America and West Indies: May 1702, 26-31

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 20, 1702. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1912.

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Citation:

'America and West Indies: May 1702, 26-31', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 20, 1702, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1912), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol20/pp344-366 [accessed 29 November 2024].

May 1702



May 26.	See preceding abstract.
	Act to prevent Masters of ships running away, etc., read a third time.
	Ordered, that H.E. be desired to issue his Orders to the respective Justices to return their lists of tithables to the County Court Clerks so that they may reach the Secretary's Office by July 20.
May 27.	Bill for dividing Charles City County read a second time. Benjamin Harrison (?) was heard in opposition to the Bill. The Bill was then rejected, and the consideration of the division of the County was referred till next Session.
	Petition of James Taylor, in behalf of himself and other Freeholders of King and Queen County, complaining of an undue election of a Burgess, read.
	And see preceding abstract. [C.O. 5, 1408. pp. 407–417.]
May 26. Jamaica.	523. Lt.-Governor Beckford to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Your Lordships were troubled with two of mine by the Fowey. Since we have the fatal advice from all parts except Whitehall of the death of H.M., and I am afraid we have no ground to doubt of the truth of so generall an advice, accompanied with so many circumstances. To be sure, the losse which this Island is likely to susteyne is not to be mentioned, and pray God grant that poore England may never feele it. When I had received confirmation of the sad news from Ireland and other partes, I ordered the Assembly to adjourn themselves for a month, hoping in the meantime that I might receive some commands from your Lordships or my Ld. Manchester, and I am not to mistrust but that an advice-boat was immediately dispatcht away for the Indies, tho' I am afraid it has met with some accident. Our Assembly is to bee sure dissolved of course, consequently, as I formerly signified to your Lops., the Additional Duty Act falls, and the Act for the quartering the officers and soldiers will soone expire, my Commission (which is now mort) will not empower me to call a new one, so that I must sitt downe and endeavour to keep things in the quiet posture they now are in, till we have farther news. The Assembly was in so quiett and good a temper when wee met last that I think I may positively say they were resolved to have complied with everything which should have tended to H.M. honour or his Island's security, and I hope I have no reason to mistrust the continuance of so good a disposition, whenever wee have power to meet again. I heare the Spanish Flota has left la Vere Cruz and are gone to the Havana, where I am afraid they will either meet with M. Chateau Renault's squadron, or he catch them, so that wee have reason to mistrust they will be obliged to make use of his convoy, and 'tis too much to be feared that they have already left the Indies, tho' a Spaniard from Cuba, who was forced in by bad weather, assured me that the merchants (at Vera Cruz) had received an express by a vessel despatched away for that purpose, with orders not to trust themselves with the French, and that the Spaniards were very apprehensive of the danger, yet I cannot think but that they must be obliged to comply.
	We are apprehensive that Chateau Renault has left a squadron of men-of-war at Hispaniola, for our last sloop sent thither brought us word that there was at Leogane and the adjacent Ports 20 saile, and some of them tall ships: now we know they cannot be all merchant men, for five ships of any burthen are, I think, able to carry home all the growth and proceede of their Island. The Admiral is therefore resolved to goe up with his whole Fleet to learn their designes, which 'tis to bee supposed hee will soon know, whereof your Lordships shall have an account as soon as communicated to, etc. Signed, Pe. Beckford.
May 30.	Since the above, the Ruby, returning from her cruise of the Coast of Hispaniola, brings certain advice that the French have in their ports there but one ship of warr, and nine merchants' ships, which is confirmed to[o] by several of our own People, who have been straggling up and downe there for three moneths, so that I suppose the Admirall will not thinke of goeing up till further advice from Europe. Signed, Pe. Beckford.
June 29.	Your Lordships may perhaps ere this comes to hand have heard of the arrival of the Tryall sloop, Capt. Mathews, Commander, dispatch'd away by the Admirall; your Lordships may wonder at my not writeing by that opertunity, but I knew nothing of her design for England till within this weeke; for it was agreed between the Admiral and self that a sloop should be sent to learn whether Chateau Renault still remained at the Havana, or whether he and the Flota had proceeded for Europe, and as soon as he had brought us information, and that we could depend that the French fleet was still at the Havana, then it was resolved that a frigot should be immediately dispatched away, that, if it were thought advisable at home, a squadron might be sent out timely enough to intercept them, which wee were of opinion might easily be effected, the French being but slightly man'd and in no extraordinary condition. Now I suppose that sloop has received orders from the Admiral to get the best advice she could at the places which I proposed to him, and so has made the best of her way to England. By all that I can learn, the Flota has not yet left La Vere Cruz, Chateau Renault still expecting their coming to the Havana; and 'tis generally believed with us that they will not trust themselves under a French convoy, for tho' the King of Spain's orders are positive, yet it seems the merchants have received directions not to trust their money abroad, and that belonging to the King might be ventured, I should think, under a much smaller convoy.
	We have lost four of our merchant ships, which designed thro' the Gulph, three cast away upon the rocks of Little Cayamanas, and one stranded upon the Jordeens; and 'tis reported by a sloop (who was informed so by the Spaniards) that the Foy [Fowey], with 15 or 16 sail of merchant ships under her convoy are taken and brought in by Chateaurenault into the Havana, that four French men-of-war belonging to his fleet were kept cruising off Cape Antonio and that they had orders to take all vessels belonging to either English or Dutch. If so, we have reason to be apprehensive, for those men-of-war, cruising there, must meet with every vessel that designs thro' the Gulph, but I hope all will prove but surmise, and that we have ground enough to mistrust the truth of that report; however, I have advised all ships, if possible, to go the Windward passage, and the Admiral has promised to convoy them far enough out of any danger, which we may apprehend in these parts. We have yet no news from your Lordps. or either of the Secretarys of State of the death of our late Sovereign, and we therefore conclude that the vessel dispatched away with that advice, and the orders for proclaiming our gracious Queen (whom God preserve) are miscarried, so that these two last Councils, the Board has unanimously press'd the proclaiming of her most sacred Majesty, which we have accordingly done, and tho' we have yet received no orders from Whitehall, for the doing thereof, yet, when your Lordships are pleased to reflect on the urgent necessity, you will, I question not, excuse us, if we have been guilty of a mistake, and should you be of opinion we have committed an error, it will, I hope, be adjudged such a one, as will easily merit a Pardon. Our Law for the quartering of the soldiers is now at an end, and they will be in bad circumstances if no provision be made for them. The Assembly is, of course, dissolv'd, and all that we can now think of is to make what use we can of the Act of 7 and 8 Willm., by which all powers granted by the late King are made good for six months after his death, if not superceded during that time; and it's the opinion of the Council, Chief Justice and Attorney General that my Commission is still in force, and will empower me to call a new Assembly, which I am advised to doe, that in the little time we have left, we may make a Law for the quartering of them, and provide as well as we can for the security and peace of this Island. And I durst hope, nay say, that every one will endeavour to comport himself as becomes dutiful subjects and Englishmen, and then there will be no reason to mistrust any dissensions at our next meeting. I must beg leave to recommend to your Lordships the sending, with your first orders, a new Board Seal for this Island; if your Lordships shall not judge it necessary, you will be pleased to give orders for the making use of the old one. Signed, Pe. Beckford. Endorsed, Recd. 10th, Read September 11, 1702. 6 pp. Enclosed,
	523. i. Abstract of preceding. 2 pp.
