America and West Indies: January 1737 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 43, 1737. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1963.

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'America and West Indies: January 1737', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 43, 1737, ed. K G Davies( London, 1963), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol43/pp1-21 [accessed 29 November 2024].

January 1737



January 3. South Carolina.	1 [Samuel Eveleigh (fn. n1) ] to James Oglethorpe. Last week arrived Capt. Wyatt from Havana and St. Augustine; the first he left about five months since and the last the 16th day of last month. He gives an account that the governor of St. Augustine had imprisoned six of the royal officers because they would not sign some accounts and papers that he had drawn up. Our newspapers mention a Spanish man-of-war to be sailed from Coruna with soldiers and ammunition bound to St. Augustine in September last, and Wyatt gives an account that it was a common discourse in St. Augustine that a Spanish man-of-war was expected with 500 soldiers and that the governor had actually built barracks that would contain that number, that the said man-of-war was to be stationed and to cruise off that place, and that she carries 50 guns. I am apprehensive that this man-of-war will be a very great prejudice to trade (especially to that of this place) and take several of our vessels that come through the gulf from Jamaica, Honduras and Providence. He further adds that (while he was at St. Augustine) several parcels of Indians came down thither pursuant to that governor's invitation and were very civilly treated; and when they went away he made each man a present of a gun, a blanket, powder and shot, with which they seemed to be very well pleased, and that he was informed that the number of Indians were in all from 100 to 150. He further adds that while he was at Havana there were three sail of men-of-war that had been built there fitting out from thence, vizt. of 84, 56 and 24 guns, the last was to serve as a guardacosta and was fitted out and went to sea. While he was at St. Augustine a sloop arrived there from Havana which brought an account that she was returned with four prizes, vizt. a large Dutch ship of 400 tons, a New York sloop that had on board some hides, and two sloops belonging to Rhode Island, one from the Bay with logwood, and the other from Jamaica on board of which they found nothing but rum, sugar and molasses, the produce of that island, and so dismissed her. The other three were condemned and the masters put into prison. I take notice that the guardacosta carried 9-pounders and 300 men whereas the guns belonging to our 20-gun ships are but 6-pounders and about 125 men. He also says that while he was at Havana (fn. n2) it was there confidently discoursed that they had orders to build 11 sail of men-of-war more, from 56 to 80 guns, and that they were then preparing to put three of them upon the stocks and that there was arrived from Old Spain, several necessaries for that intention. This I thought proper to advise you of that you may (if you think fit) acquaint the secretary of state therewith.
	Here has lately been two large vessels cast away belonging to London bound from Jamaica home and richly laden, one off Winyah and the other to the southward of St. Augustine. That at Winyah has saved some part of her cargo consisting of several hogsheads of indigo, rum, piemento and ginger; the other saved nothing but their lives.
	Major Charles Russell, agent to the Cherokees, went hence 24th ult. to proceed for that nation. And upon Capt. Drake's refusal to go to the Creeks the general assembly nominated Childermas Crofts in his room and is speedily to proceed on that employ.
	Capt. Keate arrived here some time since and brought in from the Trustees two barrels, one box and three tubs of bamboo canes directed to yourself which are put on board Capt. Demetry who was sent down by Mr. Causton. I have also put the greatest part of the duffels on board him with some pitch, tar, turpentine, beef and pork, and have wrote Mr. Causton that I would supply him with what necessaries he should further want and take in payment the Trustees' sola bills expected, notwithstanding some of my neighbours and others endeavour to discredit said bills. Elliot, the two Bellingers and others seem very much dissatisfied with their certified accounts and very much complain of their not being paid (according to their agreement) in currency. The first has offered (as I have been credibly informed) his account of fifteen hundred pounds for one thousand; but my son being gone that way, I have ordered him to call upon him to satisfy him and (if he found he was still uneasy) to buy the same.
	Capt. Procter is come down from Frederica and makes a very great complaint and says that he agreed with you for 80l. per month for his pettiaugoa, but that they would not pay him more than 70 and that was paid him in sola bills at 8 for 1 by which he shall be a considerable loser. He likewise complains that they deducted for what was wanting of the beer when he carried it thither, though the cask were not full when he took them on board, and says that he will send his case home to his cousin Col. Horsey and desire him to lay the same before the Trustees.
	I take care constantly to advise Mr. Causton of what is necessary, not only the news that occurs but the transactions of this place in relation to the Indian trade so far as they come to my knowledge. The sloop Sarah, John Colcock master, is bound again to Mobile; when she returns if anything of moment offers from that place I will write you. I cannot remember whether I have already advised you what Colcock informed me, that M. Bienville had wrote to France for 5 or 6000 regular troops.
	I have given the Trustees credit in my new account for the 40l. sterling you gave Mr. Buttler to pay Capt. Campbell. I saw your letter to Mr. Jenys in relation to the sola bills and doubt not but I shall take such measures as will give them some credit notwithstanding the pains some people take to lessen the same. For I have wrote Mr. Causton that I would take them in payment for what goods I supply him with and also Mr. Grant my attorney to take them in payment for the debts due to me at Savannah; but it would have been much better if you had been here to endorse them, for I am sensible there will be but few merchants in this town who will take them without a very great discount, and do design to send them home to Messrs. Bakers and so pass my own bills on him, though I am obliged to pay commissions both for receiving and paying. Duplicate. Unsigned. PS. I have several packets of letters from Mr. Causton for the Trustees with two boxes directed to Mr. Dempsey and one chest to Mr. Tanner, which I shall forward by Capt. Piercy bound for London who will sail this week, the bearer Capt. Read being bound for Cowes and Holland. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 105–106d.]
January 4.	2 Alured Popple to Francis Wilks. The Council of Trade and Plantations find that in consequence of several Acts passed in Massachusetts for supplying the treasury, there was current at Christmas 1735 in bills of credit about 150,000l. As the permitting of bills to a greater value than 30,000l. to be current at one time is a manifest breach of H.M.'s 16th and 18th instructions to the governor, copy enclosed, I am to desire that if you have anything to offer to justify Mr. Belcher's conduct on this occasion you will bring the same in writing on Tuesday morning next. Entry.PS. It appears that before Governor Belcher's arrival there was issued in 1727–29 68,000l. yet outstanding; and, since his taking on the government, in 1730–35 82,504l. 9s. 10d. more than are yet drawn in again. Total, 150,504l. 9s. 10d. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 917, fo. 80, 80d; draft in C.O. 5, 897, fos. 119–120d.]
[January 4.] January 15 (N.S.). Augsburg.	3 Samuel Urlsperger to Henry Newman. Eighteen persons lately arrived here from Salzburgh, forced to fly on account of the strange religion, as it is called, and Lutheran books; still more single persons who are banished arrive here. These and others are maintained at the Society's charge so that I have not above 10l. sterling left and shall soon want a new supply. The Prussian envoy has solicited for, obtained and sold 2000 estates in Salzburgh belonging to persons fled to Prussia and has remitted 40–50,000l. sterling to Prussia. If full details were available the same might be done for the Salzburghers in Georgia. In Carinthia the people are still much oppressed. The Salzburghers ask when there is to be a new transport: I can give no answer till I know that those at Ebenezer are firmly established and that the law that daughters may not inherit is altered, for which redress I beg once more. Copy, 2 ½ pp. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 111–112d.]
