|
| [? 1706.] |
1. Gentlemen residing in England, who have estates in
Barbadoes, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Pray that
Kirton's petition may not have any influence with them to the
prejudice of the Governor, representing as it does "a very few
unquiet spirits that have but small estates, that will be content
with no Governor, unless they can prevail upon him to pursue their
measures, however injurious," etc. Signed, Paul Carrington,
Wm. Andrews, Charles Cox, John Walter, Rich. Bate, Saml.
Child, Phill. Scott, John Rollstone, Mel. Holder, John Hill,
Wm. Trent, J. Colleton, Robt. Davers, Jno. Bromley, Pat. Mein,
Richd. Scott, Wm. Estland, H. Bendyshe, Tho. Foulerton, Robt.
Chester, Timothy Salter, Hen. Evans. 3 pp. [C.O. 28, 38.
No. 42.] |
Jan. 2.
Admiralty Office. |
2. J. Burchett to W. Popple, jr. H.M.S. Nonsuch is under
orders to come to the Downes. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Jan. 3, 1705/6. Addressed. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 1049.
No. 2; and 5, 1120. p. 384.] |
Jan. 2.
Whitehall. |
3. W. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Desires Capt. Bridge's reply
to enquiries concerning Newfoundland. [C.O. 195, 4. p. 63.] |
Jan. 2.
Star Inne, Near ye Monument. |
4. Mr. Jackson, late Minister at Newfoundland, to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Prays to be heard on all matters
concerning Newfoundland, to clear my reputation, etc. Prays
to be excused waiting on their Lordships in person, we being all
cast away in H.M.S. Faulkland's prize, and loosing almost all we
had and myself labouring under a great indisposition of body
then and ever since, etc. Signed, John Jackson. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Jan. 3, 1706. Addressed. Holograph. 1½ pp.
[C.O. 194, 3. No. 91; and 195, 4. pp. 65, 66.] |
Jan. 3.
Whitehall. |
5. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Jackson. The Council of Trade and
Plantations are sorry for your ill state of health. Till you are
able to come abroad, they desire you would send in writing an
account of the trade and fishery of Newfoundland, etc. [C.O.
195, 4. p. 67.] |
Jan. 3.
Whitehall. |
6. W. Popple, jr., to Sir Wm. Phiphard. The Council of
Trade and Plantations, being informed by Mr. Blathwayt that
you have received some accounts of this year's trade and fishery
at Newfoundland, desire you would communicate them to
them. [C.O. 195, 4. p. 64.] |
Jan. 3.
Whitehall. |
7. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Lowndes. Encloses bill, transmitted
by Governor Nicholson, July 25, for 50l. usually paid out of the
Public Revenue to the Agent of the Virginia affairs for the Lord
High Treasurer's direction, Governor Nicholson not having
appointed any Agent since Mr. Thrale's death. [C.O. 5, 1361.
pp. 423, 424.] |
Jan. 3.
Whitehall. |
8. W. Popple, jr., to Capt. Boys. You are to send the box
by post from the Downs (see Dec. 27, 1705). [C.O. 5, 1120.
p. 383.] |
Jan. 3.
Whitehall. |
9. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend that the Act of Maryland suspending the Act to prevent
the growth of Popery [see Dec. 5 and 21, 1705] be continued
without limitation of time, etc. Set out, Acts of Privy Council, II.
pp. 497–499.] [C.O. 5, 726. pp. 354–357.] |
Jan. 3.
St. James's. |
10. Order of Queen in Council. Governor Seymour is to
represent to the Assembly of Maryland as preceding. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 9, 1705/6.
4¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 716. No. 3; and 5, 726. pp. 360–362.] |
Jan. 3.
St. James's. |
11. Order of Queen in Council. Refer following to the Council
of Trade and Plantations to examine and report upon. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Lowther),
Read Nov. 11, 1706. 1¼ pp. Enclosed, |
|
11. i. Col. Tobias Frere to the Queen. Councillor of Barbados
1687–1704, he withdrew from the sitting of Council
constituting a Court of Chancery when a cause between
himself and Wm. Springham came on to be heard.
The Governor construed this withdrawal as voluntary
and malicious, and dismissed him, without alledging
any manner of misbehaviour on his part. Prays to
be reinstated. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
11. ii. Certificates, signed by R. Grey and J. Kendall as to
Col. Frere's loyal service under their governments. |
|
11. iii—iv. Similar certificates. 26 signatures. 2 pp. [C.O.
