|
Feb. 16.
Whitehall. |
869. Mr. Secretary Hedges to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following extract, which you will please
to consider and think of proper means to prevent the like ill
practices for the future. You will please to lay before H.M. the
complaint of Col. Handasyde about the Councill etc. of Jamaica.
Signed, C. Hedges. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 22, 1704/5. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
869. i. Extract of letter from Governor Handasyd to Sir C.
Hedges relating to English ships trading to Curacoa etc.
[See C.S.P., Dec. 17, 1704.] ¾ p. [C.O. 137, 7. Nos. 3,
3.i.; and 138, 11. pp. 376, 377.] |
Feb. 16.
Whitehall. |
870. W. Popple to Wm. Lowndes. Encloses extract of
letter from Governor Handasyd [C.S.P., Dec. 17, 1704], relating
to the Mermaid's prize. He will lay my Lord Treasurer's
observations upon the Act for setling the publick Revenue before
the first Assembly in order to amending it. [C.O. 138, 11.
p. 372.] |
Feb. 16.
Whitehall. |
871. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Enclose extracts of Governor Handasyd's letter (Dec. 17,
1704). Propose that H.M. write circular letters to Governors
inforcing her good inclinations in reference to Trade with the
Spaniards in those parts, and directing them to take good security
from the persons to whom they have granted or shall grant Commissions that they shall not break faith with such of the Spaniards
as they shall trade with, nor entice them from the land or out
of their harbours on pretence of trade in order to make a prey
of them, as is complained of, and that copies of such letters be
communicated by the Governor of Jamaica to the Spaniards, as
they may have the greater confidence in the assurance given
them by a mutual trade. [C.O. 138, 11. pp. 373, 374.] |
Feb. 16.
Whitehall. |
872. W. Popple, jr., to the Agents of Jamaica. Summons
them to attend the Board, concerning the Assembly's neglect of
H.M. letter relating to the case of the soldiers at Jamaica.
[C.O. 138, 11. pp. 374, 375.] |
Feb. 16.
Whitehall. |
873. W. Popple, jr., to the Commissioners for sick and
wounded seamen and exchange of prisoners. The Council of
Trade and Plantations pray for a copy of your letter to Governor
Handasyd in order to their considering his difficulties relating
to the exchange of French prisoners. [C.O. 138, 11. pp. 375,
376.] |
| Feb. 17. |
874. H.M. Instructions to Governor Sir Wm. Mathew.
Same as those of Governor Codrington [Cal., 1699, No. 766], with
following variations:— |
|
Councillors of Nevis, Wm. Burt, John Smergin, Azariah Pinney,
James Bevon, William Butler, William Ling, James Thynn,
Daniell Smith, Richard Abbott, Phineas Andrews, Phillip Broome
and Thomas Butler; of Antego, John Yeomans, Lt. Gov.,
Rowland Williams, John Fry, senr., John Hamilton, Edward
Byam, James Thynn, Henry Pearn, Wm. Coddrington, Charles
Mathew, Henry Lyons, Barry Tankard, and Thomas Morris;
for Mountserrat, Anthony Hodges, jr., Lt. Governor, William Fox,
Thomas Lee, William Fry, John Scot, James Thynn, John Dawly,
Joseph Little, Wm. Beddingfield, George Milward, George Lydell,
and Charles Mathew; for St. Kitts, Walter Hamilton, Lt.
Governor, John Mac-Arthur, Michl. Lambert, Henry Burrell,
Samuel Crook, John Garnet, Stephen Pain, John Davis, Charles
Mathew, James Thynn, Joseph Crisp, and John Pogson. |
|
The stile of enacting Laws is to be by Governor, Council and
Assembly.—Different matters are to be provided for as much as
possible by different Acts, and no clauses to be inserted or annexed
to any Act foreign to what the title of it imports.—He is to make
a complete collection of the Laws in force.—Neither the Governor
nor any Lieut.-Governor is to receive any present from the
Assemblies [see Cal., 1703], except a house or rent, provided the
assignment thereof be made at the first session of Assembly
after the Governor's arrival. 1,200l. out of the 4½ p.c. is assigned
for the Governor's salary, and 200l. each for the Lieut.-Governors.
He is to endeavour to induce the Assemblies, thus exempted
from this customary burden, to contribute in more ample and
effectual manner to their own safety and preservation. This to
be entered in the Registers of the Councils and Assemblies.—No clause to be inserted in any Law for levying money whereby
the same shall not be made liable to be accounted for unto us
here in England.—Goods of pirates are to be seized, and, if
perishable, publicly sold, and pirates tried according to the
Commission granted for that purpose: accessories to be sent
to England.—He has power to suspend Captains of men of war
for neglect of duty and to commit them to custody, the next
superior officer to succeed in command. Privateers are to wear
a Jack with a white scutcheon in the middle. The Governor is
to grant commissions to privateers according to the Commissions
and Instructions given in England. A survey is to be made
of the fortifications, and an account thereof sent home yearly;
a survey of harbours and landing places to be made and such
fortifications as necessary erected at the public charge. The
duty of 4½ p.c. to be applied to repairing and maintaining the
fortifications, and the Assembly to be moved to contribute towards
their defence. Prizes are to be taken care of and accounted for
and arrears recovered. Appeals to H.M. in Council to be allowed
in cases of fines imposed for misdemeanors, if the value be 200l.,
the Appellant first giving good security that he will effectually
prosecute the same, and answer the condemnation if the sentence
be confirmed. The Governor is to get a law passed to make
bankrupts' estates liable to answer debts contracted in England.
All writs are to be issued in the Queen's name. The Governor
is empowered to do anything for the immediate advantage and
security of the Islands, with the consent of the Council, giving
speedy notice thereof for H.M. approval. He is not to grant
Commissions of mark or reprizals against any Prince or State
in amity with H.M. without H.M. especial command. [C.O. 153, 8.
pp. 364–437.] |
Feb. 19.
New York. |
875. Governor Lord Cornbury to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I have pursued the directions given me in your
letter of June 29 relating to correspondence etc. Signed, Cornbury.
Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read 28th June, 1705. Holograph. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 1048. No. 104; and 5, 1120. pp. 313, 314.] |
Feb. 19.
