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December 17.
New York. |
638 Lieut.-Governor George Clarke to Duke of Newcastle. Yesterday the assembly broke up for this session after having made provision for the payment of the deficiencies of the last revenue and laid a foundation for a future one by striking paper money (which was much wanted) to be let out on interest, and by giving some smaller duties than formerly on the import of merchandise. But the application of those funds for the future support of government they have referred to the next sitting. This morning I received an express from Albany acquainting me that William Dick, captain of one of the independent companies posted there, died 10th inst. Mr. Nicholl, captain-lieutenant of the company commanded by the late governor, having in the most earnest manner desired my leave to go home on this occasion, I have given it him, hoping it may receive your approbation. He has served long in the army, the greatest part of the last war in Flanders and many years here, where he has behaved himself very well and presumes to hope from his long services for your protection, to which I recommend him. Signed. 2 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 6 February by Lieut. Nichols. [C.O. 5, 1094, fos. 38–39d.] |
December 17.
Boston. |
639 Governor Jonathan Belcher to Council of Trade and Plantations, transmitting proceedings of council and house of representatives of New Hampshire in the two last sessions, 4 August to 20 October, in which time H.M.'s commissioners sat on the affair of the boundaries between the two provinces and gave time to both assemblies to be heard at large; and finally the assembly of Massachusetts entered their appeal to H.M. in Council from the judgement of the commissioners. But you will find by the enclosed records that the council and representatives of New Hampshire could not agree to an appeal or to the raising of money for further prosecuting the affair; so, agreeable to the desire and advice of the council, I prorogued the general assembly of New Hampshire. I enclose copy of a conference held by my order in October last at Fort Dummer (on the western frontiers of this province) with the Cagnawaga Indians (commonly called the French Mohawks) which I hope has strengthened their friendship and will tend to the better security of H.M.'s good subjects of this province. The assembly is now sitting and I send you the journal so far as it is printed. They have joined to their stated agent (Mr. Wilks) one Mr. Quincey of H.M.'s council and one of the justices of the superior court for this province, as also Mr. Partridge of London; and these three gentlemen have it in their special charge from the assembly here to prosecute the affair of the boundaries before H.M. in Council, to which I wish a happy issue that the two provinces may for the future live in peace and good neighbourhood. Signed. 4 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 19 January, Read 10 February 1737/8. Enclosed, |
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639. i. Report of conference with the delegates of Cagnawaga Indians held at Fort Dummer in October 1737. Pledges of a renewal of the covenant of peace and unity made at Deerfield two years ago were exchanged. Copy, certified by J. Belcher. Signatories, John Stoddard, Eleazer Porter, Thomas Wells, Joseph Kellogg, Israel Williams, commissioners. 4 small pp. Endorsed, as covering letter. |
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639. ii. Proceedings of council and house of representatives of New Hampshire, 10 August-2 September 1737 and 13 October-20 October 1737. Copy, certified by J. Belcher and sealed by Richard Waldron, secretary. 17 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 19 January 1737/8. [See also 640 iii.] |
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639. iii. Proceedings of general court of New Hampshire for same dates as preceding. Copy, certified and sealed as preceding. 6 small pp. Endorsed, as preceding. [Sec also 640 i.] [C.O. 5, 880, fos. 91–112d.] |
December 17.
Boston. |
640 Same to Duke of Newcastle. [In substance same as No. 639.] Signed. 4 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 7 March 1737/8. Enclosed, |
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640.i. Supplementary to 639 iii. 7 pp. |
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640. ii. Copy, of 639 i. 4 pp. |
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640. iii. Supplementary to 639 ii. 18 pp. |
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640. iv. Minutes of council and general assembly of New Hampshire held at Hampton Falls by adjournment, 2 September 1737 and 20 October 1737. Copy, attested by Richard Waldron and certified by J. Belcher. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 899, fos. 298–322d.] |
| December 20. |
641 Case relating to the granting of royal mines in Jamaica, with the opinion of the Attorney-General thereon. The grantees under the grant of 6 Geo. I [See No. 606] so far from having opened or worked any mine in Jamaica have never to this hour made any attempt to find or dig any mine in the said island or made any other use of the grant than to pick the pockets of H.M.'s unwary subjects in Exchange Alley by setting up to sale and disposing of their interest by way of shares to all such as they could decoy, it being one of the reigning bubbles of that time. Queries: (1) whether the grant of 6 Geo. I be now void or only voidable, and whether it must be repealed by scire facias; (2) whether the words of the governor's commission to grant lands are sufficient to impower him to grant mines; (3) if these words are insufficient, whether any new power given by instructions would be sufficient; (4) if this power cannot be given to the governor by his instructions, must a new commission be passed under the great seal for this purpose, and whether a grant could be overturned under the grant of 6 Geo. I; (5) whether the governor being impowered to grant royal mines can grant those that may lie under land already granted. Opinions: (1) the lease is plainly void; (2) insufficient; (3) if H.M. by instructions under signet or sign manual or by order-in-council direct the governor to grant royal mines, I think he will have a power to do so; (4) grants by the governor in pursuance of powers given him could not be so overturned; (5) I conceive that he can, the former grants not including royal mines. Signed, D. Ryder, 9 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 22 December 1737, Read 11 January 1737/8. [C.O. 137, 22, fos. 153–158d] |
December 20.
