|
? March 1. (Written February.) Office of Ordnance. |
150. Board of Ordnance to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Enclose following. Signed, C. Musgrave, Wm.
Bridges. Endorsed, Recd. Read March 2, 170¾. 1 p. Enclosed, |
150. i. Estimate of the value of the stores required for
Barbados. [See Feb. 28.] Total, 7,667l. 6s. 5d. 3 pp.
[C.O. 28, 7. Nos. 22, 22.i.; and 29, 8. pp. 392–395.] |
March 2. Whitehall. |
151. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. We
humbly lay before your Majesty the draught of a Commission
for Col. Handasyd to be your Majesty's Captain General and
Governor in Chief of Jamaica, together with an additional
Instruction relating to quarters for your Majesty's Regiments
there. Annexed, |
151. i. Additional Instruction to Governor Handasyd. Whereas
by an Act past in Jamaica in June last, entituled an
Act for raising money for providing an addition to the
subsistance of our officers and soldiers, it is left to the
choice of the inhabitants either to receive the soldiers into
their houses or pay them 5s. per week for quarters,
by which means the soldiers receiving this money misspend it to the ruine of their health and are frequently
left without quarters, it is our will and pleasure, that
you recommend to the Council and Assembly the case
of the said officers and soldiers, so that a clause may
be inserted in a future Act, or other provision made
by which quarters may be secured to the soldiers, and
not money allowed them instead thereof, whereby the
forementioned inconveniences may be prevented.
[C.O. 138, 11. pp. 151–153.] |
March 2. St. James's. |
152. Order of Queen in Council. Approving above Representation, and ordering the said draught of a Commission for
Governor Handasyd to be prepared for H.M. signature and to
pass the Great Seal. Lord Nottingham is to prepare the said
draught of an Instruction, both which are hereunto annexed,
for H.M. Royal Signature and sent to the said Governor. Signed,
John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read March 9, 170¾. 1 p. [C.O.
137, 6. No. 41; and 138, 11. pp. 153, 154.] |
March 2. Whitehall. |
153. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. We
humbly offer that the stores required [Feb. 28], or such part
thereof as the present state of the Revenue of 4½ p.c. arising
in the Charibbe Islands may answer, be sent to Barbadoes for
the security thereof. [C.O. 29, 8. p. 396.] |
March 2. St. James's. |
154. Order of Queen in Council. Referring above Representation to the Lord High Treasurer, who is to consider how
far the demand may be complyed with in relation to the present
state of the Revenue of 4½ p.c. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed,
Recd. Read March 9, 170¾. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 23; and
29, 8. pp. 409, 410.] |
March 2. Whitehall. |
155. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Enclosing report upon petitions of Sir Richard Levett
etc. to be laid before H.M. 1 p. Note on back: H.M. approves
of the Report so far as yt. ye ships shall not be stopt for convoys:
letters to the Governors accordingly; as to the press, care is
taken for that in a Genll. Standing Order to ye Governor and
Commander. Enclosed, |
155. i. Sir Richard Levett and William Lone, in behalf of
themselves and the rest of the owners of the Dolphin
and Mermaid now lying in Bristol outward bound for
Callabar. These ships, carrying letters of marque,
and being lately arrived from Virginia, where they
delivered in Sept. last 546 slaves for the benefit
of the inhabitants there and in Maryland, and paid
also to the said Governments 546l. by virtue of an
Order of Councill in those Colonies made for all ships
bringing slaves there to pay 20s. per head for every
slave towards the building of a Colledge and other
charitable uses, and were afterwards not permitted
by the said Governours of Virginia and Maryland to
take in any of the growth of those Plantations, unless
they would continue there untill a convoy should present
from some other of your Majesty's Plantations, there
being, no convoy there to convoy them to England,
altho' built on purpose to saile without convoy, nor
were permitted to clear in their ballast directly from
thence for England, but were obliged upon their being
cleared, to give bond to touch at the Island of Maderas,
which severe usage being of great discouragement to
your Majesties subjects adventuring their estates for
the support of your Majesties Plantations and to trade
in general, Petitioners pray for H.M. letters commanding
all and every of the Governours of your Majesties
Plantations in the West Indies or Virginia, into what
Port soever the said ships shall of choice put in or by
contrary winds be forced into, not to detain them beyond
the time their Commanders shall judge agreeable to
the interest of the owners, nor that any of their ship's
crew shall be lyable to be imprest by any of your
Majesty's Commanders of ships of war etc. 3½ pp. |
155. ii. Sir Richard Levett and William Lone to the Queen.
