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April 21.
Jamaica. |
146. Governor Hunter to the Duke of Newcastle. Encloses duplicates of April 2nd. Gives details of Commissions granted to officers of the Regiments. Continues:—By all accounts from the other quarters the men are in good health and condition and kindly used by the inhabitants. And I assure your Grace that I think most of these who have dy'd are felo de se. And if I can not in this Assembly get some law pass'd to restrain the abuse in the retail of rumm, the companys in the towns will be very thin in little time. The Secretary at War will acquaint your Grace with what I wrote to him about recruiting. If that or some such method be not taken, the Regiments will in time dwindle to nothing, for it is not in the power of the officers to recruit after the common method etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, R. June 24th. Enclosed, |
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146. i. Copy of following letter to B. of T. [C.O. 137, 53. ff. 342, 342v., 343v.—347v.] |
April 21.
Jamaica. |
147. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses duplicate of 11th Feb. etc. Continues:— The several resolutions of the Assembly in the said letter mention'd have since that been pass'd into four acts, transmitted herewith, vizt.:—(i) An act for raising several sums of money and applying the same to several uses. This act is commonly call'd the Additional duty bill and varies little in substance from the annual bills which usually passes under the same title, only in this particular, that they have rais'd the duty upon the import, and export of negroes from ten shillings pr. head to fifteen in the former, and from twenty shillings pr. head to thirty on the latter, (ii) An act for raising a tax by the poll, and on trades, offices and rents. In this act 12d. per head is laid upon every negro and 3d. pr. head upon all cattle, horses, mares, asses and mules, and the trades, offices and rents are taxed as usual. It is computed that this bill will raise about 6000l., and it is appropriated intirely for an additional sub- sistance to the officers and soldiers of H.M. two Regiments. (iii) An act to oblige the several inhabitants to provide themselves with sufficient number of white people, or pay certain sums of money in case they shall be deficient, and for laying a duty upon shipping the same to several uses. This act is what is commonly call'd our Deficiency bill, and the deficiency being 26l. the same as last year, it is believed the inhabitants will rather chuse to keep their complement of white men and women than pay so high a tax; if so this bill will raise but little money. The duty upon shipping has been inserted in former bills, but generally appropriated to the repairing the walls at Port Royal; in this bill it is given as well as the deficiency for an additional sub- sistence to the two Independent Companys, and the overplus (if any) to such other uses as the Assembly shall direct. (iv) An act for appropriating and applying money for the additional subsistence of the officers and soldiers of the two regiments arrived and for other uses, and ascertaining the voluntary rewards to be allow'd for the services they perform, and to oblige such parishes as have not already made up their accompts and paid their arrears to do the same in a prefix' d time. This act appropriates all the money arising by the three acts abovemention'd and not already appropriated for and towards an additional subsistence to the two Regiments etc., each Commissioned Officer resident on the Island 20s. pr. week, to each private man 5s. pr. week, the Officers' pay to commence from the day of their landing here, and the private men's to take place so soon as the King's provisions they brought with them should be expended, the additional subsistance to continue only for six months and no longer, tho' the fund be for one whole year this bill; this bill also obliges the parishes where the troops are or shall be sent to provide good and convenient barracks, and allotts 12 negroes to attend each company to be allow'd and paid for by the Church Wardens of such parishes where the troops are quartered, and a reward of 10l. is given for each rebellious negro the soldiers shall either kill or take alive; there is also in this bill two small appropriations of 150l. and 100l. which the publick stood engaged for, and the Council making no objections to this bill nor the other three, I gave my consent to them, and finding the Assembly not in a disposition to enter upon any other business I did at their own request grant them a recess. On 2nd March I summon'd a Council who gave it as their unanimous opinion that the Assembly should be dissolved, which [I] did accordingly by proclamation; the chief motives which induced me to joyn in opinion with them are, that this Assembly had already sat