	523. ii. Duplicate of letters of May 26 and 30 as above. 3 pp.
	523. iii. Minutes of Council of Jamaica, May 29, June 9, and 22. Endorsed, Recd. 10th, Read September 11, 1702. 3 pp. [C.O. 137, 5. Nos. 68, 68 i.–iii; and (without enclosures) 138, 10. pp. 356–366.]
May 26.	524. Abstract of above letter. [C.O. 137, 41. pp. 2–4.]
May 26.	525. Lt.-Gov. Beckford to the Earl of Manchester. Jamaica, May 26, 30, June 29. Repeats substance of above letter, relating to the movements of the French Fleet, etc. Signed, Pe. Beckford. Endorsed, R. Sept. 10, 1702. 4 pp. [C.O. 137, 45. No. 6.]
May 27.	526. Lt.-Gov. Beckford to Mr. Secretary Vernon. Jamaica, May 27, 30, June 29, 1702. Repeats substance of above letter, relating to the movements of the French Fleet, etc. Signed, Pe. Beckford. Endorsed, R. Sept. 10, 1702. 3 pp. [C.O. 137 45. No. 7.]
May 26. Bermuda.	527. Lt.-Gov. Bennett to the Council of Trade and Plantations. By advice from the Governmt. of Barbados, May 7, I received the surprising unhappy account of the death of the King. I have taken all possible care for the preservation and defence of this place, by keeping constant look-out in every convenient part of the country, and I every week exercise the Militia, which is now brought into a regular discipline. Refers to letter of April 28. Signed, Ben. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 31, Read Sept. 3, 1702. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 3. No. 73; and 38, 5. p. 253.]
May 26.	528. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Express ordered to be sent to summon Col. Harrison to attend.
	Capt. Thomas Warner, Commander of the William and Orian of Bristol, read, praying for a warrant to impress two of the seamen of the Potomack Factor, lately burnt. H.E. acquainted the Council that the seamen of the Potomack Factor had dispersed themselves, and that Capt. John West had given them passes for so doing, also that four or five seamen of the Nicholson had left her and lurked somewhere about West Point or Mattapeney, and that notwithstanding the several orders that had been issued from time to time for apprehending such vagrant seamen, the inhabitants did so conceal them that none of them could be apprehended, so that if the Assembly did not take care to remedy this growing evil by some Law it would prove of very bad consequence, or if any of the King's ships coming in here should want men, H.E. would be oblidged to supply their land men from among the inhabitants rather than that H.M. service should be impeded.
	Mary Williams of Nansimond County complaining that Wm. Hunter of the Lower Parish of Nansimond had sent a constable to her house and taken away her child and, contrary to law, bound him for twenty-one years, her petition was referred to the Justices of that County, for their report.
May 25. [? May 27.]	Capt. Thomas Warner moving for a warrant for seamen out of the Potomack Factor or of the runaways from the Nicholson, and Capt. Moodie, so far from being able to spare him any from the Southampton, declaring that he was twelve short, and in case of war should want fourty more, and that several of his men had run away and were harboured in the country, and notwithstanding all the diligences he could use, they were so concealed and protected by the inhabitants that he could not find them, and that if care were not taken to prevent such evil practices he doubted many more would desert, and so he must be forced to impress seamen out of the vessels belonging to Virginia owners; it was referred to Mr. Benjamin Harrison to report whether there be any law in force for punishing seamen who desert, and how those who harbour, entertain or encourage them may be prosecuted.
May 28.	Col. Harrison excused his absence yesterday on grounds of indisposition.
	Peter May, a French Refugee, setting forth that after his coming in here Daniel Brabant did promise to take care of him, but afterwards carried him to Court, and there bound him for five years and then sold him, and praying redress, the matter was referred to the Court of King William County.
	H.E. asking the advice of the Council whether it is proper at this time to offer anything to the House of Burgesses concerning H.M. commands for assisting New York, and Mr. Auditor Byrd saying that he had not received any account of his son's negotiation in that matter, the Council were of opinion that it will be best to expect the answer to the Assembly's Address to H.M. before any further be moved therein here, and that the proposals for building a House for the Governor be also deferred till that time.
	Naval Officers ordered to make up their accounts to June 24, and to render them to the Treasurer.
	Upon reading the resolves of the Burgesses upon H.E.'s propositions concerning the French Refugees, M. de Sally and several French Refugees were summoned, and the said resolves read to them.
	Leave was granted to M. Salomon de la Leu and other French Refugees lately arrived from England in the Nassaw, to settle at Mankin Town with the same priviledge as those already settled there do enjoy. Ordered that they be acquainted that, in order to qualify them to hold the land allowed them, they must petition for naturalisation to the next Session of Assembly.
	No offer having been made for the cargo sent in for the French Refugees, ordered that Mr. Auditor Byrd take the said goods at first cost according to the invoice, and keep the money in his hands till next meeting of Council.
	Warrant to Cols. and Commanders-in-Chief of the Militia read and approved, instructing them to meet once every fortnight and return lists of men and arms, etc.
	Warrant for return of a list of tithables approved. [C.O. 5, 1409. pp. 222–226.]
May 27.	529. Mr. Merrett and others to the Council of Trade and Plantations. You having so amply provided for making such a fortification at St. John's, Newfoundland, as may defend that part of the country against the enemy, we are encouraged to represent the great advantage, and truly the great necessity, of fortifying some harbour, which might protect the Fishery to the northward from Cape St. Francis to Green's Pond, which lies about 14 leagues to Northward of Bonavista, especially as there is affidavit made of about 45 sail of French ships, from 10 to 40 guns, gone this year with stone and material proper to to make a fortification at Chapperouse [Chapeau Rouge], which lies about 20 to 30 leagues north of our Fishery, and will be the ruin of the same, except we have some fortifications thereabout.
	We therefore propose the fortification of Trinity Harbour, which lies near Bonavista, and will contain 3 or 400 great ships, if occasion required, a draft of which was about two years since delivered the Admiralty or your Lordships by Capt. Cleasby. We propose that by the ships, which now may be going, some cannon and ammunition may be sent, which, being planted there this summer, may prevent such insults as may be expected from the enemy of Placentia. Signed, Solomon Merrett, Charles Houblon, Wm. Brooke, John Corben, Pinnell Phipard. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 28, 1702. 1 p. Enclosed,
	529. i. List of necessaries for fortifying Trinity Harbour. Signed, Solomon Merrett. May 28, 1702. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 2. Nos. 79, 79. i.; and 194, 22. No. 1; and 195, 3. pp. 100–104.]
