|
Sept. 2.
St. John's Harbor. |
546. Mr. Jackson to Commodore Bridge. I have weighed
the resolve you with the rest of the Commanders came to yesterday
in order to give Mr. Campbell possession of his house, wch. I
am free to do, but it is impossible in so short a time, and I will
never go down to the house he now lives in, but will move with
my family to the Fort where my just residence is. As Chaplain
I claim the second house in the Fort. Is Mr. Latham, who has
no commission, and as Chief Mason ought to be preferred to a
barrick, to be preferred in that place before me ?etc. etc. Signed,
John Jackson. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 11, 1704/5. Presented
to the Board by Commodore Bridge. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 194, 3.
No. 29(A); and 195, 3. pp. 376–379.] |
Sept. 5.
Whitehall. |
547. Mr. St. John [s] to Mr. Secretary Harley. Prays for
an immediate order with regard to the 3 Regiments in the West
Indies, who have been in those parts above 3 years and have
petitioned to be relieved pursuant to H.M. Declaration [1702].
The uncertainty makes it impossible to provide clothing; the
miseries endured on this account by the companyes now in the
West Indies are much greater than what the six companies,
recently raised and ordered to be added to them, suffer here,
who, being in an almost naked condition, I'le take care they
shall do no duty, but be removed to warmer quarters, etc. Signed,
St. Johns [sic]. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
547. i. Captains of the Additional Companies to the Lords
of the Privy Council. Ordered to garrison duty at Tilbury
Fort, the new companies, not being as yet cloathed,
lie under exceeding great hardship etc. Signed, Wm.
Lyndall, Fisher Wentworth. 1½ pp. [C.O. 137, 6.
Nos. 64, 64.i.] |
Sept. 5.
Whitehall. |
548. Mr. Secretary Harley to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. The Queen commands me to send you the enclosed
Memorial of the Envoye of Denmark, for your opinion, with all
speed. Signed, Ro. Harley. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 12th
Sept., 1704. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
548. i. Envoy Extraordinary of Denmark to the Queen. Since
the beginning of the war, the English privateers have
seized or plundered several ships belonging to the subjects
of the King of Denmark, inhabiting the Island of St.
Thomas, which have been condemned on trivial pretences.
Instances, the Schutburg and the St. Patrick belonging
to Peter Smith, and the Jean et Mateuwes, belonging to
Abraham Tessemaker, the Young Dorothea, belonging
to Peter Ronnels, the Cosyns belonging to Jean Jeansen
de Wint, a barque belonging to Hans Bockhout, and
the Charles II. belonging to Manuel Gilligan. Demands
that they be restored or compensation paid, and that
the English privateers be severely punished. Windsor,
Sept. 3, 1704. Signed, J. Rosenkrantz. French. 2½ pp.
[C.O. 137, 6. Nos. 63, 63.i.; and 138, 11. pp. 320–323.] |
Sept. 6.
St. James's. |
549. Order of Queen in Council. Confirming Commission of
Lt. Governor Johnson as recommended Aug. 25. Signed, John
Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Sept. 12, 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 5.
No. 80; and 153, 9. pp. 37, 38.] |
Sept. 6.
St. James's. |
550. Order of Queen in Council. Referring petition of
Jeronimy Clifford, complaining of the delay in the examination of
his accounts [Feb. 10], to the Council of Trade and Plantations,
who are to examine his complaint and recommend the hastening
of the Report. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Sept. 12, 1704. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
550. i. Petition of Jeronimy Clifford to the Queen as above.
Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
550. ii. Copies of Mr. Clifford's letters to Messrs. Sheppard,
Gardner and Oosterland, May 18 and June 7. 2½ pp. |
|
550. iii. Copy of Mr. Clifford's accounts. My damages and
all my interest in Holland and Surinam amounts to
354,162 guilders, 13s. Signed, Jer. Clifford. May 18, 1704.
7 pp. [C.O. 388, 75. Nos. 98, 98.i.–iii.; and (with
enclosure i. only) 389, 36. pp. 202–208.] |
Sept. 6.
St. James's. |
551. Order of Queen in Council. Referring enclosed petition
to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their opinion. Signed,
John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Oct. 3, 1704. ¾ p.
Enclosed, |
|
551. i. Petition of Edward Chilton to the Queen. Prays to
be allowed to leave Barbados for a year, to repair his
health and settle business, without prejudice to his
patent for Attorney General of the said Island. Copy.
1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. Nos. 41, 41.i.; and 29, 9. pp.
50–52.] |
Sept. 6.
St. James's. |
552. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation
of Aug. 25 upon the Bills of Virginia, "except that it is not thought
requisite that Instructions be sent to the Governor instead of
the Bill for the better securing the liberty of the subject." Otherwise,
the Bills to be remitted to the Governor to be passed as proposed
by the said Representation. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed,
Recd. 12th, Read 14th Sept. 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1314. No. 31;
and 5, 1361. pp. 27, 28.] |
Sept. 6.
St. James's. |
553. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation
(Aug. 25) for the restoring of Samuel Cox to the Council of
Barbados, and ordering a warrant to be prepared accordingly.
Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Oct. 3, 1704. 1 p.
[C.O. 28, 38. No. 23; and 29, 9. pp. 48, 49; and 28, 7. No.
42.] |
Sept. 8.
Whitehall. |
554. Mr. St. John to Mr. Secretary Harley. I transmit
a paper wherein is contained the chief grievances which H.M.
forces in Jamaica complain of, for in the Leeward Islands their
condition is tollerable enough. I do not see how it is possible
at this time to relieve them, and have reason to think that they
would be contented enough to stay longer in those parts, if some
of these hardships, imposed lately on them by those people who
properly they are sent thither to defend, might be removed.
Signed, St. John. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
554. i. Grievances of the Regiments in Jamaica as to inadequate
allowances and quarters etc. as supra passim. 1½ pp.
[C.O. 137, 6. Nos. 65, 65.i.] |
Sept. 9.
London. |
555. E. Dummer to Wm. Popple. Gives account of the
Prince Packet boat's sailings to the West Indies. Out and home
98 days. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. 9th, Read 13th
Sept., 1704. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 5. No. 63.] |
| Sept. 12. |
556. Royal African Company to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. The Company have very great effects in H.M.
Plantations in the West Indies, and are likely to encrease the
same considerably by the ships now in their service designed
thither with negroes from Guinea. The Company do from the
said Islands load their effects upon freight on sundry ships as
they offer from those parts, which ships they have not under their
direction, and by the conduct of the owners this last year, ordering
their ships to proceed without convoy, the Company as likewise
themselves, and divers other traders, have been great sufferers
besides the loss to the publick in the duties, the greater part
having been taken by the French privateers. Propose, that
your Honours would represent to H.R.H. the advantage it would
be to the nation to send convoys to said Islands at two several
seasons, vizt. two men of warr to depart England in all Dec., to
be there the beginning of March, to come away with ships the
first crop; two or more others to depart England in all March,
to be there the beginning of June to convoy home the ships which
will then bring off the whole remaining crop. In this method
the convoys will not need to spend much time at the Island, the
traders would have their effects with greater security, and at
easier charge both in freight and insurance, which would
consequently make the prizes of those commodities easier to the
whole nation, and by bringing them safe home in proper seasons
a great quantity would be exported and our neighbouring nations
pay us for them, which would be a great help to preserve the
ballance of trade in our favour. This is proposed only for
Barbados, Antigua, Mountserrat, Nevis and St. Christophers,
to all which places the same convoys will serve. Signed, John
Pery, Secry. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 14th Sept. 1704. 1 p.
