|
Sept. 1.
Whitehall. |
1329. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. In pursuance of your letter of Aug. 24, we have considered a Petition of the prisoners in the Spanish West Indies
[July 11 q.v.] and having been attended by Peter Dyer [see
Nos. 1236 and 1330], we are humbly of opinion that H.M.
be pleased by her Royal Letters to direct the Governor of Jamaica
to endeavour by sending a flag of truce to the Havana or elsewhere to procure by an exchange the liberty of H.M. said subjects,
and to make the Spaniards in those parts sensible that unless
they do comply herein he shall be obliged to use the same severity
to such Spaniards as now are or may come into his power, and
that he do likewise by the best ways and means give H.M. said
subjects to understand that such orders are given to him, and
that H.M. will not be forgetfull of their good services, but do
all that in her lyes for their redemption. As to Dyer, we have
asked him several questions relating to those parts and are
expecting his answer thereunto in writing. Autograph signatures.
2 pp. [C.O. 318, 3. No. 24; and 138, 11. pp. 410, 411.] |
| Sept. 1. |
1330. P. Dyer to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Being ordered by your Honours to give an account of the distinction the Spaniards make of English prisoners taken in America
before the war and since, I can make none. They are sent
alike to the mines, particularly Isaack Hambleton, Captain of
a privateer out of Boston, all his offence being that he took 3 of
their vessels in the Bay, and also one Abraham Hiams, an
English Jew, with several others. Those before the war were
killed in cold blood, and so are those since, as for instance those
that went to take the town of Jaquo on the main, who being
surrounded, after a stout resistance, yielded on promise of fair
quarter, which they had for five days, and then were drawn out by
4 and 5 at a time and so most barbarously murthered, yt. very few
escaped, also ye Graville frigotte of London, yt. was taken a
loading of salt in Island of Exhuma, where 6 or 7 days after
they were taken and in sight of the Havanna, had 6 of their men
smother'd and one killed with a pistoll ball, which cruelty a
great many others have suffered. Those before the war were
sent aboard their gallies and ships of war, and likewise
made to work in their fortifications and to build their castles
and churches, where several perisht under their burthens and
through the cruelties of the soldiers, wch. those since the war
have been serv'd the same, as witness the fortification and castle
at La Vera Cruz, Campichea, Havana etc., where severall has
perisht under their burthens and by ye cruelty of ye soldiers.
Those taken at Providence never suffered so much before the
war as those taken since, witness that horrid and unparall'd
cruelty they committed on the Governor's wife, having first
defil'd her, as they did to several others, because she would not
confess her husband nor treasure where they lay hid, they took
her and beded her, and yn took rum and set on fire, and put it in
her private part, and to make their spleen appear yet greater
they cut of a piece of the same, so that their cruelties and unheard of tragedies has been such towards H.M. subjects both
before the war and since yt. neither tongue nor pen can relate,
but those yt. either have been fellow-sufferers or eye-witnesses.
Signed, Peter Dyer. P.S.—The relation of the misfortune of
the Governor's wife of Providence, I had from the actors of ye
said tragedy, of which they boasted not a little in ye Havanna.
Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read Sept. 25th, 1705. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
1330. i. An account by John Fingass of several Spanish Ports
and their fortifications in America, which he hath been
in a tradeing. 5½ pp. [C.O. 137, 7. Nos. 10, 10. i.;
and 137, 51. No. 8.] |
| [Sept. 1.] |
1331. [Mr. Penn's Requests.] Prayed from the Queen at
the Surrender. (1) To confirme our constitutions and Laws
not excepted against by ye Attorney General, and such when
amended to be confirmed alsoe. (2) To grant liberty of conscience
both as to Faith, Worship and Discipline, and by publick and
private meetings relating thereunto when and where they please
in their own houses or places built, or to be built for that purpose
by them. (3) Liberty for our own education by Schools of our
own and such masters, mistresses and ushers as we shall appoint.
(4) To marry according to our way and method, and such marriages
to be allowed and held good and valued to all intents and purposes.
(5) To be exempted from forced maintenance to any clergy
wtsoever, and from building and repairing any meeting-houses or
houses for religious worship under any name or pretence whatsoever. (6) To be exempted from Militia services and charges
thereof, so as we watch and ward in times of trouble. (7) I and
my male issue to pay no taxes for our mansion or chief Plantations.
(8) The Queen to pass these by grant, and to confirme the same
by giving her royal assent to such a Law when presented to her
from ye General Assembly of the Province. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Sept. 1, 1705. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1263. No. 30.] |
| [Sept. 1.] |
1332. Abstract of the clauses in Mr. Penn's grant which he is
contented to surrender. Endorsed, Recd. Read Sept. 1, 1705.
¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1263. No. 31.] |
Sept. 3.
London. |
1333. Mr. Dummer to Mr. Popple. Gives sailings of the
Frankland packet. Out and home 100 days etc. Signed, E.
Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 4, 1705. Addressed. 1 p.
[C.O. 323, 5. No. 84.] |
Sept. 3.
Winchester. |
1334. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Handasyde. Yours
of June 11 and July 18 came to hand on Saturday last, and having
been laid before the Queen, she very well approved of what you
have done concerning ye French Flag of Truce, and in sending
home the officers of Col. Livesay's Regiment. H.M. would
have been well pleased if the service had permitted to have
exchanged all the private men according to her Royall declaration,
but the difficultys of doing it this year were insuperable; now
the two Regiments are incorporated, and Livesay's officers are
coming home, I have been informed that the private men are
well enough satisfyed in staying, as some merchants are positive
that the clamour for not exchanging them has been occasioned
by the officers only, which matter if true would be very acceptable
here, since fresh men are not so usefull as those that are season'd.
