|
May 11.
St. James's |
311. Order of Queen in Council. Confirming two Acts of
Nevis [see April 5]. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd.
Read June 14, 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 5. No. 69; and 153,
8. pp. 315, 316.] |
May 11.
Whitehall. |
312. Council of Trade and Plantations to Col. Quary. We
have received your letter of Dec. 20 last, relating to the Jerseys,
and are sensible of the great care you have taken in that affair,
concerning which we are expecting an account from the
Lord Cornbury, and shall thereupon propose to H.M. what may
be fittest to be done for the quieting and settling of that
Province. We take likewise this occasion to acquaint you that
Mr. Penn having severall times attended us and assured us that he
had given direction to his Deputy Governour and others any
ways concerned in the Government of Pennsylvania, that they
take care that the Officers of the Customes and Admiralty meet
with no obstructions in the execution of their places, that the
Acts of Trade and Navigation be strictly observed, and that
justice be everywhere administred; upon which we will not
doubt but that on your part you will do everything that may
tend to the composing of differences, avoiding unnecessary
disputes, and quieting the mindes of H.M. subjects in that Province,
care being always had of H.M. Revenue, legal trade, and the
administration of Justice in the proper method, as is promised
on the other part by Mr. Penn. [C.O. 5, 1291. pp. 31, 32.] |
| [May 11.] |
313. Jeronimy Clifford to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Petitioner has now been arrested for debt. Prays
that a report may be made on his case [Feb. 10] without further
delays. Signed, Jer. Clifford. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read
May 23, 1704. 3½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
313. i. A statement of the dispute between Jeronimy Clifford
and the Dutch West India Company. 22 pp.
[C.O. 388, 75. Nos. 89, 89.i.; and (without enclosure)
389, 36. pp. 180–186.] |
| May 13. |
314. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. The freight of hemp
from Russia is 7l. per tun; tar from New England 6l. per tun
now, in peace 4l., but there having been yet no hemp imported
from New England cannot tell the freight,—believe 8l. 5s.
Signed, J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 15, 1704.
Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 863. No. 95; and 5, 911. p. 289.] |
May 13.
St. John's, Newfoundland. |
315. Capt. Lloyd to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses account of proceedings since last fall; noe soldier has
deserted since I had the honour to command this company.
Signed, Tho. Lloyd. P.S.—Yesterday came in ye Woollege man
of warr from Lisborne, the men of warr expected from England
are not yet arrived. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read July 6, 1704.
1½ pp. [C.O. 194, 3. Nos. 22, 22.i.] Enclosed, |
|
315. i. (a) Deposition of John Jordan, John Knight, and
Phillip Morriss, sent as spies to Placentia. Nov., 1703.
There are there two little watch-houses about 100 yds.
from each other, and about ye same distance from the
upper Fort, the wch. Fort seems to be about 16ft. x 8ft.,
built with lime and stone. There were 2 merchantmen
in the harbour. Returning by Ferryland, on the 12th,
they were there informed that a small party of French
had surprized and plundered some of the adjacent places,
and that a party of 16 English had gone in quest of them. |
|
(b) Deposition of Wm. Roberts and Tho. Dibble,
inhabitants of Renous, taken in St. John's, Dec. 2,1703.
Deponents brought with them 3 prisoners. Their
capture described. |
|
(c) Deposition of Jon. Robins, inhabitant in Renous.
On June 21, 1703, he was taken thence by the
Sieur Dutilly and his brother and one Indian, and
carried to Placentia. A little time after 24 soldiers
designing to desert, were discovered, for wch. 2 were
whipt, one sent to France to the gallies, 9 kept in prison,
and the rest set at liberty. To Prevent desertions they
set a guard at ye upper end of ye harbour. Ye chain
cross ye harbour's mouth broke last July. When the
English Fleet under Adm. Graydon appeared before
Placentia, the French had about 3,000 men there,
including the crews of 2 men of warr that were then
there, and reported to have 1,000 men wth. bombs, etc.
