|
Nov. 1.
Prize Office. |
561. Commissioners of Prizes to W. Popple, jr. We think the
Instructions [Oct. 30] are very full, only desire this may be added,
that whereas the fees for condemning a prize in England is but
12l. 10s., we hope that strict orders may be sent to all the Courts
of Admiralty abroad to oblidge them to take noe more for
condemning a prize there; and alsoe desire that copys of such
Instructions may be sent to all H.M. Governours of her severall
plantations abroad with strict orders for the observance thereof,
which would much contribute to H.M. service. Signed, Ant.
Duncombe, T. Baker, W. Pollexfen, Fleet. Dormer. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Nov. 4, 1706. Addressed. 1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 9.
No. 60; and 29, 10. pp. 164, 165.] |
Nov. 1.
Whitehall. |
562. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Enclose following, "intended for such Plantations as are
under H.M. immediate Government. Though the Propriety Governments be lyable to the same irregularities, the same restraints
cannot be extended to them by reason of the Charters and
Priviledges already granted them from the Crown." Autograph
signatures. 1¾ pp. Annexed, |
|
562. i. Draught of circular letter to H.M. Governors of Plantations. See Nov. 8. [C.O. 5, 1120, pp. 478–482;
and (without enclosure) 5, 3. No. 32.] |
| Nov. 1. |
563. Draught of H.M. letter to the Government of Barbados.
See Nov. 8. [C.O. 29, 10. pp. 160–162.] |
Nov. 2.
Whitehall. |
564. W. Popple, jr., to Patrick Mein. The Council of Trade
and Plantations desire that you will give them in writing, as
soon as possible, a particular account how the Councill of
Barbadoes managed the Government of that Island, during the
Presidentship of Mr. Bond and Mr. Farmer, as also how they
behaved themselves with respect to elections of Assembly-men,
during their administration. [C.O. 29, 10. p. 163.] |
Nov. 4.
Whitehall. |
565. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Burnaby. The Council of Trade
agree to the alteration proposed [No. 561], and return the
enclosed list of fees, that it may be signed authentically as soon
as may be etc. [C.O. 29, 10. p. 166.] |
Nov. 6.
Whitehall. |
566. Mr. Secretary Hedges to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. H.M. has approved of the circular letters [Nov.
1st and 8th], and it is her pleasure that in the Instructions of all
Governors for the future you also make provision against all
unusual and extraordinary Laws. Signed, C. Hedges. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Nov. 7, 1706. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 62; and
29, 10. p. 171.] |
Nov. 6.
Whitehall. |
567. Same to Same. It is H.M. pleasure that you forthwith inform yourselves, as well as you can, of the present state
of Barbadoes, and transmit the same to me to be laid before
the Lords of the Committee of Councill on Friday morning.
Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 66;
and 29, 10. p. 173.] |
Nov. 6.
New Yorke. |
568. Mr. Heathcote to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses duplicate of No. 523. Signed, Caleb Heathcote. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Feb. 21, 1706/7. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1049. No. 26; and
5, 1121. pp. 12, 13.] |
| Nov. 6. |
569. G. Willcocks to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Reasons against confirming the Act of Pennsylvania, directing
the qualifications of officers etc. [June 17]. (1) Though the major
part of the inhabitants are Quakers, it does not follow there will
be a failure of justice as pretended in the preamble, there being
a sufficient number of others who do not scruple to take and
administer oaths. (2) The first clause, as it must be intended
to establish Quakerism, so it will destroy the present settlement,
ecclesiastical and civil, any persons being here qualified to act
in all offices and trusts without taking the oaths of allegiance
required by the first of Wm. and Mary, or oaths for the due
execution of their offices etc. etc. (3) The clause enacting the
form of affirmation, seems not to be wth. sufficient solemnity
or propriety, for that it is not an express declaration of the party
that he says the truth, but declares in the presence of God the
witness of the truth of what he says, which gives too much room
for equivocating etc. (4) The clause impowering such who scruple
to administer oaths to administer the affirmation instead, even to
persons willing to take oaths, may be of ill consequence, since
many may esteem themselves more bound by an oath than by
such affirmation. (5) The clause enacting that the tender of
an oath by one magistrate in the presence of a bench of magistrates
shal be esteemed his Act only, and yet as valid as if done by the
whole, will extend the power of any one Magistrate too much
etc. (6) The penalty for perjury on affirmation as upon oath,
will not deter those who think to evade breaking an oath by
taking the affirmation. (7) The clause, that the deposition or
affirmation of a witness, being taken before a Judge or J.P.,
after summons of the adverse party, shall be as valid as if they
had sworn in a Court, where a witness hath occasion to go out
of the Province or is sick, may be very inconvenient not only
to the properties but to the lives of the subjects, depriving them
of the known benefit of cross-examination etc. Quotes English
practice, etc. Signed, Geo. Willcocks. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Nov. 6, 1706. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1263. No. 125; and 5, 1291.
pp. 420–426.] |
| Nov. 6. |
570. H.R.H. the Lord High Admiral's Commission of
Vice-Admiralty to Governor Crowe. Countersigned, Richard
Crawley. Latin. [C.O. 319, 1. pp. 10–21.] |
Nov. 6.
Kensington. |
571. Permits for the Elizabeth, Generous Jenny, and Oronoko,
bound for Virginia and Maryland, not to await convoys in America.
Voyage to be performed within 12 months. Countersigned,
C. Hedges. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 116, 117.] |
| [Nov. 7.] |
572. Journal of Assembly of Barbados, Aug. 13, 1706,
concerning the passing of an Act of Barbados for ascertaining
the continuance of the Assembly, by a majority of 12 to 7. Of the
dissentients, John Frere, Henry Pears, William Leslie, Nathaniel
Webb, Thomas Maxwell, and Samuel Adams desired that their
dissent might be entered upon the Journal of the House, with
their reasons, viz. that the Representatives were elected for one
year, which was nearly expired, and that they cannot continue
themselves for a longer time without infringing on the rights
and liberties of H.M. subjects. Endorsed, Recd. (from
Mr. Heysham) Read Nov. 7, 1706. Copy. 3 pp. [C.O. 28, 9.
No. 63.] |
|
573. Copy of Act of Barbados referred to in preceding. 4 pp.
[C.O. 28, 9. No. 64.] |
|
574. Copies of petitions to H.M. and the House of Lords
against the above Act. See Nov. 14, Same endorsement. [C.O.