I should be glad to know your opinion whether the men are
contented to stay longer, and what may be proper to be done
for making them easy there, which H.M. does not doubt but
you will be mindfull of, being satisfyed of your zeal for her service;
she has been pleased to approve of your appointing Lt.-Coll.
George Waller Justice in the place of Col. Beckford, as she does
of your proposall for Col. Edm. Edlyn's succeeding Col. Ashcough
in ye Councill, wch. you may value as marks of H.M. favour
out of the regard she has to your service. It is very good news
to hear of so considerable a Fleet coming with money and plate,
and that Admirall Whetstone has had so good success, you will
do well to send an account of the prizes he has taken, as also
of that taken by the Jamaican privateer. The sending of pirates
hither without evidence creates an expence to H.M. to no purpose,
it would be much better to have the evidence sent from Barbadoes,
if the criminalls can't conveniently be sent thither, you have
authority enough for their tryall, and it would have more effect
if those criminalls were made examples in or as near as possible
to the place where ye facts were committed, and the prosecution
should be always as quick as possible when the crime is fresh,
and witnesses are easily found, the intention of the law being
to deterr others from committing the like villanies, whereas
they always escape here for want of proofs, which gives them as
well as those of the same gang too great encouragement, the avoiding of this inconvenience is what I have to recommend to your
care, whenever hereafter you have any pirates in custody, and
that ye pirates be not sent hither to be tryed, unless there be
some important reason for it, or you want authority for holding
a proper Court for that purpose. I have sent to my Lord Treasurer
an extract of your letter of Feb. 27, concerning 4 months pay
to the soldiers to be advanced for his Lp.'s consideration;
I hope by my next to send you some acct. of what will be done
in it. Signed, C. Hedges. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 39–41.] |
Sept. 3.
Winchester. |
1335. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Seymour. I have
but two days since recd. your letter of Sept. 29 last. An extract
of what you write concerning the brigantine is sent to my Lord
Treasurer, who will give directions to the proper officer to take
care of the Admiralty-rights. The other passages in your letter
concerning the Jesuits and Quakers are sent to the Attorney
General for his opinion, which shall be transmitted to you by
the next packet, it being for the publick service that some methods
be taken for putting the Laws in execution for the necessary
support of the Government there, and the publick good, towards
the doing whereof your observations are very right and deserve
a serious reflection. Signed, C. Hedges. [C.O. 324, 30. p. 42.] |
Sept. 3.
Winchester. |
1336. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Sir B. Granville.
Acknowledges letters of May 16, June 24 and April 8th, the original
whereof never came to my hands, etc. Signed, C. Hedges.
[C.O. 324, 30. pp. 41, 42.] |
Sept. 4.
Winchester. |
1337. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Sir B. Granville.
Instructions as to the suspension and prosecution of A. Skene,
as ordered Aug. 13. Signed, C. Hedges. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 38,
39.] |
Sept. 6.
Whitehall. |
1338. W. Popple, jr. to W. Lowndes. Encloses, to be laid
before the Lord High Treasurer, an extract of Minutes of Council
of Barbados relating to a notorious breach of the Acts of Trade
and Navigation by Robert Corbett, one of the Custom House
Officers in Bridge Town. [C.O. 29, 9. p. 372.] |
Sept. 7.
Portsmouth. 12 a.m. |
1339. Major Lloyd to Mr. Secretary Hedges. Refers to
enclosure, "to which I had no answer. … The 107 shyrts
mentioned bad were all to raggs. The great necessity they were
in obliged me on my account to venter to supply them to ye
value of 60 odd pounds. The honble. Mr. St. Johns has been
pleased to write me word that two months subsistance is ordered
for ye soldiers now with me, but having not yet received it, hope
it is ordered for me att Plymouth. The wind being as faire as it
can blow for us, I am not a little concerned to fiend we have not
yet our orders for saileing, the time of year being so late, if we
loose ye opportunity of this wind, it may be ye ruining of ye
whole designe. Signed, Tho. Lloyd. Endorsed, R. Sept. 7
at 4 afternoon (at Winchester). Addressed. Holograph. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
1339. i. Major Lloyd to Col. Gibson, Portsmouth. Sept. 4.
Complains of the ill condition of the clothing of the
detachment from my Lord Parston's Regiment. I had
12 men exchanged, two of which had convulsion fitts,
several of them ulcers in their legs for some years, and
others having distempers which rendered them wholly
unfit to proceed on such a voyage etc. This being
by H.M. Order left to your honour to decide, I hope
for justice etc. Signed, Tho. Lloyd. Copy. 1 p. |
|
1339. ii. Accounts of the condition of the clothing of the above
detachment of 84 men. Aug. 6, 1705. 1 p. [C.O.
194, 22. Nos. 52, 52. i., ii.] |
Sept. 7.
Virginia. |
1340. J. Smith and J. Lewis to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Our late worthy Governor, Coll. Nicholson having
thought fit (upon a vacancy), to appoint us Members of the Council
here, we were a little surprized to be left out upon the change
of a new Governor, being sensible we never acted anything
contrary to our duty to the Queen and her representative, or
to the good and welfare of this Colony. We had not troubled your
Lordships, but that Coll. Nicholson's enemies and consequently
ours made it their braggs that we should be left out in the new
Commission, and they have not a little gloried since that they
compassed their ends: and, therefore, we fear we have been misrepresented either to H.M. or to your Lordships, tho we challenge
ye adverse party to tax us with any breach of our trust, and
we can say without vanity that our interests and concerns in
this Colony are not inferior to the best of the Council here etc.
