|
Feb. 1.
Westminster. |
55. John Chamberlayne to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In consequence of your Lordships' Representation, the
Society for Promoting the Gospel in Foreign Parts have found
out two Reverend Divines, Mr. Smith and Mr. Moor, to be
missionaries among the Five Nations. Repeats gist of Mr.
Livingstone's letter Dec. 18, 1703 (q.v.), and list of requirements
"which can hardly be compassed but by a royal purse." Signed,
John Chamberlayne. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 3, 170¾.
2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 75; and 5, 1120. pp. 33–35.] |
| [Feb. 1.] |
56. Case of the Mohegan Indians in Connecticot. Repeats substance of Memorial of Dec. 3, 1703, and quotes Charter of Charles II.
to the Governor and Company of Connecticot, and concludes:—Whether this being a controversy between the Indians and that
Government, H.M. may, notwithstanding the privileges then
granted to the said Government, grant a Commission to indifferent
persons in that or the adjacent Colonies to enquire into and
determine this matter, and also to put the Indians into possession
of their lands in case it shall duly appear they have been
wrongfully disseised etc. Endorsed, presented to the Board by
Mr. Wharton and Mr. Hallam, Recd. Read Feb. 1, 170¾. No
signature. 2 closely written pp. [C.O. 5, 1262. No. 66; and
5, 1290. pp. 417–421.] |
Feb. 2.
Whitehall. |
57. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Board of
Ordnance. Desire an estimate for the stores of war required for
the Leeward Islands by Governor Mathew. [C.O. 153, 8. pp.
238, 239.] |
Feb. 2.
Whitehall. |
58. W. Popple to Sir Edward Northey. The Council of
Trade and Plantations desire your opinion upon the enclosed
case of the Mohegan Indians [Feb. 1] as soon as conveniently
may be, the convoys for those parts being very speedily to sail.
Mr. Wharton will attend you in behalf of those poor Indians.
[C.O. 5, 1290. p. 422.] |
| Feb. 2. |
59. Patrick Mein to Wm. Popple. In reply to letter of
Jan. 26, I shall not have time to attend to their Lordships'
commands before the Barbados Fleet is gone. As to the Flaggs
of Truce, I can say very little more than what I have already.
If their Lordships shall think fit to send for one Col. Scot, who
is now in town and a Member of Council in Barbados, he will be
able to give an accot. of all proceedings there as well as myself
etc. Signed, Pat. Mein. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 3, 170¾.
¾ p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 14.] |
Feb. 2.
Whitehall. |
60. W. Popple to Sir Edward Northey, enclosing extract of Gov.
Sir B. Granville's letter, Oct. 31, 1703, and the state of the case
of Capt. Gilligan etc. The Council of Trade and Plantations
desire your opinion how he and other H.M. subjects trading in
that manner may be proceeded against. [C.O. 29, 8. p. 374.] |
Feb. 3.
Treasury Chambers. |
61. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. My Lord Treasurer
taking notice that the several Bills of incidents [Dec. 25, 1703]
are not signed by the Lords Commissioners in such manner as
the Privy Seal directs, desires their signing thereof. He also
observes that the prices charged are extraordinary high
(particularly the staconary ware), especially since there can be
no pretence of charge by the Tradesmen on receiving their money,
because in every subsequent account you have inserted the charge
of receiving the money on the preceding acct. of incidents. His
Lordship therefore expects that you should take care for the
future to manage the expense on account of incidents with all
possible frugality. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Feb. 8, 170¾. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
61. i. Report to [? the Lord High Treasurer] to the above
effect. Copy. 2½ pp. [C.O. 388, 75. Nos. 85, 85.i.;
and 389, 36. pp. 171, 172.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
62. W. Popple to John Chamberlayne. In reply to yours of
the 1st inst. the Council of Trade and Plantations acquaint you
that H.M. dos allow 20l. a piece to all Ministers going to the
Plantations for their passage. They are of opinion that it will
be a great incouragement to such Ministers if they can be assured
of a benefice in England after so many years service, as may be
thought reasonable, among the Indians. There being a Society
for evangelizing Indians in New England, which has a considerable revenue by gifts from particular persons, their Lordships
think it would be of some service if your Society could inform
themselves how such summes of money as have been given
for that end have been imployed. They will take care to
recommend the said Ministers to the Lord Cornbury. [C.O. 5,
1120. p. 36.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
63. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report
on the three Acts of Jamaica referring to Kingston and Port Royal.