In a former petition laid before your Majesty in Council,
Feb. 18, the merits of which was referred to the Lords
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations by Sir
Charles Hedges, with an exception to so material a
part in it as related to the impressing of ye men, to
which they in all humility refer. Since so few ships are
concerned in the African Trade on account of the great
hazards which particularly attends that Trade more
than others, and the said Trade is of so great advantage to your Majesty's Plantations in America, and
generally at the arrival of such ships from Guinea at
Jamaica, or any other of your Majesty's Islands etc.
in those parts, one half of the ship's crew are disabled
by sickness, Pray for protection for these ships;
"Otherwise their Letters of Mart, which might make
them of service to your Majesty's Government under
ye force of their full complement of men, may render
them a sacrifice to the watchfulness of their enemys."
1 p. [C.O. 5, 3. Nos. 11, 11.i., ii.] |
March 2. Whitehall. |
156. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report
on above. Though it do's in the Generall very much contribute
to the security of a trade that all ships bound from the Plantations
to England do saile with convoy according to your Majesty's
Instructions to your Majesty's Governors in America, yet forasmuch as these two ships are designed for the coast of Guinea
and from thence to Jamaica, with negroes, which may likewise
promote the trade with the Spaniards, so that the time of their
arrival at, and departure from the Plantations cannot be so
well ascertained as to depend upon convoys, and they being light
sailors and of force, we have nothing to object why your
Majesty may not grant your orders to your said Governors
to permit the said ships to sail without convoy for the present
voyagge to be performed within 12 months. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 3.
No. 12.] |
March 2. Whitehall. |
157. Council of Trade and Plantations to Saml. Shepherd,
Jno. Gardner and Jacob Osterland. Recommend to them (the
merchants named by Mr. Clifford, Feb. 29) the stating of his
accounts. [C.O. 389, 36. p. 178.] |
March 2. Nevis. |
158. Col. Codrington to Mr. Popple. I gave ye Lords trouble
enough by Col. Whetham for some time, and they wd. scarce
chide me again for my short accts., if I were to stay here never
so long. I have finisht an Act of Courts in this Island, tho' wth.
some difficulty; wt. good effects it will have I know not, tho'
ye Cheif Justice I have named here is ye man of ye four Islands
I can most depend on for his steddines in ye discharge of his duty.
The constitution of these Islands must be wholy altered before
ye English trade be duly supported. This I am satisfyed of by
melancholy conscience, and shall think it my duty to write very
fully on this head to ye Lords. I should have chose rather to
have laid my observations before them when present, but I have
yet recd. noe licence to leave these parts, and before Col. Mathews's
arrival, I doubt ye summer will be spent etc. In ye meantime
as a Private Gentleman and Planter I shall endeavour to be
as serviceable to ye respective Governors, and to promote H.M.
and ye English interest wth. as much zeal and sincerity as if I
still were Commander here. If I know myself right, I act by
principles, and as I have satisfyed my own conscience and honour
in every step I have made since I came here, I beleive I shall
be able to satisfy everyone else at my arrival—till then my innocence will support me, and ye hearty contempt I have for my
declard enemys as well as false and treacherous Friends leaves
me a tranquility which I beleive their guilt makes them want.
I am now going to St. Kitts, and will still use my best endeavours
to reduce that People to some sense of their duty, but I can
promise myself noe great succes there, for they are a parcell of
Banditts, and wd. willingly be without government, religion,
or any appearance of order—but this will require a large and
particular acct. wch. ye Lords shall know at my return to Antigua
in my farewell letter to them. You will please to inform ye
Lords yt. before my leaving yt. Islands, I put Peter Lee, Esq.,
into the Councill, wch. I had long since done, but yt. I was in
hopes I should have perswaded him to have continued Chief
Justice, for wch. post he is certainly ye fittest man, but I coud
not prevaile on him, nor wd. he serve in ye Assembly, so I was
unwilling so usefull and so honest a Gentleman shoud be wholy
lost to ye public. Signed, Chr. Codrington. Endorsed, Recd. 9,
Read 14 June, 1704. Holograph. 2½ pp. [C.O. 152, 5. No. 61;
and 153, 8. pp. 317–319.] |
March 3. Boston. |
159. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. The Centurion has
stayed till this date, and being lately returned from Piscataqua
I enclose following. I shall go on to do my duty as H.M. has
commanded, and have assured Mr. Allen, if he bring forward
any tryalls, I will be in the Province to see the proceedings just
and open, and the verdict special in any case he shall desire, as
farr as is in my power. I have also inclosed Major Hilton's
march, humbly to acquaint their Lordships the hardship I have
to march after the Indians. Since his return I have now 300
men in the forest upon snow shoes in three partyes in other
parts of the country. The Assembly of this Province will be
very uneasy under the charge, but I cannot suffer the fronteirs to
be insulted as they will be if I march not after them. I am in
great want of small armes for both the provinces, being dayly
lost and spoyled in the service and cannot be helpt. I thank
your favour to myself and this government etc. Signed, J. Dudley.