January 5. Jamaica.	4 President John Gregory to Duke of Newcastle. An affair of some consequence has lately happened in these parts of which I think it my duty to give you the best information I have been able to get. It is reported that Mr. Mathew, the governor of the Windward Islands, having seized a French vessel of value upon pretence of some treaty which prohibits their coming within certain distances of his coast, the French have resented it and made reprisal upon a Guinea ship bound to this place; and not content with this a French man-of-war lately attacked two merchantmen laden in this island homeward bound as they lay in Donna Maria Bay. It happened Capt. Bridge, commander of H.M.S. Antelope, was there and seeing the insult demanded the reason. The French captain answered he was lately come from Old France with 500 recruits and having touched at Martinique was there informed of Mr. Mathew's proceedings, and therefore thought himself justified in what he did; however, he desisted. Upon Capt. Bridge's return to this place the matter was publicly talked of; and not hearing anything of it from him or Commodore Dent who commands on this station, I wrote to Capt. Bridge desiring it as a favour from him that he would send me a state of the affair upon oath, for I thought it of that consequence that I would transmit it to you. Capt. Bridge not answering my letter in some days, I applied to the commodore: copies of relevant letters enclosed. It seems what I have done has given offence, though it was very far from my intentions: I thought this affair might prove a national concern and that it was my duty to represent it in the strongest and truest light and that none could better enable me to do so than those that were actually concerned. I was at first at a loss to know what part of my letter could be taken amiss, but that has been since a little explained to me: an information upon oath was not so agreeable nor was it perhaps so convenient the whole fact should appear. If what I hear reported be true Capt. Bridge was not at Donna Maria Bay so much by accident as by a concerted design to put his indigo on board those ships. This report has this probability for it: that Capt. Bridge upon his going out purchased and carried with him a considerable number of slaves, I have been told near 200, and he has brought none of them back. It is certain a trade to Hispaniola has been carried on, and not only indigo but quantities of refined and some say brown sugars have been imported; and the sailors of the navy are either grown very sober or have been supplied with rum from thence, for I have heard none has been taken from the contractor for some months. I am not Very fond of making complaints nor would I willingly create new enemies, and I have heard it is ticklish meddling with the Navy: however, I cannot help thinking they are sent here to protect us and not to steal any little trade from us. This island has suffered under many discouragements and the carrying on a trade in this manner and importing our own commodities upon us must be very injurious to the merchant, the planter, and seafaring part of this country. I will forbear saying any more on this subject. Signed, 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 21 March. Enclosed,
	4. i. Same to Commodore Dent, 28 December 1736. I requested from Capt. Bridge an account on oath of the affair at Donna Maria Bay. Having no reply, I therefore apply to you. As we have the same master, I think our councils cannot be too well united for his service. I have been informed you intend to sail in few days to Martinique to demand satisfaction. If you do I should be glad to have an opportunity by your means of conveying a letter to the governor upon this subject, for it may be of the last ill consequence not only to the trade in these parts but even to all Europe if some stop be not put to these proceedings. I wish you a happy year and many of them. Duplicate. Signed. 1 p.
	4. ii. Capt. T. Bridge to President Gregory; on board Antelope, 27 December 1736. In reply to your request for information upon the insult offered by the French at Hispaniola, I must beg to be excused, it being a custom in the Navy by instruction that the actions of every private captain be represented to the admiral or commanding officer, and through him conveyed to one of H.M.'s Principal Secretaries of State as well as the Lords of the Admiralty, whose accounts are looked upon as authentic (though not given upon oath) as if received from the governor of any province. I have accordingly delivered to Commodore Dent an exact account of the business, it being my duty so to do and no further. Signed. 1 ½ small pp.
	4. iii. Commodore Dent to President Gregory; Kingston, 29 December 1736. The information you require will be justly represented by me to the Principal Secretary of State as well as to the Lords of the Admiralty, without giving or putting you to the trouble. The trade while I command will always meet with due protection and proper convoy when demanded. I have no thoughts at present of going or sending a ship to Martinique to demand satisfaction for the depredations said to be committed. I shall suspend that till I am further instructed. Signed. PS. Capt. Draper promised Capt. Bridge Monday morning last to send you the enclosed by a gentleman then going to Spanish Town, but forgot it. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 56, fos. 54–61d.]
January 7. Madrid.	5 Count D'EI Montijo to Don Joseph Vizarron, Bishop and Viceroy of the city of Mexico, requesting protection for Mr. Millar sent by the Royal Society of London for the discovery of vegetables and other curiosities. I myself am a member of the said Royal Society and am engaged hereto by a person whom I could by no means disobey. Copy. 1 ½ pp. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 97–98d.]
January 8.	6 Archibald MacBean to James Oglethorpe. I have a mind to let you know what passengers I can get at Inverness (fn. n3), all out of that shire and the next: the complement as I shall promise will be 100 people, 20 of them will be freeholders, 10 of them without families, and 20 young women, none of them whores nor transporters but to be indented servants, the rest the same. All this I will do and ship them aboard in a month's time. I can provide these people as cheap as you can get them in any other country. The rest of my country are well settled and I have none, which makes me uneasy concerning my family which is there. I desire to get to Georgia as soon as possible. My cousin and I, Laughlin MacBean, will pay for twelve passengers, ten men and two women. You cannot send a fitter captain for the country than Capt. Dymond, which will be as many people as the ship can carry. Illiterate. Signed, 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 103–104d.]
January 8.	7 Lieut.-Governor William Gooch to Council of Trade and Plantations. The settlement of the boundary of the Northern Neck grant having been particularly recommended by you as well as earnestly desired by everybody here, I must not neglect giving you an account of the progress hitherto made therein lest any delay should be imputed to me or to those chosen for that service. Though Lord Fairfax arrived in Virginia the beginning of May 1735 and I then waited on him on board the man-of-war, it was 14th October following before he gave me H.M.'s order-in-council and your letter. This falling in with the business of the general court and the winter drawing on when it was impracticable to enter upon a work of that nature, all that could be done was to appoint fit persons to be commissioners that they might concert with Lord Fairfax the proper measures for dispatching that business when the season of the year, which is only in the fall, would admit. Accordingly commissioners were named on H.M.'s behalf and notice given of it to Lord Fairfax, then at my house, whose agent soon after attending told me in council he had authority from his lordship to nominate for him the same commissioners that were appointed for the King, provided they were members of H.M.'s council (which they were, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Grymes) on whose honour and integrity he would rely to do equal justice. September last being the time fixed for going out upon the survey, it was thought fit to acquaint Lord Fairfax that since he was determined to submit the settlement of his bounds to H.M.'s commissioners it was expected he should by some instrument under his hand empower them to act for him and that the time limited by H.M.'s order would allow of no longer delay.
	Now though his lordship, who was now too at my house, continued to approve of his choice of the King's commissioners, yet when they waited on him for his instructions and orders the powers he gave them were so different from the terms of H.M.'s order and to a memorial his lordship delivered in to me in April 1736 that they were thereby restrained to view and survey, not allowed to mark and settle the boundaries as had been agreed upon at home. When I reasoned with him on this surprising change, he told me notwithstanding what had been done in England by his solicitor, of which he declared himself ignorant though I put him in mind of the memorial to me expressing the very words of the order for settling his bounds, he absolutely refused giving any other authority; and thereupon it was the next day unanimously advised by the council here that H.M.'s commissioners should not accept of such confined powers, so contradictory to H.M.'s order and to the commission they had received from me, and that they should proceed on the service without loss of time in case Lord Fairfax would not appoint others to act for him.
	This resolution moved his lordship to name other gentlemen (and indeed it was doing what before we had any dispute I always desired him to do); but he still insisting that he would consent to nothing more than, to have the rivers Rappahannock and Potomac with their several branches and rivers falling in to them traced upwards and surveyed to their fountains, rather than the service should suffer by this turn it was agreed to send surveyors on both sides to measure and plat down the courses of both those rivers. Accordingly H.M.'s commissioners at a day appointed in September last met his lordship's at the falls of Rappahannock and having selected the ablest surveyors gave them their instructions and bound them by an oath with verbal orders to go on with as much expedition as was consistent with the care and circumspection their work required and when they had finished to lay their plats before them who, whatever his lordship's commissioners may do, intend if possible in pursuance of the royal order to give their opinion of his lordship's bounds from the words of the grant.
	The surveyors appointed for Rappahannock in about two months finished their survey to the headsprings of all the rivers which run into that river. But the others who were sent upon Potomac have been gone near four months and I have not yet heard of their return. Thus this matter stands at present, and I thought it my duty to lay it before you that you may not be induced to believe any delay has been occasioned on the part of this government. And when the report of the whole is transmitted to you we shall take care to be as particular as we can.
