|
| Nov. 27. |
Supplemental Bill referring to the Poor sent up was read and
concurred to be enacted. |
|
Proposal sent up, for further encouragement to voluntiers
against the Indian Rebels, without any charge to the Province,
and read. [C.O. 5, 789. pp. 893–895.] |
| Nov. 25. |
1318. Journal of Assembly of New Jersey. Bill for
regulating the purchasing of land from the Indians read a third
time and sent up. |
|
Bill, for raising the money voted, ordered to be brought in. |
| Nov. 26. |
Bill for enforcing the payment of former taxes read the first
time. |
|
Bill for ascertaining the assize of cash, weights and measures
ordered to be brought in. |
| Nov. 27. |
Bill enforcing payment of taxes read a second time and committed. [C.O. 5, 1019. p. 484.] |
| [Nov. 26.] |
1319. Merchants trading to the Leeward Islands to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. They intend to have their
outward bound ships in the Downes the beginning of Feb. and
do pray that convoy may be there at that time to take care of
them; that the Convoy may consist of 3 ships of war, and
that the seamen on board the merchant ships may be protected
from any Press during the voyage; that the said ships of war
doe convoy them to Antigua and the rest of the Leeward Islands,
and there remain 60 days for the merchant ships to unload and
load again, and at the expiration of that time doe take care to
convoy home all the ships in those Islands that are ready to sayl
with them. Signed, Rd. Cary and 7 others. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Nov. 26, 1703. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 5. No. 40; and 153, 8.
p. 226.] |
Nov. 26.
Prizes Office. |
1320. Commissioners of Prizes to Mr. Popple. In reply to
your letter of Nov. 25, we send you a copy of H.M. Declaration.
Yet several prizes taken by H.M. ships in the West Indies have
been there condemned and disposed of according to Acts made
in the Assemblys and the proceed distributed by vertue of them,
without any regard to the said Declaration. Refer to case of the
Neptune, taken by H.M.S. Kinsale and carried to Barbadoes,
where she was condemned and sold, and one half of the produce
by order of the Court of Admiralty there paid to the Captors,
and the other half ordered to be applied and distributed to such
uses as by the Statutes or Acts of Parliament ("which we suppose
to be Acts of the Assembly there") provided, deducting out
of the whole all duties etc. due to H.M. for the goods as by law
due, and the charges of the Court. Signed, Edw. Brereton, Geo.
Morley, R. Yard, Wm. Gosselin. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 27,
Read Dec. 2, 1703. 1¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
1320. i. Printed copy of H.M. Declaration relating to prizes,
St. James's, June 1, 1702. 1 large p. [C.O. 323, 5.
Nos. 28, 28.i.; and (without enclosure) 324, 8. pp.
290–292.] |
Nov. 26.
Admiralty Office. |
1321. J. Burchett to Wm. Popple. In reply to yours of
Nov. 25, the perquisites of the Lord High Admiral are given to
the Queen during the war, and out of H.R.H. power to dispose
thereof, the same being done by H.M. directions to my Lord
High Treasurer. Mr. Dodd is Receiver and Mr. Warters Solicitor
for the perquisites of the Admiralty. Signed, J. Burchett.
Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 27, Read Dec. 2, 1703. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 5.
No. 27; and 324, 8. pp. 289, 290.] |
Nov. 26.
Admiralty Office. |
1322. H.R.H. Council for the Admiralty to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. In answer to your Lordships' letter of
Oct. 12, we had yesterday morning with the Vice-Admiral Graydon
and Capt. Whetston, as also ye merchants concerned, and are of
opinion that if the merchants could and would fortify the entrance
of Kingston Harbour on Musceta Point, and the shoal opposite
to it, it would be the more secure Harbour from the enemy's
attempts by sea, but that Port Royal is the fittest Port for
expedition, and as for the healthiness of both places, we are
informed by Capt. Whetston, who was a considerable time and
very lately there, as allsoe by a letter from Captn. Douglas, who
now commands the ships at Jamaica, that the people did and
doe dureing their time dye faster at Kingston then at Port Royal.
Signed, D. Mitchell, J. Brydges. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 29,
1703. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 6. No. 21; and 138, 11. pp. 84, 85.] |
| Nov. 26. |
1323. Minutes of Council of the Massachusetts Bay. 58l. 2s. 4d.
paid to Col. John Thacher on behalf of 36 Englishmen and 19
Indians for their service on board the Greyhound, Capt. Andrew
Wilson, last spring; and 10l. 15s. 2d. for raising, billeting and
transporting some Indians within the county of Barnstable,
to Plymouth, under Capt. Wm. Southworth, Sept. last, and for
Barnabas Lothrop his transporting of souldiers. |
|
43l. 14s. 6d. paid to Col. Daniel Peirce on behalf of 20 souldiers
posted at the Blockhouses on Merrimack River in the summer. |
|
29l. 15s. 10d. paid to the same on behalf of Capt. Henry
Somersby and 24 troopers; and 22l. 3s. for wages due to Capt.
