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Aug. 1.
From my
Lord James
Russell's
House. |
800. Sir Henry Ashhurst to William Popple, jr. Yours of July 14th came to me but yesterday, etc. I had a copy of the New Hampshire Act, and since, no account of the Act, but as to the 100l. that concerns myself, their Lordships will I presume think it reasonable, when I have been Agent for so many years
on the terms of 100l. per annum, and this is the first they have raised; they have since dismissed me, and I hear they have sent an Agent from New Hampshire, who is, I presume, arrived, and will soon wait on their Lordships. Signed, Hen. Ashhurst. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read Aug. 7, 1702. Addressed. Sealed. Post Mark. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 862. No. 123; and 5, 910. pp. 230, 231.] |
| Aug. 3. |
801. List of persons proposed to be of the Council of New Jersey. For the Eastern partition:—Andrew Bowne, the Proprietors' last Governor; Richard Hartshorne, of Middletowne; Jno. Royse, of Piscataway; Richd. Towneley, of Elizabeth Town; William Laurence, of Bergen County; Obadiah Towne, of Middletown; Jeremiah Basse. The following are next fittest:—Thomas Warne, of Amboy; Elisha Parker, of Woodbridge; William Laurence, of Freehold; William Sanford, of Bergen County; Samuel Walker, of Piscataway. But against the following persons many objections are made as being of the Scotch and Quaker factions, concerned sundry years in the divisions and incendiary parties, that has brought those Provinces into such confusion of Government, injustice to the Proprietors and aversion of the Planters and inhabitants; vizt., Lewis Morris, the head of the faction; Samuel Leonard, George Wilcocks, John Barclay, Michael Harden, Thomas Gordon, David Lyall, Miles Forster, Jno. Johnstone.—These nine of the Scotch and Quaker faction. Jno. Bishop, Samuel Dennis, Wm. Pinhorne, Samuel Hale.—These last four have other characters rendering them unfit for that station. For the Western Partition:—Thomas Revell, George Deacon, Daniell Leeds, Edward Hunlock, Jno. Holme, of Salem; Capt. Joseph Seeley, of Fairfeild, Col. Robert Quary, when arrived. ? Jeremiah Basse, when arrives. There are some other Quakers that are men of parts and knowing in the affairs of the Province, but more particularly take caution against Samuel Jennings, Francis Davenport and their faction. Endorsed, Communicated by Mr. Blathwayt from the Earl of Nottingham. Recd. Read Aug. 12, 1702. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 970. No. 4.] |
| Aug. 3. |
802. Minutes of Council of the Massachusetts Bay. Copy of Proclamation proroguing the Assembly till Sept. 23. Signed, J. Dudley. [C.O. 5, 788. p. 365.] |
Aug. 3.
Boston. |
803. Minutes of Council of the Massachusetts Bay. H.E. acquainted the Board with his proceedings in his voyage eastward to visit the frontiers and see the Indians. He enquired at Saco into the complaints against Capt. Turfrey, found them frivolous and groundless, and therefore restored him to his command of the Fort there. He found Capt. March at his post at the Fort in Cascobay, and all things in good order at both Forts, only the soldiers of the garrison pray to be relieved, having been long in the service. He proceeded to Pemaquid, where the
Indians attended him. He presented a Memorial of what passed between them. |
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H.E. communicated a letter received from three of the Members of H.M. Council of New York, July 27, importing that Thomas Weaver, late Receiver General, having not accompted for the public monies in his hands, and William Atwood, late Chief Justice, against whom several articles of high misdemeanour have been exhibited, and Capt. John D'Peyster, one of the securities of Mr. Weaver, had absented themselves from that Province, and the two latter were supposed to be in Boston, and desiring that they might be taken up. |
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Capt. D'Peyster, attending, acknowledged that he and Dr. Staats were bound in 2,000l. for Mr. Weaver that he should make a reasonable accompt by Oct. next, and declared that himself came hither upon his particular business, and expected two vessels with goods from New York; that he hoped to dispatch his business in two or three months' time, and would then return home to New York. He had not seen Mr. Weaver or Mr. Atwood since he came from thence, nor knows anything where they are. H.E. then put the question to the Board, whether Capt. D'Peyster should give his own bond, with some other person, to the Queen in 2,000l. to show himself to H.E. in Council here at any time within three days after notice left at his present lodging in the house of William Rouse, during his abode in this Province, and not to depart the Province without first giving three days' notice to H.E. Passed in the negative. |
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Order made for payment of Members of Council in accordance with the Act of 4 W. and M. |
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Order that Mr. Treasurer procure provisions from time to time for the garrisons of the Forts, etc. |
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Ordered that Mr. Treasurer make good the sums expended out of town stocks for killing wolves, according to the Act. |
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Pensions and stipends, etc., granted by Assembly, ordered to be paid. |
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78l. 0s. 1½ d. paid on account of H.E.'s late journey eastward to the frontier. |
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Advised, that H.E. emit a Proclamation proroguing the Assembly till Sept. 23. [C.O. 5, 788. pp. 181–184.] |
| Aug. 4. |
804. Copy of Col. Codrington's Commission [from Queen Anne] to be Governor of the Leeward Islands. Westminster, Aug. 4. Countersigned, Wright. [C.O. 153, 7. pp. 445–468.] |
Aug. 4.