	Capt. Ball having failed in his trial of making Brazil tobacco, the project is entirely dropped. For though he has offered himself with suitable encouragement, to go once more to that country in order to be master of the manner of curing and the art of making such tobacco, yet the gentlemen here considering the difference of soil and presuming the tobacco is of another kind are determined to be at no further expense about an undertaking so precarious with so distant a view of advantage. The Acts and journals of the last assembly with the other public papers have been waiting some time for a proper conveyance, but they shall be sent with the first ship bound for London. Signed. 2 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 26 April, Read 29 April 1737. [C.O. 5, 13 24, fos. 35–36d.]
January 11.	8 Lieut.-Governor William Gooch to Duke of Newcastle. The want of a regular conveyance has obliged me to delay the sending the journals and Acts of the last session of assembly and the other public papers of this government which I now transmit to you by the Micajah & Philip of London, James Bradby master. Amongst these Acts there is one for confirming and better securing the titles to lands in the Northern Neck held under Lord Fairfax which I am in behalf of many of H.M.'s good subjects to request your favour in obtaining to it the royal assent and approbation; and as it contains nothing derogatory to the King's prerogative or injurious to the right of Lord Fairfax as proprietor, who was present and consenting to its passing, and is only calculated for quieting the possessions of those who have bona fide purchased lands though under defective titles or informal conveyances, it is hoped there will be no objection to its receiving H.M.'s confirmation. I shall not trouble you with animadversions on the other Acts or public papers sent herewith. You will be better pleased to hear the country remains in tranquillity and the people in a dutiful obedience to their sovereign, cultivating the arts of peace and flourishing in their trade, than to be entertained with a long detail of our particular laws which are of little weight when compared with the important affairs of Europe wherein you have so large a share. Sigied. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 23 May. [C.O. 5, 1337, fos. 187–188d.]
January 11. London.	9 Francis Wilks to Alured Popple, acknowledging letter concerning bills of credit current in Massachusetts Bay. In December 1732 there was circulating 176,200l. of which only 16,500l. were issued by Governor Belcher, the rest before his time. The several Acts passed at the times when the said bills were issued appoint certain periods for their being called in by way of tax and sunk, which I apprehend has been strictly observed by Governor Belcher. A copy of the account I received dated December 1732 you have enclosed. I apprehend you mistake the design of the Acts passed for supplying the Treasury since Governor Belcher's time by supposing that the bills therein mentioned to be lying in the Treasury and ordered to be issued for the service of the government are an increase of paper money contrary to H.M.'s instructions. I don't understand it to be so; and to explain my notion of it will suppose the province wanted a sum of money to defray the charge of government and instead of their method of coining bills and paying them away to answer the demands of those in the government service they had borrowed a sum of money, say 10,000l. of A.B. in 1720, and pass an Act at the same time that he should be paid out of money raised by a public tax in 1730; at which time according to their method an estimate would be made how much was necessary to be raised that year for defraying the charges of the government, which suppose 20,000l., and to that they add the 10,000l. borrowed of A.B. in 1720. An Act of the General Court would then pass for calling in or raising by way of tax 30,000l.; when the same is accordingly brought into the Treasury another Act or resolve passes for paying A.B. 10,000l. (which answers to their method of burning) and the other 20,000l. to be issued for the uses it was raised of defraying the charge of government. I think it plain if so much be brought into the Treasury every year and paid, burned or otherways sunk as is appointed by former Acts at the time of issuing the said paper money then current the whole must be sunk according to the design of those Acts which first gave them a currency. It is no matter how much more is brought into the Treasury yearly it must be issued again by the public authority for the service of the government or the country cheated of what is not. There is no other way of paying their officers, etc., but by an order of the General Court for issuing money out of the Treasury if any be there which has been brought in for that purpose. The particular payments are now made by the Treasurer by virtue of orders signed by the governor with consent of the council; formerly the treasurer could not pay any such orders without being also approved by the assembly. By the enclosed account I observe 12,000l. is to be brought in and sunk in 1737. If in that year a war with the Indians should happen which as formerly may occasion an additional charge of 50,000l. per annum they have no other way of providing for this but by levying a tax which shall amount to 62,000l., 12,000l. thereof to be burned as directed by the Act in May 1727 when the same was first issued, and the other 50,000l. to be again issued out of the treasury for such uses as the General Court shall direct. I understand what is meant by H.M.'s instruction (that only 30,000l. shall be current at one and the same time) refers only to what paper currency should be coined or first issued after the arrival of said instruction without regard to what was then current and which I believe has been duly regarded. After 1741 there cannot be more than 30,000l. current at a time according to said instruction. Signed. 3 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd., Read 11 January 1736/7. [C.O.5, 879, fos.r. 87–89d.]
January 12. Palace Court.	10 Minutes of Common Council of Georgia. Ordered, that 266 barrels of rice and 7 cases of skins on Two Brothers, Capt. Thomson, be entered as imported and sold. Ordered, that a bill of exchange dated 29 September 1736 drawn by Mr. Oglethorpe for 200l. to John Crockat or order be accepted and paid when due; notice was taken that the bill was drawn four days after the advertisement in the South Carolina Gazette that the Trustees would pay no more bills but sola bills, Mr. Oglethorpe acquainting the board that he was then at Frederica and had then no notice of the advertisement and that the bill was drawn for important services. Ordered, that 1000l. be paid into the hands of Aid. Heathcote on account; signed a draft on the Bank of England for the said sum. Ordered, that 100l. be paid to the accountant for his extraordinary trouble in attending the Trustees' business at the Custom House and in making, checking and accepting the sola bills and other business. Signed a draft on Bank of England for 500l. for payment of sola bills. Ordered, that a letter be sent to Mr. Jenys to send back the sola bills for 1500l. which were sent to Mr. Oglethorpe but not received by him before he left Georgia. 2 ½ pp. [C.O. 5, 690 pp. 42–44.]
January 12. Palace Court.	11 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Mr. Oglethorpe reported his proceedings in Georgia and the present state of the colony and laid before the board two treaties concluded between Georgia and the Spaniards at St. Augustine. Resolved, that Mr. Oglethorpe be congratulated on his safe return and thanked for his services to Georgia; and that John Tanner be thanked for services to Georgia reported by Mr. Oglethorpe. Ordered, that letters of thanks be sent to Capt. Windham and Capt. Gascoigne for services to Georgia; that the secretary desire the Council of Trade and Plantations to put off to-morrow's conference in regard Mr. Oglethorpe is but just arrived, 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 686, pp. 345–346.]
January 13. Whitehall.	12 Alured Popple to Benjamin Martyn requesting the presence of some of the Trustees for Georgia at Council of Trade and Plantations on Tuesday next. Signed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 23–24d.]
January 13. Whitehall.	13 Council of Trade and Plantations to the King, recommending Thomas Harrison to be a councillor of Barbados in the room of Mr. Peers, deceased. Entry. Signatories, Fitzwalter, M. Bladen, James Brudenell, R. Plumer, T. Pelham, Arthur Croft. ½ p. [C.O. 29, 16, p. 58.]
January 13. Georgia Office.	14 Benjamin Martyn to Capt. James Gascoigne and Capt. Charles Windham. The Trustees being acquainted by Mr. Oglethorpe of the many services you have done the colony of Georgia have voted you their thanks and have no doubt of the continuance of your good offices. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 3.]
January 13. Georgia Office.	15 Harman Verelst to Paul Jenys. By the Brooke, Capt. John Keat, who sailed from England in September last I sent you a cask containing seeds and papers, four tubs of bamboo plants and a box and cask of medicines for Georgia, together with a letter for Mr. Oglethorpe, which had not arrived to 20 November last. If they are still in your hands, return the square box to the Trustees by first opportunity to be delivered by the captain's own hand, return Mr. Oglethorpe's letter to him, and send the seed and other parcels to Mr. Causton. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 3–3d.]