Endorsed, Recd. April 29, Read May 2, 1704. Holograph. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
159. i. Journal of Major Hilton's March against the Indians.
Feb. 9, we marched 16 miles. Discovered nothing.
Feb. 10, we marched 21 miles and discovered two of the
enemy's camps. Judged they might hold 40 or 50
Indians. Feb. 11, marched about 30 miles. Discovered
2 similar camps. Feb. 12, marched very early still
upon the enemy's track, and came to Saco River about
8 a.m., judged by the Pilots to have fal'n upon the
River about 50 miles upwards, having before we came
to the River travailed about 18 miles, where we found
the greatest part of the enemy had left the River to the
Southward, we sent out a scout to discover further
after them. Feb. 13, we found they altered their
course again etc. We left the Eastern track and made the
best of our way to Pegwockit Fort etc. Feb. 16, we found
it a large place of about an acre of ground taken
in with timber set in the ground in a circular form with
Ports, and about 100 wigwams therein, but had been
deserted about 6 weeks as we judged by the opening
their barnes where their corn was lodged, and that they
deserted it in hast upon some alarm, because we found
their corn scattered about the mouths of their barnes.
Feb. 17–23, marched homewards past Wells and Saco.
The marches vary from 18 to 30 miles a day. The winter
is the onely time ever to march against the Indian
enemy, both for their discovery and the health and
least danger of our People, etc. Signed, Winthrop Hilton.
Note by Governor Dudley:—This march was made upon
the snow a yard deep, every man in snow shoes, with
20 dayes provisions upon small Land sleeds carrying
each 4 men's provisions, and of 300 men no man returned
sick. Endorsed as preceding. 2¼ pp. |
159. ii. Governor Dudley's Speech to the Assembly of New
Hampshire, Feb. 20, 170¾. I am glad that notwithstanding
the troubles with the Indians no part of this Province
hath had any impression from their barbarous hand,
and I am the more sensible of the Gentlemen's services
that have assisted me in the raising the Voluntiers
now sent out, wch. are truly every fourth man fitt to
march in the Province, wch. I shall humbly represent
to H.M. As soon as is possible, I shall order the incidentall charges to be layd before you for their advance,
and the Treasurer very justly presses me to desire you
to raise what is proper to pay your engagements and
debts, and a just induction to you so to doe is, that
nothing hath been raised in this Province by a tax this
year, when your Neighbours pay 12 or 15 single rates
for the necessary service of the year. I have also to
communicate to you H.M. commands referring to the
Fort at Newcastle, that it be perfected in all poynts.
