|
| Jan.–Feb. |
690. Permits to 26 ships bound for Virginia, Maryland and
the West Indies not to be embargoed there. [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 5–11.] |
Jan. 1.
Boston. |
691. Governor Dudley to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The Act of Parliament for the incouragement of Naval
Stores from these Provinces, is what I earnestly laboured for
these 20 years last past, both for the benefit of the Crown, as well as
keeping up the consumption of the woolen manufactory of
England in the Plantations, and I am now in earnest every where
to raise a just reputation of H.M. premium granted to the
importers, and have prevailed so farr that in ye last Fleet, there
came more tarr and turpentine than in some whole years before;
and the Assembly have come into an Act for the just care and
survey of what is sent home; and I am in great hopes if these
returns are well accepted, it will be the staple of this countrey
and they will be further perswaded to go upon the raising of
hemp for which we have lands eno' proper, but it is altogether
new and will demand some time to bring the countreymen into
the proper method of it. Your Lordships have very much
forwarded the matter in sending so good and industrious an officer
as Mr. Bridger etc. Supports his Memorial Jan. 5. |
|
In the affairs of the masts I have allways kept good guards
over the axes and trains in the woods at all times at the
Undertakers' request, as well as I shall take the care of
Mr. Bridger in his travel that he fall not into the enemies'
hands, which is an addition to the charge of these Provinces
in the present warr, and would be greivous if it were taken
notice of, which as carefully as I can I labour to prevent,
lest H.M. service should fail therein. I have at this time about
300 men upon snow shoes looking out for new quarters of the
Indians half way between this and Quebeck, having all this
warr kept them from their planting ground, and the people are
so sensible of the benefit they have by these hard marches,
wherein no souldier has more subsistance for 25 days than he
carrys out on his back besides his arms, that they are very patient
of the service. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 24th,
Read 28th July, 1707. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 864. No. 187; and
5, 912. pp. 376–378.] |
Jan. 1.
Barbados. |
692. Capt. Lilly to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I furnished Sir B. Granville with plans and projects relating to
the fortification of Barbados, which have cost me a great deal
of labour. I desire you will cause them to be called out of his
executor's hands, etc. Refers to his letter to the Board of Ordnance
Aug. 15, 1706, for an account of what has been done and what
he thinks necessary for the security of the Island, etc. Signed,
Chr. Lilly. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 17th March, 1706/7. Sealed.
Postmark. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 95.] |
Jan. 1.
New Year's Day, at Noon. |
693. Mr. Delafaye to Mr. Popple. Here are some alterations
to be made to ye Instructions for Mr. Crowe, wch. will occasion
ye writing over 2 half sheets anew; My Lord Sunderland desires
you would employ in it yé Clerk in your Office that writ ye
Instructions, that ye whole thus amended may be in ye same
hand; and his Lordship desires to have it to-night, etc. Signed,
C. Delafaye. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 2, 1706/7. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
693. i. Names of the Councillors of Barbados to be inserted
in Governor Crowe's Instructions:—George Lillington,
Wm. Sharp(e), Richard Scott, Patrick Mein, Thomas
Merrick, Samuel Cox, William Clealand, John Mills,
James Colliton, Alexander Walker, Midleton
Chamberlain, Thomas Alleyn. ½ p. |
|
693. ii. Additional Instruction. Paragraphs to be added
to Governor Crowe's Instructions:—(a) And whereas
we have receiv'd from divers of our subjects, who
have estates in the said Island, complaints against
several of the Members of the said Council for
misbehaviour in that station, you shall immediately
upon yr. arrivall in the sd. Island, carefully and
impartially examine into the grounds of these complaints, and if you find that the said members have
given just occasion to such complaints, you shall remove
such members from the said Council, and put such
others into their room as are not liable to the like
exceptions, and are more proper for the promoting
of our service and ye good of the Island. (b) At the
end of the clause relating to St. Vincents.—You are
also to give the like encouragement to the natives of
any of our Colonies under your Government, or the
countrys thereunto adjoining to quit the enemy's
protection and put themselves under ours, and to make
it known as far as you can to all those people that are
not yet under our Government, that upon application
made to the Governours of such our Plantations as
lie nearest to them, they shall be receiv'd into our
protection and enjoy all Freedom and security under
our Government. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 28, 9. Nos. 84,
84.i., ii.; and 29, 10. pp. 372–374.] |
Jan. 2.
St. James's. |
694. Order of Queen in Council. Approving draft of
Instructions for Governor Crowe. Signed, Edward Southwell.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 20, 1706/7. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 87;
and 29, 10. pp. 387, 388.] |
Jan. 2.
St. James's. |
695. Order of Queen in Council. Upon petition of Thomas
Hodges, the order of the Governor and Council of Barbadoes
suspending him from practicing the Law there, is annulled.
Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 88;
and 29, 10. pp. 388, 389.] |
Jan. 2.
St. James's. |
696. Order of Queen in Council. Repealing Act of Barbados for
the continuance of the Assembly. Signed and endorsed as preceding.
1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 89; and 29, 10. pp. 390, 391.] |
| Jan. 2. |
697. Col. Sharpe to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
By the severall papers herewith transmitted under the Seal of
this Island, your Lordships will have all the Proceedings of this
Government since the late Governor's departure. As the late
heats and animosities had miserably divided and distracted
this Island, I have and still do find it a matter of great difficulty
to heal those breaches: and the more by reason that some
Members of the Councill (whose names are mentioned in the
depositions and papers hereunto annexed), have been so far
from concurring in such measures that they have generally
absented themselves from the Councill Board ever since the
Governour's departure, tho' always summoned; so that I have
been very seldom able to hold a Councill, tho' they have passed
by the Councill-House when I have waited for them; and yet
they have made a Protest against the Proceedings of this Government, which Protest and an Answer to it is herewith sent. The
said absenting Councillors did neither discover any dissatisfaction
or absent themselves from the Councill untill I had expressed
my desire, that the greivances of the paper money might be
remedyed; since which time they have wholly changed their
conduct towards me; the benefit of the said Act to Col. Holder
being 5l. p.c. per annum out of all the said Bills. In the Minutes
of Sept. 14, 1706, which was the last sitting of the said Governor
in Councill, your Lordships have 14 Articles, containing the
powers and preheminencies which the said Governor and the
whole Councill unanimously agreed were necessary to be lodged
in the President pursuant to H.M. Commission and Instructions.