May 27. Whitehall.	530. Earl of Nottingham to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Lords of the Committee refer Mr. Dummer's proposal for your opinion. Signed, Nottingham. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 28, 1702. 1 p. Enclosed,
	530. i. Mr. Dummer's proposal for establishing a monthly intelligence between London and the Island Plantations in the West Indies, with a fleet of four vessels, to visit Barbados, Antegoa, Montserat, Nevis and Jamaica. Each vessel to be absent about 90 days. [C.O. 323, 3. Nos. 129, 133 (Memorandum only, ¼ p.); and 324, 8. pp. 160, 161.]
May 27. Whitehall.	531. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. A person sent by Mr. Penn desiring in his behalf further delay of the hearing appointed for this day, their Lordships ordered the following Minute to be entred, and a copy thereof to be given to the said person:—Their Lordships having received several excuses from Mr Penn for putting off the hearings appointed concerning the affairs of Pennsylvania, and having again this day heard the person sent by him for making a further excuse for three days, they have appointed Monday next at ten o'clock in the morning for hearing those matters; and in case he do not then attend, they think themselves obliged to proceed immediately upon their report to H.M. Col. Quary was acquainted with the appointment.
	Order of Council, May 21, concerning the Quota, read, and directions given for preparing a letter accordingly.
	Orders of Council, May 14, upon the petitions of Mr. Dockwra, etc., and of the other Proprietors of the Jerseys, read. Copy of the other's petition given to each, and Wensday appointed for a hearing. Mr. Dockwra and Mr. Sonmans also desiring that Col. Quary, Mr Randolph, Mr. Bass and Mr. Joshua Barkstead may be summoned to attend at the same time, in order to make good the allegations in their petitions, the same was ordered accordingly.
May 28.	Solomon Merrit presented two Memorials, May 27, 28, which were read. He was requested to lay before the Board a particular draught of that harbour, together with a more perfect account of the intelligence hinted at relating to the French designs of fortifying Chapeau Rouge, which he promised to do accordingly.
	Letter from the Earl of Nottingham read. Ordered that Mr. Dummer be desired to attend on Tuesday.
	Order of Council, April 17, read.
	Clause relating to Governors' oaths read and ordered to be inserted in the several Commissions and Instructions.
	Ordered that Mr. Dockwra's petition of this date be communicated to Mr. Thomas Lane or Mr. Richier, and that notice be also given them that they may have summons for any witnesses they desire to have called against the hearing on Wednesday.
May 29.	Representation upon Jeronimy Clifford's case signed.
	Representation about new seals signed.
	A printed pamphlet on Capt. Hasket's affair having been sent to this Office, and a great part of it being found to be copies of papers already here, the same was sent to the Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands, with intimation of the readiness of this Board, so far as may appertain to them, to concur with them in remedying the disorders complained of. [C.O. 391, 15. pp. 44–51; and 391, 96. Nos. 94–96.]
May 27.	532. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay. The following Representatives took the oaths appointed:—
	County of Suffolk, Boston, Capt. Samuel Legg.
	County of Suffolk, Boston, Capt. Andrew Belcher.
	County of Suffolk, Boston, John White.
	County of Suffolk, Boston, Capt. Samuel Checkley.
	County of Suffolk, Roxbury, William Denison.
	County of Suffolk, Dorchester, Samuel Robinson.
	County of Suffolk, Dedham, Capt. Daniel Fisher.
	County of Suffolk, Brantrey, William Veazey.
	County of Suffolk, Milton, Capt. Thomas Vose.
	County of Suffolk, Weymouth, Capt. Stephen French.
	County of Suffolk, Hingham, Theophilus Cushing.
	County of Suffolk, Medfield, Edward Adams.
	County of Middlesex, Charlestown, Samuel Phips.
	County of Middlesex, Cambridge, Capt. Thomas Oliver.
	County of Middlesex, Watertown, Joseph Sherman.
	County of Middlesex, Newton, Edward Jackson.
	County of Middlesex, Woobourn, Major James Converse.
	County of Middlesex, Concord, William Wilson.
	County of Middlesex, Sherborne, Thomas Sawin.
	County of Middlesex, Sudbury, Capt. Thomas Browne.
	County of Middlesex, Maulden, Phineas Upham.
	County of Middlesex, Reading, Major Jeremiah Swayne.
	County of Middlesex, Medford, Peter Tufts.
	County of Middlesex, Chelmsford, Nathl. Hill.
	County of Middlesex, Bilrica, Capt. John Lane.
	County of Middlesex, Marlboro, Capt. Henry Herley.
	County of Middlesex, Framingham, John Haven.
	County of Essex, Salem, Josiah Wolcott.
	County of Essex, Salem, Capt. John Turner.
	County of Essex, Ipswich, Nehemiah Jewett.
	County of Essex, Nathaniel Knowlton.
	County of Essex, Newbery.
	County of Essex, Lynn.
	County of Essex, Marblehead.
	County of Essex, Beverly.
	County of Essex, Boxford.
	County of Essex, Salisbury.
	County of Essex, Andover.
	County of Essex, Haverhill.
	County of Essex, Wenham.
	County of Essex, Topsfield.
	County of Essex, Rowley, Capt. Joseph Boynton.
	County of Essex, Glocester, Capt. James Davis.
	County of Essex, Bradford, Capt. David Hazeltine.
	County of Essex, Aimsbury, John Kimball.
	County of Plymouth, Capt. James Warren.
	County of Plymouth, Marshfield, Isaac Winslow.
	County of Plymouth, Situate, John Cushing, junr.
	County of York, Kittery, Richard Bryar.
	County of York, York, Abraham Preble, jr.
	County of Hampshire, Springfield, John Hitchcock.
	County of Hampshire, Northampton, Joseph Parsons.
	County of Hampshire, Hadley, Daniel Marsh.
	County of Hampshire, Hatfield, Eleazer Frarey.
	County of Hampshire, Westfield, Jedediah Davey.
	County of Barnstable, Barnstable, Major John Goreham.
	County of Barnstable, Yarmouth, Thomas Sturgis.
	County of Barnstable, Eastham, Joseph Doane.
	County of Bristol, Bristol, Capt. Ebenezer Brenton.
	County of Bristol, Taunton, Robert Crosman.
	County of Bristol, Rehoboth, Edward Fobes.
	County of Bristol, Swanzey, Daniel Allen.
	They chose James Converse for their Speaker, and the Court then proceeded to the anniversary choice of Councillors.
May 28.	See following abstract.
	The following newly elected Assistants or Councillors were approved of by the Council:—
	Of the Inhabitants or Proprietors of lands within the Territory formerly called the Massachusetts Bay : John Pyncheon, Wait Winthrop, James Russell, Elisha Cooke, John Hathorne, Elisha Hutchinson, Samuel Sewal, Isaac Addington, John Phillips, Jonathan Corwin, William Browne, John Foster, Peter Sergeant, Daniel Peirce, John Appleton, Penn Townsend, John Higginson, Andrew Belcher.