January 14. Georgia Office.	16 Harman Verelst to Thomas Causton, by Mr. Brathwaite on Capt. Nickleson's ship. The Trustees have ordered me to write to Mr. Jenys for the return of a square box sent by the Brooke, Capt. John Keat. [See No. 15.] But if Mr. Jenys has forwarded them to Georgia before he receives my letter, the Trustees desire you will send back the 11 books of sola bills which were in the said box and pack them safe with directions to be forwarded from Charleston to England by first opportunity and delivered to the Trustees by the captain's own hand. You need not mention what they are, though they can be of no use, Mr. Oglethorpe not being in Georgia to endorse them.
	I have enclosed to you the method of sowing the barilla seed. Mr. Oglethorpe desires you will send to Mr. Woodward to furnish to Mr. Horton's order 50l. in cattle or other livestock or to pay that amount for livestock purchased on Mr. Horton's account; and you are to post the same to Mr. Horton's account with the Trustees for labour etc. You are to show Mr. Brathwaite who goes to Charleston by this ship and has a settlement near Georgia what civilities you can at Savannah and in case he shall have occasion for boats or any other conveniences to recommend him to such persons as will use him best and he will pay the charges.
	The Trustees desire you will send up a messenger to the Cherokee Indians to acquaint them the Trustees intend to make them a return for the skins they last sent to Savannah and they would be glad to know what would be most acceptable to them. It is of the greatest service here to know the real situation of Georgia from time to time and the Trustees desire you will for that purpose keep a constant diary of what happens in Georgia and send a copy thereof on every occasion that offers for a regular information. Entry. 1 ½ pp. [C.O. 5, 667, fos. 3d-4.]
January 16. Savannah.	17 Thomas Causton to Trustees for Georgia. Since my last, the Upper Creek Indians have been here to whom I judged there was a necessity to give presents: account thereof enclosed. Effa Mico, Dog King of the 'Euphaulees' having made a complaint as mentioned in my proceedings in the execution of justice, I sent the enclosed orders to Lieut. Willey in the Creek nation. Also enclosed are copies of issues and receipts of stores since Mr. Oglethorpe left to 1st inst., copies of such balanced accounts as I could get hitherto transcribed as well with regard to Mr. Oglethorpe's account when here as those since to the same time, and inventory of stores taken 23 rd November last. The first three months of former accounts are not yet finished but hope to send them per next opportunity. The people are all in good health both here and at the southward but have no material advices at present from any parts. I am very much disappointed in the purchase of provisions, meeting with many promises and few performances, Mr. Bryan in particular who contracted with me having at last sent me only 20 barrels of beef which was so indifferent that at other times I would not have taken it. Mr. Eveleigh has at length sent me about the same quantity and Mr. Woodward still promises to send me a large quantity. To depend on Carolina at any time is very uncertain and the vessels from New York are generally loaded with trifling things. Capt. Ellis from Philadelphia is arrived at Frederica but has brought neither meat nor butter: he has flour and beer but he asks (as I am informed) 14s. per cwt. for his flour and 40s. per barrel for his beer. As I cannot judge at this distance whether it is worth it or not I can only say that I have generally bought here very good flour a York at 9s. 6d. or 10s. per cwt. and beer at 22s. or 23s. per barrel; therefore am not likely to take any of his goods. I have written at the request of Abraham Minoss to his correspondent Jacob Franks at New York empowering him to buy 200 barrels of beef, 50 barrels of pork and 30 firkins of butter, and have undertaken to pay him in present money in expectation that your sola bills will arrive, he being to take them as money. I shall therefore certify the particulars of the goods when received and advise the issuing the bills accordingly. Signed. 1 ½ pp. Enclosed,
	17. i. Same to Alexander Wood; Savannah, 12 January. Effa Mico, Dog King of the 'Euphaulees', has complained that you have frequently killed his cattle and that you have slighted him and treated him ill. In obedience to the Trustees' orders I require you to make him satisfaction two-fold for the injuries you have done him. Mr. Willey is to see that these things are done. Copy. ½ p.
	17. ii. Same to Anthony Willey, dated as preceding, to execute the above order and report. Copy. ¼ p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 114–116d.]
January 1728 (N.S.) Hanover.	18 Philip George Frederick von Reck to James Vernon reporting his arrival in Hanover; has heard the good news of Mr. Oglethorpe's arrival. French. Signed, Reck. 2 small pp. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 100–101d.]
January 17. Antigua.	19 Governor William Mathew to Duke of Newcastle. After all my repeated endeavours to obtain in these islands quarters for H.M.'s regiment stationed among them, I found my solicitations were in vain, and indeed I never saw the condition or the sugar planters reduced so low, even to indigence, though for near 30 years I have been concerned here. I could not afore acknowledge your commands relating to the French settlements on St. Lucia and Dominica. When those orders came to hand the hurricane season was just set in and H.M.'s ships of war, from whom I could best get information on that head, were then laid up in English Harbour. This is the first opportunity since their going again to sea that I have had for informing you that after a pretended show of removing the French from St. Lucia by their general's orders, I cannot find but that they are returned to take off their crops of cotton, and many still remain on that island if not as many as ever. But as for Dominica, they never recalled any of their French from thence that I can learn; but they are daily increasing and even under a form of government with the French general's knowledge if not with his commission. I hope I am not deceived in the accounts I mention about St. Lucia. But your information from Barbados must be very certain, as that island as well as Dominica is within the extent of that government.
	You have been since pleased to order my providing for a son of Major Cleland's: I had formerly given him a gunner's place in this island which with a place he has of waiter in the Custom house is a tolerable maintenance for him. I am now removing him to St. Christopher's to a gunner's post there of double the value of this he has here, and I shall find something else there to add to it very soon. What stops me a little at the present is to contrive with Mr. Dunbar, the surveyor general of the Customs, that he may also be a Custom house waiter there as he is here; and then he will have a handsome competent maintenance. Signed, 2 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 2 April. Extract send to Lord Waldegrave, April 1737. [C.O. 152, 44, fos. 87–88d.]
January 17. Antigua.	20 Same to Council of Trade and Plantations. I now transmit to your secretary a box containing public papers to be laid before you, of which I send him a list. This will serve to enclose an account of a most dangerous conspiracy of the negroes to destroy all the white inhabitants of this island. It is a report of the justices to whose care that discovery was committed and who tried and condemned the 47 conspirators therein mentioned, and is so full that I can add nothing to it but pray you will regard the methods proposed for the future safety of this and other H.M.'s colonies where so great numbers of negroes encourage such dangerous attempts. These gentlemen being quite fatigued and wearied out by a long attendance I was forced to appoint five others to go on with the trials, and since their meeting 25 more negroes have been burnt. I hope they will in good time put an end to these executions; I think they are very numerous. By a law of this island justices of the peace have full power to try and condemn negroes and they too sign all warrants for executions as they have all along done in relation to this conspiracy. The contagion has spread farther among these islands than I apprehend is discovered: by an enclosed affidavit of John Hanson, it actually has taken effect in St. Bartholomew's and is discovered in Anguilla and St. Martin's. Out of this evil Antigua has gained an advantage I have long laboured for in vain: the whole militia now is armed and with bayonets and have been taught the use of them. God preserve the other islands from such an attempt: they are hardly convinced there really was a conspiracy here, their militia undisciplined and almost unarmed. I formerly informed you how I was disappointed in getting bayonets introduced into the militia of St. Christopher's; and in a negro war where you are attacked with despair and greatest rapidity, can a fire keep off multitudes from breaking in upon a few with bills and cutlasses, for these are the negro chief weapons? Is not the bayonet the only weapon to stop such onsets? Till this affair is quite over I cannot leave the island to go down to the others though I hope for very little good from what I shall urge to people in the utmost security. Signed. PS. I enclose William Fisher's deposition relating to a Spanish garde-cote or privateer. She took since a sloop bound from Carolina to Barbados, Higginbottom master, and a sloop from Anguilla bound to Rocas turtling. She is fitted out from Cumana; as the governor there restores a rich New York sloop bound from Madeira to Jamaica at my request, and we have begun a correspondence of civilities, I hope to get again the Anguilla sloop. 3 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 18 March, Read 22 March 1736/7. Enclosed,
	20. i. Affidavit of William Fisher of Antigua, sworn before Governor Mathew in Antigua, 13 November 1736. Deponent was sailing in the Fanny of Antigua, Thomas Nanton master, to St. Vincent; but being obliged by calms to steer far to the south, was taken about 4 September by a Spanish sloop of 69 men. The six white men aboard the Fanny were stripped naked by the Spaniards and severely whipped; one, Timothy Nibbs, was wounded with cutlasses. They were placed by the Spaniards on a desert island called Grand Rocas. Five days later the Spanish ship returned and took another English sloop belonging to Nevis: these men also, deponent understands, were cruelly used. After 4 more days, deponent and company were taken off by a Dutch vessel; but this ship was later taken by the same Spaniards. The Dutch were used with even greater cruelty: the captain's right hand was cut off and in the sight of this deponent. . . (fn. n4) broiled it and made the Dutch captain eat it. The Spaniards finally left deponent and others at Salt Island whence they were taken off by a Dutch ship. Copy, certified by William Mathew. 1 ½ pp.