John Wadleigh and 22 dragoons. [C.O. 5, 789. pp. 547, 548.] |
| [Nov. 27.] |
1324. John Baber to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Petitioner was appointed by Letters Pattents under the Great
Seal of England, Aug. 12, 1702, Secretary of Jamaica. Since
the Order of Sept. 25, 1691, the Secretary of that Island hath
quietly enjoyed the fees of lycences for marriage, administrations
and probate of wills according to the Laws. On Sept. 30 last Col.
Handysid claimed the said fees as belonging to him, and directed
Petitioner's Deputy not to pay unto him any of them. Prays
your Lordships' Order to Col. Handysid to permit Petitioner's
Deputy to enjoy his office and take said fees. Endorsed, Recd.
Nov. 27, Read Dec. 31, 1703. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 6. No. 22;
and 138, 11. pp. 99–101.] |
Nov. 27.
Jamaica. |
1325. Lt. Gov. Handasyd to William Popple. Acknowledges
receipt of letter of Aug. 26, and refers to former letters. I gave
their Lordships my opinion that it would be best that the free
Port should be settled upon the Main, altho the Assembly have
passed an Act for the settling the late Port Royal by the name
of Port Charles as a Port of Entry, by which you may see the
unsteadiness of their resolution. The hardships I have gone
through with the Council and Assembly for this ten months by
past were more than ever I did in the 28 years service of the
Crown and his late Majesty. But I thank God I think I have
got that done which no Governor or Lieut.-Governor of Jamaica
ever could accomplish before, altho all the base methods have
been taken by some people of note which are lately arrived with
you, and others still here, in making of parties and factions to
obstruct the public good, by which means they hope to make
their own court for themselves and friends in obtaining the
Government, that they may basshaw it over English men as they
do over their slaves and negroes, and like Judas that betrayed
our Saviour still endeavouring to give me their advice, which
if I had taken I should have destroyed both H.M. interest and
broke my own neck, but this has been the constant practice of
the politicians of Jamaica, since the setling of the English
Government in it, so that it is no new thing to me. And see
following letters. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Jan. 24, 170¾. Addressed. 1 p. Annexed, |
|
1325. i. Abstract of preceding. ¾ p. [C.O. 137, 6. Nos. 23,
23.i.; and (without abstract) 138, 11. pp. 109–111;
and (abstract only) 137, 41. p. 19.] |
Nov. 27.
Jamaica. |
1326. Lt.-Gov. Handasyd to the Earl of Nottingham. I
had the honour of your Lordship's of Sept. 14 with your Orders
to give an acct. to the Spanish Governors of H.M. pleasure in
assisting of the Spaniards to defend their Laws and liberties in
settling the Crown on the House of Austria, and in protecting
them from all their enemys and to live in friendship with such as
should accept the same. I enclose the method I have taken in
putting H.M. Orders in execution. I am now to give your
Lordship an acct. of the affairs of Jamaica, and first, the great
hardships and fatigue I have gone thro' in obtaining an Act for
the publick Revenue for 21 years to H.M., Her Heirs and
Successors, and several other very good Acts, which I have now
sent to the Council of Trade to have H.M. Royal Approbation,
which I hope will be to H.M. and your Lordship's satisfaction,
it being a thing that could never be obtained before by any of
my predecessors, altho' all the endeavours imaginable have been
used to obstruct it by all the art and tricks that evill disposed
men could think of, as I suppose, for advancing their own designs
in obtaining their own private ends, tho the destruction of the
Island would have been the consequence. Your Lordship may
likewise see by the minuits of Councill and Assembly now sent
over what disputes there have been to prolong the time, that
no publick business should be done; the reason I plainly now
perceive was to make interest for themselves, or in case they
failed, such friends as they should recommend, but I thank God
they are disappointed of their evill designs. I have mett with
in the management of this affair difficulties even in the Council
as well as the Assembly to that degree which is not fitt here to
be incerted, which makes me request the favour of your Lordship
that such men may be put now into the Council, there being
two vacancies, as have no other end but the honour of H.M.,
her Crown and dignity, and the welfare of the trade of England
and this Island. And as such I shall beg leave to recommend
to your Lordship Col. Richard Thompson Esq., merchant, in the
room of Emanuell Moreton Esq., decd., and Charles Long, Esq.,
Planter, son-in-law to Col. Nicholas Lawe, in the room of Col.