28, 9. Nos. 71, 71. i.–iv.; and 29, 10. pp. 188–195.] |
Jan. 4.
Whitehall. |
12. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Hedges.
Recommend that Mr. Peregrine Browne have permission as desired (see Dec. 19, 1705); provided he do not sail with the
Nicholson, from Maryland, before the convoy come thence, lest
he fall into the hands of the enemy and give notice of the Fleet,
and for that such anticipation is a discouragement to trade by
forestalling the market. [C.O. 5, 726. pp. 358, 359.] |
Jan. 7.
Cockpitt. |
13. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Seymour. You are
to permit the Nicholson to sail without convoy any time after
the convoy now bound for Maryland has sailed thence. Signed,
C. Hedges. [C.O. 324, 30. p. 52.] |
Jan. 8.
Whitehall. |
14. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Burchett. The Council of Trade
and Plantations being prest for their report to the House of
Commons relating to Newfoundland desire you would move
H.R.H. Council that Commodore Bridge come to this Board
as soon as possible, with such papers as he may have in answer
to enquiries relating thereto. [C.O. 195, 4. p. 68.] |
Jan. 8.
Admiralty Office. |
15. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Reply to preceding. Capt.
Bridge is ordered to send his answer and to repair to town as
soon as the Court Marshall is over, which is to enquire into the
losse of the ship he commanded, etc. Signed, J. Burchett.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 9, 1705/6. Holograph. Addressed.
1 p. [C.O. 194, 3. No. 92; and 195, 4. pp. 69, 70.] |
Jan. 10.
Whitehall. |
16. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Attorney General. The Council
of Trade and Plantations return you the enclosed papers relating
to Mr. Allen, with a copy of his declaration in ejectment,
and desire your opinion whether it be fit for H.M. to grant his
petition, and whether H.M. by Order in Council may not prohibit
the tenants in possession from committing wast, pending the
suit, and untill the same shall be determined by H.M. in Council
upon his Appeal. [C.O. 5, 912. p. 70.] |
[Jan.] 10.
London. |
17. Mr. Dummer to Mr. Popple. Gives sailings of the
Jamaica packet arrived Falmouth Jan. 6, 103 days out and
home. The Islands are indifferently healthfull. Nov. 29,
met with the Experiment and Terrible fireships, 7 leagues to
windward of Port Royall from Old England. One Coleby, a
commander of a tradeing sloop to the coast of Cartagena, mett
with a French privateer of 10 guns and 95 men, who [had] very much
annoyed our tradeing sloopes, and taken many of them on that
coast. Coleby had 8 guns and 40 men, being a bold man, resolved
to give the privateer occasion of fighting and lay by for him,
the privateer boarded him three times, and he as often cleared
himself of his enemy, when Coleby perceived his advantage,
boarded the privateer and take him, in this rancounter hee killed
the French 11 men and wounded 30 more, with loss only of 2 of
his own men. They have advice att Jamaica of the takeing
of Barcellona, and great life is conceived thereupon for trade
with New Spaine. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Jan. 11, 1705/6. Addressed. Sealed. 1¼ pp. [C.O.
323, 6. No. 1.] |
Jan. 10.
Whitehall. |
18. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. In
reply to Order of Council Dec. 20, 1705, we humbly represent
that the Proprietary and Charter Colonies in generall have no
ways answered the chief design for which such large tracts of land
and such privileges and immunities were granted by the Crown.
