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May 3.
Charles
Town. |
596. Proclamation by Governor Nicholson. Appointing 28th May for a day of General Thanksgiving "upon the happy agreement of H.M. and his Parliament, the prospect of a lasting peace, the prosperity of this Province and the unanimity and general agreement of the General Assembly, who have manifested how much they have at heart the real good and welfare of the Province and the promotion of those two inseparables H.M. interest and service and that of this His Colony" etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 387. No. 54.] |
May 4.
Whitehall. |
597. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Burnet. Acknowledge letters. Have referred enclosed Acts to Mr. West, As the merchants have desired to be heard again upon the Acts to prevent selling Indian goods to the French, they defer giving their opinion thereon. Continue:—"However we cannot help taking notice upon this occasion that we were surprised to find the merchants Memorial with our proceedings thereupon printed, which we think was not fit to be done, since we sent it to you only for your information; and your answer thereto, that we might be the judges thereof; and we hope, you will take care that nothing of the like nature be ever done for the future." Have recommended Mr. Livingston to be of the Council etc. Set out, N.Y. Col. Does. V. p. 745. [C.O. 5, 1124. pp. 364, 365; and (rough draft) 5, 1079. No. 140.] |
May 4.
Whitehall. |
598. Duke of Newcastle to Governor Worsley. I have received your letter of 24th Jan. last, concerning the right pretended by the French to the Island of Tobago, and having laid the same before the King, H.M. hath been pleased to approve your conduct in insisting upon H.M. undoubted title to the said island, which you will continue to do, as any necessary occasion shall offer, in a civil and amicable way, so as to avoid giving any just cause of complaint on your part, and to preserve as much as may be the friendship and good correspondence subsisting between the two Crowns. In the mean time I have wrote by the King's command to Mr. Walpole, His Ambassador at the Court of France, that he may inform himself of the state of their pretensions to the said island, and justify H.M. title thereto; and upon my receiving Mr. Walpole's answer, I shall be able to signify H.M. further pleasure to you upon this head. As to the other part of your letter, wherein you represent the difficulty you are under to proceed against the person, who accidentally killed the mate of the St. Xtophers galley, that matter has by H.M. command been referred to the consideration of the Judge of the Admiralty, who being of opinion, that this case is not to be considered as a fact committed upon the high seas, and that you may proceed to enquire into the cause of the death of the said mate in the same manner as in the cases of the like nature upon land, H.M. directs you to conform yourself to the enclosed report, etc. Signed, Holles Newcastle. Annexed,
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598. i. H. Penrice, Judge of the Admiralty, to the Duke of Newcastle. Apr. 23, 1725. Report upon case of the matross who fired upon the St. Christopher's galley. Concludes: Though the mate of the St Christopher's galley was two miles off from the shore, when he was killed by a shot fired from James's Fort, yet the matross that fired that shot was not upon the High Seas but on shore, etc. and the fact that was done by him, the firing the gun, was done upon the land, though the effect of it, the killing the mate, happened two miles from the shore, yet it was within the command of the cannon of the fort. I do therefore humbly apprehend that the Governor's jurisdiction does extend to this case, and that he may proceed to enquire into the cause of the mate etc., in the same manner as in a case of the like nature upon land. Signed, H. Penrice. [C.O. 324, 35. pp. 125–129.] |
May 5.
Whitehall. |
599. Duke of Newcastle to Governor the Duke of Portland. I trouble your Grace with this letter in behalf of Mr. Corbiere, a gentleman who is very usefully employed in H.M. service in the Secretary's Office. His brother-in-law, Mr. Moses Montel is going to Jamaica to officiate there as his deputy in the place of Naval Officer of that island. I beg leave to recommend him to your favour and protection, which I shall acknowledge as a particular obligation. Signed, Holles Newcastle. [C.O. 324, 35. p. 130.] |
| [May 5.] |
600. Merchants trading to New York to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to Governor Burnet's reasons for continuing the Acts of New York for preventing the selling of Indian goods to the French (?. C.S.P., 1724). Endorsed, Recd, (from Mr. Sharpe), Read 5th May, 1725. 1 2/3 pp. Enclosed,
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600. i. A Deposition of John Groesbeck, merchant of Albany, and Dirck Schuyler, merchant of New York, now in London. 15th Feb., 1725. Set out, New York Col. Docs. V., pp. 743, 744. Signed, John Groesbeck senr., Dirck Schuyler. Endorsed as preceding. 2 1/4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1053. ff. 314, 315?.–317?.] |
May 5.