28, 9. No. 65.] |
| Nov. 7. |
575. Mr. Mein to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I know not how to give a particular accot. of what their Lordships
desire of me, without ye perusal of ye Minutes of ye Council
of Barbados, but so far as I can remember, during ye Presidentship
of Mr. Bond and Col. Farmer the Governmt. was managed by
ye Council, and in ye same method as when there was a Governour,
ye Council meeting on Tuesdays every 4 weekes, and ye Assembly
at ye same time, ye Council passing or rejecting such Bills as
were brought up from ye Assembly. But ye Council met upon
other matters very often once a week, especially in war-time,
and usually held a Court of Chancery on ye aforesaid monthly
Tuesdays, and sometimes by shorter adjournmts., and if there
was occasion for it, turn'd themselves into a Court of Errors,
The most remarkable difference in ye administration was, yt. ye
Council understood ye Governmt. to be devolved upon them
in such manner as yt. ye whole authority was lodg'd in them
all jointly, and therefore yt. ye eldest member had no superiority
or any power apart from them, notwithstanding yt. in H.M.
Commission to ye Governor, such person is denominated President,
with all ye authorities and preeminencies belonging thereto.
And upon this accot., because they could not be allwayes at
hand to do what used to be ye particular business of a Governor,
as ordinary etc., they by an Act of Council authorised ye President
to do in their absence, and dureing their pleasure, but so as when
they met in Council, they might notwithstanding have ye hearing
of such matters themselves. As to ye election of Assemblymen during that administration, there was an Act of that Island
which appointed all writs for electing of them to be directed
by ye Governor etc. for ye time being, to one of ye members
of ye Council resideing in each Parish, and if none there, and
more than one in another Parish, the youngest member of them
shoud go to execute ye writ; but if there were not Councillors
enough for every Parish, then ye writ was to be directed to ye
shoud go to execute ye writ; but if there were not Councillors
enough for every Parish, then ye writ was to be directed to ye
oldest Justice of ye Peace in that Parish. Dureing ye Presidentship of Mr. Bond and Col. Farmer, ye Council takeing ye
Governmt. to be wholly in themselves, judged it improper to
have those writs both directed and returnable to themselves,
and therefore directed them to ye eldest Justice of ye Peace in
each Parish, and ye elections were made and return'd accordingly, without any dispute, while Mr. Bond was President. But
in Coll. Farmer's Presidentship, ye Representatives who were
so elected and return'd, and after being sworn and allowed of
as ye Law required, had chosen their Speaker, they came to
acquaint ye President and Council yt. they did not think themselves legally constituted, because ye writts were not directed
to ye members of ye Council, as ye Law appointed, which they
beleived would make a nullity in their proceedings. But ye
Council insisting upon ye legality of it, ye Assembly after much
debate gave way, and went upon business. Signed, Pat. Mein.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 7, 1706. Addressed. Holograph.
1 p. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 61; and 29, 10. pp. 167–170.] |
Nov. 8.
Bermuda. |
576. Lt. Governor Bennett to Mr. Popple. Refers to letter
of Sept. 19. In the vessel that carried Capt. Jones went one
Mr. Holland, our late Minister, who was likewise bound home,
by him I sent my packt. with all matters relateing to Capt. Jones
inclosed, but I have an account they came to late for the Fleet,
therefore conclude Capt. Jones will make the best of his way to
Piscataqua, from whence the mast Fleet does not sail till this
month, but Mr. Holland I believe will not goe thither, having
his family with him, because their coasters are but smal vessells,
soe that in all probability Capt. Jones will be att home before
my letters can arrive; and being assured he has exprest himself
to have matters of great complaint agt. me, I pray noe hearing
may be had till my packt. arrives, or a duplicate thereof which
goes via Jamaica. From Carolina I am informed that the French
and Spaniards had fitted out five ships from the Havana, and
had on board, with some Indians they took in att St. Augusteen,
about 1,000 men, with which they made an attempt on Carolina
in Augt., where they landed detachments in severall places,
but were repulsed by the inhabitants, many of them being killed,
and 230 taken prisoners, the rest retreating to their boats with
great precipitation and soe to their ships, and all with very
little loss on our side, upon which the Carolinans fitted out two
sloops, and according to advise stood for a place where one of
the enemy's ships lay, and as they were runing on board the
French cryed out for quarter, and soe took them without fireing
one gun. In this vessel was their Land Generall, and severall
other officers with their Field pieces of copper. Refers to
enclosures. Capt. Newnam, who is now in goal for his fine, I
know is a pentioner to Capt. Jones, he being daily subsisted
by one Jennings a victualer, by Capt. Jones his order. The
oppertunity that offer'd to send this is by a sloop that touched
in here from Anguilla, in her way for England, to take in water.
Signed, B. Bennett. As I was makeing up my letters a vessel
arrived here from Virginia, the Master whereof acquainted me
that the Fleet was sailed from thence before the dispatches
arrived from Carolina. I therefore conclude this will be the
first advice thereof, etc. I desire their Lordships would examine
Capt. Jones on the enclosed affidavit, and if he can make good
his charge, I shall most willingly submitt to my Fate; if not
I doubt not but their Lordships will consider some way to salve
my injured reputation. If my account about Carolina be the
first, pray, after the Lords have seen it, lett it be carryed to
Mr. Sec. Hedges, to whom I have not time to write. Signed,
B. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. Feb. 1, Read March 14, 1706/7.
Holograph. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
576. i. Copy of an Act of Bermuda for the further regulating
the Courts. Aug. 31, 1706. Endorsed, Recd. Feb. 1, 1706/7.
4 pp. |
|
576. ii. Copy of the trial of Mathew Newnam, Aug. 22, 1706.
For calling all the Justices rogues and vilains etc., he
was fined 100l., to be released from custody on payment
of same and producing a surety in 100l. for good behaviour.
Court: Col. Francis Jones, Lt. Col. Wm. Outerbridge,
John Dickinson, Capt. George Darrell, Charles Minors,
Capt. Daniell Johnson, Thomas Burton, Capt. Richd.
Gilbert, Henry Tucker. Grand Jury: Capt. Daniell
Keele, Foreman, Daniell Tucker, John Hilton, James
Wright, Perient Trott, sr., Joseph Cox, Jeremiah
Burges, Samuel Dunscome, Christiphor Pitt, sr.,
Adaman Eve, Richard Pitt, Wm. Lecroft, John Jennings,
Samuel Browne, Daniell Hinson. Petit Jury: Wm.
