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| March 1. |
61. Declaration by Mrs. Penn that the royal approbation of Patrick Gordon to be Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania and the Three Lower Counties upon Delaware River, shall not be construed to diminish the right claimed by the Crown to the said Three Lower Counties. Signed, Hannah Penn, in the presence of S. Clement and Will. Penn. Endorsed, Recd., Read 16th March, 1725/6. Sealed. 2/3 p. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 200, 201.] |
| March 1. |
62. Similar Declaration. Signed, Springett Penn. Endorsed as preceding. Seal. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 202, 203v.] |
March 3.
Whitehall. |
63. Mr. Popple to Francis Lynn, Secretary of the Royal African Company. Sends following queries, for reply by Monday, "the Board intending to sit that evening to consider thereof, that a state of this matter may be ready to be laid before Parliament this session, in case the same shall be thought necessary." Annexed, |
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63. i. Queries. (1) Whether it be for the service of the Publick, that the African Trade should be carried on by a Company, or laid entirely open? (2–5) Enquiries as to the forts and settlements on the coast of Africa. |
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Mem. Like letters were writ to Mr. Wescomb, Secretary to the South Sea Company; Sir Abram Elton; Mr. Brereton; Mr. Morris; Mr. Harris; Mr. Newport; Mr. Cary; Mr. Tryon; Mr. Perry; Mr. Hyde; and Mr. Douglass. [C.O. 389, 28. pp. 282, 283.] |
| March 3. |
64. Mr. Fane to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Report upon Act of Jamaica for setling Pero Plantation etc. The legislature should rarely interfere in matters of private right, but this may safely be passed, there being great danger in not having this plantation setled, and there being no sufficient titles set up or allegations proved to prevent its confirmation etc. Signed, Fran. Fane. Endorsed, Recd. 4th March, Read 6th July, 1726. 52/3 pp. [C.O. 137, 16. ff. 219221v., 222v.] |
March 4.
Whitehall. |
65. Order of Committee of Privy Council, referring Governor Shute's Memorial (enclosed) to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report what methods may be most proper to be taken for the relief of petitioner. Signed, Robert Hales. Endorsed, Recd., Read 15th March, 1725/6. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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65. i. Petition of Governor Shute to the King. Refers to his Memorial upon the State of New England and proceedings thereupon, 1722–1725, with reports of Committee of Council in his favour (v. A. P. C. III. No. 75). Continues:—During these transactions Petitioner, besides the expense of a hazardous winter voyage, has attended here at great expenses, and kept a family in New England without receiving any salary from either Province etc. On his arrival at his Government, the people showed so little regard to H.M. Instructions that the salary allowed him by both the Provinces did not together exceed £400 sterl. per annum etc. It appears manifest it is impossible for your Majesty's Governor of these Provinces to support your Royal Prerogative and discharge the trust reposed in him without having a certain salary fixt suitable to his post and independant of the people. Prays for H.M. orders for payment of the arrears of his salary and for the settling a suitable salary on the Governor for the future etc. 3 pp. |
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65. ii. Journal of the House of Representatives of the Massachusetts Bay, Jan. 3–5, 1725(6). Printed, by B. Green and S. Kneeland. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 869. ff. 220, 221–224, 225v.] |
March 4.
Whitehall. |
66. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor the Duke of Portland. Acknowledge letters of 2nd June and Dec. last. Continue:—We are very much concern'd to find that the Island under your Grace's Government is reduc'd to such a state of confusion; but as there are many matters of consequence contain'd in your Grace's letter and the papers that accompanied it, it will require some time to digest our thoughts thereupon, in order to lay them before H.M. for his directions; however, in the mean time, we are glad to observe that your Grace has adher'd to your Instructions in refusing to give your assent to the bill wherein there was a clause inserted to repeal that which granted a perpetual revenue to H.M. in 1724. The bill for perpetuating the laws of the Island, sent home some time since by your Grace, has not yet been finally determin'd upon, but no time will be lost etc. We have no reason to apprehend that any letters your Grace has sent to us are made publick by any person in our Office. [C.O. 138, 17. pp. 56–58.] |
March 5.