[C.O. 28, 7. No. 44; and 29, 8. pp. 470–472.] |
Sept. 12.
Whitehall. |
557. Mr. Secretary Harley to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses papers relating to the grievances of the
forces at Jamaica [Sept. 5 and 8]. H.M. would have you report
what methods may be most proper to encourage them to continue
more willingly in that service, and to redress their hardships,
as to quarters. If barraques can be built or certain quarters
assigned, it will tend more to the security of the countrey, the
ease of the inhabitants and the health of the soldiers, and
considering how far these poor men goe, and venture their lives
to defend a very unhealthfull place, it wou'd be a considerable
encouragement if any advantages or privileges could be thought
of to be granted those poor men after so many years service in
the Troops. Signed, Ro. Harley. Endorsed, Recd. 13th, Read
14th Sept. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 137, 6. No. 66; and 138, 11. pp.
326, 327.] |
Sept. 12.
Whitehall. |
558. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Harley. In answer to your letter of Sep. 5 [q.v.], by a list of
prizes taken and condemned at Jamaica and transmitted to us
by Gov. Handasyd, we find that four of the sloops mentioned
in the [Danish] Memorial, vizt. The St. Patrick, the Cosyns, the
North Lyon belonging to Hans Bockhout, and the Young Dorothy
were condemned at Jamaica for taking in goods at Curacoa,
and vending them to the Spaniards on the coast of Carraccos,
and that another sloop called the Schutburg was also condemned
at Jamaica for going to Fort Louis with flower and contraband
goods to trade with the French; but we have not the Proceedings
upon the condemnation of the foresaid sloops, nor any further
particulars relating thereunto, neither do we find any mention of
the sloop called the Jean and Matewes mentioned in the said
Memorial. As to the sloop Charles the Second owned by Manuel
Manasses Gilligan, who is a natural born subject of H.M., but
naturalized a Dane at the Island of St. Thomas, she was taken on
the coast of Caraccos under Dutch colours, where she had been
trading with the Spaniards in contraband goods, provisions and
ammunition, for which she was condemned at Barbadoes, and
upon her condemnation the persons concerned prayed an appeal
to the Court of Admiralty in England, which was granted them
upon their giving 200l. security, and 6 months were allowed them
for prosecuting the same, and 3 months further to certifye the
said prosecution; but we have not heard whether the said appeal
be sent over hither or no. We humbly offer that a copy of the
said Memorial be sent to the Governours of Jamaica and Barbadoes
and that they be directed to transmit a particular account of
the Proceedings had in each Island relating to the said sloops.
And in the meantime that M. Rosencrantz be acquainted that
the said vessells having been condemned in H.M. Courts of
Admiralty in a judicial way, the persons who think themselves
agrieved by the sentence may have recourse to the proper methods
of law by appealing here in England. [C.O. 138, 11. pp. 324–326.] |
Sept. 12.
From the Fleet. |
559. Jeronimy Clifford to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Quotes his letter of July 28, "to which I have had no
answer, nor is there anything further done in my business, which
occasions my being detained so long a prisoner." Prays for relief.
Signed, Jer. Clifford. 2 pp. [C.O. 388, 75. No. 96; and 389,
36. pp. 226, 227.] |
Sept. 13.
Whitehall. |
560. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Clifford. In reply to preceding,
encloses following. [C.O. 389, 36. p. 209.] |
Sept. 13.
Whitehall. |
561. Council of Trade and Plantations to Samuel Shepherd
etc. Upon H.M. Order in Council, Sept. 6, we desire you to
dispatch your report on Mr. Clifford's accounts. [C.O. 389, 36.
pp. 210, 211.] |
| Sept. 14. |
562. Merchants and Planters of Barbados to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. There hath been convoy allowed but for
one fleet to that Island this year though the necessities of the
Planters do require that there should be two fleets yearly to supply
them with stores to subsist the people, and enable them to carry
on their works and to bring home their cropps of sugar, ginger and
cotton in such seasons as they may not be exposed to be destroyed
by bad weather in winter, or be taken by the enemy, as many of their
ships have lately been. The evills which H.M. subjects of that
Island and that trade to it are liable to for want thereof are,
(1) When provisions from England and other perishable goods
(without which the inhabitants cannot subsist) go but once a
year, they are oftentimes reduced to the utmost extremity before
a supply comes to them, and then there comes so great quantities
that part of it perishes before it can be used. (2) When there
goes but one fleet, it comes thither so late that the utensills and
stores for making sugar (which they cannot be without and must
be constantly supplied with from hence) come so late that the
damage the Planters sustain by the disappointment is often
irrepairable. (3) Then some rich merchants make such
advantages of the Planters by the exorbitant prices they make
them pay for their commodities that many of them are thereby
undone. (4) The one fleet is detained in the Island generally
till the hurricane time, and often forc'd to come home in winter.
(5) They have not near tunnage sufficient to bring home their
sugars, etc. which occasions fraight to be excessive dear for what
is brought home and great quantity of what is made is left in
the Island, by which the Planter is disabled from having those
provisions and stores which he stands in need of for the carrying
on his works. The fleet which sailed last for Barbados having
not carryed a sufficient proportion of provisions and stores for
the use of the inhabitants untill Jan. next, and it being absolutely
necessary that there should be a supply sent to be there before
they break the canes of the next cropp which they begin to do
in that month, Petitioners pray your Lordships to move H.M.
to order, that there may be at least one ship of war ready by
Oct. 1st next to convoy such of the merchant ships as shall be
then laden with provisions and stores for the said Island. Signed,
John Harwood, Tho. Waite, Jno. Taylor, Tho. Foulerton, J.
Kendall, B. Middleton, Jno. Walter, Tho. Skutt, Mel. Holder,
Christr. Fowler, Ricd. Carter, Tho. Corbett, Edwd. Alanson, John
Gray, Franc. Eyles, Wm. Brooke, Silvans. Grove, Richd. Filden,
Damt. Filden, Thomas Clarke, Rowld. Tryon, Robt. Chester,
Tho. Stewart, Hen. Palmer, Wm. Tryon, David Creagh, Robt.
Smith. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 14th Sept. 1704. 1 p. [C.O.
28, 7. No. 43; and 29, 8. pp. 266–270.] |
Sept. 15.
London. |
563. Wm. Heysham and others to Sir Charles Hedges. The
enclosed petition from several Members of the Assembly of
Barbadoes, complaining against the Governor, which wee thought
to have presented to H.M. in Councill on Thursday next, but
hearing that there is an Address from several others of Barbados
on his behalf to be delivered to H.M. on Sunday, and having
waited upon my Lord President and Mr. Secretary Harley, we
were advised to send this petition to your Honour to be laid
before H.M. at the same time, least anything should be done
in prejudice to Petitioners or the four Gentlemen suspended
from the Council. Pray that the three new Councillors may not
be confirmed, and [not] any order made till the enclosed petition
be taken into consideration. Signed, Wm. Heysham, Rob.
Heysham, Guy Ball. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 24.] |
Sept. 15.