These Articles were unanimously agreed to by two successive
Councills, since the Governor's departure, and on Sept. 14 the
oath as President and Commander in Cheif of this Island was
administered to me by the Councill. I have lately had Addresses
made to me, one from the Grand Jury, the rest from about 1700
of the principal Inhabitants, praying a dissolution of the
Assembly, and a remedy against the paper money (enclosed).
I had on my first entrance on the Presidentship recommended
that matter with others to the consideration of the Assembly;
but finding that nothing to the purpose would be affected by
them, sometimes by not making a House, and sometimes by
long adjournments, and finding it to be the general desire of
the people to have a new Election of Assembly-men, I took the
opinion of Mr. Cox and Mr. Walker, Members of Councill, who
did attend with me in Councill, and they concurred with me in
opinion, that nothing could conduce more to the good and quiet
of this Island than a dissolution of the Assembly. I likewise
took the opinion of H.M. Councill learned in the Law, whether
by the late Act of this Island for a Triennial Assembly, I had
power without a full Councill to dissolve the Assembly, and
had their opinions, that by vertue of the said Act I might, which
Minutes of Councill and opinions are likewise sent; whereupon
I did accordingly issue a Proclamation to dissolve the said
Assembly, and have since issued writts to call a new one. By
the Act for Elections, all the writts are to be publish'd in one
day, but Col. Cleland, Col. Colleton and Col. Holder having
refused to publish the writts directed to them, have thereby
as far as in them lay, made a breach of that Law. The late
Court of Grand Sessions was held by Justices, who were put into
the Commission of the Peace by the late Governor. By the
Report of the Cheif Justice of the said Court, and by about
40 depositions, confirming the truth of the said Report, your
Lordships will observe with what violence a ffaction in the said
Court carryed matters, so far as to assault the Cheif Justice on
the Bench, and to have brought it almost to a general massacre
in the said Court, which at that time might have occasioned
a generall one throughout the Island. I have good reason to
beleive that the great disturbance raised in the said Court by a
party adhering to Col. Holder, was to prevent a Grant Jury
from presenting some of the greivances of the Island, and
particularly relating to the paper-money, as by the deposition
of Col. Merring sent with the rest appears. Your Lordships
will likewise thereby see who were the persons principally
concerned in it, and will be pleased in due time to give directions
concerning them. It appears by the said report and depositions
that Col. Holder affirmed it to be as criminall and a parralel
case to question whether he were a legall Member of H.M. Councill
of this Island, as to question whether H.M. were rightfull or
lawfull Queen, and repeated these and the like words with great
heat and violence severall times, and by the strength of a party
adhering to him in the Court, got it voted that Mr. Hodges, a
Barrister at Law, who in pleading for his clyent, had offer'd his
reasons to prove that Col. Holder was not a legall Member of the
Councill, was thereby guilty of a great crime, and ought to be fined,
the said Coll. dictating the question in writing, tho' he was no
Member of the said Court. Before the fine was sett, Mr. Hodges by
petition prayed my Order to stay the proceeding of the said Court
against him, till he were heard before me in Councill, offering therein
to prove that Col. Holder was not legally constituted a Member of
the Councill, which Order I granted, and that matter still remains
undetermined, but is appointed for next Councill day. On this
occasion all the other Barristers at Law delivered a representation
of the said matter to me, setting forth the wrong thereby done
to Mr. Hodges, to the profession of the Law, and to all the Queen's
subjects in depriving them of the benefit of Councill to plead
for them; and concluded with their thanks to me for the said
Order, as by the representation herewith sent appears. I have
likewise sent depositions of the said Barristers etc. by which it
appears that the said Mr. Hodges in speaking to the said matter
did behave himself with all due modesty and respect to the said
Court. John Sandford and John Dorn Esqs., two of the persons
concern'd in the said riot, and assault of the Cheif Justice, and by
the said Court committed for the same, have been since bayled by
Thomas Alleyne, one of the Judges of this Island, who was in some
measure concerned in the same riott and opposing the Cheif Justice,
etc. Refers to enclosures. I had the opinion of the Attorney Generall,
and all the other Councill in the Island, that persons committed by
a Court of Justice for a contempt to the said Court and breach
of the peace, were not bailable, but your Lordships will best
judge of this matter. I have appointed the Councill to meet on
Tuesday next, and will then communicate H.M. severall Orders
to them. On Monday following the Assembly is to be elected,
so soon as they can meet, I will also acquaint them with H.M.
Orders; and will do all that is possible for me to have them fully
obeyed; of which I have no reason to doubt, since those Orders
have been received here with the universall joy and satisfaction
of the people. I have done nothing without the advice of those
Members of H.M. Councill who would attend their duty; I
have transacted nothing but what I had the previous opinions
of all the Barristers at Law I might do. All my proceedings
have given universall joy and satisfaction to H.M. subjects (those
very few excepted whose interest was involved with the paper
creditt), and therefore I humbly presume I shall have the honour
of your Lordships' approbation. Signed, Wm. Sharpe. P.S.—I find myself so straitned in time by the Pacquet-boat, that I
cannot now finish my intended answer to the above-mentioned
protestation of Col. Cleland etc., and therefore send an answer
some time since writt by a person here, wch. contains some part
of what I have to offer in answer. I have since received a
protest from them against the dissolveing of the Assembly,
which with my answer I intend to send by the next
Pacquet. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 17th March, 1706/7.
Enclosed, |
|
697. i. Copy of Presentment of the Grand Jury of Barbados
to Samuel Cox, C.J. That the Freeschoole already
founded be finished, and care taken of encouraging
those who undertake the education of youth. (2) That
a mould and harbour for careening shipping be provided.
(3) That the streets of Bridge Town be cleaned and
paved, and some officer appointed to remove all stinking
provisions and other nuisances out of the town. (4)
That the Justices for the parish of St. Michael be
empowered to remove all tottering buildings etc.