three years, that in this last session great heats and disputes arose about allowing an additional subsistance to the troops, in so much that it was all that the friends of the Government could obtain in the House to provide for them for six months to which the words "and no longer" were added, and tho' I had so often recommended to this Assembly several very material things for the wellfare of the Country, such as the better settling the uncultivated lands, and giving due encouragement to white people to become inhabitants, and to consider on some proper measures to regain credit (now almost at a stop) and to establish the value of our coin, yet they neglected doing any thing upon those heads, tho' apparently for their own good. The merchants began to be uneasie, and as I am credibly inform'd wish'd for a disolution, so that I acquiest in giving the country a new choice. Writts were accordingly issued for calling a new Assembly to meet on the fourth of May, and the elections are just over and by what I can guess I hope we shall have a better disposed Assembly, there are more merchants in it than in the last and about one half are new Members, tho' several of the old who were there before meerly for protection have by their industry got in again, etc. Encloses Minutes of Council to 9th March, and Journals of the Council and of the late Assembly, "but as there is nothing of great moment in them, I shall not trouble your Lordships with any particular observations." Continues:—The troops are gone to the several parishes to be barrack'd as the Act directs, and I hope in a short time they will be better reconciled to their quarters, the Gentlemen of fortune in the Island being very kind to them. They write me from Port Antonio, where Admiral Stewart now is, that all the troops there are in perfect health, and considering the infancy of that settlement pritty well accommodated. Since Capt. Peters's party who burnt the negro town were disbanded, the rebellious slaves have made incurtions upon some of the out settlements which makes me believe that they are dispersing themselves into small bodys. I shall take all possible care to make the troops usefull and to encourage the country voluntary partys to pursue them. By the last advices from Porto Bello we have an account that the Fair was to begin about the latter end of this month, that there was a great deal of money already arrived from Lima and Panama and more hourly expected, and that it was generally believed the cargo of the South Sea ship Prince William would come to a very great market, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd June, Read 3rd July, 1731. 8 pp. [C.O. 137, 19. ff. 58–61v., 62v. (with abstract) 57, 57v.] |
April 22.
Whitehall. |
148. Mr. Popple to Sir Wm. Strickland. Encloses copy of Gov. Hunter's letter, as preceding. [C.O. 138, 17. p. 311.] |
April 22.
Whitehall. |
149. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Enclose copy of Gov. Hunter's letter announcing arrival of the Regiments and the provision made for them by the Assembly. Autograph signatures. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 47. ff. 95, 98–99; and 138, 17. p. 311.] |
April 22.
Whitehall. |
150. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Having just now received a message from you to know when the Commission and Instructions for Capt. Clinton will be ready etc., they will be finished in a day or two. But in the mean time I am to desire to know whether the Right Honble. the Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty have any objection to the incorporating the usual Heads of Enquiry to the Commodore on the Newfound- land Station into those Instructions which will be given to the said Capt. Clinton from H.M. as Governor of Newfoundland, that they may be either inserted or left out of the said Instructions as the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty shall think convenient. [C.O. 195, 7. pp. 258, 259.] |
April 22.
Admty.
Office. |
151. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Replying to preceding. My Lords Commissioners have no objection etc. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd, Read 23rd, April, 1731. Addressed. ¾ p. [C.O. 194, 9. ff. 73, 74v.] |
April 22.
Whitehall. |
152. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Committee of the Privy Council. Enclose following in pursuance of order of 30th March. Annexed, |
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152. i. Draught of Additional Instructions to the Governor and Surveyor of the Woods as to laying out and granting lands in Nova Scotia. [C.O. 218, 2. pp. 247–254.] |
April 22.
St. James's. |
153. H.M. warrant granting leave of absence for 12 months for James Smith, Secretary of New Jersey, to return home and use the Bath waters etc. Copy. Countersigned. Holles Newcastle. [C.O. 324, 36. pp. 268, 269; and 324, 50. pp. 77, 78.] |
April 23.