St. Mary Hill. |
564. Mel. Holder to Mr. Popple. In reply to your enquiry
how many ships are desired to go with supplyes of necessaries
for the beginning of the next crop in Barbados, by what I can
at present learn there may be about ten or twelve saile. That
petition was designed to be presented severall weeks ago, but
there being very seldome a Board was defered, so that the last
of Oct. will be the soonest they can get ready to depart Gravesend
in case they were now sure of a convoy which I am desired to
acquaint you as will be requisite to be considered for the same
length of time when a convoy shall be appointed. Signed, Mel.
Holder. Endorsed, Recd. 16th, Read 19th Sept. 1704. Addressed.
Postmark. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 45; and 29, 8. p. 473.] |
Sept. 16.
Woolwich, St. John's Harbour. |
565. J. Spann and S. Chamberlen [to Capt. Bridge]. Whereas
on Sept. 1st we were summoned to a Court of Justice held by you
and the Admirals of the Harbour of St. Johns, and the Court decided,
in a case between John Jackson, Chaplain, and Colin Campbell,
H.M. Agent for prizes, that Jackson should remove out of the
house he then lived in, on the 10th, into a house assigned him by
the Court, which he had formerly lived in, yet, in contempt
thereof, he still lives there. And whereas you have directed a
Court to be held on Munday for regulating several grievances
of the inhabitants, by a complaint laid before you by Mr. Jackson,
and that you have desired us to assist at the said Court, we cannot
comply, until you have given us full assurance that you will send
him to England to answer his contempt of the Order of the Court,
together with his unmannerly letter of Sept. 2 (q.v.) etc. Signed,
Jona. Spann, S. Chamberlen. Endorsed, Presented to the Board
by Mr. Bridge. Recd. Read Jan. 11, 1704/5. 2 pp. [C.O. 194,
3. No. 29 (b); and 195, 3. pp. 372–375.] |
Sept. 17.
Jamaica. |
566. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I had the honour of two of your Lordships' of
June 29. I have ordered a Proclamation to be issued out,
expressing the words of your Lordships' letter, strictly charging
all H.M. subjects to observe the same [relating to correspondence]
as they shall answer the contrary at their perril. I likewise
received H.M. Proclamations for the regulation of the foreign
coins in these parts, all which shall be duly observed to the utmost
of my power. Several of our trading sloops have already been
trading with the Spaniards, and in case they had enough of the
commodities the Spaniards wanted, which are very scarce in
Jamaica, they might have had an extraordinary trade. I am
obliged to put your Lordships in mind that I am very apprehensive
there will be an absolute necessity of two or three more light
friggotts, fourth, fifth and sixth rates, to protect our traders, I
having received an account from a Master of a vessell, that was
taken into Martinico and made his escape from thence, that the
French there since we and the Dutch debar them of the Spanish
trade, design to fit out several of their best privateers and send
down upon the Spanish coast to cruize for the English and Dutch
traders, so that unless some more light friggots are sent, I do
fear it will be an impossibility with these that are here to prevent
their design. I beg leave to recommend Capt. Charles Gandy
as a very fit man to have the command of a friggate here, when
one shall fall vacant, he having done very brave and singular
actions against the enemy, while Captain of a Privateer, in taking
two of their sloops in one day and disabling a third, so that she
was glad to bear away, tho' all of them exceeded him in number
both of men and gunns, which prevented a very ill consequence
to this Island. He is a man of very good circumstances and I
dare engage a faithfull servant to his Queen and country. I
should not have offered to recommend him to your Lordships
but that bravery may meet with a reward according to its deserts;
he is very well acquainted with the Spanish coasts and speaks
the language. I know it is my duty to recommend this to the
Lord High Admiral, but I dare not presume, beleiving it might
be ill taken by some other Flaggs, but I doubt not if your
Lordships approve of it, you will soon find methods to get it
done. As to the men of war here present I can give but a very
slender account of them, several of their men being dead and
sick, and I am afraid by lying in harbour, which is not in my
power to prevent, the Captains still having one excuse or other.
The Island is at present indifferent healthy. We have had two
or three small earthquakes, but I do not hear of any damage
they have done. As to my own particular, I have had the greatest
shake I ever could have had, having lost one of the best of wifes,
who has left a numerous family of little ones motherless, she
departed this life here Sep. 13, etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 13, 1704. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 6. No.
67; and 138, 11. pp. 343–347.] |
Sept. 17.
Jamaica. |
567. Governor Handasyd to Sir Charles Hedges. Repeats
information given in preceding, etc. Several of our sloops have
been trading with the Spaniards and find them very well inclined
to trade with the English and Dutch, in case they could be
protected from the insults of the French, etc. The French are
prepareing some of their best privateers to come down to prevent
the English and Dutch tradeing with the Spaniards. It would
be very convenient to send 3 or 4 nimble cruizers here to prevent
it, if their Commanders are such persons as will follow the
information I can give them. It would be very much for our
interest if I could have some of the King of Spain's proclamations
in Spanish, etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, R. Feb. 10.
2 pp. [C.O. 137, 51. No. 5.] |
Sept. 18.
Barbadoes. |
568. Governor Sir B. Granville to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I enclose the Minutes both of the Councill and
Assembly down to this time, I shall not need therefore trouble
your Lordships with enlarging on the publick transactions here,
all things relating to them being soe fully expressed therein.
At my arrival I found the administration of this Government
in the hands of a President and Councill, they divided into
parties as well as the Assembly and rest of the people
employed in quarreling and tearing one another to peices,
leaving the fortifications to goe to ruin and a generall
neglect of the publick interest. I spent a year in endeavouring
to bring them to reason by fair means, but that failing I
made use of the authority H.M. had put into my hands, and by
making examples of the ringleaders, both in the Councill and
Assembly, I have at last brought matters to a good settlement,
with a prospect of having it every day grow better. The severall
steps I have taken with the occasions of them, my reasons for
so doing and the consequences they have had, your Lordships
will find in the Minutes I now send, and though the present
Assembly has not satt long enough to bring any material matters
to perfection, by what they have done they show an inclination
to do their duty, and I believe will continue to doe soe. I can't
but observe that the rise of all divisions and factions in this
country have been under the administration of the government
by ye President and Councill, and that it has been then that
the severall Acts have passed which have lessened the Queen's
authority, and made the dependance upon that almost useless.
This may recommend it to your Lordships' consideration, whether
it may not be necessary that either H.M. appoint a Lieutenant
Governour or give power to the Governour so to doe, in case of
his absence or sickness. The Councill being by the death of
Mr. Callow reduced under 7, I did according to my Instructions
fill it up, by swearing in Col. James Colleton, a person in the first
rank in this Island, that has for many years exercised the cheif
posts, of known integrity and considerable fortune. I have great
reason to complain of Capt. Samuel Martin, H.M.S. Blackwall,
who has behaved himself with great ill manners as well as
disobedience to me, contrary to ye express words of my Lord
High Admiral's patent to me, the enclosed depositions show
that he has prest men in Road here without having any authority
from me so to doe, and as by the letter under his hand appears,
has refused to deliver them back, notwithstanding I sent him an
order in writing so to doe. His continual lying on shore when
in harbour has occasioned great neglect, sickness and desertion
in his ship. When I have told him of it, his answer was that
he being Commander in Cheif of H.M. ships, he was thereby entitled
to lye on shore, and not to be controuled by me in that matter.