Savannah. |
642 William Stephens to Trustees for Georgia. I wrote you 26 October from Charleston and from hence 2 November; the last of them, which was sent immediately hence on my arrival, came to Charleston too late to go by the same ship with the former and was sent afterwards via Bristol by another. Having taken due precaution before I left Charleston to be timely informed when the next first ship would go for London, I purposed then to begin such a regular narrative of my proceedings here as I apprehend is expected and shall endeavour punctually to observe. But a sudden emergency will not admit of that regularity I wished, my duty obliging me to break through it lest I should prefer method to substance. |
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There having been a breach of friendship subsisting a pretty while between Mr. Wesley and Mr. Causton which, after various effects it produced, at last animated Mr. Wesley to leave the province and go to Carolina with intent to make the best of his way for England, Mr. Causton, from thence conceiving that he might have some advantage in first representing his case viva voce to the Trustees after such manner as to prepossess their opinions, thought it behoved him to be as early as he, if possible, in laying his case before the board also, and then willingly relying on their impartial judgements. Upon telling me his intention and my saying that we had got no advice of any ship being near upon sailing, he told me that he resolved nevertheless to send his papers to a friend in Charleston without loss of time, fearing the worst that some opportunity might be slipped. Upon this I thought it incumbent on me also to write something to the same purpose that might accompany it and therein observe such matters as I collected from the most unprejudiced persons of what passed relating to it before I came, as well as lay before you the truth of what I have seen since. It is universally known that the differences betwixt Mr. Wesley and Mr. Causton arose this summer last past and first broke out upon Miss Sophia Hopkins (niece to Mr. Causton) her marriage with one Mr. Williamson, a young man bred partly as a clerk under his uncle, Joseph Taylor of Bridewell, and sent over hither in the summer 1736; whom Mr. Causton observing to have some good qualifications, he employed him in writing and transacting particular business, not publicly as a clerk in the stores but as a domestic whom possibly he might have a confidence in more than the ordinary writers. In which way I left him when I returned for England the latter end of last year; and from thence ensued this conjunction which proved a disappointment to Mr. Wesley who had an intention of marrying her himself. |
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It is to be observed here that Mr. Wesley who constantly administered the sacrament at the church weekly on Sundays and generally on most saints' days in the year to such few as could be wrought on to communicate so frequently, had at times set apart for that purpose in the evening some pious women who resorted to his house for exhortation and their better edification, among whom Miss Hopkins usually was one. But after her marriage, neglecting so strict a course of life, Mr. Wesley wrote to her admonishing her of her relapse from duty and persuading her to return to her former practice of coming to those private meetings. This her husband would not allow but absolutely forbade her assembling in that manner, and soon after, upon her refusing so to do (for what other reason I could not yet learn) when she came to the next communion Mr. Wesley refused her the sacrament; whereat her husband, enraged, brought his action the next court against Mr. Wesley for great damages, to which Mr. Wesley pleaded that it was not cognizable only before an ecclesiastical court. Afterwards upon some affidavit made and a court holden, a very full grand jury was summoned consisting of 44 of the principal inhabitants without distinction of persons as appeared plainly by the sequel: for after a charge given them to enquire into all offences, and this affair of Mr. Wesley's amongst the rest, they not only made a presentment against him but also drew up a long representation of grievances (as they judged them) wherein they were as free with Mr. Causton as anyone. All which I understand was sent by them to be laid before you, as I presume it is, wherefore it best becomes me to say no more on that head, especially being of matters past before I came and for that reason can assert nothing but as it is reported. And now open defiance seemed to be given out by Mr. Wesley on one part and the magistrates on the other, most of the malcontents acceding to Mr. Wesley and many others (I must say of the best note and distinction) strenuously adhering to the magistrates, resolving at all adventures to support them in the exercise of their authority for the preservation of the whole notwithstanding any personal pique which possibly might exist against either of them. |
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In this miserably divided state did I find the town at my arrival; and how great soever Mr. Wesley's resentment was against Mr. Causton's family I was really sorry to see it shown in abetting an angry set of people against the civil magistrates whom they appeared determined to overthrow (if possible) at any rate; and the great resort of those folks to Mr. Wesley's house for advice as well as his frequent appearing in court and openly espousing an opposition to the proceedings of it (though it no way concerned himself) plainly showed him the head of that party. Mr. Bradley's joining them is the less to be wondered at from that irreconcileable difference which has so long subsisted betwixt him and Mr. Causton, to give a just detail of which would fill a volume and is neither consistent with my present necessary brevity nor can I take upon me to unravel the whole and put it in a just light without the hazard of injuring one or the other. Mr. Oglethorpe before his departure hence had a full hearing of what each alleged and it was hoped his good advice and the directions which he left would have had due effect. But enmity soon broke out again and has more and more increased ever since. I fear Mr. Bradley's aim is an entire independency, and consequently whenever Mr. Causton does not readily comply with his demands he is offended. I was once present on such an occasion since I came, when Mr. Bradley set forth the hardships he sustained by having so great a family to maintain and Mr. Causton's withholding what he had a just title to, affirming that