Whitehall. |
67. Duke of Newcastle to Governor the Duke of Portland. A few days since I was honoured with your Grace's letters etc. of Dec. 18th, relating chiefly to H.M. Instructions for continuing the Revenue Act, and the other laws of Jamaica for one year longer. Altho' I have not yet received H.M. commands upon those letters, I would not omit this occasion of acknowledging the receipt of them, till such time as I shall be enabled to answer them more distinctly. In the mean time I can assure your Grace there is no foundation for what has been insinuated by some of the Assembly, as if it were H.M. intention that the laws of Jamaica should be renewed only from year to year. But your Grace cannot but be sensible, that the ascertaining the revenue, in order to provide for the support of the Governmt. of Jamaica, and the perpetuating the laws there, are of great consequence to H.M. service, and the welfare of the island; and therefore it has required more time than ordinary to settle it in such a manner, as may most effectually answer those purposes. But I have now the pleasure to acquaint your Grace, that the whole is in such a forwardness before H.M. in Council, that I make no question, but it will soon be brought to a final determination. I thought it necessary to give your Grace this information, that you may have an opportunity of undeceiving those who have been made to believe the contrary. Signed, Holles Newcastle. [C.O. 324, 35. pp. 162, 163.] |
March 5.
London. |
68. Mr. Perry to Mr. Popple. Encloses following, in reply to queries of 3rd inst. Signed, Micajah Perry. Endorsed, Recd. 7th, Read 8th March, 1725/6.½ p. Enclosed, |
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68. i. Merchants trading to Virginia to the Council of Trade and Plantations. (i) The welfare of the British Plantations in America depends upon the carrying on the African trade in the most extensive manner, and in the most frugal method, and that it be free and independent etc. Separate traders carry on their trade with less charge, more frugality and diligence than a Corporation etc. As the prosperity of the British Plantations depends upon their being plentifully supplied with negroes, the carrying on the African trade by an exclusive Company will make their all (for their being supplied with negroes is so to them) be subjected to the mercy of a Corporation. But if the trade be laid entirely open, the planters will be at liberty to supply themselves with negroes, if no body else will etc. 2 pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 31.] |
March 7
Poole. |
69. Petition of Mayor and Merchants of Poole, concerned in the Fishery of Newfoundland, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The fisheries of the N. and N. W. parts of Newfoundland surrendered by the French in the Treaty of Utrecht, are very good, but the coast is dangerous and utterly unknown to our seamen etc. Pray that a proper person may be appointed to make a survey thereof, for want of which our ships dare not adventure to sail into those parts etc. 48 signatures. Endorsed, Recd. 10th, Read 17th March, 1725/6. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 8. ff. 17, 17v.] |
March 8.
Custom House. |
70. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. In reply to 9th Feb. encloses following. Concludes: Besides the expences mentioned in the account there are several other charges paid in the respective Islands out of the said duty. Signed, Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 9th March, 1725/6. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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70. i. Account of the produce of the 4½ p.c. duty in Barbados and the Leeward Islands Xtmas 1715–1724. 1716, £9720 17s. 4d.; 1717, £10,735 19s. 7d.; 1718, £13,411 10s. 3d.; 1719, £8678 16s. 7d.; 1720, £3916 5s. 6d.; 1721, £8,236 12s. 4d.; 1722, £2,900; 1723, £2,200; 1724, £4,000.—Total sent home by bills of exchange, £63,800 1s. 7d. Paid for freight, customs and other incidental expenses, £17,646 8s. 10d. Nett money paid into the Exchequer, £46,153 12s. 9d. Signed, R. Parsons, Compr. Genl. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 18. ff. 242, 243, 245v.] |
March 9.