New York. |
876. Governor Lord Cornbury to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Your Lordshipps' letter of June 29 is come to my
hands, etc. I have caused H.M. Proclamation [relating to foreign
currency] to be published in this Province, and have sent orders
to Col. Ingoldsby (who is now at Burlington) to take care to have
it published throughout that Province, etc. It was on Munday,
Feb. 5, that it was published in this city, which is the day the
Boston post sets out from hence, as soon as the Proclamation
was published, severall persons here (pursuant to the directions
sent to them from Boston) sent away as much money by the
post as he could carry, and for 4 or 5 days all manner of trade
was stopped, there was noe market nor one could buy nothing
with ready money, 2 or 3 days after this a petition was presented
to me, signed by most of the considerable merchants in this
place, setting forth the many inconveniencys that would attend
the putting that Proclamation strictly in practice, even to the
infallible ruin of this Province, occasioned chiefly by the
neighbouring Collonys' disobedience to H.M. commands. I
send you a copy of the Petition, by which you will see how the
Spanish coin has gone, not only in this Province, but in the
neighbouring Collonys, particularly that of Pensilvania, which
by raising the vallue of pieces of eight of 17dwt. to 7s. 6d., and
the lighter money in proportion, have considerably drained
this Province of it's money, as New England has done on the
other side by clipping, which they don't scruple doing openly,
as appear'd very lately by the Purser of H.M.S. Jersey, one
Franklyn, who was going to pay a summ of money for severall
things he had had for the use of the ship, during the time she
was there careening, and an acquaintance of his of that place
seing him tell out a parcell of broad heavy peices of eight, asked
him what he was to doe with that money; the Purser told him
he was going to pay it away, upon which his friend told him if
he would let him have it for a few hours, he would bring it to
him with advantage, the Purser let him have it, and he did bring
him back his number of peices of eight, and to the value of 53oz.
of silver more, and this out of 60l. currant money of New York.
There is another instance of one Mr. Scott, a merchant of this
City, being last summer at Rhode Island, out of 1,000 peices of
eight of 17dwt. got 73oz. of silver and the peices of eight were
paid by him at the rate of 17dwt. still, and he says that if he
would have suffered them to be clipp'd to 15dwt. he might have
got above 250oz. of silver, these practices of our neighbours have
done a great deal of harm to this Province, both in respect to their
trade to the West Indies, and with the other part of the Continent,
but now they think they have it in their power to destroy this
Province effectually, because they are resolved not to obey the
Queen's commands contained in her Proclamation; this I was
lately informed of by some persons come from Boston, and
perticularly by Mr. Adolph Philips, who was present at the
publication of H.M. Proclamation at Boston, who asking some
of the merchants there what effect that would have upon their
trade, was answered that they had published the Queen's
Proclamation in obedience to H.M. commands, but that the
money would goe as it did before, this we find to be true by
every day's experience; the allegations in the Petition and
severall things of this nature having been related to me and
proved beyond contradiction, prevailed with me to communicate
the aforementioned Petition to H.M. Councill for this Province,
and to desire them to consider the contents of it very seriously,
and to let me know their thoughts of it, which they did, and
made a report (enclosed), by which you will find that some of
our neighbours instead of obeying H.M. Proclamation, have
advanced the value of their coin, by taking peices of eight of
13dwt. for 6s., which never went here for more than 5s. 3d. New
York money, this is now daily practised in New England, in
order to get all our money from us, and they conclude their report
by saying that if the Proclamation be put in execution according
to the letter thereof, it will be the utter ruin of this Province,
as likewise to inform myself of the truth of severall things, which
had been told me by severall persons, touching the practices of
the New England people upon the matter of money, and I find
by undeniable proof that since H.M. Proclamation has been
published here, severall merchants at Boston have wrote to
their Correspondents here to send all the money they can, whether
it be heavy or not, and they will not only take it at the same
rates it went at before the Proclamation, but will likewise allow
10 per cent. for as much as they can send, this is so true that
very lately a young man of this town being at Boston to buy some
goods to the vallue of 500l., paid that summ in single ryals, at
8 ryals for 6s., which is the rate they used to pass at here, and
had allowance of 9 per cent. besides, and he says that if he could
have stayed two or three days longer, he might have had 10 per
cent.; this can be intended for nothing but to ruin this place,
for before this Proclamation the money at Boston was 12½ better
than the money at New York, soe that if we bought 100l. worth
of goods at Boston, we must have paid 112l. 10s. New York
money. Whereas now by their taking peices of eight of 13dwt.
for 6s., they have raised the coin higher than ever it was before,
the consequence whereof will be that our merchants here will
send their money to Boston for European goods, which will in a
short time destroy the trade of this Province to England, and
make us depend intirely upon Boston for all such commoditys
as we now fetch in our own ships from England, to the manifest
ruin of our Navigation, this the people of this Collony think
very hard, especially since the people of New England are like
to reap this advantage by their disobedience to the Queen's
commands. Having seriously considered these things and H.M.
Proclamation [quoted] and it being very evident that H.M. good
intentions to all her subjects in America will be frustrated by
the disobedience of her subjects of New England and Rhode
Island, and it being very plain that this Province will be ruined
beyond recovery if H.M. Proclamation is put in execution,
according to the letter of it, I have consented to the request of
H.M. Councill, which is, to direct the Collector to receive money
upon all the branches of the Revenue at the rates it formerly
went, till this matter might be lay'd before the Queen, and her
farther pleasure be known thereon. It is not through any manner
of disobedience to H.M. commands (which we shall upon all
occasions be ready to obey) that we have not immediately
complyd with her Proclamation, but only to save this Province
from utter ruin, which would most certainly have hapned, before
I could have received her commands upon this representation;
and I do further intreat your Lordshipps to assure H.M. that
if notwithstanding what I have now offered to you, it is her royal
pleasure that the directions in the Proclamation should be
complyed with, her commands shall be punctually obeyed; I
hope your Lordshipps will not look upon my behaviour in this
matter as proceeding from any design of disobeying the Queen,
I can boldly say I never had nor shall have any such design, but
I considered that delaying the putting that Proclamation in
execution, till H.M. might be informed of the consequences that
would have attended it, could be noe prejudice to H.M. service,
nor injury to any of her subjects, whereas on the other hand the
ruin of this Province was unavoidable. Signed, Cornbury.
Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read June 27th, 1705. Holograph. 5 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
876. i. Merchants of New York to Governor Lord Cornbury.
Described in preceding letter. 67 signatures. Set out,
New York Documents, Vol. IV., pp. 1133–1135. Endorsed
as preceding. 3 pp. |
|
876. ii. Copy of Report of the Council of New York to Governor
Lord Cornbury. New York, Feb. 8, 1704. Described in
preceding letter. Endorsed as preceding. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5,
1048. Nos. 105, 105. i., ii.; and (without enclosures)
5, 1120. pp. 298–309.] |
Feb. 19.