(5) That the Vestries of the parishes be empowered
to lay any additional tax they shall think propper
for prepairing the highways. (6) That the respective
parishes that use the ways leading to the several towns
pay 1d. per acre for amending the said ways. (7) That
care be taken that H.M. ships may not carry off any
person without a legal ticket as the Law directs. (8)
That the paper bills be put on a better foot, itt being
att 40 p.c. exchange worse than silver, and att a much
higher rate in barter for all commodities, and yet in
all payments forced on the creditors att par. Signed,
Nicholas Edwards, George Keyzar, Benja. Wright,
Henry Carl, Hillary Row, George Leech, John Combes,
Alex. Paris, Hugh Howell, Saml. Maynard, Giles Hall,
Robert Arnoll, William Godman, Anthony Lane,
Thomas Terrill, Lawrence Hide. 3½ pp. Enclose
following addresses. |
|
697. ii. Address of the Grand Jury to President Wm. Sharpe.
The trade is reduced to a very low and miserable
condition, and many of the inhabitants have departed.
Many others will do the like unless the following
discouragements under which they lye may be removed.
(1) They are obliged to receive Paper Bills, which carry
no interest to the receivers, but an interest of 5 p.c.
per annum to the issuer. They are the more grievous
by reason they are to charge and affect all persons'
estates who do first borrow and take them up, so as
to take place from the day the Act was passed before
all judgements and other incumbrances since the date
of the Act, att what distance of time soever the said
bills should be after taken up. By reason of which
and because it is not publickly knowne what summes
are so borrowed and by whom, noe person can tell
whom he may safely creditt with goods or money,
nor of whom he may safely purchase any estate. Pray
the Council and Assembly to address H.M. to raise the
value of silver, so that a piece of 8 of 12 dwt. may pass
for 5s., which will bring coin to the Island. |
|
The great trust and power of makeing what paper
money he shall think fitt being lodged in one person
without controul seems to be of dangerous consequence,
and lessens the credit of the bills, many of which having
been issued without dates gives great cause to suspect
that the said trust is not managed in such manner as
the weight and consequence of it requires. Demand
a new election of Assembly. The severe duty of guarding the coast as it is now practiced lyes very heavy
on the poorer sort of inhabitants. If effectual care
were taken that persons who are impowered to issue
executions for defaults in the militia should issue them
in an equall and impartiall manner without makeing
such power subservient to their private interests and
passions, it would very much contribute to the quiet
and prosperity of this Island. If the power of receiving
in the publick taxes were equally and impartially
executed, it would very much contribute to the prosperity
of this Island, etc. After the deplorable heats and
animosities which have of late been in this unhappy
Island, nothing can so effectually restore us to our
former happy and flourishing condition as a general
reconcilement. Praise the President. Signed as
preceding. 3½ pp. |
|
697. iii. Address of Grand Jury of Barbados to the Queen.
Return thanks for protection lately given by Sir John
Jennings, Rear Admirall of the Blue Squadron. Praise
the President, Wm. Sharpe. Congratulate H.M. on
her victories. Signed as preceding. Endorsed, Recd.
14th March. 2 pp. |
|
697. iv. Representation of Wm. Cleland, James Colleton,
and John Holder, Members of Council, to Wm. Sharpe,
President. Deny the Council's power to give the
President a negative voice to laws, etc. The whole
Council have the Government and Chief Command,
and whatsoever officer they appoint in the Militia
cannot be called Commander in Chief of this Island,
but may have the chief command of the Militia under
the Council. Sir B. Granville himself could not depute
this power. When we consented to the Minutes of
Councill entered before he left, we were assured that
the President would not take upon him to exercise any
such power, and that what was then done was intended
only as a piece of respect to him, which if we did not
agree to wee were told we should all fall to pieces. But
seeing the President has executed a power beyond
even what is expressed in the aforesaid Minutes, we
think it high time to declare our dissent to his executing
any such power, and protest against any further
executeing H.M. Commission than has hitherto been
used by former Presidents, etc. Executing the laws
already made seem by the Commission to be more
our province than makeing new projects, dissolveing
the Assembly, createing a Councellour, removeing of
officers and the like. We ought to support the Paper
credit, etc., and make good laws for mending highways
and the mole, removing nuisances, laying equal taxes
and easing the poor etc. Justice should be administered
freely, and occasion not given for the suspicion that
corruption prevails etc. But as yet we have little hopes
of comeing to this good state, being surprised to find
by a paper sent to us by the President's order that
we're threatened with a suspension in case we're absent
this day, and have also been credibly informed that
last Tuesday this paper was warmly proposed in the
Councill Chamber to be published by beat of drum,
but was opposed by two members, there being in all
but four present. This we take to be extraordinary
proceedings and coram non judice, for we adhere to
this opinion, that the Government is in the Councill
and ye President hath the Chair and is an honble.
Member of the Councill, and that therefore any number
under 5, which is the majority of the members now
upon the Island, cannot make a Councill etc. and without
wch. number the President hath already refused to
act. Such proceedings against us was therefore
usurping a power unwarrantable, etc. We alwaise
have and shall be ready to attend the Councill and
discharge our duty, unless in cases of sickness, which
was the cause of our absence last Tuesday. It savours
much of pique and private designe to offer at a
suspension upon so slight an occation, especially it
being the first time that one of our members was ever
absent, etc. Dec. 3, 1706. Signed, Wm. Cleland,
James Colleton, John Holder. Copy. 9 pp. |
|
697. v. Observations on the above Representation. On
Sept. 4, 1706, Governor Sir. B. Granville in a full
Councill, and by all their consents settled the Government, before his departure, in 14 articles, which have
been twice unanimously confirmed in a full Councill
Sept. 14 and Oct. 1. On Sept. 14 the President was
sworn C. in C., since which he has several times
summoned the Council to sit, but could not proceed
on any business because a sufficient number did not
attend. The first failure was Nov. 14, and again
Nov. 26, James Colleton and John Holder refusing to
come, pretending they were ill, although they were a
great part of that day publickly about the town of
St. Michael's, and passed by the place where the
President attended for them. On 27th severall of
the Councill did again fail of their attendance, so that
no Councill could be held, and this when a pacquet
boat from England attended for dispatch. Whereupon
the President and Members attending, having credible
information that the said Members did absent themselves designedly and were resolved to continue so to
do, agreed that the Councill should be adjourned to
Dec. 3, 1706, and the absenting Members have notice,
and that unless they attended, the President and attending
Members would proceed according to H.M. Instructions
to swear so many other Members as should enable the
Government to act. This notice had so good effect
that they attended the next sitting, to the great
satisfaction of the President and other Members, who
are very sensible they are not to have recourse to
extraordinary means for the support of the Government,
but where the ordinary fail. On this occasion the
above Representation was delivered. Their contentions
are argued, and inconsistencies pointed out. Endorsed,
Recd. March 14. 6 pp. [C.O. 28, 9. Nos. 94, 94.i.-v.;
and (without enclosures) 29, 10. pp. 406–417; and (duplicates of Nos. iii., v.) 28, 43. Nos. 11, 16, 17.] |
Jan. 2.