Lyme Street. |
71. William Tryon to Mr. Popple. Encloses following, after having shown the Board's queries of 3rd inst. to some of the most considerable West India Planters now in England and having their approbation of his answers etc. Signed, Wm. Tryon. Endorsed, Recd. 10th, Read 11th March, 1725/6. Addressed, 2/3 p. Enclosed, |
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71. i. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following, "signed by the most considerable proprietors of the land and negroes in Barbados, who also then signed a petition to Parliament for a settlement of the trade to Africa to be carried on by a Company etc." Replies to Queries. (i) Experience hath proved that laying the trade open, hath produced so many seperate interests and buyers, on the coast bidding one on the other, that they have raised the price of negroes on the Gold Coast and at Whidah to six times the price, they were purchased by the Company when they enjoyed their Charter etc. Nothing can reduce the price of slaves so as to be sold in the Plantations at reasonable rates, but one united interest which in time will reduce the exorbitant impositions of the negro merchants, when they see they have but one set of buyers etc. Signed, Willm. Tryon. 3 pp. |
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71. ii. A joint letter from the most considerable Proprietors of Barbadoes etc. Duplicate of C.S.P. 1709, No. 892. iii. Printed. 4 pp. Endorsed as covering letter. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 34.] |
March 9.
Whitehall. |
72. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. In reply to No. 70 requests separate returns for 4½ p.c. duty in Barbados and Leeward Islands. [C.O. 29, 14. p. 419.] |
March 10.
Boston. |
73. Mr. Armstrong to [? Mr. Burniston]. Since my last, 5th Nov., I have been a considerable time in the woods. The inhabitants still claim the woods within the townships by the late Act etc. Refers to previous memorials and letters. Concludes:—I have marked with ye broade R in ye woods in New Hampsheire aboute 300 trees, and aboute 200 in Main fit for H.M. service. Signed, Robt. Armstrong. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Burniston) 17th, Read 21st June, 1726. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 869. ff. 245, 246v.] |
March 11.
St. James's. |
74. Order of King in Council. Approving of appointment of Major Patrick Gordon as Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania, provided he qualify himself as the law directs and give security as proposed, and that Springett and Hannah Penn make the declaration proposed (v. 1st March and undated document, 1726, and A. P. C. III. No. 94). Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd., Read 16th March, 1725/6. 2 1/3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 198–199v.] |
March 15.
Admiralty Office. |
75. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. H.M.S. Argyle, Captain Bouler, being design'd to go convoy this year to Newfoundland, requests that instructions and heads of enquiry may be prepared as usual etc. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 16th, Read 17th March, 1725/6. Addressed, 2/3rd p. [C.O. 194, 8. ff. 18, 19v.] |
March 15.
Whitehall. |
76. Mr. Popple to Robert Chester. Encloses queries concerning African trade as March 3. Mem. A similar letter was written to Messrs. Serle, Lascells, Trahee, Palmer, Caswell, Crookshank, Breholt and Sir Dennis Dutry [West India merchants, Ed.]. [C.O. 389, 28. p. 285.] |
| March 17. |
77. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend Arthur Kennedy for the Council of New York, in place of Thomas Byerly deed. [C.O. 5, 1124. pp. 383, 384; and (rough draft) 5, 1079. No. 142.] |
| March 17. |
78. John Becher etc. on behalf of Bristol merchants trading to the coast of Africa etc. to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to queries, 3rd inst. Experience shows that it is for the interest of the publick to have the trade to Africa free and open, for in the most flourishing time the Africa Company never carried above 5,400 negroes pr. ann., whereas the Separate Traders have and do not carry less than 30,000 pr. ann. into the Plantations whereto by their rival industry they have been prompted to carry them even where the Company have had little or no concern, as Virginia, Carolina and other parts of that Continent. We now employ 63 ships etc. Signed, John Becher, Peter Day, Will. Jefferis. 3 large pp. Enclosed, |
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78. i. List of (63) Bristol ships on the African trade, capable of carrying 16,950 negroes. The complement varies from 450 to 150 per ship. Endorsed, Recd. Read 18th March, 1725/6. 2 pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 37.] |
March 17.