They have not conformed themselves to the severall Acts of
Parliament for regulating Trade and Navigation, to which they
ought to pay the same obedience and submit to the same restrictions as the other Plantations subject to your Majesty's immediate
Government, on the contrary, in Connecticut and Rhode Island
the Governours have not applyed for your Royall approbation, nor
have taken the oaths required by the Acts of Trade, as required
by the Act for preventing frauds, etc. They have assumed to
themselves a power of making laws contrary and repugnant to the
Laws of England and directly prejudicial to Legal Trade. Diverse
of them have denyed Appeals to your Majesty in Councill, by
which not only the inhabitants, but others your Majesty's
subjects are deprived of that benefit enjoyed in the Plantations
under your Majesty's immediate Government, and the parties
agrieved are left without remedy against the arbitrary and illegal
proceedings of their Courts. These Colonies are the refuge and
retreat of Pyrates and illegal traders, and the receptacle of goods
imported thither from foreign parts contrary to Law, in return
of which commodities, those of the growth of these Colonies
are, likewise contrary to Law, exported to foreign parts; all
which is much encouraged by their not admitting Appeals. They
give protection to deserters and malefactors, etc. Repeat C.S.P., 1705,
No. 975.i., Article (3). These Independent Colonies do turn the
course of trade to the promoting and incouraging woollen and
other manufactures proper to England, instead of applying
their thoughts and endeavours to the production of such
commodities as are fit to be encouraged in those parts, according
to the true design and intention of such settlements. They do
not in general take due care for their own defence and security
against an enemy either in building forts or in providing their
inhabitants with sufficient arms and ammunition against an
attack, which is every day more and more to be apprehended,
considering how the French power increases in those parts;
nor have some of them any regular Militia established amongst
them. These mischiefs chiefly arise from the ill use they make
of the powers intrusted to them by their Charters, and the
independency which they pretend to, presuming that each
Government is obliged only to defend itself, without any
consideration had of their neighbours, or of the general preservation of the whole. Upon this presumption they do refuse to
furnish their quota of assistance (during the war) to the other
Plantations under your Majesties immediate Government, notwithstanding your Majesties repeated commands by your Royall
letters in this behalf. Under colour and pretence of their
Charters, several of them try robberies, murders and other crimes,
make Laws in capital matters, and punish with death, without
any legall authority for ye same. They have refused to submit
to your Majesty's and H.R.H. Commissions of Vice-Admiralty,
and for commanding their Militia, and have defeated the power
given to ye Governors of your Majesties neighbouring Colonies
therein. Many of the Proprietary and Charter Governments
have not complied with your Majesty's Proclamation for settling
the current rates of foreign coins [June 15, 1704], but the people
have proceeded to reduce the coin by clipping to a lower value
than before, which is allowed to pass at any rate, in order to
drain your Majesties other Plantations of their current money.
So that these your Majesties commands will by such means remain
ineffectual untill the severall Colonies in America be so regulated
as to be brought under the same direction and Government.
We lay before your Majesty some particular misfeazances.
(1) The Massachusetts Bay. Quote from Gov. Dudley's letter
July 25, '05, as to the Assembly's attitude towards clipped coin.
They have absolutely refused to comply with your Majesty's
directions to rebuild the fort at Pemaquid, contribute towards
that at Piscataqua, or to settle any fixed salary upon your
Majesty's Governour or Lt. Governour, but at the year's end
give them, as also to the Judges and other civil officers such
allowance as they pretend to judge they may have deserved,
which renders their support precarious and dependant on the
People. (2) Rhode Island. Quote from Gov. Dudley Nov. 3, '05.
If any of H.M. subjects, not being inhabitants of that Colony,
sue for a debt in their Courts, they can have no right done, if
the defendant be one of that Colony. Quote Gov. Dudley
July 25, '05, as to the refusal of the Government to recognise
his Commissions to command the Militia, etc. Quote Gov.
Dudley, March 10, '05, as to their granting a commission to John
Halsey, a privateer, etc., contrary to their Charter and H.M. Order
in Council Jan. 28, '04. The Quakers will not admit of
any persons of estates or abilities into any places of publick
trust. [Sept. 17, '02.] (3) Connecticutt. They try robberies etc.
and refuse to submit to H.M. and H.R.H. Commissions of ViceAdmiralty and for commanding their Militia as preceding. Refuse
to allow appeals and give great discouragements and vexation
to those that demand the same. Quote their conduct to H.M.