Stroude, Foreman, John Mallorey, Joseph Evans, John
Reilly, James Darrell, John Darrell, Richd. Wolrich,
Samuel Harvey, jr., Josias Smith, Mathew Witter,
Edwin Stone, Benjamin Apowen, Capt. Daniell Johnson,
and Peter le Counte gave evidence. Endorsed as
preceding. 4 pp. |
|
576. iii. Affidavit of B. Fox, Master of the sloop The Blessing,
Nov. 11, 1706. Oct. 23 last Capt. Jones said to him
that men dare not be honest jurors for fear of the
Governor, etc. Signed, Benja. Fox. Endorsed as
preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 7. Nos. 41, 41.i.-iii.; and
(without enclosures) 38, 6. pp. 231–233.] |
| Nov. 8. |
577. List of fees in the High Court of Admiralty for the
condemnation of prizes. Signed, Richd. Crawley, Regr.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 12, 1706. ¾ p. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 73;
and 29, 10. pp. 198, 199.] |
| Nov. 8. |
578. William Heysham and other Barbados Merchants
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Wee render to H.M.
our most humble and sincere thanks for her great goodness,
extended to the Planters, Merchants, and other Inhabitants
belonging and tradeing to her distressed Island of Barbadoes,
in her repealing that pernicious and fatall Act of Assembly
relateing to paper money; and for her gracious favour in appointing a person of such great worth and experience as Mitford
Crow, Esq., is, to be Governour. And in obedience to what
your Lordships were pleased yesterday to communicate to us,
in relation to the giving our sentiments what will be the most
effectuall meanes to heale and reconcile the animosities and
compose the differences that have of late happened in that
Island, propose (i.) that no person be a Member of Councill
there who has been either a contriver, promoter or encourager
of such differences, either by voting for the Paper Act or Trienniall
Bill, or is considerably in debt; (ii.) that with all convenient
speed, H.M. would give her commands for the dissolution of
this present Assembly, and for the speedy calling an annuall
Generall Assembly, and that the inhabitants may be protected
in the ffreedom of their choice, according to their antient
constitutions; to which purpose Petitions are sent over to H.M.
from under the hands of many hundreds of the most substantiall
ffreeholders of that Island; (iii.) that, in case there be any failure
in the payments of the Bills raised upon the ffunds of the Paper
Act, your Lordships represent to H.M. that she would give her
royal Instructions to the next Assembly, for the raising a proper
ffund to supply such deficiencys, and (iv.) that as soon as H.M.
service will permit, the Governour may imbark for that Island.
Signed, Robt. and William Heysham, Guy Ball, E. Chilton, and
43 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 8, 1706. 1 large p.
[C.O. 28, 9. No. 67; and 29, 10. pp. 174–176.] |
| Nov. 8. |
579. List of persons proposed to be of the Council of
Barbados: Geo. Lillington, Wm. Wheeller, Jno. Hallett, Tho.
Allen, Jno. Frere, Jno. Maxwell, Jno. Pillgrim, Tob. Frere,
Wm. Cole, Richd. Downs, Jno. Adams, Benj. Hawkins, Richd
Worsham. |
|
The following Councillors were for passing the Paper and
Triennial Acts:—Wm. Cleeland, Wm. Sharpe, Saml. Cox, Jno.
Mills, Alex. Walker, [Middelton] Chamberlin, Tho. Merricke.
Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Heysham, Read Nov. 8, 1706. 1 p.
[C.O. 28, 9. No. 68; and 29, 10. p. 177.] |
| Nov. 8. |
580. Mr. Bridges to W. Popple. Encloses following. Signed,
Wm. Bridges. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 8, 1706. Addressed.
1 p. Enclosed, |
|
580. i. Mr. Bromely and other Gentlemen of estates in
Barbados to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
[See Journal of C. of T.] Propose (i.) no immediate
alteration in the Council or Assembly; (ii.) the
immediate sending over of the Governor or appointment
of a Lieut. Governor, by whom the Assembly may
be adjourned or dissolved; (iii.) that, as there is not
silver sufficient to negotiate the trade of the Island,
sugar should be made use of instead, as it was about
35 years ago; (iv.) that a regiment of Foot be forthwith sent thither and a convoy twice a year; (v.) that
one of H.M. ships may be appointed on purpose for
protecting a trade from the Island to the Spanish
Indias, which would be a means to resupply the Island
with silver in time; (vi.) that the duty of 4½ p.c. arising
in the Island be applied towards the finishing the
fortifications begun under Col. Lilly. 3¼ pp. [C.O.
28, 9. Nos. 69, 69.i.; and 29, 10. pp. 178–182.] |
Nov. 8.
Whitehall. |
581. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Sec. Hedges.
In reply to Nov. 6. Upon the coming away of Sir B. Granville
(who is since dead), and until the arrival of another Governor,
the Government of [Barbados] is vested in the Council, wherein
the first Counsellor does preside. And having informed ourselves
from the most eminent merchants and persons of estate concerned
in Barbados, we do understand from them, and from other advices
received from thence, that ye Island att the coming away of
the Packett and Fleet, was in the greatest confusion, occasioned
chiefly by the late Act for Paper Money, and an other Act lately
passed for continuing the same Assembly for three years, which
has divided the Island into Parties and open animosities; and
altho the said Merchants and others attending us do appear
in many points to disagree, yet we find them unanimously of
opinion that nothing can more tend to the allaying these Divisions,
than that a Governor in Chief receive H.M. Orders forthwith
to repair to that Government, and being unconcerned in those
Heats may by the Authority of his Presence and his impartial
Administration of Justice be able to redress the Disorders and
abuses under which that Island labours at present, and to provide
against the dangers to which it is exposed during this time of
war, and they earnestly desire his dispatch accordingly, wherewith we do concurr. And we are likewise of opinion that the
Governor upon his arrival dissolve the present Assembly and
call another in order to an impartial administration, as proposed.
And whereas it has been represented to us by several of the
aforesaid merchants that some of the present Counsellors have
been engaged in the ill practices that have occasion'd these
distractions; that they are incumbered with Law-suits and
debts and unfit for the discharge of that Trust, We are further
of opinion that it will be for H.M. service that there be a reform
made in the Council. And whereas we have just now received
divers papers relating to the particular characters of these
Counsellors, and of others proposed as fittest to supply their
places, together with other particulars relating to the State of
the Island, We are examining the same for H.M. further information. Autograph signatures. Endorsed, R. 8. 3 pp. [C.O.
28, 38. No. 53; and 29, 10. pp. 182–184.] |
Nov. 8.
The Court at Kensington. |
582. The Queen to the Governor of Barbados. Whereas
a Law has lately passed in our Island of Barbadoes, to supply
the want of cash, etc., which has been represented to us as hurtfull
to trade, injurious to creditors, prejudicial to our revenue, and
the safety of that our Island, Wee have thought fitt to disallow
and repeal the same: And it appearing to us that the said Act
has from the time of passing thereof been put in execution to
the great prejudice of our subjects, Wee do hereby will and
require you or the Commander in Chief of our Island of Barbadoes
for the time being, not to pass any Law or Act of Assembly for
the future of an unusuall and extraordinary nature and
importance, wherein our prerogative or property of our subjects
may be prejudiced, without having either first transmitted unto
us the draught of any such Bill or Act, and our having signifyed
our Royall Pleasure therein, or that you do take care in the
passing of any Act of an extraordinary nature, that there be a
clause inserted therein, suspending and deferring the execution
of such Act, untill our pleasure be known therein, that our
prerogative may not suffer, and that our subjects may not have
reason to complain of hardships put upon them by any such
Act, as on the present occasion. And whereas the foresaid
Act will have drawn upon our said Island great inconveniencies
in the course of trade, and in reference to debts, Wee do further
direct and injoyn you to move our Councill and Assembly to be
forthwith convened by you upon the receipt hereof, that they
take all possible care and make the best provision they can,
that any of our subjects who have already been obliged to receive
such bills as are appointed to be currant by the said Act, and that
the persons to whom any debts were owing, and who have been
obliged by the said Act to part with their legall securityes for
such bills be not sufferers thereby, but be restored, as far as may
be, by some new Law, to the same state they were in before
the passing of the said Act, which wee judge absolutely necessary
for our service, and the good of our said Island. Countersigned,
C. Hedges. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 111–113.] |
Nov. 8.