Crutched Fryers. |
79. Mr. Chester to Mr. Popple. Thinks it would be best for the African trade to be carried on by a Company, "provided sutch Company be stricktly obliged to carry on the trade to the utmost extent, and thatt great care be taken thatt they supply all H.M. Plantations with a sufficient quantity of negroes annually to carry on their settlements att reasonable rates, and care should also be taken that the South Sea Company are not prejudiced in providing negroes to supply the Assiento contract" etc. A Company, with no other persons to oppose them in trade, can buy their negroes on reasonable terms etc. Signed, Robert Chester. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 18th March, 1725/6. 3 pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 38.] |
March 18.
London. |
80. Merchants of London trading to the coast of Africa to the Council of Trade and Plantations. We are unanimously of opinion that it will be for the service of the publick and the benefit of the Plantations that the trade to Africa should remain free and open, which we think the best and only method to preserve, improve and increase this valuable branch of trade to this Kingdom etc. 49 signatures. Endorsed, Recd. Read 22nd March, 1725/6. 4 pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 39.] |
| March 18. |
81. Sir Denis Dutry to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Thinks the African trade is best to be carried on by a Company, so all others be excluded etc. Signed, Denis Dutry. Endorsed, Recd. 18th, Read 22nd, 1725/6. 2 pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 41.] |
March 18.
Whitehall. |
82. Mr. Popple to Joshua Gee, merchant. Encloses queries as 3rd March. [C.O. 389, 28. pp. 286, 287.] |
March 19.
Stoake Newington. |
83. E. Lascelles to Mr. Popple. Replies to queries, 3rd March. The African trade cannot well be carried on to any advantage except by an exclusive Company. Laying open the trade has redounded to the advantage of the natives. £3 worth of goods here used to purchase a good slave, now £16 wont buy one etc. When the trade was exclusive, the planters were very well supplied and at a cheaper rate than ever since etc. Signed, E. Lascelles. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Read 22nd March, 1725/6. l¼ pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 43.] |
March 21.
London. |
84. J. Douglas to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In reply to queries (3rd March), thinks the African Trade ought to be carried on by a Company, "It being already too apparent by its being open to every trader, the several competitors have risen the price of negroes so excessively, that the planters are not able to purchase enough for the carrying on their sugar and other works, and that without due care not only our trade for slaves on that coast, may be entirely lost etc., but shall be obliged to buy sugars in forreign markets, even for our home consumption, as may appear from the annexed account of what the Dutch have imported from the distantest place of Asia for these ten years past," etc. Is no African trader, but a real and hearty well wisher to our Plantations etc. Signed, James Douglas. 2 large pp. Enclosed, |
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84. i. Same to Same. Negroes are the essentialst article towards improving all our English Plantations, the dearth renders the poor planter incapable of enlarging his stock or improving any more ground than for the immediate support of himself etc. Rich people will trust a poor planter one negroe at £15, which they won't do when at £30 etc. The dearth of negroes is the true reason why so many millions of acres both on our islands and on the main ly unimproven, and the industry of our planters is mostly lost. Which if not timely prevented, we shall by the art and cunning of our neighbours loose all our sugar trade, as you may observe from the following sketch of sugar imported into Holland from, the East Indies since anno 1716 etc. Figures given etc. Signed, James Douglas. Endorsed, Recd. Read 22nd March, 1725/6. 3 large pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 40.] |
| March 21. |
85. T. B. to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The African Trade would be best carried on by a Company with exclusive privileges etc. Signed, T. B. Endorsed, Recd. Read 22nd March, 1725/6. 7 pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 42.] |
| March 22. |
86. Samuel Ogden and Charles Pole in behalf of the merchants of Liverpoole trading to the coast of Africa to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to Queries of 3rd March. It is with the utmost concern we observe the repeated and restless endeavours of the African Company to deprive the outports of their share in a free and open trade to Africa, which with that to the Plantations intirely dependant upon it, is their only support, their bread, their all etc. One instance of their fallacious pretences is their suggesting a trade in danger of being lost to the nation, when it never flourished in an equal degree etc. Monopolies in trade have in many former reigns been condemned etc. Reason and constant experience prove them a great hindrance of the growth of trade etc. Argued at length. Continues:—The numerous complaints of our West India Plantations against the arbitrary exactions of the Company in the sale of those few negroes they did bring in, and their not importing a fourth part of the number wanted, their neglect of several parts as Virginia, Maryland, Carolina etc., whither they brought few or none, these sufficiently show this was not a proper method of carrying on this trade etc. Since the trade was freed, it has come to be as advantageous a branch of trade as belongs to the Nation, and the number of ships engaged in it from Liverpoole only has risen from one or two to 21 besides at least 70 or 80 more yearly sent from that place to bring home the American productions raised and brought to perfection by the labour of the African negroes, and the manufactures of cotton, woollen, copper, pewter etc. spread particularly all over the County of Lancashire, so much influenced by this trade, are now put into the most flourishing circumstances etc. Signed, Saml. Ogden, Cha. Pole. Endorsed, Recd. Read 23rd March, 1725/6. 22/3 large closely written pp. Enclosed, |
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86. i. List of (21) ships from Liverpool engaged in the African Trade. Oct. 20, 1725. Carrying 5,200 negroes,¾ p. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 44.] |
March 23.
