for shipping or unlading, of which some of the places therein mentioned were not to be ports, ought to be more particularly expressed. Signed, Jo. Hawles. Endorsed. Recd. 12th, Read 20th Aug., 1700. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 3; and 38. pp. 179–183.] |
| Aug. 9. |
710. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the Laws of Massachusetts Bay, May 25, 1698, enumerated, which I humbly conceive are agreeable to law and justice, and contain nothing prejudicial to His Majesty's Royal prerogative. But as to the Act for discontinueing the duties of impost granted the same session and for granting of other duties of impost instead, not having seen the Act intended to be
repealed, I am not able to give any opinion how far it is fit to confirm the said Act. I have also considered the Act for hearing and determining cases in equity, and am doubtful how far the matter of this Act was contained in former Acts of 1693 and 1694, which have been repealed by His Majesty. Otherwise I can see no objection to it. Signed, Jo. Hawles. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 22nd Aug., 1700. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 4; and 38. pp. 183–186.] |
| Aug. 9. |
711. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the Laws passed in the General Assembly of Massachusetts Bay, May 31st, 1699, enumerated, which I conceive are agreeable to law and justice, and contain nothing prejudicial to His Majesty's royal prerogative. But as to the Act for establishing inferior Courts and the Act for establishing a Superior Court, etc., which in the main seem reasonable, whether the power of nominating the Chief and other Justices of the said Courts ought not to be reserved to His Majesty, is humbly submitted to your Lordships' great wisdom, the said Acts saying that Justices shall be appointed, without mentioning by whom. As to the Act for regulating and directing the proceedings in the Courts of Justice, the first clause, giving liberty of appeal from the inferior Court of Common Pleas to the Superior Court, seems to allow, after an appeal to the Superior Court and after Judgment given by the Superior Court or before Judgment so given, power to the inferior Court, which gave the first Judgment, to review the case again, which is very incongruous, and there is nothing like it practised here in England. The said clause likewise says that in case either party shall obtain three Judgments, then the matter to be finally determined, saving that there is a liberty allowed to appeal to the King in Council. I humbly conceive it is not for the public good that a matter should be so often contested before it be conclusive, twice or thrice at the most being all that is allowed by law here in England. The last clause of the said Act makes the ceremony of the oath to be taken by the Justices, Jurors and witnesses to be only lifting up the hand, which differs from what is required by the laws here in England. But all other matters, I think the said Act is reasonable and fit, in case His Majesty shall be pleased to confirm the two Acts before-mentioned, for establishing Courts, etc., to be likewise confirmed by His Majesty. As to the Act for applying 1,000l., part of the tax upon polls and estates granted to His Majesty by this Court, unto the use of His Excellency Richard, Earl of Bellamont, and there being a resolution taken and an order settled by His Majesty in Council as to all the Acts of the Plantations of that nature, as I remember I do not think it proper for me to give any opinion therein. As to the Act to enable Samson Searle, son of Daniel Searle, formerly of Barbados, Esqre. decd., and Jonathan Tyng, Esq., son and heir of Edward Tyng, Esq., to sell a house and land in Boston, no person having been with me to give me satisfaction as to the matters suggested in the said Act, I am not able to give any opinion how far it is fit to confirm it. Signed, Jo. Hawles. Endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 5; and 38. pp. 186–192.] |
| Aug. 9. |
712. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the laws passed in the General Assembly of Massachusetts Bay, May 31st, 1699—March 13th, 1700, enumerated, which I humbly conceive are agreeable to law and justice and doe not contain anything prejudicial to His Majesty's royal prerogative. As to the Act to repeal one part of an Act of May 25th, 1698, entitled an Act for establishing precedents, etc., and for making other provision instead thereof, I think it is not inconvenient. As to the Act empowering Joan Papillio to sell land belonging to the estate of Peter Papillio, late of Bristol, decd., no person having been with me to give me satisfaction as to the matter suggested, I am not able to give any opinion how far it is fit to confirm it. Signed, Jo. Hawles. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 23rd, Aug., 1700. 1¾ pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 6; and 38. pp. 192–195.] |
| Aug. 9. |
713. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the Acts passed in the General Assembly of New Hampshire, Aug. 7th, 1699. As to the Act for returning able and sufficient jurors and regulating the election of Representatives, I conceive it is agreeable to law and justice and doe not contain anything prejudicial to His Majesty's royal prerogative. As to the Act for restraining and punishing privateers, I humbly certify that by an Act made here in England the last Session of Parliament, all piracies, etc., committed in or upon the sea or any place where the Admiral hath jurisdiction is to be tried at sea or upon the land in any of His Majesty's Islands, Plantations, Colonies, etc., appointed for that purpose by Commission under the Great Seal or Seal of the Admiralty, and the Act now proposed gives power to the Superior Court of Judicature therein mentioned to try such affairs in that Province, which is inconsistent with the said Act of Parliament, and therefore I think it ought not to be confirmed. As to the Act for continuing several rates and duties, I see no objection in case the Act for defraying the public charge of the Province and the Acts for continuing the same have been already confirmed. As to the Act for establishing Courts of Publick Justice, the design in the main I think is very reasonable, but whether it be fit to vest a power in the Governor for constituting the Chief Justice and other Justices of the Courts, is humbly submitted to your Lordships. As to the Act for appropriating 500l. to the Governor, I do not think it proper for me to give any opinion. Signed, Jo. Hawles. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 27 Aug., 1700. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 7; and 38. pp. 195–198.] |
| Aug. 9. |
714. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered the Act passed in the General Assembly of New Hampshire, Nov. 21st, 1699, for raising 460l. for defraying the public charges, which I conceive is agreeable to law and justice and containeth nothing prejudicial to His Majesty's royal prerogative. Signed, Jo. Hawles. Endorsed, Recd. 12, Read 27, Aug., 1700. ¾ p. [Board of Trade. New England, 11. No. 8; and 38. p. 199.] |
Aug. 9/20.
Fort Kyck
Overal, Rio
Issequibe. |
715. Samuel Beeckman to the Directors of the Dutch West India Company, Middelburgh. Most Worshipful Gentlemen. By the De Yonge Jan we received, besides the cargo and provisions, July 8th (N.S.) your esteemed letter and enclosures, dated April 19th (N.S.) from Middelburgh. We accordingly did all we could to hasten her unloading and departure. We have, moreover, noticed with pleasure the approval your Honours have been pleased to bestow upon our letter of Aug. 3rd (N.S.) last year, concerning the work undertaken with respect to clearing the remarkably fine sugar plantations, as also the hope which your Honours had to entertain from it, to relieve the heavy expense incurred and yet to be incurred. We cannot yet think that it will be idle and in vain, if only the number of slaves demanded be sent to us in time. Our success is greater and quicker [? than could have been] expected, and, in order to have been able to give some proof of the progress made, we had rather hoped for two bottoms than one, to ship the sugar we and the free inhabitants have ready and on the fields. This deficiency will be somewhat troublesome to us. [We are glad to learn] that it has pleased your worships that we granted to Jan de Heere and Father Jacobus [or] Jacobus Pape two head [sic] of slaves each, and, according to custom, have allowed each to choose a tract of land, but [? have] not assigned [? it], to cause no ingratitude or annoyance. What you say further in consideration of it, is particularly pleasing to us, and we shall therefore constantly conduct ourselves accordingly. Your approbation of our removal of the Company's Plantation De Hoop, and of the reasons we gave for so doing, inspires us the more to labour the more, even beyond the mere fulfilment of our prescribed duty, to promote the Company's interests and to continue the planting of cocoa with the utmost industry, according to our ability, not needing an example of those in Berbice for our guidance, if the Lord would only bless our plantation, we intend in time to give satisfaction in the matter you recommend. But as to setting the Indians to plant indigo, sarsaparilla, ginger, cotton, etc., supposing this could be done without prejudice to the supply of "oriaane" to this [we] must reply that, to our great regret, we have already used all our endeavours in that direction, but there is no hope of success. And we have already spared no efforts in the attempt to grow coffee, but hitherto without succeeding. If, however, we were provided with a proper plantation [? set of young trees], as Dr. Helvetius promised me before starting hither, we would further apply ourselves to this matter. We are cordially grateful for the supplies you have sent us, and for your future care in this matter. As to the reverend clergyman, we agree with your honours' opinion that, for his popularity, he is not to be treated in an extraordinary manner, but as an honest man of his kind, and, as you are pleased to say, especially now that there is not the smallest occasion for him to live in the Fort. We also notice that you have come to an agreement with Messrs. Sanders and Rademaeker, about the supply of salt. We shall look out for an opportunity (which to all appearances will never occur here) to house [or ? acquire, Op te slaan ?] the pigs