Summarise evidence given C.S.P., 1703. Continue; Upon which we
humbly represent, that by an Act past in Jamaica and confirmed
by his late Majesty in Dec. 1695, the town of Kingston is made
a Port and does enjoy the liberty of loading and unloading goods
and all other priviledges necessary to the carrying on a trade
in the same manner as Port Royal then had. Upon consideration
whereof and the reasons aforesaid, we humbly offer to your
Majesty that the Act to prevent the resetling of Port Royal be
repealed, that Act forbidding any publick offices to be kept
or any market to be held, or the necessarys of life to be sold at
Port Royal; that the Act to invest H.M. in land in Kingston for
the reception of the sufferers by the late dreadfull fire at Port Royal,
declaring Kingston to be the chief seat of trade and head port of
entry, and fortifying West Chester, be likewise repealed, because (1)
by that Act the rebuilding at Port Royal is prohibited and rents
and annuities discharged, which in consequence would deprive
the owners of their lands and others of their rent charges and
annuities. (2) Because the forts at Port Royal which have 120
gunns mounted, and cost great summs of money, cannot well
be supplied with necessaries, nor men to defend them, but by
rebuilding the town of Port Royal; and it seems designed by the
preamble of the said Act, that the said forts shall be slighted;
whereas we are of opinion that the safety of your Majesty's men
of war, and the security of the said Port, Trade, and Island does
much depend upon the support and preservation of the said
forts. (3) For that notwithstanding this Act be repealed, Kingston
does and will enjoy all priviledges necessary to make it a port of
entry and place of trade, by the Act that was confirmed by his
late Majesty in Dec. 1695, to which no material addition is made
by this Act, excepting the depriving Port Royal of all priviledges;
whereas we are of opinion that it will be most agreable to the
right of the Proprietors, prosperity of the Island, and for the
advantage of Trade, that a free liberty be allowed, that the people
there may take their choice as to building of houses, unloading of
ships or carrying on their trade at either of the said places as
their interest and inclinations may lead them. That the Act
for making the Kay whereon Fort Charles and Fort William are
erected Port of Entry be likewise repealed; for that by your
Majesty's disallowance of the two forementioned Acts this last
Act becomes altogether useless. So that upon the whole if it
may please your Majesty to repeale these 3 Acts, the towns of
Kingston and Port Royal will possess equal liberties and
immunities in the enjoyment of their estates, and in the carrying
on of their trade, which we humbly offer as the best expedient
for the present securing the Island and resettling the trade
thereof. We have very lately received a letter from
Col. Handasyd (Nov. 27) together with several Acts past in the
General Assembly of that Island, and amongst others one entituled
an Act for raising a Revenue to H.M., her heirs and successors,
for the support of the Government of this Island, and for maintaining and repairing H. M. forts and fortifications, by which your
Majesty's Revenue is continued for 21 years to commence in
October next pursuant to your Majesty's Instructions, wherein
we conceive Col. Handasyd has done your Majesty very good
service and deserves your Majesty's favour. [C.O. 138, 11.
pp. 123–137.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
64. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. We
have received from Governor Sir B. Granville an Act of Barbadoes
for setling 500l. a year upon him for house rent, during his
government. Your Majesty having given Instructions whereby
the said Governour was limitted to the summ of 300l. sterling for
house rent, these Instructions did not arrive at Barbadoes till
after the passing of this Act, and the 500l. currant money of that
Island not exceeding the sum of 370l. sterling, and the said Act
in all other respects being conformable to your Majesties
Instructions, we are humbly of opinion that your Majesty be
pleased to approve of the said Act, the said Governour having
since his receiving the said Instructions, refused a present of
2,000l. offered to him by the Assembly, and having in all other
particulars behaved himself with great zeal and application in
your Majesties service. [C.O. 29, 8. pp. 376, 377.] |
| [Feb. 4.] |
65. Sir Thomas Lawrence to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Not having enjoyed his health these two years last past
in Maryland, prays leave to return to England and put in a
Deputy to execute his office of Secretary till his return. Signed,
Thomas Lawrence. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 4, 170¾.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 715. No. 77; and 5, 726. p. 277.] |
Feb. 4.
Whitehall. |
66. W. Popple to Mr. Burchet. Enclose letter from Gov.
Sir B. Granville (Oct. 31, 1703) relating to fleet from Barbados;
to be laid before H.R.H. [C.O. 29, 8. p. 378.] |
Feb. 4.
Whitehall. |
67. W. Popple to Mr. Champante. I inclose a copy of the
Lord Cornbury's letter relating to the Lady Bellomont's accounts.
In relation to your desire of having the prosecution of the Lady
Bellomont's securities at New Yorke suspended for six months
longer, the Council of Trade and Plantations, before they take
any resolution thereupon, desire to be informed whether her
Ladyship will agree to the method of accounting, as proposed
by the Lord Cornbury. [C.O. 5, 1120. p. 37.] |
| Feb. 4. |
68. Mr. Thrale to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Your Lordships having made a Representation to H.M. concerning
the sending stores and cannon together with recruits to the
Province of New Yorke, and, having apply'd myself to my Lord
Nottingham's office to desire a speedy dispatch by reason the
ships will be going out of hand, I was asked whether your
Lordships had no new matter to represent for that Province;
which if your Lordships have, I humbly beg that you not only
do give it dispatch, but represent that it's highly necessary that
his Lordship would facilliat those already sent down by your
Lordships with all speed; for I am very well informed that,
above all, they stand in very great neede of powder, and that
the merchants here will ship none, by reason they are sensible
the Government will have occasion for it, and command it out of
their hands upon creditt. Signed, Jno. Thrale. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Feb. 4, 170¾. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 76;
and 5, 1120. pp. 37, 38.] |
Feb. 5.
Barnstaple. |
69. Mr. Webber to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses following; I think it no difficult task [to reduce Newfoundland] (with Divine permission), could the Government allow
but 10 frigots and 500 landmen well appoynted. I know Sir
Francis Wheeler was sent there last warr to reduce it, but took
very indirect courses to effect it. The last year a squadron
was order[ed] for yt. expedition, but put it in execution too late,
nor were the forces in a condition to enterprize. Heer are several
ship bound for yt. Plantation this yeare, if they can have protections for their men. Signed, Peter (?) Webber. Endorsed,
Recd. Feb. 9, Read March 21, 170¾. Addressed. 1 p.