	20. ii. Affidavit sworn by John Hanson of Antigua before Governor Mathew, in Antigua, 23 December 1736, reporting news that the French governor of St. Martin's, M. Pymon, had been asked to help to suppress a rebellion of negroes in St. Bartholomew's. Such a conspiracy was discovered in St. Martin's also and it was reported that the Anguilla negroes were to join those of St. Martin's. Copy, certified by William Mathew. 1 p. Endorsed, as covering letter.
	20. iii. Antigua, 30 December 1736. Report to Governor Mathew of an enquiry into the negro conspiracy. The slaves chiefly concerned were those born on the Gold Coast whom we style coromantees, led by Court a slave of Thomas Kerby; and those born in the colonies whom we call Creoles, led by Tomboy a mastercarpenter belonging to Thomas Hanson. Court, we are told, was of a considerable family in his own country, brought here at ten years of age, and covertly assumed among his countrymen here the title of king. Both men were well-treated by their masters, Tomboy being allowed to take negro apprentices and make all the profits he could. The other principals were Hercules, Jack, Scipio, Ned, Fortune and Toney, all Creoles except Fortune who was either a Creole or brought here as an infant. The most active incendiaries under Court and Tomboy were Secundi and Jacko, both creoles of French parentage and both initiated into the Roman Catholic religion. Their employments were crafts, overseeing and house-service. When and by whom the design was first begun cannot be certainly fixed; probably it was by Court, and we know that it was in agitation about November 1735. The chief measures taken to corrupt our slaves were entertainments of dancing and feasting under colour of innocent pretences; those corrupted were bound by oaths. A new government was to be established when the whites were extirpated: Court was flattered by all with being king, but the Creoles had privately resolved to settle a commonwealth and make slaves of the coromantees. In order to make proof of numbers Court resolved upon one grand test to be done in daylight by a military dance, of which whites and negroes not in the secret would be spectators yet ignorant of the meaning. It is the custom of Africa when a coromantee king has resolved on war to give public notice that the ikem-dance will be performed. The king appears at the place appointed under a canopy with his officers of state, guards and music, the people forming a semicircle about him. The king then begins the dance, carrying an ikem or shield of wicker and a lance: when fatigued, he delivers the ikem to the next dancer. When several have danced, the king dances again with his general and swears an oath to behave as a brave prince should or forfeit his life. If he is answered by three huzzas from those present it signifies a belief that the king will observe his oath and an engagement to join him in the war. This dance Court exhibited on 3 October last, and took the oath; Tomboy was the greatest of the generals. The bystanding slaves huzzaed three times, the coromantees knowing but the creoles not understanding the engagement entered into. Some of the coromantees, knowing that a war was intended, tried to stop the dance being performed.
	The method first proposed for executing the plot was that Tomboy should procure the making of the seats for a great ball to be held on 11 October last, at which all the people of note in the island would be present. He was to contrive laying gunpowder in the house to be fired when the dancing was in progress. Three or four parties of 300–400 slaves were to enter the town and put the whites to the sword; the forts and shipping in the harbour were to be seized. The ball, however, was put off to 30 October, whereupon some conspirators wished to act immediately; but Court persuaded them to defer action till then. Signs were not wanting of the impending danger, and these led the governor to order an enquiry which led to the discovery of the plot, much owing to the confessions of the various slaves. On the evidence of the facts discovered, the first twelve of the conspirators in the annexed list were executed. Further examination, however, caused us to see that much remained to be done; by various evidences, 35 more slaves were executed and 42 more, the evidence against them being less full, are recommended for banishment. All those executed or recommended for banishment are known to have taken the oath: this was by drinking a health in liquor with grave-dirt and sometimes cock's blood infused, and sometimes the person swearing laid his hand on a live cock. The general tenour of the oath was to kill the whites. The execution of the first twelve did not break the conspiracy, for at least 50 took the oath on 26 October last after the executions.
	We may say with certainty that the particular inducement to the slaves to set this plot on foot, next to the hope of freedom, was the inequality of numbers of white and black. We think gentlemen should reside on their estates; that men of the best figure and fortune should not put slights on the commissions of peace and militia; that slaves should not become craftsmen, overseers or tradesmen; that more of our menial servants should be white; and that no fiddlers for gain, except white, should be suffered. The presence of the King's troops was heartening to us and intimidating to the slaves; we could do with more. A person called Mulatto Jack was brought before us as a criminal slave concerned in the plot: but he alleged that he was free born in Ireland and stolen thence and sold here as a slave. We think he proved his allegation, and we submit it to the legislature whether this mitigates his crime. A free negro named John Coteen and a free mulatto called Tom were likewise charged before us. Jack and Coteen, were slaves' evidence admitted, are undoubtedly guilty; but the evidence against Tom is not strong. As it is not in our power to try free persons we submit their cases to the legislature. We propose that the slaves who made the discovery should be rewarded: this will help to make them more distrustful of one another. We recommend for public consideration the diligence of the following constables, James Hanson, John Bolan, Gustavus Christian, John Libert, Hugh Shewcroft, Mr. Davison, and Richard Jackson. We also pay tribute to you for your encouragement and vigilance in putting the country into the best posture of defence it has ever been in.
	As this horrid conspiracy cannot but be heard of wherever people hold correspondence with Antigua, it will no doubt be variously animadverted upon; and as slavery is the very odium of Englishmen some of our countrymen may do it to our disadvantage. Yet slavery is among us not of choice but of necessity, and unless (as it is not to be imagined) our mother-country should quit the trade of the sugar-colonies Englishmen must continue to be masters of slaves. There were two steps in particular taken by us in our enquiry which might have been excepted to. First, trying the criminals privately and excluding all whites except the constables, and twice or thrice whites who were not masters of slaves. We found our proceedings much retarded by whites asking questions, especially masters of slaves under examination. Secrecy was necessary to prevent the flight of those on whom suspicion might fall. Secondly, admitting slaves to be witnesses after conviction of what we termed a treasonable conspiracy. There is little weight in this. A slave is not a person known by the laws of England, and in the eye of our laws is the same person after conviction as before, being incapable of giving evidence except against each other. Slaves can lose no credit nor have their blood corrupted nor forfeit property nor suffer disability by attainder. By an act of this island it is expressly left to the discretion of the justices to examine slaves as witnesses and to give what credit to his testimony they think it deserves. We always made considerable allowances for the hopes and fears of those under conviction, and we have leaned more to the merciful than the severe. An Act being passed for inflicting torture on persons suspected of the plot, we three times made fruitless experiment thereof, and then declined further use. Signatories, John Vernon, Ashton Warner, Nathaniel Gilbert, Robert Arbuthnot. 8 large pp. List of slaves proposed to be banished, 15 December 1736: 42. Witnesses to be sent off: 7. Slaves executed: 47. Fled from justice: 2. Free negroes in prison: 4. [Names of slaves and owners given.] 2 pp. Certificate by three of the commissioners of the praiseworthy industry of Robert Arbuthnot to whom under God the preservation of all that is dear to us is in great measure due. Antigua, 30 December 1736. Signatories, John Vernon, Ashton Warner, Nathaniel Gilbert. ½ large p. Copy, examined by William Mathew. Endorsed, as covering letter. [C.O. 152, 22, fos. 302–303d, 306–307d, 311–323d.]