demanded before in exchange or in purchase, and set our minds at rest about the prudence of Your Honours' further decision concerning the gunpowder and the cannon desired. That you have not been able to engage a good surgeon and send him to us, as also a good trumpeter, we greatly regret, since we have the greatest need of them here; for which reason [?] once more beg for the same and expect [them] in the near future. We are, besides, grateful for the companies of people newly sent, and especially for the cooper and mason, the carpenter is free again, a wood-man, from whom little service is to be expected, it were desirable that we might keep therefore the mason now here at least another year, partly for his ability in these lands and for the service urgently required for the Honourable Company, and to carry the new works of the free inhabitants the sooner into effect, who now, however, by order of Your Worships, crosses in this bottom; and [we] would very gladly have sent along there-with the assistant Symoen Poulis, if we were not in the greatest need of clerks, through the death of the former Secretary and bookkeeper, Wilhelmus Maas, as Your Honours in case of safe navigation of the vessel De Eendr[ach]t, Capt. Jooris Adriaansen, via rio Berbicies, will no doubt have seen from our despatch, long before the receipt of the present, and must therefore keep him on until [the arrival of] one or two good able and particularly sober persons. For though [I] understand bookkeeping, as is sufficiently known to Your Honours, [I] do not do it. I have so much to do with the two new works, to be there-abouts every day, that I could not look after the balance-sheet, even though nothing should be written, or the principal must be lost. With due submission, it would be better that the petitions of those lads, to be released without our consent, were not so readily received, as we have [to do] much training before the same can be brought to some ability in the interest of the Honourable Company. Then they show their obstinacy unwisely, but when they have secured their desire, and have arrived in patria, repentence often comes too late to them, and their friends, through whom their object has been attained; of which there are divers examples, and among others those [? that] of Poulus Serooskerke. |
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We will then, as far as possible, on the arrival of the expected ship and book-keeper, take care that Your Honours henceforth receive at the stipulated time the books of business, and other papers more neatly and fully kept, which cannot now be done so readily, through the decease of the Secretary above mentioned, who, notwithstanding [I] had spoken to him about it various times during his illness, had not given us the slightest notice of his doings and arrears, but always came with the reply that everything was in good order, requesting us further not to let any other person take his work in hand, as he thought soon to be on his legs himself. |
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We are also pleased with the opinions Your Honours have been pleased to express upon the slaves brought by the ship Brandenb : their death and illness in this country. It were to be desired that things had taken their course according to the hopes of Your
Honours with that infection. But since that time there have been 53 head [died] up to the despatch of our last; up to date again 10 p[erson]s, four men and six women, from which you will easily be able to deduce the great sorrow, besides the loss, which we suffer through this, because in consequence [we] are not only prevented from continuing the planting of cocoa, but most urgently need the remaining ones (among whom there are still many "makarons") to get the sugar-canes from the fields, that they may not rot or spoil, (through the heavy rain which has caused us much damage; to use [them] for burning the [newly] cleared gardens: and also for grinding the same, or other purposes, so that we eagerly await your intended resolution to supplement the deceased with new ones, and moreover to grant the Claim we have sent in, conducting ourselves in the purchase and supply in the way suggested in Your Honours' letter. |
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Further, it has grieved us to commit the error, in embarking the Company's sugar in the Brandenb: that there were three more hogsheads mentioned in my missive than the bill of lading indicated. Such a thing may easily happen, as, being busy grinding, we might well be out some three barrels. However, the bill of lading should denote the correct [number]. |
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No less appeared to us the displeasure Your Honours had felt at the loading of the sugar barrels, and the damage which the bad storage had caused to them, for we can only presume that this must have occurred through taking water, since care is always taken that the Company's wares have the best place, and now, to secure this still more, we order Jan Cruÿn or another capable person to be present and keep strict supervision. |
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That the business to be commenced between us and Capt. Nicolaas Evertsen., residing in the new Netherlands, arrived here from Surinam, has [given] Your Worships pleasure, and that you approve of the same provisionally, provided that he [supplies] nice meat at 16 guilders a barrel, and other provisions in proportion, pleases us particularly, and Your Honour may rest assured that we will perform our lawful duty for the further mentioned interest and not allow oriaane or other prohibited merchandise to be negociated. |
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But [we] must regard with surprise the bad and false information reported to Your Honours by some evil tongue with regard to the building of the house and salary of the Clergyman, as if this residence should reach the length of 80 and 40 feet in width, since on the contrary the same can only come to 44 feet length and 20 feet width, as [I] might show Your Honours by a declaration if it were necessary, and now, on his removal it is quite appropriate for the Director, so that no expense has been wasted on that score. |