London. |
87. Mr. Godin to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following, in pursuance of his proposal concerning the bounty on Naval Stores. Signed, Stephen Godin. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd March, 1725/6, Read 28th Sept., 1727. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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87. i. Clause proposed to be added to the Bill for the importation of Naval Stores. Embodying proposal of Jan. 16, 1725 q.v.¾ p. [C.O. 323, 8. Nos. 76, 76. i.] |
| March 23. |
88. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Lords of the Committee of Council. Ask for the appointment of a short day for hearing the matter [of the appointment of a Governor] in reference before their Lordships. The postponements of the hearing (v. A. P. C. III. No. 69) were procured merely to delay the matter and increase Memorialists' expenses in feeing Counsel etc. The absence of Lord Carteret in Ireland cannot be any obstruction in determining the matter, Memorialists being six of the eight Proprietors. They don't doubt he would concur, and if he did not, he would be concluded by the majority etc. Signed, Beaufort, Craven, Ja. Bertie, J. Colleton, H. Bertie, John Tyrel (v. undated document at end of this year). [C.O. 5, 290. pp. 172, 173.] |
March 24.
Alderman bury. |
89. Mr. Palmer to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Answers to queries of 15th inst. The African trade will be best carried on by a Company etc. Signed, Hen. Palmer. Endorsed, Recd. 26th, Read 31st March, 1726. 2 pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 47.] |
| [March 24] |
90. Capt. Bradstreet to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Has been instructed by Governor Philipps to report on clandestine trade carried on by the people of New England, and the French inhabitants of Nova Scotia, with Cape Britton and Canada. Has served 10 years in that country, during four of which he commanded a privateer against the Indians by a commission from Governor Philipps, and has been dispatched by him several times through the country, where he was obliged to live in the woods with the Indians for months together etc. The French inhabitants buy up our cattle, flour and furs and take them through the woods to their vessels awaiting them in Cape Verd, and carry them to Cape Britton. The inhabitants of Nova Scotia likewise have about 12 vessells of their own, with which they follow the same trade, and pass and repass within three leagues of Canso, insult the Government, and laugh't at all orders to the contrary. When I have been cruizing on the Banks and sent express into Louisburg, I have seldom failed of meeting the vessells of the people of New England, some laden with cattle, some with boards, shingles etc.; and others with beef, pork and other provisions, bound for Cape Britton tho' cleared out for Canso, and particularly last August I saw ten New England sloops and schooners, and one ship in the harbour of Louisburg, all to be sold to the French both vessells and cargoes; which occasioned such plenty of provisions there, that the price of one sheep at Canso was equivalant to that of two at Cape Britton; and at the same time arrived four vessells from Nova Scotia, which brought eighty odd oxen and cows, great store of sheep, and other fresh provisions, and a great quantity of furrs; being thus furnished with vessells, and with the timber of Nova Scotia to build others, Cape Britton affording neither timber nor provision, they are enabled to vie with us in the forreign fish trade, and reap as much benefitt from Nova Scotia as if they were still Proprietors thereof. Proposes that a small vessel of 60 tuns should attend that Government, which kept cruizing between Caple Sables and Bay Verd would soon prevent all this clandestine trade, besides keeping an open communication between H.M. Garrisons etc. Signed, John Bradstreet. Endorsed, Recd., Read 24th March, 1725/6. 2 pp. [C.O. 217, 4. ff. 306–307v.] |
| March 25. |
91. Petty expences of the Board of Trade, Christmas to Lady Day, 1726. £134 17s. 3½d. Stationer's account, £61 10s. 10d. Postage, £13 1s. 4d. Endorsed, Read July 14, 1726. 4½ pp. [C.O. 388, 78. ff. 141, 142v., 145–146v.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
92. Mr. Popple to John Scroop. Encloses draft of bond to be given by Depty. Governor Gordon for his observance of the Acts of Trade. Two sureties in £2000. Concludes:—My Lords Commrs. observing that the Deputy Govrs. have not regarded that Instruction, which directs them to give bond to H.M., that they will not, during their continuance in their Government, trade as merchants for themselves, or a factor for others etc., have therefore thought fit to insert this Instruction in the bond enclosed etc. Annexed, |