January 17. Antigua.	21 Governor William Mathew to Alured Popple, transmitting under care of John Masters, commander of the snow Eagle, minutes of assembly of St. Christopher's, 1 March 1734/5 to 29 November 1735; minutes of council and assembly of Montserrat, 25 June to 25 December 1736; Act of Antigua for better discovery of conspiracies; Act of the same for relief of insolvent debtors; Act of the same for adjourning the four courts of King's Bench and Common Pleas. The negro conspiracy made the first and third of these laws absolutely necessary but how ineffectual the first proved may be seen from the enclosed report on that affair. The Act for the relief of debtors is not the first of the sort made here and is agreeable to the law of England as far as the circumstances of this island would permit. I send also abstracts of certain records of births, marriages and deaths. Signed. PS. I have put also in the box an Act of Antigua for continuing John Yeamans agent for that island for three years longer. I just now learned from Mr. Coope the favourable countenance you show him and Mr. Yeamans on my behalf, for which I ever shall retain a true sense of gratitude. 2 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 18 March, Read 22 March 1736/7. Enclosed,
	21. i. Abstract of christenings and burials in parish of St. Philip, Willoughby Bay, Antigua, 31 October 1733–31 October 1736. Christened: 48 males, 35 females. Buried: 42 males, 24 females. By John Bernonville, clerk, minister of the parish. 1 p.
	21. ii. Same, in parish of Trinity Palmeto Point, St. Christopher's, 30 October 1735–30 October 1736. Baptized, 20. Marriages, 2. Burials, 16. By John Merac, rector. ½ p.
	21. iii. Same, in parish of St. Thomas, Middle Island, St. Christopher's, for same period as ii. Baptized, 32; marriages, 5; burials, 33. By John Merac. ½ p. Endorsed, as covering letter. [C.O. 152, 22, fos. 304–305d, 308–310d.]
January 17.	22 Henry McCulloh to Alured Popple. Governor Johnston by his letter to me seems very desirous of their lordships' opinion of the methods he has taken in collecting the quit rents. Hitherto the planters have paid their arrears of quit rents without considerable opposition but it is now to be feared that as a result of the insinuations made to them that the governor's conduct is not approved they will not pay as readily. It will be necessary that their lordships should express themselves fully on this head before the next collection of quit rents in the spring. Their lordships having approved the erection of a court of exchequer, they should order the governor to put the laws of that court in execution against those who refuse to pay their quit rents. They should also take notice immediately of the long established practice of the people of the colony of boxing pine trees for turpentine and burning light wood for pitch without taking out any regular patents for the lands, which has been of great disservice to H.M.'s revenue. There are many people in the colony who bear great resentment against the governor on this account, believing that what he has done to stop them destroying the King's woods is not by virtue of instructions from their lordships but proceeds from an arbitrary disposition in himself. The governor in his letter to me also mentions the necessity of continuing the assembly longer than two years; in the unsettled state of the colony frequent elections would introduce great disturbances amongst the people. The privilege claimed in the biennial assembly of meeting without any writ or summons from the governor appears very extraordinary and entirely inconsistent with H.M.'s privileges. Governor Johnston begs that his letter be taken into consideration by their lordships as soon as possible as there will be an opportunity of replying by way of Virginia in about ten days. In case their lordships should disapprove of any part of the governor's conduct (which I hope they will not) they are asked to write two letters to the governor, one containing only such things as are approved, and the other containing such matters as their lordships are pleased to direct in a private manner Signed, 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 17 January, Read 11 February 1736/7. [C.O. 5 295 fos 72, 72d, 75, 75d.]
January 18. Whitehall.	23 Alured Popple to Governor Jonathan Belcher. The Council of Trade and Plantations have received a petition from Samuel Graves of Kingston, New Hampshire, to Col. Dunbar, lieut.-governor of that province, complaining of hard treatment in having been dispossessed of his house and land in Kingston by virtue of a judgment obtained at the suit of some of the inhabitants of Haverhill in Essex county, Massachusetts, in May 1734 at the superior court of the said county, copy of the said petition is sent enclosed. It appears by the petition that the house and land in question are not within the bounds of Massachusetts and that even yourself had suspended the judgment of that court until the boundaries between the two provinces should be adjusted upon a supposition at least that there might be some doubt as to the situation of the said lands. Their lordships therefore are extremely surprised that you should afterwards take off your order of suspension and direct the putting the judgment of the court in execution upon a single suggestion of your own and without the least foundation, that the boundary lines would never be settled; they desire your immediate answer to this petition and that until the lines are settled you will prevent the courts of either of the provinces under your government to intermeddle in the affairs of the other upon any pretence whatsoever. Entry, 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 917, fo. 81, 81d; draft in C.O. 5, 897, fos. 121–122d.]
January 19. Whitehall.	24 Same to Lieut.-Governor David Dunbar, enclosing No. 23. Take care that the same may be delivered to Governor Belcher. For your own information I send you a copy. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 917, fo. 82; draft in C.O. 5, 896, fos. 89–90d.]
January 19. Whitehall.	25 Same to Governor Richard Philipps. It appearing by a letter from Captain Lee, governor of Newfoundland, 25 September last, that your company at Placentia is entirely unprovided with smallarms, an extract of the said letter is sent for your information. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 195, 7, p. 404.]
January 19. Palace Court.	26 Minutes of Common Council of Georgia. Ordered, that six bills of exchange drawn by Mr. Oglethorpe 22 October 1736 for provisions amounting to 475l. 13s. 11 ½d. payable to Robert Ellis be accepted and paid when due; notice was taken that the bills were drawn 27 days after the advertisement in the South Carolina Gazette that the Trustees would pay no more bills but sola bills, Mr. Oglethorpe acquainting the board that he was then at Frederica and had then no notice of the advertisement. Another bill drawn by Mr. Oglethorpe 20 September 1736 for 100l. to Capt. Macpherson to be also accepted and paid when due. The board considering the bill for 500l. drawn by Mr. Oglethorpe 11 May 1736 payable to Samuel Eveleigh or order which was protested for non-payment pursuant to the refusal of the Common Council of 4 August last, and Mr. Oglethorpe having acquainted the Common Council that the said bill was drawn to prevent the Spaniards being supplied with guns and duffels for the Indians and that part of the guns and duffels bought had been delivered in Georgia and applied in presents to the Indians in friendship with the English and that the residue was at Charleston ready to be delivered on a future occasion for presents for the Indians or other purposes; ordered, that the accountant pay the said bill and Mr. Oglethorpe account for the same as above.
	Louis Gammot of Louisiana of the Troupes Detachées de la Marine having been examined by the Trustees and having given an account of the French settlements and the engagements between the Chickesaws and French; ordered, that two guineas be given him. Resolved, that Ferdinand John Paris be appointed solicitor for the Trustees in their cause with the government of South Carolina upon the representation of the latter about the Act for maintaining peace with the Indians in Georgia. Resolved, that Mr. Solicitor General Ryder, Mr. Murray, Mr. Charles Clarke of Lincoln's Inn, and Mr. Taylor White be retained as counsel in the said cause. Resolved, that 1000l. be paid into the hands of Aid. Heathcote; signed a draft on the Bank of England for the same. Signed a draft on the Bank of England for 600l. for payment of sola bills. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 690, pp. 45–48.]
January 19. Palace Court.	27 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Received, a receipt from the bank for 1l. 1s., benefaction of John Brathwaite, for general purposes. Read, representation to H.M. relating to lieut.-governor, council and assembly of South Carolina having opposed the execution of an Act of peace with the Indians in Georgia; sealed the same, secretary to countersign. The Board considering a minute of the S.P.G. of 19 November 1736 suspending salary to the missionary in Georgia, an answer thereto was drawn up to be sent to the said society, secretary to sign. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 686, pp. 347–348.]