Refer to Col. Nicholson. Signed, John Smith, John Lewis.
Endorsed, By Col. Nicholson. Recd. 3rd, Read Dec. 17th, 1705.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 1314. No. 64; and 5, 1361. p. 412.] |
Sept. 13.
[n.s.] ´ Plaisance (Placentia). |
1341. M. Subercasse, Governor of Placentia, to Henry
Hayman, Admiral of St. Johns. I am ready to accept your
proposal for an exchange of prisoners, and send you Mr. Roope,
as you desire etc. If for the future you will send me all the
prisoners you take I will do the same, and treat yours as you
treat mine, a great part of the sailors complaining that they
are very badly fed and closely confined, and that during a time
when I have treated the English like the French, and they have
hardly known they were prisoners, having had liberty to work
and gain the same wages as in their own country. Proposes
that prisoners on each side should receive 1½ lb. bread, ½ lb. meat
and 1 lb. pease or beans with the ordinary fish of the district per
diem subsistance, etc. Demands the restoration of one Quingue
[? Keen], brother-in-law of M. Geoffrey, who escaped, breaking
his parole and leaving many debts at Placentia. M. Roope will
tell you all I have done to prevent the ordinary cruelties of the
savages, and I will continue to take the same care, on condition
that our prisoners are treated with a little more kindness and
the inhabitants of Bonavista pay the contribution to which they
are pledged etc. Signed, Subercasse. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Jan. 8, 1705/6. Copy. French. 3 pp. [C.O. 194, 3. No. 88.] |
Sept. 14.
Bermuda. |
1342. Mr. Nelson to [? Mr. Secretary Hedges]. Encloses
account showing balances due to H.M. Mr. Burton, Attorney
Generall, is tearing Col. Day's estate in pieces by putting the
appeal bond in suit against his security, which by all judicious
persons is said to be void by his death. But Burton is resolved
to carry on the suite in dispute of H.M. Orders. He saith he
doth nothing but by the order of the Governor. Here is no
affidavits admitted to be taken upon any accot., except the
Governor first approves of them, so that persons agriev'd are
destitute of relief. Here hath no business been done in Chancery
since the first Monday in Dec. The Governor did the 27 of the
last month send out a sloop to 3 vessels bound to Virginia, himself
being part owner of the said sloop, and suffered divers persons
to trade with them without giving notice of their cargo, as by
Act of Parliament obliged. I have writ H.M. Commrs. of the
Custome House an acct. at large. I can prove four of the Council
here forsworn agt. me—Rd. Penniston, Anthony White, Charles
Walker and Samuel Spofforth. The last the Govr. hath made
Chief Justice, with two shoemakers his Assistant Judges. I have
petitioned the Governor to hear my complaint agt. them, but
he refuses, giving for answer, I will not break my Council. Signed,
Gilbt. Nelson. 1¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
1342. i. Sums due (about 100l.) to H.M. on account of goods etc.
condemned in the Admiralty Court at Bermuda 1698–1701. Addressed. Sealed. Endorsed, R. Jan. 10. 1 p.
[C.O. 37, 26. Nos. 13, 13. i.] |
Sept. 15.
Barbados. |
1343. General Sir B. Granville to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. This comes by the Portland (wch. sails with her
convoys for England this day) and brings with it what publick
papers remain unsent, and also a particular list of the damage
don to the shipping by the late storm: it began in the night
between the 16 and 17 of Aug. and lasted till the evening of the
17, the wind all that time blowing very hard from the N.W. to the
S.W., shifting backwards and forwards. Much mischeif also was
don on shore, the tops of severall mills being blown off, and the
Plantain trees and the corn in many parts destroy'd. The
Weymouth in the latitude of 19, after having parted with her
convoys bound to the northern Continent, took a French merchant
ship of 20 guns and 80 men and brought her in here; the vessel
is loaded with wines and some dry goods, and esteem'd a pretty
rich prize; she is not quite unloaded. The Frenchman defended
himself near three hours; there were 17 men killed on board him,
and 3 on board the Weymouth. We have no pacquet from
England since July, etc. Upon the vacancy which happen'd in
the Council by the death of Sir Henry Pickering, I have sworn
in Mr. Middleton Chamberlen, and pray your Lops.' approbation
etc. Mr. Chilton (see letters of June 24 and July 16) goes himself
now over to make some application but of what kind, I can't
tell: I have found him here a very troublesome fellow, and a
very great knave, and upon examination I am confident he
will appear so to your Lordships. Encloses the late great Seal
broke. Signed, Bevill Granville. Endorsed, Recd. 15th, Read
Nov. 20th, 1705. Holograph. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
1343. i. Account of the damage done to the shipping by the
late high wind in Barbados. Names and details of
21 ships and sloops driven ashore. 6 lives lost.
Endorsed as preceding. 1 large p. [C.O. 28, 9. Nos.