I did by a letter from my Lord Nottingham, in Oct. last, receive
orders to keep the 3 French prisoners (condemned at a Court
Martial) in custody during the war, or till farther orders. The
French have at this time many English prisoners at Martinique,
and I believe I could make good use of these men in exchange
for them. 'Tis said they have there upwards of 250, but being
restrained by that order, I can not make steps in this matter till
I have leave so to doe. This Island has not for 12 years past been
so healthy as it has been of late, and it continues to be still. The
French privateers infest very much our latitude and make many
prizes. They are nimble saylers and the Queen's ships not able
to come up with them, besides two doe not suffice to keep one
always in ye latitude. In the Minutes of the Councill your
Lordships will find entred the particulars as they have appeared
to me in relation to the not sending an advice-boat when
Commodore Walker's fleet was here. It appears to have been a
generall neglect in all ye parts of the then Government. I will
take care none such shall happen during my time. Upwards of
50 sail of merchant men sail with this convoy for England,
besides what are to joyn them at ye Leeward Islands. Signed,
Bevill Granville. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 2, Read Feb. 5, 1704/5.
3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
568. i. Governor Sir B. Granville to Capt. Martin. Capt. Wm.
Ackland, of the Industry, and Capt. Wm. Cogan,
merchant, having complained that you have pressed
7 men belonging to said ship, and that she will thereby
be detained in her voyage etc., without my authority,
I order that you immediately return them, as also his
apprentice to Capt. Thomas Robinson, that you still
detain contrary to my order. Sept. 9, 1704. Signed,
Bevill Granville. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 2, 1704/5. Copy.
1 p. |
|
568. ii. Capt. Martin to Governor Sir B. Granville. Seven is
more by three than Capt. Ackland can have any pretence
to etc. My Lord High Admiral's last orders makes
me (I think) independant to any order from your
Excellency . . . . I can't comply with your orders for
discharging so many men when the service so much
wants them and it does not correspond with H.R.H.
orders etc. Sept. 11, 1704. Signed, Saml. Martin.
Addressed. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
568. iii. Duplicate of preceding. |
|
568. iv. Deposition of Capt. Ackland, Sept. 13, 1704, as to
Capt. Martin pressing his men and refusing to deliver
them on the Governor's order. Signed, Wm. Ackland.
Same endorsement. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
568. v. Duplicate of preceding. |
|
568. vi. Deposition of Capt. Robinson, of the Friendship. Capt.
Martin pressed two of his men, one of whom was an
apprentice, and refused to deliver him up. Signed,
Thomas Robinson. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
568. vii. Duplicate of preceding. |
|
568. viii. Deposition of A. Skene. On Sept. 18, 1704, Capt.
Martin refused to deliver up to the Governor's Order,
Thomas Maycock, Wm. Terrill and John Curle, who
were fled from Justice. Capt. Martin said H.E. had
no power to command him, and hoped that if ever he
came to Barbados again, it would be to carry the Governor
home prisoner etc. Signed, Alexander Skene. Same
endorsement. 1½ pp. |
|
568. ix. Deposition of G. Hay, Deputy Provost Marshall.
To the same effect as preceding. The warrants were
read, but no regard paid thereto. Signed, Georg Hay.
Same endorsement. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 7. Nos. 46, 46.i.vii; and (without enclosures) 29, 9. pp. 133–142.] |
Sept. 18.
Barbados. |
569. Governor Sir B. Granville to Sir Charles Hedges. My
Lord Nottingham, Oct. 28, 1703, commanded me to keep in
custody three French prisoners etc. It has happen'd since that
the French of Martinique have taken abundance of English
prisoners, and use very severely those particularly that belong
to this Island upon that account. I beleive I could make good
use of these men towards the release of the English prisoners
wch. are at Martinique and amount to 250 might I have leave so
to doe, etc. The French privateers have don us much mischief
by taking very many prizes, they are nimble saylors and H.M.
ships cannot come up with them, neither does two suffice, to
have allwaies one in the Latitude. The two French men of war
that were sometime agoe at Martinique I hear are gon down on
the coast of Spanish America. This comes in the fleet wch. will
consist in about 50 sail of merchantmen from this Island, besides
what are to joyn them at the Leeward Islands. Signed, Bevill
Granville. Endorsed, R. March 15, [1705]. Holograph. 2 pp.
[C.O. 28, 38. No. 25; and (duplicate)No. 26.] |
Sept. 20.
Cockpitt. |
570. Mr. Secretary Hedges to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. The enclosed Petition having been laid before the
Queen, you are to examine the allegations thereof, and to report
how you find the same, together with your opinion what is fit
for H.M. to do therein. Signed, C. Hedges. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Sept. 26, 1704. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
570. i. Address of [7 Members of] the Assembly of Barbados to
the Queen. For several years passed petitioners have
inhabited Barbados and faithfully discharged many
considerable offices, both military and civill therein,
and have continually to the utmost of their power upheld
and supported the high honour, prerogative, etc. of your
royal predecessors and of your Majesty, and upon all
occasions so dutifully demeaned themselves, that they
have merited the favour and good opinion of all such
persons as have been hitherto constituted Governors etc.
But we are now constrained by necessity of our fidelity
and conscience for the publick good of this Island to
complaine, and lay at your Majesty's feet several notable
and grievous offences lately committed within this
Island by your Majesty's Governor Sir B. Granville,
to the great oppression, prejudice and hardship of many
of your Majesty's loyall and dutifull subjects of this
Island, and tends to the misusing, altering and subverting
your Majesty's laws, to the great decay and ruine
of this your Majesty's Island. (1) The Militia have
been lately commanded upon duty in the several forts
and fortifications, and upon the mountains by him,
contrary to the laws and statutes of the said Island,
and without the advice, consent and approbation of
your Majesty's Councill first had therein according to
the directions of the Act of Militia, which have very
much fatigued the inhabitants, especially the poorer
sort, so that many of them are reduced to great hardships
and want, which is also declared in the preamble of
the Act for the security of the bayes, townes and sea coasts,
etc., which was brought into the House of Assembly
by a certain Member thereof, who declared that there
was no other or better way of giving the Governor
mony then by such a law, since the Assembly was
restrained from making presents by your Majesty's
letter. The illegall and unusuall methods of commanding
the inhabitants upon duty as guards, we have had
good reason to beleive have been used on purpose to
introduce the aforesaid Bill, thereby giving power
to the Governor to raise by commission two companies
of Granadeers constantly to remain in the forts and
fortifications, under certain allowances and pay, which
would not only prove destructive to the Militia, but
be a means to evade your Majesties command restraining
the Governor's receiving presents, for the charges of
the two companies will stand the country in at least
9,000l. sterl. per annum, greatest part of which by the
words of the Bill is to be paid into the hands of the
Governor, or to whom he shall appoint, for the buying
of provisions for the soldiers, by which means he will
have an opportunity of gaining to himself at least 3,000l.