Admiralty Office. |
877. J. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Capt. St. Loe and Lt.
Wanley are ordered to attend the Council of Trade and Plantations.
If any part of the complaint may be fit to enquire into at a Court
Martial, I desire you to transmit the same to me. Signed, J.
Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 20, 1704/5. ¾ p. [C.O. 28,
7. No. 83; and 29, 9. p. 186.] |
| Feb. 19. |
878. Governor Lord Cornbury to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Your Lordshipps' letter of May 23, 1704, came
to my hands on Dec. 15 at Amboy, in which you are pleased
to say, you daily expect the particular account of the affairs of
New Jersey, which I promised to your Lordships by my letter
of Dec. 18, 1703, by which I perceive my letter of Jan. 14, 170¾
is not come to your hands; I returned from New Jersey to this
city on Dec. 14, 1703, and hearing the Centurion was not sailed
from Boston, and the post being just ready to go away, I stopt
him long enough to write to your Lordshipps that letter of
Dec. 18, 1703; about a fortnight after that, hearing that the
Centurion had had a mischance, going out from Boston, and
was forc'd to return into Port again, I wrote the letter of
Jan. 14, 170¾, and sent it to Boston, in hopes it would come
time enough to reach the Centurion, and after that I sent a
duplicate of it to Rhode Island, which was put on board a vessel
going for England, by a Minister who had promised me to take
care to send it by the first vessel that should sail from Rhode
Island, or Boston, and which he wrote me word he had done;
however those ways being very uncertain, I did send another
duplicate of that letter to your Lordships by H.M.S. Jersey,
which I hope, is come to your hands before this time, by which
you will see what was done at Amboy in the first session of the
Assembly of that Province; and in another letter, by the Jersey,
Nov. 4, I did acquaint you with what had passed at the next
meeting of the Assembly of New Jersey at Burlington, which
was in Sep., and on the 28th of that month, I did dissolve that
Assembly to sit on Nov. 9, at which time they met, and passed
the several Acts following, viz.: (1) An Act for raising a Revenue
for the support of H.M. Government within this Province of New
Jersey for two years; (2) An Act for uniting and quieting the minds
of all H.M. subjects within this Province; (3) An Act for altering
the present Constitution, and regulating the election of Representatives to serve in the General Assembly; (4) An Act for settling the
Militia of this Province; (5) An Act for laying out, regulating,
clearing and preserving publick common highways; (6) An Act
for the suppressing of immorality; (7) An Act for reviving and
continuing the Courts of Quarter-Sessions and Common Pleas in
the Counties of Bergen, Middlesex and Monmouth; (8) An Act
for regulating Negro, Indian and Molatto slaves. The first is what
the last Assembly would never have pass'd, unlesse I would have
pass'd their Proprietor Bill. When I first saw this last Bill, I
sent for one of the Assembly, whom I thought I could more freely
talk with than the rest, and asked him what was the reason they
had given the Revenue for soe short a time, he answered me very
readily, that it was for noe other reason, but because they had
never had a general tax throughout the whole Province, and
that they could make no manner of computation what the country
was able to bear; that this would be a tryal of that, and that
if I would be satisfied with this Bill for the present, when they
saw what the country would be able to bear, they would be ready
to settle such a Revenue as would effectually answer the occasions
of the Government; this being soe frankly told me, and considering how stubborn the last Assembly had been upon this
point, and being everyday informed that the Quakers bragged, that
there should be noe Revenue settled, that the Queen had sent them
a Governor, but they would keep him poor enough; these and
such like reports were spread about, not by the meanest men
among them, but by the topping leading Quakers; therefore
I thought it proper to let that Bill passe, and intreat your
Lordships to recommend it to H.M. for her royal approbation.
The second Act I thought a very reasonable Bill, because it will
put an effectual end to many prosecutions which were intended
to have been carry'd on in New Jersey, against some persons
who opposed Col. Hamilton's Government; and H.M. having
commanded me not to suffer any proceedings to be carry'd on
against any persons upon account of former animosities, I thought
this would be the most effectual way to answer H.M. commands,
espetially since Mr. Morris, to whom the Queen had done the
honour to make him one of her Councill, was very warm for those
prosecutions, as appear'd the last year, that he prevail'd with
Mr. Griffith, the Attorney-General of New Jersey, to preferr a
Bill of Indictment against some of the people of Elizabeth Town,
for a riot said to have been committed during the time of the
Government of Col. Hamilton; this the Attorney-General was
prevailed with to doe without my knowledge, but a complaint
being brought to me of that matter, I directed the AttorneyGeneral to enter a Noli prosequi, which he did accordingly;
it is an Act which will make the people easy, therefore I hope
the Queen will confirm it. (3) is an Act to alter the manner of
electing members of Assembly; in the 15th clause of my
Instructions, H.M. makes use of these words [and that this number
of Representatives shall not be enlarged or diminished, or the manner
of electing them altered, otherwise than by an Act or Acts of the
General Assembly there, and confirmed by the approbation of us,
our heirs and successors] by which I suppose, the Queen was
graciously pleas'd to leave it to the consideration of those, whom
she has appointed to serve H.M. in that Province, to propose a
method of election, which may be more advantageous to the
Queen's service, and the good of the Country than the regulation
contain'd in H.M. Instructions to me; and indeed I am of opinion
that this Act will answer that end, for the number is not altered,
which was appointed by the Queen, but only the quallification
and the method of electing, by which means we shall be able to
have the men of the best substance chosen; for as I have informed
your Lordshipps by a former letter, the landed men are not the
men of the greatest substance in these parts of the world; I
intreat you will intercede with the Queen that this Act may be
confirmed. (4) is so necessary an Act, that I hope it carries
reason enough in itself to obtain H.M. confirmation. (5) is an
Act of absolute necessity; and indeed, without an Act of this
kind, the roads in New Jersey would in a short time be unpassable,
so I hope that Act will be confirmed. (6) I wish it may answer
the intent, if it does, it will be the best Act that ever was passed;
I hope it needs no farther recommendation to get it confirm'd,
than the good which is intended by it, and certainly there is
great need of it. The reason for passing (7) was that those Courts
hapned to fall out at the time that the Assembly was sitting at
Burlington, and the Judges of those Courts are Members of H.M.