20, 20. i.; and (without enclosures) 29, 9. pp. 410–413.] |
| Sept. 15. |
1344. Lt. Gov. Johnson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have in obedience to your Lordships' commands, sent
plans of the platforms erected and repair'd by me, with a draft
of the whole Island of Nevis. Enumerates the forts, with references to the maps referred to:—(a) A small fort erected by me
to the windward of the Island commanding a very calm bay fitt
for small vessells to ride in, butt especially if should be chass'd
by any privateers have the oppertunity of getting in there, when
perhaps are not able to weather the Island soe far as to reach
the main Road, its called St. Anne's Fort or commonly known
by the name of Indian Castle, it is furnisht with 12 guns, the
walls 10 ft. thick and 9 ft. high, stands upon a clift; the ground
would afford noe other figure, within which stands a stone built
guard house, covered with shingles, two rooms below for the
officers, and another for the souldiers, with lofts overhead, for
arms and amunition, a standing guard there of 11 men, with
spare arms for 50; it is quitt finished except some guns. (b) A
platform erected (by me) of 12 gunns stands upon a clift, its
called William's Fort, commonly known by the name of Long
Point, its not quight finisht, has a good stone Guard House,
and besides ye standing Guard, has 50 spare arms all in order,
it commands a great way. (c) Charles Fort repaired by me
with the addition of a little platform yt. lyes low by ye seaside,
stands upon a clift, and commands the road of Charles Town,
where all our shipping rides, within which stands a Guard house,
a large magazine and a cestern; its called Charles Fort, commonly
known by ye name of Pelican Point. (d) A fort to the Eastward of the town called St. Paul's, commonly called by the
name of Black Rock, repaired with adition by me; this fort
with them before mentioned are to the sea stonework, to
the land, with sodd work; this fort, with Charles Fort, makes
a bay, and commands it, between which, lyes Charles Town,
to which town I am now making two platforms on each
side the landing place, to secure the town. (e) A platform
made by Col. Johnson in a sandy bay within musquett shott
of Black Rock, all finisht; it being the first erected by me,
the Gentlemen of the Island were pleased to name it Johnson's
Fort. All along that bay there is anchorage in 6, 7 and 8 fathom
water, the wall of it is 15 ft. broad and 18 ft. high, 8 whereof
is under ground; without side of it is a forcey [? fosse] of water
of 40 ft. broad and 7 ft. deep, that part to the country is a sodd
breast work, it has within a Guard house with arms and ammunition proportionably. (f) A fort erected by me called Matthew's
Fort, Sir William Mathew arriveing as this fort was finished,
its on the same bay as Johnson's Fort. The wall of this platform
is 8 ft. broad and 20 ft. high, of which 8 ft. under ground, the
reason the wall is soe thick is that they lye lyable to be batter'd
by men of warr, the bay haveing such good anchorage, without
side is a ditch of water 40ft. broad and 8ft. deep. (g) A fort I
had erected called Katherine's Fort known formerly by ye name
of Old Road, it being on the same bay and proportionable to
Mathew's Fort. (h) A Platform erected by me, called
St. Thomas's, usually called the Cotton Tree, it is the same
dimentions of Katherine's Fort; this, with e.f. and g. defends
the bay, to each and every of them there is Guard houses, and
all other matters equivalent. (i) A platform repaired by me
called Abbott Fort, usually known by ye name of Coles
Point, the wall 15ft. broad, and 6ft. high, which point, and
St. Paul's Fort, makes a bay, wherein the last 4 platforms
lye; the reason the wall is no higher is, its standing on a clift,
and the thickness of it is, that vessells may ride just before it.
(k) St. James's Fort by me erected, commonly known by ye
name of Moreton's Bay, the figure being soe, is that the water
comes almost round itt, in ye center of the Bay is a small point
and the ground would afford noe other: this is the same as to
proportion as e. f. g. h. (1) Codrington's Fort repaired by
me, itt stands on a point or ledg of rocks, commands the narrows
between St. Christopher's and Nevis. (m) Round Hill Fort
erected by me; the wings from it is a dry ditch, of 30ft. broad
and 12ft. deep, with a sodd breast work, which commands it,
the demention are the same as e. f. g. h. The ambusiers upon
each of the new platforms, are 2½ft. withinside, and 14ft. without;
betwixt each platform and fort where the sandy baggs are, is a
strong sodd breastwork, with a ditch without side, 30ft. broad,
and half way between each fort, is a strong spur, which will hold
200 men etc. Signed, Jon. Johnson. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 14,
Read March 19, 1705 (6). 4¾ pp. [C.O. 152, 6. No. 34; and
153, 9. pp. 295–300.] |
| [Sept. 17?] |
1345. Lt. Governor Johnson to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Having the opportunity of H.M.S. Lynn, now
going to England, I inclose an Act some time since passed
by the Assembly of St. Christophers, and recommended by them
to me, and being perswaded by some people, I unwarily signed,
but soone after finding I was imposed on, refused to put H.M.
Seale to it or recommend it to your Lordships for the reasons
that, least some persons should misrepresent me to your Lordships,
I give you the trouble of. (1) It's founded on suggestions not proved.
(2) The estates of people were thereby subjected to be taxed
by an Assembly, wherein they neither were or could be represented. (3) By this Act H. M. Prerogative was not only called
in question, but admitting the suppositions the makers thereof
went upon to be true, intirely destroyed and taken away thereby,
as to the conquered parts of St. Christophers. (4) Several of
the suppositions upon which it was founded and by the preamble
taken for granted, were in fact false, some things being thereby
represented as impracticable, which had actually been put in
practice, and that publickly. (5) It was a very presumptuous
and unwarrantable invasion of H.M. Prerogative to venture on
making Laws for a new conquest, without any instructions from
H.M., or her pleasure therein first had and known. (6) Because
a member of H.M. Councill in that Island, Mr. John Pogson, did
falsely report that I had 300l. for passing said Act, and against
which false report, when Mr. Pogson was taxed with saying soe
of me, I here send your Lordships Walter Hamilton Esq. Lieut.