The date of those letters may allow you to suppose
that the account of your grant of 500l. for that service
may not come to hand, however I am bound to communicate that letter, and it will give you a good demonstration of H.M. care of the preservation and security
of her good subjects here residing, and encourage you
in what is further wanting for that service, to do your
duty. I think it also proper to acquaint you with
H.M. commands which I have received refering to
Mr. Allen's title to the waste of this Province etc.,
nothing will more tend to your quiet and repose, nor
to H.M. just satisfaction than to have an amicable
and quiet issue in that matter. The last judgment
upon the appeal makes you sensible of H.M. equall
administration of Justice to all Her good subjects,
and I desire your regard to H.M. Directions to what
remaines may give a like instance and satisfaction of
your obedience. I have also to recommend to you
what the L.G. hath already offered to the Council,
that lodgings may be provided for him on the Great Island
near the Fort, until he may have a lodging in the Fort
itselfe, which will be most proper. It can amount
to but a small matter by the year, and will shew your
respect to the Government. Endorsed, Recd. April 29,
1704. 1¼ pp. |
159. iii. Answer of the Assembly of New Hampshire to the
above, Feb. 21, 170¾. The Representatives are always
glad when they may attend you in General Assembly,
being sensible of your great care for H.M. service and
the good and welfare of this Province. We humbly
thank God for our preservation hitherto, during the
late and present troubles, and attribute much to your
constant care and sollicitude for us, and what the
Gentlemen here have done to your assistance in raising
Voluntiers is no lesse acceptable to us than to your
Excellency, and we thankfully accept your assurance
that it shall be represented to H.M. As to the supply
of the Treasury for the payment of debts, the time of
year drawes near when the Revenues arising by a duty
on lumber will shew itself; and if that fall short at
the year's end, we shall account the Province debts
our owne, and take effectuall care for payment of whatever appeares justly due. As to the great taxes your
Excellency intimates has been layd this year upon
our Neighbours of the Massachusetts, we presume it
has principally been occasioned by the war, and we
have taken care to support that charge by having our
men alwayes ready with sufficient subsistence for so
many as at any time your Excellency shall see cause
to command forth against the present enemy. We are
sensible your Excellency is not ignorant of our poverty
by which we are disabled raising the necessary fortification for this port, and that the 500l. raised beares some
proportion to our present ability, and hope the Province
will alwaies doe theyr utmost for theyr own preservation,
and humbly pray that you will farther represent the
matter to H.M., that by some meanes we may be
assisted in that great charge, and that great Ordinance,
armes and ammunition may be supplyed to us. As to
Mr. Allen's title etc., we pray that it may be laid before
H.M. that we are very sensible of H.M. princely regard
and justice to Her most dutiful subjects of this Province
in the late triall between Mr. Allen and Mr. Waldron,
which has forever obliged us to a sense of and resolution
in our duty and obedience to H.M.; that this Province
is at least 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, containing
1,200 square miles, and that the Inhabitants have
only claimes to the property of such land as is contained
within their Town bounds, which is lesse than ⅓rd part
of the Province, and has been possessed by them and
theyr ancestors for more than 60 years, but have
nothing to offer as a greivance if the other 2/3rds be
adjudged to Mr. Allen, and shall be glad to see the same
planted and setled for the better security and defence
of the whole, withall humbly desiring it may be
considered how much time, blood and treasure has been
spent to settle and defend this part of H.M. Dominion,
and that the cost and labour bestowed thereon farre
exceeds the present true value of the lands, so that
we humbly hope H.M. intention is not to take off all
herbage, timber and fewell from the inhabitants, without
which they cannot subsist, and lesse than the bounds
of theyr present Townes, which were but foure in
number untill of late two were divided, will not give
feed for theyr cattle, nor timber and fewell necessary,
it being not usuall in those plantations to fence in
much more of theyr land than serves for tillage, leaving
the rest infenced for the feed of their cattle in common.
We are well assured of H.M. gracious regard to all her
good subjects of this Province, and humbly prostrate
ourselves at her feet in this affair of so great concernment to us. As to providing lodging for the L.G., our
poverty is such we are not able to doe what is necessary
for our own preservation and defence; however, if
your Excellency sees meet to appoynt two of the Council,
we will nominate two of this House to joyne with them
as a Committee to consider that matter, and make
report to the next session of the Assembly. We pray
your Excellency to continue your care of us, as hitherto,
that we may not be insulted by the enemy, and that our
principall Gentlemen, such as the Judges, Justices of the
Peace etc. may not be exposed as private sentinells, and
sent out upon the Scout in a small number after the enemy,
as some have lately been in your Excellency's absence,
to the great hazard of their lives, without any prospect
of service to H.M. Copy. Signed, Mark Hunting,
Clerk. Endorsed, Recd. April 29, Read May 2, 1704.
[C.O. 5, 863. Nos. 85, 85.i.–iii.; and (without
enclosures) 5, 911. pp. 253–255.] |
March 3. |
160. R. Warre to [Mr. Popple ?]. Enclosing following.
Signed, R. Warre. Endorsed, Recd. Read March 3, 170¾. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
160. i. Memorial from M. Van Vryberge, Envoy Extraordinary
from the States General to H.M., relating to Trade
with the Spaniards. The Directors of the [Dutch West
India] Co. complain that two English privateers, Frank
Johnson and Thomas Colby, with commissions from the
Governor of Jamaica, seized last October six vessels
belonging to subjects of the States General inhabiting
Curassau, on the pretext that they were laden with
Spanish goods. Argues that trade with the Spaniards
in the West Indies ought to remain open to the subjects
of H.M. and the United Provinces, in order to secure
their support, and weaken their alliance with the French.