Lawe, in case he does not returne to this Island, which I presume
he will hardly do unless as Governor. I hope he and everyone
else that wishes the welfare of this Island will excuse me when they
consider that by his absence and the other's death two are wanting
of the number of the Councill, and of the remaining tenn some
are so infirm thro' age and gout that they cannot attend upon
occasion, and others of so sullen a temper that thro' the excuses
of the one and the other I have all the difficulties imaginable
to make a Councill, when H.M. affairs are most pressing in this
Island, as I have to my great dissatisfaction fully experienced
in the passing the Bills. I have received a letter from the Governor
of Curasao and another from the Governor of St. Thomas's in
relation to their trading sloops, which were taken by the Jamaica
privateers, in which they seemed to threaten me very much for
doing my duty in observing H.M. Orders and your Lordship's
in preventing of all trade with H.M. enemys. Refers to enclosures
sent to the Council of Trade. Likewise a list of what people have
died in Kingston and Spanish Town since Jan., by which your
Lordship will perceive with what mortality the sickness has
been attended for these tenn months by past. I am afraid that
every sixth white man, if not every fifth, has died of it. I could
not possibly send a list of what have died out of the whole Island,
there being to several parishes neither parson nor clerk, nor any
acct. kept of the dead. I have also a letter from Sir Bevill
Greenvill, Governor of Barbados, Oct. 31, which gives an account
of 25 sail of French ships arrived at Martineco, but had an acct.
three weeks before from a master of a sloop inhabitant of this
Island, who made his escape from thence, that there are only
three men of war, the biggest of which has but 50 guns, and very
few land soldiers, and by all hands the first acct. seems to be
truest. The Assembly is prorogued till Jan. 11. I desire your
Lordship will let me know H.M. pleasure and your Lordship's
opinion whether it will not be better to dissolve the Assembly
and call a new one, there being severall Parishes whose
Representatives are not permitted by the Body of the Assembly
during this Session to sitt in the House, as will appear by the
Minuits of the House, which creates mighty divisions. Besides
'tis the inclination of the Island in general to have a new Assembly
called, that each parish may be duly represented. As to the
enemy's attempts against us, I thank God we have hitherto
escaped very well, having not lost since the warr above 27 or
28 slaves, tho our coast has been much infested by periagos and
sloops, although they have mett with no purchase, which obliges
me to be continually upon my guard. As to the Enemy's making
any attack, I am not so apprehensive as the merchants seem to
be, I could heartily wish the Island were in a better posture of
defence, but all the due care imaginable shall be taken to put it
in the best defence I can considering our weakness both by sea
and land; but in case the enemy does attempt us, I hope your
Lordship will hear we shall prove ourselves good subjects and
faithfull servants to H.M., Her Crown and Dignity, and like true
Englishmen not be daunted at their numbers. I come now to
acquaint your Lordship of a wreck that was found of 350l. Jamaica
money by a master or a sloop, who was dragging for his anchor, to
whom with his men 50l. of the best of it was given, vizt. 20l. to
the master and 30l. to his sailors; the remainder being clipt money
and much wasted with the long continuance of it in the water
is not passable as it is, and if recoined I believe will not yield
above 200l. Jamaica money. This being the first perquisite
that has happened since my coming to the Governmt., I hope
your Lordship will get me H.M. grant for the same, there being
several presedents of that nature in my Ld. Albemarle's time and
others. As to any merchants or others, they can have no
pretentions to it, there being none living here who either knew
the iron chest it was found in, or guess within 60 yards of the place
it was found, who were the inhabitants, the chest being thro
time all broken and defaced. The one half I have promised to
the Capt. of the Fort, whose great care and diligence in the preservation of H.M. Fort when Port Royall was burnt as in several other
things relating to H.M. service, obliged me to lay hold of this
opportunity to make him a return, and this had never been heard
of had he not secured it immediately upon the small notice he had
of it and brought it up to St. Jago de la Vega. As to the 4 men of
war here they are much in the same condition as in my last,
but still keep out in their stations, but when necessity obliges
them, as want of provisions etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. 3 large
pp. Enclosed, |
|
1326. i. Counsellors of Jamaica upon ye next vacancys. Charles
Long Esq, 18 Feb. Richd. Thompson 17 Feb. No
signature. Slip. [C.O. 137, 45. Nos. 56, 56.i.] |
Nov. 27.
Jamaica. |
1327. Lt. Gov. Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Repeats parts of preceding letter to Lord Nottingham.
According to my Lord Nottingham's letter to me, we are making
all imaginable expedition in fitting out a sloop to carry, under
the pretence of demanding prisoners, letters to the Governors of
the Havanagh, Cartagene, and Portobell. … I send an account
of what escheats have happened in my time, which were found
for the Queen, and of those not found, but the expence of the
Courts discourages people from enquiring into the premises,
they being often found for the Queen, and when they are, they
are overvalued, which hinders not only H.M. of the real value of
escheats, but of the quit-rents of the same, as you will see by a
petition about an escheat in Liguany. I must desire your advice
what is proper to be done that these people may not be discouraged
in a thing that is for the general improvement of the Island.