the Trust was indebted to him above 400l. sterling for his servants' work on their lands besides many other articles. Mr. Causton produced copy of the Trust agreement with him which he said he fulfilled in keeping his account open and was ready to supply him at any time with stores of all sorts upon Mr. Bradley's only certifying to him that it was for the Trustees' service. Mr. Bradley urged that he wanted money as well as provisions, and upon the other's asking him how much, he said less than 100l. would do him no service. Mr. Causton replied that the money sent him was so appropriated that he could not go that length but to show his readiness to assist him he would stretch a point and venture to let him have 20l., which Mr. Bradley seemed to despise and went off. Hence (as I take it) arises the spring of Mr. Bradley's uneasiness, thinking Mr. Causton does not do him justice. But it will require an impartial inquisitor to lay open the truth which appears too much perplexed for me readily to unfold. |
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My first care after my arrival was to appear wholly neuter, endeavouring in all conversation to show the great injury accruing to the colony by thus falling into parties and thereby weakening ourselves when we have need to unite. Several families I took upon me to visit whom I had formerly known well-affected but lately led aside by the artifice of others who (I prevailed with some of them to believe) only made use of them as tools to serve their own ends, assuring them that the Trustees' ears were always open to any complaints which if well-founded they would most readily redress, but if they went another way to work, thinking to take the power of rectifying what they thought amiss into their own hands, they would certainly find themselves mistaken. By these means I began to find I had made some impression and to conceive good hopes I should see all this ferment subside again in time and the misled people drop those who imposed on them by filling their heads with false tales and idle suggestions. Whilst things stood thus a private interview happened betwixt Mr. Wesley and Mr. Causton which being present at myself I noted it in my journal of 23 November and which I have made a transcript of: 'Nov. 23. Mr. Wesley having sent to Mr. Causton for a copy of some papers occasioned by their falling out, Mr. Causton sent him word that if he would come to him or give him an opportunity of a few words he would give him copies of anything he asked; and Mr. Wesley thereupon sending him word he would wait on him after dinner Mr. Causton desired me to be present and hear what passed. When they met some marks of resentment were easily discoverable from their words, as might be expected betwixt two people at variance, recriminating on each other, wherein I really thought Mr. Causton most vehement alleging high provocations (too long to insert here) which I presume he lays fully open before the Trustees, as it is likewise to be presumed Mr. Wesley does on his part. What I thought most worth my observing therefore was that though the parson appeared more temperate in the debate, yet he showed a greater aversion to a coalition than the other, for Mr. Causton very readily told him (after the first heat was over) that to show his disposition to an accommodation he should find him come to church again and willing to pass over several things that seemed to obstruct a good understanding with one another. But no such advances were made (as I could find) by Mr. Wesley who by his replies seemed to be of opinion that a reconciliation was hardly possible. However, from what had happened I hoped this beginning might lead on to a further step the same way and end well at last. They parted with mutual civilities'. |
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After this had passed, the very next morning Mr. Wesley fixed up an advertisement publicly to declare his intention of going soon for England which indeed surprised me and showed that no coalition now could ever be expected and the following transcript of my journal of 2 and 3 December fully relates all that I can say of him more: |
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'December 2. This being the day of Mr. Wesley's intended going off, the magistrates met and he sent them a very short letter of two lines, unsealed, acquainting them that some matters of moment required his waiting on the Trustees, and he desired to know if they had any design to stop him. To which they returned a verbal answer by the same messenger importing that since he did not think fit to enter into a recognizance for his appearing at the court to answer what was there alleged against him they could not give up the authority of the court. After which they fixed up public notice to all constables and tithingmen, in case he attempted to go off, to apprehend him or any person who should aid and assist him therein'. |
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'December 3. Notwithstanding all the precaution that was taken it was known this morning that Mr. Wesley went off in the night and with him Coates, a constable, Gough, a tithingman, and one Campbell, a barber. This surprised most people (even many of those who wished him best) that he should take such company with him, for there could scarce be found men more obnoxious. Coates more especially was and had been a long while one of the principal fomenters of all mischief, a busy fellow always taking upon him in court to be an advocate or pleader for any delinquent, going from house to house with idle stories to fill people's heads with jealousies and distinguishing himself for a most inveterate opposition to all rules of government, all which was evident to myself as well from what I had observed when here formerly as more especially now since my arrival. Moreover, he was greatly accountable to the Trustees in divers articles as well as indebted to many people, and to add to all this he had never improved one foot of land since he came to the province or built anything more than a very mean hut in the town. Gough was also an idle fellow, pert and impudent in his behaviour, always (of late) kicking against the civil power and making it his business to inflame a sedition. He likewise had little to show of any improvement more than setting up the shell of a house which he never finished though (if I am rightly informed) he has received considerable favour to enable him, and now went off in many people's debt, leaving a wife and child behind who even in this forlorn state scarcely grieve at his absence since he used to beat them more than feed them. Campbell was an insignificant loose fellow, fit for any leader who would make a tool of him and all the visible motive at present to be found for his going off was in so doing to escape his creditors. As I was always ready and willing in conversation or otherwise to make allowances for Mr. Wesley's failings or mistakes in policy and (out of respect to his function) careful not to run hastily into an entire belief of all that I hear laid to his charge, I was now asked by divers in a sneering way what my sentiments were of him, which indeed puzzled me. Noscitur ex sociis was the common byword, and all I had to say was that he must stand or fall by himself when his cause came before the Trustees'. |