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92. i. Draft of bond referred to in preceding. [C.O. 5, 1293. pp. 352–361.] |
March 25.
Whitehall. |
93. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. In reply to 15th March, encloses Heads of Enquiry. Note in margin: "which were required in such haste that they were sent in columns without alteration from last year." [C.O. 195, 7. pp. 142, 143.] |
March 26.
Whitehall. |
94. Duke of Newcastle to Governor Worsley. Writes at request of Sir Mathew Decker, a Director of the East India Company, and "one of the chief of our merchants." He is obliged to sue William Gordon, Minister of Bridge Town, for a considerable sum of money. Thomas Foster, a merchant at Barbados, is employed in the prosecution of that suit. Requests him to see that justice is done etc. Signed, Holles Newcastle. [C.O. 324, 35. p. 164.] |
March 27.
Province of N. Hampshire. |
95. Lt. Governor Wentworth to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to letter of Aug. 27 last and refers to enclosed treaty made with the Eastern Indians in conjunction with the Massachusets Government. Continues:—The ratification will be in May next; by what wee can learn: The Indians seems to be well disposed, if continuing so untill our next meeting I shall be in hopes of a lasting peace. Here is a brave country, in case the Indians could be brot. to subjection to ye English: Wee should greatly increase in numbers tho' not in riches. Provisions would in seven years be as plenty as in Ireland. The Indian war cramps us extreamly, driving the people into garrison that they cant work half their time etc. The Massachuset Govermt. did in their last Sessions pass a vote for selling a tract of land to a number of people for £500. My Lords, This land lyes near the center of this Province, of New Hampshire; and is about thirty miles from New Castle wch. is our principle seaport. They take it from the words of their Charter which say's three miles to the Norward of Merrimack. Now Merrimack that is the first branch, runs from the seaboard or entrance, of the river; up severall miles nearest west; At the first settlement they concluded that the currant of the river run on a West point of the compass, but since ye woods are clear'd wee find ye river runs from the west bending round to the N.N.E., or N.E. b(y) North which lyne continued as the river runs cuts of two thirds of New Hampshire. Were there a lyne run from Pennecook the place they lately sould before mentioned, I say a streight lyne from thence to the sea, would take more then two thirds of the Province. The Massachusets will never desier to have the lyne settled, and they take this oppertunity, and make their advantage in selling all that land which lyes three miles to the norward of Merrimack. Therefore wee humbly pray your Lordships to consider our condition and set us at liberty for we being a small Govermt. to them, they dispise and lay heavier burthen on us, then we can bear, and suffer many hard things from them, if the Generall Governr., when he comes to vissit us; and shd. happen to pass any act, in our favour, if it be but the value of a barley corn touching their interest they will never suffer the Governr. to be at peace untill they have obliged him to repeal such act, or acts; if the lyne were settled it would greatly serve this Govermt. Wee should have from all parts come and settle with us, by which means; we should be much more strengthned and able to withstand the Indians in case of a new war. In my former letters I gave your Lordships account that the Massachusets made alians of us, so as that they impose double dutyes for all merchandise, we send there, we also payd double light money, as also powder money. Wee have severall times complained of the hardship but to this day no releife. I say nought but the truth and if occation require it can support what I here say by good evidences. I would once more renew my petition for the settling the lyne between us, its ye only thing that can make this Province thrive. Togeather with a Peace, and likewise save a great number of pine trees. Otherwise what I wrote your Lordships 21st Jan. 1724 will soon come to pass relateing pine trees; wch brings me to say what I was in hopes, I shd. have no occation to do. I think it my duty and cant be just to my trust, when I see H.M. intrest, as also the intrest of this Province suffer and sett still and take no notice of it. In the beginning of ye winter seeing no Officer appointed