Commissioners concerning the Mohegan Indians [Nov. 1, '05]. |
|
From the aforesaid irregular and illegal proceedings it will
be easily judged of what great benefit the re-uniting to the Crown
the Government of all these Colonies will necessarily be to your
Majesties other Dominions, by the removall of these inconveniences,
and by the uniformity and more due regulation of Trade, by
the good correspondency that may be established thereby
between your Majesty's severall Plantations, and by the
common and mutual defence of all, as well as by preventing
the great and frequent oppositions yt. are made to your Majesty's
Laws and Government, by which means your Majesties Empire
in America, which is of so great an extent, will be better secured
from the attempts of any enemy, and become in all respects of
greater advantage to this Kingdome, and to your Majesties
Revenue arising from those parts. P.S.—As to the Bahama
Islands, which by their scituation are of very great consequence to
the trade of this Kingdom and safety of the navigation from
the West Indies, we have made no mention of them, for that the
Proprietors not having been able to defend those Islands, the
Spaniards about three years ago with a very small force [having]
destroyed and ravaged the said Islands and killed or carry'd
off all your Majesties subjects there, nor have the Proprietors
done anything for resettling the same. [C.O. 5, 1291. pp. 238–253.] |
| [Jan. 11.] |
19. Mr. Roope to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Recounts history of Newfoundland settlement and fishery. When
the French came to Plasentia, 1662, several English inhabitants
were there and were by ye French suffered to live and injoy
their religion until ye beginning of ye late warr, when ye
Governour ordered all that would not conform to ye Romish
way to leave, wch. some did, others did nott, there being
ye offspring of severall now there, and two of ye old men
yett alive; they in few yeares increased theire fishery so
as yt. they have in a manner destroyed ours, for there being
nott att present vent enough for more Newfoundland fish yn. wt.
about 35,000 men cann be imployed in, they, by haveing greate
large tracts of fishing ground and many harbours, fish butt few
shipps in a place, for they have about 90 leagues on ye east side
to ye N. of us, in wch. they have many good fishing harbours,
butt no inhabitants nor fortress; on ye W. they have about
150 leagues on ye Island side, and a farr larger quantity on ye
maine, whereas wee now have nott passing 70 leagues in all,
and ye fish cometh wth. ym. in ye beginning of Aprill, and wth.
us nott before about ye middle of May, and they haveing for
ye most part beach on ye W. side to dry and cure theire fish on,
are ready to go to sea to fish in 4 or 5 dayes after their arrivall,
whereas wee must be att least 3 or 4 weekes ere cann be ready
to fish, and on ye East side nor on ye N. part of ye west side,
they haveing no inhabitants nor by boats, so yt. wt. stages,
flakes, etc. that they leave, they are sure to find wn. arrive ye
next season, neither is any liquors etc. brought to debauch ye
fishermen, whereas wee have to our greate loss and detriment,
their fish being better cured, and commonly they take more
for a boate, they have allso very wholesome lawes, wch. make
all things goe easy. Soe that whereas formerly wee had about
600 sayle that did fish on ye banks and ashoare, and might have
about 30,000 men imployed, now that they have such quantity
and wee reduced to, in 1704, about 50 Europeans and 16 Americans,
and, in 1705, about 40 Europeans and 20 Americans, most of the
Europeans that fished came from Portugall, for itt it is so late
every yeare ere ye convoy is appointed yt. ye best fishing season
is over before they cann arrive. Proposes yt. itt may be represented to H.M. in Councell ye necessity of ye convoy departing
before March 10. On Jan. 21, 1704/5, M. Subercasse surprised
ye harbour of St. John's, etc. For some little time gave no
quarter, butt soone contradicted yt. order; all ye men, wch.
were about 220, were putt in ye church for a prison, wch. is an
open place, and itt being a bitter sharp frost and much snow often
falling, severall died of ye cold and severall had theire feet frozen.
Some few days after he sent some Indians to Torbay, who killed
2 men several hours after they had given ym. quarter, etc. etc.