The Court at Kensington. |
583. The Queen to the Governor of New Hampshire.
Whereas a representation has been humbly made unto us
by our Commissioners for Trade and Plantations upon an Act
lately passed in our Island of Barbadoes, to supply the want of
cash etc., which being very prejudicial to our subjects in the
course of their trade, as forcing them to receive bills instead
of money in satisfaction of all debts and contracts whatsoever,
wee have thought fit to disallow and repeal the same; and
taking notice of severall ill consequences of passing Bills of an
unusual and extraordinary nature and importance in our Plantations, which Bills remain in force there from the time of enacting
until our pleasure be signifyed to the contrary, wee do hereby
will and require you not to pass or give your consent hereafter
to any Bill or Bills in the Assembly of our Province of New
Hampshire under your Government of unusual and extraordinary
nature and importance wherein our prerogative or property of our
subjects may be prejudiced without having either first transmitted
unto us the draught of such a Bill or Bills and our having signifyed
our royal pleasure thereupon, or that you take care in the passing
of any Act of an unusual and extraordinary nature that there
be a clause inserted therein suspending and deferring the execution thereof untill our pleasure be known concerning the said Act, to
ye end our prerogative may not suffer, and that our subjects may
not have reason to complain of hardships put upon them on
the like occasions. Countersigned, C. Hedges. The like letter
was sent at the same time to the Governours of New-Yorke,
New Jersey, Jamaica, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts Bay,
Bermuda, and the Leeward Islands. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 113–115.] |
Nov. 8.
Virga. Williamsburg. |
584. Mr. Jenings to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Recommended by the Board for suitable reward for his
services, petitioner was granted by the Council, April 20, 1706,
priority to enter for a tract of land in King William's County,
the granting of a patent being deferred till the lands in that
county should be laid open. June 20, 1706, the Governor and
Council allowed him to make entry for 4,000 acres of land in
that County for his services as Secretary, in issuing commissions, etc., the Assembly having twice voted that he ought to
be paid out of H.M. Revenue. Prays that a patent may issue,
in spite of the recent stop put to patenting lands. Signed,
E. Jenings. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Corbett) Read March 25,
1707. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
584. i., ii. Copies of Minutes of Council of Virginia, April 20,
June 20, 1706, referred to in preceding. 2 pp. [C.O. 5,
1315. Nos. 45, 45.i.; and (without enclosure) 5, 1362.
pp. 109, 110.] |
Nov. 8.
Virga. Williamsburgh. |
585. Mr. Jenings to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
My last was of Oct. 14, by a ship bound for Bristol, since which
all the Council except Coll. Custis detained by sickness attended
and passed the business of the Genll. Court, and in a joynt letter
now sent by Mr. Wm. Robinson, have acquainted your Lordships
with what has lately occurred, and particularly from South
Carolina, which account if not sooner with your Lordships may
not be ungrateful, tho' the measures taken by that Proprietor
Governmt. for the disposal of the prisoners is not pleaseing here;
nor the late pretentions made by ye Governmt. of North Carolina
to land as wee presume within this Governmt.; and likewise
of the Proprietors of the Northern Neck to a neck of land between
the South and North sides of Rappahanock River. If these
pretended bounds are found or allowed to bee the Proprietors
on each side cutts off many thousands of acres ever reputed
to belong to Virga., the Bounds between Virga. and Carolina
being never run, and ye Blackwater land restrained by this
Governmt., has incouraged the inhabitants to take up and patent
land under the shelter of the Proprietors' Grant. The Council's
Proceedings your Lordships will receive, and we hope to have
your perticular commands therein. Coll. John Smith in obedience
to H.M. commands took the oaths and reinstated in his place
of Counsellor, etc. The Country is very easy and dayly appearance of good and resolved inclinations to forgett all misunderstands, wch. on all occasions I do indeavour to promote, etc.
P.S.—Mr. Robinson having a better state of health of late, has
delayed his voyage for some time. Signed, E. Jenings. Endorsed,
Recd. Jan. 20, Read Feb. 7, 1706/7. Holograph. 2¼ pp. [C.O.
5, 1315. No. 40; and 5, 1362. pp. 97–99.] |
Nov. 8.
Whitehall. |
586. Mr. St. John to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
H.M. having ordered Col. Lillington's Regiment to be sent from
Ireland to the Leeward Islands, to relieve the detachment of
Col. Whetham's Regiment remaining in those parts, and it having
been represented to the Prince as well by the officers who have
been there as by those now going, that the Act of Assembly for
quartering of the officers and soldiers in those parts has not been
made for any time heretofore for a longer term than three months,
whereby great inconveniency has arisen, the soldiers having been
upon such expiration put out of quarters till a new Act has been
obtained, H.R.H. has therefore directed me to lay this matter
before your Lordships in order to your taking such measures
therein as shall appear to you to be for the advantage of H.M.
service and the relief of the officers and soldiers employed in
those Islands. Signed, H. St. John. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Nov. 12, 1706. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 6. No. 64; and 153, 9.
pp. 406, 407.] |
Nov. 11.
Whitehall. |
587. Mr. Secretary Hedges to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses H.M. circular letters [Nov. 8], to be
forwarded to the Governours of Her Plantations in America.
Signed, C. Hedges. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 12, 1706. 1 p.
[C.O. 28, 9. No. 72; and 29, 10. p. 196; and 324, 30. p. 115.] |
Nov. 11.
Falkland, Plymouth Sound. |
588. Capt. Underdown to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following. In answer to yours of April 5, 1706,
soon after my arrival at St. Johns, I ordered those from whom
there was any fish due to pay it unto Mr. Jackson's order, which
they all refused to do and gave me their reasons (below). Signed,
Jno. Underdown. Endorsed, Recd. 16th, Read 25th Nov., 1706.
Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
588. i. Reply to Heads of Enquiry relating to the Trade and
Fishery of Newfoundland. [See March 19.] (1) These
heads coming to my hands but at Plymouth, just before
we sayled, and not knowing shou'd be Commodore,
cou'd not provide Acts of Parliament to be distributed
among the inhabitants. (2) Though my time was short,
used all the dilligence to make what possible enquiries
cou'd, which are hereafter mentioned. (3) According
to the account I have had from the several harbours etc.,
there do remain in the winter 181 planters, 1,180 men
servants, 215 women and 421 children, which is not
above ⅓ of what have formerly inhabited there; their
trade and manner of living is wholly by fishing, having
no husbandry nor tillage nor any cattle but what are
brought thither from New England every year; they
catch their fish with lines and hooks in shallops for
the most part, being 3 men to a boat, but som have
lesser boats; their employment in the summer is wholly
about their fish, and in winter in fetching of wood and
building their boats against the spring. (4) It is yearly
practised both by the fishing ships and inhabitants
to rind the trees for covering of their stages, cook rooms
and dwelling houses, but something more than the
Act of Parliament allows of. (5) A great many stages
and rooms in St. Johns belonging to fishing ships are
now engrossed and in the hands of private persons;
I made what progress I could in discovering the same
whilst there, but several of the antient Masters of ships
who were well acquainted with the said harbour being
absent, I could not trace out the truth thereof, for they
are every day selling the sd. stages and rooms from
one to another, and so seem to produce a good title,
having purchased the same tho of those who had no
right to sell, and this abuse requires an early and strickt
inquiry into. (6) I have not heard any complaint
of this kind from any, further than what is said in
preceding. (7) The fishing-ships etc. do carry their
due proportion of Fresh men or Green men, and what
men the inhabitants keep are all of them generrally
such, but few produce certificates of their having such
Fresh or Green men. (8) I do not find any misdemeaner of this kind has been comitted this year.
(9) I do not find that anything has been done in this
particular, contrary to the direction of the Act. (10) I
do not find that the ships frequenting Newfoundland
do, dureing their stay there, or at their departure,
commit any spoil upon the stages, cook rooms etc.,
but that the inhabitants are guilty of the breach of
this head in a very high degree, pulling downe and
destroying all or most of the stages, flakes etc. in the
winter for firewood, so that in the spring their is left
standing (as I am informed by all the Masters of ships
there) hardly one whole stage etc., as it was particularly
this spring, and the fishing-ships being oblidged to
rebuild such stages, flakes etc., much to their hindrance
and loss of time, and is one of the greatest abuses,
annoyance and detriment to the fishery, and from
wch. there is no power there to restrain the inhabitants
in the winter. (11) I find no abuse nor any complaint
relating to this head. (12) The Admirals, Vice Admirals
etc. of harbours are very deficient in putting in execution
the rules and orders of the Act, and few or none of
them keep any journal or account of the number of
ships, boats, etc., except when cal'd upon to give in
the said accounts to the Comadore for the time being.
(13) The Admirals of the harbours do determine such
differences as are brought before them, and the parties
when agrieved by their determination do appeal to
the Commanders of H.M. ships of warr, for a final
determination, and both sides submit thereunto; but
I do find that the Admirals (being tradeing men) are
very partial in the complaints coming before them
where their interrist is any where concerned, and the
partys agreived by their determination do suffer much
for want of timely redress in appealing to the Commanders
of H.M. ships of warr, they comeing late into the
countrey. (14) I do not find that any abuse of this
kind has been committed this year, except in the
Harbour of St. Johns, where one John Templeman,
Commander of the Dolphin of Bristol, and Admiral
of the said harbour this year, did in July throw into
the said harbour a great deale of ballast, and that a
great many ships afterwards did the like. Affidavits
by Capt. Peardon and Capt. Arthur Holdsworth, that
there has been more ballast thrown into the said harbour
this year than in any year since they have known it.
I could not make any further enquirey into it,
Templeman being sail'd before I got into the countrey.
(15) The Lord's Day is observ'd, as to their forbearing
to fish, but the fishermen and seamen do particularly
upon this day haunt the Publick Houses which were
always open to them, which though my stay was short,
I in some measure put a stop to. (16) None that I
can hear of. (17 and 18) I do not find that there is
any abuse of this kind, the interrest as well of the
inhabitants as the boat-keepers and fishing ships
oblidging them to the well cureing and ordering their
fish for the better saile thereof. (19) No breach nor
complaints of this that I find. (20) The produce of
the country is inconsiderable, and the late and frequent
incursions of the French have almost ruined the furr
trade, the little of that kind now remaining being carried
on by the people of Bonavist, who go 40 leagues and
upwards to the Northward upon the furring designe.
(21) The inhabitants have their provisions and cloathing from Old England, Ireland and New England, their
provisions mostly from New England, their salt from
Portugal, nets and other fishing tackle from Old England
and Ireland. (22) I do not find that any wine and
brandy is brought thither from New England, but
vast quantities of rum, with which the fishermen do
debauch themselves, they buying it of their masters
the planters at excessive rates, especially in the winter,
in so much that servants who have 20l. or 24l. a year
do commonly run out the same in liquors, so that at the
year's end, they shall not only have no wages due, but
be indebted to their masters, and forced to hire themselves again. (23) None that I can find, besides what
comes from Portugal, all ships coming from thence
bringing thither generally wine, brandy, oyl, linnen,
cloath and salt, in great quantitys. There was one
Spanish ship there this year with the Queen's pass,
the Master's name is Juan Baptista de Scarra, the ship's
name Marianna of Bilboa, and came laden with wine, salt,
brandy and iron, and returned laden with fish for the
said place. (24) Part of the said wines is dispos'd
and sold to the fishermen, seamen and inhabitants
there, and a great part carryed to New England, and
I do find it a general complaint amongst the fishers
that such great quantities of salt are yearly carry'd
thence to New England that, should not an early supply
of salt come in the spring, t'would be of very ill
consequence to the fishery. (25) There is rum,
molosses and tobacco brought their from the West
Indies and New England in great quantitys, but I
do not find that any other commodities are brought
there from the Plantations, nor transported thence to
Foreign parts, but I am of opinion that the quantity
of tobacco imported there is too great for the expence
of the countrey. (26) The number of boats employed
by them is 232, and the men employed about the boats
and cureing the fish is 1,180, besides the planters, as
aforesaid; they have taken this year 72,920 quintals
of dry fish, the charge of catching and cureing the same
is much alike both to the inhabitants and those coming
from England, and their rates the same. (27) The
number of fishing ships in the country this year is 46,
their boats employed by them 136, their burthen from
60 to 300 tunns, and mann'd from 12 to 30 hands, there
has been caught by them this year 33,350 quintals
of dry fish; their manner of catching is the same as
with the inhabitants, the charge of catching and cureing
of their fish is as followeth; the charge of one boat
with masts, sails and fishing tackle, 6 men's wages
and victuals, and all other charges (salt excepted) is
176l.; one hhd. of salt will cure 10 quintals of fish,
the price of the salt is from one quintall to two a hhd.