Bermuda. |
805. Lt.-Governor Bennett to William Popple. Refers to matters given elsewhere. From Jamaica I had advise, July 5, that Mons. Du Cases was carrying a new Governor for Carthagena, and it was hoped he would be intercepted, and, July 9, that the day before our crusers carried into Port Royal a French vessel of above 300 tuns, which they took near Cape Nicholas, laden with sugar and indico, and on the 10th day Admiral Benbow being under saile (on some expedition not publick), three more
French prizes were carried into his fleet. My correspondent believes that the Admiral intends for Petit Guavas, where there are 16 marchant ships laden with sugar and indico bound for France, and adds that Monsr. Chauternault is at the Havanna with 25 sail of men-of-war and five fire-ships. I have heard from all our Governments in the West Indies, except Virginia and Maryland, that orders have been sent to proclaim the Queen, and in most of them war, therefore conclude my pacquets have either miscarried, or remain in one of those two places, where we seldom have any vessels goes, but Barbadoes is never long without a sloop from this place, therefore pray for the future send that way. Signed, B. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read Jan. 26, 1702/3 . Addressed, "The way of Barbados." Sealed. 2 pp. [C.O. 37, 4. No. 1. A.; and 38, 5. pp. 330, 331.] |
Aug. 4.
Whitehall. |
806. Earl of Nottingham to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The persons, whose names are contained in the enclosed list, being thought proper to be Members of the Council for Nova Cæsarea or New Jersey, I am directed to transmit the same to you, that in case you have no objection against any of them, you may cause them to be inserted in the Instructions preparing for Lord Cornbury, who is appointed H.M. Governor of the said Province. Signed, Nottingham. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read August 11, 1702. Enclosed, |
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806. i. List of persons proper to be of the Council of Nova Cæsarea: Col. Richard Townely, Thomas Revell, John Berry, Daniel Cox, jr., William Laurance, jr., Daniel Leads, David Shepherd, William Sandford, John Royce, Edward Hanlock (sic), Capt. Andrew Bowne, Capt. John Jewell, Lewis Morris, Capt. John Reading, Capt. John Bowne, John Holmes, George Tayler, Edward Slater, Thomas Codrington, Obadiah Holmes. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 970. Nos. 5, 5.i.] |
Aug. 4.
Boston. |
807. Lt.-Gov. Povey to the Council of Trade and Plantations Capt. Jackson (see July 20) is sent home on board the Speedwell with the evidences of his crimes and misdemeanours. Signed, T. Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Sept. 22, 1702. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 862. No 124; and 5, 910. pp. 266, 267.] |
| Aug. 4. |
808. Minutes of Council [in Assembly] of Barbados. The Representatives were returned pursuant to the writs lately issued. [The names as given June 30, except that John Holder takes the place of William Davie as Member for St Joseph's.] |
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They all took the oaths, except Major Estwick, who was not admitted by reason of some dissents arising about the qualifications of several persons that voted for him, and therefore this Board thought fit to let that matter be litigated before the Assembly according to an Act of this Island. |
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215l. 19s. 4d. paid to Capt. Philip Kirton for his salary and disbursements to July 31, 1702, on the fortifications for the
precincts of Christ Church, and 551l. 15s. 6¼d. for his salary and disbursements on the fortifications of St. Michael's. |
| Aug. 5. |
Ordered that the ships bound for Europe have leave to sail on Monday next, provided Capt. Mauham, with H.M.S. Kinsale, who went out of the Road for fear of bad weather, come in by that time, and that he be ordered to convoy them to the windward of Diziada. |
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The Assembly attending, the President recommended to them a petition of Capt. Charles Thomas for money for the hire of his vessel to carry the packets which were ordered from England to the Leeward Islands and Jamaica; and also that some care might be taken for the payment of the rent of the house taken for the Governor, and for maintaining the French prisoners that shall be brought in here; and that they consent that an order be drawn on the Treasurer for 10l. which Capt. Bullard paid Capt. Maxwell for carrying pacquets to Jamaica. |
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Copies of the returns of the Members of Assembly were given to them. [C.O. 31, 6. pp. 245–247.] |
| Aug. 4. |
809. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The new Assembly [see June 30 and preceding abstract] met at the house of Mr. John Goboy in St. Michael's Town, and elected Thomas Maxwell, Speaker, and then chose William Rawlin, Clerk, and George Hooper, Marshall. |
| Aug. 5. |
The House appointed the salaries of the Clerk (150l. sterl.) and Marshall (25l. sterl.). |
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The Ancient Rules of the House were read and passed. |
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The Hon. James Colleton presented a petition against the election of Major Estwick. Tuesday appointed for hearing evidence and the parties without counsel. It was moved that Major Estwick sit as a member till the petition be determined and that he be presented to the President and Council to be sworn. Carried in the negative. |
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And see preceding abstract. [C.O. 31, 6. pp. 471–474.] |
Aug. 5.