Besides it is only through this trade that England
and the United Provinces can obtain bullion, whilst
the Spanish galleons are enabling France to multiply
specie, etc. Signed, M. Van Vryberge. London, Feb. 13/24,
170¾. Endorsed as preceding. French. 5 pp.
[C.O. 323, 5. Nos. 42, 42.i.] |
[March 3.] |
161. List of names to be inserted in the Commission of
Inquiry relating to the Mohegans. Same as Commissioners
appointed March 15, q.v., except that T. Povey is not mentioned.
Endorsed, Recd. Read March 3, 170¾. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1262.
No. 71.] |
March 4. Boston. |
162. Mr. Addington to Mr. Popple. The ship for England
having been detained by a misfortune befalling their convoy
I enclose Journal of Assembly, Sept.; and Minutes of Council
[of the Massachusetts Bay], May 20–Oct. 21, 1703. Signed,
Is. Addington. Note in margin. The Journal not come to
hand. [C.O. 5, 911. p. 259.] |
March 4. |
163. H.R.H. the Lord High Admiral to Col. Mathew.
Enclosing copy of an article of the Treaty lately concluded with
Algiers, to the end that Governors of H.M. Plantations in America,
as well as the Commanders of all H.M. ships, may give certificates
to the Masters of Merchants ships built in the Plantations and
to such prizes as shall be taken. Signed, George. Endorsed,
Recd. Read March 16, 170¾. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 5. No. 62;
and 153, 8. pp. 260, 261.] |
March 5. Jamaica. |
164. Lt. Gov. Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Acknowledges duplicates. I am of opinion it will
be of great advantage to the Crown to settle a Governor in the
Bay of Campeachee. Recommends writer of enclosed as a very
substantial planter and merchant here, and fit for that imployment etc. Having had no answer of mine in relation to the
dissolution of the Assembly, and the time for quartering the two
Regiments expiring May 1st, I have been obliged with the advice
of the Council to dissolve the former Assembly, and call a new
one to meet the first Tuesday of April, I having found that it
was the general opinion of the Island that they should be dissolved, there being above a third of the Members not admitted
to sit in the House, and by dissolving of them I hope to unite all
former divisions, by which means H.M. and the Island's business
may with all chearfulness be brought to a good conclusion. I
have not yet had any return of the sloop sent to the Spanish
Governors conformable to Lord Nottingham's Orders, which
makes me apprehensive that she is either lost or taken by the
enemy. Two of the men of war here are in very bad circumstances and very ill mann'd, which obliges me to supply the
defect of sailors with soldiers, to prevent the pressing of the
inhabitants, which would very much discourage them, therefore
I hope that your Lops. will take care that other ships may be
sent, and sailors to supply the defects, I being wholly a stranger
to the methods of the Admiralty Office. The Island is at present
healthy, and I thank God the enemy has got no advantage of us,
tho' they have made several attempts by their privateers, and
have within these 10 days attempted with 3 privateers to land
and take off negroes, but they were all taken, with a sloop of
ours retaken, and 120 French and Spanish prisoners, who are
here in gaol, and shall be sent to England by the first opportunity,
which I hope has ruined their designs against us. The methods
I have taken with our privateers I hope will prevent all their
attempts and surprizes for the future, I not granting any privateer a
commission but upon condition that he cruize round the Island
and call in at four several places, leaving a letter for me at each
place, what he has seen or done, which has proved of that consequence that all these privateers were taken by one of them.
As to what exploits our men of war do, I can say but little to their
advantage. We had a small shake of an Earthquake the last of
Feb. about 10 a.m., but I do not hear of any damage it has done.
We are dayly threatned by our enemies, but I am not in the
least apprehensive they are in a condition, but in case they
should, I can assure yr. Lorps. we will not part with our Beef
and puddin without bloody noses, we at present not having
much to spare. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. 24th,
Read 25th April, 1704. Addressed. Holograph. 2½ pp.
Enclosed, |
164. i. Abstract of preceding. 2 pp. |
164. ii. John Lewis to Lieut. Governor Handasyd. Kingston,
March 2, 1703. The Bay of Campeache, where the
English cut Logwood, having several enterances, requires
some charge to defend it, to prevent our neighbours
receiving the same advantage as those of H.M. subjects
that are the first settlers, and to carry on soe good and
profitable a trade as it now is and has bin of late to
the Crown and this Island. Proposes (1) That a Commission be granted to some person there residing in
time of war, that H.M. may have title in time of Peace.