[see C.S.P., 1705]. M. Subercasse sent about 230 prisoners
to Placentia, whom he forced to work in their fishery, and at the
end of the fishing season sent severall of ye youth to Canada,
some for France, and other some are still at Plasentia, who are
said to have entred in ye French service, all ye Irish are certainely
entred. |
|
As to theire settlements, Plasentia is ye onely place yt. is
fortifyed, and nott so strong as reported, haveing in ye fortress
butt 120 soldiers, guns and 2 mortars, besides 300 Indians and
500 inhabitants of St. Peters (St. Pierre), Plasentia and Point
Verd. The constant inhabitants of Plasentia in summer are
about 200 men. Last summer there were 26 French ships, and
one Spanier, 210 boats kept there, 12 great ships of St Malo
fished att Pettit North, 10 ships att St. Peters, how many at
Cape Britton and Nova Scotia knowe nott, one att Petitt Martire,
and one att Petit Paradis; for these 3 last yeares they have had
a small ship of 18 guns to attend ye garrison, butt was never
man'd in winter. Proposes that 4 light frigatts, 40 to 50 guns,
depart from England about Feb. 20 or sooner, and be ordered
to cruise, two on Bank Verd and two about Cape St. Mary's
and ye mouth of ye Bay of Argenton, until ye midle of June,
to take wt. ships they cann, and the latter from time to time to
goe up ye Bay of Argenton as high as Plasentia, goeing up on
ye N.W. side and in ye night strech over to Plasentia side and
runn downe in ye morning all along ye shoare, and take and
destroy wt. boats they cann, and all ye stages on ye Cape, etc.,
keeping ye men prisoners, and after ye cruice endeavour to
destroy St. Peters, etc., and then take a cruice on ye bankes,
and yt. ye convoys endeavour to take those att Petitt North. |
|
Ye last season 24 of theire ships bound to Plasentia were
taken, 21 by ye Dutch and 3 by ye English and one banker.
Signed, John Roope, John Mouldin, a soldier carried from
St. Johns to Placentia and now sent to France, and Wm. Riots,
a smith, the same. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 11, 1705/6.
Holograph. 6 pp. Enclosed, |
|
19. i. Account of the Newfoundland Fishery in 1705. 12 fishing ships from Portugall, 8 from England, burden about
2,400 tunn; 20 sack ships; 20 from America. Ship's
boats, 60; by-boats, 40; Buena Vista boats, 24; Trinity
Bay, 16; Conception Bay, 40; St. Johns and ye Southward, 80; Total, 260. Stages, 80. Had 78,000
quintals of fish and 455 tun of traine oyle. Inhabitants,
800 men, 130 women, 200 children. A great deal of fish
was spoyled by bad weather. In the Bays of Consumption and Trinity and att Buena Vista, they were
so annoyed by ye Indians in ye fishing season yt. they
are allmost utterly ruined. At the latter end of ye
yeare they surprised and destroyed severall of ye
vessels that came to carry the fish to St. John's. 1 p. |
|
19. ii. English settlements N. of Bonavista, are Keeles, Little
Barrow Harbour, Salvage, Green's Pond, Salmon Cove,
where is a noble salmon fishery. The people of
Buena Vista doe allso in winter goe to ye North some
100 leagues to hunt and take good furr. ½ p.
[C.O. 194, 3. Nos. 93, 93.i.ii.; and 195, 4. pp.
73–85.] |
| [Jan. 11.] |
20. T. Corbin to the Council of Trade and Plantations. From
the first settlement of H.M. Colony of Virginia, the Secretary
for the time being have always had the nomination, confirmation, commissionating, removing and displacing the Clarks of
the several County Courts, with all fees and perquisites etc.
H.M. hath granted a Commission to Edmund Jennings for that
office in full and ample manner as any former Secretary ever
had and enjoyed. John Taylor, gentleman, was commissionated
and placed Clark of Charles Citty County, who in 1702 had leave
from the Governor and Council to go for England for the recovery
of his health, and admitted to recommend a fitt person to execute
the place during his absence, and to be restored at his return.
In 1703 the County of Charles Citty was by a law divided into
two Counties, one of which retains the name, the other is called
Prince George County; on the division Col. Nicholson, their
Governor, claimed and insisted on, as a right, the nomination
of the Clark of the new County (called Prince George) and accordingly nominated Richard Bland, gentleman. The late and
present Secretarys seldom disposing of any such place without
the Governor's knowledge or good liking, and being unwilling
to contest in whom the right of nomination in this particular
case lay, did commissionate Bland, being a person qualified
for the execution of that office, and the trustee of Taylor had
liberty to continue in the Clark's place of Charles City County
some time. John Taylor was afterwards putt out of that office,
hath now petitioned the present Governor to be restored, and
to have the choice of the Clark's place of the Counties so divided,
which H.E. hath thought fitt to lay before the Council. Who
are of opinion that the petitioner's case deserves a favourable
regard and ought in justice to have his choice of the Clarks' places.