to take care of ye King's woods, I thot it my duty to put up notifications, at all proper places forbidding any person goeing into the King's woods to cut or fell any pine trees: untill further order, except dry trees or windfalls, which order in this Province was strictly observed, untill Mr. Armstrong came to Piscataqua. I then asked him to se his deputation, in fine I found he had no other but his old one. I told him it was not right for that he was not turned out of his office for any mismanagement of his office as Collector, but for being disaffected to the present happy Constitution, wch. I must say, that I believe he was wronged and misrepresented in that, but if he was out of his Collector's place for being so misrepresented it must certainly affect all other places he sustained under the Crown, and therefore ought to have had a new deputation from Mr. Burnston, but I having a letter from Governr. Shute, also from the Serveyor Generall, that he came wth. like power of Deputy Serveyor as before, considering everything and least any advantage should be taken by the people and so spoyle might be made, hanging between boath, I said to Mr. Armstrong, go on and Fie assist you all I can, but I must represent it to the Lords for Trade etc. My Lords, I'm sorry that I must advise that there hath been more pine trees cut into mill loggs since ye middle of December last, then in four years past, and the greatest part out of that spot of fine timber, I formerly advised your Lordships off, and is what would come into this Province; were the lyine settled by a wrong construction they put on the point of the compass, from Quamphragen landing place. The lyne ought to run north westerly, somewhat less then half a point to ye westward of the north, it's certainly just that the lyne runs so. Now the people of the other Province having a full swing on that side in destroying the King's timber and on the other side selling our land, that in short between boath we shall be brot. to nothing, by a modest computation there hath not been less than ten to fifteen thousand loggs cutt at Nechawannack, Berwick and the Province of New Hampshire. Some trees makes [two] loggs, some three, and some few four. I expect this letter will make me some enemies; I declare what I have wrote is out of principle and what is my duty. As for Mr. Armstrong he is a gentleman that I have a perticuler respect for, and will do him any act of friendship in my power, but in this must ask his pardon: if it were my brother, shd. do the same. There is also a large ships load of masts, sixty odd masts, yards, bowsprits, some cut in property, others in the King's woods, and are for acct. Messrs. Baley and Haws merchts. in London; there is not ye King's lycence for cutting them wch. is directly contrary to Act of Parliament. Inclosed is Mr. James Jaffrys acct. who acted for Mr. Collector Bacon in his life time, and some time after his death. The accts. are to 25th Dec., 1725, since wch. the Serveyor Generall of H.M. Customs appointed Mr. Theodore Atkinson Collector in the room of Mr. Bacon deceased. The great ship I formerly advised your Lordships of is now loaden wth. oak timber and near sailing for Lisbon. P.S.—Inclosed is a verry exact draft of Merrymack River, by which your Lordships will see how far round the Massachusets Bay goes and where Pennycook comes etc. Signed, Jno. Wentworth. Endorsed, Recd. 16th May, Read 30th June, 1726. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
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95. i. Articles of Peace concluded with the Eastern Indians by, Lt. Governor Wentworth. Boston, 15th Dec., 1725. Copy. l½ pp. |
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95. ii. Submission and agreement of the Eastern Indians. Copy of No. 5. ii. Endorsed, Recd. 16th May, 1726. [CO. 5, 869. ff. 255–256, 258–261v., 262v.] |
| [March 28] |
96. Memorial by Capt. Taverner to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Proposes himself as a proper person to make the survey desired by the merchants of Poole (v. 7th March). Memorialist has a suitable vessel now ready, in which he proposes to sail to Newfoundland and erect some salmon fisheries etc. Refers to his former surveys etc. At the former rate of pay, the total cost for 2½ years would be £2037 10s. etc. Signed, Wm. Taverner. Endorsed, Recd. 28th, Read 29th March, 1726. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
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96. i. Capt. Taverner's account for charge of surveying Newfoundland 1714 etc. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 8. ff. 20–22v.] |
March 30.