There are but one or two valuable escheats in the Island, the one
Robison's of the North side, the other Mrs. Emry's in Liguany,
which have hitherto escaped thro' the trick and power of some
great ones, together with their own substance, they being very
rich who are in possession of them. … Signed, Tho. Handasyd.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 24, 170¾. 3 large pp. Enclosed, |
|
1327. i. Duplicate of preceding. 2¾ pp. |
|
1327. ii. Abstract of preceding. 4 pp. |
|
1327. iii. Governor of Curaçao to Lt. Gov. Handasyd, Oct. 18,
1703. It is with much wonder I have understood that
Capt. Francis Johnson, having your Excellency's Commission to cruise about the Spanish Coast of Caracas
has taken three barks and boats of this Island, sailing
with my passes, and hath sailed them about to have
them declared good prizes; the reasons of such
exorbitant undertakings between near allies and leagued
neighbours are altogether unknown to me, etc. Demands
that the vessels be set at liberty and full satisfaction made
to the owners. Signed, Nicholas Van Beeck. P.S.
Being busy writing this letter to send it by Daniel Pawell,
he sailed out against my commands, taking with him
a prisoner, Peter Machet, who has been sometime
condemned for great debts, for which violation of my
havens and justice I desire your Excellency to do me
right. I have notice three barks and a periagua sailing
with my passes are taken by Capt. Thomas Colby, sailing
with your Excellency's Commission, with two of which
he provokingly passed by in sight of this fortress. I
cannot imagine on what foot these hostilities are done,
much less the reason the prohibition of trade by our
superiors is yet unknown to me etc. etc. Copy. Endorsed,
Reed. Read Jan. 24, 170¾. 21/8 pp. |
|
1327. iv. Lt. Governor Handasyd to the Governor of Curacoa.
Jamaica, Oct. 26, 1703. To my great surprize you
seem to be concerned that the Jamaica privateers have
taken your sloops that they found actually trading
with the French and Spaniards etc. Eight months ago
I gave you an account of two ships trading from Curasao
and told you if you would not hinder those proceedings,
I should be obliged to write to England about it. Your
request in having your sloops and goods restored wch.
are here condemned by H.M. Court of Admiralty as
prize to me seems very unreasonable. I cannot grant
your request it being contrary to Law, and am sorry
that my honour obliges me to do you a disservice,
wch. is in sending over to England some depositions
against you, that you oblige every trader that goes out
in the penalty of 5,000 pieces of eight not any way to
molest the Spaniard, who is our profest enemy. As
to an Englishman you say that sailed out of your port
after you had laid an embargo, I find that he was out
of your harbour and clear of all your forts before any
such embargo was laid, and consequently in my opinion
not obliged to take any notice of it. Signed, Tho.
Handasyd. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 1¼ pp. |
|
1327. v. Governor of St. Thomas to Lt.-Governor Handasyd.
St. Thomas Island, Oct. 26 (N.S.), 1703. Some months
past arrived here from Jamaica by Curaca Lucas
Uytendael, sworn inhabitant of this Island, sailing
with the bark St. Patrick, provided with a requisite
pass from me, which bark and goods belonged to Peter
Smith, another subject of my Sovereign, but being
taken by Alexander Forrester who was furnished for the
war from Barbados, and brought up to Jamaica, and
there upon a frivolous pretence declared prize, after
having been put to much charge to recover the same
and your Excellency passed a great many flouts upon
my person and this Island, just as if no people of honour
lived in St. Thomas. The owners have appealed to
Europe. You are very ill informed of this Island and
Government; the King of Denmark nor the Royal
American Company at Coppenhagen admit noe rogues
upon this Island etc. The business lately happened
was done by a bark named the Francis and Sarah,
Francis Johnson Capt. (see 1327.ii.), who on Aug. 31,
met with one of this country's barks, the Robert and
Mathews, Christopher Akers, master, and belonging to
one Abraham Tessemacker, a citizen of this Island,
coming from Curaco, wh. he took and plundered of all
the goods on board, and took the same to the coast of
Caracas, where this Johnson saw yet three others,
which he took, belonging to subjects of the King of
Denmark and provided with my passes, which is looked
upon as a breach of the good neutrality and intelligence
which has been long time between the two Crowns.
Matters are still upon the same foot as in the last war,
tho Joseph Sergeant and Thomas Nicholls, Commissioners
of the Admiralty, would have insinuated in the sentence
upon the St. Patrick that there was an article of agreement made between their sacred Majesties, William
and Mary, and the King of Denmark, sounding contrary
thereto, and that they should have had a certificate
concerning the oath, which was never in use here. I
hope your Excellency will cause restitution to be made
of said barks and goods, with all their charges and
damages, which if you fail to do, I shall be necesitated
to protest against your Excellency for principal and
interest and all other damages etc. Signed, C. Hanssen.
Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 3 pp. |
|
1327. vi. Lt. Gov. Handasyd to the Governor of St. Thomas'.
Jamaica, Oct. 26, 1703. In relation to the Barbados
privateer, I take it to be a thing that no way concerns
me, he having delivered up his prizes here to the
Admiralty Office, which has full power of deciding,
and is not a glass of water advantage to me. As to my
speaking to the disadvantage of you and the inhabitants
of St. Thomas, I am sorry you are so great a stranger
to me; you would find me more a Gentleman than to
talk of you, who is a gentleman I never saw, knew or
heard of till I had the honour of your letter. As to
the trading people of St. Thomas, I told some of them,
after having been well informed of their undue practices
in trading with the French and Spaniards contrary to
the neutrality of England and Denmark, and the States
of Holland, that when H.M. of Great Britain had
represented it to the King of Denmark, he would make
them very sensible of their undue practices. If Capt.
Johnson has done anything contrary to my Instructions
to him to observe all treaties and alliances etc., I shall
be ready to prosecute him and his securities, but I
cannot find by the account given me from the Court
of Admiralty but that all the Capts. of privateers have
nicely observed their Instructions. In case the Court
or Captains have done any injustice unknown to me,
I should be glad to have it not only discovered, but to
see them have their just reward, tho' it were the gallows
etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed as preceding.
Copy. 1 p. |
|
1327. vii. List of prizes taken and condemned in Jamaica,
May 4, 1702–Nov. 20, 1703. 22 sloops and 13 ships.
8 Spanish and 17 French: the rest Dutch or Danish,
for trading with French and Spaniards. Total value c.
12,000l.
Names and details given. Endorsed as preceding. I large
double p. |
|
1327. viii. Deposition of Elias Toro, of Curaçao, that no vessel
was allowed to go out from Curaçao without giving
security in 5,000 pieces of eight not in any wise to molest
the Spaniards. Oct. 19, 1703. Same endorsement. ¾ p. |
|
1327. ix. List of burials in St. Jago de la Vega in St. Katherine's
Parish, Jan. 2–Nov. 12, 1703. Total, 111. (Names
given.) Signed, Thomas Stuart, Churchwarden. Same
endorsement. 6 pp. |
|
1327. x. Account of people buried at Kingston, Jan. 13–Nov. 2, 1703. Males 211 (of whom 99 were seamen),
Females 62. Total, 273. Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. |
|
1327. xi. Names and descriptions of above 273 deceased
persons. Signed, William Collins. 7 pp. |
|
1327. xii. Account of the Escheats that have occurred in
Jamaica during Col. Handasyd's government. Cases,
1702, Rex v. Gripin, Rex v. Stephens. 1703, Regina v.
Spirry, v. Mosey, v. Clarke, v. Wm. Bates, v. Katherine
Bates, v. Maxwell, v. Rawlings, v. Lushington. Same
endorsement. 1 p. |
|
1327. xiii. James Parker to Lt. Gov. Handasyd. Petitioner
obtained leave from Col. Beckford to take out a writ
of escheat for 96 acres in Liguania which had belonged
to Jane Perrott, who died Christmas 1701 without
heirs, but a jury returned that there were heirs in
Barbados. Since that time there is advice that none
are living. Prays to be allowed to procure another
writ for the said land. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
1327. xiv. Account of expenses incurred by James Parker in
connection with above writ for escheat, Aug. 1702–Feb. 1703. Total 34l. 0s. 6d. 1 p. |
|
1327. xv. Deposition of Henry Faver, Mariner, Nov. 8, 1703.
Taken prisoner by the French and carried to Martineca,
he heard that there was arrived at Fort Royal 18 sail
of French merchant ships and 3 men of war from Old
France, the largest carrying 50 and the smallest 24
guns, and that the French had then at sea 31 privateers
belonging to Martineca. Signed, Henry Faver. Same
endorsement. 1 p. |
|
1327. xvi. Orders at a Council of War, Jamaica, Oct. 19, 1703,
in case of an attempt by an enemy on that Island.
Commanding officers to appoint places of rendezvous.