St. James's. |
601. Order of King in Council. Approving representation of 16th April, and appointing Philip Livingston to the Council of New York. Signed, Robert Hales. Endorsed, Recd. 26th May, Read 3rd June, 1725. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1053. ff. 322, 323? ] |
May 5.
Whitehall. |
602. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend James Lawes as a Councillor of Jamaica, in place of Major Rose, decd. [C.O. 138, 17. p. 35.] |
May 5.
Admiralty
Office. |
603. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. In reply to 29th Jan. and 29th April. Encloses following. Concludes:—Capt. Cooper hath orders to consult and advise with the Governor and Council of Barbados for the service of the Island. Signed, J. Buchett. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 13th May, 1725. 1 1/4 pp. Enclosed,
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603. i. Extract of letter from Capt. Cooper to Mr. Burchett. H.M.S. Lynn, Carlile Bay, 15th Nov., 1724. Upon complaint of a French schooner that they had been robbed of their nets and turtle caught at Tobago by a Barbados vessel, I took possession of the latter from which every body absconded. The French master found his nets etc. on board her. Both vessels were then driven ashore by a gale. Intends to restore the stranded crew to Martinique etc. Copy. 2 1/2 pp. [C.O. 28, 18. ff 203–206, 208?.] |
May 6.
Whitehall. |
604. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Encloses, for his opinion in point of law, 3 Acts of Jamaica passed in Jan., 1725. [C.O. 138, 17. p. 36.] |
| May 7. |
605. Mr. Gregory to Mr. Popple. Reply to 28th April. I left Jamaica, after waiting upon his Grace, July last was twelvemonths etc. I can't at present determine whether I shall ever return etc. Signed, John Gregory. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 13th May, 1725. 1/2p. [C.O. 137, 16. ff. 71, 71a.?.] |
| May 10. |
606. Mr. West to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Upon four Acts of Pennsylvania for issuing paper currency, 1722, 1723, reports that "as your Lordshipps have lately in other cases been of opinion against all projects of that kind, they ought not to be passed etc. The intent of the Acts directing the process of summons agt. freeholders is to exempt all freeholders to the value of 50 acres of land, from arrest; But as they may contract debts to a hundred times, or more that value, and have considerable personall estates with which they may run away, I think it is an unreasonable priviledge and not proper to be passed into law." Has no objection to the Acts (i) for respiting executions upon certain judgements of Courts, (ii) to rectifye proceedings upon attachments, and (iii) for regulating and establishing fees. Signed, Richd. West. Endorsed, Recd. 29th May, 1725, Read 27th April, 1726. l 1/2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff 209, 209?., 210?.] |
May 10.
Rhode Island
in New
England. |
607. Mr. Kay, Collector of Customs, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In obedience to commands of 26th June, 1719, encloses copy of law lately passed for continuing £80,000 in paper bills att interest etc. Refers to a memorial being now presented to the Board by the Surveyor General and Collector of Customs in New England, concerning some late laws made in those parts, which are humbly conceived prejudicial to Great Brittain etc. Signed, Nathl. Kay. Endorsed, Recd. 8th July, 1725, Read 8th June, 1727. 2 pp. Enclosed,
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607. i. Copy of Act of Rhode Island for emitting and continuing paper bills, 1724. Endorsed, Recd. 8th July, 1725. 7 pp. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 258, 258?., 259?.–263?.] |
| May 11. |
608. Mr. West to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have considered an Act of Antigua for constituting a Court to hold plea of for reign attachments according to the custom of the City of London. As the introducing of this custom in Antigua may very much affect trade, by making the effects of Brittish merchants in that country lyable to be attached, I think it ought not to be passed etc. Has no objections to five other Acts. Signed, Richd. West, Endorsed, Reed. 29th May, 1725, Read 3rd Oct., 1727. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 16. ff. 15, 16?.] |
| May 11. |
609. (a) Copy of grant by the French Governor of Placentia to M. Jean Faure, called la plante, of a site there for building a house etc. 15th April (N.S.), 1706. Signed, Subercase. French. 1 p.(b) Certificate that Mr. Tosach's house, being within the limits of the Fort, was delivered up to the Lt. Governor etc. for H.M. service etc. London. 18th March 1724(5). Signed, John Handford, storekeeper; Willm. Carvill, Cla. Works. 2/3 p.(c) Bill of Sale of said house by M. Faure to Mr. Tosach, 22nd June, 1719. Signed, La Plante Faure (?. April 6th). Copy. 2 3/4 pp. The whole endorsed, Reed. Read 11th May, 1725. [C.O. 194, 7. ff. 258, 259–260?.] |
May 12.