Boston. |
810. Governor Dudley to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Since my last from Piscataqua, I have been in all the Eastern parts of the Province of Mayne, as far as Pemaquid, with a Committee of the General Assembly to view the ruins of that place, and, in my return, by appointment I met the Sachims of all that country as far as St. Croix and Penobscot, and renewed the English friendship with them, and assured them of trade, and everything they want, if they will keep off from our English Settlement during the war, because we shall not distinguish them from Canada Indians. Nothing but the French Priests amongst them will put them out of a temper towards us. We have three privateers with about 60 men each, who have the last week sent in a French katch, and three sloops loaden with fish and salt, taken upon the coast of Cape Sables, and we hope for better prizes by those that are abroad. The workmen and surveyors I carried with me to Pemaquid will not allow that Fort to be repaired, so far as the stone-work goes, without
any lodgings or finishing within, under 7,000l., and near as much more within, for the receipt of men and stores, besides 20 pieces of ordnance to put into it, and then the maintenance of 100 men upon our New English method of payment, which is 2s. per diem, instead of 8d., the English establishment, with incidental charges will amount to near 5,000l. a year, besides all other occurrents of the war, on all the frontiers of these provinces, which will truly be insupportable. However, I shall with all earnestness and application put the matter as far as I can with the October Assembly, till when nothing can be done. I am humbly of opinion, if the canon for that place and other parts were sent, and the men that I have humbly prayed for upon H.M. establishment, to support and cover that work and assist in it, it might be done the next summer, we having now found a bank of oyster-shells near it, and sufficient for the lime of that and many other works. I continue to pray your Lordships that Capt. Byfield may be restored to the place of Judge of the Admiralty, which Mr. Atwood has now left, by absconding and leaving the country; and that you will move H.M. to allow a fourth-rate for the attendance and security of this Province, besides the Gospir [? Gosport], a fifth-rate that is here at present. I should be wanting to my duty, if I should not do Lieutenant-Governor Partridge the justice to acquaint H.M., that I find no complaint in that Province, but a great readiness in everything, and by his means they have set the Revenue of that little Province at three times more than my Lord Bellomont had it, besides the new duty upon boards and timber, which I hope so to manage as to get it continued for the future. Refers to case of Capt. Jackson. I am well assured the Lt.-Governor will be justified. In obedience to H.M. Instructions, I have with the unanimous advice and consent of the Council nominated Paul Dudley, Barrister at Law, H.M. Attorney General, if he may be allowed. I hope he will do his duty with all care, though there is no salary nor allowance for an Attorney General, and the profit in all pleas of the Crown is on the other side. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. Read Sept. 22, 1702. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
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810. i. Conference held between Governor Dudley and the Eastern Indians, July 27, 1702. |
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810. ii. The Governor arrived at Sagadahoc, and was presently attended by Moxus and eight other Sagamores and about 140 more Indians. H.E. bade them welcome in the name of the great Queen, and enquired if they had any complaints. "I have seen the Two Brothers [Treaty Stones], and am content that they continue here, and I shall add one stone in the Governor's name as I return, if you shew your respect to the Queen and her subjects here. I shall continue the Trading Houses at Casco and Saco, and if you acquaint the commanders there, you shall have supply of everything there, as soon as it can be sent, at all times. We have now a war with the French by command of H.M., and we expect some of the Canada Indians may be seen about our
Towns of Wells and York Nechawannock and other places, and our people will not be able to distinguish you that are friends from them, and therefore I think it best that at present you keep on this side Saco River, and you shall be supplied with all things at proper places. I have been told that you have in your tribe a young man who was carried into England by Sir William Phips. If I had known it in England, I would have brought him, but since I arrived I have written to pray the Queen that he may be sent to me, and if my letters do not miscarry and he be living, I have no doubt but to restore him to you. I don't doubt of your friendship, but have my scouts abroad to discover the French or French Indians, and expect that when you know of any such, as you are my friends, you will tell me of it. Whenever you Moxus, or others, desire to see me, I will direct a sloop to bring you, and would not have you come to the Westward of Saco River, by reason the English will not know you from enemies." Moxus replied that these propositions were such as he had desired, and asked that his friend Franxwaxer might speak for him. Franxwaxer welcomed H.E. "Now you are pleased to come, we are glad and all absent Indians are of our mind. We will stand fast and true to our Covenants made." |