On an alarm Col. Edlyne, or the commanding officer
in Liguanea, to send a reinforcement of 25 men and an
officer to Fort James and the Rock, or a greater number
in case they are attackt there. Reinforcements to make
up a total of 300 men to be sent from Kingston to Port
Royal, in case the enemy offer an attack there. The
Governor was desired to recommend to the Council
that there be stores for 3 weeks or a month laid in the
forts. Upon an alarm 25 of the Militia in Vere with
the officer to repair to the fortification at Carlisle Bay
and take care of the same, and that on their coming
the souldiers in pay on guard there repair to their
companys. The oath of abjuration to be taken by all
Field officers. Same endorsement. 1½ pp. |
|
1327. xvii. Memorandum of Acts of Assembly of Jamaica,
Nov. 2, 1703. ¼ p. |
|
1327. xviii. Memorandum of Minutes of Council of Jamaica,
Sept. 21–Nov. 25, 1703. ¼ p. |
|
1327. xix. Memorandum of Minutes of Council in Assembly
of Jamaica, Oct. 8–Nov. 11, 1703. ¼ p. |
|
1327. xx. Memorandum of Journal of Assembly of Jamaica
Oct. 7–Nov. 2, 1703. ¼ p. [C.O. 137, 6. Nos. 24, 24.i.xx; and (without enclosures) 138, 11. pp. 111–123; and
(abstract only) 137, 41. pp. 20–22.] |
| Nov. 27. |
1328. Merchants and Planters concerned in Jamaica to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. In obedience to your Lordships' commands as to what convoys were necessary for
carrying on the trade to Jamaica and bringing the next year's
crop from thence, we do humbly propose that six men of warr be
appointed for that service, to sail from the Downs Dec. 25, and
that the convoy with the Fleete from thence do sail June 1st.
If these times be exactly observed, in all probability the whole
crop of that Island will come safely hither, for by departing from
hence at that time the Planters will have gott to their Plantations
the hoops, cask and packing cases for their sugar, indigo,
piemento, ginger, cotton etc., that they may have most of their
goods ready against June 1st. And by departing from thence
then, the voyage home will be all in the summer season, and so
will not be subject to have the Fleete separated from their convoy,
or be lyable to those terrible storms of the Banks of Newfoundland
that they allways meet with upon a later departure from thence,
and which such heavy-loaden ships can by no meanes endure.
By this means allso the men's lives will be preserved both in the
men of warr and merchants' ships, for they will arrive there in the
healthfullest season and will depart from thence before the Raines
come in. 28 Signatures. Endorsed, R. Nov. 27, 1703. Copy.
1 p. [C.O. 137, 45. No. 57; and 138, 11. pp. 85–87; and
(duplicate) 137, 6. No. 25.] |
Nov. 27.
Barbados. |
1329. Governor Sir B. Granville to Mr. Popple. Having
an opportunity by some merchant ships bound home, I make
use of it to pay you my respects and enclose a duplicate of what
I wrote by the Pacquet boat. My account is right as to the
arrival of the French fleet and number of the French men of war
5, it being confirm'd to me by all hands, but I can hear nothing
more of the transport vessells with land soldiers, that part being
contradicted. The French men of war after a very short stay
at Martinique proceeded Leeward with the greatest part of the
merchant vessells being bound to St. Dominique, and the other
French and Spanish Colonies. Capt. Martin who commands the
Blackwall which I sent out for intelligence returned the beginning
of this month: he look'd into Port St. Piere, Port Royal and the
other principal harbours of Martinique, but saw nothing there but
merchant vessells: he did on Oct. 21 and 22, take three sloops
off from the shore, which he burnt, and on the 27th he took in
the latitude of 16 degrees the Duke de Berry, a French merchantman of 130 tuns and ten guns loaden with sugar from Martinique
to France, which he brought in here. The prisoners confirm
what I have said above, and further say that a greater fleet is
dayly expected from France, and that it will consist in 40 sail
of men of war. Signed, Beville Granville. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Feb. 8, 170¾. Holograph. 1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 8;
and 29, 8. pp. 380–382.] |
Nov. 28.
Secretary's Office. Barbados. |
1330. A. Skene to Wm. Popple. Enclosing copies of receipts
for French prisoners sent in this fleet, which were taken by H.M.S.
Blackwall, Capt. Samll. Martin, who has since taken a ship bound
for Old France, laded with 400 hhds. of sugar and a pritty good
quantity of coco; he also that cruze sank in the harbours
of Martinique two sloops and burnt one. Signed, A. Skene.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 8, 170¾. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
1330. i. Receipts for French Prisoners referred to in preceding.
2½ pp. [C.O. 28, 7. Nos. 7, 7.i.] |
Nov. 29.
Sun Coffee House, behind the Royal Exchange. |
1331. Ste. Mason to William Popple. Enclosing following.
Signed, Ste. Mason. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
1331. i. Proposal for supplying Naval Stores from New England.
[English seamen much decreased of latter years. …
The Northern kingdoms can furnish said stores cheaper
at present. Proposes that all customs be taken off
such commodities imported from the Plantations and
20s. per tun allowed to every ship that shall come thence
fully laden etc. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 30, Read Dec.