Barbados. |
698. Col. Sharpe to Sir Charles Hedges. Duplicates of
preceding letter and Feb. 9. No. iii. [C.O. 28, 38. Nos. 59,
60, 61.] |
Jan. 2.
Barbados. |
699. Same to [? the Earl of Sunderland]. Congratulates
him upon H.M. favour, and repeats gist of preceding. Signed,
Wm. Sharpe. 3 pp. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 58.] |
Jan. 2.
Barbados. |
700. Depositions of Thomas Affleck, Wm. Grant, and Wm.
Gordon that Col. Holder was out and in good health on Nov. 26.
Copies. 2 pp. Enclosures in preceding. [C.O. 28, 43. No. 12.] |
Jan. 2.
Barbados. |
701. (a) Deposition of John Merring. John Sandford told
him that he thought it but reasonable that there should be 5 or
6 persons on the Grand Jury, such as he should approve of, to
make an equality for disputing the continuance of the Paper
Act etc. (b) Deposition of George Church that Josias
Tuckerman, Minister of St. Lucy's Parish, said the President
was a rogue and had no more power than his—, etc. Copies.
2 pp. Enclosures in preceding. [C.O. 28, 43. No. 15.] |
Jan. 2.
Barbados. |
702. Mr. Hodges to Wm. Popple. Returns thanks for the
recommendation of the Board. Encloses following, to be laid
before the Board. Signed, Tho. Hodges. Endorsed, Recd. 17th,
Read 19th, March, 1706/7. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
702. i. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. On
Dec. 13, 1706, at a Court of Grand Sessions in Barbados,
I was of Councill for one Margaret Coe, who was
indicted on the Act for a Paper Credit. I objected
to a Juror, being instructed that he was returned by
John Holder as a Member of H.M. Council. I offer'd
to give my reasons why Holder was not legally constituted a Member of Council, but he and his party on
the Bench raised so great a clamour that I was not
suffered to proceed, Holder often saying that it was
as criminall to question whether he was a legall
Councillor as to question the Queen's title to the Crowne,
and dictated to the Court a question whether I should
be fined for offering this objection in open Court, and my
behaviour thereupon. 29 voted that I should, 25 against,
of which number the Chief Justice was one. I petitioned
the President to stay proceedings until the matter
should be heard in Council, offering to prove what I
had alleged. My petition was granted, but the appeal
remains undetermined. My objection is, that when
Sir. B. Granville put Col. Holder in, there were already
eight Members of Council in the Island, etc. Signed,
Tho. Hodges. Endorsed as preceding. 2¾ pp. |
|
702. ii. Copy of proceedings of the Court referred to in preceding.
Names of the Members of the Court with their votes
as above. Endorsed as preceding. 2¾ pp. |
|
702. iii. Remonstrance of Wm. Rawlin, Attorney General,
Wm. Walker, James Cowse, John Peers and Richd.
Carter, barrister at law, to the President, in favour of
Mr. Hodges, as above. Endorsed as preceding. Copy.
2 pp. |
|
702. iv. Deposition that Hodges behaved as described above,
with all due modesty and respect etc., and said nothing
but what was lawfull and fit etc. Signed, Wm. Rawlin,
Wm. Walker, John Peers, Richard Carter. James
Cowse being ill, his affidavit was not taken. Same
endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 9. Nos. 97, 97.i.-iv.;
and (without enclosures) 29, 10. pp. 421–423; and
(duplicates of ii., iii.) 28, 43. Nos. 13, 14.] |
Jan. 3.
Whitehall. |
703. Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Amongst the papers carried yesterday to the Council
to be laid before the Queen, there was one from your Board
in behalf of Col. Lambert to be Lt. Governor of Nevis, which I
was surprized to find, having never seen it, or heard anything
of that matter from you before. I thought it had been usual
to acquaint the Secretary of State with all business that relates
immediately to his Province before it be brought to the Council;
I am sure it is so reasonable that I may very well expect it:
Therefore I must desire it may be so from you for the future.
Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 3, 1706/7. 1 p.
[C.O. 323, 6. No. 24; and 324, 9. pp. 133, 134.] |
| Jan. 3. |
704. Mr. Churchill to [? W. Popple]. Whether of course
all Governors abroad complaine of great hardsps., I know not;
but Coll. Park has wrote me a dismall acct. of the dificultys he
labours under by the poverty of the Leeward Islands, and the
excessive price of all necessarys for humaine life there etc. Prays
H.M. approval of Acts of Antego and St. Kitts granting him a
settlement amounting to 400l. per annum, etc. Signed, Wm.
Churchill. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 7, 1706/7. 1 p. [C.O.
152, 6. No. 70; and 153, 9. p. 438.] |
| Jan. 3. |
705. Heads of Complaints exhibited to this Board against
several of the Council of Barbadoes, delivered to the Earl of
Sunderland. Repeats No. 612. 1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 85;
and 29, 10. pp. 375, 376.] |
| Jan. 3. |
706. Solicitor General to W. Popple. I have carefully
perus'd the Laws of Maryland recd. from you, but very many
of them referring to Laws formerly pass'd in Maryland, I am
very unwilling to make any report upon the Laws I have now
by me till I can have the perusal of the Laws referred to. There
are many other Laws in the book, which now lyes by me, which
make it absolutely necessary for me, in order to the makeing
my report, to desire that I may have the perusal of the several
Laws which have bin pass'd in Maryland since the Revolution,
and which have been approv'd of in this or the last reign. Mary
Land, being originally a proprietary Governmt., I would
willingly see the coppy of the first Charter, and of the Act or
Instrumt. for resuming the Governmt. by the late King. If
you can transmit these things to me, in a week's time I can
return them with the book of Laws I have by me, and my report
thereupon, but I must then desire I may have them as soon as
may be, it being now vacation-time. It has been some
inconvenience to me that I have not seen you since I desir'd
Mr. Borrett to acquaint you that I had some occasions to speak
with you. Signed, Sim. Harcourt. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Jan. 7, 1706/7. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 716. No. 19; and 5, 726.
pp. 399, 400.] |
| Jan. 4. |
707. Instructions for Mitford Crowe, Governor of
Barbados etc. See C.S.P. 1705, No. 1113.i., and 1707, No. 693.