Governor of that Island's oath, as also the oath of Michael
Lambert, now President of the same Island, to justifie me against
such unjust and malitious false report, together with a certificate
of the whole Councill of that Island in my justification, and which
indeed were one of the main reasons I would not transmitt this
Act to your Lordships under H.M. Seale, and upon Mr. Pogson's
behaviour to me herein, I have, with the advice of H.M. Councill
in that Island, thought fitt to suspend Mr. Pogson from being
of the Councill, till H.M. pleasure should be known herein, and
which the Councill of that Island thought to be the least justice
they could [do] me. (See Nos. 1346. ii, iii.) Upon my refusall to
put the seal to this Act, the inhabitants of that Island immediately
turned H.M. souldjers out of their quarters thereby hoping to
oblidge me to a law I take to be absolutely against H.M. interest
and honour. So I leave it to your Lordshipps' great wisdome to
judge thereof as you think fitt. Signed, Jno. Johnson. 3 pp.
[C.O. 152, 6. No. 36; and 153, 9. pp. 308–312.] |
Sept. 17.
St. Christophers. |
1346. Lt. Governor Johnson to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I herewith send an account of the number of men
in H.M. conquest of St. Christophers that are fitt to bear armes,
which consists of about 150 with their familys, who have all
temporary grants from Generall Codrington and myself, for 5,
10 and 20 acres of land, few exceeding that; they allways appear
on all alarums and doe duty on all occasions, and though the
makers of that Act [see preceding] are for subjecting that part
to the English which when done would oblige them poor people
who have noe freehold and noe representatives in their Assembly
to be taxed, and their grants being but for a time, thought it hard
on them, not that anything as to justice but has a true currency,
any justice in the English grounds, warrants is executed their
as to the peace, felony, murder etc, and the Martiall of the Island
executs all civill matters from H.M. Courts of Queen's Bench or
any directs writt for the safety and preservation of H.M. Prerogative and the quiett of her subjects. And the inhabitants of
that part assist in mending all forts and platforms, with all other
service as the other part of the Island require of them, with the
labour of their slaves, which are but few; this I hope your Lordships will consider with the reasons I have already enclosed your
Lordships with the Act. Signed, Jno. Johnson. Endorsed,
Recd. Nov. 4, 1705, Read April 8, 1706. 1¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
1346. i. Accounts of the arms and ammunition in Antigua.
Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 14, 1705. 1 p. |
|
1346. ii. Certificate by the Council of St. Xtophers. that the
report, that Lt. Governor Johnson had a present of
300l. from the publick of this Island as a reward for
passing the Act for subjecting the "French Ground"
of this Island to ye Civill Government, is false and
and mallitious. Signed, W. Hamilton, Jos. Crisp,
Step. Payne, Mich. Lambert, Hen. Burrell, Jno. Davis,
John Garnett, Jno. Pogson, J. Panton, Jed.
Hutchinson. April 3, 1705. Endorsed as preceding.
1 p. |
|
1346. iii. Minute of Council of St. Christophers, April 3, 1705.
The Lt. Governor gave his oath that he heard Capt.
John Pogson say to Coll. Lambert, they had given so
much for passing ye Act. The Governor then said, what
did you buy ye Act then? Pogson replied, Yes, wee
gave 300l. for itt. Coll. Lambert declared the same
also. Signed, John Helden, Ck. Councill. Endorsed
as preceding. ¾ p. |
|
1346. iv. Inhabitants of St. Paul's Parish, March 25—Aug. 25,
1705. Superannuated, 4. Able to carry arms, 110.
Baptized, 8. Buried, 12. Total, 347. Signed, Will.
Semple (?), Churchwarden. ½ p. |
|
1346. v. Inhabitants of St. George's parish, May 23—Sept. 14,
1705. Men, 125. Women, 91. Sons, 120. Daughters,
111. Superannuated, 18. Nue borne, 6. Dd., 5.
Total, 472. Noe marriages. 1 crisned. Signed,
Isack Evins, Jno. Choppin, Churchwardens. Same
endorsement. ½ p. |
|
1346. vi. State of stores of war in St. Kitts, Sept. 10, 1705.
Signed, Hen. Burrell. Same endorsement. 1 long p.
[C.O. 152, 6. Nos. 37, 37. i–vi.; and (without enclosure)
153, 9. pp. 312–316.] |
| [? Sept. 17.] |
1347. Lt. Governor Johnson to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I have herewith sent you the Minitts of the
Councill of Mountseratt, Apr. 27—Aug.27, wherein your Lordships
will find a letter I sent to the Lieut. Governor of that Island
for a transcription of the laws, according to H.M. Instructions.
The consequences of the letter I leave to your Lordships, and the
Resolutions of the Councill thereon, in which your Lordships
will find what trouble I have in getting those things which are
required by said Instructions. I have also sent what Acts I
could get from Mountserrat, which are confirmed; by peicemeale I gott them, but have sent them orders that all confirmed
or not shall be sent per next conveyance. Refers to enclosures.
The accounts of money raised the last year for carrying on the
fortifications for Nevis I could not send by this opportunity
the year being not ended quite, but I will send them per next
with all other papers concerning the four Islands. Encloses 5
packetts received from Burmudas. etc. Signed, Jno. Johnson.
Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 14, 1705. Read April 8, 1706. 2¾ pp.
Enclosed, |
|
1347. i. State of Militia of Mountserrat. 483 private and
non-com. soldiers. 49 guns. Captains:—Anthony
Hodges, John Daly, Joseph Little, Edward Buncomb,
Geo. Wyke, Thos. Lake, Geo. Liddell, Jno. Cockran,
John Bramly. Lieutenants:—Anthony Fox, Wm.