Council, and could not attend the Courts at that time; soe that
all Causes depending would have abated to the prejudice of the
partys concerned, had not such an Act been passed, therefore I
hope H.M. will be pleased to confirm it. (8) Considering the
situation of the Province of New Jersey, that Act is absolutely
necessary; and indeed without it, it will be impossible to keep
slaves in any order, for if a slave is punished for any fault, he
will run away, and there are people enough who will hide them,
to have the benefit of their labours in the mean time, to the great
loss of the owners, and I hope this will be a means to prevent
both that, and their thieving, to which they are all very much
addicted; and it will be a great help to the owners of those slaves,
who now very often loose the labours of their slaves for a month
together, and sometimes longer; therefore I intreat your Lordships to intercede with H.M., that this Act may be confirmed.
Thus I have given your Lordships an account of all the Acts of
Assembly passed in the General Assembly of New Jersey in the
first Session of the new Assembly; they were of course to have
held their next Sessions at Amboy, but we find by experience
that holding the winter-sessions at Burlington, and the Springsessions at Amboy, is very inconvenient; so at the request of
several persons, both of the Council and Assembly, I have
adjourn'd the Assembly to meet the next time at Burlington,
which may be April 27 next; then the next time they will meet
at Amboy, and so alternately; unless you are pleased to direct
otherwise. Mr. Lewis Morris has behaved himself very ill, as I
think; for ever since he came hither from England, he has
endeavour'd to persuade the Proprietors in Jersey, and those
people who are in their interests, that the Government was
surrendered to the Queen upon certain terms and conditions
agreed upon, before the Proprietors would surrender; being
informed of this, I sent for Mr. Morris, and ask'd him how he
came to raise that report, which he must know not to be true,
for that if any such thing had been done, I should certainly have
been informed by your Lordshipps, and by the Earl of Nottingham,
what those terms and conditions were, that I might conform
myself to them, and that since I had noe such directions, there
could be noe such thing; to which he replyed, that it was true,
that the Government was surrendred upon terms; and that if they
could not have obtain'd those terms, they would not have
surrendred at all; I desired him to shew me those terms, he
told me, they were contain'd in my Instructions, and instanced
particularly the 15th clause, in which the qualifications of persons
to elect, and be elected, are contain'd, and said, that was one
of the terms; and said that the 53d clause where I am directed
to admit Quakers into offices or employments, signing the
Declaration of their Allegiance etc. was another of the termes,
to which I answer'd that he might as well say that the 37th clause,
where I am commanded not to suffer any persons besides the
General Proprietors or their Agents, to purchase any land from
the Indians, was one of those Terms too; upon which he said
that they had noe need of such a clause, and that the Queen
was mistaken in that clause, for that the Proprietors had no
need of any licence from the Queen to purchase from the Indians,
for the land was their own already, by virtue of the grant from
H.R.H. the Duke of York, to my Lord Berkley and Sir George
Carteret, whose right they have purchased; I told him the Queen
was best judge of what clauses were proper to be inserted in the
Instructions she was pleased to honour me with, and that as I
found them, I would obey them, and I told him, it did not become
him to speak at that rate of the Queen; and indeed that
gentleman does give his tongue too great a liberty; however
for that time we parted, and I did not see him in some months,
for going to Amboy in my way to Burlington, to meet the
Assembly there, I appointed Mr. Morris and Captn. Bowne to
meet me at Amboy on Aug. 30, upon the account of some
disturbance that was like to be occasioned, by a rape committed
by an Indian upon a white woman, and some of the Justices had
imprisoned the Indian. Captn. Bowne met me according to
appointment, but Mr. Morris chose that very day to goe from
his house in New Jersey to New York, without soe much as
writing one line of excuse, or taking any manner of notice; I
pursued my journey to Burlington, but Mr. Morris neither came
nor wrote, soe on the last day that the Councill sat, I did suspend
Mr. Morris from his place in Councill, and ordered the Clerk to
enter a minute in his book, of his suspension, and the reason of
it, which was, for neglecting H.M. service, without having obtained
leave to be absent; when I was at New York, one Dr. Ennis,
a minister of the Church of England, who is setled in Mr. Morris's
neighbourhood in New Jersey, came to me and told me that
Mr. Morris was very sorry that he had commited soe great a fault,
and desired that he might have leave to come to me, and
acknowledge it, I told him, he might come when he pleased,
and the next day Mr. Morris and he came to me and owned his
fault, and said that if I would restore him to his place, he would
by his constant application to the Queen's service, convince me
that it was not out of any disrespect, that he had neglected his
duty before; I told him, I did not desire to be severe, or uneasy
to any Gentleman, but that it was my duty to take care the
persons who had the honour to serve the Queen in that Province,
should doe their duty; espetially at a time when severall things
were to be done, necessary for the setling the Country, soe we
parted, and I did not hear from him any more till a few days
before I went to New Jersey to meet the new Assembly, when
I received a letter from him, from a farme he has in West-Chester
County, in this Province of New York, by which he acquainted
me, that having lately taken that farme into his hands, he was
very busy putting his affairs in order there, and that it would be
a great prejudice to him, if he should be forced to attend his duty
at Burlington, and therefore desired I would dispence with his
attendance for ten days, to which I answered, that ten days
could break noe squares, because it would be near ten days before
we should enter upon businesse, therefore I would not differ with
him for that, and I went to Burlington at the time appointed,
but Mr. Morris did not come, till after three weeks, before which
the House of Representatives had passed the Bill for the Revenue,
and it had had one reading in the Councill, however I would
not differ with him for a few days, in hopes he would be as good
as his word; but instead of that, after the Bill had been read
twice, and was committed to a Committee of the Councill, Mr.