New York. |
610. Governor Burnet to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Expresses regret for printing the Board's minute and report concerning the Indian trade Act. It will be of the utmost importance to the success of this new trade and the Assembly's support of it that some determination in favour of their proceedings therein shall be obtained before the next Sessions of Assembly are over etc. Encloses Naval Officer's accounts to March, 1725 etc. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. pp. 756, 757. Signed, W. Burnet. Endorsed, Reed. 10th June, 1725, Read 23rd June, 1726. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1054. ff. 10, 10?., 11?.] |
[? 12th
May.] |
611. Same to Mr. Popple. Encloses Minutes of Council 18th Oct., 1724–19th April, 1725. Requests him to remind the Board to send their commands about the Indian Act before the Assembly sits in October etc. Signed, W. Burnet. Without date. Endorsed, Reed. 8th July, 1725, Read 23rd June, 1726. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1054. ff. 20, 21?.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
612. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Refer to letter to Lord Carteret, 25th May, 1722 (q.?.) and enclosures "giving account of the dangerous practices of the French against H.M. interest in America, in direct opposition to all Treaties, and good faith between the two Nations." Conclude: Since which we have lately been inform'd by Lt. Governor Dummer, that the French Governor at Canada has supply'd the Indians now at war with the inhabitants of the Massachusets Bay with stores of war; contrary to the 15th Article of the Treaty of Utrecht; a copy of Mr. Dummer's letter herewith inclosed. We desire your Grace will be pleased to receive H.M. orders in what manner the Governor of the Massachusets Bay is to behave himself in this affair, wherein H.M. interest and the welfare of his subjects in those parts, is so much concern'd. Autograph signatures. 1 3/4 pp. Enlosed,
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612. i. Duplicate of Lt. Governor Dummer's letter, 31st March. [C.O. 5, 752. Nos. 27, 27. i; and (without enclosure) 5, 915. pp. 434, 435.] |
| May 13. |
613. William Pusey to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I came from Jamaica May last, and acquainted His Grace before my coming away, to sue for my wife's fortune etc. I have a very considerable estate in Jamaica, I was born there, and have been a resider there most part of my life, and have the interest of that Island very much at heart, and nothing but busyness of ye utmost consequence should detain me etc. Hopes to return soon. Signed, Wm. Pusey. Endorsed, Reed. 15th May, Read 23rd June, 1725. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 16. ff. 117, 118?.] |
| May 13. |
614. Mr. West to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Has no objection to Acts of St. Kitts (i) for establishing Courts etc. and (ii) raising a tax on negroes etc. Signed, Richd. West. Endorsed, Reed. 29th May, Read 2nd Nov., 1726. 3/4 p. [C.O. 152, 15. ff. 300, 303?.] |
| May 13. |
615. Petition of General Assembly of S. Carolina to the King. Represent inconveniences that may arise from the Additional Instruction, that no private Act be passed without a clause suspending its execution till H.M. approbation be had. "The Statute of Elegit being impracticable to be put in execution in this Province in regard, the lands here will not rent for anything of themselves, any otherwise, than as they are occupied or manured by slaves the creditor has no remedy for his debt, where the personal estate falls short, but by a private law to subject the real estate to the payment of debts, after the death of the testator; which has been the constant course of this Province. It may often fall out, that the expence of attendance, and charge of solliciting the confirmation of such law, may be more than the debts amount to, or the land is really worth; so that the creditors will be often defeated of their just debts, and the credit of this your Majesty's Province, which is the basis and foundation of Trade, very much lessen'd and impair'd." Pray that said Instruction may be limited to any matter exceeding £330 sterling, which is agreeable to the Instruction relating to Appeals etc. Signed, Ar. Middleton, President; Tho. Broughton, Speaker. 3/4 large p. [C.O. 5, 383. No. 8.] |
May 13.