	Of the Inhabitants or Proprietors of lands within the Territory formerly called the Colony of New Plymouth: Barnabas Lothrop, John Thacher, Nathaniel Thomas, Nathaniel Byfield.
	Of the Inhabitants or Proprietors of lands within the Territory formerly called the Province of Maine: Eliakim Hutchinson, Joseph Hammond, Benjamin Browne.
	For the territory lying between the River of Sagadahock and Nova Scotia: Joseph Lynde.
	Of the Inhabitants or Proprietors of Land within the Province at large : John Walley and Samuel Partridge.
	21 of the above newly elected Councillors took the oaths appointed and subscribed the Declaration, etc. [C.O. 5, 788. pp. 335–339.]
May 28.	533. Mr. Sonmans and Mr. Dockwra to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Summary of objections against Col. Andrew Hamilton being Governor of the Jerseys. (1) As the Incendiary of the Provinces, by having set up a Quaker and factious party, to the great disturbance of the peace and opposition to the true loyal English interest, and for his zeal to the Quakers is at present, by Mr. Penn's Commission, constituted his Deputy Governor in Pennsylvania. (2) His arbitrary and unjust practices. (3) His encouraging and protecting pirates, and receiving money from them, particularly Merick and Elson, two of Avery's crew, who, with several others, lived under his Government unmolested, till afterwards seized by his successor. (4) His converting to his own use money which was raised by the Assemblies of both Provinces for the supply of Albany. (5) His encouraging illegal trade. (6) His governing without the Royal approbation, etc. Those who signed the petition on his behalf make not altogether above ¹/5th of the Proprietors of West Jersey, nor ¹/6th of East Jersey. Yet nevertheless, and contrary to their promise by their late Agent, Mr. Morris, they have clandestinely promoted the said petition, which most of the Proprietors, both of East and West Jersey, were wholly ignorant of, and those few who are since informed, being surprised, take this opportunity to disown, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 28, 1702. 1½ large pp. [C.O. 5, 1261. No. 101; and 5, 1290. pp. 7–10.]
May 28. Whitehall.	534. William Popple to Sir Tho. Lane. Enclosing above and giving notice of the hearing what may be offered relating to Col. Hamilton being appointed Governor of New Jersey. [C.O. 5, 1290. pp. 10, 11.]
May 28. London.	535. Peter Sonmans and William Dockwra to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Asking permission to substitute the words have already surrendered for are ready to surrender in their petition. See May 14. Signed, Peter Sonmans, William Dockwra. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1261. No. 100.]
[May 28.]	536. Draught of a Clause by Mr. Attorney General to be inserted in Governors' Commissions. (See May 22.) Signed, Edw. Northey. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 28, 1702. 2 pp. [C.O. 323, 3. No. 130; and 324, 8. pp. 162–164.]
May 28. Patuxent.	537. Minutes of Council of Maryland. H.E. announced the death of the King and accession of Queen Anne. But since he had not received any directions in the matter from those in authority, he desired the opinion of the Council whether they should await them. "If I am not much mistaken, I take the enemys to the present Government, I mean the Papists, to be so few in comparison of the rest of H.M. good subjects here, that they are in no condition capable of promoting anything which may be of ill consequence in disturbing the Government, if we wait further directions.... If we should make any error in the form of proclaiming H.M., it may occasion great controversies in our Courts of Judicature," etc. It was the unanimous advice of the gentlemen present to wait, and that when instructions arrive, to convene the Assembly.
	H.E. proposed whether it was advisable to embargo the shipping till the convoy daily expected arrive. The Council, not finding any directions in H.M. Instructions to do so, but in time of war or precaution from England, ordered that the Collectors and Naval Officers warn and persuade masters of ships to tarry for the convoy.
	Proceedings of Governor and Council of Virginia read, proposing that the advice-boat Eagle should join the Southampton and cruise in the Bay to defend that Colony from the insults of pirates, etc. It being considered that the Eagle is but of little force, and this Board being sensible that upon the rumour of wars in Europe many sailors belonging to merchant-ships now upon sailing will be ready to desert, ordered that Capt. Bostock go down with the Eagle to Virginia to know if the convoy's arrived or when expected, and bring what advice he can get in order to preparing the ships here to join the convoy, and that he return to take care to keep the sailors in order and to carry the ships.
	Capt. Thomas Smoot appointed Sheriff of Charles County, John Gressam, jr., Sheriff of Ann Arundel County, and Edward Talbott Sheriff of Baltemore County, upon the expiration of the present Sheriffs' time. [C.O. 5, 744. pp. 27–30.]
May 28.	538. Minutes of Council of the Massachusetts Bay. Thomas Burrington, master of a vessel belonging to the port of Boston, arriving this morning from Newfoundland and bringing with him the London Gazette and other papers confirming the sorrowful and awful tidings of the death of King William, and also the intelligence of the happy accession of the Princess Anne of Denmark (which had been more uncertainly reported several days since from divers parts beyond sea), Resolved that her Majesty be forthwith proclaimed and the House of Representatives acquainted with the intelligence. The House concurring, it was ordered that the Proclamation be published in Boston tomorrow, and that the several persons newly chosen Councillors or Assistants do take the oath of allegiance to her Majesty Queen Anne.
	Ordered that 51 pieces of ordnance at the Castle and the ordnance at the South Battery in Boston be discharged to-morrow at performing the solemnity of proclaiming of her Majesty. Capt. Elisha Hutchinson ordered to have the Regiment of Militia in Boston in arms to attend the solemnity, and Capt. Crofts, H.M.S. Gosport, to discharge the ordnance of his ship, and to give directions to all Commanders of vessels in the road for their firing.
May 29.	Resolve as to foregoing signed.
	Information was given by John Chubb of Salem, fisherman, upon oath, that several fishing ketches of Salem being forced by bad weather to put in for shelter to Port Latour near Cape Sables, May 23 last, about break of day three of the said ketches were surprised and taken by a number of armed Indians (pretending they acted by virtue of a Commission from the Governor of Port Royal), who killed David Hilliard, master of one of the vessels, as he was endeavouring to escape from them with his vessel. Ordered that the Representatives be acquainted with this information.
	According to the order of the Board, the Proclamation of H.M. Queen Anne was made and published as directed, and attended with acclamations of joy.
May 30.	Upon a petition from the inhabitants of Dracut, setting forth that they are obliged to attend military exercises at Chelmsford, the next adjoining town, which, being several miles from their houses, is not only a great hardship to travel so far over the river Merrimack, but doth much expose their wives and children to the insolency of the Indians, ordered that they be discharged from that duty, and that Jonathan Tyng, Major of that Regiment, do appoint one of themselves to exercise them upon the place.
	Upon a motion from the House of Representatives, it was resolved that a vessel be sent to Port Royal with a letter to the Governor there to inquire into the matter, and the grounds and reasons of the taking of the vessels referred to May 29. Nathaniel Byfield and Andrew Belcher were directed to provide a suitable vessel. [C.O. 5, 788. pp. 145–149.]