(28) Fish has been this year generally sold at 15s. per
quintall, and oyle at 14l. per tun, and the fish is carryed
to Leghorn, Portugal, and all parts of Spain we have
commerce with, and the refuse fish which is always
sold at half price to the West Indias, and some
merchantable and refuse to New England, and the oyle
for England. (29) 25 saile have taken sailing orders
and are bound for Spain and Portugal and 12 ships
that have saild without convoy, some of them for
Leghorn. (30) I do not find that any men are
encourag'd to stay behind by the Masters of ships,
but some do of their owne accord leave there ships
and stay there yearly, and particularly last year 30;
the inhabitants giving them great incouragement to
stay, and this year the Masters of ships made great
complaint to me of the want of men. (31) I do not
find that the inhabitants of New England do now fish
upon the Newfoundland coast. As to the Fishery
on their own coast, I can get no true accot. of it. (32) The
French about Placentia have great plenty of furrs,
but are not so industrious in catching them, the
management of their fishery at Placentia and neighbouring harbours of St. Mary's, St. Peter's etc. is carryed
on by fishing ships, sack-ships, by-boats and planters,
as ours is, the number of the ships at Placentia when
I came from Newfoundland was betwixt 40 and 50,
36 of which were fishing-ships and had for convoy a
man of warr of 36 guns, the manner of their fishing
is much the same as ours, only they bring their fishing
boats with them from France, haveing each boat in
three parts, for the more convenient stowing them,
but to the Norward of Bonavist they have severall
good harbours, where a great many ships from 14 to 46
guns and generally from 60 to 150 men, catch and cure
their owne fish, no planters resideing there in the winter,
the number of ships thereabouts 30. This account
I had from a Master taken by the French to the Norward,
and who made his escape from them this summer.
(33) The number of inhabitants at Great and Little
Placentia resideing last winter was not fully 300, and
as for the other places thereabouts I could get no information, they follow no manner of husbandry nor
planting, but their whole dependance is upon what
is brought from Europe. (34) They are of no other
use (that I can find) than the catching of fish early
in the year, and the inhabitants in the winter for want
of other employ do busy themselves in molesting the
English inhabitants, but now seem to be weary of it,
having met with severall repulses last winter. (35) I
cannot get any true account of the quantity of Fish
taken by them, nor at what price they sell, but am
credibly informed that their charge in catching and
cureing of fish is less than ours, the men's wages being
less and their living harder than the English. (36) They
come earlier to the Fishery than the English, and depart
sooner, and consequently get sooner to their markets,
France, Spain, Leghorn. (37) The French fishing
trade doth to all appearance yearly encrease, but in
what proportion I cannot give account, nor the cause
thereof other than the decrease of the English trade.
(38) I do not find that they have any places of strength
except at Placentia, where they have two Forts, one
at the entrance of the harbour close by the water, of
36 guns, another on the top of the hill, of 15 guns, 7 of
which were mounted this summer. They have there
3 Companys of foot-soldiers, of 50 in a Company, they
have there ammunition and victuals yearly in store
ships from France, their victuals some times from
Canada. (39) By reducing of Placentia. (40) None
that I can hear of. (41) A great number of French
ships yearly fish upon the Banks, man'd from 18 to 30
men, but of small force. (42) No other besides French
and a few Biscaigners. Signed, Jon. Underdown.
Endorsed as preceding. 37½ pp. |
|
588. ii. Answer to the additional Instructions. The
inhabitants in general rind the trees as far Norward
as Carbinere, and Southward as far as Ferryland, for
the use of their stages, store-houses, cook-rooms etc.,
and I conceive the chiefe reason thereof is their not
having timber large enough to make boards of. The
Admirals and Masters of ships have been guilty of the
breach of the Act in severall particulars, as in preceding.
The vessels from New England do early in the spring and
at other times, supply the inhabitants with pork, bread,
flower (live sheep, cows, etc. which they have from no
other place, and is of great service to them). The
New England traders comeing and going all ye season,
and I am inform'd they used to carry men away with
them, and some of them remain in the countrey after
the convoy sayled, though there was none this year,
and as for their carrying men out of the country that came
not with them, I gave the Mas[ters] of ye vessells their
oaths, and took bond that they [did not], which I
conceive put a stop to that abuse this year. The
Masters of ships do generally leave men behind as some
have done this year, [but] 'tis of the men's own free
will, out of lucre of the large wages given them by
the Inhabitants. Europian commodities are very
frequently brought from Portugall, as salt, wine, oyle,
brandy (and linnen cloath) in great quantitys, but I
could not learn (my time being short) that they were
truckt away to the New England traders for sugar,
tobacco, or any other enumerated commodities, though
have been informed that such abuses have been formerly
commited. And as to the illegiall proceedings in the
trade to Newfoundland I took due care to inspect into.
But there being no clause in the Act to redress those
abuses of the trade from Portugall, Spain, etc., I humbly
conceive that an officers to reside their impowr'd
to inspect into those abuses (and likewise to keep a
register of all stages, cook-room, warehouses, etc.)
would be a means to prevent that and others. Signed
and endorsed as preceding. 1½ pp. |
|
588. iii. Account of the inhabitants, boats and fishery of
Newfoundland, 1706. Abstract of preceding, with
details of each place. Inhabitants, total:—181. Men
servants 1,180, women 215, children 421. Signed
and endorsed as preceding. 1 p. |
|
588. iv. Affidavit of John Davis, Commander of the Henry
of Exon., that Dr. Jackson, minister at St. Johns, drank
to the confusion and damnation of Capt. Michael
Richards, and became intoxicated, etc. 1 p. |
|
588. v. Inhabitants of St. Johns to Commodore Underdown.
Their reasons for not paying Mr. Jackson his allowance of
fish. Give instances of his coarse and cruel behaviour.
He has always sowed discord amongst the inhabitants
and goaded the soldiers to mutiny etc. Signed, Richard
Colsworthy, John Collin, Thomas Gruchy, Jno. Cock
(mark), Tho. Hawkins, Christopher Archer, William
Robarts, Guilbard Jan. (mark). Endorsed, Recd. 16th,
Read 25th Nov., 1706. Addressed. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 3.
Nos. 169, 169.i.–v.; and (without enclosures) 195, 4.
pp. 296–328.] |
| [Nov. 11.] |
589. Address of the Council and Assembly of Barbados
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. As wee are sensible
of the great trust reposed in your Lordships by H.M. Commission
as Guardians of the Trade and Plantations of England, so wee
in particular express our acknowledgement of your Lordships'
great care in interposeing your Counsel to H.M. on many late
occasions for the peace and good Government of this place, and
being acquainted by our Agents (who we hope will be always
admitted to your Lordships) that your Lordships have shewn
great inclinations to promote anything that might be proposed
for the good Government of H.M. subjects here and encouragement of the Trade of this place, wee do therefore acquaint your
Lordships that H.E. Sir B. Granville, has at our request promised
upon his arrivall in England to make propper applications for
severall indispensibly necessary expedients to be laid before
H.M., the Parliament and your Lordships for the wellfare and
preservation of this place, as, the 4½ p.c. and regular troops
[see Nov. 19]. And likewise for the continueing of 3 shipps
to guard our coasts, and two convoys a year for our trade, and
then for easing the duty upon white sugars. And H.E. being
fully apprized of all these matters, and also of the miserable
and low condition of the inhabitants, and of the necessity of
speedy care to prevent their utter destruction, we hope your
Lordships will give a chearfull assistance in representing to H.M.
or the Parliament as ye case may require ye reasonableness
and necessity of granting our Petitions. Signed, Wm. Sharpe,
Saml. Cox. Wm. Cleland, John Milles, James Colleton, Middleton
Chamberlen, Alexander Walker. Tho. Alleyne, Speaker, John
Holder, George Peerse, Thomas Sandiford, Paul Lyte, Reynd.