Charles
Town. |
616. Petition of Same to Same. The trade of this Province consists of such bulky and perishable commodities as will not at all times answer the end of barter. A medium of trade, such as is portable and may easily pass from man to man is absolutely necessary; which medium has of late years consisted of paper bills of credit for want of gold and silver. There is now extant of the said paper bills £100,585, which according to present exchange is in value to no more than about £14,000 sterling. The trade of this Province is computed to be to the value of £100,000 sterling per annum, so that the said medium is about one seventh part of the said trade, which we humbly conceive is not sufficient to carry it on. Pensilvania, a place of less trade and less advantagious to H.M. Revenue has now a currency of £45,000 Proclamation, which is equal to nigh £235,662 of our currency. We therefore pray your most sacred Majesty to grant us liberty to erect a bank in this your Majesty's Province for the sum of £20,000 sterl. in bills of credit, according to such a scheme as our Agent shall lay before your Majesty, or to continue the said sum of £100,585 to us, as a standing currency, for the intent aforesaid, and that we may pass a law to either of these purposes. Signed as preceding, 3/4 large p. [C.O. 5, 383. No. 9.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
617. Mr. Popple to John Oxenford. Asks for an account of the species, quantities and values of skins imported from Hudson's Bay to England, 1721, 1722, 1723. The last entry in a volume of which one half remains blank. [C.O. 135, 3. p. 139.] |
May 15.
St. James's. |
618. Order of King in Council. Appointing Richard Mill to the Council of Jamaica in the place of Mr. Bernard, resigned. Signed, Robert Hales. Endorsed, Reed. 26th May, Read 3rd June, 1725. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 16. ff. 82, 83?.] |
May 15.
St. James's. |
619. Order of King in Council. Appointing James Lawes to the Council of Jamaica, in place of Major Rose deed. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 16. ff. 84, 85?.] |
May 15.
St. James's. |
620. Order of King in Council. Approving draught of Instructions (16th April) for Governor Sir Richard Everard. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 189, 190?.] |
| [May 15] |
621. Memorial [?by Alex. Stevensone] to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to Governor the Duke of Portland's dispute with the Deputy Provost Marshal etc. (?. 8th Feb. supra). As his Grace's letter is not particular enough to enable the Board to send directions therein, proposes that, until a fuller account is received, a letter be written by the Board or Secretary of State to Mr. Rigby directing him to pay due regard to H.M. Governor etc. Endorsed, Reed, (from Mr. Stevenson) 15th May, Read 8th June, 1725. 1 1/2 pp. [C.O. 137, 16. ff 86, 86?., 87?.] |
May 15.
St. James's. |
622. Order of King in Council. Appointing Ralph Weeks to the Council of Barbados (?. 29th April). Signed, Robert Hales. Endorsed, Reed. 26th May, Read 3rd June, 1725. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 18. ff. 209, 210?.] |
May 15.
St. James's. |
623. Order of King in Council. Appointing Abel Allen to the Council of Barbados (?. 29th April). Signed and endorsed as preceding. [C.O. 28, 18. ff 211, 212i.] |
| May 15.New York. |
624. Governor Burnet to the Duke of Newcastle. I had the honour of your Grace's letter of 9th Oct., with the enclosed copys of a letter from the Commissioners of forfeited estates, to your Grace, and of a memorial from Mr. Rochead to the Commissioners, complaining of several hardships which he has suffered for being their factor, with a second letter from the Commissioners to me. I had writ to the Commissioners before on this subject, but through the mistake of my Agent that letter was not delivered, of which I enclose a copy, as also of a Memorial that was then made to me by Mr. Drummond, shewing the insufficiency of Mr. Rochead's claim. I have now without delay required the Chief Justice's and Mr. Alexander's answers to so much of Mr. Rochead's memorial as concerns them, etc. Copy enclosed. The allegations in these answers are proved by the authentick papers and depositions, which I have transmitted to Mr. Le Heup, to be laid before your Grace etc. I should be under the greatest concern imaginable, if there had been that remissness and misbehaviour in the Officers of the Government, complained of etc.; and I should have deserved H.M. displeasure, had I suffered such abuses, without timely interposing to stop them. But I can safely assure your Grace, that it will appear to a demonstration from these papers, that the complaint is altogether groundless. That there are no lands in New Jersey belonging to John Cameron who was forfeited. But that those lands were conveyed by Thomas Cox of London to his