The walls of the Fort are about 16ft. high and 8 in
breadth, built with lime and stones. They never
kept above 4 days' provisions there, and have no water
but what they fetch about a musquett shott N.W.
from it. Their Store-house is in ye lower fort, wch.
towards the land is fortified with pallisadoes, wth.
loose stone breast high on one side and knee high on
the other. The upper Fort hath 10 guns mounted,
7 of ye greatest being planted toward the sea, and 2
large mortars. He left about Oct. 28, and had large
offers made him by the Governor M. Supercasse to stay. |
|
(d) Copy of a Commission found on Sieur Dutilly, one of
the prisoners brought by Wm. Roberts, to take 30 men and
attack the English Nov. 5, 1702. Signed, De Costebelle. |
|
(e) Deposition of Jervis Smith. On Dec. 2, 1703, he
went as a spy from Blew Chaple in Trinity Bay, and
saw two ships and a small barque at Placentia. |
|
(f) Deposition of Jno. Jordan, Edward Row, and
Phillip Morris. They left St. John's, Dec. 10, 1703,
but by reason of deep snow could not gett Placentia
till Jan. 10. They could see neither chain nor boom
nor any ship in the harbour. |
|
(g) Feb. 28, 170frac34;. I ordered Jervis Smith to perswade the French prisoners that he would carry a letter
for them to Placentia. Signed, Tho. Lloyd. |
|
(h) Copy of above letter from the French prisoners
Dutilly and La Richardierne, to M. Bellefeviell at
Placentia. French. |
|
(i) Copy of letter from the French prisoners, Dutilly,
La Richardierne and Jean Lanveaux to M. Subercasse
at Placentia, praying him to procure their release.
March 23, 1704. French. |
|
(j) Examination of above 3 prisoners, March 23, 170frac34;.
The Sieur Dutilly, chief of a party of 30 men, sometime
in Nov. 1702, ravaged several places in and near Trinity
Bay, tormenting those that he took prisoners by burning
their fingers with match. Evidence of Edwd. Rottway:–Refusing to discover where the best effects of the
inhabitants were hidden, his fingers were burnt to the
bone, and was threatened to be scalped (which was
practised by the French in the last war). He saw 3 men
more with marks of the same usage. Dutilly owned
that the torment was given, but without his knowledge;
said that he was not then in Trinity, and his brother
Richardieur said the same, and that he (R.) cut Rottway
loose as soon as he heard of it and ye fellow yt. did it
was punished with 2 months imprisonment. But
J. Lan[v]eaux saith they were both in the same house
when Rottway was tormented, and those that did it
were never punished etc. |
|
Dutilly was then told, that since he had been so
barbarous, he must expect the same usage unless he
did confess something material. He then said that the
chain athwart the harbour of Placentia was broken
by the tide when Admiral Graydon was before the
place, but there were 2 cables of 14m. each in circumference which broke not, and they had a flyboat loaden
with stones which they intended to sink, if there had
been an attack. The said vessel was now gone for
Europe. There had been 2 ships of war at Port Royal
and Placentia wth. stores for the garrison and had
landed two companies of soldiers at the latter, so that
now there are 5 companies at Placentia. |
|
Last Spring there came over more masons and stone
from France, so yt. now there are 40 masons at work
continually on ye fortifications. The stores were in
the lower Fort. There was once a design on foot of
invading the Bay of Conception, but that was now
over. John Lanveaux added that the Governor of
Placentia had given out that he would early this spring
send to Cannada for more forces. Dutilly added that
they had lately discovered a passage for canoes, with
little land carriage, into ye South Sea, unto a place
wch. they call New Missasippy, yt. is about 1,000
leagues from Quebeque, that they pass through several
fine places and countrys wch. are very fruitful with all
sorts of Europian fruits, and many silkworms etc. In
one place, which beginneth about 200 leagues before
they come to sea, they goe in their cannoos for 10 dayes
together through a river so still that they can hardly
perceive any current; on the banks there are vines
and several Europian fruits, and the land thereabouts
is one continued medow stocked with black cattle of
extraordinary bigness, as oxen to weigh 12 cwt. each,
and good horses, sheep, goats, hoggs, etc. They were
not far from the Spanish gold mines. They pass through
several nations of Indians, who are very friendly to ye
Europeans, and yt. they have several notions and rites
of ye old Testament, wch. they have from their Ancestors
by tradition. |
|
(k) Deposition of John Knight and Stephen Dethick,
who went as spyes to Placentia, March, 1704. There
were 3 merchant ships there. The whole, 10 pp.