May 28.	539. Minutes of Council in Assembly of New Hampshire. Bill for continuing duties, etc., read a second time.
May 29.	The Representatives sent up a resolve that Major Wm. Vaughan be supplied with 20l. for his passage for England as Agent for the Province.
	Committee appointed to run bounds between Town and Town, Dec. 3, 1701, made their report, which was approved of by the Council. Ordered that each of them be paid 3s. per diem out of the next rate.
	Vote of the Representatives sent up that an Address and Memorial relating to the affairs of the Province be sent by the Lt.-Gov., Council and Representatives to his Majesty, as also a Commission for Major Vaughan to go Agent to England for the Province, to transact all affairs relating to the quota of men and money for New York, and the complaints made against the Provinces, which was approved of.
	Bill to continue several duties, etc., read a third time and, having passed both Houses, received H.E.'s consent.
May 30.	John Cross, soldier at Fort William and Mary, ordered to be paid arrears of wages out of the first money that shall be raised by the Province for payment of such debts.
	Charles Story ordered to be paid 6l. out of the first income of the River for his late extraordinary service done this Province.
	10l. each paid Mr. Leverett and Mr. Dudley for help in the Province concerns.
	Ordered that Capt. Mark Hankin be desired to accompany Major Vaughan to Boston and that the charge be defrayed.
	Theodore Attkinson ordered to be paid 5l. 12s. out of the next Province rate.
	Patience Atkins paid 5l.
	Vote of the Representatives sent up that an Act be passed for raising 200l. in case Major Vaughan have occasion for it as Agent besides 300l. formerly granted to negotiate the affairs of this Province before H.M. in England.
	The Representatives were summoned to a Conference.
	Resolves of the Representatives sent up appointing Samuel Penhallow Recorder in place of Major Vaughan going for England, and desiring Major Vaughan to deliver over to him all the Records in his custody. Agreed to, with the proviso that Major Vaughan receive the Records again on his return.
	An Estimate of the Province debts was sent down to the Representatives. [C.O. 5, 789. pp. 286–296.]
May 28.	540. Minutes of Council in Assembly of Virginia. Several petitions referred to the Burgesses.
	Bill to prevent masters of ships running away after embargoes are laid, sent up, was read a third time and assented to with some amendments and additions. It was sent down and the Burgesses agreed to the amendments.
May 29.	The Burgesses desired that new writs might issue for the election of a Burgess for New Kent County in place of Wm. Bassett, and for King and Queen County in the room of Wm. Byrd, they having refused to take the oaths.
	The Burgesses were summoned to attend H.E., who signed the Bill about the embargo, and an Ordinance of Assembly for settling the bounds between the Counties of Surrey, Isle of Wight, Charles City and Nansemond. H.E. signed his assent to that paragraph of the House of Burgesses' answer, March 26, wherein they leave it to him to levy competent forces, etc., and desired Mr. Speaker also to sign it, in order to give it the force of an Ordinance of Assembly. Mr. Speaker being doubtful, desired leave to advise with the House, and withdrew. Upon returning, he signed the paragraph in accordance with the directions of the House. H.E. said that the House of Burgesses having referred so many things to the next Session, and the men-of-war being dayly expected, he had thought fit to prorogue the Assembly no longer than June 18, and hoped they would all be present then, because he believed he should receive orders from England, which would require their meeting at that time. [C.O. 5, 1409. pp. 606–609.]
May 28.	541. Journal of House of Burgesses of Virginia. See preceding abstract.
May 29.	See preceding abstract. [C.O. 5, 1408. pp. 417–419.]
May 29. Whitehall.	542. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. We have examined the case of Jeronimy Clifford [See April 21, May 16]. The damages suffered by him at Surinam cannot be ascertained here, nor any perfect state of his case settled without hearing his adversary's, who are subjects of the States General, and do not reside within your Majesty's dominions. He has us'd many endeavours to procure redresss in Holland, and has been divers times assisted therein by Memorials from his late Majesty at the Hague, yet has not been able to obtain any. His sufferings have been great, and the hardships he complains of very pressing. We humbly offer that your Majesty would order his case to be transmitted to your Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary at the Hague, with directions to represent the same to the States General, and that at the same time his papers and proofs be likewise sent by one of your Majesty's principal Secretarys of State to your Majesty's said Envoy for his Instruction, in order to solicite a good effect and relief to the Petitioner. Signed, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwaite, John Pollexfen, Matt. Pryor. [C.O. 389, 40. pp. 133–135.]
May 29.	543. Copy of an Address from the Lt.-Governor, Council and Representatives of New Hampshire to the King, accompanying the following Memorial. Signed, Wm. Partridge, Samll. Penhallow, Speaker. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 10, 1702. [C.O. 5, 862. No. 113.]
May 29.	544. Copy of the Humble Memorial of the Lt.-Gov., Council and Representatives of New Hampshire to the King. In reply to your Majesty's letters of Jan. 19, 1700/1. We are ignorant of any grounds for complaints as to spoil committed in the woods of this Province, no information of any such practice having at any time been given to your Majesty's Government here, wherein, had any such been, we should, to our utmost, have endeavoured to restrain and prevent the same. We have received no such complaints from Jahleel Brenton, your Majesty's Surveyor of Timber for the Navy, or his Deputy. There is no ground for such complaint, as will appear by Mr. Plaisted's certificate. Besides, timber proper for your Majesty's service is of so great value and so highly esteemed here, that no person, who have any such, would willingly spoil, embezzle or convert it to other uses.
	We have exerted the utmost of our power in erecting and hitherto maintaining a fortification upon the great Island at the mouth of Piscataqua River, which we shall endeavour still to uphold and defend, though we are very much wanting of powder, and, by reason of our poverty, rendered very incapable of supplying ourselves, and if an attack should be made, we should be forced to call in our neighbours for our assistance, but we shall endeavour to be no more burdensome to them, as wee have never yet been, then absolute necessitie have required—and we have no other place upon our Frontiers to the Sea proper to build any other Fort. And as for the Inland parts of this Province, to erect any other fortifications, besides pallasading some principal houses within our several towns, would be a charge without the least prospect of advantage for the defence of your Majesty's interest.
	The country round about us being so wide and so woody, that the enemy will easily avoid any fortified place upon our frontiers, and pass secretly and securely thro' the swamps or boggs into any of our towns, besides we are reduced to so extream poverty by the devastations that have been made upon us by the several wars that we have been engaged in by the salvages, and by the discouragements that our inhabitants, both Planters and Traders, have met with from the claims and pretences that have formerly been made upon us by Mr. Mason, and of late by Mr. Allen, to the Propriety of this Province, that we are utterly incapable of building and maintaining any other fortifications then the before-mentioned Fort.