[C.O. 29, 10. pp. 216–347; and 319, 1. pp. 141–179.] |
Jan. 4.
Whitehall. |
708. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Penn. The Council of Trade
and Plantations desire to speak with you and Mr. Willcocks
at the same time etc. [C.O. 5, 1291. p. 429.] |
Jan. 5.
Boston, New England. |
709. Mr. Bridger to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Since my last, i have been travaling southward above 60 miles,
where i find great quantitys of very good masts, but are left
without any care as to the preservation of them. I would have
appointed a Deputy, but must have your Lordshipps' aprobation.
30l. per annum will be enough at this place. As to Piscataqua,
there cannott be less than 3 Deputies, at the 3 great rivers, at
50l. per annum, for there all the great masts are cutt, and by
all there have been such a distruction and wast made by the
people there, that 'twill be a worke of very great dificulty to
bring those people to any tolarable method. I have daily
complaints made to me wch. obliges me to go thither tho' 'tis
very dificult travaling by reason of the snows and Indians. I
have ordred 3 persons—Richd. Waldron, Iccabod Plaisted,
and Robert Coffin—to take care of the logging, for they cut all
down wherever they come for boards.—Prays that their salaries
may be paid to him and that he may be allowed travelling
expenses as in former letter. The people are generally inclined
to promote the raising naval stores, and have given me leave to
move the next Assembly to the passing any Law that I think
may promote the undertaking. If I had power to survey all
H.M. land, 'twould be of great concequence, for here is a great
many thousand acres possessed without any rights etc. Signed,
J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read 28th July, 1707. Holograph. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 864. No. 190; and 5, 912. pp. 381–384.] |
Jan. 6.
London. |
710. Mr. Dummer to W. Popple. Sailings of Jamaica
packet-boat. Out and home, 106 days. Sir J. Jennings was
not heard of at ye Carribee Islands. Nevis begins again to looke
in a good condition, they don't apprehend any insult from the
French: But are informed from Martinico, Guardalupa and
St. Thomas that those people fear a descent upon themselves.
Those Islands are very healthy, but complain that all their money
is gone, and much murmuring is at Barbadoes on that account.
Nothing material comes from Jamaica. Commerce with the
Spanyard hath been but small of late. Commodore Kerr's
ships have been very sickly, having lost 300 men, but are recovering and preparing for a cruize. So has this packet-boat, having
lost 10 men in the voyage etc. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Jan. 7, 1706/7. Addressed. Sealed. 1 p. [C.O.
323, 6. No. 25.] |
Jan. 6.
Whitehall. |
711. Earl of Sunderland to Governor Crowe. Being
inform'd that Mr. Steele, a Gentleman belonging to H.R.H.
family, has an estate in Barbados legally conveyed to him by
his late wife, I desire you will not let him suffer by his absence
etc. Signed, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 7.] |
Jan. 7.
Whitehall. |
712. Same to Governor Parke. I have received your
of Oct. 4 and 31, and will make the best use I can of the infor
mation you give me for H.M. service. I find the present conditio
of the people under your Government requires your utmost
discretion, temper and humanity, which I question not but you
will show on all occasions, as I shall endeavour on my part
to promote everything that may contribute to their relief and
safety, according to the advices I shall receive from you. Signed,
Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 7.] |
Jan. 7.
Whitehall. |
713. Earl of Sunderland to Mr. Sharpe. Thanks for account of Barbados etc. Signed, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210.
p. 18.] |
Jan. 7.
Whitehall. |
714. Same to Governor Handasyd. Acknowledges letters
of Sept. 16 and Oct. 25. I am to commend your discretion and
diligence in giving notice to the Spanish Governors of the French
designs etc. I desire you will continue to give me information
at large of all affairs that relate to your own Government, and of
any remarkable occurrences in other parts of America that shall
come to your knowledge. I am sorry to find (Nov. 19), that the
Assembly have made any Bills that according to H.M. Instructions
you ought not to pass, but can say nothing farther of 'em till
you have sent me over copys, which I desire you to do by the
first opportunity, and when you have any news I think you
ought rather to referr the Committee of Trade for it to the
Secretary of State, than to send him thither for his Information.
I shall always have a particular regard to those you recommend
to me, and will let you know by the first opportunity H.M.
pleasure in relation to the persons mentioned in your last.
Signed, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 19.] |
Jan. 7.
Whitehall. |
715. W. Popple, jr., to Sir Simon Harcourt. Sends Laws
of Maryland as requested Jan. 3. I have been three times at
your Chambers, but had not the good fortune to find you there.
There was no Instrument for resuming the Government of Maryland, but what is express'd in the Preamble of Col. Copley's
Commission. Copy enclosed. [C.O. 5, 726. pp. 400, 401.] |
| Jan. 10. |
716. Merchants of Barnstaple and Biddiford trading to
Ferreland to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Return
thanks for convoy, which proved very beneficial. Pray that
Ferreland may be fortified and a man of war yearly attend and
guard that harbour. The fishery is much decayed. In Ferreland
and the adjoining harbours the inhabitants, who once kept
86 boats, now keep only 7. etc. 30 signatures. Endorsed,
Recd. 10th, Read 24th Jan., 1706/7. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 13;
and 195, 4. pp. 357–359.] |
Jan. 13.
St. Christophers. |
717. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Repeats gist of Jan. 19. I am finishing the workes. I
don't think, except what the officers have, there is 10 swords
in the whole Island, etc. The best way to preserve these Islands
would be to distroy Martineque, or take Porto Rico, and settle
all the inhabitants on that one Island; the advantage of the
sugar-trade would more than countervail the charge, and as it
might be order'd, it might be done wth. little charge; the people
of New England, New Yorke, Road Island, etc. would gladly
send a good number of men as volunteers, for they are allmost
undone by haveing all their vessells in a manner taken by the
privateers of Martineque, etc. Signed, Daniel Parke. P.S.—If the Queen will not spare English troops, send us 10,000 Scotch,
etc. as No. 723. If they chuse out all zealous kirkmen, I promise
they shall never trouble the Queen's affairs more; if they do
not take Martineque, I will gett them disposed off, and I think
that will be some service. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 17th
March, 1706/7. 2¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
717. i. List of Stores of War left by Sir J. Jennings at St. Kitts,
Dec. 23, 1706. Endorsed, Recd. March 14, 1706/7. 2 pp. |
|
717. ii. List of Stores of War at St. Kitts before Sir J. Jennings'
arrival. Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 6.