Annexed, |
|
69. i. Reflections on the present settlement of Newfoundland.
The French, by the great number of ships occupied in
the Fishery (supposed to be upward of 800 saile) have
encreased their seamen to that degree as to enable them
to man such fleets wch. none of their predecessors could.
They supply not only their own country with fish, but
also Spain, Portugal and Italy, where they are always
before us, to the utter ruin of our trade, for they are
possest of the greatest part of that Island, the best
fishing grounds, where the fish come sooner then where
the English fish, making their voyages quicker, and can
render their fish to markets at least 6 weeks sooner than
we can. There is not that great quantities of ice on the
coasts the French possess as on that wch. we enjoy,
wch. obstructs our fishery, so that they end their voyages
sooner etc. If entire to England twould breed us many
thousand seamen yearly etc. 1½ pp. [C.O. 194, 3.
Nos. 12, 12.i.] |
Feb. 5.
Custome House, London. |
70. Mr. Sansom to Wm. Popple. In answer to yours of
yesterday's date, Mr. Patrick Mein was the last Surveyor General
imployed in the Southern Plantations in America, which survey
ended Feb. 1695/6, and in 1699 the Commissioners being
acquainted that he was going from England with a prospect to
stay in Barbadoes some considerable time on some affairs of his
own, and having had experience of his former good service, they
took that occasion (for saving of charge) to recommend to him
severall matters relating to the Customes, of which he hath from
time to time given them satisfactory accompts; and particularly
since his return to England; and Col. Quary being lately established Surveyor Generall of the Customes in America, the Commissioners design, as occasion offer, to order him to go from the
Continent and visit the Islands in that capacity. Signed, Jno.
Sansom. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 8, 170¾. Addressed.
1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 15; and 29, 8. pp. 379, 380.] |
Feb. 6.
Jamaica. |
71. Lt. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Acknowledges letter of Oct. 28 and Nov. 24 and
Order of Council Nov. 18 in relation to prizes. For my part
I have not directly or indirectly had the value of a glass of wine
from any prize since I came into the country, laying that down
for a rule at my first entering into the Government to be faithful
to my trust, and never to eat H.M. fowls for fear the feathers
should choak me. Sends duplicates of Acts sent Nov. 27. I hope
they will be to your Lopps. satisfaction, for such a difficult piece
of work I never did go through. Refers to enclosures, and
embargo, which I hope, (having it confirmed by several who
made their escape from the enemy, that they are not in a condition to make a general attempt on Jamaica) will in three or
four days be taken off, I having called a Council for that purpose.
As to the settling a Govern. in the Bay of Campeachie, I shall
endeavour to give your Lops. a satisfactory acct. per next. As
to the intreaguing, designing men, you have had some of them
from this place already, and I wish you had two or three more,
who fancy themselves greater men than any body else can
believe they are, and want to bashaw it over Englishmen as over
their slaves, which they never shall obtain as long as H.M.
continues me in my post etc. Oppression has been too much
accustomed here, therefore very hard to be broken off. As to
the giving out arms to the Militia, I shall take all the care
imaginable to take the Captains' notes for them. We are dayly
fatigued by small parties of the enemy, who land in the night
by sloops and barquelongos, running them into small cricks
and covering them with bows, lying themselves in woods till
they have an opportunity of surprizeing the Plantations,
altho' I have taken every care imaginable in ordering the stations
of the four men of war, and likewise have ordered soldiers to
every place of consequence to keep guard there, but the Island
being of so large extent, and but thinly inhabited, 'tis a meer
impossibility to prevent all accidents of that nature with the
small number of ships and soldiers that we have, since they can
run over from Cuba in one night. I thank God the advantage
they have made of us as yet has not been great, having not got
50 slaves since my coming to the Government, for which we have
gott three times the number from them. They have made three
attempts within these two months by small parties, the last of
which was on the north side of the Island, where they landed
70 men and left ten in the Barquelongo and took from a Plantation 11 slaves, and designed to have gone farther into the
country, but the country being alarmed, one of our Captains
with 12 soldiers and 19 inhabitants marched above 20 miles
thro' woods and over mountains, the River being high by great
Rains prevented any more joyning them: they came up with the
enemy as they were embarking and fell upon them so vigorously
that they killed 20 upon the spott and took 4 prisoners, the rest
making their escape in the Barquelongo; how many were
wounded, I can't learn, but they have troubled us no more. The
other two actions were much of the same nature, but the number
of men less. Our people, not above one third, killed the enemy's
Captain, wounded and took the Quartermaster and three more,
and made them retire in great confusion. We are dayly
threatened by the French and Spaniard to make a general attempt
on Jamaica. I am sorry we are not in a better condition of
defence, as to the number we have, I believe they are very good,
and hope we shall shew ourselves faithful servants to our Queen
and Country, and like true Englishmen not be daunted at their
numbers. As to the state of the men of war, two of them are
in a very indifferent condition, being much damnified by the
worms, and the two fireships hardly able to float. As to the
petition of the officers and soldiers, we do not doubt but it will
have a very good issue, since your Lordps. have befriended us
in that matter. Six months ago I writ to the Bishop of London,
giving an account of the vacancys of the Parsonages here, and
having no answer, makes mee believe tis miscarried, we having
16 parishes and no more than 5 Parsons, the rest being all dead
or left us, which may prove of ill consequence if not remedied in
making us turn Atheists. Altho' the sallarys of some are but
small, yet the smallest Parsonage is commonly made up 120l.
per annum. I enclose a letter to the Bishop, which, if your
Lordships approve of, I desire you will order to be sealed and
sent, etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. 30, Read 31
March, 1704. Holograph. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
71. i. Copy of letter sent by Lt. Gov. Handasyd to the
Spanish Governors of St. Domingo, Cartagena, Porto
Bello and the Havanna in pursuance of Lord Nottingham's Instructions. Signed, Tho. Handasyd.