Morris did what he could to make that Act miscarry, by offering
such amendments to it, as he knew the House of Representatives
would never agree to, notwithstanding I had desired him
perticularly, to give what dispatch he could to that Act, because
of the season of the year, which was soe farr advanced, that we
were in great danger of being frozen up; Capt. Bowne and some
others of H.M. Council having told me of Mr. Morris's obstinacy,
and he coming immediately into my lodgings, I asked why he
would give any interruption to that Act, which he knew to be
soe necessary and which he had soe faithfully promised me to
forward, to the utmost of his power; he told me, he had very
good reasons for what he did, that he had calculated what the
occasions of the Government would require, and that 2,000l.
would not suffice, I told him, that I looked upon that to be only
a pretence to lose the Bill, and desired him not to insist upon
anything of that nature, but that he would meet at the Committee
the next morning, pursuant to their adjournment, and dispatch
the Bill, but instead of that, the next day he went to Philadelphia
without taking any notice of me, or asking leave, though he was
going out of the Province, however I was not willing to take
advantage of that, hoping he might come to his sences again,
and therefore I did stay to the last day that the Councill sate,
but he never thought fit to attend his duty in Councill, though
he was returned from Philadelphia four or five days before I
left Burlington, but when he was asked how he came not to come
to me, he answered he vallued not the Governor of a farthing,
soe when I was going to dismisse the Councill, I did again suspend
Mr. Morris from his place in the Councill, till H.M. pleasure might
be known, and I hope the Queen will be pleased to confirm that
suspension, and that he may be dismissed from being a Member
of that Board, and a better man put in his stead, for I am well
satisfied, he will always obstruct the Queen's service, and indeed
he has soe entirely given himself up to the interest of the
Proprietors, that he can see with noe other eyes but theirs, and
I cannot say that they have always pursued the interest of the
Crowne; Mr. Morris is one of those who have endeavoured to
possesse the people here, that they have a right to have Generall
Assemblys, and that the Assemblys in these Colonys have the
same priviledges, powers and authoritys as the House of Commons
in England, he must not deny this, for he said it to me severall
times, and said that the people here were Englishmen, and were
entituled to all the priviledges of Englishmen, and that if the
Queen would not allow them to send Members to represent these
Collonys in the House of Commons in England, it was highly
reasonable they should have Assemblys of their own, and that
they were to be governed by laws of their making; indeed I
have as often answered him, that he was mistaken, that the
Assemblys which have been held here are purely by the favour
of the Crowne, that I look upon their power of making Laws,
as intended to be noe more than what every Corporation in
England has, that is, to make by-laws for the well-governing of
that Corporation; this offended Mr. Morris very much, and
indeed if it were his opinion alone, I should not regard it, but
it is the opinion of many people in the Provinces of New-York
and New-Jersey, espetially to the East-end of Long Island, where
they are generally Commonwealths men, this opinion can tend
to nothing, but the diminishing the authority of the Queen in
these parts, which I hope will not be suffered; this Gentleman
has not been contented with spreading this doctrine as much as
he can in New-Jersey, but endeavours to incourage it in this
Province, where it has already taken root, he is now soliciting
to get himself chosen for the County of West-Chester for an
Assembly, which I intend to call in a few days, I hope he will
not succeed, because I am well satisfied his intention is not good.
I did formerly recommend to your Lordships Col. Townley and
Mr. Daniell Cox, to be of H.M. Councill of New-Jersey, in the
room of Edwd. Hunlock, and Samuel Leonard, who were dead
before I received the honour of H.M. Commission for that
Government; since that time, one Mr. Samuel Walker, who
was also one of the Councill, is dead, soe that now there are three
vacancys, which I humbly intreat your Lordshipps may be
filled by Col. Richard Townley, Mr. Daniell Coxe, and Mr. Roger
Mompesson, whom I have appointed to be Chief-Justice of NewJersey, till the Queen's pleasure may be known; and I desire
you will recommend him to the Queen to be confirmed in that
place, he is very proper for it, and has brought the Supreame
Court in New York into very good order, and I don't question
but he will doe the same in New-Jersey. I farther intreat your
Lordshipps that I may have a Statute-book sent me for this
Province of New-York, and another for New-Jersey, to remain
with the Clerk of the Councill of each Province; there is indeed
a great necessity of this, because there are often Pleadings before
the Councill, where the lawyers take the liberty of quoting Acts
of Parliament of England falsely, which they think they may
the more freely doe, because they know, there is noe Statute book
belonging to the Government. I desire, you will intercede with
H.M., that I may have a Great-Seale for the Province of NewJersey, I am at a mighty losse for want of one, there have been
two barbarous murders committed lately, one by a woman who
joined with a man to murder her husband; the other of another
woman, who murdred her own child; the Country was very
desirous to have these two people tryed as soon as possible,
because there are noe goals sufficient to keep criminalls in, and
indeed, I would have issued a special Commission for the tryall
of them, but for want of a Seale I could not; I must likewise
beg your Lordshipps' directions in some matters relating to the
Government, and particularly with respect to fines, forfeitures
and escheats, which some of the Proprietors on the place pretend
to say the Queen has nothing to doe withall, but that they belong
to the Proprietors; however, till I receive your commands in
that matter, I have taken care where anything of that nature
has hapned, to have them secured for the Queen; there is likewise
a thing called horse-hunting, the woods are full of wild horses;
in the Province of New-York, the Governor of New-York appoints
a Ranger General, who deputes persons under him for every
County, to take care of all such horses as are taken up wild in the
woods; and I have appointed one in New-Jersey; but the
Proprietors here, say it is their right; soe I would not let the
person I had named proceed, till I had received your Lordshipps'
directions, which I intreat, I may have. In September last I
went downe the river Delaware as low as Salem, which is the
lowest County but one, on the Jersey side, towards the Capes of
Delaware River, and is 73 miles below Burlington, there is a
pretty little towne built there called Salem, which is capable
of being made a good place for trade, there being a creek there,
in which there is noe lesse than 15ft. water at low water, soe
capable of receiving good ships; I did intend to have gone downe
as far as the Capes, but the North-West winds began to set in,
and I being but in a small boat, thought it not proper to venture
for fear of being blown out to sea, which often happens at that
time of the year, but I intend (God willing) to goe downe this
spring, because I am willing to give the Queen the best account
I can, of all the parts of those Governments she has been pleased
to honour me with the Government of. Signed, Cornbury.
P.S. I had almost forgot to observe to your Lordshipps some of
the inconveniencys that may attend the 37th clause of my
Instructions, in which I am directed not to suffer any persons
besides the Generall Proprietors or their Agents to purchase land
from the Indians; now I conceive that this will be a means to
hinder the country from being cleared and peopled soe soon as
it would otherwise be, for the Proprietors will not sell any land
but at certain rates, which they who live in the Province have
agreed among themselves shall be the price, and under such
quit-rents as they think fit, soe that several people who would
settle in New Jersey goe over into Pensilvania and settle there;
I am of opinion that if a certain quit-rent were fixed, to be paid
to the Proprietors for every 100 acres, and soe for a greater or
lesser quantity, and that the Governor for the time being may
be at liberty to grant licences to any person who has a mind to
purchase from the Indians, it can be noe prejudice to the
Proprietors but will be a means to people the country much
sooner. Endorsed, Recd. 25th June, Read July 5, 1705. Holograph.