	As to the quota of assistance in men or money for New York, we are in duty obliged to represent that our obedience to your Majesty's commands herein will prove fatal to your Majesty's interest within this Province, this whole Province being a frontier either by sea or land, and we are much more exposed to an attack by sea than New York is, and if at any time they be in hazard, much more shall we, and if a war happen with France, we cannot but expect the Indians will break forth again and infest our towns, whereto they have a much more easy access than to Albany, this part of the country being much more thick and swamp than that is. Besides the inland frontiers of New York are strengthened with some of your Majesty's Foot Companies that there are constantly upon duty, and they have the Five Nations a barrier to them, who will be ready at all times to give them intelligence of the approach of an enemy, whereas this Province can have no notice of danger, but by our own scouts, which, in time of war, we are forced to keep constantly abroad. In the late war this Province was at vast expense for the preservation of your Majesty's interest, and by the devastation then made by the enemy, your Majesty's subjects are reduced to the depth of poverty, and by the loss of men are extreamly weakened, and as we are not able without the assistance of the Massachusetts Bay, our next neighbours, to have defended ourselves, so should a war again break forth, it would be impossible to maintain your Majesty's interest here without the aid of those our Neighbours. If therefore we should be liable to have any of our men (for we can't raise more than 7 or 800 men effective) transported to serve in another Province, we are sure that the persons and small remaines of the Estates of your Majesty's poor subjects here would be exposed to inevitable ruine, and your Majesty's interest, which is of no small import in this River, which is the only place for the supply of Masts for your Majesty's Royal Navy, must of necessity be totally destroyed and lost. Signed, Wm. Partridge, Saml. Penhallow, Speaker. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 10, 1702. Received from Mr. Vaughan. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 862. No. 115; and 5, 910. pp. 232–238.]
May 29. New Hampshire.	545. Certificate of Ichabod Plaisted, Deputy Surveyor of Woods of New Hampshire and the Massachusetts Bay, that, having at all times diligently viewed them, he never yet observed the least spoil or embezlement of any timber fit for H.M. service. The Lt.-Gov. of New Hampshire has carefully endeavoured to prevent any such spoil in that Province. Signed, Ichabod Plaisted. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 862. No. 114.]
May 29.	546. Copy of an Address from the General Assembly of New Hampshire to the King. We, your Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, having for more then 70 years been peaceably possesst of this part of your Majesty's territories in America, understanding that Samuel Allen, Esq., by virtue of a grant under Mr. John Mason, lays claim unto the same, and hath lately manifested and disturbed many of your Majesty's good subjects in the possession of their estates, and threatens to do the same to all the rest of the Province, implore your most gracious consideration of our case, and that whatever Mr. Mason formerly or Mr. Allen more lately may pretend by virtue of an old, imperfect grant, the designs and ends of which were never pursued by him, but only by us and our predecessors, who finding it a perfect Desart, did, under the protection and upon the encouragement of your Majestie's Royal Predecessor, plant and settle ourselves here, did with excessive cost and hard labour reduce the same to a tolerable support of ourselves and families, and lately with a vast expense of our estates and lives defended the same against the incursions of a barbarous enemie, who had otherwise reduced it to utter ruine and confusion, and have very much advanced the Trade of the Nation, and particularly supplied your Majesty's Royal Navy with Masts, neither of which ever was or could be effected by Mr. Mason, who indeed dispared of the same. And tho' in the first settlement of the country he sent a few servants to settle a Trade with the Natives for his own private proffit, yet in a very little while perfectly deserted the same and left it as much a wilderness as he found it. We pray to be continued in the peaceable possession of our small estates and settlements, etc. Signed, Samll. Penhallow, Speaker. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Vaughan. Recd. Read Aug. 10, 1702. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 862. No. 116.]
[May 29.]	547. Articles of the People of New Providence, in Assembly held at Nassau, Oct. 5, 1701, against Elias Haskett, Governor, offered to the consideration of the Lords Proprietors and the Commissioners of Trade. Many and great have been the grievances and oppressions that we have groaned under from several former Governors for at least seven or eight years past, which with often and repeated supplications we addressed the Lords Proprietors for relief therein, who have not so much as taken notice thereof; but, on the contrary, our original petitions and complaints, signed under our hands, have been brought back by the succeeding Governors, who have made use thereof to punish the persons petitioning, to terrify others to do the like for the future; so that at present we are brought to that pass, that it is the greatest of crimes for the injured to complain. Breviate of the sundry Articles, shewing the absolute and necessary cause and reasons of deposing and taking into custody Elias Haskett, late Governor of Providence. (i) He hath denied the Country to allow their Minister his constant salary (and to that purpose made void, by his own power, an Act appointed for the confirmation thereof), which salary was raised by a duty on liquors and sugars imported; and he, at his arrival, bringing a large quantity of both, was the cause and reason thereof; and hath proceeded to villifie and defame the present Minister, a man of worth, threatning him to have him whip'd through the Town; that by these means the Gospel hath not been preached, nor any ministerial function exercised amongst us for some months past. (ii) By his own arbitrary power he hath illegally taxed and imposed upon H.M. free-born subjects and inhabitants of this Government a considerable quantity of brazaletta-wood, the chief commodity of the country, to the value of three hundred and odd pounds, to be cut by them for his use as a present, which he saith ought to be given to him, but extorted from the poor inhabitants, denying all trade and commerce whatsoever till it was done. (iii) Such people as would not conform to these his unlawful and intolerable impositions, he immediately on any sham pretence puts into close prison, and in irons, where they were so strictly confined that their nearest friends and relations are denied either sight or conversation with them; by which barbarous usage several persons have been forced for safety of their lives to ransom themselves by large sums of money, some 100l., others 50l., and so proportionable to their abilities. And all this done, both imprisonment and discharged, without any manner of process or colour of Law whatsoever, but by his own arbitrary power and command. (iv) He demands the ¹/5th part of all brazaletta-wood, cut for the use of the Lords Proprietors, contrary to all former Instructions given to any of their former Governors, as also the ¹/6th part of tortoise-shell (takes the same sum of the inhabitants) never before so much as demanded or thought of, to the great discouragement of the inhabitants to seek or labour for those commodities. (v) His Commission and Instructions being required by the Council to be perused and recorded, as is usually heretofore done, was by him denied. (vi) He imposeth excessive post [? port] charges on all vessels trading hither, contrary to all Laws heretofore made, both upon strangers and inhabitants, to the utter ruin of all commerce. (vii) He denies and makes void all Acts made in the time of the late Deputy Governor, yet on several occasions, where any Laws made to serve himself, will allow of them. (viii) Instead of calling of an Assembly for to enact new Laws or to confirm those heretofore made (which he calls illegal and void), he prevents all further meeting of the Assembly, and threatened the Speaker to shoot him through the head for speaking modestly in behalf of the Country on that occasion, proroguing and dissolving at his own pleasure; and when an Act against monopolizing was sent to him and Council from the Assembly for confirmation, he ordered it should not be read, but thrown from the Board, and immediately prorogues the Assembly for six months. (ix) With his own hands he beat and abused several Masters of vessels trading to this Port for only asking whether there was an