Whereas Mr. Secretary Jennings dos not seem in the least to
desire to intrench or claim anything that may not of right belong
to his Offices, or is not intended to be granted by the Letters
Pattent to him, and that he may do right in this particular and
other like cases, he humbly prays your Lordships' instruction
whether, considering that the said office is granted by Letters
Patents, under the Great Seal of England, to be executed by
him or his deputy or deputies for whom he is and will be answerable, that he may have all the rights, immunities, profit, fees
and nomination of Clarks be continued and asserted to him
without the Council intermedling with the appointments of
said Clarks, who are the Secretary's Deputies in the several
Counties commissionated by him. If any otherwise then what
the said Secretary, or his predecessour hath practised, would be
the taking away the greatest part of the proffits of his office.
A determination having already been made in favour of the
Secretary of Maryland in the like case between Col. Copley and
Sir T. Lawrence. Signed, Thomas Corbin. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Jan. 11, 1705/6., 1 large p. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 3; and
5, 1361. pp. 426–429.] |
Jan. 14.
Whitehall. |
21. W. Popple, jr., to Lt. Moody. The Council of Trade
and Plantations desire you would let them have to-morrow
morning an account of the trade and fishery of Newfoundland.
[C.O. 195, 4. p. 86.] |
Jan. 14.
Whitehall. |
22. Same to Mr. Burchett. The Council of Trade being
pressed to lay their report in a day or two at furthest before
the House of Commons, desire you to let me know whether you
have had any answer from Commodore Bridge, etc. [C.O. 195,
4. p. 87.] |
Jan. 14.
Admiralty Office. |
23. Mr. Fawler to W. Popple, jr. Reply to preceding. A
messenger is sent this night to Deptford to order Capt. Bridges
to attend the Council of Trade and Plantations to-morrow.
J. Fawler. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 15, 1705/6. 1 p.
[C.O. 194, 3. No. 94; and 195, 4. p. 100.] |
Jan. 14.
Jamaica. |
24. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Acknowledges letters of Oct. 29, Nov. 1 and Aug. 30.
I have likewise received the enclosed scheam relating to the
packett boats, which I shall cause to be set up publickly at
Kingston and Spanish Town; I presume to give your Lorpps.
my opinion therein, that the pacquet boats will certainly answer
the designe, in case there is not too great a quantity of merchants'
goods transported from England hence [? hither], and from
hence to England, which, as I am informed, is already practised.
If so they will be liable to be taken as well as any other vessell,
and by which means a great deal of plate and boullion, as well
as rich merchantable goods will fall into the enemies hands;
I was informed the last packett boat took with her 30,000l. in
money and plate. I gave you an account in my last of the Act
[being] past for quartering the souldiers, and likewise of 5 other
Acts, which I s[ent] some time agoe; but such tacking I never
have heard of in any Ass[embly], and to speak plain there is no
state to be made of their actions; the [Quartering] Act is but
for 12 months, and that relating to Forreignors is for e[ver for]
which reason and many others I hope H.M. will not give it He[r
Royal] assent, but that it remain for 12 months till another Act
is mad[e for] the quartering my Regiment, which I am in hopes
I shall be able [to persuade] the Assembly to. Here are lately
brought in by H.M.S. Reserve and Bristoll 5 sail of French
merchant ships, taken off Cape Francoise laden with sugar.
The Deputy Secretary, Mr. Nicholls, died here some few days
agoe, and the Councill and I have appointed Mr. Alan Brodrick
to succeed him, who was formerly in that post, and is a very
ingenious man and ffit for it; any agreement the pattentee
may make with him, I leave wholly to themselves. I have
received here by this packett boat 52 recruits with my Major,
a Lieut., Ensigne and Serjeant, and part of my Regiment's
cloathing. I have an account from Coll. Johnson of Antegua,
of advice Dec. 23, that the French at Martinico expect 30 sail
of French men of war there, and that two of them were already
arrived: I am of opinion it is only a French Gasconnade: but
if otherwise, I doubt not but care will be taken to send an English
fleet soon after them; and your Lorpps. may be assured, if their
designe is against this Island, that I will to the last drop of my
blood faithfully endeavour to defend the honour of H.M. Crown
and dignity, and the interest of old England. Admiral Whetstone
has been sickly for some time, and I am apprehensive will hardly
recover his health in these parts: he writt me a letter three days
agoe of his designing to bring Capt. Bennett Allen to a trial for
his mismanagement with the two French ships, which I gave
you an account of in my last. The Island of late has been
attended with more than usuall [morta]lity, but now grows healthier.
Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read April 15th,
1706. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 7. No. 20; and 138, 11. pp. 444–447; and (extract) 137, 45. No. 73.] |
Jan. 14.
Cockpitt. |
25. Sir C. Hedges to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses following, for your observations thereupon, and what
you can propose to be done for the benefitt of that place. Signed,
C. Hedges. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 15, 1705/6. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
25. i. A relation of the most material occurrences at St. Johns
and parts adjacent during the administration of Lt. John
Moody, from Sept. 12, 1704—Oct., 1705. London,
Jan 8, 1705–6. Complains of the disaffection of
Lt. Latham and Mr. Roop. Mr. Latham was given
instructions for guarding the South Castle (quoted).
The inhabitants refused to keep watch in the harbour
as urged by Mr. Moody. Recounts in further detail
the French attempt on the Fort etc. Jan. 21, 1704/5.
Blames Lt. Latham for not having removed the barrels
of powder to the South Castle. Praises behaviour of
the soldiers. Estimate of damage done to St. John,
and the other harbours by the French—188,000l. sterl.
Accounts of ravages in other harbours. Lt. Latham's
insubordination continued (June). The enemy's raids
continued till Aug. (details). "The season being far
spent, the garrison weake, and little or no hopes of
any succors from England this year, Moody thought
himself bound to take some further measures for the
better security of the inhabitants, their effects and
provisions, and to preserve a communication between
the Fort and them. In order to which, he consulted
with Captains of the men of war, who readily sent him
300 seamen, who helped his soldiers to build a new
fortification and palisadoed it all round. Several
masters of ships and some inhabitants lent their helping
hands, so that the work was finished before the arrival
of Major Lloyd. Relator also represented to Commodore
Bridge the bad condition of the garrison and that
Relator's commands were not obeyed; he proposed
repairs for the fort etc., which were also finished. Oct.,
1705 Capt. Chamberlaine in the Litchfield prize and
Capt. Partington, in the Anglesea arrived with Major
Lloyd and a new company of foot to releive the garrison,
who with the Relator sailed on Nov. 21, 1705 with the
Commodore, on board H.M.S. Loo, which on Dec. 12
was cast away by the Needles and several seamen and
soldiers drowned. Relator got ashore with the loss
of all his effects and many of his papers, climbing up
the cliffs with ropes" etc. Signed, J. Moody. 27 large
closely written pp. [C.O. 194, 3. Nos. 95, 95.i.; and
(without enclosure) 195, 4. p. 101.] |
| [Jan. 15.] |
26. Mr. Roope to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
M. Subercasse's seizure of the harbour of St. John's, Jan. 21,
1704(5) was knowen by ye meanes of Archebald Taylour, a
soldier of ye garrison yt. about sunnryseing lowered ye litle drawbridge and went out with a botle of rumm to drink with some
of his consorts, but wn. he came on ye uttmost pt. of ye glacis,
he saw ye enemy, who fyered on him. He allarmed the garrison.
About 5 or 6 of the enemy crep up to ye top of ye gassis, and
fired and killed one of our people, one of them was killed, the rest
retired. Our people cleared away the snow from the guns, and
yt. was all ye times yt. ye enimy was neare ye Fort. About
14 dayes after M. Subercass sent enclosed letter. The parlee
proposed was held for 4 dayes and then broak off. On ye 2nd
day M. Subercass forced me to write to Mr. Latham the enclosed
letter, which your Lordships were informed was treasonable. |
|
M. Subercasse nott gaineing his point, haveing found 2 barrils
of powder, gott 2 sacre gunns on an hill about 300 yards from
ye South side Castle, begann to cannonade ye woodwoerk thereof,
and fiered on the first day about 50 shott, butt finding that he
did little or no dammage, after yt. they fired butt now and then,
and seeing ye sloop yt. he had ordered to come with 200 shells
and an 11 inch mortar did nott appeare, nor theire fire-arrowes
yt. they threw into ye South side Castle did not take (for
they were nott well made) he prepared to goe offe, after haveing
destroyed about 40 tunn of ye timber of ye boome etc. One
Gouling, a missionary Jesuit, allways kept close to ye Indians
untill they came to Ferriland etc. 'Tis said that there was an
Order from the Court of France for ye expedition, for as soon
as ye Charente, a King's ship, arrived att Placentia, La Vespe
was with all possible speed fitted out for Quebeque and brought
back about 100 Indians and Canadiens etc. and plundered
Conception Bay etc. About ye beginning of July, there came
to Plasentia Bay about 150 Indians of another Nation, and
went immediately to disturb our fishery, and ye Governour
did declare yt. our fishery should allways be disturbed, and yt.
he expected a greater force, and yn. would again attempt
St. Johns. Signed, John Roope. 3¼ pp. Enclosed, |
|
26. i. Mr. Roope to Robert Latham. St. John's, Feb. 4,
1704/5. Misfortune hath made me a prisoner of war.