Alleyne, Benja. Bullard, Sim. Lambert, Elisha Holder, Tho.
Prideaux, Richd. Sandiford, Robert Waite. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Nov. 11, 1706. 1 large p. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 70; and
29, 10. pp. 185–188.] |
Nov. 12.
Whitehall. |
590. Council of Trade and Plantations to the President
and Council of Barbados. Enclose H.M. repeal of the Act to
supply the want of cash, etc. It will be your duty to take care
that it be immediatly published and made known to all whom
it may concern. And the same being accompanied by H.M.
letter [Nov. 8], it is withall incumbent upon you to do all that
in you lyes that H.M. Royall intentions therein meet with a
dutyfull compliance, and we expect an accot. thereof from you
by the first oppertunity. [C.O. 29, 10. pp. 197, 198.] |
Nov. 12.
Whitehall. |
591. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Parke. I have
received your letters of Aug. 28 and 29; the Addresse which
was enclosed in the latter has been presented to H.M., who was
pleased to receive it very graciously. You have already heard
how H.M. has taken care to supply most of your wants by ordering ordnance stores from the Tower, and 300 men to be sent
to you with all possible diligence, and that, in the meantime,
Sir John Jennings, who is to touch at your Islands with a
squadron, has directions to leave with you all things that you
have necessity for, and he can spare from the ships, and finding
now by your letter and the representation of some merchants
here, that you were in great want of small arms, she has ordered
500 to be sent to Nevis and St. Christophers, and care will be
taken that they shall be as good as can be had. As to your
design on Martinico, it is thought impracticable in the manner
and time you mention, if it were possible at this juncture to find
the troops and ships requisite for such an undertaking, but H.M.
would not have you discouraged, and hopes she shall find an
opportunity to retaliate on the French Islands the violences
the enemy have committed at Nevis and St. Christophers, and
I wish you may have the honor of having a good share in such
an expedition, but as to your project upon Porto Rico there are
many reasons against giving any sort of attention to it, and
I need not enter into them, but rather remind you of what you
have in direction already for using your utmost endeavours
to perswade and encourage the People under your care to resettle,
and never to give them the least hopes of any assistance in
removing themselves and their effects to any other place, your
Island being the key to all the rest of H.M. Plantations, as you
are sensible of, and have truely hinted in your letter the great
importance and usefulness they are of to H.M., you have no
reason to believe but H.M. will support their re-establishment,
and you need not be in pain about making good the contract
with Monsr. Iberville for Negroes which you take notice of. I
have already acquainted you that H.M. is taking measures to
free and indemnify her people from so unreasonable a capitulation, which was extorted by him contrary to the Laws of War
and consented to by force by a few Persons who had no right
to make it, and after all the articles of it were barbarously
violated by Iberville himself. It has been formerly reported
that severall of the inhabitants, and particularly the officers
have pretended to claim the goods and utensils of others by
vertue of a grant from Iberville. You are to make strict enquiry
of all such gross abuses and unwarrantable practises, and by
your own authority cause restitution to be made to the proper
owners by such pretenders, if you found any such that could
be guilty of so much villany, and you are to give a particular
account of all such persons that they may be further dealt with
according to their demerits, and punish't with such marks of
H.M. displeasure as she shall think proper in such case. H.M.
has received one complaint of this kind which I send you, that
you may examine into it, and certify how you find it, and if it
be true that is in the meantime you give to the complainant all
the relief that is in your power. As to your own particular
affairs, I shall be glad of any opportunity to serve you in them,
and will acquaint the Duke of Marlborough with your request
as soon as he returns, which is every day expected. Mr. Finch
who was Secretary of the Leeward Islands being dead, H.M.
has been pleased, upon my nomination, to bestow that employment upon a person who not being able to go over at present,
and this being so lately done that there is not time to appoint
a Deputy, I must desire you to direct the person or persons who
acted in that capacity for Mr. Finch to continue to do so, keeping
an account of the business til further order; if they discharge
their trust to satisfaction, they may be continued, and will be
no losers by Mr. Finch's death. My last gave you an account
of the great victory obtained by the Duke of Savoy and Prince
Eugene over the French army in Italy commanded by the Duke
of Orleans. You will see in the newspapers sent you from the
office the improvements that have been made of this advantage
in the reducing of the City and Dutchy of Milan; the few places
which are yet in the enemy's hands being given for lost by the
French themselves, who have found it impossible to putt their
army into a condition to return into Piemont. The glorious
campain in the Netherlands concluded with the taking of Aeth,
and his Grace the Duke of Marlborough is now daily expected
home, having concerted matters at the Hague in order to the
carrying on of the war next year more vigorously, if possible,
than has yet been done. The latter end of the campain in
Spain has not been so successfull as the beginning, but a fleet
and a considerable body of troops being now sent thither, such
measures are taken as will retrieve all; of which I hope to send
you an account in my next. Signed, C. Hedges. P.S.—You
will receive by this post a letter from H.M. against your passing
any Laws of an extraordinary nature without her approbation
being first had. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 117–120.] |
Nov. 12.
Whitehall. |
592. Mr. Secretary Hedges to Governor Handasyd. I have
received the favour of yours of Sept. 13 with the papers enclosed.
Care is taken to send some of H.M. ships to meet the
fleet coming home, and I am glad to find the trade with the
Spanish Plantations increased, and that the merchant men from
your parts bring so good a return. We have an account from
Lisbon of Sir John Jenning's being sailed thence with a squadron
of H.M. ships bound for the West Indies, who will probably be
with you before these letters come to hand. I am sorry I can't
tell you that the latter end of the campain in Spain has been so
successfull as the beginning; but there is a very good fleet and
a strong body of land forces sent to Spain, and such measures
are taken as I hope will soon retrieve all. My last gave you an
account etc., as in preceding. Signed, C. Hedges. P.S.—As
preceding. |
|
The like circular of news as to Collonel Parke, together with
the postscript was sent to the Governors of New York, New
England, Maryland, Virginia, Barbadoes. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 120,
121.] |
Nov. 12.
Whitehal. |
593. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor
Handasyd. We have received your letter of Sept. 16, and are
well satisfied to find you have put the Island in such a good
posture that you are not in any present apprehension of the
enemy. And whereas you have recommended to us that the
Regiment be recruited with 150 men more which are wanted,
we have laid the same before H.M. We are glad to understand
the Assembly are like to proceed well, and do not doubt of your
contributing thereunto in the best manner. As to the woollen
manufactures, which you say are much wanted in those parts,
the merchants have been apprised thereof, and we do not doubt
but a further provision will be sent. P.S.—We enclose H.M.
letter relating to the passing of laws of an extraordinary nature etc.