January 19.	28 Trustees for Georgia to Society for Propagating Gospel in Foreign Parts. The Trustees at this time maintain two missionaries and a catechist at their own charge in Georgia; they had hoped for encouragement from the S.P.G. or at least that it would not have suspended payment of salary to the missionary in Georgia before knowing what resolutions the Trustees had come to. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 670, p. 297.]
January 19.	29 Petition of Trustees for Georgia to the King, complaining of the obstruction by the government of South Carolina of the Act for maintaining peace with the Indians in Georgia. They have passed an illegal ordinance for raising 2000l. to indemnify traders from South Carolina in their contempts of this Act. Thomas Wright, a transported convict, was employed as a licenced trader from Charleston to animate the Indians against your subjects. Petitioners pray for orders to preserve the peace. Entry. 1 ½ pp. [C.O. 5, 670, pp. 295–296.]
January 19. St. James's.	30 Order of King in Council, on report from Committee for Plantation Affairs, appointing John Roynon and Randal Fenton to be councilors in Montserrat in the room of Anthony Hodges and John Roberts. Copy, certified by W. Sharpe. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16 May, Read 24 May 1737. [C.O. 152, 22, fos. 341, 341d 346, 346d.]
January 19. St. James's.	31 Same, approving a report from the Committee for Plantation Affairs and appointing Samuel Burrows and Samuel Spofferth to be councilors in Bermuda, vice Trimmingham and Shirlock, deceased. Copy, certified by W. Sharpe. 1 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 16 May, Read 24 May 1737. [C.O. 37, 12, fos. 233–234d; warrants in C.O. 324, 37, pp. 41–42.]
January 21. Whitehall.	32 Order of Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs referring the flowing eleven Acts passed in Massachusetts in 1735–6 to Council of Trade and Plantations for examination and report. Signed, W. Sharpe. Seal. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd., Read 2 February 1736/7. Enclosed,
	32. i. Certificate that the following Acts were passed: Acts for more effectual regulating private trade with the Eastern and Western Indians; in addition to Acts for support of ministers; for more effectual collecting excise on strong liquors; for explanation of an Act for relief of poor prisoners for debt; more effectually to prevent the counterfeiting bills of credit; to empower collectors of taxes to require aid; to prevent unnecessary petitions; to prevent the destruction of fish called alewives; for granting to Rowland Houghton of Boston the sole privilege of making the new theodolite; for granting 3000l. for support of the governor; for altering the time of holding the superior court, court of assize and general gaol delivery in county of York. Signed, J. Belcher, J. Willard, secretary. Seal. 1 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd, from Mr. Wilks, 15 December 1736.
	32. ii. Copies of the above Acts. Printed. 10 pp. [C.O. 5, 879, fos. 96–104d.]
January 21. Whitehall.	33 Order of Committee of Privy Council for Plantation Affairs referring the following to Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, W. Sharpe. Seal. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 31 January, Read 1 February 1736/7. Enclosed,
	33.1. Petition of George Morley, James Wedderburn, Thomas Gadsden, William Saxby senior, William Saxby junior, and Samuel Wheatley, patent and warrant officers in South Carolina, to be heard against an Act passed there in May last for ascertaining the fees of public officers. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 365, fos. 183–185d.]
January 23. Stanwell.	34 Governor Richard Philipps to [Alured Popple (fn. n5) ]. I received your letter with copy of report from Capt. Lee setting forth that the company of my regiment in the garrison of Placentia are entirely without smallarms, which report (as he is pleased to express it in an ill natured way) I must say cannot be true in fact unless the late captain, Mr. Gledhill, hath sold them. It is very probable the arms of that company may be defective at this time and want repairing or perhaps renewing which would certainly have been done three years ago when I furnished a set of new arms to the other companies of my regiment in Annapolis Royal and Canso if I had been made acquainted with their defect. I intend to wait on their lordships as soon as I am able, being at present confined with a great pain and lameness in my knee, with a further answer to Mr. Lee's report. Signed. 1 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 23 January, Read 26 January 1736/7. [C.O. 194, 10, fos. 45, 45d, 51, 51d.]
[January 25.]	35 Memorial of Peregrine Fury, agent of South Carolina, to Council of Trade and Plantations, requesting the postponement of the hearing of the case of the injuries done to South Carolina by the magistrates and people of Georgia. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd., Read 25 January 1736/7. [C.O. 5, 365, fos. 179, 179d, 182, 182d.]
January 25.	36 Extract of letter from Committee of Assembly in South Carolina to Mr. Fury, agent to the province. The lieut.-governor has received advice from Commodore Dent at Jamaica of a formidable force intended by the Spaniards against Georgia; he has sent particulars to the Duke of Newcastle. It is the desire of the general assembly that you should wait on such of H.M.'s ministers as you judge proper to assure them that this province will exert their utmost strength in defence of Georgia. But it will be absolutely necessary for you to represent to them at the same time the weak and defenceless condition of the province and how incapable we are of helping ourselves. Our taxes are already become almost insupportable and it will be with the greatest difficulty that we shall be able to raise new supplies since our present currency will decrease so fast and we have no hopes of more but from H.M.'s goodness in assenting to the Act passed by the late assembly. We must not presume to point out the method in which we are to be assisted, but if our informations are just, and we think we have no reason to question them, the Spaniards are preparing a much superior force to any that we can raise. The ships of war which are on this or the northern stations consist of 20 guns only: the Spaniards at Havana have ships of 70 guns and great numbers of men ready to embark on the first notice. From the west end of Cuba to Georgia is a short and easy passage. If Georgia or this province should be lost to the crown of Great Britain the northern colonies will not be in the easiest situation. It must be left to H.M.'s wisdom to determine how far they ought to contribute to our defence. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 388, fo. 139.]
January 25. Whitehall.	37 Council of Trade and Plantations to Duke of Newcastle, enclosing copies of two letters received from President Hamilton of New Jersey and Mr. Morris; minutes of council; and other papers transmitted to us from thence. By a clause in the commission to the governor of New Jersey, in case of the governor's death or absence out of the province, if no person is commissioned by H.M. to be lieut.-governor or commander-in-chief, the eldest councillor whose name is first placed in the instructions and who shall at the time of the death or absence of the governor be residing in the province of New Jersey shall take upon him the administration of the government until the governor's return or the King's further pleasure be known. By the 10th article of the King's instructions to his governor of New Jersey the place of any councillor absent above a year without the governor's leave or above two years without the King's leave shall become void. When Col. Cosby died Mr. Morris had been in England above a year without the governor's leave as appears by the report of the council of that province here enclosed. Mr. Anderson therefore being the first councillor residing in the province took upon him the government according to the King's commission and held the same until his death, when Mr. Hamilton on 31 March 1736, the next eldest councillor and who was at that time residing in the province, took the government into his hands by the advice of the council and at the same time qualified himself for the administration thereof.
	On 20 October last Mr. Morris who had been absent for nearly two years from the Jerseys demanded in council there that the administration of the government should be delivered to him, which having been refused by Mr. Hamilton the present commanderin-chief of New Jersey, we acquaint you that in our opinion Mr. Hamilton being in possession of the administration of the government of New Jersey in express conformity to H.M.'s commission, he cannot without a breach of his duty give up the same to any person whatsoever until H.M.'s pleasure shall be known. We are likewise of opinion that Mr. Morris has forfeited his seat in the council of New Jersey unless he may have obtained any licence of leave unknown to us for the time he has been absent from his duty in that province and therefore very improper in his demand of the government from Mr. Hamilton.
	As Mr. Morris has taken upon him in a very unwarrantable manner to issue proclamations and attempt other acts of government by which parties and divisions may be very much fomented and increased in that province we desire you will lay this affair before H.M. to receive his commands thereupon, by which the peace of the province may be restored. Signed, Fitzwalter, T. Pelham, M. Bladen, Edward Ashe, Orlando Bridgeman. 3 ½ pp. Enclosed,
	37. i. Extract of letter from President John Hamilton to Council of Trade and Plantations, 22 November 1736. [See Cal. S.P. Col. 1735–36, No. 458.] Copy. 1 p.