father Sir Eugenius Cameron and his heirs and assigns. That Sir Eugenius some years after the rebellion conveyed them to his grandson Donald Cameron. That the complainants brother John Rochead did his utmost endeavour in Scotland in 1720 to buy these lands of the said Donald Cameron, and finding himself disappointed, came into this country and publickly discredited the title of the lawfull purchasers Mr. Evan Drummond and Mr. James Alexander, two years before this factory was sent over, by which it appears that he procured this factory from the Commissioners, merely to screen himself from making reparation for the injurys he had already done to private persons. I have farther enquired into the grounds of prosecuting the complainant upon his saying that King William was now suffering in Hell on account of the affair of Darien. And both Mr. Kennedy, the King's Receiver-General here, whom Mr. Rochead unjustly asperses with the character of a professed Atheist, and Mr. Henderson, a creditable merchant here, who were the witnesses, have confirmed to me the truth of Mr. Rochead's having spoken words to that effect, for which I beleive your Grace will think it was no crime to present him to the Grand Jury, who out of compassion, and beleiving the words were the effect of heat and rashness more than malice, dismissed the bill, as Mr. Duane a goldsmith who was one of them, has lately assured me. This is the true state of that whole matter, in which I can discover no fault at all but in the Rocheads themselves, and I am surprised that the Commissioners should so readily upon the bare allegations of a person who had sollicited to be their factor, beleive that there was neither justice nor loyalty in this Government, than which with humble submission nothing can be more groundless. Begs his Grace to represent the matter thus to H.M. and if the Commissioners have made a report to Parliament to have the papers in Mr. Le Heup's hands laid before one of the Houses. Continues:— I have been informed that Mr. Ingoldsby had made application against my request (?. 21st Nov.), and had produced a letter from Capt. Symes, his uncle, where it was said that I was very easy at his stay. I have enquired etc. of his uncle, how he could write to that effect. He assured me that it was a year and a half ago, and that he could not with any truth have writ so, later than that time. It is true that so long ago upon Mr. Ingolsby's writing to his uncle, that he had great hopes by soliciting my Lord Cadogan, to obtain powder and stores for this Garrison, which I have long in vain applied for, I did acquiesce in his staying a while longer upon that account. But when I understood that there was no probability at all of success, and that Mr. Ingolsby could signify nothing in the affair, I was not pleased with having been so amused, and thought it high time to desire an officer's attendance, who has been now above three years absent from a double post etc. Asks for H.M. orders to him to return without delay. Concludes:—I depend on your Grace's protection in all my proceedings etc. If any complaints are made against me, which it is impossible always to foresee, I make no doubt, but your Grace will suspend your opinion, till they can be transmitted to me, and my answers returned etc. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. 758. Signed, W. Burnet. Endorsed, R. 30 June. 6 pp. [C.O. 5, 1092. No. 39.] |
May 17.
St. James's. |
625. H.M. Warrant appointing Ralph Weeks to the Council of Barbadoes, in the room of James Elliot, deed. Countersigned, Holies Newcastle. Copy. [C.O. 324, 35. p. 131.] |
May 18.
St. James's. |
626. H.M. Warrant appointing Abel Allen to the Council of Barbadoes in the room of William Carter, deed. Countersigned, Holles Newcastle. Copy. [C.O. 324, 35. p. 131.] |
May 18.
St. James's. |
627. H.M. Warrant appointing Richard Mill to the Council of Jamaica, in the room of Thomas Bernard, resigned. Countersigned, Holles Newcastle. Copy. [C.O. 324, 35. p. 132.] |
May 18.
St. James's. |
628. H.M. Warrant appointing James Lawes to the Council of Jamaica, in the room of Thomas Rose, deceased. Countersigned, Holles Newcastle. Copy. [C.O. 324, 35. p. 133.] |
| May 20. |
629. Duke of Newcastle to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following for their opinion thereupon. Signed, Holles Newcastle. Endorsed, Reed. 21st, Read 26th May, 1725. 1 p. Enclosed,
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629. i. Petition of Alexander Stevensone to the King. In behalf of the Governor the Duke of Portland, prays that he may be instructed to pass a law for the continuance of the laws of Jamaica for one year longer, as it is now evident they will expire before a draught of the new Revenue bill can be returned to His Grace etc. Signed, Alexr. Stevensone. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 16. ff. 72, 73, 75?.] |
May 26.