Whitehall. |
154. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Committee of the Privy Council. Reply to 14th April. The Council of Jamaica has usually consisted of twelve members and no more, which number is at present compleat; But if H.M. shall think proper upon this occasion to augmt. that number to thirteen and to reduce it again upon the first vacancy that shall occur, we have no objection thereunto. But in case your Lordps. should not be of opinion to advise H.M. to augment the number of his Council in Jamaica, he may notwithstanding restore Mr. Ayscough to his ancient rank either immediately or upon his arrival in Jamaica, giving orders at the same time that the youngest Councillor be suspended from sitting or acting in Council there till a new vacancy shall happen. [C.O. 137, 18. pp. 312, 313.] |
April 23.
Whitehall. |
155. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. Annexed, |
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155. i. Same to the King. Enclose draughts of Commission and Instructions for Governor Clinton. Continue:— These draughts are copied from those which were given to Capt. Osborn, 1729 etc., with the addition of the two last articles in the Instructions only, by the first of which Capt. Clinton is directed to enquire what effect has attended the Commission given to his predecessor for creating Justices of Peace and other Civil Officers; how those Officers have behaved themselves in the execution of their trust, whether the people have paid due obedience to their authority, or what obstructions have been given thereto. By the other article directions are given for framing a scheme of the quantities of fish taken annually at Newfoundland with the number of ships, boats and men employed upon that service in a more methodical manner than has hitherto been practised; whereupon Capt. Clinton is to transmit his observations to this Board that we may be thereby enabled to make the necessary representations to your Majesty. [C.O. 195, 7. pp. 259–261.] |
| April 24. |
156. Order of House of Lords. That the Commissioners for Trade and Plantations do lay before this House the Journal of the House of Representatives for the Massachusetts Bay for the two last sessions ending before the 1st of Jan. last, and also such act or acts of the Assembly which lay a higher or a different duty on goods imported in ships not of the build of, or belonging to the people of the Massachusetts Bay. Signed, Wm. Cowper, Cler. Parliamentor. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Read 27th April, 1731. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 872. ff. 86, 87v.] |
April 26.
Boston. |
157. Governor Belcher to the Duke of Newcastle. It is his duty and honour to acquaint his Grace with the affairs of his Government. Hopes that his letters of Jan. 23 will acquit him from Col. Dunbar's false complaint. Col. Dunbar's Lieut. having deserted the fort (v. Jan. 11 no. 6, end.:) the Sheriff went into it and siezed the robbers he was in quest of, so, "had I had any design on the fort, I might have kept or demolisht it." Begs for a line from his Grace in his justification etc. Continues: —Notwithstanding Collo. Dunbar's vile representation of me I hear by the late ships from London he is appointed my Lieut. Govr. in New Hampshire, this I can scarce believe and would humbly pray of your Grace it may not be so. For how is it possible, My Lord Duke, that the King's service and the good of that Province can be carry'd an end with tolerable quiet, and satisfaction while I must have an officer under me diametrically opposite to me. Let me therefore once more beg it of your Grace as a singular favour, that Collo. Sherburn (whom I formerly mention'd) may be my Lieut. Govr. in New Hampshire etc. Continues:—I dissolv'd the Assembly of this Province the 24th currant after a session of upwards ten weeks, and have issued writs for a new one to be held 26th of next month, in conformity to the Royal Charter, and I now inclose to your Grace the votes of the Assembly from my last to the compleating of this session, by which it will be seen that the Assembly has done nothing in complyance with the King's Instruction either as to fixing a salary on H.M. Govr. or paying the arrearages so justly due to their late Govr.'s children. As to the latter I have no expectation of the Assembly of this Province paying those poor orphans one farthing alt ho' they had voted the late Govr. Burnett 6000l. a few days before his death, yet now they are not willing to pay what was due to that time being 3400l. As to the fixing a salary etc., I have no reason to think they will ever do anything further or nearer to it than the bill transmitted Dec. 10th past etc. Continues:—Yet might I have the royal leave to sign