White, Rich. Cooke, Edwd. Daniell, Robt. Oakeley,
Edwd. Limington, Sigismund Coop, Jos. Kerwen, Wm.
Barzy. 2nd Lieutenants:—Timo. Popellwell, Dennis
Daly, John Russell, Jos. Sawyers, Wm. Risdon, Fran.
Wilson, Jno. Wattson, Wm. Martin, Cornet. Ensigns:—Henry Fox, Jno. Drackett, Isaac Finch. Endorsed,
Recd. Nov. 14, 1705. 2 pp. |
|
1347. ii. Exports of Nevis, April 12—July 12, 1705. To
England: Sugar, hhds. 837, teirces, 481, barrils, 326¾.
Mollosoes, teirces, 1, barrils, ¼. Indico, barrils, 1½.
To the Plantations: Sugar, hhds. 13, teirces, 48, barrils,
70¼. Mollosoes, hhds. 11, teirces, 124, barrils, 10¼.
Cotton, 45 baggs. Same endorsement. ½ p. |
|
1347. iii. Exports of Mountserrat, Oct. 26—May 12, 1705.
3 ships. To England; Sugar, hhds. 332, tierces, 141,
barrils, 112½. Indico, barrills, 6. Cotton, baggs, 5.
Piemento, barrills, ½. Ginger, teirces, 5. To the Plantations; Sugar, hhds. 97, tierces, 16, barrils, 27½. Indico,
barrils, ¾. Mellossoes, hhds. 4, barrels, 1. Cotton,
baggs, 10. Piemento, barrils, 1. Same endorsement.
¾ p. [C.O. 152, 6. Nos. 38, 38.i.–iii.; and (with letter
and enclosures ii and iii only) 153, 9. pp. 316–322.] |
Sept. 22.
Virginia. |
1348. Governor Nott [to ? the Duke of Marlborough or Newcastle].
Returns thanks for favours and begs continuance of patronage.
Signed, Edward Nott. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1340. No. 14.] |
Sept. 22.
Virginia. |
1349. Governor Nott to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Excuses himself from sending a list of persons fit for the Council,
as not being long enough in the country etc. Signed, Edward
Nott. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1314. No. 65; and 5, 1361.
p. 422.] |
Sept. 22.
Virginia. |
1350. Governor Nott to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
After a tedious passage I arrived on Aug. 11 within the Capes
of Virginia, and next day came to Williamsburgh. I immediately summoned the Council, who mett me on Aug. 15, where
H.M. Commission to me was published, and the Council sworn.
Refers to Journals of Council, enclosed. Having advised with
H.M. Council, I have appointed a General Assembly to meet on
Oct. 23, and the elections are now making: when they meet
I shal make it my endeavour to incline them to such measures
as may promote H.M. service and the dispatch of those Laws
which your Lordps. have sent over by Col. Jenings. Your
Lordships will see that the Council were of opinion that I should
appoint an Auditor and Receiver General until further direction
from England, and that it was necessary the Revenue should be
put into the hands of a person of ability, who might give security
to H.M. for answering it. We unanimously agreed in the choice
of the person, viz. Mr. Bird, whose father, having acted in that
office for many years to the general satisfaction, hath left him
an estate very sufficient not only for answering the ballance
of his father's accounts to H.M., but what else may come into
his hands on account of the revenue; and accordingly he hath
given bond for 5,000l. with good security for the discharge of
that office etc. I hope your Lordps. will neither disapprove
of the method nor the person, when I assure your Lordps. I
thought it most for H.M. service. There being no agent appointed
for this Colony, as had been usual before, I proposed to the Council
the nominating of one, and your Lordps. will perceive by the
Journal, how heartily the Council joined in the nomination of
Col. Blakiston; hoping your Lordps. will be pleased to grant
our request, in admitting him to sollicite the affairs of this country
at your Board, as there shal be occasion. In obedience to H.M.
royal commands, I recommended to the consideration of the
Council H.M. Instruction concerning the Auditor and Receiver's
office being executed by one person; the sum of their opinion
is that an examination of the accounts of the revenue in this
country is necessary for H.M. service, that the present sallary
allowed the Auditor would be too smal if divided between two
officers, and the accounts being examined and inspected by the
Governor and Council will be more effectual for discovering frauds
than if they were under the scrutiny of one single person. Refers
to Journal of Council. It being thought necessary that the
revenue arising since Col. Bird's death should be stated, the
Council appointed some gentlemen to inspect the said accounts,
they have reported their observations thereon. Refers to Journal
of Council. The result of all was a representation to me concerning
Col. Nicholson's proceedings in taking on himself the execution
of the Auditor's office, and a desire that I should lay it before
H.M., and humbly pray H.M. directions that the money arising
by the Revenue which Col. Nicholson remitted by bills of exchange
into the hands of Mr. Perry, merchant in London, may be put
into the hands of the Auditor of Virginia; I would have sent
your Lordps. a duplicate of the said representation signed by
the Council, but before copies could be finished for my Lord
High Treasurer and H.M. Secretary of State two of the Council
were taken sick, and myself very much indisposed; so that I am
to intreat your Lordps. excuse that I can only send your Lordships
the inclosed attested copy of it. Upon the inspection of the Naval
Officers' accounts we discovered that several hogsheads of tobacco
of the growth of Maryland had been shipt in Potomack and
Rappahannock districts without paying the 2s. per hogshd.
according to H.M. Instructions, which I have (by advice of the
Council) represented to my Lord High Treasurer, for his Lordship's
directions whether the officers of those districts shal be accountable for what is past, they pretending it had been the custom
for several years to exact no duty for Maryland tobacco. But
for the future I have, by advice in Council, given orders to exact
the 2s. per hogshd. of all tobacco whatsoever according to H.M.