Act of the Country for the exorbitant fees imposed on them. (x) He being modestly asked by some indifferent persons how such unreasonable fees and several fines could be imposed on persons contrary to Law? made this short but tyrannical answer, "There is no Law in your country; what cannot I do?" (xi) In a time of great scarcity for provisions, when the inhabitants were ready to starve, he monopolized a large quantity of corn, and disposed thereof to a Spanish and Portuguese ship, which was transported out of this Government, and he declared that if the said corn were not sold to him, the owners should not have the disposal of it. (xii) He demands from 6l. to 9l. for each licence to marry, and denies the bannes to be published in Church, by which means the honest intentions of several poor people may be in a manner forced to live disorderly and incontinent lives. (xiii) Notwithstanding H.M. Commissions granted to several persons here for the offices of Vice-Admiral, Judge and other offices of the Court of Admiralty, he hath constituted the said several offices by virtue of his own Commission, and in this, as well as in all other Courts of Judicature, acts by the same arbitrary power and authority, as by several examples are ready to be made appear. (xiv) To strike at the very root of Trade, he, from the very first of his coming into this Government intercepts accompts, bills of lading and all other papers of what nature soever, which he breaks open and detains as he thinks fit, and to that purpose imposed an unlawful oath on all masters of the vessels to declare and to deliver to him all letters they either bring in or carry out of the Government. (XV) What little trade remains in the Government, which daily decreaseth by the several illegal impositions therein, is all center'd in himself, no person being suffered scarce to ask the price of a commodity imported, before he hath refused to buy it. (xvi) To make appear what regard he hath to H.M. Officers and interest, he most inhumanly beats and abuseth H.M. Collector here, and orders him to be put in prison and irons, and his boat to be sunk whenever he went on board any vessels to execute his office. (xvii) After a seizure made of a parcel of claret and brandy, brought from the French port of Cape Francois on Hispaniola, he orders it to be appraised by two persons by him appointed for that purpose, at an inconsiderable value, and takes it all to himself, never suffering a public sale to be made thereof. (xviii) In a small time after, he hires a vessel himself, and gives orders to the Commanders and Company, privately, to cut a load of brazaletta wood amongst some of the Islands of this Government, and the same to carry to the French Port of Cape Francois, and there to be disposed of, and returns made to him in alamode silks, and other French goods, and privately to be landed in this Island. This sort of trading, so prejudicial to H.M. interest, he had laid a foundation to be continued so long as the Master and Company thought fit, and encouraged all the men to bring what goods they pleased for themselves. (xix) In Courts of Common Pleas, etc., he hath imposed double fees for all process and matters therein, and hath constituted one of his own servants Clerk of all Courts, and preposterously to act and plead as an Attorney also therein, denying any other, the whole profits of which fees coming to himself. (xx) Whereas most of the inhabitants have, and constantly have had sundry parcels of brazaletta-wood cut in several of the adjacent islands to bring to this port for trade and exportation, he hath, by many orders to that end to masters of vessels employed in his service, given instructions to take and load the same for his own proper use, which can be no ways better deemed than perfect felony. (xxi) In all matters of Government, he hath never consulted his Council, but by his own arbitrary power hath laid embargoes, put out proclamations, etc., and made it a high crime for any one to ask the reason thereof. (xxii) He hath taken up several persons on suspicion of piracy, on which account he made seizure and took into his custody all their effects, and after severe usage and strict confinement, being sufficiently harassed, hath sent them private notice what sum of money should purchase their freedoms, which, when paid, they have been discharged. (xxiii) By private letters to his friends in England, he gives account that he had not been in his Government two months and yet had gog 2,000l., and hoped by next spring to send home 10,000l., which he might well do by his tyrannical ways, having not left 500l. running cash in the whole Island, several times declaring publicly that he would not leave one man in this Government worth 100l. before he had done with them; and in order thereto hath vilified and defamed the Inhabitants, as by his letter to the Council of Trade, July last. (xxiv) To put a fairer gloss on all his arbitrary ways, he appoints a General Muster Sept. 25, 1701, and having designedly drawn off the most substantial and sensible persons of the country, orders a great quantity of liquors to be given to the remaining part of the poor ignorant people, who having plentifully drank and intoxicated themselves, a paper was produced to them to be signed in the name of the whole country, the meaning of which was not mentioned, but only told there was no injury in it, but it was for the interest of the Government and refitting of the Fortifications, upon which about 20 or 30 illiterate persons signed it, without further examining. It was an Address to the Proprietors giving thanks for making choice of so good a Governor as Haskett, etc.: which poor deluded people finding how basely they were imposed upon, their hearts making their hands liars therein, are always ready to testify. These our present grievances we thought fit to lay before your Lordships, for some proper and speedy methods for our safety, by representing this to H.M. and Council, or Parliament, which your Lordships shall think most meet. . . . One great cause of the oppressions we have lately suffered under we have great reason to suppose was the unhappy arrival of Every here, together with the Dutch wreck, from both which the former Governors having gained a considerable sum, which hath made so great a noise in the world, that the succeeding Governors, promising to themselves the like success and being frustrated therein, have betaken themselves to all illegal and irregular ways to ruin the inhabitants to answer their own ends, which hath caused one remark to be made in this new settlement, never known in any other in America before, that for this seven years past, there hath not come from any foreign port above three families to settle here, that have brought the value of 50l. with them, and for no other reason than the avariciousness of our Governors, who have created a terror in those who have only come to take a view of our country, with a design to have settled among us. Signed, "The Council for the time being, Ellis Lightwood, President, John Warren, Speaker of the Assembly, Richard Taliaferro, Thomas Gower, Read Elding, Thomas Williams, Thomas Dalton, Nicholas David. Appended,
	547. i. Copy of Letter from Governor Haskett to a French Governor [sic. ? of Hispaniola]. I have sent the bearer, who belongs to me, in this small boat, to advise your Honour concerning Trade, which if you and myself would secure, there is no dispute but it would be very profitable to us both. So desire you to send me in English a letter, by reason no person shall see it but myself, what will sell with you and the prices you will take the goods at, and also what you can furnish me with and at what rates. I have sent you a very small present, which is of the growth of this place, two cedar bedsteads. Signed, E. Haskett. City of Nassau, New Providence, Aug. 4, 1701. Annexed,
	547. ii. Copy of Affidavit of Roger Prydeaux, Naval Officer Oct. 8, 1701, that the above was "writ by the late Governor Haskett's order by me, and signed by himself to the French Governor of Cape Francesway, to be sent in a sloop on Haskett's account."
	547. iii. Copy of deposition of William Spatchers, Nov. 7, 1701. Master of a Sloop, the Robert and Martha, Aug., 1701, under the service of Governor Haskett, he then received orders from him to sail from Providence to some of the Bahama Islands, and there he cut a load of firewood, but these orders in writing were only to blind the world, for Governor Haskett did verbally order him to cut the sloop's loading of brazaletta-wood, and to carry it to Cape François, Hispaniola, the same to be disposed of there and the produce to be laid out in French commodities, as alamode silks particularly ordered, to be landed privately, short of this harbour; and that Deponent should in the night send the Governor word thereof; and that he would give him and company 50 per cent. advance. The Governor gave Deponent liberty to carry on this sort of trading as long as he thought fit.