	37. ii. Shrewsbury, New Jersey, 5 November 1736; Lewis Morris to Council of Trade and Plantations. A few days after my arrival at New York, I went to Perth Amboy in New Jersey where I stayed some time before such of the council as were alive and able to travel could be got together. I had heard that when they received an account of my arrival at Boston they had entered into a combination not to deliver to me the seals and other insignia of the government on a pretence that my place was void in council by my being absent in England. But as I went thither to solicit my restoration to an office I was deprived of by Mr. Cosby for reasons which upon a hearing were reported to be insufficient, I could not conceive that absence to be within the meaning of H.M.'s 10th and 11th instructions; and this I thought pretty clearly determined in my favour by H.M.'s additional instruction to me and did not believe they would venture to dispute an authority that to me appeared to be indisputable. Enclosed copy of minutes of council and letter or report of the four councillors show that I was not misinformed and the printed proclamation herewith sent in which they have omitted H.M.'s direction to me (which it appears by the minute of council they were not ignorant of) shows some of the lengths they have ventured to go in opposition to H.M.'s authority.
	You have herewith copies of two proclamations I have published, the one for the adjournment of the assembly, the other in obedience to H.M.'s instruction as is therein recited. These they have taken down in several places and in others threatened imprisonment to any that would set them up. And one Skinner, a missionary from the S.P.G., being at this place to bury one Forbes, a missionary to this country, forbade the clerk of the church on his peril to read or publish in the church the proclamation concerning the form of prayers notwithstanding my orders to the clerk for that purpose. This the clerk said, and I ordered one of my sons to read it.
	The province is very much divided and distracted on this occasion and though I do believe that I could and lawfully might raise force enough to overcome any opposition yet in a young country as this is I choose to decline the use of violent measures unless compelled by necessity, submitting the whole to H.M. Copy. 2 ½ pp.
	37. iii. Perth Amboy, 25 October 1736. Proclamation by President Lewis Morris adjourning the assembly of New Jersey to 16 November next. Copy. 1 p.
	37. iv. Same place and date as preceding. Proclamation by the same of H.M.'s additional instruction to President Lewis Morris concerning form of public prayers. Copy. 2 ½ pp.
	37. v. New Brunswick, 29 October 1736. Proclamation by President John Hamilton directing that no attention be paid to the proclamations of Lewis Morris and requiring that the form of public prayers contained in an additional instruction surreptitiously obtained by Lewis Morris should be observed. Copy. 5 ½ pp.
	37. vi. Extract of minutes of council of New Jersey, 31 March 1736. It was the unanimous opinion of the board that John Hamilton take upon himself the administration of the government. Copy. 1 ½ pp.
	37. vii. Same, 20, 21, 29 October 1736, recording confirmation of previous decision that John Hamilton should be president and order for the arrest of Lewis Morris for emitting proclamations. Copy. 15 pp. [C.O. 5, 980, fos. 94–119d; entry of covering letter in C.O. 5, 996, pp. 394–398.]
January 25. Whitehall.	38 Alured Popple to Benjamin Martyn. Mr. Fury, agent for South Carolina, has received directions from Carolina not to proceed on the complaint against the magistrates of Georgia until he has received further instructions and proofs from the assembly of South Carolina. Consideration of this matter has therefore been postponed. Signed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 25–26d; entry in C.O. 5, 401, pp. 197–198.]
January 26. Whitehall.	39 Same to Francis Fane, enclosing Act passed in North Carolina during the government of the late Lords Proprietors relating to biennial and other assemblies and regulating elections and members, together with a memorial from Mr. Smith, chief justice of that province, presented in 1732 relating to that and others laws of that province. (fn. n6) I am to desire your opinion whether the above Act, which does not appear to us to have been confirmed by the Lords Proprietors, is not by virtue of the constitutions and instructions mentioned in Mr. Smith's memorial of itself void and of none effect. Your opinion in point of law is requested thereon, on the difficulties mentioned in Mr. Smith's memorial and whether the aforesaid constitutions continued in force since the King made the purchase of the province. Entry. 1 ½ pp. [C.O. 5, 323, fo. 126, 126d
January 26. Palace Court.	40 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Mr. Vernon delivered copy of letter from S. Urlsperger dated Augsburg, 15 January 1737 (n.s.). [(See No. 3.] Ordered, that a letter be sent to Mr. Bolzius at Ebenezer to this purport. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 686, p. 349.]
January 26. Whitehall.	41 Order of Committee of Privy Council for Plantation Affairs referring the enclosed to Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, W. Sharpe. Seal 1 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 7 February, Read 8 February 1736/7. Enclosed,
	41. i. Petition of Sebastian Zouberbuhler of the canton of Appenzell in Switzerland for a grant of land in South Carolina for the settlement of Protestant families. [See A.P.C (Colonial Series), 1720–45, p. 547.] 6 ½ pp. [C.O. 5, 365, fos. 186–191d.]
January 26. Whitehall.	42 Council of Trade and Plantations to Duke of Newcastle enclosing the following. Signed, Fitzwalter, Orlando Bridgeman, James Brudenell, Arthur Croft, R. Plumer, 1 p. Enclosed,
	42. i. Extract of letter from Lieut.-Governor Clarke to Council of Trade and Plantations, 27 November 1736. [See Cat. S.P. Col., 1735–36, No. 470.] 9 pp. [C.O. 5, 1086, fos. 125–133d; entry of covering letter in C.O. 5, 1126, fo. 20.]
January 28. Georgia Office. Westminster.	43 Benjamin Martyn to Alured Popple. The Trustees for Georgia very much regret the postponement from 8 February of the hearing of the complaints by South Carolina against the magistrates of Savannah; especially since the delay is indefinite, so that living evidence may be lost. They hope that a short day may be appointed for the hearing. No evidence to support the accusations has yet been produced. Delay was requested only when it became known that Mr. Oglethorpe had left for England with evidence to disprove the charges. Signed. 3 ½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 28 January, Read 1 February 1736/7. [C.O. 5, 365, fos. 180181d; entry in C.O. 5, 667, fos. 4d-5.]
January 28. Georgia Office.	44 Benjamin Martyn to Henry Newman. Mr. Vernon has laid before the Trustees for Georgia the copy of Mr. Urlsperger's letter of 15 January 1737. The Trustees in a letter to Mr. von Reck dated 27 July 1734 desired that the Salzburghers would send over a specification of their estates movable and immovable which they left behind them at Salzburgh and a proper authority to the Trustees or other persons they should think proper to receive the same for them. They have likewise given directions for a letter to be sent to Mr. Bolzius to the said purpose, they not having yet received any answer to their tormer. Their present circumstances will not allow them to think of sending any more Salzburghers as yet to Georgia. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 5d.]
January 31.	45 Petition of Richard Partridge, agent for New Jersey, to the King setting forth the disputes now in New Jersey between Lewis Morris and John Hamilton both of whom claim to be president. Petitioner understands that the Council of Trade and Plantations have reported to H.M. in favour of a separate government for New Jersey and prays, for the ending of this controversy, that the King will consider this. Signed. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 980, fos. 92–93d.]
[January 31.] February 11 (N.S.). Geneva.	46 Jean Jacques de Lacorbiere, a naturalized Englishman, to James Oglethorpe, offering services for a settlement in Georgia of persons of Geneva, all Protestants and good men. They are well versed in military affairs. Five hundred or thousand persons of both sexes could make the settlement or more if desired. I expect the same advantages for myself as Mr. Purry had in the settlement of Purrysburgh. I have discussed this plan with an Englishman, Stanton Degge, now in England; but I will come to London for further discussions if you wish. Signed. PS. One Milenet of this town is also soliciting through a Frenchman named Bousquet. I hope that if a colony is to be settled of persons from this country I shall be honoured with the preference. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 184–185d.]