Instructions. I have in obedience to H.M. commands given
my warrant to Mr. Bird to remitt 3,000l. out of the Quitt-rents
into the receipt of H.M. Exchequer. I have also, on Mr. Blair's
request, signed a warrant for a year's sallary as Commissary
(which was in arrear) ending April 25, 1705. And I have likewise
signd another warrant for the 200l. ordered by H.M. to Col.
Jenings, it is to be paid out of the Quitt-rents, the Council being
of opinion it could not be paid out of the 2s. per hogshd. I
have received a petition from the children of one John Holt
of Surry County, who being under some indisposition of mind
lately hanged himself, and the Jury of inquest found him felo
de se, whereby his personal estate is forfeited to H.M., but tho
they did not return him non compos mentis, yet it has been since
proved by good testimonys that he had been for a considerable
time before troubled with a lunacy and distraction of mind.
I caused the estate to be inventory'd and appraised, and the
inventory and appraisement upon oath are returned into the
Secretary's office, whereby it appears that the value of the estate
amounts to 159l. 16s. 6d., and there being five children, who are
in my opinion objects of H.M. compassion, I have represented
their case to my Lord High Treasurer, (as being a matter
relating to the Revenue) for H.M. grace in remitting the said
forfeiture. In the meantime I have continued the estate in
the hands of the orphans, upon their having given security for
paying the value thereof when H.M. pleasure shal be signifyed
therein. Finding that James City had formerly a priviledge
of electing a burgess to serve in the Assembly, but that it had been
lately discontinued, I advised with the Council whether I should
issue a writt, and they gave their opinion that James City had
still that priviledge whilst the Act of Assembly that gave it stood
unrepealed, whereupon I have accordingly issued a writ for
that place. Encloses copies of the Proclamations issued since
my entring upon the Government, but Col. Nicholson informing
me that he had, by the last Virginia fleet, sent your Lordps. the
accounts of the Revenue, with the Naval Officers' and Collectors'
lists and accounts of the trade, and but very few ships laden
with tobacco going from this country with Capt. Clements, the
present convoy, I beg your Lordps. to excuse me that I cannot
send those accts. by this conveyance. Having received my
Lord High Treasurer's commands with a Memorial for the better
improving H.M. Quitt-rents, I have at two several meetings of
Council recommended it to their consideration; but finding it a
matter of great weight and intricacie, they have referr'd it for
more mature deliberation to the next Council. I have made enquiry
concerning what arms and stores of war are in the Country on
the public account, and understand that there are in James City,
and other parts of the Country, where some kind of fortifications
have been formerly, several great guns, with some shots and
granado shels; but all those guns are dismounted and unserviceable, as I doubt not your Lordps. have been fully informed already,
nor do I see of what service great guns and fortifications can be
in a country so full of rivers, creeks and convenient landing places
as this; and there would be more danger than security to the
country from such fortifications without a sufficient strength
to defend them. As for small arms, I find there was a supply
for 400 horse and 1,000 foot, with a proportionable quantity
of powder and shott sent in hither by H.M., for the service of
the Militia, which are now in the magazine at James City, except
a few sold to several persons who are to account for the price
thereof to the auditor for reimbursing the first cost and charges
paid by H.M., of all which I shall, God willing, give your Lordps.
a full and particular acct. in my next. It was one of the first
things I recommended to the Council to consider of some way
for preventing the dangers that may happen by the enemy's
intercepting of letters on board of ships taken going from hence;
and I found there had been orders given therein upon a letter
from your Lordps. to Col. Nicholson, of which I suppose he hath
informed you, but that matter having been recommended by
him to the last General Assembly, the House of Burgesses
voted "that if such direction or permission (of sinking letters)
were given to Masters of ships, it would be very prejudicial and
injurious to all dealers and traders, and cause many of their
letters to miscarry." And the Council finding that the making
such a method (as your Lordps. proposes) practicable would be
very difficult in this country, where there is no post-office, but
the ships riding disperst all over the country the letters are taken
on board by the Masters and seamen at pleasure, could come
to no resolution therein, so that I must pray your Lordships'
further direction. I understand there hath been brought into
the country this summer about 1,800 negroes, sold generally
for 54l. sterling a man and woman, at the least. All these, except
a few, are imported since the Imposition Acts expired; but I
shal endeavour to give your Lordps. a more full accot. in my
next, both of this and what else concerns the trade of this country,
whereof I have not yet had the opportunity so particularly to
inform myself, and if I have ommitted anything else I hope
your Lordships will be pleased to impute it to my want of time.
Signed, Edward Nott. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 29, Read Dec. 21,
1705. 6 pp. Enclosed, |
|
1350. i. Report of the Council of Virginia upon the state of
the Revenues since the death of Mr. Auditor Bird.
Referred to in preceding. See Minutes of Council.
Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 29, 1705. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
1350. ii. Proclamations by Governor Nott. (1) Aug. 15,
1705. Continuing officers etc. (2) Aug. 16, 1705.
Dissolving the Assembly and summoning a new Assembly
to meet at Williamsburgh on Oct. 23. (3) For the
pprehension of John Staples, late of Philadelphia,
John Taylor, Thomas Sparrow and — Sterritt, and
Richard Clark, reported by the Governor of Maryland
to have gotten a sloop, the Little Hannah of West
River, Ma., and turned pirates. Endorsed as preceding.
Copies. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1314. Nos. 66, 66. i., ii.;
and (without enclosures) 5, 1361. pp. 414–421.] |
Sept. 22.