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I think it a misfortune upon me at present that the haste used now to accompany Mr. Causton's packet will not allow me to send a full copy of my journal wherein I have been so minutely particular in most cases as to swell it (I fear) to too large a volume. But I hope very soon to send it entire as it is together with what other affairs were given me in charge in as short a time as the perfecting those affairs will admit of. Nevertheless I must not let this go without observing that I am sorry to find here another set of people whom I must also rank under the name of malcontents in one respect, though far differing from those before mentioned in any other, for they have given evident proof of their readiness to support the civil power in their due execution of justice and show an abhorrence of all tumultuous courses: these men, however, I am apprehensive may be the occasion of great mischief by their exclaiming against the tenure of their lands and the losses they sustain for want of negroes unless we can happily soothe them into better temper. Those are the two topics of their discourse at all times and places which influences others to think alike with them, and I doubt too many are caught with such opinions. Upon several conferences with some of the principal of them who were most warm in enumerating their losses by the death of white servants, the charge of doctors' bills, and their crops not answering, whereby they endeavoured to make it appear they had run out great part of their substance and could bear it no longer but were designing to quit the colony, I so far prevailed with them to consider a little farther before they acted so rashly that at length they seemed determined to make a representation of their case to the Trustees and try if they would condescend to consider their hard case (as they call it). I told them I did not apprehend that it would give offence to lay anything before you which was a real grievance such as they were inevitable sufferers by, for I was sure you meant nothing but good to them all; but then (I said) it would behove them to state plain facts only and not prescribe remedies which undoubtedly would not be pleasing, for that you only were the proper judges what cure to apply wherever you saw the case required it. I am not yet informed whether they have perfected such a representation or not; or if they have, whether they intend to send it without my privity. In my next I shall take the freedom to offer a few characteristics which I conceive appertain to several of them. I had the satisfaction within few days past of being told by Mr. Williams, who is one of the chief, a very stirring, active man and who has thrown out a good deal of money in improvements in expectation of a return, that he had now determined with himself to try one year more and see what he could do, still hoping that the Trustees would take these things into consideration before he had gone too far past recovery. What some others of less merit but not less clamour intend, I expect to know soon, and shall then be more explicit in what I write. |
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Another thing I should be inexcusable to omit, and that is the deficiency at present of divers who were invested with powers of acting as well in a civil as military capacity. Mr. Darne, one of the magistrates, was dead before I came; Mr. Parker, whom I take to be a plain, honest, rational man, is thereby tied down to a more constant attendance in town than his country affairs will permit without great loss, which I perceive makes him a little uneasy but no ways complaining, and he is truly active in preserving the peace of the place and doing justice to the best of his power; Mr. Vanderplank, the first constable, after a long sickness is newly dead, who was also an active man in his duty and a good officer; Coates, the next constable, ran away with Mr. Wesley as I have said; Mr. Jones, the next, who is also surveyor, is seldom in town; and Mr. Fallowfield, the fourth, was of late grown chagrin on some little pique too long and trifling to make a tale of here, so that the magistrates had a sort of diffidence of him, but as I had once a familiarity with him and know his temper, that at heart he is a well-wisher to the colony and an industrious, active man, deserving countenance and encouragement, upon a little talk with him now and then and showing him what I thought his interest, he was easily inclined to believe so, and I am of opinion he is returned to his former temper and way of thinking. These things I apprehend you will think worthy your deliberation that the hands of the magistrates may not be weakened nor the militia defective in proper officers. |
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Your public garden at present has a melancholy aspect continuing much in the same state as Mr. Anderson found it or as it was left by Piercy when he went off without any cultivation since of any note, which in a little time would make it desolate. But I understand Mr. Anderson waits your directions about it in answer to what he wrote ere he undertakes it, and then it is to be hoped something will be done; at present he employs himself wholly on his cultivation of land about three miles off. |