[C.O. 194, 3. Nos. 22, 22.i.; and (without enclosure)
195, 3. p. 333.] |
May 13.
St. Kitts. |
316. Governor Codrington to Mr. Popple. I was in hopes
when I came from Nevis I should have dispatched all the publick
busyness in this Island in a month, but I have been now here
these three months labouring without intermission to gett a
few necessary Acts past, and to keep the Courts open. The Acts
have been finished (all but one, which was the most difficult
point to gaine) these 3 weeks, but I can't get them transcribed
to be sent home by this fleet. They will be ready, I hope, before
the pacqt. arrives. Upon this occasion as well as many others
which happen every day, I find the absolute necessity of haveing
a Marescal and Secretary for every Island, the Deputys' places
are so little worth, that none but scoundrills will accept them,
and to threaten to turn them out is a jest, for 'tis very hard to
find any person at all to officiate, since they can gett as much
or more with less attendance by being overseers or book-keepers.
I shall lay this and a few other observations before the Lords
after my successor's arrival, which I now expect every minute,
I will endeavour to come home this year if I can, if not early
in the spring. I thank God I have perfectly recovered my limbs
and strength and will serve the Queen somewhere or other dureing
the warr, tho it be with a muskett on my sholder. Signed,
Chr. Codrington. P.S.—I have made Mr. Broderic Attorney
Genll., who I doubt not will be very serviceable here. Endorsed,
Recd. 21st, Read June 23, 1704. Addressed. Sealed. Postmark. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 5. No. 70; and 153, 8. pp. 320, 321.] |
| [May 15.] |
317. L. Compere to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Prays to be allowed benefit of Council when next he attends
the Board concerning the Acts of Jamaica, lately passed to his
prejudice. Signed, Leonard Compere. Endorsed, Recd. Read
May 15, 1704. ¾ p. [C.O. 137, 6. No. 46.] |
May 15.
Tower, London. |
318. Wm. Bridges to Wm. Popple. In reply to your letter
of May 2, enquiring what progress has been made in procureing
the stores of warr desired for Barbadoes, you may please to
acquaint the Council of Trade and Plantations that the Board
of Ordnance informed the Lord High Treasurer in March last
that the stores required could be sent at once, except some
carriages. But there is yet noe order. Signed, Wm. Bridges.
Endorsed, Recd. Read May 15, 1704. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 28,
7. No. 32.] |
May 16.
Whitehall |
319. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Attorney General. Upon the
petition of Peter van Belle [see March 9], the Council of Trade
and Plantations desire your opinion whether H.M. may hear
the Appeal mentioned in the said petition in Councill and direct
the proceedings of the Admiralty Court at Nevis to be transmitted
for that purpose. [C.O. 153, 8. p. 305.] |
| May 16. |
320. Attorney General's Queries on Mr. Byfeild's Charter
for importing Naval Stores from Carolina. (1) Whether they
will be obliged to import a certaine quantity of pitch and tarr
annually in all times of warr, unlesse dispensed with by the
Queene. (2) Whether they will agree to a provisoe for dissolution on a notice in case the Queen and Councill shall declare
this Corporation is not usefull to the importation of Navall Stores.
(3) Whether they will oblige themselves to deliver the Crowne a
certaine quantity at a certaine price in time of warr, and a
proportionable price in time of peace, without the Crowne being
bound to accept it. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 16, 1704. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
320. i. Reply to above. (1) They think it not reasonable
to be obliged to import pitch and tar at all times and
in a certain quantity, unless the Government be also
obliged to take it at a reasonable price. (2) This they
think unreasonable, because their setting up this work
and the importation of 1,800 barrels may soe humble
the Sweeds and those who have ingrossed the pitch
and tar in that country as to reduce the price to such a
degree as the Government will save a vast summe of
money annually, and thereby have noe more occasion
of this Company to import. But they are willing upon
any misdemeanour or misusing their Charter to be dissolved from trading after 3 years' notice. (3) As to
mentioning in their Charter their stock of 20,000l, if it be
not thought proper to be inserted, they are well satisfyed
without itt. (4) The Company will be obliged to
give the Government the refusal of the 1,800 barrels
and of all other quantities they shall import at the
market price, the Government declaring their
acceptance or refusal within a reasonable time after
the tender made by the Company. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1262.