10½ pp. [C.O. 5, 970. No. 24; and 5, 994.A. pp. 204–226.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
879. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. We
humbly lay before your Majesty a report from Mr. Attorney and
Sollicitor General relating to the absenting Members of the
Assembly of Barbados. [C.O. 29. 9. p. 185.] |
| [Feb. 20.] |
880. Mr. Congreve to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Gives lists of presents sent to the Indians 1700, of stores of war
sent to New York last summer and captured by the French, and
of same now required. Signed, C. Congreve. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Feb. 20, 1704/5. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 106.] |
Feb. 21.
Cockpitt. |
881. Mr. Secretary Hedges to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following for their opinion, "except what
relates to the impressing of men, for which there is a standing
rule." Signed, C. Hedges. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd, Read Feb. 23rd.
1704/5. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
881. i. Sir Richard Levett and Wm. Lone, owners of the
Dolphin and Mermaid, to the Queen. These ships,
letters of marque and carrying slaves for the Plantations,
were detained in Virginia. [See March 2.] Pray that
they may not be detained in any port, or their crews
impressed. Endorsed, Read Feb. 18, 1704-(5). 1 p.
[C.O. 5. 1314. Nos. 39. 39.i.: and 5, 1361. pp. 50–53.] |
| Feb. 21. |
882. Jer. Clifford to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I have made my applications to Messrs. Shepheard etc. without
effect. Prays for the despatch of his business. Signed, Jer.
Clifford. Endorsed, Recd. Read. Feb. 22, 1704/5. 1 p. [C.O. 388,
75. No. 113; and 389, 36. pp. 244, 245.] |
| Feb. 22. |
883. W. Popple to Mr. Clifford. In reply to preceding.
Desiring him to procure from Messrs. Shepherd etc. his account
current sent them May 23, 1704. [C.O. 389, 36. pp. 245, 246.] |
Feb. 22.
Boston. |
884. Mr. Byfield to [? Mr. Secretary Hedges]. Last year I
was appointed by H.R.H. Judge of the Court of Admiralty. A
small prize brought in by H.M.S. Advice was condemned by my
Deputy, Mr. Newton, and for the whole fees of all the officers of
the Court I demanded 5 p.c. which is much less than is taken
at other places. My Commission warrants me to take such fees
as are accustomed, but have never taken more than as above.
Yet John Colman, Agent for H.R.H. and one of the Commissioners
for Prizes, will not pay ye same, but threatens to complain of
me to your Honour. He bought the captor's share of the prize
before any condemnation, which I think is very improper etc.,
and for that he is to pay one half of my demands out of his own
pocket, he will not pay the same. We have but little business
in the Court of Admiralty etc. Signed, Natha. Byfield. Endorsed,
Dec. [?] 3. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 751. No. 63.] |
| Feb. 22. |
885. Capt. St. Loe to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
On Sept. 16 I ordered Lt. Wanley to apply to Alexander Skeene,
Secretary of Barbados, for a man he desired me to press, he being
an idle, disorderly person and one of no settled habitation, but
with good management would make a Captain's clerk or ship's
steward. Lee being at supper, Skeene came without any
application, and offered to shew him where Lee was, he being
then in a riot. Skeene said he had nothing to say for him. As
for any combination between Mr. Arthur Slingsby, myself and
Lieut., it's altogether false and scandalous, but tis certain Mr.
Slingsby was at Mr. Skeene's when 'twas moved to me, and gave
Lee much the same character as the other had done. Signed,
E. St. Loe. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 23, 1705. 1½ pp. [C.O.
28, 7. No. 84; and 29, 9. pp. 187, 188.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall. |
886. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Sir Bevill Granville.
A contract being made by H.M. Postmaster-General here for the
carrying on a constant and monthly correspondence, by pacquetboats, between England and H.M. Plantation Islands in America,
and Deputys being appointed by the Postmaster Generall for
the more carefully distributing the letters which go from hence
to the said Islands and for the more regular collecting the letters
for England, it is H.M. pleasure that you give the person deputed
for your Island all the encouragement and protection that may
be necessary etc. A similar Letter was written to Governor
Sir Wm. Mathew, Governor Handasyde, and Capt. Bennet.
[C.O. 324, 30. p. 24.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall. |
887. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Sir W. Mathew.
Acknowledges letter of Nov. 25. H.M. approves of the method
that is used here in the exchange of prisoners, which you are to
proceed in, and to send a list of all of them to the Commissioners
for Exchange of Prisoners here etc. Directions are given to the
Commander of the Pacquet Boat as you desire to remain
48 hours at the Island where you shall happen to be at the time of
its arrivall, or longer if need be. I have received two Acts of
St. Christophers and two of Antegoa, which shall be laid before
H.M. for her royal assent. I shall endeavour to gett you directions
concerning the shares of prizes etc. as desired. I thank you for
your concern for Mr. Larton's widdow, and shall send you a
copy of his patent by the next conveyance. You may be sure
I shall make the best use that I can of the state of what is necessary
for a supply of men and artillery for the defence of the Islands,
when it comes to my hands. The Lieut. Governor of Antegoa
being a person unfitt for that employment, I desire you will lett
us know who in your opinion is a man capable of doing H.M.
good service there. I think the Collection of the Laws you say
is preparing to be transmitted hither, when it is considered here,
will put an end to the doubts you are under at present, what
Laws are in force and what not. The inconvenience you find from
the Act of the Militia in relation to the parade and rendezvous
seems not otherwise to be remyded than by another Act. That
part of your letter which relates to fines etc. I intend to lay before
my Lord Treasurer, and hope by the next pacquet you may
receive directions in that matter. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 22–24.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall. |
888. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Sir B. Granville.