Whitehall. |
97. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords of the Committee of the Privy Council. Reply to 4th March. The salary payable to H.M. Governors of N. England, has never been settled according to H.M. directions signified by his Instructions to the several Governors thereof, but has been constantly paid in such proportions as the people of New England have judg'd he deserv'd: Wherefore, considering that this method of paying the Governor's salary, is making him, in a great measure, dependant upon the people; we would humbly propose, that the Govr. of New England should have a salary allow'd him by H.M. to be paid at home, as was done when Genl. Nicholson was appointed Govr. of S. Carolina, and Collo. Phillipps, Govr. of Nova Scotia, till such time as the people of New England can be brought to a better temper of mind and induced to make a suitable fixed and perpetual provision for H.M. Governors of that Province. As to the other part of Colo. Shute's petition, praying that the arrears of salary may be allow'd him for the time he has been absent from his Government, and considering that it is more than probable the people of New England will pay him no arrears, especially as he left his Government to complain against them ; we must likewise humbly submit it to H.M., what may be a proper recompence for Mr. Shute's expence and trouble in three years attendance here, at a distance from his family, for H.M. service and for the maintenance of His Royal prerogative. [C.O. 5, 915. pp. 450–452.] |
March 30.
Whitehall. |
98. Same to the King. Propose George Lucas for the Council of Antego in place of Col. John Hamilton, decd. [C.O. 153, 14. p. 208.] |
March 30.
Whitehall. |
99. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Quote Memorial from the Mayor etc. of Poole. Continue:—In our humble opinion, nothing will tend more to the publick service than that a survey be made of the West and North West parts of Newfoundland, as proposed by the aforesaid Memorial. We think this the more necessary, not only as it will greatly increase the cod fishery, but as it will be a means of incouraging and establishing the salmon fishery, which has of late years been begun there, and which we find does daily increase. Her late Majesty did grant a Commission to Capt. Taverner, 21st July, 1713 etc. Refer to his surveys of about 130 leagues and reports "which are very distinct and have been of great use." Continue:—We have received several memorials from the merchants of London, and the outports in favour of him, and of his capacity of performing the said survey. He is now going thither, with a small sloop of his own, of about 50 tons, to erect a salmon fishery there etc. Recommend that he may be directed to complete said survey. Annex proposals made by him, as conditions on which he is willing to undertake it, and an account of what the late survey of part of the island cost the Crown, that your Grace may be better able to judge how far his present proposals may be reasonable. [C.O. 195, 7. pp. 143–147.] |
| [March 30] |
100. Mr. Gee to Council of Trade and Plantations. In reply to queries of 3rd March, thinks that private merchants always outdo companies in management. Nothing but competition and liberty in trade could render commerce beneficial to the State, and all monopolies are inconceivably burthensome and pernicious to it etc. Without date or signature. Endorsed, Recd. 30th, Read 31st March, 1726. 2⅓ pp. [C.O. 388, 25. S. 46.] |
| March [ ] |
101. Mr. Shelton to Lord Trevor, Lord Privy Seal. Enters caveat that no grant may pass for any office, employment or lands until notice be first given to him as secretary to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Signed, R. Shelton. [C.O. 5, 290. p. 177.] |