Boston in
New
England. |
630. Mr. Willard to Mr. Popple. Encloses Minutes of Council of Assembly with Acts passed at the Session held Nov. 11, 1724, and also duplicates of Acts passed at the session held 28th May, 1718, since for some reason they were omitted from the schedule of Acts submitted by the Board of Trade to Mr. West. Signed, Josiah Willard. Endorsed, Reed. 5th July, 1725, Read 11th Aug., 1726. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 869. ff. 299, 300?.] |
May 27.
Whitehall. |
631. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. in Council, and, to prevent loss of time, the draught of proposed instruction. Annexed,
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631. i. Same to the King. Representation upon the petition of Mr. Stevenson. Being informed that your Majesty's Attorney and Solicitor General have not as yet prepar'd the draught of a Revenue Bill to be pass'd in Jamaica, we are apprehensive the time limited for the continuance of the Jamaica laws will again elapse before it can be sent thither. Propose that an Instruction be sent to the Duke of Portland, to the same effect as that sent last year, continuing the laws depending upon the Revenue Act for the space of one year longer. Annexed,
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631. ii. Draft of H.M. Additional Instruction to Governor the Duke of Portland for assenting to an Act continuing the Revenue Act of 1703, and the laws depending thereon for one year longer from 1st Oct. [C.O. 138, 17. pp. 37–40, 50, 51.] |
| May 27. |
632. Col. Philipps to [?Mr. Popple]. Since waiting on the Board he has been able to verify the truth of Mr. Turshe's [=Tosach's] statements etc. (?. April 6th). Signed, R. Philipps. Endorsed, Reed. 29th May, Read 1st June, 1725. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 7. ff. 261, 262?.] |
May 28.
St. James's. |
633. Copy of Patent from the Lords Proprietors appointing Robert Wright Chief Justice of S. Carolina. Signed, Beaufort, Craven, Ja. Bertie, Hen. Bertie, J. Colleton, John Tyrrel. [C.O. 5, 290. pp. 275–277.] |
May 28.
Charles Town
in
So.Carolina. |
634. John Lloyd to Temple Stanyan. You will not take it ill I am sure, that an old acquaintance should at this great distance acquaint you that he is in ye land of ye living etc. Continues :—I am now a member of ye Assembly for this town, which is our metropolis etc. Asks to be recommended as a Councillor to Governor Nicholson's successor. There is now a vacancy of five by the death of some and absence of others etc. Signed, John Lloyd. Endorsed, R. 8th Aug. 1 1/2 pp. [C.O. 5, 387. No. 55.] |
May 30.
St. James's. |
635. H.M. Instructions to the Lords Proprietors of North Carolina, relating to the Acts of Trade and Navigation. [C.O. 5, 192. pp. 1–24.] |
May 31.
Virga. |
636. Lt. Governor Drysdalc to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have but very lately had the honour of your Ldspps. of 19th May, 1724, otherwise I should not have been so long in acknowledging the pleasure I have in seeing that part of my conduct wch. relates to the regulating the abuses in taking upp lands so well approved by your Ldspps. Encloses Minutes of Council etc. Continues : There cannot bee a greater proofe of the good effect of that regulation concerning the taking upp of land, than the large quantity of new land brought to account, and added to the quit rent roll last year, as your Ldspps. will observe in the accts. of that revenue : and to this also is owing in a great measure the increase of that branch of the publick revenue arising by the sale of rights, and mentioned in the account of the 2s. pr. hhd. The application which your Ldspps. are pleased to signifie, you intend to make to H.M. for bringing to a speedy determination the controversy with North Carolina, about itts boundarys, is very acceptable, as it is greatly desired here ; to putt an end to a dispute which occasions great uneasiness to our tributary Indians, and divers inconveniences to the government: new encroachments arc daily made on that territory by people pretending title under grants from the government of Carolina, or surveys made by the officers ; and as the number of such are become great, and that they threaten to maintain their possession by force, it is fitt they should as soon as possible bee taught to whose government they owe obedience, least by too long an use of living without rule, they should come att last to think themselves absolved from any, and prove both badd subjects and worse neighbours. Upon which consideration, as well as the loss itt is to H.M. in his quit rents, I hope your Ldspps. will judge itt convenient to dispatch with all possible speed the necessary orders for ascertaining those boundarys. If I did not fully express myself in my former, concerning the alteration of the time for selling the quit-rent tobacco, I must beg leave to state that matter more clearly, because I apprehend from your letter, that your Ldspps. judge a publick sale by outcry according to H.M. Instructions to bee indispensably necessary. Tho' that instruction is very antient, yett if your Ldspps. will be pleased to peruse the journalls of Councill for upwards of twenty years past, you will find it has been very rarely putt in execution, and scarce ever without some notable prejudice to the King's revenue: and whenever an inconveniency has been discovered, the Government has as often recurred to the antient practise of entrusting the officers of the Revenue, wth. the private sale. Publick auctions are not here the same, as in England, where there are