sterl. in one year, by the large allowances made him,
over and above what will purchase such provisions in
times of the greatest scarcity, for which nor any part
thereof is the Governor to be accountable in any manner
whatever, which your petitioners and others have fully
and plainly demonstrated in their arguments against
the passing of the said Bill into a law, whereby the
said Bill was by a majority of Members upon a third
reading voted and carried in the negative, which have
occasioned very great differences and devisions amongst
your people moved and stirred by those adhering more
to the Governor's private interest and advantage then
to the publick good and welfare of this Island. Such
is our misfortune in this case, that severall of the
Members of the Assembly, who have voted against
the Bill (and other inhabitants who are of the same
opinion) are discharged from their respective offices
and places of trust, and are unjustly charged by the
Governor, and branded with charrecters of being factious
and turbulent spirits, indeavouring thereby to alienate
them from the affections of the people, tho' many of
them have continued without blemish in their respective
offices above 30 years, by which violent proceedings
of displaceing of severall Collonels, Lieut. Colonels and
Majors, and other inferior officers of severall regiments
of horse and foot without the consent of the Councill.
or any just reasons, great confusion and disorders dayly
happen, and your Majesties Island thereby exposed
to great danger, if an enemy should attempt the same,
there being by such removeall of officers scarce a
compleat regiment in the Island. In the stead of such
officers turned out of commission and abused in their
reputations and good names, others are appointed
without the advice and consent of your Majesties Councill,
and such who are wholely devoted to the private ends
and purposes of the Governor, many of them being
unquallified and constituted contrary to law,
unexperienced and of mean capacities and estates, and
by the disposal of his favours and your Majesty's
Commissions in this manner severall of the Members
of the Assembly have been prevailed upon to alter
their opinions of the aforesaid Bill, and having made
some small alterations in the said Bill have brought
it again into the House, (with the same advantages
to the Governor as at first) and have been once passed
in the affirmative by 12 of the 22 Members. Petitioners,
who gave their votes in the negative to the Bill,
consulting the severall freeholders of their parishes
and many other judicious persons, found it the opinion
of the generality of the people, that the Bill would
prove destructive to the Militia and to the publick
good, and a direct breach and evasion of your Majesty's
gracious commands, and seeing many other indirect
practices and unpresidentiall proceedings in the Assembly
for private and particular ends and purposes, and your
petitioners finding noe other method to prevent the
passing the said Bill and such practices and the ill
consequences thereof, have thought fitt and advisable
to absent themselves from the House, in hopes thereby
the Governor would be moved to dissolve the House,
that the inhabitants may have an opportunity of a
new general and free election of Representatives, wherein
they may choose more faithfull and discreet persons
to serve your Majesty and the said Island, and that
your Majesty may be acquainted with their proceedings
in the said Assembly. The absence of petitioners
from the House, and the differences of opinion therein,
hath not proceeded from any disobedience or contempt
to your Majesties laws, want of duty to your Majesty's
Governor, or care and zeal for the publick good of this
Island, nor from any factious, obstinate or turbulent
spiritts as hath been lately laid to their charge by the
Governor in his speech to the Assembly, but wholely
from the corrupt practices and private designs of those
who we have too great reason to conclude have a greater
regard to their private profitt and interest, then to
your Majesties service and the wellfare and good
government of this place. (2) Contrary to your Majesty's
commands as to presents to Governors, the Governor
has lately received from the Assembly 600l. and 500l.
sterl. and soone after voting the first summe the Speaker
of the Assembly acquainted the House that the Governor
thanked them for the summe of 600l. voted, but he
desired that there might be an alteration of the Minute
made thereof in the books of the Assembly, for that
it would thereby too plainly appeare to be a present,
and accordingly to conceale the same from your Majesty's
knowledge, and that he might not incur your Majesties
displeasure in the receipt thereof, such indirect practices
are used that there are noe Minutes regularly made
and entred in the books of the Assembly for such
particular summs, but verball orders were given to the
Treasurer, Charles Thomas Esq. to make payment
thereof, which he has accordingly done. (3) Contrary
to your Majesties commands aforesaid, the Nation of
the Jews in this Island have presented the Governor
with the summe of 200l. sterl., and by him received,
whereby they have many priviledges allowed them
contrary to law, and severall other presents of
considerable vallue, as plate, negroes, horses etc. have
been received by him from private persons, especially
from some of the natives of the Kingdom of Scotland
and their particular friends, who by such means have
been advanced to the greatest places of trust, profitt
and honour, civill and military in this Island (tho'
many of them disaffected to the English nation and
Government) and have thereby the command of severall
fortifications, regiments and places of strength, and also
have the custody and keeping of the cheifest of our
Records, in the safety of which our whole interests and
estates depends, which occasions great disattisfaction to
many of your Majesties good subjects here, being informed
from the publick prints and private letters from England,
that the Scotts have refused the settlement and succession
of that Crown farther then your present Majesty and
your royall issue, so that if your Majesty (whom God
long preserve) should depart this life without issue,
the trust reposed here in the natives of that Kingdom
may prove of fatall consequence to this your Majesties
Island. (4) Notwithstanding your Majesties positive
directions that there shall be but 300l. per annum,
allowed for a House for the Governor's residence, yet
such methods are contrived and used, that the house
and buildings fitted up for H.E. will be an expense
to this Island at least 600l. sterl. per annum, besides
the loss of about 5,000l. sterl. being (as it is said) expended
in buildings upon a peece of land rented of Thomas
Pillgrim, for which the country hath no lease nor
certainty of any time longer then three years, at the
end of which, the said Pillgrim may take up his land
(which is but 20 acres), and make the advantage of the
buildings to himself. (5) Whereas your Majesty was
pleased to constitute Robert Steward to be Register of
the Court of Chancery here, Examiner thereof and
Clarke of the Crowne, by collour of which patent he
executes all those places by his severall Deputies, which
is expressly against one of your Majesties Instructions,
which directs the Commander in Cheife of this Island
for the time being not to suffer any person to execute
more Offices than one by deputy, and the said Steward
notwithstanding he has the whole profitt of such Offices
continues one of the most considerable practicers of
the Law in this Island, so that scarce any cause happens
to be controverted either at the Common Law or in
the Chancery wherein the said Steward does not draw,
prosecute, defend and plead either for the plantife or
defendant, which is expressly against the practice and
rules of law and equity in England, and he is so far
countenanced therein, that in Dec. he appeared in a
Court of Oyer and Terminer in five severall cases, wherein
your Majesty was concerned in prosecuting severall
persons by way of indictment, and Steward, moved to
quash such indictments, which were drawne by his
own Deputy, and Steward have rented out the Office
of Clark of the Crowne for 100l. sterl. per annum, and
for the better secureing the same, have taken severall
judgments of 100l. each with security for payment
thereof, which are for seven severall years, all which
practices tends to the perverting of Justice, a scandall
to the severall Courts, and by that means no suitor
can be safe in their persons or estates. (6) Severall
new and unheard of methods are lately introduced into
the Courts and Offices, by means whereof severall summs
of mony have been extorted, and in particular no masters
of vessell (tho' whole fleets of ships are bound away
from hence) can have liberty to sayle either with or
without convoy, without petitioning the Governor for
leave, for which petition and order thereon 17s. 6d.
is extorted and paid to the Secretary of this Island,
but for whose and what use the Secretary himself is
best able to relate. (7) Notwithstanding it is your
Majesties positive instructions, that none of the Judges,
Assistants, Justices of the Peace, or other Officers shall
be displaced without good and sufficient reason, yet
severall persons have been discharged by the Governor
without any reason, and severall put into Commission
without the consent of your Majesties Councill. (8)
William Holder has lately been constituted Cheiffe
Judge of the cheiffest Court of Common Pleas, vizt.