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Here was a current report for several days occasioned by a boat accidentally coming from Charleston with some small wares for a market, by which we could learn nothing with certainty, that a ship at the time of that boat's coming away was stranded upon the bar coming in there, which was supposed to be Capt. Nicholson, but that all the people were saved (among whom I expected my son), and the 18th (not sooner) I got the truth of it by a sloop which came from thence bound for the island of Providence and was to make a short stop in this river by the way on account of a person here concerned in her freight; which sloop coming out of that harbour at the time of Capt. Nicholson's distress took all the people on board out of the ship, carried them into Charleston, and soon after sailing again, my son wrote by her, from whom I am advised that through the ignorance of the pilot the ship ran ashore upon the south breakers half-mile from the bar, when after she had lain beating for 26 hours and the people all in peril of their lives (at which time this sloop came to their relief) the ship beyond all expectation worked herself off and by the help of numbers of boats and men was towed into harbour, but all her cargo exceedingly damaged. The goods intended for Georgia from the Trust he hopes will most of them be saved, amongst which he reckons two cases of smallarms, ammunition etc., and he believed he should come at them in few days, though the water got in so fast that four pumps gained but little upon her; he tells me that a small box of great value directed to Mr. Causton is safe, which is good news. His own loss, he says, is not great but was in a hurry to save what might be, for many things in the ship were stolen under such confusion and afterwards in the sloop too; and as soon as he had secured what he could he would make the best of his way hither, so I look for him every day, his letter bearing date 9th when the sloop was upon coming off, which was eight days on her passage by sea to this place. What letters came by Capt. Nicholson or in whose hands they are he says nothing of. Mr. Hopton who acts for Mr. Jenys's widow writes me much to the same purpose and advises me (as I desired him) of several ships being near ready to sail for England so that I now wait only till Mr. Causton's dispatches are ready that this may go with them. Mr. Hopton is a man of good character, very ready to oblige and shows a great desire to be serviceable to the Trust. He is the principal correspondent I confide in there at present. |
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Upon this occasion I must take notice of the great inconvenience which this colony labours under at present by reason of so uncertain and precarious an intercourse with our neighbours at Carolina. If any sudden emergency requires a letter to be sent to Charleston which might be of great service to the public, unless a boat is hired on purpose (when men and boat must both be paid for at a dear rate which cannot well be justified unless in the greatest extremity) probably we may wait a fortnight or more before any opportunity offers of conveyance. When that is found the master of the boat to whose care it is committed perhaps neglects to deliver it some days after his arrival, or it may be (if a drunken fellow) loses it, whereof there are divers instances; but supposing the best, that the letter is delivered in due time, the person to whom it was written to is as much to seek how to return an answer, the same difficulty tying in the way and the same hazard attending it, allowing after all no such accidents to happen. At best we must think it quick dispatch if upon sending a letter thither by such chance conveyance an answer is obtained in three weeks time, which is very discouraging. To remedy this I propose that a light rowing boat with 4 or 6 oars might be allowed to attend that service when needful which at all times in reasonable weather might be expected to go thither, do what it is sent to do and return within land the same week. I apprehend it would be hard to find a people anywhere so numerous as this is now without some suchlike appendage. Nevertheless I would be cautious of offering at any increase of charge, being confirmed in my own private judgement it would rather be a saving than addition; for excepting the first cost of the boat which might be 15l. or 16l. the annual charge would hardly be discerned, supposing the men rowing to be actually already servants of the Trust who as soon as the boat comes home return to their public work again; and it is wellknown there sometimes happens an indispensable necessity on weighty occasions of sending boats to and fro, hired at an excessive rate, which must undoubtedly preponderate this expense that would answer the same end. Here also I might observe to you how unhandsomely you have divers times been used by our neighbours in opening your packets and letters for this province, which is so notorious that I am pretty well assured some of the assemblymen there have not scrupled to acknowledge it, which renders all correspondence with your people here exceeding hazardous and consequently it behoves us highly to be well aware to whose care we commit any letter for England from hence. It is not long since Mr. Causton showed me a packet he had just then received from Mr. Eveleigh of Charleston wherein was only enclosed a letter of yours to him (Mr. Causton) which came by Capt. Scott of the Seaforth in May last, broke open though sealed with three seals, and now sent in that manner enclosed in a blank cover without one word about it or any excuse either for its being opened or delayed to be sent. It was the original letter whereof Mr. Causton had received a duplicate some months after by another ship. But I say no more of that, assuring myself these evils will be cured soon by those who will reside there with power sufficient to do it. Neither (I presume) need I take upon me to acquaint you that Col. Broughton, the late lieut.-governor, dying towards the latter end of November, Col. Bull was proclaimed president of the council to act in his stead till another is appointed: his good disposition to this colony has always been valued. |
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Messrs. Horton from Frederica and McIntosh from Darien came hither about eight days since in order to settle accounts of stores with Mr. Causton and are both newly returned again. It was with great pleasure I heard from Mr. Horton so good an account of that part of the province where they were so healthy that they had not buried one man since Mr. Oglethorpe left them and that the people were orderly and industrious on their lands. Mr. McIntosh also reported that the people with him were diligent and well content and that divers of them had 20 bushels of corn upon an acre in return for their labour, which was a great encouragement especially when the crops of corn have so universally almost failed in all the neighbouring provinces. I wish I could say as much in favour of this part of the country, which I shall write a particular account of in my next. Capt. Thomson from Scotland arrived at this town 20th ult. and all well aboard with the loss of only one old man, a woman and little child in their voyage, but was in great danger on the coast of Carolina where he struck on a bank and happily got off again without any damage. The number of his company and how they are disposed of shall also come with other lists as required per next. He is now preparing to sail for Charleston in hopes to get a freight home from thence. As I purpose to let another letter quickly follow this I forebear extending it to a greater length fearing to be tiresome. Signed. |