Nos. 82, 82.i.; and 5, 1291. pp. 33–36.] |
| May 17. |
321. Reply of Col. Ludwell and Stephen Fouace to
Mr. Thrale's answer in defence of Governor Nicholson. Signed,
Phil. Ludwell, senr., Stephen Fouace. Endorsed, Recd. Read
May 17, 1704. 20¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 1314. No. 17.] |
May 17.
Whitehall. |
322. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Report upon Acts of Jamaica, March 17, 1701—Nov, 2, 1703.
The Act for prohibiting the exportation of arms, ammunition and
provisions to strangers in time of danger being intended to be in
force only during the time of war, we are humbly of opinion
that it do remain as a probationary Act. Other Acts recommended as "appearing to us to conduce to the ease and safety
of the inhabitants." [C.O. 138, 11. pp. 268, 269.] |
| [May 18.] |
323. Mr. Thrale to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Whereas his late Majesty appointed 2,500l. for the building
and repairing the forts etc. at New Yorke, of which 500l. was
paid before the Lord Cornbury entred upon that Government,
and since his arrival there several summs were taken up and
expended on that account, and bills drawn for the same on the
Lord Treasurer in the same manner (as is presumed) his predecessor
had done before by direction, but his Lordship refusing the bills
both for acceptance and payment they were return'd back upon
his Lordship to New Yorke, and his Lordship hath repaid the
money back (with 10 per cent. interest) to those that advanced
it, the summe is upwards of 600l. And whereas your Lordships
have represented to H.M. that H.M. Province of New Yorke
was in want of all necessary stores, I pray that you will lay before
H.M. the necessity of sending them with what convenient speed
is possible, and also that your Lordships will consider of some
method that the Lord Cornbury may be releived concerning
the above money. Signed, J. Thrale. Endorsed, Recd. Read
May 18, 1704. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 81; and 5, 1120.
pp. 103, 104.] |
May 18.
Whitehall. |
324. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Recommend the Act of New Hampshire for obliging the
inhabitants to do military service etc. for H.M. approbation.
[C.O. 5, 911. p. 297.] |
May 18.
St. James's. |
325. Order of Queen in Council. Confirming Act recommended in preceding. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd.
Sept. 6, Read Oct. 12, 1704. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 863. No. 96; and
5, 911. p. 394.] |
May 18.
Whitehall. |
326. Wm. Popple to Josias Burchett. Encloses extract of
letter from Governor Dudley relating to ships of war wanted in
New England. [C.O. 5, 911. p. 298.] |
May 18.
Whitehall. |
327. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Enclose following report upon proceedings relating
to Naval Stores. Autographs. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
327. i. Report on proceedings of the Council of Trade and
Plantations relating to Naval Stores. Refer to Report
of Nov. 12. Since which we proposed to Sir Mathew
Dudley and other petitioners for a Charter, that, in
lieu of the clause they rejected, they give personal
security for importing ye quantitys of stores specified in the
draught of their Charter, which they have likewise as yet
declined, so that we have little reason to expect any
success from those proposals. Recount proceedings
relating to Mr. Byfeild and Mr. Bridger. Upon our
objecting that it might be inconvenient for H.M. to be
obliged to take the said stores before it be known whether
they are fit for the use of the Royal Navy, Mr. Bridger
has made us another proposal, offering that if H.M.
would grant him and others a Patent for making of
Pot-ashes in the Plantations (where none have yet
been made but by them) exclusive of all others for
seven years, they would import the foresaid quantities
of Naval Stores at their own proper charge and risque
without obligation upon the Queen to receive the same,
which proposal for pot-ashes we have referred to
Mr. Attorney General etc. Quote Mr. Jennings' report
on Virginian tar. Upon the whole matter, we are
humbly of opinion that altho' the aforementioned
propositions do take place, the quantities nevertheless
of these commodities imported from H.M. own
Dominions will not be sufficient to answer the public
demands unless H.M. would be pleased to grant such a
premium to any persons that shall import them, as
shal in some manner countervail the extraordinary
charge of freight and dearness of labour in the
Plantations, which consequently will give such temptations to the merchant as in some time to turn this Trade
so much that way, and inlarge it so far as that it may
be able to supply the general uses of the Nation. 6 pp.