for the precincts of St. Michaell's, tho' he never was
known to be of any Christian community, neither hath
he yet been baptized, and was heretofore rejected for
that reason, and he is by the Governor admitted to be
Speaker of the Assembly. (9) Nicholas Paston, in
behalf of himself and severall other poore people,
petitioned the Governor against Col. John Holder of
great hardships, severityes and abuses to the inhabitants
and soldiers under his command, which have been
rejected, unheard and unredressed. Pray that H.M.
will direct a Commission may be sent to some knowing,
discreat and indifferent persons resideing in this Island,
with full power to call before them all such persons,
books and papers that can prove the matters hereby
charged, and that such Commissioners may returne
a particular account of their proceedings, and that in
the mean time such orders may be sent to H.M. Governor
that H.M. subjects here may enjoy the immunities and
priviledges of H.M. laws, and not to suffer in their
honors, persons and estates, against the known laws,
as many of them have allready done etc. Signed, Jon.
Leslie, Tho. Maycock, Philip Kirton, Wm. Terrill,
Chris. Estwicke, Enoch Gretton, Thos. Maxwell. 8 pp.
[C.O. 28, 7. Nos. 47, 47.i.; and 29, 8. pp. 484–503.] |
Sept. 20.
Whitehall. |
571. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Having
received a Petition from the Planters and most of the Merchants
in England trading to Barbados together with a Memorial from
the Royal African Company, and having heard the said persons
thereupon, we humbly offer that there will be at least 20 vessells
ready to saile to Barbados in Oct., besides severall others to the
Leeward Islands, with utensills and goods necessary for the
present supply of those Islands, provided they may be assured
of convoy to be ready for them by that time, that 70 days after
the arrival of the said merchant ships at Barbados they will be
ready to return, with effects from that Island, as several ships
will likewise be from divers of your Majesty's other Plantations
upon notice that a convoy will at that time be ready to return;
upon which considerations they humbly request that a convoy
consisting of one 4th rate, and another smaller vessell be allowed
them, the same to be ready by the latter end of Oct., and that
two of the ships of war that are now upon the guard of that Island
be ordered to returne with the said fleet and such ships as shall
be ready from the other Colonies at the time beforementioned,
that guard to be supplied by the two ships of war thus desired.
We humbly take leave to add the opinion of Governor Sir B.
Granville, that two convoys yearly are absolutely necessary
for the supply and trade of that Island. [C.O. 29, 8. pp. 482,
483.] |
Sept. 21.
Hampton Court. |
572. Order of Queen in Council. H.R.H. the Lord High
Admiral is to consider preceding, and to take such care therein
as shall be found most convenient with regard to H.M. service.
Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Oct. 3, 1704. ¾ p.
[C.O. 28, 7. No. 48; and 29, 9. pp. 49, 50.] |
Sept. 21.
Hampton Court. |
573. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following petition
to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read 26th Sept., 1704.
¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
573. i. George Lillington, Michael Terril, David Ramsay and
Benjamin Cryer to the Queen. Petitioners for severall
years past have had the honour to be of the Councill
in Barbados, in which, and in severall other considerable
stations, they have served your Majesty and the late
King faithfully and dilligently. H.E. Sir Bevill
Granville procured a Bill to be brought into the Assembly
in Nov. last for raising of standing forces in the said
Island and for laying a heavy tax upon the inhabitants
for maintaining them, which was then thrown out.
Your Petitioners conceived that such a Bill would be
a great prejudice to the Island for many reasons which
they are ready humbly to offer to your Royall consideration, and found that thereby the Governor would have
a certain Revenue of 3,000l. per annum, which they
apprehend was contrary to your Majesty's directions,
signifyed in May last, etc. For which reasons,
Petitioners thought it their duty to oppose the passing
the said Bill, whereby they incurred the displeasure of
H.E., who was thereby provoked so much that in June
last he was pleased to suspend your Petitioners from
being of the Privy Councill there. The pretended
reasons assigned for suspending Lillington were, for
encourageing faction, and that his name was mistaken
in your Majesty's Instructions, and for suspending
Terrill and Ramsay were for encourageing faction, and
not attending in Councill, and for suspending Cryer
were for encourageing faction, for not attend'ng as he
ought in Councill and for marrying without licence from
H.E., whereas your Petitioners' loyalty and affection
to your Majesty and your Government both here and
there and their constant attendance in Councill is too
well known in the Island to be questioned, they having
never been guilty of any disloyal or factious act, nor
ever absented from the Councill but in case of sickness
or some other unavoidable necessity, nor were any of
your Petitioners ever permitted to be heard touching
the crimes alledged to be the cause of their suspension
nor did they know they were charged with such crimes
till after they were suspended. They are informed
H.E. hath since nominated other persons to fill their
places, and hath proposed them to your Majesty for
your royal approbation, which will be construed as a
mark of your displeasure to Petitioners, than which
nothing can be more grevious to them, especially when
it proceeds from accusations for crimes which they
abhor etc. Pray to be heard as to the matters charged
against them, and to be restored to their places, and
that till such hearing your Majesty will not be pleased
to confirme or approve the persons nominated by H.E.
to sitt in Councill in their places. Signed, Geo. Lillington, David Ramsay, Michll. Terrill, Ben. Cryer. Copy.
3 pp. |
|
573. ii.–v. The answers of Lillington, Cryer, Terril and Ramsay
to Governor Sir B. Granville's reasons for suspending
them from the Council. June, 1704. [See under
July 1st.] Endorsed, Recd. Read Sept. 26, 1704. 6½ pp.
[C.O. 28, 7. Nos. 49, 49.i.–v.; and 29, 9. pp. 1–6;
and (duplicate of No. I only) 28, 38. No. 27.] |
Sept. 22.
Fleet. |
574. Jeronimy Clifford to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays for a copy of a report upon his claim [Feb. 10 etc.]
before the same is laid before H.M. Signed, Jer. Clifford.
Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 23, Read Oct. 3, 1704. [C.O. 388, 75.
No. 100; and 389, 36. pp. 219, 220.] |
Sept. 22.
Whitehall. |
575. W. Popple, jr., to Josiah Burchett. Enquires the
number and rates of the ships of war that are now on the service
of Barbados, the Leeward Islands and Jamaica. [C.O. 324, 9.
p. 35.] |
Sept. 25.
Antigua. |
576. Account of exports of Antigua, May 27–Sept. 25, 1704.
53 vessels loading Sugar (1,166 hhds., 3,829 trs., 1,012 barrls.
1,661 hhns. Cotton, 494 bags. Tobacco, 112 bundles, Ginger,
1,979 bags. Lignum Vitæ, 1,425 logs, 46,000 pounds. Rum,
6 hhds. 37 trs. 55 barlls. etc. Signed, John Brett, Naval Officer.
1½ large pp. [C.O. 7, 1. No. 7.] |
[Sept. 25.]
Antigua. |
577. Account of the imports of Antigua, June 6–Sept. 25.
59 sloops etc. enumerated, chiefly from England, the American
Continent and the West Indies; their cargoes described in general
terms. Signed, John Brett, Naval Officer. 1 large p. [C.O. 7, 1.