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PS. 21 December. After concluding the above letter, Capt. Hewett in the Three Sisters arrived here, leaving his shipfull of Palatines at Tybee. He came last from Charleston where he was obliged to go for safety about 10 days since, after having been off our bar 24 hours and firing guns for a signal, but no boat coming off he bore away not daring to venture in without one. It is great pity we often hear of vessels intending to put in here that pass by for the same reason. Time will not permit me now to give a full account of all that is done relating to the people he brings, being obliged to hasten away our letters for Charleston where some ships are ready for sailing to England, as I have lately received advice thence. I have the satisfaction before I close this to acquaint you that my son (whom I waited with impatience to see) is just arrived from Charleston in a schooner from whence he sailed on Sunday last (18th) with the passengers designed for this place all well, and the several goods are all come but not without some damage the particulars whereof he tells me he wrote to Mr. Verelst by the Betty galley that sailed from Charleston whilst he was there. |
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23 December. It is so long since as the latter end of the last month that we had advice by Mr. Paris of Carolina (who came here) of a letter being written by a gentleman passenger at sea bound from Havana for England, which letter Mr. Paris told me was directed to Mr. Oglethorpe here or in his absence to the commander-in-chief, dated in August and put on board the ship Samuel, Capt. Percy, at sea which was bound for Pennsylvania and thence to Charleston. That there was such a letter came by Capt. Percy Mr. Paris was positive in, having seen another letter from another passenger on board the same ship to his friend at Charleston wherein this other letter was referred to as importing great news etc. Mr. Causton has just now received that letter which imports great news indeed if it might be relied on. But as he sends copy of it to you who know best what judgement to make of it, it would be impertinent in me to offer anything upon it. But I cannot avoid taking notice of the intolerable usage we have so often met with from Carolina in stopping or suppressing letters for this place as they please, 11 pp. Endorsed, Recd, 11 March 1737/8. [C.O. 5, 640, fos. 26–31d.] |
December 21.
Savannah. |
643 William Stephens to Harman Verelst. I wrote you on 2 November from hence and 26 October from Charleston. The enclosed for the Trustees will fully inform you. In the list of servants I certified at Gravesend were on board Capt. Shubrick, I set down John Ewing as a servant to the Trust; and Timothy Randolph was indented to me in your presence. Finding myself without a servant who knew anything of the work to be done, I have exchanged Randolph for Ewing. I promised to inform you and her father more of my housekeeper, wherefore I enclose those valuable manuscripts which our voyage produced, rough as they are: I presume she is in the same way I left her at Charleston where I hope she may do well if she behaves well. On Capt. Thomson's arrival I received three Highlanders instead of the expected six, so that my number here now was seven. My son has one with him and says two more are to come by the Georgia pink, for which thanks to you. I hope the other two are more promising than this one who has never worked except on water. |
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22 December. Your letter of 10 October is now before me. The news of the regiment for Georgia under Mr. Oglethorpe's command is very pleasing to all: the names of the lieut.-colonel and major give me particular delight. I should have been glad to hear about the lieut.-governor of Carolina and that our friend at Whitehall was declared such after so long talk of it, but I still hope the next news from England will confirm it Several letters enclosed. Signed, z pp. [C.O. 5, 640, fo. 32, 32d.] |
December 21.
Palace Court. |
644 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Received, a receipt from the bank for 5l. 5s. paid in by Dr. Hales. [See No. 612.] Received, a receipt from the bank for 3l. 3l. paid in by Lieut.-Col. Cochran, Major Cook and George Preston junior, being 1s. 1s. each for the considerations of their grants. Read, an instruction from the king to the Trustees appointing the forms of prayer for the royal family. [See No. 618.] Ordered, that a copy of the said instructions be sent to the magistrates in Georgia that the same may be complied with. Ordered, that a licence be made out for Rev. George Whitefield to perform ecclesiastical offices in Georgia as a deacon of the Church of England. Col. Oglethorpe laid before the board a letter from Mr. Stone to Duke of Newcastle, dated Whitehall, 17 December 1737, mentioning that John Savy had been examined since his arrival in England and Col. Oglethorpe moved that a committee be appointed to wait upon the Duke of Newcastle from time to time on the subject of the said Savy's examination. Resolved, that Mr. Oglethorpe, Mr. Vernon, Thomas Tower and Mr. Laroche or any two of them be a committee to wait upon the Duke from time to time on the said subject. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 687, pp. 50–51.] |
| December 21. |
645 Grant by Trustees of Georgia to William Wood of Wapping, seacaptain, of 500 acres of land in Georgia. In default of heirs male and subject to other conditions, the Trustees will at the death of William Wood grant the said lands in tail male to such person (not having lands in Georgia) as William Wood shall nominate by his will. Entry. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 670, p. 338.] |
December 22.
London. |
646 Lieut.-Governor John Pitt to Duke of Newcastle, enclosing minutes of council of Bermuda, 9 September 1729–25 October 1737, and journals of assembly 9 August 1737–8 September following. Being very lame and not able to stir out, I thought proper not to defer the delivery of them any longer. Sigped. 1 small p. [C.O. 37, 29, fo. 80.] |
December 22.