Endorsed as preceding. 1½ pp. |
|
71. ii. Copy of Instructions to the Master of the sloop carrying
above letters, Dec. 17, 1703. See Minutes of Council
of Jamaica, Dec. 7 and Jan. 11. Signed and endorsed
as preceding. 1½ pp. [C.O. 137, 6. Nos. 36, 36.i., ii.;
and (without enclosures) 138, 11. pp. 162–169.] |
Feb. 6.
Jamaica. |
72. Lt. Governor Handasyd to the Earl of Nottingham.
I enclose a copy of my letters to the Spanish Governor etc. (see
preceding). I hope it will have good effect, having understood
by an Englishman that made his escape from the enemy that
Señor Pemento, Governor of Cartagena, has retired to a Castle
with several of his friends and stands upon his own defence,
and I hope by the sloop that's gone with the flagg of truce to
have a confirmation of the same, and that several others will follow
his example, which if so, I hope Monsieur will have his hands full
in these parts. Repeats parts of preceding. Signed, Tho.
Handasyd. Endorsed, R. March 30, 1704. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
72. i. Duplicates of above, i., ii. [C.O. 137, 45. Nos. 60, 60.i.,
ii.; and (duplicates) 137, 51. Nos. 1, 1. i., ii.] |
Feb. 6.
Barbados. |
73. Governor Sir B. Granville to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. On the 3rd inst. the pacquet boat with the
mail of Jan. 1 arrived here, but brought me from your Lordships
only duplicates of what I had received before and acknowledged.
I have very little to add except it be expressing the sence I have
of your Lordships' favour in the promise you make me of
endeavouring to obtain from the Queen's bounty a compensation
for what I loose by the late restraining order. This pacquet
boat is come so much quicker after the other then usual that the
severall offices have neither got their duplicates ready of what
I sent last nor the originals in relation to the prizes and
Admiralty which I promist, however I hope they may be as soon
in your Lordships' hands, intending to put them on board a
merchant ship of good force which is bound hence for England
in eight days. The Dreadnought which sailed from England in
Sept. last arrived here on the 1st inst.; she had bin all that time
at sea, bin separated from her fleet and suffer'd much damage
by the violent storms and bad weather, Colonel Seymour, the
Governor of Maryland, and his family is on board. Signed, Bevill
Granville. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read 25th April, 1704.
Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 16; and 29, 8. pp. 428–430.] |
Feb. 6.
Antigua. |
74. Governor Codrington to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Your Lordships command me to give an account
of the affair at Guadaloupe. I wish I could my Lords, but tis
really unaccountable in all respects, as to what preceeded and
followed it. I could ask a great many questions which I believe
it would be hard for anyone to answer, I must humbly own I cannot
divine at the reason of the measures which were taken, why a few
heavy foul ships were sent out without any light fregate, why no
artillery or ammunition was sent, why the troops were sent out
in so ill a condition and but half officered. Why such recruits
were sent almost naked without arms fit for service, and none
to take care of them but 2 or 3 young idle fellows and one drunken
Major who soon dispatch'd himself. Why the fleet was so long coming to Barbadoes, and why they staid two months there, in the only
season fit for action, that the officers, soldiers and seamen might
have time enough to destroy themselves with debauchery, and
loose their lives with poxes, fluxes and feavers, which might have
been more usefully disposed of. Why the Commodore never
gave me any notice of his being there, and why he afterwards
came down so far to Leeward, that he might not be able afterwards to turn to Windward again, why there was so much
perverseness and ill will to the Service in all the commanding
officers in the Navy (except Col. Moses and Lt. Col. Martin, who
did their duty extremly well) and why Guardaloupe was quitted,
just when we were to reap the fruit of our hazards and fatigues,
as we had indisputably done if the fleet had continued but five
days longer for the arrival of Admiral Graydon, are misteries I
cannot fathom. I could ask as many questions as to what followed. But that part may seem without my province, and
therefore I shall not meddle with it. As to what relates to my
own conduct, as well as the great pains, trouble and charge I was
at in preparing for it, I think I may safely trust the representation
of it to others, tho' I am very much aware of the envy and
baseness of mankind. I have as ill an opinion of the management
as any one living, but my scheme was not executed, and I had
no command of the ships or boats, and I will venture to affirm
very positively no expedition can succeed where there is not one
sole Commander, unless Providence should work a miracle and
effect an agreement between the land and sea officers. The
resolutions taken in the several Councills of Warr, particularly
one letter to the Commodore will give your Lordships a great
deal of light, I could be more particular, but am unwilling, since
I cannot be at home to explain and justify my observations.