[C.O. 5, 3. Nos. 14, 14.i.; and 5, 911. pp. 290–296.] |
May 19.
Whitehall. |
328. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Rt. Hon.
Mr. Secretary Harley. H.M. Principal Secretaries of State,
together with other great Officers, being appointed by H.M.
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, besides those whose
duty it is to give their constant attendance, we acquaint you
therewith, that we may have your assistance at the Board upon
any extraordinary occasion, or when your other affairs will
permit. [C.O. 389, 36. p. 179.] |
May 19.
Whitehall. |
329. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Board of
Ordnance. We have nothing to object why Col. Romer may
not have leave, so that another able Ingineer be forthwith sent
for the service of New England, New Yorke etc., which in this
time of war is absolutely necessary. [C.O. 5, 911. p. 303.] |
May 19.
Whitehall. |
330. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Enclose extract of a letter from Governor Dudley
to be laid before the Queen. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
331. Extract of a letter from Governor Dudley to the Council
of Trade and Plantations, Dec. 19, 1704 [? 3], referring
to a proposed descent upon Port Royal (q.v.). ¾ p.
[C.O. 5, 751. No. 51; and 5, 911. p. 304.] |
| [May 19.] |
332. Considerations why Naval Stores cannot be brought
in great quantities from H.M. Plantations unless assistance be
given by the Government. High Cost of labour and freight etc.
Endorsed, Mr. Pollexfen. R. May 19. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 3.
No. 15.] |
May 19.
Spanish Town. |
333. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. The Fleet arrived here May 4, under ye convoy
of 3 men of war, with 2 French prizes. We are here in veary
great pain for ye packett boat, for fear she should have miscarried. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. 13th, Read
July 18, 1704. Addressed. Sealed. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 6. No. 47;
and 138, 11. p. 299.] |
May 19.
St. Martin's Lane. |
334. Mr. Craggs to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Enclosing following abstract. Signed, Ja. Craggs. Endorsed,
Recd. Read May 19, 1704. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
334. i. Abstract of letter from Capt. Lloyd, Newfoundland,
Oct. 11, 1703. This day arrived the storeship, who
gave us an acct. that at Ferryland he met with a New
England sloop, the Adventure, Geo. Bald Commander,
who had a commission as Privateer from Col. Codrington,
but acted like a Pyrate, haveing on board 50 men,
he plundered most of the inhabitants of their cloaths,
provisions, money etc., from Charters 50l., the same he
did likewise by some small ships there etc. [C.O. 194, 3.
Nos. 20, 20.i.; and 195, 3. pp. 328, 329.] |
May 19.
Whitehall. |
335. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High
Treasurer. Having received from Governor Handasyd an Act
for settling the public Revenue for the support of the Government of Jamaica etc., we conceive it fit for H.M. approbation,
but as it relates immediately to the Revenue, we thought it
proper for your Lordship's inspection before we proceed to offer
it to H.M. [C.O. 138, 11. p. 270.] |
May 19.
Treasury Chambers. |
336. Wm. Lowndes to Wm. Popple. Enclosing copy of
circular letter to Governors, that letters may be prepared for
H.M. signature accordingly etc. Signed, Wm. Lowndes.
Endorsed, Recd. Read May 22, 1704. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
336. i. Commissioners of Prizes to Mr. Lowndes. Enclosing
following. Signed, Edw. Brereton, R. Gard, Geo.
Morley, John Anstis. 1 p. |
|
336. ii. Draught of Letter to Governors relating to prizes.
[See April 19.i.] [C.O. 323, 5. Nos. 49, 49.i., ii.; and
324, 8. pp. 443–446.] |