H.M. approves of your proposall for a General Exchange [of
prisoners] for Barbadoes, and recommends it to your care to manage
it for the best advantage to her service, which she concludes may
be done without any charge of subsisting the prisoners or
transports, since you say it has hitherto been paid out of the
publick levies, and H.M. is also satisfied that the unlawfull
commerce, which you say you have reason to fear will be carryed
on, may be better prevented by yourself than any other. If
you have not already received any orders about the prisoners
condemned at the Court Martiall, you are to exchange them with
others. If the French will not agree upon this Generall Exchange,
you may make the exchanges of man for man, and quality for
quality, giving an account to the Commissioners for Exchange
of Prisoners of all you do in that matter from time to time, and
in case you shall have any supernumeraries, they are to be sent
home, giving an account to the said Commissioners, or if you
judge it better you may make your agreement to have as many
delivered to Col. Mathews, if upon advising with him you shall
find that he wants prisoners to redeem any of H.M. subjects
belonging to the Leeward Islands, and this you may do. H.M.
is pleased to consent that the Sieurs Torailles [Sept. 29, 1704]
be exchanged for Col. Michaell Lambert, Capt. Andrew Chouvet
and Mr. James Raleigh, inhabitants of St. Christophers, who
were taken going from that Island to Antegoa, on board a Danish
ship and are detained at Martinique, by way of reprizal. [C.O.
324, 30. pp. 21, 22.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall. |
889. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Quote
Lord Cornbury's statement of the want of arms, powder and
bedding for New York; his request for a man of war to protect
the trade with the Southern Plantations, and a present for the
Five Nations of Indians. Stores, provided out of the Company's
pay, sent out last summer were taken by the French. Propose
that they be made good, and 50 barrels of powder sent, to be
paid for by the Assembly. And that a present of 300l. value be
sent for the Indians. Set out, Acts of Privy Council, II. Nos. 960,
961. [C.O. 5, 1120. pp. 271–273.] |
| Feb. 22. |
890. List of the small arms etc., for New York, sent last
summer and taken by the French. (See preceding.) [C.O. 5,
1120. p. 274.] |
Feb. 22.
St. James. |
891. Order of Queen in Council. Refers the question of a
present for the Indians [in preceding] to the Lord High Treasurer.
Signed, Chris. Musgrave. Memorandum in margin: A warrant
was signed by the Queen, July 1705, directing Col. Byerley,
Receiver General of New York, to pay 300l. for this use, as
appears by entries in the Treasury. This was upon Mr.
Champante's solicitation. Endorsed, Recd. Read Sept. 25, 1705.
1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 107; and 5, 1120. pp. 340, 341.] |
Feb. 22.
St. James. |
892. Order of Queen in Council. Refers extract of No. 889,
relating to stores for New York to the Duke of Marlborough,
Master General of the Ordnance, for an estimate. Signed and
endorsed as preceding. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 108; and
5, 1120. p. 339.] |
Feb. 22.
St. James. |
893. Order of Queen in Council. Refers petition of owners
of the Richard and James and Rumbo galley to H.R.H., to consider
of what force and burthen ships, which have letters of marque
and trade to H.M. Plantations in America, ought to consist of,
to exempt them from being detained by an embargo, as they
desire etc. Signed, C. Musgrave. [C.O. 324, 9. pp. 60, 61.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall. |
894. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Handasyde. H.M. is
pleased to approve of what you propose [Dec. 17, 1704], in relation
to the not exchanging of prisoners, and what you propose concerning the Commission[er]s of Privateers being restrained to the
French only, except such of the Spaniards as correspond with
France or have French goods on board, seems very reasonable,
that they may not intercept our trade with the Spaniards: in
the meantime such as disturbe it, and come within your power
may, We think, be punished by you according to the rigour of
Law. That part of your letter which relates to prizes and ships
going to St. Thomas and Curacoa is laid before my Lord Treasurer,
and I hope by the next pacquet boat some directions will be sent
in those matters. What you propose concerning the adding
two companies to your regiment, will I suppose be complyed
with, and that you will hear what is done therein by the next
pacquet. The depositions against Mr. Totterdale are come to
hand, but it is supposed that he being so great a disturber of all
Governors as you represent him, it is in your power to punish him
there according to his deserts. Encloses H.M. Letter for
transmitting half yearly accounts of Stores of War. Quoted.
[C.O. 324, 30. pp. 18–20.] |
Feb. 23.
Fleet Prison. |
895. Mr. Clifford to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
The merchants have drawn up their report, but will not take
the least notice of me etc. Signed, Jer. Clifford. 1 p. [C.O. 388,
75. No. 115; and 389, 36. pp. 248, 249.] |
| Feb. 25. |
896. Agents of Barbados to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Reply to Capt. St. Loe [Feb. 22]. He admits
that, contrary to his Instructions, he pressed Lee without an
order from the Governor. The depositions he produces from
Slingsby, Skene, etc., that Lee is a scandalous fellow, ought
not to be regarded, not being under the seal of the Island; but
they rather prove the combination, etc. Signed, Mel. Holder,
Wm. Cleland, J. Stanley, Wm. Bridges. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Feb. 28, 1704/5. 1 closely written p. [C.O. 28, 7. No. 85; and
29, 9. pp. 189–191.] |
Feb. 25.
New York. |
897. Governor Lord Cornbury to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Acknowledges letters of August 24 and 25, with
H.M. letter relating to shares of prizes, which I shall take care
punctually to observe, as likewise H.M. Instructions relating
to the Acts of Trade and Navigation. I have obeyed your
Lordshipps' directions in appointing a day of thanksgiving for
the Glorious Victory etc. which has been observed. As for the
account of the stores which your Lordshipps require of me, I will
endeavour to comply with it, even by this ship if possible, but
if not, by the next you shall most certainly have it. Since Dr.
Bridge's death, there are dead of H.M. Councill Mr. Ling, Mr.
Attorney Generall Broughton, and Coll. Smith, and Col. Romer
has not been near me upwards of two years, and I hear is now
going for England, soe that there are but seaven Councellors in
the Province, Col. Schuyler and Mr. Renslaer live at Albany,
Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Beekman live upon Long Island, and
Coll. Heathcot in West Chester County, soe that there were but
two in towne, Mr. Van Dam and Mr. Wenham, and indeed all
the winter I can have the assistance of none but those who live
in towne, therefore I have lately admitted into the Councill
Mr. Mompesson, Mr. John Barbaric and Mr. Adolph Phillips,
whom I intreat your Lordshipps may be confirmed, I think them
all three very good men, and I am satisfyed they will serve the
Queen as they ought to doe. As for the Acts of Assembly sent
in June, I cannot imagine how that mistake came, but for the
future I shall observe your Lordshipps' directions and certifie
all the Acts. Signed, Cornbury. Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read
June 28th, 1705. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 109;
and 5, 1120. pp. 315–317.] |
Feb. 26.
New York. |
898. Governor Lord Cornbury to Sir Ch. Hedges. Acknowledges letter of May 25 etc. I shall take care to prepare against
the next conveyance as good an account as I can of the two
Provinces under my care etc. I had soe short notice of this ship's
sailing that I could not doe it now etc. Signed, Cornbury.