I did, I believe, more then another General would have done in
my place. For when I had got a bloody flux by overfatiguing
myself, I kept it private for severall days and supported myself
as well as I could with vast quantities of laudanum to which I
attribute the loss of my sight, as to a severe cold which I caught
during my illness, the loss of my limbs and the terrible pains which
I was afflicted for four or five months after frequent bathings
and drinking great quantities of cold water (which I take to be the
West Indian panacea) have at length wholy restored me to my
health and I am now able as I shall always be willing to serve
H.M., whenever she pleases to employ me. I humbly hope my
zealous endeavours in all respects have been accepted, success
was not in my power, especially where I had so little authority,
for I had not any commission to call a Court Marshall or punish
disorders, till Admiral Graydon's arrival when the business was
over. Signed, Chr. Codrington. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read
25th April, 1704. 3¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
74. i. Copy of proceedings of a Council of War held on board
H.M.S. Boyne, Feb. 20, 1702/3, in relation to the expedition at Guardaloupa. See Cal. 1703. No. 737. Same
endorsement. 6½ pp. [C.O. 152, 5. Nos. 48, 48.i.; and
(without enclosure) 153, 8. pp. 276–280.] |
| Feb. 6. |
75. Duplicate of preceding. Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O. 152,
5. No. 49.] |
| [Feb. 8.] |
76. Draught of an Instruction received from the Treasury
to be inserted in H.M. Instructions to Col. Mathew. "And
whereas severall Prizes were taken in the last warr with France
and carried into the Leeward Islands, of which no due accompt
has been rendered to the Crown, you are therefore to give the
necessary orders and to be otherwise aiding and assisting within
your Government to all such persons as are appointed for the
recovery of the arrears due for such Prizes" etc. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Feb. 8, 1703–4. ¾ p. [C.O. 152, 5. No. 51.] |
Feb. 8.
Whitehall. |
77. W. Popple, jr., to W. Lowndes. Encloses accounts
signed by the Commissioners as desired, Feb. 3. The accounts
of postage are wholly for letters from the Plantations, which are
rated in the Post Office, and if there be therein any excess, it
cannot be controuled by my Father. As to the accounts of the
Woodmonger and Stationer, my Father is assured by them that
scarce any other Office about Whitehall is furnished with the like
sorts at so cheap rates, nor that the quantities expended in any
office where so much buisness is done are so small as in this. As
to the account of petty expences, which is for disbursements
made by my Father himself, he is ready however unusual to attest
the truth thereof upon oath, and will endeavour to manage all
the incidents, as he has allways done, with all possible frugality,
and therefore desires you to do him the justice to represent him to
my Lord Treasurer as not having needlessly expended any money
that has gone through his hands. [C.O. 389, 36. pp. 172–174.] |
Feb. 10.
St. James'. |
78. Order of Queen in Council. Referring petition of
Jeronimy Clifford, (that he has not yet had any good effect from
the several applications made to the States General in the matter
of his estate in Surinam, and praying for redress) to the Council
of Trade and Plantations, who are to recommend the consideration of his case [see Cal. A. and W. I. 1702. Nos. 360.i.–iv.
etc. and Acts of Privy Council II. No. 551.] to some able merchants
to adjust his accounts, and then to report thereupon. Signed,
John Povey. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
78. i.–lxxiv. The case and claims of Jeronimy Clifford referred
to in preceding. [C.O. 388, 75. Nos. 86, 86.i.–lxxiv.];
and (without enclosures) 389, 36. pp. 175, 176.] |
Feb. 10.
Whitehall. |
79. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Propose Charles Long and Richard Thompson for the Council of
Jamaica as recommended by Lt. Gov. Handasyd. [C.O. 138,
11. pp. 137, 138.] |
Feb. 10.
Whitehall. |
80. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Nottingham. Recommend Sir T. Lawrence's petition (Feb. 4),
his absence not to be above 18 months. [C.O. 5, 726. p. 278.] |
Feb. 10.
St. James'. |
81. Order of Queen in Council. Approving above Representation and ordering warrants to be prepared for H.M. signature
accordingly. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Feb. 18, 170¾. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 6. No. 37; and 138, 11.
p. 150.] |
Feb. 10.
Whitehall. |
82. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Recommend Dudley Diggs to be a Councillor of Virginia.
[C.O. 5, 1360. p. 453.] |
Feb. 10.
St. James's. |
83. Order of Queen in Council. Upon reading Representation (Feb. 3) and a petition of the Merchants and Planters
of Jamaica, the three Acts referred to are repealed and declared
null and voyd and of none effect. Signed, John Povey.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 18, 170¾. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 6.
No. 38; and 138, 11. pp. 147–149.] |
| Feb. 10. |
84. Mr. Thrale to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Having told Mr. Warr that your Lordships have no new matter
to represent for New Yorke, he tells me, unless yr. Lordships
do signifie by letter, yt. the ships are going with all speed and
that it would be convenient that a dispatch may be given to those
representations etc. as lye before H.M. for New Yorke. Signed,
Jno. Thrale. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 10, 170¾. Addressed.
½ p. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 77; and 5, 1120. p. 39.] |
Feb. 10.