Nos. 77, 77.i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 153, 9.
pp. 467–470.] |
Jan. 13.
Whitehall. |
718. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Sunderland.
Reply to Jan. 3. We shal be very ready at all times to comply,
it being very reasonable that your Lordp. be fully informed
in all those matters from us that come before H.M. [C.O. 324, 9.
p. 134.] |
Jan. 14.
Whitehall. |
719. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. |
|
719. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report
upon the petition of the Council and Assembly of
Barbados. If the 4½ p.c. were collected in Barbados
and disbursed there for the fortifications and other
uses of the Island, the danger of the seas might in a
greater measure be avoided, and some charges saved,
as petitioners suggest; but whether it be most convenient to make the alteration desired, or to continue
the remittance of the said Duty to your Majesty's
Exchequer, as is now practised, we humbly conceive
is best known to the Officers of your Majesty's Revenue.
The said Councill and Assembly, having represented
the weak condition of their Militia and thereupon prayed
that your Majesty will be graciously pleased to order
a full Regiment for the defence of that Island, and that
for the further support of that Regiment they were
passing an Act for appointing free quarters as an
addition to your Majesty's pay, we do humbly represent
that the danger to which Barbados is exposed during
the war does require a regular and disciplined force,
as well for the immediate preservation of that important
Island, as because it lying most to windward, the forces
sent thither may conveniently succour your Majesty's
other Charribbee Islands in case of distress. [C.O.
29, 10. pp. 383–386.] |
| Jan. 16. |
720. Order of the House of Commons. The Council of
Trade and Plantations are to lay before the House a state of the
Newfoundland Fishery. Signed, Paul Jodrell, Cl. Dom. Com.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 17, 1706/7. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 1;
and 195, 4. p. 329.] |
Jan. 17.
London. |
721. Merchants trading to Newfoundland to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Pray that the convoy may sail the
first fair wind after March 10. The fishery has decayed through
the late arrival of the fishing ships owing to the convoy not sailing
till April or May. Commanders of ships and inhabitants of
Newfoundland praise the care and indifatigable dilligence of
Capt. Lloyd. Signed, Solomon Merrett, Charles Houblon, and
23 others. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 24th Jan., 1706/7. 2 pp.
[C.O. 194, 4. No. 14; and 195, 4. pp. 360, 361.] |
| Jan. 18. |
722. Mr. Perry to Mr. Popple. Encloses following. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Feb. 12, 1706/7. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
722. i. Mr. Bassett to Mr. Perry. Announces death of our good
Governor [of Virginia], Aug. 23. A greater loss could not
have happened to this poor country, for it seemed to me
his whole studdy was to doe everybody justice, and soe
clear from the least shaddow of parsiallity, that in a little
time he would have healed all those unhappy differences
that have of late made us uneasy, and united us again
to be one people etc. Prays to be omitted from the
Council in the new Governor's list, on account of his
health and private affairs, etc. Signed, Wm. Bassett.
1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 1315. Nos. 42, 42.i.; and (without
enclosure) 5, 1362. p. 100.] |
Jan. 19.
St. Christophers. |
723. Governor Parke to Mr. Secretary Hedges. The sickness
at Nevis is abated. Sir J. Jennings has left us some stores (a
scedule enclosed). The musketts he left are of no great use
to us, they are very short, they are serviceable on board tho'
not on shore, we are in great want of musketts and ball and
swords, bayonets and catuch boxes. I hope the store ships that
are comeing will supply us. The French threatened to take
me and this Island before New Year's day, and to keep the
Island; I had an acctt. from St. Thomasses of their designe,
and put the Island into the best posture our cyrcomstances were
capable off, and continued myselfe uppon it; severall slupes
lay hovering about the Island, but they did not think fitt to
land. I am finishing the workes, when they are done, I hope
this Island will be secure against any American fforce, and I
hope you will imploy them so in Europe they will have no leisure
to send any from thence. The only way to secure these and
the other Islands will be to take Martineque. Send me over
tenn thousand Scotch with otemeal enough to keep them for
3 or 4 months, lett them be well provided with armes, wee will
make what men we can(e) here, and if I might have leave, I
would go to the Contient and gett some there, and lett us try
our ffortune, if wee take it, we will have the plunder, the Scotch
shall have the Land, in time the warm sun will exhale all those
crudeties that makes them so troublesom, and 'tis not impossible
but it may have the effect to make them of a more sociable
Religion; if we have not success if you chuse out those that are
so zealous to maintain the Kerke and against the Union: if I
gett them all knock'd on the head, I am off the openion the
English Nation will be no great loosers by it. I think this no
ill project, the Queen venturing nothing but a few armes and
otemeal, and 'tis possible may for ever preserve her Islands here,
and gain a very considerable one, and wth. it the sugar trade, etc.
If this won't do, we can go take the finest Island in America,
wch. is Porto Rico, etc. I will dispose of the Scotch for you
there; 'twill be a better settlement for them than their beloved
Darien. Prays for a letter by every packet. Signed, Daniel
Parke. 3¼ pp. [C.O. 239, 1. No. 19.] |
| Jan. 22. |
724. Mr. Thurston's Memorial of the necessaries to be sent
to the garrison at Newfoundland. Set out, Acts of Privy Council,
II. pp. 512, 513. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 22, 1706/7. 2 pp.
[C.O. 194, 4. No. 12; and 195, 4. pp. 338, 339.] |
Jan. 22.
Whitehall. |
725. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Board of
Ordnance. Pray for an account of the charge of maintaining the
forts and garrison of Newfoundland, to be laid before the House
of Commons. [C.O. 195, 4. p. 340.] |
Jan. 23.