such a bill I should not doubt it's being a good security for the Govr.'s support. I would therefore humbly pray of your Grace that I might have the King's leave to receive my support in that manner, or some other way that the King may think proper. For with great deference to your Grace I believe it will not be thought reasonable that I must go on to support the King's honour in the character of his Govr. at the expence of my own estate. I can assure your Grace that it's not possible to live in any tolerable figure as the King's Govr. with what H.M. has so moderately requir'd of this Province for a salary to his Govr. and was it fixt agreeable to the King's Instruction, no gentn. with the best husbandry could lay up one farthing at the year's end. I am told the House of Repre- sentatives are addressing H.M. to take off the force of several of his royal Instructions to me. I hope your Grace will give no countenance to an attempt of this nature till I am serv'd with a copy of the said Address or Memorial, that I may make a return to your Grace, and say how far the granting what they are desiring might affect the honour and interest of the Crown, and upon receiving your Grace's commands in this matter, I shall with the greatest fidelity to H.M. return my answer to your Grace etc. I am surpriz'd at the assurance of the House of Representatives to be asking favours of the King, while they will not pay the least decent or dutifull respect to his orders. But they are daily endeavoring to incroach upon the little power reserv'd to the Crown in the Royal Charter, of which your Grace may be assur'd I will part with none without my royal Master's orders. I think they have too much already unless they us'd it with more good manners to the King, and more to the benefit of their countrey. Signed, J. Belcher. Endorsed, R. July 10th. 4¾ pp. Enclosed, |
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157. i. Bill passed by Council of Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay, Oct. 28, 1730, for the more sure support of H.M. Governor. Whereas this Court has usualy been in the practice of granting money at two several sessions of the Court yearly for the support of H.M. Governour here, and by resolves only, which method of late years hath been acceptable, wherefore etc. be it enacted that 2004l. be granted to Governor Belcher etc. as an ample and honourable support, and suitable to the dignity of his station etc., and to the intent provision may be thus made H.E.'s support for the future, be it further enacted that at the beginning of the sessions in May next there shall be an act pass for an ample and honourable support etc. to H. E. Jonathan Belcher, and so annualy at the beginning of every May sessions during his continuance in the administration of this Government and his residence here etc. Copy. 1½ pp. |
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157. ii. Governor Belcher's Proclamation directing sufferers from pirates, especially from the Spanish Islands, to lodge their complaints in the Vice-Admiralty Courts, with a view to reparations or reprisals etc. Boston, 6th April, 1731. Signed, J. Belcher. Printed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 898. Nos. 84, 84 i, ii.] |
April 26.
Boston. |
158. Governor Belcher to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Repeats gist of letter to D. of Newcastle supra. Concludes:—To-morrow morning I set forward to H.M. Provinces of New Hampshire, where I have order'd the Assembly to meet me the 29 currant etc. I must return hither to meet a new Assembly 26th of next month etc. Signed, J. Belcher. Endorsed, Recd. 29th, Read 30th June, 1731. 6 pp. [C.O. 5, 873. ff. 33–36v., 87v., 38v. (with abstract).] |
April 27.
Whitehall. |
159. List of Papers laid before the House of Lords, pursuant to their order of 15th April, relating to the trade of the Sugar Islands and the Northern Colonies. [C.O. 29, 15. pp. 225, 226.] |
April 30.
Whitehall. |
160. Duke of Newcastle to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The King having been pleased to appoint Walter Chetwynd, Esq., to be Governor of Barbadoes in the room of Henry Worsley, Esq., you are to prepare draughts of a Com- mission and Instructions for him etc. Signed, Holles Newcastle. Endorsed, Recd., Read 4th May, 1731. ¾ p. [C.O. 28, 21. ff. 160, 161v.] |
April 30.
Whitehall. |
161. Duke of Newcastle to the Council of Trade and Plantations. H.M. having been pleased to appoint Col. William Cosby to be Governor of the Leeward Islands in America, in the room of Lord Forbes, you are to prepare draughts of his Commission and Instructions etc. Signed, Holles Newcastle. Endorsed, Recd., Read 4th May, 1731. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 19. ff. 44, 47v.] |