Virginia. |
1351. Governor Nott to [? Mr. Secretary Hedges]. Repeats
gist of part of preceding. Soon after my arrival here, I gott ye
Commissary to call an Assemble of ye Clergy. And I delivered
an extrodinary good letter from ye Bishopp of London to exhort
them to peace, and I joyned to ye uttermost of my power to ye
same end, But it was to no purpose, so I have left them to themselves. I did write to you Sr. from Deal and gave you an acct. yt
the Auditor here was dead. I did then acquaint you that here
was four Navall Officers and four Collectors, and that ye Navall
Officers was inconsiderable, but I was wrong informed. Their
are 6 Navall Officers, who being as well Collectors of ye 2s. per
hhd., as they have as yett constantly ben, four of their places are
between 200l. or 300l a year, ye fifth is about 160l., and ye sixth
worth very little, it being upon ye Eastern Shore. These places
when vacant have never yet been disputed, but yt. they ware
in ye Governer's disposeal. I remember a Gentleman came to
me from you and sayd he thought to goe along with me. But
he did not come down to Portsmouth as he told me he believed
he should. If he had I am sure I should have been glad to have
served him if in my power. I doe believe ye Council have a mind
to dispute with me ye making of ye Collectors of ye 2s. per hhd.
(wch. is ye great part, ye Navall Officers' profits being nothing
allmost). If their comes a vacancey, I doe not know but they
will doe itt upon my renuing ye Commistions. If they doe I
am resolved to refer itt home, and then I shall be very glad to
have ye Gentleman's company here as one off them. Their
pretence is yt it is sayd in my Instructions I shall not make them
but by advice of Council. Now they have a mind to turn severall
out and put in their owne relations, and yt is not my turn of
temper. Besides there here are six Collectors made by ye Commistioners of the Customs at London. But their places are not
very considerable, about 100l. or less a year, with whom ye
Governer dos not conserne himselfe, but upon very extrodinary
occations. Eldridge, who you were pleased to speak to me about,
I sent for and find he is a servant (with a good Master), and has
about 6 months to serve, when he is free I will truely endeavor
to do some for him, he seems to be a very good youth etc.
Signed, Edward Nott. Endorsed, R. 29. Holograph. 3 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
1351. i. Minutes of Council of Virginia, Aug. 15—Sept. 7,
1705. 25 pp. |
|
1351. ii. Abstract of preceding, as in preceding letters. 2½ pp. |
|
1351. iii. Proclamations by Governor Nott. Duplicate of No.
1350. ii. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1340. Nos. 15, 15.i.–iii.] |
| [Sept. 23.] |
1352. Merchants trading to Jamaica to the Queen. Pray
H.M. to give them her 1/8th part of their ship Richard and Sarah,
captured by a French privateer and recaptured by H.M.S.
Rochester. 43 Signatures. Subscribed, Windsor, Sept. 23, 1705.
H.M. refers above to the Council of Trade and Plantations for
their report. Signed, Ro. Harley. Endorsed, Recd. 1st. Read
Oct. 2nd, 1705. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 7. Nos. 12, 12. i.; and
138, 11. pp. 415–417.] |
| Sept. 24. |
1353. Edict of the King of Spain for opening a trade with
the English. Translated from the Spanish. 6 pp. [C.O. 318, 3.
Nos. 25; and (duplicates) 26, 27.] |
Sept. 25.
Whitehall. |
1354. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Enclose copies of Mr. Dyer's papers [Sept. 1]. Autograph signatures. 1 p. [C.O. 318, 3. No. 28; and 138, 11.
p. 412.] |
Sept. 25.
Whitehall. |
1355. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Propose Mr. Edlyn for the Council of Jamaica. [See June 11.]
He has been recommended to us by former Governors as well
as by other considerable persons interested in that Island, etc.
[C.O. 138, 11. p. 413.] |
| Sept. 28. |
1356. Mr. Feild and Mr. Wyeth to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Reply to Sir H. Ashhurst [April 21, June 27]. The
Act of Connecticut is directed chiefly against Quakers. If
the proper end of it is already obtained, to witt suppression, as the
Agent seems to allow, it is more then a tacit confession that it
has been put in execution. It is not there deemed obsolete,
the Government having, upon the late revisal of their Laws,
reprinted it without any signification of its being obsolete. By
a letter lately received from a friend of ours on that side, he
acquaints us the People are aw'd by it, and that it was lately
published ad terrorem. There is no doubt the Law is in existence
and contrary to the Charter which gives leave to all H.M. subjects
without distinction to transport themselves thither. Instance
the prosecution of Rogers, and two other instances reprinted
by our Friends in a book entitled "New England Judged." By
letter lately received from a Friend of ours, who was at Fairfield
in Connecticut, we are informed that the people there are overawed
from entertaining our meetings in their houses by this law, which
he says, as above hinted, was lately published ad terrorem. Pray
that the Law may be disallowed. Signed, John Feild,
Jos. Wyeth. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 28, Read Oct. 2, 1705. 3 pp.
[C.O. 5, 1263. No. 31; and 5, 1291. pp. 204–209.] |
Sept. 29.
Windsor. |
1357. Copy of H.M. Commission appointing Robert Livingston Town Clerk, Clerk of the Peace in the City and County of Albany, and Agent for the Government of New York to the Indian
Nations. Countersigned, C. Hedges. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Oct. 16, 1705. 3 pp. Set out, N.Y. Doc. IV. p. 1158. [C.O. 5,
1048. No. 123; and 5, 1120. pp. 342–345.] |