Whitehall. |
726. Council of Trade and Plantations. Report upon
Newfoundland in pursuance of Order of the House of Commons,
Jan. 16. Repeat previous accounts showing increase in 1706
over 1705, in fishery and inhabitants, etc., cost of garrison,
proceedings of the Board during the year, etc. and the most
notorious abuses in the fishery reported by Capt. Underdown.
[See Nov. 11, 1706.] Concludes: For the prevention of which
irregularities. we take leave to offer that a power be given, by a
clause in an Act that shall be passed, to the Commanders of H.M.
ships of war, that shall come into any Harbour in Newfoundland,
to lay fines and penalties upon offenders against the Newfoundland Act, according to the nature of the offence committed, such
fine not exceeding 5l. sterl.; and that a power be likewise given
them of confining such offenders in case of non-payment, such
confinemt. not exceeding the space of ten days. We further
humbly offer that the Commanders of H.M. ships may have
the power of a Custom-house officer to search the New England
ships upon their coming, and to take an account of the number
of their seamen and passingers, and to take bond from each of
the masters, that they shal not carry away a greater number
of men than they brought, which we hope wou'd in a great
measure prevent the irregularities committed by the New
England Traders. [C.O. 195, 4. pp. 341–357.] |
Jan. 24.
Office of Ordnance. |
727. Board of Ordnance to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Enclose following in reply to letter of Jan. 22, "received
about 4 o' clock this afternoon." Signed, C. Musgrave, Ja.
Lowther, Ja. Craggs, Wm. Bridges. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Jan. 27, 1706/7. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
727. i. Account of the charge of the Engineers, gunners etc.,
repairs of fortifications and stores of war sent to Newfoundland, 1705 and 1706. Total, 7,486l. 17s. 1d. ¾ p. |
|
727. ii., iii. Account of stores referred to in preceding. 4¼ pp.
[C.O. 194, 4. Nos. 15, 15.i.-iii.; and (without
enclosures) 195, 4. p. 362.] |
Jan. 24.
Whitehall. |
728. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose extract of letter from the President and
Council of Virginia shewing the expediency of a convoy to be
speedily sent as recommended Dec. 20, 1706. [C.O. 5, 1362.
pp. 91, 92.] |
Jan. 27.
London. |
729. S. Merrett and other Newfoundland Merchants to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. Memorial concerning French
prisoners there. See Journal of Council of Trade. 8 signatures.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 27, 1706/7. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 16.] |
| Jan. 27. |
730. Mr. Feild and Mr. Wyeth, on behalf of their Friends
called Quakers in Connecticut, to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Complain of several laws of Connecticut as
inconsistent with the Laws of England and their Charter, and
pray for their repeal. Signed, Jos. Wyeth, John Feild.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 27, 1706/7. 2½ large pp. [C.O. 5,
1263. No. 130.] |
| Jan. 28. |
731. Sir T. Laurence to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Pursuant to your Lordships' late order I have carefully examin'd
the Journals of Council and Assembly of Maryland, April,
1706, etc. I am very much surprized to find that the Governor,
instead of endeavouring to rectify the mistake relating to the
taking away the Ordinary licences from the Secretary's Office,
or giving his reasons, pursuant to your Lordships' letter, hath
only communicated to the Council in Assembly my Petition to
H.M. and one of your Lordships' letters, which he sent down
to the House of Delegates, not only without any recommendation
for redress, but rather with encouragement and advice to assert
their reasons for having passed that Law, or else they must
expect H.M. dissent thereunto, but how far the reasons now
drawn up by their Committee of Laws for taking away the
Ordinary Licences from H.M. Secretary's office, reported to the
House of Delegates, and concurred to by them, and sent back
to the Governor in Council (where it appears not by the Journal
that he was present), will include his assent, he not having been
pleased to send any reasons of his own, or will justify his having
passed that Law, or answer your Lordships' demands for an
account of his so doing, I leave to your Lordships' prudent
consideration. As to the Committee's Report (1) I know not
but that it may be true that in 1662, the Law for setting up
Ordinaries was first made, and perhaps without fee, since the
Colony and Government had not long before been tolerably
peopled and settled. (2) It may be true, that in 1678 the first
Act might pass which appointed a fee of 2,000 lb. of tobacco
yearly to be paid by each Ordinary Keeper at the seat of
Government, and 1,200 lb. tobacco in all other places to the
Lord Baltimore, for advancing the Revenue of the Lord Proprietor,
and therefore for the support of the Government, which having
been by him first settled on the Secretary's Office, was with
all other parts of the Publick Revenue (given for that end) in
1691 yielded by him up to the Crown; and as it is true that
his Lordship, with the consent of the Assembly, did settle certain
fees and perquisites upon each respective office of the Government,
so did he assign the benefit of the Ordinary Licences to the
Secretary's, but not, as it is pretended, by meer favour to them,
as his relations, but by an advantageous exchange for the Naval
officer's fee of 40s. for the entrance and clearing of each ship
trading to Maryland, which the Secretaries before enjoy'd, and
which his Lordship oblig'd them to quit for the Ordinary Licence
fee. (3) It is true that Col. Lionell Copley coming into the
country with his late Majesty's Commission, before the Secretary
arrived, and designing to get what he could, and intending the
suppression of the Secretary's Office, did perswade the Assembly
in May, 1692, to give unto himself both the benefit of the Ordinary
Licences, and also that of the Naval Office, by two Acts then
passed to that purpose, both which at several times had belonged
to the Secretary's Office, and this I did assert in my humble
Petition to his late Majesty, and with it sent home the proofs
thereof the latter end of 1692, but went not then my self, as is
wrongly alledged. But that upon my Petition, the said Act
for Naval officers' fees (then given to the Governor) was dissented
to by the King, and ordered to remain as a perquisite to the
Secretary's Office, is utterly false in fact, as is evident by your
Lordships' own Report, confirmed by H.M. Order in Council,
March 2, 1692/3, and is notoriously known to all the Council, and
especially to all the Governors of Maryland, who pursuant to
the said Order of Council and the Act of Assembly of 1692,
confirmed by it and by an Act of Parliament, have ever had
the Naval Office vested in them and have received the profits
thereof; which falsity of fact could never have passed the notice
of the Governor and Council, had those reasons been read and
agreed to by the Honourable— as Mr. Bladen, the Clerk of