many buyers : here the buyers are but few, and the quantity of quit rent tobacco very uncertain, till after the whole collection is finished ; and then being dispersed att a great many different places in each county, few are fond of buying itt, except att a very low rate, and it was been often found by experience, that whenever itt has been sett upp to sale by publick outcry, those who intended to bidd, have combined together to bee joynt purchasers, rather than out bidd one another, and so it has happened that the same tobacco has been purchased at such auctions, for less than the same persons have offered for itt to the King's officers, before any such auction : Itt is also to bee noted, that when there is a full cropp of tobacco, the ships are generally laden before the quit rent tobacco can be collected, and then it is not to bee supposed people will purchase a commodity which they cannot send to the markett, till another opportunity of shipping offers ; and thus the quitrents of some counties have lain for some years in the Sheriffes hands unsold for want of purchasers : these inconveniences have prevailed with the Govermt. from time to time to depart from the directions given in H.M. instructions, and to try new experiments to raise that tobacco to a greater price. Such was the regulation established in the year 1714 of selling all the quit rent tobacco att one publick sale in Aprill Generall Court: but tho' that method succeeded very well during the continuance of the law which appointed all publick payments to bee made at the Agents' storehouses and while tobacco was in demand here ; yett as soon as the largeness of the cropp had made tobacco less valuable, the same practises amongst the buyers were sett on foot as had been used on former sales att the County Courts ; so that even under that regulation, the price of the King's tobacco, fell far short of what it has since yeilded : and amongst all the attempts made to keep upp the price thereof, none has been found so effectual as the trusting the sale to the officers of the revenue, who as they are as good judges as any, of the value of tobacco, so it is their interest to sell as high as they can, since their own sallarys must rise or fall according to the price they receive for the King : but itt is nott soe in sales made by the Sheriffes in particular counties, (as the instruction directs) for these have their salarys deducted in tobacco, and receive neither profitt nor loss, whatever the King's part is sold for. Butt since your Ldspps. seem to incline to the method of a publick auction, I have resolved to adhere to the letter of the King's Instruction for the future etc. (Refers to Journal of Council, 19th April), unless your Ldspps. shall signifie your approbation of the manner of sale, by the officers of the revenue, or leave mee at large to follow either the one or the other etc.: and as I am satisfied the altering the time and manner of sale has been attended with profitt to H.M. for these two years past, I hope I shall bee the less blameable, for following the example of my predecessors, whose conduct in this matter has been tacitely approved by your Lordspps. board. The Assembly is further prorogued to 8th July etc. (Refers to enclosure), nor doe I intend itt shall meet before next November, unless I receive such orders from H.M., as may render itts meeting absolutely necessary : for as there is no pressing occasion arisen here, I am unwilling to burthen the people with the charge of an Assembly, till the losses they sustained in their tobacco by the late storm bee recruited by a more plentifull cropp, of which there is now a good prospect: The damage done to the corn, by the same storm, gave such apprehensions of a scarcity, that it was thought necessary to prohibitt itts export for a time, but that fear is so farr vanished, that there is no occasion to continue that prohibition : The export of tobacco will this year bee considerably lessened, the injury done to the last years cropp being very great: butt as the planters are amply recompensed by the increase of itts price here, so the present state of the revenue of 2s. pr. hhd. is such, as will make the deficiencys of the export little felt, especially if the future seasons prove answerable to the preparations that arc made this year for a large cropp etc. Concludes :—If the great addition made to the last year's emit rent roll; the great quantity of new land petitioned for in Councell; the large purchase of rights last half year ; and the further demand of a greater quantity to bee used in the taking upp more new land the ensuing year, bee indications of an increasing Colony, and a growing revenue, I have the satisfaction at the same time to perceive that while the people make these advances to enlarge their possessions, it is a demonstration of their contentment under that administration from which they expect a quiet and undisturbed enjoyment of the fruits of their industry ; and while the Colony continues in this state, I beleive itt will not bee disagreeable to your Ldspps. that I have noe extraordinary matters to trouble your Ldspps. with. Signed, Hugh Drysdale. Endorsed, Reed. 8th July, Read 26th Augt., 1725. Holograph. 7 pp. Enclosed,
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636. i. Account of H.M. revenue of 2s. per hhd., 25th Oct., 1724—25th April, 1725. Totals:—Receipts (including balance brought forward of £3965 9s. 6 3/4d.) £4777 0s. 2 3/4d. Expenditure, £1609 2s. 11 1/4d. Signed and sworn to in Council, John Grymes, Recr. Genll. Audited by Nathl. Harrison. 2 pp.