23, 1703. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 863. Nos. 62, 62.i.; and
5, 911. pp. 157–160.] |
Nov. 29.
London. |
1332. Newfoundland Merchants to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. In obedience to your Lordships' commands in
relation to a convoy for the Fishery and Trade of Newfoundland
for the next year; wee humbly offer that, to prevent the totall
decay of that Fishery and Trade which is almost lost, there not
being above forty sayle of ships there the last year, whereas in
last war there hath been loaden above 200 sayle, it's highly
necessary, that the fishing ports in England, as Poole, Weymouth,
Dartmouth. Topsham, Exeter and Plymouth; and Barnstaple,
Biddiford and Bristoll; as also the Merchants of London may
have Protections granted them by Jan. 1st for their ships, and
that they be not hindred by any embargo; that in their Protections
they be allowed only one seaman to 10 tons burthen for their
sayling crew, and as many land men as they think fit to carry,
by which H.M. Service will not be hindred; and that to prevent
any frauds of other ships pretending to go for Newfoundland,
who design for other trades, the Master or owners of those ships
may make an affidavit before any Protection is given them that
the said ships are really bound out to load at Newfoundland.
That two or more Men of Warr may be ready to sayle from
Spithead by March 4 next, and that they may have orders to
sayle with the first fair wind afterwards, and call at the Western
Ports for the ships that shall be ready to sayle with them for
Newfoundland; that, in regard it's no ways practicable for the
ships in the North Channel to come about, the ships in those parts
may have a Convoy ready by March 10 next to call at Biddiford
for those fishing ships, and to convoy them two or three hundred
leagues to sea. That the Commanders of the Men of Warr may
have strict orders not to impress any men out of the ships or any
of the Planters' servants in Newfoundland or abroad, and the
Governour of the Fort and soldiery there orders not to molest or
hinder the inhabitants or ships in their Fishery or Trade, unless
on the appearance of the enemy on their common defence. That
the Commanders of the Men of Warr may be ordered, on their
arrivall, to send boats to the northward to sound those harbours,
also to the southward; so that pilotts may not be wanting in
case a force be sent to annoy the enemy (and to take Placentia,
as we hope will) whereby the designs of our Forces sent thither
may not be ineffectual as they have been. That the Harbour
of Trinity in Trinity Bay, may be fortifyed, which may be done
with a small charge considering the great benefitt it will be to that
Trade of Newfoundland especially as it will secure all the harbours
in Trinity Bay and Bonavita, and the harbours adjacent, which
may be reasonably computed one third of the Fishery of
Newfoundland. And also the fortifying this harbour will be a
great security of Consumption Bay, as the usuall practice of the
French hath been to bring their boats over the small tract of
land, between Placentia and the bottom of Trinity Bay, and
annoy the inhabitants of those parts. That the Men of Warr
appointed for the ships which goe for taking of the fish, may be
ready to sayle from Spitthead by May 20 next, and may call at
the Western Ports for what ships shall be there to go with them,
and also that a Convoy may be ready in the Downs by May 10,
to convoy the London ships to Spitthead. That the Convoy
from Newfoundland which shall be ordered for the coast of
Portugall, may have strict orders to let a Man of Warr see the ships
bound for Oporto etc., safe over those barrs before she leaves
them, which may prevent their being taken as severall have by
that negligence been this year. These things being granted,
and the Convoys ready in time, we doubt not but this
advantagious Trade will revive again. The not granting
protections in time and the Convoys not sayling, and embargoes
on our ships and other molestations as above mentioned have
been the cheif occasion of the decay of this Fishery and Trade,
and not the warr with Spaine only; for Portugal, only, have
taken off the lading of near 100 sayle of ships. Signed, Solomn.
Merrett, Samuell Clark, Carleton Goddard, Simon Cole, Charles
Houblon, John Jackson, Wm. Brooke. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 29,
Read Dec. 1, 1703. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 3. No. 4; and 195, 3.
pp. 255–259.] |
| Nov. 29. |
1333. Solicitor General to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I am of opinion that the Acts passed at the General
Assembly at Jamaica, Aug. 22, 1702, are not liable to any
objection in point of Law. Signed, Sim. Harcourt. Endorsed,
Recd. Nov. 30, 1703, Read March 28, 1704. ¾ p. [C.O. 137, 6.
No. 26; and 138, 11. pp. 157, 158.] |
Nov. 29.
Whitehall. |
1334. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Order
of Council, Nov. 25, read and the papers required were prepared. |
|
Report of H.R.H. Council of the Admiralty read. |
|
Memorial of the Jamaica Merchants read. |
|
Report to the House of Lords (Dec. 16) considered. |
| Nov. 30. |
Further progress made with above Report. |
|
Letter from Col. Dudley to Mr. Blathwayt, Sept. 13, read.