London. |
647 Same to Council of Trade and Plantations. [In substance same as preceding, but also enclosing public papers and naval office list of shipping.] Signed. 1 small p. Endorsed, Recd. 23 December 1737, Read 15 February 1737/8. Enclosed, |
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647. i. Accounts of public rents received and disbursed at Bermuda, 1 January 1731/2 to 15 May 1735. Receipts, 349l. 4s. Signed, Richard Tucker, deputy provost marshal. Audited, 6 September 1737, Andrew Auchinleck, Francis Jones, Nathaniel Butterfield, Robert Dinwiddie, Samuel Burrows. Copy, certified by John Pitt. Seal. 14 pp. Endorsed, as covering letter. |
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647. ii. Account of powder money at Bermuda, 25 June 1736 to 4 July 1737. Receipts, 71l. 3s. Signed, George Tucker, secretary. Audited, 8 September 1737, as No. i. Passed the council, 9 September 1737, John Pitt, Andrew Auchinleck, Francis Jones, Nathaniel Butterfield, Robert Dinwiddie, Samuel Burrows. Copy, certified by John Pitt. Seal. 12 pp. Endorsed, as covering letter. [C.O. 37, 13, fos. 26–27d, 29–44d.] |
December 23.
Charleston. |
648 President William Bull to Duke of Newcastle. The apprehensions we lie under of being invaded by the Spaniards has taken up the consideration of the general assembly who have come to such resolutions and entered into all proper measures possible to put this province in the best posture of defence. Several new batteries have been raised in such places as were thought most likely to annoy the enemy from and to keep them, if possible, from entering this harbour. Additions have likewise been made to the fortifications of the fort at Port Royal, but as the artillery which H.M. sent us some years since is already mounted and more wanting to make the new batteries useful the general assembly has addressed me to move H.M. for assistance in so essential a point as the fortifying this province against the attacks of H.M.'s enemies and also for that purpose to beseech H.M. to send us a quantity of smallarms for the newcomers that they may be rendered serviceable upon occasion. List of artillery, smallarms and utensils wanted is enclosed. Signed. 2 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 27 March, duplicate sent to the Council office. Enclosed, |
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648. i. Commissioners of Fortifications to President Bull; Charleston, 23 December 1737. In Charleston the number of ordinance on 9 August 1735 was reported by Capt. Thomas Lloyd, then as now the gunner of the fortifications there, to amount to 73, of which 31 were defective and 42 (18 demi-culverins, 19 saker and 4 minion) were fit for service exclusive of the 72 pieces which H.M. sent over in Governor Johnson's time. At Johnson's Fort there are only 12 indifferent good, mostly 9-pound shot and two small guns of 3-pound shot. Besides those before-mentioned there are five or six rabinets only fit for inland pallisado forts. All the cannon (saving the 72 from Great Britain) are very old and probably but few would stand any considerable action. They are of so many different makes, French and Dutch as well as English, that it is difficult to mount one bastion or platform of 10 guns of the same height or nature. The whole number deemed fit for service amount to 126, and of those 18 have been detached to Port Royal which with six ship-guns bought last summer mount that fort with 24 pieces, and five were sent to Winyaw which with two they had before makes their battery consist of 7 guns; remaining in Charleston, 103. |
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Requirements: Johnson's Fort and Battery 45, Broughton Battery 36, Granville Bastion 23, three flat bastions, a half-moon on the curtain, 24, the length of the curtain being 2700 feet would well accommodate more than a hundred but at a modest computation 50. Total, 178; so that there will be wanting 70 pieces. A battery of 10 or 12 good guns should also be placed on Hog Island to command the northern channel to Charleston. Port Royal and Winyaw need 30 and 20 respectively. Annexed schedule shows numbers and sizes; ironwork for carriages, shot and other stores will be also wanted. Twenty or thirty cohernes and shells, a bomb mortar with shells and ironwork for carriage, and more smallarms for the new settlers may be wanted in case of war with France. |
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Schedule of needs at Charleston to mount complete Johnson's Fort, 22 of 18 lbs., 10 of 9 lbs., 13 of 5 and 3 lbs.; Broughton's Battery, 10 of 18 lbs., 26 of 12 lbs.; Granville Bastion, 12 of 12 lbs.; Craven Bastion, 11 of 12 lbs.; three flat bastions on curtain, 15 of 9 lbs.; half-moon on ditto, 9 of 5 and 3 lbs.; five platforms on curtain, 50 of 9 lbs. Total, 32 of 18 lbs., 49 of 12 lbs., 75 of 9 lbs., 22 of 5 and 3 lbs. Already available in Charleston, 20 of 18 lbs., 36 of 12 lbs., 25 of 9 lbs., 22 of 5 and 3 lbs. Wanting to mount the fortifications in Charleston: 12 of 18 lbs., 13 of 12 lbs., 50 of 9 lbs., ironwork for carriages, shot, small stores. We take no notice here of the deficiency of Port Royal, Winyaw and Hog Island, being fully expressed in the report. Copy, certified by Alexander Cramartie. Signatories, John Fenwick, Michael Brewton, Samuel Prioleau, Thomas Lloyd, Oth. Beale. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 388, fos. 168–171d.] |
December 23.