Whitehall. |
85. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earle of
Nottingham. The convoys for the continent of America being
shortly to saile, we remind your Lordship of the Order of Councill,
May 1st, upon the Report of the Board of Ordnance relating to
stores of war for New Yorke, that your Lordship be pleased to
lay the same before H.M. as soon as may be, those stores being
absolutely necessary for the security of the Colony. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 1084. No. 20; and 5, 1120. p. 40.] |
| Feb. 11. |
86. Col. Mathew to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
By his Commission and Instructions as Governor of the Leeward
Islands, he hath no power given him to direct the service of such
ship of war as shall be appointed to attend the Leeward Islands,
nor any authority given him to oblige the Commanders, officers
and seamen of such ships to do their duty, nor is there any power
to that effect in his Commission as Vice-Admiral of the Leeward
Islands, that relating wholly to the civil jurisdiction of the
Admiralty. The Governours of the Leeward Islands have been
always empowered to command and direct the service of such
ships of war as have been appointed to attend there, and without
which the service of such ships of war will be altogether precarious
and uncertain. Although directions may be given from time to
time to the Commanders of such ships of war as shall be sent
to the Leeward Islands to observe the orders of the Governour,
yet if the Governour be not authorized to command them, H.M.
service must very much suffer, and those stationary ships become
in some manner useless. Prays their Lordships to represent
this matter to the Lord High Admirall, that such Instructions
may be given him as shall seem meet and proper, and that he
may have a copy of such part of the Instructions to the Captain
of such stationary men of warr, as are appointed for the service
of those Islands from time to time, that he may govern himself
accordingly. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 11, 170¾. 170¾ pp.
[C.O. 152, 5. No. 52; and 153, 8. pp. 244–246.] |
| [Feb. 11.] |
87. (a) Robert Beverly to the Queen. In an ejectment
brought by Francis Ballard, lessee of Samuel Selden and Rebecca
his wife against John George, for certain lands in Elizabeth City.
County in Virginia, the Jury, April 23, 1703, found a general
verdict against petitioner with excessive damages, contrary to
evidence and right, and upon appeal before your Majesty in
Council, judgment being granted, whereby the General Court
of Virginia will deny the petitioner any further process, he
therefore prays an Order of Leave that he may take in Virginia
a writ of attaint and inquire in the said verdict. Signed, R.
Beverley. Countersigned, John Povey. Copy. |
|
(b) Order of Queen in Council. St. James's, Feb. 3, 1703(–4).
Referring above to Mr. Attorney General for his opinion what
may be fit for H.M. to do therein. Signed, John Povey. Copy. |
|
(c) Attorney General to the Queen. Petitioner is intituled to a
writ of attaint without suite to your Majesty, and not having
been denied it by your Majesty's Courts in Virginia, I do not
see any reason for your Majesty to give any direction for his having
a writ which he may sue out of course. |
|
But as the Petitioner's case is the question tried by the Jury,
being matter of title arising on construction of deeds and wills,
in determining which the Jury (it's probable) followed the
directions of the Court in which the cause was tried, I see no
ground for his troubling the Jury by a writ of attaint; and
therefore I am humbly of opinion it will not be reasonable to give
any countenance to it by your Majesty's Order, and the rather
for that your Majesty hath been pleased, on affirming the
judgment given against the Petitioner, to direct that, if he shall
think fit to bring another ejectment for regaining the lands lost
by the verdict found against him, and desire the title may be
specially found, that it shall be so found, which will be a proper
method for his relief. Signed, Edw. Northey. The whole endorsed,
Recd. Read Feb. 11, 170¾. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1313. No. 38;
and 5, 1360. pp. 449–452.] |
| Feb. 12. |
88. Office of Ordnance to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Enclosing estimate for stores of war wanting in the
Leeward Islands [Feb. 2]. Signed, Granville, C. Musgrave, Ja.
Lowther, Wm. Bridges. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 18, 170¾.
1 p. Enclosed, |
|
88. i. Estimate referred to above. Total, 2,199l. 4s. 5d. +
Freight, 550l. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 5. Nos. 53, 53.i.;
and 153, 8. pp. 250–252.] |
Feb. 13.
St. James's. |
89. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation
[of Feb. 3] and ratifying the Act of Barbados referred to. Signed,
John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 18, 170¾. 1 p.
[C.O. 28, 7. No. 17; and 29, 8. pp. 386, 387.] |
Feb. 14.
Whitehall. |
90. William Popple, jr., to Mr. Burchett. Enclosing copy
of Col. Mathew's Memorial, Feb. 11. [C.O. 153, 8. p. 246.] |
Feb. 14.
Whitehall. |
91. Earl of Nottingham to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Col. Rd. Downes has been so highly recommended as
ye fittest person to be of ye Council of Barbados, that H.M. desires
to be informed whether you have any other objection, than
that he is not ye first upon the list of those who are designed
for it. Signed, Nottingham. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 21,
170¾. Holograph, 1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 18; and 29, 8.
p. 387.] |
| [Feb. 14.] |
92. Daniel Cox to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
[Reply to Memorial by Sir T. Lane etc. Jan. 27.] Mr. Dockwra's
recommendation of me was absolutely without my knowledge.