[Nov. 8]. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 37, 38.] |
Nov. 12.
Whitehall. |
594. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Parke.
Acknowledge letter of Aug. 28. We do approve your diligence
in the drawing out the troops, and in your watchfulness against
the Enemy. We have laid the several particulars desired in
your letter before H.M., and are expecting her Royal Pleasure
therein; In the meantime we do not doubt of your care in the
preservation of H.M. Islands under your Government. Same
postscript as preceding. [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 407, 408.] |
Nov. 12.
Whitehall. |
595. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Parke.
Enclose copy of Mr. St. John's letter, Nov. 8. We judge it highly
for H.M. service that you use your utmost endeavour at the
first meeting of the respective Assemblies to procure the
prolonging of such term during the continuance of H.M. Forces
in the Leeward Islands, not doubting of your due care in the
matter, which is absolutely necessary for the safety of those H.M.
Islands under your Government. [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 409, 410.] |
Nov. 13.
Whitehall. |
596. Council of Trade and Plantations to Henry St. John.
Communicate contents of preceding. [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 410,
411.] |
Nov. 13.
Whitehall. |
597. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Enclose Governor Handasyd's request for recruits
and for a squadron to meet the Jamaica fleet; also Governor
Parke's request for 50 great guns and stores, and muskets: the
number tho not named by him we judge by the best information
we can get may be 500. As to the rest we cannot but take notice
the stile of the letter is very extraordinary. Autograph
signatures. Endorsed, R. 13. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
597. i. Extract of letter from Governor Handasyd, Sept. 16.
1 p. |
|
597. ii. Copy of Governor Parke's letter, Aug. 28. 4¾ pp.
[C.O. 137, 45. Nos. 85, 85.i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 138, 12. pp. 39, 40.] |
Nov. 14.
St. James's. |
598. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to
the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
John Povey. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
598. i. Petitions of Merchants and Planters, belonging and
trading to Barbados, to the Queen. A Bill being past
the Councill for altering an antient Law appointing
a free annual election of a Generall Assembly, and
for continuing the present Assembly for 2 years longer,
and the same being sent down to the Assembly for their
concurrence, great numbers of your Majestie's most loyal
and faithfull subjects did in humble manner exhibit their
Petition to H.E. Sir B. Granville, praying that he would
not give his assent to the passing any new Law that
might repeal or dispence with the said antient Law,
and at the same time did exhibit several other Petitions
to the Assembly, praying that they would not pass
any Bill to that purpose. Notwithstanding which,
the said Bill was passed into a Law by the Government
there, the same day the said Petitions were presented
to them, as by several Petitions from under the hands
of many hundreds of the most considerable Freeholders
and Merchants residing there, herewith humbly
presented, may more fully appear. By the passing
of which Law, your Majesty's dutyfull and loyal subjects
belonging and trading to the said Island, are extremely
discourag'd, and laid under such ffears and apprehensions,
that Petitioners have great reason to believe the said
Island will in a short time be dispeopled, and the trade
thereof utterly ruin'd, unless reliev'd by your Majesty.
80 signatures. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 18, 1706.
Copy. 1 large p. [C.O. 28, 9. Nos. 74, 74.i.; and
29, 10. pp. 201–206.] |
Nov. 14.
St. James's. |
599. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to
the Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, John Povey.
1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
599. i.–v. Copies of 5 petitions from Barbados merchants,
planters and freeholders to the Queen, similar to preceding. 95, 272, 265, 170 and 73 signatures. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Nov. 18, 1706. 7 pp: [C.O. 28, 9. Nos.
75, 75.i.–v.; and (without enclosures) 29, 10. pp. 208,
209.] |
Nov. 14.
St. James's. |
600. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to
the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 18, 1706. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
600. i. Tho. Hodges, barrister, of Barbados, to the Queen.
Governor Sir B. Granville conceived some displeasure
against him for acting as Counsel for several of H.M.
distressed subjects, who were greatly oppressed by
prosecutions commenced against them. The Governor
and Council, Aug. 6, upon a mere allegation of Susannah
Sadleir, without any proof or notice given to petitioner,
forbade him to practice the Law until he had cleared
himself of the said allegation. In response to his
petitions for copies of proofs in writing and to be heard
in his defence, he was censured and suspended. Prays
that the said order of suspension be discharged. Signed,
Tho. Hodges. Copy. 3 pp. |
|
600. ii. Minute of Council of Barbados, Aug. 6, referred to
in preceding. 1 p. |
|
600. iii. Thomas Hodges to Governor Sir B. Granville.
Petition referred to in preceding. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
600. iv. Merchants and Planters of Barbados to Governor
Sir B. Granville, Aug. 10, 1706. Pray for the withdrawal of Mr. Hodges' suspension until proof be given
of his misbehaviour, he being their Counsel. 45 signatures. On receipt of above H.E. said he would consider
of it, pointed to the door, and turned his back on us.
Signed, Rich. Husbands, Michll. Cove. 3 pp. |
|
600. v. Copy of Thomas Hodges' complaint against Susana
Sadleir, Aug. 10, 1704. 1 p. |
|
600. vi. Copy of T. Hodges' petition to Governor Sir B.
Granville, Aug. 13, 1706, referred to in preceding. 1 p. |
|
600. vii. Copy of Minute of Council of Barbados, dismissing
above petition as "insolent, false and scandalous,"
and suspending Hodges from practising the Law,
Aug. 13, 1706. ¾ p. [C.O. 28, 9. Nos. 76, 76.i.-vii.;
and (without enclosures) 29, 10. pp. 210, 211.] |
Nov. 14.
St. James's. |
601. Order of Queen in Council. Repealing Act of Jamaica,
Oct., 1705, to provide an additional subsistance for H.M. officers
and soldiers. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Dec. 6, 1706. 2 pp. [C.O. 137, 7. No. 33; and 138, 12.
pp. 40–42.] |
Nov. 14.
Whitehall. |
602. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Savage. Desires a return of
imports of naval stores and whale oil etc. from the Plantations,
1706. [C.O. 324, 9. p. 129.] |
Nov. 15.
Whitehall. |
603. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Hedges. Having under our consideration the present state
of Barbadoes, and particularly the reform of the Councill there,
which we find to be a matter of great difficulty and importance,
we think it very much for H.M. service that the Lords and other
great Officers nominated in our Commission would give us leave
to attend them etc. Autograph signatures. Endorsed, R. Nov. 15.
1 p. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 54; and 29, 10. p. 200.] |
Nov. 15.
Kensington. |
604. The Queen to Charles Hedges, Secretary of the Leeward
Islands. Leave of absence granted, the office to be performed
by a Deputy. Countersigned, C. Hedges. Whitehall, Feb. 8,
1706/7. Directed to Governor Parke. [C.O. 324, 30. pp. 122,
123.] |