Endorsed, R. June 26. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1084. Nos. 24,
and (duplicate) 24.i.] |
| [Feb. 27.] |
899. The Case of Thomas Byfield and Co. Upon the
assurance of the Council of Trade and Plantations, that if they
would undertake the importing pitch and tair from Carolina,
they might depend upon all fitting encouragement from the
Government, they fitted out the Dove to Carolina in May last.
They expect her arrival in two months time. Pray for the addition
of a clause allowing the same encouragement for what pitch
and tarr she shall import, as is contained in the Bill for importing
Naval Stores from the Plantations, although she arrives before the
said Act commences. Endorsed, Recd. Feb. 27, 1704/5. Printed.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 1263. No. 13.] |
| [Feb. 27.] |
900. Mr. Congreve to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
There will want at least 100 men to recruit the 4 Companies at
New York. Signed, C. Congreve. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb.
27, 1704/5. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1048. No. 110; and 5, 1120. pp.
274, 275.] |
| [Feb. 27.] |
901. Account of the Respitts on the Four Companies at
New York, Jan. 1, 1702—Oct. 1704. Total 2,000l. 0s. 8d. Signed,
John Mercer. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 27, 1704/5. 2 large pp.
[C.O. 5, 1048. No. 111.] |
Feb. 27.
Jamaica. |
902. Governor Handasyd to Sir Charles Hedges. Acknowledges letter of Dec. 7 with the King of Spain's Proclamations,
which I shall endeavour to get dispersed etc. As to the two
Regiments here, I have nothing more to propose except that
the inhabitants be obliged to quarter both officers and soldiers,
or to procure them quarters, by which means they will not loose
their lives for want of lodgeing. The Gentlemen that belong
to the Island, who are in England, may pretend what they will,
but there are of my own Regiment out of quarters, at Port Royall
and Spanish Town, above 150. Those at Port Royall have no
other lodgeing but under the platforms and the Heavens for
their Canopee, and have no other beds but an iron or brass gun,
and bricks to lie upon; and in Spanish Town 40 or 50 have no
other lodgeing but under a shade or an old house, when they can
find one empty. My other proposal is that we may have four
months pay advanced, by which means we may have our mony
paid here always as it is due; and the liberty to pitch upon
those Gentlemen who are fitt to answer our Bills. The Gentleman
who I request may serve my Regiment is Mr. Knights. I enclose
a copy of the Protection I am sending to a party of French, who
have revolted from the French and Spanish Governments in the
West Indies and request H.M. gracious protection, they takeing
the oaths and behaveing themselves as they ought to do. They
are about 70 or 80 in number. Mr. Totterdale has again been
disturbing the people and opposing authority. His affronting
and bringing actions against the Councellors (before which it has
always been usual to ask leave, and when done in a decent manner
has never been refused) is the occasion of his being taken in
custody, and unless he is prevented pleading in the Queen's
Courts, I see no end of his villainy, his party is so great, that he
never wants some, who dare not openly appear in it, to assist
him, so that he can't want juries conformable to his inclination.
[Refers to Minutes of Council.] Here are 4 merchant ships that
will sail in 3 or 4 days, by which I send several French prisoners,
according to the request of the Captains to help to sail them,
which they oblige themselves to deliver to the first of H.M. goals.
I shall take care the men of war shall see them past the Capes,
and then I hope they will be clear of all danger in these parts.
Our Privateers have since my last brought in 3 prizes, two French,
the other a Spaniard. As to the value of them, I am wholly a
stranger. The Insurrection of the negroes is quite quelled, some
of the Ring Leaders were taken and executed, the rest were sent
off the Island. I return you hearty thanks for your news, if
our success in Portugall had been answerable to the Duke of
Marlborough's glorious success in Germany, we had before this
broke the heart of that Tyrant. Signed, Tho. Handasyd.
Endorsed, Rd. Aug. 6. 2½ pp. [C.O. 137, 51. No. 6.] |
Feb. 27.
Jamaica. |
903. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Acknowledges letter of Nov. 30. Mr. Chaplin has
sent by this packett copies of his accounts, sworn to by him
before me. Encloses duplicates, with the Minutes of Councill
since my last, by which your Lordships will see how I am
constantly plagued by Mr. Totterdale, etc. Repeats part of
preceding. The Spanish trade goes but very slowly on at present,
as I do apprehend, they having been supply'd by the French and
Dutch. Some alterations in our Privateers' Instructions are
absolutely wanting, to prevent their taking the Spaniards, except
such as have French goods or naval stores on board. As for
my own part, I dare not hazzard making any alterations without
orders from H.M. or H.R.H. I have writ to the Admiralty
Board to that purpose to lay it before H.R.H., and likewise to
the Secretary of State. The two Regiments here are indifferent
healthy, except such as have no quarters, etc. as in preceding.
Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. 18, Read 24 April, 1705.
3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
903. i. Copy of Protection sent by Governor Handasyd to
some French deserters lying concealed at Boca Toxo
on the Spanish coast. Feb. 22, 1704/5. Signed, Tho.
Handasyd, Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 7.
Nos. 6, 6.i.; and (without enclosure) 138, 11. pp.
389–392.] |
Feb. 28.
Whitehall. |
904. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir W.
Mathew. Since our letter of Nov. 30, we have received yours
of Oct. 2 and Nov. 25. We laid before H.M. two Acts past at
St. Christophers in Sept., which H.M. was graciously pleased to
confirm. Enclose Order in Councill. What you writ about the
Barbados fleet's not touching at Antego and Mountserrat has been
laid before the Lord High Admiral. We also represented to H.M.
what you write about the want of cannon and Master-gunners
for the Leeward Islands, which representation H.M. has been
pleased to refer to the Lord High Treasurer, and we shall not
faile to give you timely notice of what shall be done therein.
In relation to the collection of the Laws, we must again desire
that you would hasten the dispatch thereof. And tho' you may
not particularly know what Laws have been confirmed and what
repealed, yet when you shall have sent us a compleat collection
of the whole, with the years in which each Act was passed, we
shall be able to set that matter right. [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 84, 85.] |
Feb. 28.
Whitehall. |
905. W. Popple, jr., to Josiah Burchet. The Council of
Trade and Plantations desire to know what Instructions Capt.
St. Loe had relating to pressing at Barbadoes etc. [C.O. 29, 9.
p. 192.] |