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Governor: "Do you say this in every man's name?" The Indians manifested a general assent. Indians: "The last Spring when the Council was at Casco, the Two Brothers were made, and we have found no inconveniences since, and desire always to live in brotherly love. We hear nothing of the war by way of the sea." Governor: It is expected you stand steady. We will be your friends. Indians: We will only stand still, and see and will be friends. Governor: If any Englishman wrong you, I will right you upon your complaint, but to prevent wrong, I would have you come only to the Trading-Houses at Casco and Saco, lest you are taken for French Indians. Indians: We keep in mind our Covenants, and come to see why so many English remove from their settlements. Governor: I am but lately arrived, but approve of what was done by the Gentlemen at Casco Bay. I am not angry with you, but the English, that they leave their places. Indians: We are so faithful that the more we see the English stir about, the more we go amongst them, that they may not fear. Governor: The poor people can't distinguish you from French Indians, now there is a war. That is why I direct you not to go beyond our factories. Indians: Our land goes as far as Penicook and St. John's; we want our land to hunt on, and can't tell how to abridge ourselves of going over Saco River. Governor: You must not come near our settlements,
for our English may take you for French Indians, and do you hurt. If any of you would come to Boston, Salem, or Portsmouth, I will take care they shall, and to supply you, but fear by your coming amongst our settlements mistakes may happen. Indians: If we come when we want anything, we will come freely, without any harm. Governor: You need not come to any English house; you shall have full supplies at the Trading-houses. There is no way to prevent mischief, but for you to be supplied at the factories. When you come to a factory and desire supplies, they shall be sent immediately. Indians: We like very well what your Excellency saith, to go nowhere else but to the factories to trade, because of the poor people. Have Penicook Indians been to wait on you? Governor: That day I arrived, two Penicook Indians were to see me, and went to call their Sagamores, whom I expect, and am well assured of their friendship. I was in such haste to see you, I did not stay for them. Is there any Pennicook-men here? Indians: No. We desire to hear more concerning our captive lad. The Governor repeated what he said above. Indians: Why is there no Trading-house here? Governor: I shall set one here soon, that shall better supply you still; in the meantime nothing shall be wanting at the other. Indians: It is dangerous to go over the Bays to Casco in the winter. Governor: I shall take care, in the meantime, to supply you at Saco and Casco, and soon plant a Trading-house hereabouts, but those are many miles nearer than Nechawannock, or any English settlements. Indians: We desire to know the price of things. Governor: Are not the factories kind to you? Indians: We have not enough for our Beaver. Governor: English goods are dear, and beaver cheap. There was a factor at Casco that complaint was made of that he was not kind to you. I have turned him away, and it will be better. Indians: We have not above half so much for our beaver as formerly. Governor: It is not worth a quarter so much in Europe. It is out of fashion much, but it may be better hereafter; by and by it will be well again. Indians: We are always promised beaver will rise, but we think never. Governor: I am no merchant, and get nothing by it, but am Governor of the merchants, and will see they use you kindly. Indians: You can govern the matter better than it used to be. Governor: I doubt it not. Indians: We desire to have the same pennyworths now, as when the Peace was first made. Governor: I will examine the prices of things and let you have goods as cheap as may be, and the merchants live. H.E. shook hands with the Sagamores, and said that he was glad to hear they had given over drinking, and had brought them
an handful of corn. Endorsed, Recd. Read Sept. 22, 1702. 5¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 862. Nos. 125, 125.i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 910. pp. 268–272.] |
Aug. 5.