No. 6.] |
Sept. 26.
Whitehall. |
578. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High
Treasurer. Recommend petition of Wm. Popple for payment
of balance of sums disbursed by him. Annexed, |
|
578. i. Petition of William Popple to the Lord High Treasurer
referred to in preceding. [C.O. 389, 36. pp. 212–218.] |
Sept. 26.
Adm. Office. |
579. Geo. Clarke to Mr. Popple. Gives names of ships
attending the West Indies. (1) Jamaica, Nonsuch, Guernsey,
Mermaide, Deale Castle, St. Antonio sloop, Harman and Earle,
fireships, Lewes hulke. (2) Barbados, Warwick, Winchelsea.
(3) Leeward Islands, Lynn, Margate. Recd. Read Oct. 3, 1704.
½ p. [C.O. 323, 5. No. 62; and 324, 9. p. 36.] |
Sept. 28.
Cockpitt. |
580. Sir C. Hedges to Governor Sir B. Granville. Encloses
letter from the Commissioners for the exchange of prisoners,
showing the method it is done in these parts. You are to put
the same rules in execution, as far as is consistent with H.M.
service, and let me know what objections you have etc.
Acknowledges letter of July 2. I wish you could find a way
to rid yourself of the French privateers etc. Signed, C. Hedges
Annexed, |
|
580. i. Commissioners for exchange of prisoners to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Sick and Wounded Office, Sept. 28, 1704.
See preceding. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 7–10.] |
| Sept. 28. |
581. Similar letter to Governor Handasyd. Concludes:
The fleet that sailed from Port Royal, July 11, is lately arrived
safe. H.M. commands me to recommend William Wanlesse
for a Captain's Commission in a regiment under your command. etc.
Signed, C. Hedges. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 11, 12.] |
| Sept. 28. |
582. Similar letter to Governor Sir W. Matthew. P.S. You
will give me leave to put you in mind of your promise to me
in relation to Mr. Larkin's widow. Signed, C. Hedges. [C.O. 324,
30. pp. 12, 13.] |
| Sept. 28. |
583. Similar letter to Lt. Governor Bennett. Concludes:—Your petition to H.M. for Capt. Lancelot Sandys' Company has
been effectually answered, H.M. having been pleased to give
you that Commission. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 13, 14.] |
Sept. 28.
St. Christopher's. |
584. Extract of letter from Governor Sir W. Mathew to his
Agent, Mr. Barwick. I desire your care in receiving sixty carriages
from the Ordnance. I have wrote to Mr. Blathwait our great
want of six mortars with bombs, as also 30 cannon of 18lb. They
shall be mounted at the country's charge, save the carriages
for the mortars. If they are of 50lb. shell they are large enough:
four master-gunners we much want also. Do not forget to apply
to the Bishop of London for Ministers. I have wrote to his
Lordship for six. My Lords Treasurer and Chamberlain signed
an order for furniture for a Chappell, pray demand the same etc.
The seal of the Island is much wanted alsoe. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Jan. 9, 1704/5. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 6. No. 1; and 153, 9.
pp. 71, 72.] |
Sept. 29.
Maryland. |
585. Governor Seymour to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I take this occasion by Capt. George Rogers in
H.M.S. Gosport (who expects to be joined by Capt. Smith in the
Jersey from Boston, and about Oct. 8 next to sail for England,
having promised to take under his care and convoy what ships
can be got ready to sail by that time as well from Virginia as
this Province) to transmit to your Hon. Board Laws, Journals etc.
The General Assembly by writs issued since my arrivall, met
here the 5th inst., and pursuant to H.M. Instructions H.M. Council
and myself having perused, well considered and observed many
of the Laws to be ill worded, and insufficient to effect what thereby
was intended, and otherwise very irregular and not consonant
to H.M. Instructions, this present Sessions is now busied in the
revising and re-enacting the whole anew, which I hope will be
very speedily and happily effected, and then will take care that
by the very first conveyance they shall together with the Journals
of the Council and Assembly of this Sessions be transmitted to
your Lordships for your better consideration. In St. Marys
and Charles Countys, being the Southwest parts and where the
Lord Baltemore's seate of Government was, are near 600 or 700
papists, the chiefe whereof are his Lordship's relations and Agents,
and they being continually supplyed from Europe with Jesuits
(who have houses and lands of great value sett apart for their
mayntenance here) have now not less than ten of that sorte
among them, who use all their slye and assiduous endeavours
to promote their superstition, run about the country, make
proselites and amuse dying persons with threats of damnation etc.,
and thereby give greate offence and scandall to H.M. Governmt.
here; so that two of the chiefe of them were presented lately at
St. Marys County Court, William Hunter for consecrating a
popish Chappel, and Robert Brooke for saying Mass publiquely
at the city of St. Marys in the Chappel when ye County Court
were sitting there, upon which occasion I had the advice of H.M.
Councill here, and it being thought by some, that if the said
priests shou'd be prosecuted at the Provincial Court, it might be
disputed how far any penal statute of England not expressly
naming the Plantations would extend hither; it was resolved
least a Jury might mistake and acquit them, and so give them
occasion of triumphing, it wou'd be more advisable to summon
them to the Council Board, where I severely reprimanded them.
My Instructions in this point are different from what other
Governors here have had, theirs being to admitt of liberty of
conscience to all who behaved themselves so as to give no occasion
of scandall or offence to the Governmt., but mine to all such but
Papists, whom I take to be expressly excluded from that toleration,
and thereupon with the advice of H.M. Councill, have ordered
their publique Chappel at St. Marys to be shut up, and shou'd
be very glad to have your directions herein. These priests would
not long continue here, were it not for the great encouragement
that is given them by their disciples, especially the Lord
Proprietor's relations, and his Agents, who are Irish Papists and
by having the disposall of all lands in their hands, have such an
ascendant over severall in this Province that thereby they are
alsoe enabled to gaine many voices in ye General Assembly, who
as well as others here are made sencible that such as favour Popery
are likelyest to be ye kindlyest dealt by in grants of lands. Wee
have another sorte of people called Quakers, who are fewer in
number, but yet are offensive to H.M. subjects here, under ye
pretence of Tolleration refusing to beare any share in the defence
of the countrye, or to be any wise usefull in their Generation;
and whilst they enjoy plentiful Fortunes sitt at home without ye
least concerne of the publique safety or welfare. I am using
my utmost endeavours for ye better regulating the Militia here,
which is at present very ill disciplined, and whilst all others are
called forth upon this occasion, these sorte of people are not in
the least burthened by that or any other service, which divers
persons who have no foundation or true sence of Religion (but of
covetous humours and desiring their private ease) perceiving,
have thereby been induced to profess themselves Quakers. These
men enjoy the good of the Land, and though they seem not to
think themselves concerned for ye defence and security thereof,
yet I hope H.M. will direct how they may be made conformable
to reason, and that they may bear a share in the Militia, otherwise
it will cause many lukewarme Christians to declare themselves
of that sect, with designe to excuse and avoyd that service.