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636. ii. Account of piratical effects, 25th April 1724–1725. £204 19s. 10 1/2d. Signed and audited as preceding. 2 pp.
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636. iii. Account of H.M. revenue of quit rents, 25th April, 1724–1725. Totals: Receipts, (including balance brought forward of £4362 16s. 9 1/2d., and arrears paid up) £7332 9s. 10 1/2d. Expenditure, £1118 13s. 7d. Signed and audited as preceding. 4 pp. Nos. i–iii. Endorsed, Reed. 8th July, 1725. |
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636. iv. Duplicate of Jan. 29. No. ii, with addition of a Proclamation of 19th April, proroguing the Assembly to 8th July, 1725. Endorsed, Reed. 8th July, Read 26th Augt., 1725. 31/8 pp. [C.O. 5, 1319. ff 221–228?., 229?.–231?.] |
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637. Petition of Thomas King to the Council of Trade and Plantations. By deed of settlement made by his wife Dame Philadelphia Cotton, petitioner is entitled to all the interest of Sir T. Lynch in Pero plantation etc. Prays that the Act of Jamaica for encouraging the speedy selling thereof, etc. may be confirmed. Denies Mr. Gordon's statements 10th March. The settlement of said plantation would be a public service to Jamaica. Mr. Gordon has employed no person to attend the Board against the Act, and the time is elapsed for all persons to redeem by the Act, 30th May etc. Endorsed, Reed., 31st May, Read 2nd June, 1725. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 16. ff. 80, 80?., 81?.] |
May 31.
Virga. |
638. Lt. Governor Drysdale to [the Duke of Newcastle]. Tho' I had not the honour of your Grace's letter of the 2nd of April 1724, till the begining of last month, yett I had much sooner the pleasure to know by the publick prints, the choice H.M. had made of your Grace etc. Congratulates him and encloses journal of Council and public papers etc. Continues: The same blessings that are so visibly derived to H.M. European Dominions, thro' the benign influence of his auspicious reign, and the just and wise conduct of his faithfull Ministry, are no less conspicuous here, in a generall tranquility, harmony, and contentment, amongst all ranks of persons: I will use my utmost endeavours in my station, to keep them in the like good dispositions, etc. Signed, Hugh Drysdale. Endorsed, R. 11 July. Holograph. 2 1/2 pp. Enclosed,
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638. i. Proclamations by Lt. Governor Drysdale, (a) 17th Oct., 1724, proroguing the Assembly to 14th Jan. (b) 27th Oct., 1724, publishing the repeal of the Act for laying a duty on liquors and slaves, (c) 27th Oct., 1724, prohibiting the export of Indian corn or any kind of pease, until 25th April, upon which" many of the meaner sort of people as well as of the servants and slaves depend, and of which great part hath been damaged by the violence of the late storm and a long continuance of unseasonable weather" etc. (d) 9th Dec, proroguing the Assembly to 13th May, 1725. (e) 19th April, 1725, proroguing the Assembly to 8th July, 1725. Copy. 3 ? pp. [C.O. 5, 1337. Nos. 28, 28. i.] |
May 31.
St. James's. |
639. H.M. Warrant appointing Philip Levingston to the Council of New York. Countersigned, Holies Newcastle. Copy. [C.O. 324, 35. p. 134.] |
May 31.
Whitehall. |
640. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend Henry Stout to fill a vacancy in the Council of Jamaica occasioned by the death of Col. John Sadler. [C.O. 138, 17. p. 40.] |