	547. iv. Copy of Deposition of Tabitha Alfoard. Nassau, Nov. 3, 1701. About Sept. 19, 1701, Deponent carried to Governor Haskett at his house 50l., which was a bribe for enlarging Col. Elding, who was then a close prisoner and in irons; when Governor Haskett found it was not as much as he expected, he returned it to deponent, swearing that if Elding did not send him 50 pistols (67l. 10s.), he should not be released. Deponent, by order of Elding, was forced to go to Capt. George Graham to borrow the rest. Haskett was not contented with that sum, but told deponent that Elding must also send him a rich ring, and a piece of plate of value, which ring and a silver tankard was carried by deponent to Haskett for a bribe, and also some pieces of dry goods, and a set of gold buttons, and three gold drops.
	547. v. Copy of deposition of Benjamin Griffin and Peter Corene, of the Company of the Robert and Martha. No date. In confirmation of William Spatcher's deposition. No. iii., supra. The Governor called the Master and Company of the sloop into his room and then declared to them the intent of the voyage. He said they need not fear the King's Collector, that old Rogue, as he called him, for he had him secur'd a prisoner in the Fort.
	547. vi. Deposition of Capt. Cole, May 18, 1702. [See Feb. 17.] The whole endorsed, Recd. May 29, 1702. The whole printed, London, 1702. 17 pp. [C.O. 5, 1261. No. 102.]
May 29. Whitehall.	548. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Proposing that H.M. direct new Seals to be made for the Plantations. Signed, Robt. Cecill, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 324, 8. pp. 164, 165.]
May 29. Whitehall.	549. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Proprietors of the Bahamas. Having received depositions, etc., of the people of New Providence against Elias Haskett, offered to the consideration of your Lordships and of this Board, we enclose the same, and are ready to concur with you so far as to us may appertain in the remedying of the great disorders complained of, H.M. service in those parts necessarily requiring some speedy care to be taken therein. Signed, Ph. Meadows, John Pollexfen, Wm. Blathwayt, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 5, 1290. pp. 12, 13.]
May 29. [Written March 29.]	550. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Richard Forstall appointed Chief Baron of the Pleas of the Crown, and that new Commissions be got ready for the Judges of the several Courts.
	Ordered that a Commission be prepared for holding the Grand Sessions on June 9, and that the Hon. James Colleton be appointed Chairman.
	Ordered that duplicates of the letters sent per Capt. Warren be sent home with George Lillington.
	100l. paid to James Hannah for the charges of the next Grand Sessions.
	The Hon. George Andrews desiring suddenly to go off this Island, ordered that the Forts about Bridge Town do fire one round at his embarquing, as is usual for a Member of Council.
	12l. paid for additional men on Capt. Gilbert's sloop.
	30l. paid to Andrew Barnes, for the use of his sloop Charles.
	Complaint being made by John Brimsden, Searcher and Waiter of H.M. Customs at Speight's Town, that Jonathan Downes, Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the precincts of St. Peter's, had granted a writ of replevin directed to John Heywood, Marshal of the said Court, for two Casks of Muscovado sugar and 22 hhds. of ravell cotton, which he, Brimsden, had seized and lodged in H.M. Custom House, being unlawfully imported, ordered that Downes and Heywood appear before this Board on Wedn. next, and that in the meantime all proceedings in the said writ be stayed. [C.O. 31, 6. pp. 229, 230.]
May 29.	551. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay. Two Councillors took the oath, etc., appointed. The Council attended the Proclamation of Queen Anne.
May 30.	The oath of allegiance to H.M. was administered to the Representatives. Declaration agreed to for issuing writs, etc., in the name and stile of Queen Anne. [C.O. 5, 788. pp. 339, 340.]
May 29.	552. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Warrants approved yesterday were signed by H.E.
	The Assembly was prorogued to June 18.
May 30.	H.E. communicated to the Council the Orders he had received for proclaiming her Majesty Queen Anne.
	Proclamation ordered thereupon appointing June 18 at the City of Williamsburgh as the date for that ceremony.
	Copy of the Order of the Privy Council concerning the alterations to be made in the public prayers for the Royal Family ordered to be sent to the several parishes.
	Whereas several very loyal and dutiful addresses have been presented to our most gracious Sovereign Queen Anne upon the death of H.M. and her accession to the Crown, and particularly one from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of London, ordered that a copy thereof be sent to the several Counties that the Civil and Military Officers form a suitable Address to H.M.
	H.E. laid before the Council the letter from the Council of Trade and Plantations, March 16, 1701(2), which was referred till next Council.
	Consideration of the most proper place for making up the fleet, as also of laying a general embargo, referred till next meeting of Council. [C.O. 5, 1409. pp. 226–228.]
31, 3m. (May).	553. William Penn to the Council of Trade and Plantations. By my letters to the Board I informed them that I had seized the value of 100 Arabian pieces of gold, amounting to about 40l. sterl. at most; this was seald up and put into the officer's hand till the King's mind was known, news of his pardon being about the country, which with De Hals pretences that the money belonged to him as his property left him by Bradenham the Pyrat, for fees as his Phisitian, I did not bring it over; this Bradenham sues me, as for a bond I seized belonging to him, so for this money to be payd here, that lies seald up at Philadelphia, on ye account of belonging to a Pyrat. I therefore humbly pray that a stop may be put to his impudent proceeding, being ready to deliver up his bond, and to give him an order to receive the sayd money of the Govermt., or I shall have affront and charge for my care and service to the Crown. Signed, Wm. Penn. Endorsed, Recd, Read June 1, 1702. Holograph. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1261. No. 103; and 5, 1290. p. 15.]
May 31. St. James's.	554. Order of Queen in Council. Ordering as recommended by the Representation of May 29, in the case of Jeronimy Clifford. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read Sept. 15, 1702. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 75. No. 59; and 389, 40. pp. 148, 149.]
May 31. St. James's.	555. Order of Queen in Council. Ordering proper Seals to be prepared, to be sent to each of H.M. Plantations. The Lord High Treasurer to give the necessary directions for supplying the charges. The Council of Trade and Plantations to cause the Seals to be prepared to be laid before H.M. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read June 8, 1702. ¾ p. [C.O. 323, 3. No. 131; and 324, 8. pp. 166, 167.]
May 31. St. James's.	556. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation of May 21 and the drafts of letters to the Governors of Barbados and the Leeward Islands. The Earl of Nottingham to prepare them for H.M. signature. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read Sept. 15, 1702. ½ p. [C.O. 28, 6. No. 61; and 29, 8. p. 218.]
May 31.	557. Memorandum of Order of Council of 31st (sic) upon a Representation of May 21, approving drafts of letters to the Governors of Barbados and the Leeward Islands relating to the 4½ p.c. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read Sept. 5, 1702. ¼ p. [C.O. 152, 5. No. 6.]