My father absolutely denies having sold his entire interest in
those Provinces, but reserved to himself very considerable tracts
of land, as the conveyance etc. will prove. Had these Gentlemen
any such right as they pretend to, and any writings to confirm
it, they surely would never suffer those contumelys and reproaches
wch. are every day thrown on them, not only by some of their
own Agents and perticular purchasers, but by almost the whole
country, who for near 12 years have demanded them to be sent
over to the Province and entered upon the Register, wch. is always
customary, and without which no man can bee assured or secured
in the possession of his lands and estate. I deny encouraging
any faction. Lord Cornbury has seen fit to intrust me with the
command of all the forces in the Western Division of New Jersey
etc. etc. I can prove that what monys I received for any lands
in New Jersey was some months before the arrival of your
Lordships' Instruction to Lord Cornbury or my knowledge of it,
and nothing but my indisputable right could have secured the
payment. The wealthier people think the (qualification) part of
the Constitution of so small security to themselves or the country,
that they are extreamly fearful least the meaner sort of people
being discontented hereat should leave the Province. Should
your Lordships admit these Gentlemen's plea against me, for the
very same reasons I humbly presume you will expunge Mr. Lewis
Morris, their Agent. I was almost the only man in the Western
Division that publicly opposed the transaction regarding the
purchase of land from the Indians. Signed, Daniel Cox, jr.
9 pp. [C.O. 5, 970. No. 17.] |
| Feb. [14.] |
93. William Dockwra to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to Memorial, Jan. 27. His address was only
on behalf of Mr. Sonmans, by special direction of the Committee
and on behalf of the Proprietors of the Eastern Division, of whom
all that were in England (except these factious subscribers and
their partners) had then constituted Mr. Sommans their Agent,
the Committee of Proprietors having his orders and instructions
at that time under consideration for his dispatch, his Commission
being delivered to him under the hands and seals of all the Proprietors in England as aforesaid, except those men who usually
stile themselves ye West Jersie Society, who might have signed
it too, if they had not thought themselves too great to condescend
to a friendly compliance with the rest etc. Mr. Dockwra would not
exchange his single interest for the whole joynt interest that
the Society has in the Eastern Division. His reputation is
unblemished etc. Signed, Wm. Dockwra. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 970.
No. 18.] |
| [Feb. 14.] |
94. Peter Sonmans to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Answer to same. Losses in the war cause his bankruptcy; his
creditors are long ago paid. Some of the signatories not only
failed many years ago but omitted to give their creditors any
satisfaction. He has for divers years been possessed of 5¼ Proprietys of the Eastern and 2 of the Western Division, his title
never disputed save by Joseph Ormston, whose bill was dismissed
with costs. The Proprietors of the Eastern Division being in
England, who for many years have had the management of all
affairs, having among them 14 of the 24 Proprietys, being
desirous to have the advice and consent of all their fellow Proprietors in the choice of a General Agent, before they chose him,
not only summoned the West Jersey Society, who among them
have but 2 Proprietys, to all their intended meetings, but also
frequently mentioned the occasion and necessity thereof to induce
them to come; wch. letters, or several of them, Sir T. Lane, whom
they call their President, owned to have received. But none
of them attending, the other Proprietors chose Sonmans and
signed his Commission, and ordered him to desire the Society's
concurrance. He left his Commission with Sir T. Lane and Mr.
Docminique. The latter told him the Society had no objection
to him, and would sign it if new drawn without the clauses relating
to Mr. Dockwra etc. etc. Signed, Peter Sonmans. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Feb. 14, 170¾. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 970. No. 19.] |
Feb. 14.
Nevis. |
95. Governor Codrington to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I send your Lordships Lieut.-Col. Ling's and Capt.
Parry's accounts of the prizes, whom I appointed Commissarys,
and it was a favour to me they wd. accept of ye employ. I have
not toucht one farthing of ye produce, nor have I, nor would I
upon any terms concern myself with publick money. I smarted
sufficiently by ye delays yt. were used in making up my Father's
accts., and had been 10,000l. a saver if I had immediately have
come to ye Indys upon my Father's death, but as I had need of
a great deal of patience then, I have still so, and instead of growing
rich by my employ, and by my faithfull and zealous services to
the Crown, I have attained some qualitys, wch. I did not bring
into the world with me, and which I hope will doe me more good
than an estate. I have not received the furlow your Lordships
promist me, tho' my Lord Orrery went once and sent twice to ye
Secretary's Office for it, so that I shall loose a year by it. My
successor cannot well be expected before June; I must be contented to stay till ye spring after. I shall bear this and everything else patiently, till some mistakes are rectified, wch. I must
believe I lye under, or else I cannot think the Queen would have
given away my Government before I had had ye honour to kis
her hands and give her an account of my conduct. I am very
easy under this because I shall soon put things in a better light
upon my arrival and your Lordships shall be so far my
inquisitors, that I will oblige myself to answer all the questions
you will give yourself ye trouble to ask me upon oath, without
any reserves whatsoever, and I wish all West Indian Governours
were to doe ye same by a Law. I have been so far from making
any unlawfull advantages that I have not taken the usual fees,
tho' of five years salary, which will be due to me May 1 next,
I have yet recd. but 900l. this country money, which reduced
to sterling will not be one year's salary. I hope your Lordships
will be pleased to recommend my case to my Lord Treasurer;
ye worst of servants are paid their wages when they are turned
off. I humbly beg one favour more of your Lordships, which is,
that you will be pleased to let H.M. know I doe not desert her
service, but since I have recovered my health, shall be always
ready with as much zeal and affection as any Englishman
wtever to hazard my life, wherever she will please to commend
me. I beg ye honour of your Lordships' good opinion till you
are convinced I doe not deserve it. Signed, Chr. Codrington.