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Concerning the salary and maintenance of the said Clergyman, his wife and the rest of his family, nothing more was allowed him on behalf of the Company than Your Honours have pleased to grant, and much more is not required, since they have, as is well known to Your Honour, his Reverence's own plantation, fish, game, and all necessaries, nay even correspondents at home, whence they are continually and sufficiently supplied
with provisions, and have kept house in the new dwelling for about seven months since their wedding day, and have then gone to their own property, Westerbeek, so that the evil representation of the matter appears from this constantly [sic]. |
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Since, on the return of Capt. Evertsen from Barbados, we have not been able to obtain from the Honourable Governor there a passport for the ship Rammekens, though the said captain together with our late secretary had earnestly applied for it in our name, but were declined very politely and for reasons also cited by your Honours, we judged it to be well in accordance with the service of the Noble Company to send the said yacht on a little trip to Weÿna to salt fish, which was not followed by the success hoped for—and on his return thence resolved again to cause a little journey to be undertaken to Rio Orenocque and Trinedados to trade there the aforesaid goods for cocoa; but this too has not turned out according to desire, but fruitless; coming after the current and contrary winds, got too low in returning hither against their will to Martinicque, whence, having been out for more than four months and having endured straights, consequently [they] arrived here again. |
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We shall therefore no more go in for this or similar undertakings but entirely conform ourselves to Your Honours' directions, unless the [ship] is sent to Surinam out of necessity, but not otherwise. The reason why your most Worshipful Honours are not sent more lot[s] of sugar for the present, is the small cargo capacity, so that it will be necessary that next year towards or in March two vessels be sent off, namely one for the Noble Company, the other for private people, on the arrival of which we count upon having ready for Your Honours (inclusive of the "oriaane") five hundred hogsheads of sugar, and as many as four hundred from private people. |
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As regards the building of a new fortress, we cannot yet proceed to that, owing to the great mortality of the slaves, as mentioned before, until we have been provided with new "dittos," to supplement those deceased, and also more people to carry on the Company's plantations, as to which, in the statement made, we economise as much as possible, and seek to relieve the Honourable Company of expenses. |
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I respectfully request Your Honours to draw up a list of how many slaves the Honourable Company and every private planter will have to contribute in proportion, both when we shall begin this work [and] for the continuation. This would produce a greater supply and prevent ill-feeling towards me ("keep me out of all bad thoughts"). For, according to our calculation, it will come to as many as 150 head that are required for this. It must not fail that the private [planters] provide their slaves with food and tools, otherwise it were impossible for me to maintain the same. |
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Moreover it is requested that the next coming ship, or one of the ships making the journey hither, might call at the "Soute Eÿlanden" [Islands], for we shall try to make shift so long as they are absent. |
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Respecting the trade in "Moraan," [we] must say to our regret
that there is no, or no appreciable, advance to be obtained, but some days ago we traded with a certain person of the ship seventy-five pounds for fifty crystals, which are very fine, and for which no doubt we shall shortly have more than four hundred pounds very good "oriaane." These are now cut [in an] oblong [shape], and come from Aenderick poocx. |
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Some time ago [I] arranged a banquet, according to the custom of the country, consisting of some pots of native drink, in order to gather in this way the chief "oriaan" planters with their subordinates, and to encourage [them] the more to grow this, I have promised to do the same again. But I must add here with sorrow that the mortality prevails [regimeert], not only among our negro slaves, but also among the Indians, through which in a short time many of our principal "oriaan" planters have already laid low their heads. |
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Since the person Pieter Ackerdÿk from Rotterdam and Jan Stevensen from Dorderegt (Dort) who on their departure with the ship the Brandenb: according to Your Honours' letter, owed the noble Mr. Bailiff Radermaeker a sum of twenty two guilders each, and through severe illness cannot very well cross in this vessel as they would do otherwise, we have caused them to sign an order on the Honourable Company in favour and in payment of Mr. Radermaeker, as they have an ample credit account at this date, and we have therefore had them debited in part payment of wages earned, which [I] hope you will consider as well done. |