(2) That an Act of Parliament be made that noe vessel
shall load any logwood until bond be given that the
wood so loaded shall be landed in some of H.M.
Plantations or England. (3) That 1/10th of all logwood
cut shall be employed in fortifieing and building a galley
or two for the defence of the place etc. (4) That a
certain sum of money shall be employed by such a number
of people as your Honour shall think fit, and the Logwood
aforementioned shall repay them with reasonable profits
as shall be suteable incuridgement for the undertakers.
Signed, John Lewis. Endorsed as letter. 1½ pp. |
164. iii. List of prizes taken in Jamaica, May 4, 1702—March 1,
170¾. 41 vessels; 20 French, 10 Spanish; the rest
Danish or Dutch trading with the enemy. Value as
appraised, Total, 17, 914l. 2s. 10d. Signed, Bar. Jenkins,
Reg. Adm. Endorsed, Recd. 24, Read 25 April, 1704.
One large double p. [C.O. 137, 6. Nos. 42, 42.i., ii., v.;
and (without enclosures) 138, 11. pp. 257–262.] |
March 5. |
165. Lt. Gov. Handasyd to Lord Nottingham. Repeats
part of preceding and other letters. Signed, Tho. Handasyd.
Endorsed, R. Ap. 23. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
165. i. List of parishes of Jamaica with Ministries vacant.
¾ p. [C.O. 137, 51. Nos. 2, 2.i.] |
March 6. St. James's. |
166. The Queen to Governor Nicholson. Warrant to pay
Stephen Thomson, Attorney General of Virginia, an additional
60l. per annum (making in all 100l.) out of the Quit-Rents.
Countersigned, Godolphin. Endorsed, Recd. March 22, 170¾.
1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1314. No. 1a.] |
[March 7.] |
167. Draught of a Charter for importing Naval Stores,
presented to the Board by Mr. Byfield and others, Members of
the Pennsylvania Company. Endorsed, Recd. Read March 7,
170¾. 10 large pp. [C.O. 5, 1262. No. 72.] |
March 9. St. James's. |
168. Order of Queen in Council. Referring enclosed petition
to the Council of Trade and Plantations to examine and report
upon. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 15,
1704. 1 p. Enclosed, |
168. i. Petition of Peter Vanbelle to the Queen. Praying
that his case may be ordered to be enquired into by
the Governor of the Leeward Islands and that he return
a true state thereof together with copys of proceedings,
in order to his being heard before H.M. in Council.
Copy. 3 pp. |
168. ii. The case of Peter Vanbelle, as above. Copy. 7 pp.
[C.O. 152, 5. Nos. 63, 63.i., ii.; and 153, 8. pp. 289–304.] |
March 9. Whitehall. |
169. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. We
have examined the petition of James Cowse [Feb. 23], and humbly
offer that your Majesty by your letter to the Governor and
Council of Barbados take notice of the delays and obstructions
of Justice frequently complained of in matters where any of
your Majesty's Council or Judges in that Island are concerned,
as in the case of the Petitioners, and require the Governour to
take care that the administration of Justice be expedited in this
particular, in such manner as the Law requires, and declare that
if William Sharp or any other of your Majesty's Council or Judges
for the future do or shall, under the protection of that authority
impead the course of Justice in any case whatsoever, your
Majesties Governor be impowered and directed to suspend
such persons from the said Council or place of Judge until the
cause in which such persons shall be concerned be determined;
and that thereupon the said Governour do give your Majesty an
account thereof, that in case any wilful delay do appear to your
Majesty from such Councillor or Judge in the proceedings of
Justice, your Majesty may remove the said Councillor or Judge
accordingly. [C.O. 29, 8. pp. 406–408.] |
March 9. St. James's. |
170. Order of Queen in Council. Approving above Representation. A letter to the Governor and Council of Barbados
to be prepared for H.M. signature accordingly. Signed, John
Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read March 16, 170¾. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 7.