Savannah. |
649 Thomas Causton to Trustees for Georgia. A long illness having seized Mr. Williamson whom I formerly mentioned to be employed in transcribing my journal has occasioned its delay, which will not (I hope) happen again. As I have treated each matter with all the exactness and justice I can, I hope no expressions whatever will be taken as partiality and very unhappy should I be in the attempt if censured as such. I am sensible the designs of ill-disposed persons are too subtly laid and often executed beyond the power of truth with all its force to guard against them. Your approbation of any part of my conduct is a great satisfaction and indeed comforts me. The journal to 24 June now waits on you with the several papers referred to. As to the particular progress in the cultivation of lands I doubt not but Mr. Brownfield has fully informed you, having assisted in what I knew. But people here vary much in their opinion and there are some (whose names you will know by Mr. Stephens) who are fully bent to terrify and discourage everyone in that matter. It is certain that this year's crops of corn are very small, but as the like ill-success attends Carolina I am in hopes to retrieve the people's spirits by a necessary support of those that continue to cultivate their lands. Signed. 2 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 11 March 1737/8. [C.O. 5, 640, fos. 34–35id] |
December 23.
Savannah. |
650 Thomas Stephens to Harman Verelst. Upon my arrival at Charleston I waited upon Mr. Wragg hoping to find credit which you promised you would give; but I presume through the hurry of business you forgot it. Wherefore under the difficulties that I then was and the necessity of my attendance in that town upon so unfortunate occasion I presumed to take 50l. currency of Mr. Wragg which he readily furnished me with. I hope it will not be thought extravagant but what the Trustees will approve of. I wrote you the particulars of our misfortune the 10th from thence by the Betty galley, Capt. Winster. I presume Mr. Wragg acquaints you himself of his hiring a schooner to bring us hither, it being his opinion that considering the weather the goods would have been liable to have been spoiled in an open pettiagua and the passengers exposed to the rigour of the season. Signed, 1 small p. [C.O. 5, 640, fos. 36–37d.] |
December 23.
Whitehall. |
651 Order of Committee of Privy Council for Plantation Affairs referring the following to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, W. Sharpe. Seal. 1½ pp. indorsed, Recd. 5 January, Read 11 January 1737/8. Enclosed, |
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651. i. Petition of Sebastian Zouberbuhler to Committee of Privy Council. In consideration of the heavy charges set forth in previous memorials, and since he has not been allowed the same reward of 400l. sterling which was given to Mr. Purry, the petitioner asks that in lieu thereof H.M. will order the governor of South Carolina to put him in possession of the 48,000 acres mentioned in his former petition free of all fees of grants, plats and surveys, and that those fees be paid out of H.M.'s revenue in Carolina; or else that H.M. will grant the petitioner 12,000 acres of land as contiguous as possible to the proposed settlement of New Windsor over and above the 48,000 acres. The petitioner further asks that, in view of the delays he has met with, the two years in which he is to complete his undertaking may begin from October 1738. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 366, fos. 31–33d.] |
December 28.
Jamaica. |
652 President John Gregory to Council of Trade and Plantations. I wrote to you on 25 November informing you of some seizures made of our ships by the Spaniards, but since I find by the public prints that news reached England as early as it did here I shall forbear any further recital on that subject. I likewise informed you of the death of two councillors, Mr. Garbrand and Mr. Hals. There only remains of such as act Mr. Campbell, Mr. Mill, Mr. Concanen and Mr. Philp. Two of the gentlemen who withdrew their attendance, Mr. Dawkins and Mr. Gordon, have lately written acquainting me that they resigned their seats in council and desiring their vacancies may be supplied. As I now think myself sufficiently impowered by my instructions I shall add Mr. Ely and Mr. Price to the council if I can prevail upon them to accept. I choose to name them as they were recommended to you in Mr. Cunningham's time and your answer has been that they should be proposed for the first vacancies. As the number, supposing them to accept, will be still insufficient to depend upon a quorum, Mr. Campbell living at a great distance and Mr. Mill being often infirm, I propose to add Mr. Dennis Kelly, a gentleman of very good abilities and circumstances and as such I recommend him to your favour. I return my thanks for the justice I am informed you have done me in supporting me against the complaints of the gentlemen who so causelessly withdrew their attendance; it was a dangerous example in them and might have been attended with bad consequences, and therefore it may be necessary to discountenance such behaviour for the future. Signed. 1½ small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 8 April, Read 12 April 1738. [C.O. 137, 22, fos. 175, 175d, 181, 181d.] |
December 30.
Palace Court. |
653 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Received by Earl of Egmont 500 copies of an explanation of the Church catechism in two parcels whereof one bound and the other stitched, benefaction of a lady. Seal affixed to authority to Rev. George Whitefield to perform ecclesiastical offices at Frederica as a deacon of the Church of England; secretary to countersign. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 687, p. 52.] |
| December 30. |
654 Authority by the Trustees for Georgia to Rev. George Whitefield to perform ecclesiastical offices as deacon in Georgia. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 670, pp. 333–334.] |