About Aug. 11, one Capn. Richard Johnson (who sayled out of
this Province, being taken into Martinico by the French, and as
he says very hardly used) being put on boarde a small barque
of 70 tunns called L'Ortolont, Pierre Rolleau master, and bound
for Old France, with the assistance of another English prisoner,
had in the latitude of 30 and 40 minutes North latd., and in the
longitude of 319 and 9 minutes surprized the said vessel, throwing
the Commander overboarde and brought her with 8 Frenchmen
into this Governmt., upon which the proceedings herewith inclosed
were had. I hope you will approve what I have acted with integrity
and upon ye best advice I could get. Signed, Jo. Seymour.
Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 31, Read Oct. 16, 1705. 5 pp. Enclosed, |
|
585. i. Minutes of Council of Maryland upon the case of the
L'Ortolan. Sept. 9, 1704. Endorsed as preceding. |
|
585. ii. Duplicate of preceding. |
|
585. iii. Capt. Johnson's narrative of his seizure of the Ortolan.
"The French Commander charged a pistoll and carried
severall days in his pockett, the said Johnson being
dayly in danger of his life, and very much abused and
his country, being often telling him Englishmen did not
know how to fight, resolved if pleased God to free himself,
and on July 13 about tenn of the clock at night, rise,
the Capt. falling overboard, command the rest of the
French, and in two hours after gave them their liberty,
being eight in number, he being only himself, his boy and
one Englishman, then making the best of his way towards
the Capes of Virginia on Aug. 6 arrived in the bay of
Cheasopeak, and delivered the ship to the Governor of
Maryland, and she was condemned as lawful prize at
Annapolis. Signed, Richd. Johnson. Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 715. Nos. 81, 81.i.–iii.; and
(duplicate of No. i.) 5, 751. No. 55; and (without
enc'osures) 5, 726. pp. 313–317.] |
Sept. 29.
Maryland. |
586. Governor Seymour to the Earl of Nottingham.
Acknowledges Instructions relating to trade with New Spain and
Prizes (Feb. 16 and 18). Repeats case of Capt. Johnson above.
Prays for H.M. Instructions therein, for I am altogether a stranger
to ye Court of Admiralty as well as the rights of H.R.H. etc.,
but have taken the safest measures upon the best advice to have
the produce of the said prize forthcoming, etc. Repeats preceding.
Signed, Jo. Seymour. Endorsed, R. Sept. 1, 1705. 4 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
586. i. ii. Duplicates of above No. 1. |
|
586. iii. Duplicate of No. iii. |
|
586. iv. Duplicate of Letter. [C.O. 5, 721. Nos. 1, 1.i.–iv.] |
| Sept. 29. |
587. Expenses of the Commission for Trade and Plantations,
Midsummer to Michaelmas, 1704. Petty Expenses, 19l. 0s. 10d.;
Stationary, 19l. 4s. 7d.; Postage, 35l. 4s. 10d. The whole endorsed,
Recd. Read Oct. 19, 1704. 3½ pp. [C.O. 388, 75. Nos. 101–103.] |
Sept. 29.
Barbados. |
588. Governor Sir B. Granville to Sir Charles Hedges. The
vessel that brings this is sent by the inhabitants who are much
alarmed by the proceedings of Capt. Martin, H.M.S. Blackwall.
They send complaints to lay before H.M. in relation to his
behaviour, and as what he has done has been in opposition both
to ye authority H.M. and H.R.H. have put into my hands, as
well as to the established laws of this place, I beg that both ye
Island and myself may have your protection. I have an account
by some prisoners who made their escape lately from Martinique
that 3 French men of war arrived there from Europe about six
weeks since. There has bin this last year arrived at Martinique
from France at about ye distance of every four moneths such a
number of men of war; but they make no longer stay there
then is necessary to refitt and to proceed for some ports of Spanish
America; none of them has cruised in our parts as I can learn.
The mischief that is done us is all by their small privateers. Signed,
Bevill Granville. Endorsed, R. Jan. 2 [1705]. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 28,
38. No. 28; and 28, 43. No. 3.] |
Sept. 29.
Barbados. |
589. Governor Sir B. Granville to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Capt. Samuel Martin, H.M.S. Blackwall, having
at his departure hence carryed off severall persons without a
tickett contrary to the laws of this place, and committed several
other extravagant and unwarrantable actions, the inhabitants
have been so alarm'd at it, that the Council and Assembly applyed
to me for leave to send an expresse boat to their Agents, giving
an account of his whole proceeding, with directions to lay them
before your Lordships, and to beg that such justice may be done
upon Capt. Martin as may prevent any others from doing the
like again. As they will enlarge on the whole matter, I will
trouble your Lordships no further then in laying before you
some papers which show the share I have had in his extravagancys;
from them your Lordships will see the indignities he has offer'd
to me and the characters I have the honour to bear, both under
H.M. patent as Governour and H.R.H. as Vice Admirall. I
make no doubt but that (being as I am under your Lordships'
protection) I shall have exemplary satisfaction, which I doe
humbly crave. Inclosed is a copy of my last sent by H.M.S.
Milford, part of the convoy to the fleet, which sail'd from hence
Sep. 18, but was not out of sight by reason of the calms they
met with till Thursday, Sep. 21. Repeats last part of preceding.
With this I send duplicates of the former Minutes of Councill.
Signed, Bevill Granville. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 2, Read Feb. 5,
1704/5. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 50; and 29, 9. pp. 143–145.] |
Sept. 29.
Barbados. |
590. Governor Sir B. Granville to W. Popple. Refers to
despatches "sent by the fleet wch. sailed hence the 18th inst.
and consisted in upwards of 50 sail of mercht. men besides what
was to joyn them at the Leeward Islands" etc. Signed, Bevill
Granville. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 2, Read Feb. 5, 1704/5. Holograph.
1 p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 52; and 29, 9. p. 146.] |
Sept. 29.
Barbados. |
591. J. Holder to M. Holder and Mr. Bromley. Repeats
complaint against Capt. Martin [as above] for carrying off several
persons from the Island without tickets etc., notably in the case
of one Lee:—Mr. Slingsby, Clerk to the Bridge Court, for a
considerable time past hath been complained of for having
committed divers irregularities in the execution of his office.
At length there was a petition lodged before the Judge, and an
Order thereupon made that, about 5 days before the fleet sailed,
the Petitioner accusing him of exorbitant crimes should be heard
before the Judge and his assistants, but Slingsby by me made
an interest with the Judge that, in regard the fleet was so speedily
to sail, and that he was embarrassed with the publick and his
private affairs, which required dispatch by the Fleet, as well as
that he was served with the Order on the said petition but the
day before, he might have any short day after the Fleet to answer,
which was granted. But now all those proceedings are frustrated,
for that one Mr. Lee, who was the only evidence that could prove
the articles charged on Slingsby, by a politick contrivance was
engaged in a broil, and the Lieutenant of Capt. St. Loe of the
Dolphin, with some seamen attending him, siezed Lee and hurried
him on board, where for several days he was detained, and though
divers applications have been made to this imitator of Martin,
and particularly by my Uncle Holder, not only as the Judge
wherein Lee was to have proved matters for H.M. service, but
also as Speaker of the Assembly, nothing could prevail, for that
he had for 100l. undertaken it. If the interest of our friends
don't remedy these exorbitancies, we must of necessity desert
a country which neither affords us security for our persons or
estates etc. Signed, J. Holder. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 26,
1704/5. 7½ pp. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 51.] |