No. 24; and 29, 8. pp. 411, 412.] |
March 9. Whitehall. |
171. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report
upon the complaints on behalf of the Mohegan Indians (summarised). Concludes: Whereupon we humbly offer our opinion
that your royal letter be writ to the Government of Connecticut,
and a Commission granted according to the opinion of your
Majesty's Attorney General unto your Majesty's Governour of
the Massachusets Bay and other persons whose names are hereunto annexed, any five of whom to be a quorum, and the Governour
or Lieutenant Governour to be one. And whereas the said
Indians have not the use of money, whereby the charge of such
a Commission and other dispatches may be defrayed, and that
your Majesty is pleased by presents or otherwise to gratify such
Indians as are under your Majesty's Dominion, we humbly offer
that such Commission be past, with the other necessary dispatches,
at your Majesty's charge, which may be a means to prevent
their defection to your Majesty's enemys of Canada. Annexed, |
171. i. List of the names to be inserted in the Commission:
Joseph Dudley, Esq., Govt. of the Massachusets Bay;
Thomas Povey, Esq., Lieut. Govt.; Edward Palms,
Esq., of New London in Connecticut; Francis Brinly,
Esq., of Rhode Island; Giles Silvester, Jahleel Brenton
of Boston, Esqrs.; Nathaniel Byfeild of New Bristol
in the Massachusets Bay, Gent.; Thomas Hooker of
Hertford; James Avery, John Avery, John Morgan
of New London in Connecticut; Thomas Lepingwell of
Norwich. [C.O. 5, 1290. pp. 453–457.] |
March 9. St. James's. |
172. Order of Queen in Council. Approving above Representation and ordering the Council of Trade and Plantations
to prepare draughts of letters for H.M. signature to the Governors
named, together with the Minutes of a Standing Commission
to be prepared by Mr. Attorney General as proposed; the said
Commission and other necessary dispatches to be past and
expediated at H.M. charge in favour of the said Indians
accordingly. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read
March 13, 170¾. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1262. No. 73; and 5, 1290.
pp. 458, 459.] |
March 10. |
173. Capt. Gardner to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Prays for Report on the Act of Jamaica granting to the heir of
Governor Selwyn 2,000l. in consideration of his and family's
charge of transportation. Signed, Robt. Gardner. Endorsed,
Recd. Read March 16, 170¾. ¾ p. [C.O. 137, 6. No. 43; and
138, 11. pp. 154, 155.] |
March 11. Treasury Chambers. |
174. Mr. Lowndes to Wm. Popple. The Lord High
Treasurer desires enclosed may be laid before the Council of Trade
and Plantations, and that their Lordships will obtain such
directions from H.M. to the Governors as may be effectual for
redressing the mischeife complained of. Signed, Wm. Lowndes.
Endorsed, Recd. 11, Read 16 March, 170¾. Addressed. Sealed.
1 p. Enclosed, |
174. i. Commissioners of Prizes to Wm. Lowndes. Prize
Office, Feb. 22, 170¾. Enclose the following to be laid
before the Lord High Treasurer. Signed, Wm. Gosselin,
Edw. Brereton, Geo. Morley, Ant. Duncombe. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
174. ii. Commissioners of Prizes to the Lord High Treasurer.
Your Lordship having approved of divers persons
to act as Agents for prizes in H.M. Plantations, we
have issued our deputations to them accordingly etc.
nevertheless several of them have been interrupted
by the Governors. We therefore humbly desire that
the Council of Trade may be ordered to give directions
that our officers may be permitted to take into their
possession all such vessels as already have been or
hereafter may be taken as prize etc. Signed, Wm.
Gosselin, Geo. Morley, John Anstis, Edw. Brereton. 1 p.
[C.O. 323, 5. Nos. 41, 41.i., ii.; and 324, 8. pp. 399–401.] |
March 12. Philadelphia in the Province of Pensylvania. |
175. Lt. Governor Evans to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Upon my arrival I found affaires relating to the
Publick in no worse order nor altogether so bad as might be
reasonably expected from the oppositions that have been made
to the Administration and the advantages that have been taken
from the weaknesse of Governmt., first thro' the want of the
Royal Approbation to Coll. Hamilton in his life time, and next
thro' the incapacity of the Council upon his decease fully to
answer all the requisite ends of Government. All the quarterly
Courts of the Province have been held since my arrival upon
their old Commissions, of which I have renewed none as yett,
being desirous to bring all matters in a general way to a better
regulation concerning our Courts of Justice, and the effectual
establishment of H.M. subjects in their Rights and Priviledges,
of which sufficiently to be appriz'd there requires some time
and consideration, but will now 'tis hoped by reason of H.M.
gracious approbation be much facilitated, the former opponents
promising all compliance, and to be peaceable and easy for the
future etc. Since my arrival (Feb. 2) I have made it my businesse
more carefully to inspect that important branch of my duty,
Trade, and shall endeavour exactly to observe H.M. commands.