[C.O. 391, 16. pp. 298, 299; and 391, 97. pp. 735–739.] |
| Nov. 29. |
1335. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts
Bay. Bill for debentures (Nov. 27) amended and sent down. |
| Nov. 30. |
Message sent down to move the Representatives to a
reconsideration of the Bill passed by the Council relating to
Appeals. |
|
Mutiny Bill, sent up, was passed. |
|
Bill to prevent disorders in the night, sent up, was read a first
and second time, and concurred to be engrossed. [C.O. 5, 789.
pp. 895, 896.] |
| Nov. 29. |
1336. Journal of Assembly of New Jersey. Amendments
to bill for enforcing payment of taxes considered. |
|
Bill for regulating assize of cask brought in. |
| Nov. 30. |
The House met and adjourned. |
| Dec. 1. |
The House met and adjourned. [C.O. 5, 1019. pp. 484, 485.] |
| Nov. 30. |
1337. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The House met
by virtue of a special summons from H.E. Bill for the better
security of the Bays etc. was rejected. Committee appointed to
bring in a new one. |
|
Ordered that the Treasurer allow 10 per cent. for prompt
payment for all that shall pay in money wch. shall become due
on the duty of excise, up to 600l., wch. said sum shall be by him
paid for H.E. and his disbursements according to a former vote. |
|
Resolved that the Speaker move H.E. that the bonds in the
hands of the late Treasurer and due to the public stock be
forthwith delivered to Charles Thomas, the present Treasurer.
[C.O. 31, 7. pp. 143–145.] |
| [? Nov.] |
1338. John Roope to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
It was Oct. 5 before I came hither, which makes me stay all
winter, and by consequence ye greatest part if not all next
summer; so that next shall be able guive a perfect account of the
state of this country and Trade, and what deficiencies there are,
and how remedied; I have found a grove of timber for the boom
about 12 miles by water from this place, so hope to perfect it
as soon as the weather will permitt to transport it hither. As
to Admiral Griden's miscarriage, I know nothing of it; but I
hope that unsuccessfull, and I thinck may (by report) say
unattempted designe, will nott so discourage yt. there may not
be another made, if itt should, I feare yt. ye French will take
this place, and so spoile us of ye poore remaines of one of ye
noblest trades yt. England ever had, for wee have repeated
advices from Plasentia that they have a designe against us,
yt. there are 2 ships, one of 50, ye other of 46 guns, now there,
that they have 2 mortars and 500 bombs aboard each ship, and
900 men in ye 2, and that they expected 4 more from France,
and then they would attack this place by sea and land, and on
Fryday ye 5th inst. a French party surprized and plundered
Renous, and brought wth. ym. one of that place, whome they
took from thence in June last, who reporteth that there are 2
ships at Placentia of about 50 guns, that they expected 300
Canadins, and then would endeavour for this place, which if
they should effect, would be of dangerous consequence. Wherefore 'tis humbly requested yt. wt. ye inhabitants desire in their
Petition (which suppose in some little time, will be presented
you) may be considered, and yt. ye commanding Officers may
be some that know ye valleu of this Trade, for men that understand
not something of the Fishery and Trade, altho' they have been
here severall times, nay lived here some years, will not understand the worth of this country, and think it not worth fighting
for. But wee may see what care the French take to preserve
and increase their strength by countrys and trades that require
labour, dilligence and industry as inuring their people to hardships and so fitt ym. for service, and by this dilligence gett ye
proffitt to themselvs, yt. those yt. have the golden conquest
think they injoy, for by the Spanish example they see that golden
countrys cause ye people yt. enjoy ym. to be proud, idle and
luxurious, and so become ye scoffe and prey of theire neighbours; and itt is nott Spaine alone yt. may be taken for a
presedent, but ancient history is full of ye like cases. By ye
taking this country and Nova Scotia, all ye French Settlements
in ye North of America must fall of cource, and so ours improved
and secured for all ships yt. goe up ye Bay or River of Canada
must pass ye Channell yt. is between this Island and ye Main,
ye wch. River of Canada runneth through ye North of America,
and on ye back of all our Plantations; and I doubt it hath a
passage into ye Western Sea and so to the East India, for I heare
ye French are makeing a Settlement at Callefournia, and if itt
be nott for such purpose, I cannott conjecture what they can
propose by such extraordinary distant Collony. So yt. in my
opinion ye reduction of those parts would hurt France as much
as if H.M. could by sending succours to her ancient subjects
ye Sevenois recover her ancient dutchy of Aquitain; I heartily
wish both could be performed. Signed, John Roope. Endorsed,
Recd. Dec. 8, 1703, Read March 21, 170¾. 1 large p. [C.O. 194,
3. No. 6; and 195, 3. pp. 280–284.] |