I shall meet the Assembly of this Island tomorrow and hope
to get ye Antigua Act past here. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read
25th April, 1704. Holograph. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
95. i. Reply of the Assembly [of Nevis] to H.E. Speech. The
wholesome counsell this day recommended for our future
conduct, and that excellent proposall in relation to our
Laws, confirms in us those undoubted proofes your
Excellency has repeatedly given of your heartiness
and zeale for the good and wellfare of the People wee
represent, and as Capt. Nathaniel Crump with 5 Members
more are appointed to return your Excellency the
humble thanks of this House for the same, so are they
likewise ordered to assure your Excellency wee shall
cheerfully and readily contribute to the good work
therein mentioned. Signed, George Gamble, Speaker.
Endorsed as preceding. ¾ p. |
|
95. ii. Lt.-Col. Ling to Governor Codrington. Encloses
accounts of the Lord High Admiral's tenths, for the time
of my acting as Commissioner of Prizes, ye ballance
of wch. is ready for those who shall be directed to receive
ye same. Mr. Sygismond Cooper by a second hand
lately sent me for perusal a Commission he hath for
receiving ye aforesaid tenths, which according to my
small knowledge does not impower him to receive what
hath already been collected, but have offered to pay him
upon his bond to indempnefy me etc. Signed, W. Ling.
Nevis, Feb. 15, 170¾. |
|
95. iii. Accompt of the Lord High Admiral's Tenths of (4)
prizes condemned in Nevis July, 1702–March 27, 1703.
Total, 284l. 12s. 8½d. Signed, Wm. Ling. Endorsed as
No. 95. 1 p. |
|
95. iv. John Perrie's Account of Prizes condemned at Antigua
since the wars. Feb. 6, 1703. Signed, Jno. Perrie,
Register of the Admiralty Court. Same endorsement.
6 pp. [C.O. 152, 5. Nos. 50, 50.i.–iv.; and (without
enclosures) 153, 8. pp. 271–275.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
96. Earl of Nottingham to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
The Queen having appointed Col. Thomas Handasyd
to be Governour of Jamaica, H.M. would have you prepare his
Instructions and Commission for her approbation. Signed,
Nottingham. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 21, 170¾. 1 p.
[C.O. 137, 6. No. 39; and 138, 11. p. 151.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
97. Council of Trade and Plantations to Col. Codrington.
Wee have received no letter from you since yours of Aug. 8 last,
but have writt to you Oct. 28 and Nov. 24 last, whereof duplicates
have also been dispatched to you. We are at present to acquaint
you, that H.M. having been pleased to gratify you in your desire of
coming to England, has appointed Collonel Mathew to succeed you.
H.M. having been pleased to refer to our consideration a Presentment
from the Commissioners of the Customes relating to your
forbidding the officers from collecting the duty of 4½ per cent.
in the French part of St. Christophers, and having consulted
H.M. Attorney General thereupon, we reported our opinion to
H.M., a copy whereof is here inclosed, as also a copy of H.M.
order thereupon for your information. We have laid before the
Admiralty the want of sailers in the men of war that attend the
Plantations, and the necessity of having a sufficient provision
of supernumerary seamen on board those ships which may supply
the places of those that become deficient; and we have likewise
offer'd to them the want of guard-ships necessary for the Leeward
Islands, and of convoys for their trade. And what the Lord
High Admirall shall order thereupon will be sent you by the first
opportunity. Wee send you here inclosed a letter from the
Earle of Nottingham, by which you will see how you are to govern
yourself in this conjuncture, in relation to the Spaniards. [C.O.
153, 8. pp. 247, 248.] |
| [Feb. 15.] |
98. Leonard Compere, Receiver General of Jamaica, to
the Council of Trade and Plantations. By a recent Act of
Jamaica, for raising an Additional Duty, the Receiver has been
allowed only 2½ per cent. of the tax, he or his Deputy to enter
into a bond of 5,000l., conditioned to account with the Assembly;
and by another Act for Raising a Revenue, petitioner's percentage
on customs etc. has been reduced from 10 to 5 p.c., and he obliged
to enter into security for 5,000l. conditioned to account to the
Governor and Council or Assembly, by which H.M. Prerogative
is restrained and petitioner's freehold apparently prejudiced;
prays their Lordships to represent the same, that H.M. may repeal
the said laws, "the rather for that the said Assembly consisting
of 32 persons, 8 whereof were expelled the House and 7 of them
chosen again and another person in room of the 8th, but the 25 sitting
Members refused to admit them, and made a new parish and received
2 new Members for the same" etc. Signed, Leonard Compere.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 15, 170¾. 1 large p. [C.O. 137,
6. No. 40.] |
| Feb. 15. |
99. W. Popple, jr., to J. Champante. The Council of Trade
and Plantations desire your speedy answer to the letter writ you
the 4th inst., they being now about to write to my Lord
Cornbury. If you can produce to them a certificate from any of
the auditors of the Exchequer of the method of accounting here,
and if that be different from the method proposed by the Lord
Cornbury, their Lordships will then send a copy of it to him for
his direction. [C.O. 5, 1120. p. 41.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
100. W. Popple, jr., to Sir E. Northey. Enclosing clause
in the Charter of the Massachusetts Bay (see March 22). The
Council of Trade and Plantations thereupon desire your opinion
whether H.M. may not by her Royal Prerogative establish a
Court of Chancery in the said Province, notwithstanding the
aforesaid clause. [C.O. 5, 911. pp. 205, 206.] |