I have allso enquired into the failures that have given occasion
of complaint, but find the merchants very bold in challenging
the officers to tax them with unfairnesse, and with confidence
assert themselves to be the most free from indirect practices
on that score of any of H.M. Colonies in America equal to this
in trade. What truth there is on either side, I shall be more
able to judge when time shall give more experience. I have
seen a letter from your Lordships' Board to the Honble. the
Proprietor by H.M. Command directing him by his Lieut. to
press the raiseing of that summe of money required from this
Province by his late Majesty's Letter for the assistance of New
York. The letter was sent to Coll. Hamilton after his decease,
and till my arrival nothing could be done, but the next Assembly
that sits, I shall presse that affaire to the utmost, as also what
I find enjoyn'd concerning the defence of this place now in a
time of war etc. Signed, John Evans. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 8,
Read Oct. 19, 1704. Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1262. No. 74;
and 5, 1291. pp. 46–49.] |
March 13. [Lond. the 13 l/m (c. March) 170¾.] |
176. William Penn to [? Council of Trade and Plantations].
A brief Memorial of several matters of complaint against
Coll. Quary and others more largely exprest in the pacquet
laid before you, and my humble request thereupon. 1st. That
he has aggravated divers things against us in reference to the
Laws of Trade and Navigation, either where the Attorney General
and Judges of England have given their judgements for us, or
where we, for the encouragement of Trade and preventing of
ruin to the parties, have forbore an immediate confiscation of
ships, meerly upon clearings or registry by them undesignedly
left behind, they giving sufficient security for ships and cargos
with all demands and damages. 2. That when upon his complaint of the want of a Militia, and that people were tried for
life without oaths, Coll. Hamilton to accomodate that matter
gave Commission for raising a Militia, and to such Judges
as could take oaths to try by juries that were of the same sentiments, he or his adherents as strenuously discouraged what
they had before complained of, least that occasion they took
against the Government should thereby be removed. 3. That
he has manifestly endeavoured to disaffect the Lower Counties
with the Upper, thâ they first desired the Union, to the great
disorder of the publick and unspeakable prejudices to me and
my familly, since they generally refuse to pay their quit-rents,
thô some are very many yeares in arrear; who no longer since
then 99, were the People that in an Address to the late K. William,
vindicated the Province against Coll. Quary's suggestions of
Illegal Trade, and among whom (if any) it must needs have
laid, they being the great Tobacco-planters under that Government. But I must own that when I prest the Law we made
at that time against Illegal Trade, so much aggravated by that
gentleman, they began to sowr to me, which was heightened by
him, saying I was too strait to trade, for he even told me so himself on that occasion; thô there was no other way to prevent
what he had complain'd of, in so wilde a bay and so full of creeks
as that of Delaware. 4. Nor is this enough to content him and
his secret agent Moor, who in good Measure has had his Bread
from me, and that at the instance of Coll. Quary too; but not
having the Patience of staying till he received an account how
matters went between this Board and myself relating to the
Government, by way of Anticipation at the head of his pack'd
Vestry complemented the Ld. Cornbury with an Address, wherein
they hope by their Applications they shall prevail with the
Queen to extend the limits (as they phrase it) of his Government
over them, that they may enjoy the same Blessings with others
under his Authority; a Passage one would not expect from
those that pretend to be lights and examples of obedience and
submission to Government. These things I complain of, and
I hope you think I ought to do so. Redresse is in your power.
and therefore I beseech you effectually to apply it, be it for
Reprehension or Advice or both that we may no longer be troubled
with their little spites to serve Private Turns. Of which I desire
a dupplicate. Signed, Wm. Penn. Endorsed, Recd. Read
March 13, 170¾. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1262. No. 75; and 5, 1290. pp.
459–462.] |
March 15. Whitehall. |
177. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Nottingham. Enclosing draught of Instructions to Privateers
with such alterations as we think proper with relation to Spain
in the present conjuncture, to be laid before H.M. Annexed, |
177. i. Draught of Instructions to Privateers referred to in
preceding. (These were not sent: see May 2.) [C.O. 324,
8. pp. 380–398.] |
March 15. Whitehall. |
178. William Popple, jr., to Sir E. Northey. Enclosing
draft of a Commission of Inquiry [see March 9] relating to the
Mohegan Indians, "that you may prepare such a Commission
in order to it's being sent to New England." Annexed, |
178. i. Draft of Commission referred to above. [C.O. 5, 1290.
pp. 463–467.] |