The Governor of Plasentia was much enraged against
you because there were 3 musketts fired on his fflagg
of truce, butt I told him yt. itt must be donne without
your knoweledge. He declareth yt. he knew nothing
of ye burning of your house, butt to ye contrary, he
is for makeing good anything to an officer. There is
a treaty on foote between Mr. Moody and him, I think
itt is about a surrender; he would nott att first heare
yt. you should be conserned in ye treaty, butt now is
satisfyed yt. you be. So desire you to take ye best
measures yt. you cann think of etc. Signed, John Roope.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 15, 1705/6. Addressed
"au Commandant du Chateau" etc. Sealed. 1 p. |
|
26. ii. M. Subercasse to the Commanding Officer in Fort
William, St. John's, Feb. 13, 1704/5. My intentions
were to possess myself of ye harbour of St. Johns and
of all ye other ports belonging to England, wch. by
God's assistance I have donne. etc. Am willing to
grant a reasonable capitulation etc. If you think of
entring into a treaty, I will send you any one of the
prisoners yt. you shall think fit to have with you, on
your parole to return him if we cannot agree, etc. Copy.
1 p. |
|
26. iii. Same to same. Feb. 14. "According to your desire
I send Messrs Campbell and Pemberton, with whom
you may consult." Desires him not to insist to have
the Officer commanding the Castle on the South side
amongst those that are to treat with him, he having
fired on a flag of truce etc. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 3.
Nos. 96, 96.i.–iii.; and 195, 4. pp. 88–99.] |
Jan. 15.
Cockpit. |
27. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Sir B. Granville.
In answer to yours of Oct. 22, H.M. gives you a latitude to act
for ye best of her service and ye advantage of her subjects, ye
poor prisoners at Martinique, in all you do for exchanging ye
French men who were condemned at Barbados some years since,
and for ye exchange of whom orders have been sent you, but
since ye Governor at Martinique trifles with you in pretending
to have ye French prisoners set at liberty, and seems to have
a reserve not only to capitulate for ye exchange of H.M. subjects,
but for damages to ye Fr. men so long detain'd, you are to use
great caution yt. you are not tricked in that matter, in case you
should set ye Fr. men at liberty as is demanded. It is not to
be disputed now whether the French were justly condemned
or not, the Court Martiall, who were competent judges, determined
that point, and tho H.M. thought fit to remit ye punishment,
that ought to be looked as an act of H.M. great goodness and
clemency, for there is no question but by ye laws of war they
ought to have dyed, and yt. penalty may still be executed
in justice, tho' H.M. will not have it done so long after ye fact
committed. Signed, C. Hedges. Holograph. 1½ pp. [C. O.
137, 51. No. 10; and 324, 30. pp. 57, 58.] |
Jan. 15.
Whitehall. |
28. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. We have received inclosed Memorial. We have only
to add that the Leeward Islands are very much exposed to the
insults of the French, not only from their Islands intermixed
with those of H.M., but in the passage of their fleets from Europe,
and that in the beginning of the last warr, the regiment commanded by the Duke of Bolton did consist as sent from hence
of 900 men, officers and servants included, which were afterwards
reduced to the number of 500 effective private soldiers, but in
what manner it shall please H.M. with regard to the other affairs
now to regulate the defence of these Islands is humbly submitted,
etc. Autograph signatures. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
28. i. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Repeats Memorial of May 31, 1704, and requests the
Board to lay the matter before the Queen in Council,
that something may be done before the convoy sails
on Feb. 10. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 15, 1705/6.
1 p. [C.O. 152, 39. Nos. 107, 107.i.; and 152, 6.
No. 32; and 153, 9. pp. 288–291.] |