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By this vessel also come to Your Honours 273 hogsheads of sugar, 10,000 pounds of very good "oriaane," 136 sticks of log wood, as Your Honour will be able to ascertain from the signed bill of lading. [I] request to be provided with 12 soldiers, one trumpeter, drummer, one carpenter, one cooper, if it should be that the ship had not yet put to sea for slaves. [I] would then make shift with 6 soldiers. |
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On the 6th inst. arrived here the afore-mentioned Capt. Evertsen bringing with him such provisions as we had bargained for in the petition made about him and a proper price, consisting of meat, bacon, flour, peas, etc., but not a large quantity. It consists for the Honble. Company in twelve barrels of meat, four of bacon, six barrels of flour, one cask of peas, the remainder for the private people, all of which has been paid with "kilduvel" [Killdevil ?], and is now about to make another journey, as [I] have engaged for 50 barrels of meat and bacon, for the account of the Honourable Company, which is the reason that I have petitioned for so little meat, will now also do his duty to bring cows and asses with him. The reason that I now again order twelve hundred pounds of gun powder is that we are now increasing daily on the river, and so little powder is not much use in case of attack, as has appeared in berbÿcis (Berbice). |
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To Your Honours is also sent by this vessel of the first fruits an anker of cocoa, together with twelve cakes of chocolate, as a sample, hoping the same will please well, together with two "halmen" (? puncheons), one with lime juice, the other with preserved "limmekens," (limes ?), all in the hands of the
skipper Jan Cornelissen Küyper marked, two cases ("kassen") of oranges, marked with the Company's mark. |
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Regarding the claim made by Mr. Leendert van Ginnis, already satisfied by Your Honours under the guarantee of Mr. Maquet, to this [I] can only answer that it is a just claim, for it is certain that this man [has] given up the said plantation, with the other goods referred to, to the late Mr. Commander Abr. Beekman. |
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We have also at the request of the inhabitants granted to every one a mortgage bond (lit. a ground letter) of proportionate amount, and there are about to be granted still more in the name of Your Worships, of which we shall give notice in the next, though it were via Berbice, and at the same time transmit if possible the books of business, and everything in which Monsr. Leÿcius through great [pressure of] business and lack of assistance must now fail to his regret, and therefore he begs to be excused in this. |
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It were desirable that for this Colony, which increases more and more, and by the great desire of the inhabitants, a good expert land surveyor should come over, for ordinary (or fixed ?) salary, for if we assess every plantation, in the aggregate, they are bound to pay. Shall think to make good this account on this condition, that, if the same is engaged by Your Honours as your own servant, the profits above his salary must accrue to you. |
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There also returns in this bottom the newly arrived soldier Hans Jurgen Willems, who, through his severe rupture, is not able to do the least service for the Company. |
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And that every free inhabitant every time, when meanwhile (sic) differences might have risen among them, together with the Director Adriaan Hollander hitherto on their part has only had session in Council (sic), which can spend its sollicitude sufficiently on its own account, at a request made, and consent of all of them given, the advice to hold every three months a sitting day and meeting with Anthony Dircksen Looman on behalf of the Honourable Company, Jan de Latombe Matthys Sierens (?) and Christiaan Godlobb Uscher, of the free dittos, and everyone to bring forward his interests, starting from the first of Octo'; and resolved June 26th, not thinking but it will please Your Honours, the more so as they are some of the ablest men and as it has been done with common consent. |
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Here, Noble Very Worshipful Gentlemen, we are obliged to stop, with the full assurance that the state of this Colony stands well up to now and yields a great deal more profit than formerly. Praying the Almighty that He will crown Your Honours' persons and rule with rich blessings. Signed, Samuel Beeckman, 1700. Inscribed, Read Nov. 7 (N.S.) 1700. 12¾ pp. Dutch. The style and language are exceedingly obscure. Enclosed, |
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715. i. List of Enclosures following. Signed, Samuel Beeckman, Aug. 20 (N.S.) 1700. 1¼ pp. |
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715. ii.–xii. Inventories, Lists and Muster-rolls of the Company's slaves, stores, and servants in Berbice. Invoice of cargo despatched. Detailed description of the Plantations established, etc. In all, 59½ pp. Dutch. [Colonial Office Transmissions. Berbice, 457. Nos. 4, 4.i.–xii.] |