Jamaica. |
811. Lt.-Governor Beckford to the Earl of Nottingham. Having this day received fresher advice from the Havanna than any contained in my former, I thought your Lordship would excuse this additional trouble. By one of our men who had been taken into that port out of one of the three sloops mentioned in my former, I am informed that on the 13th of June (the day he made his escape from thence) Chateaurenault was not arrived from La Vere Cruz, where he was gone to fetch the flota, and that at the Havana it was doubted whether he would be able to prevail with them to make use of his convoy, that there was a rumour of his death, and that the Vice-Admiral was buried at the Havana the day before this person left it; that the French had lost the greatest part of their men, and the remainder were very sickly. I have no news yet from either the Admiral or our privateers. Signed, Pe. Beckford. |
| Aug. 25. |
I have had no further advices either of the flota or Monsr. Chateaurenault's squadron, soc that I am not able to guess whether they are still at the Havana, or have left the West Indies. |
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The Admiral with 7 men of war has been on the north side of Hispaniola, and put the French under no small consternation at Leogane and Petit Guavas. He forced a man of war of 46 guns ashoar, which the French, rather then she should fall into our hands, blew up. The Admiral with his boats set fire to two great merchant ships, and took two more, with a brigantine and a sloop, which were brought into Port Royal the 14th inst. by the Colchester. On the 13th the master of a sloop belonging to New York declared upon oath that on July 27 he spyed 22 sail of large ships off Porto Rico, which I believe may prove Ducass' squadron with some transport ships designed for Carthagena. I immediately dispatched away 2 sloops, one to the Admiral and another to the Reer-Admiral with the account I received, but the Admiral had, I suppose, got information of them; for the very next day I received a letter from him that he designed for the coast in quest of M. Ducass, who he heard was arrived in these parts, so that I guess the Admiral is now near Carthagena. The design of surprising Porto Bello is come to nothing, but I durst not pretend to place the fault anywhere till I am better informed, tho' I hear 'tis generally charged to Capt. Hartmen in the Glocester. The Captains of the three first privateers that arrived, who were to attend the rest went aboard the Glocester to give the Capt., who had been some time absent from hence, an account of the war, which he knew nothing of; the very next day he sends his pinnace ashoar to receive a trifling debt due from some of the town. One of the boat's crew, who was an Irish man, informs the Spaniards of the Declaration of War, who immediately seized upon both pinnace and men; the Capt. sends a letter to the Governor to demand his boat and crew,
withall threatening to knock the town about his ears in case of refusal. The Spaniards I suppose returned as rodomantadoing an answer. The next day the Glocester with the little Seahorse hawl in with the little Fort called Casteel de Ira at the entrance of the harbour and battered it. The Castle played upon our 2 frigotts, but I think did them no great mischief, and the next day our two men of war left the coast, and are now in harbour, but neither of the Captains have been with me. I suppose our Privateers (the Spaniards being alarm'd and consequently removing their money out of the town) would not venture their bones where there could remain no prospect of a booty, and must now think of something else. This is the account which I have of the matter, but I durst not venture to say, whether it will prove to be a true state of the fact. This day one of our privateers has sent in a Spanish barco-longo laden with tobacco. |
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During the little time our Assembly has sate, I have prevailed with them to dispatch the most necessary business, and they have accordingly pass'd an Act for present subsistence of H.M. officers and soldiers, an Act for raising several sums of money to discharge public debts, and providing funds for the safeguard of this Island, an Act for raising an additional duty and import, an Act for the more effectual raising parties to pursue and destroy rebellious and runaway negroes, all which I have transmitted to the Lords Commissrs. for Trade for H.M. Royal approbation. We are now in a precarious kind of state as to our Government here: the 6 months allowed by the Act of Will. being now expired, all persons are cautious of acting. The Chief Justice has absolutely refused to hold a Court, which has made some others timorous. I have no power to act by but H.M. Proclamation. However, I shall venture to do anything rather than incur the displeasure of my Queen. I shall, I hope, be able to keep things in a quiet posture, to be sure my endeavours shall not be wanting to effect that. Signed, Pe. Beckford. Endorsed, R. Jan. 8, 1702/3. 3¼ pp. [C.O. 137, 45. No. 12.] |
| Aug. 5. |
812. Duplicate of preceding. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 137, 45. No. 13.] |