the Council, either by mistake or artificially has either affirmed
or denyed. As strange and untrue it is, which the House of
Delegates affirms, that they do not find any Order from the King
and Council, that the Ordinary Licences should or ought to be
a perquisite of the Secretary's Office, since your Lordships by
that very Order were pleased to advise his late Majesty that
the Act for regulating Ordinaries, whereby the benefit of Licences
for Ordinaries is given to the Governor (Copley), may be disallowed
by H.M. for this very reason, that you were satisfied (by the
proofs sent with the Petition), that they formerly belonged to
the Secretary; and his late Majesty, upon your Lordships'
Report having actually set aside and disallowed the said Law,
does manifestly declare that he was of opinion that it was not
in the power of the Assembly to give the profits arising from
those Ordinary Licences to whom they pleased. (4) Upon the
said Order of March 2, 1692/3, being brought into Maryland the
latter end of 1693, the very next Assembly in the same year
(as I take it) under Governor Nicholson, by an Act pursuant
to the said Order did settle the benefit of those Ordinary Licences
upon the Secretary of Maryland for the time being, from three
years to three years, and continued so to do until Oct., 1703,
which plainly shew against themselves that they thought they
were limited and restrained to settle them as they had done,
in obedience to the said Order, nor does the enacting of that Law
from three to three years make any difference in the right or
power in disposing of that fee at their pleasure, but rather
confesses in four Assemblies the limitation of their power; but
that that Law and that other Law made for the settling and
declaring the certain fees of the officers of the Government were
not made perpetual (as perhaps the respective Governors might
and ought to have done, according to their royal Instructions),
hath given an occasion to the Assemblies to attempt the making
the fees of all offices precarious and uncertain, and to myself
of another last complaint to your Lordships against the Governor
and the Assembly held in Dec., 1705, for taking away at least
7,000 lb. of tobacco yearly of the old Provincial Court and Land
Office fees, none of the other offices being touched, of which complaint the Governor has taken no notice, nor applied any remedy,
which practice will soon discourage any Gentleman to seek for
that office. (5) As to the Committee of Laws refusing, in April,
1704, to receive the Secretary's reasons offered them against
the Bill, themselves confess it, by saying it was given them in
charge by the House of Delegates (who, indeed, had voted that
they would not recede from their resolve), and therefore that
the Committee could not act contrary to their directions not to
receive it. Prays for the protection of his rights, the repeal of
the Law April, 1704, and recompense for 600l. already taken
from him thereby, etc. Signed, Thomas Laurence. Holograph.
3¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
731. i. Extract of Journal of House of Delegates of Maryland.
Proposal to take away the Land Office Record from
the Secretary etc. Sept. 14, 1704, April 4, 1706. 2 pp. |
|
731. ii. Extract of Journal of Assembly and Council in
Assembly of Maryland, April 2, 1706, relating to the
taking away the Ordinary licences from H.M. Secretary's
Office there, and setling the same upon the country.
3 pp. The whole endorsed, Recd. Jan. 27 (sic), Read
March 7, 1706/7. [C.O. 5, 716. Nos. 21, 21.i., ii.; and
(without enclosures) 5, 726. pp. 418–426.] |
| [Jan. 28.] |
732. Sir E. Northey to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses following. Signed, Edw. Northey. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Jan. 28, 1706/7. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
732. i. Names of Commissioners of Review in the case of the
Mohegan Indians. Lord Cornbury and 11 Councillors
of New York. ¾ p. |
|
732. ii. Draft of Commission of Review. 6¼ pp. [C.O. 5,
1263. Nos. 131, 131.i., ii.; and 5, 1291. pp. 430–436.] |
Jan. 29.
Whitehall. |
733. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose following. Annexed, |
|
733. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Enclose draft of a Commission of Review [Jan. 28]
of the complaints of the Mohegan Indians, etc. [C.O.
5, 1291. pp. 436, 437.] |
Jan. 29.
(29 currt.). |
734. Wm. Penn to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Honble. ffriends. There lyes a Reference before you in relation
to my surrend of my Govermt. of Pennsylvania to the Queen,
I earnestly beg that matter may proceed, and yt. you will please
to compleat yr. report, remembring my expences and long Toyles
to make a prosperous Colony to ye Crown, the certificate of ye
Custom-house officer of ye benefitt thereof to the Crown, both
ye 1d. per lb., and ye revenue upon Tobaccos at large, to neer
9,000 lb. per annum, and ye 1d. per lb. to between 5 and 600 lb.
per ann., besides wt. is circulated by Barbados, Jamaica, Nevis,
Antegua, etc. for England of their growths for ours, and wt. you
please of its being for ye Queen's service as you have been pleas'd
often to alledge, but forget not yt. I am ye last Colony, so ye
youngest, and have not enjoy'd it long enough to have reapt
the crop I have sown. I am Your Respectfll. ffriend, Wm. Penn.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 29, 1706/7. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O.
5, 1263. No. 132; and 5, 1291. p. 438.] |
Jan. 29.
Jamaica. |
735. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I am favoured with your Lorps. of Sept. 26, and
Nov. 12, 1706, by this packett, with an enclos'd letter from
H.M., whereby I am commanded not to pass any Laws of an
extraordinary nature before they are approved of by H.M., which
I shall not fail to observe; and had in some measure resolved
on before, as I have mentioned in a former letter, finding an
Assembly run out on such extreams and errors, as I never could
have complyd with. The news I have now received from Sir C.
Hedges confirms an account we had of the glorious success of
the Duke of Marlborough, etc. and I hope our intrest in Spain
is retrieved, tho the Spaniards here have had advice from thence,
much to our disadvantage, that the Duke of Anjou has again
in his possession all Spain, and has put to the sword all those
who were in the interest of King Charles, which has mightily
discouraged King Charles' party here and encouraged those of
the Duke of Anjou's, but I have taken all the care I can to
undeceive them, by giving them an account of what successes
we have had in Savoy and Milan, and that there is a powerfull
force gone to Spain to oblige the Spaniards to a true obedience
to their lawfull King. The squadron under the command of
Sir J. Jennings arrived here Jan. 2; he sent three men of war
with letters to the Spanish coast on his first coming into the
West Indies: by the answers enclosed yr. Lops. may judge
how matters are altered in these parts on the news lately recievd
by French emissarys. The squadron under Commadore Kerr
has been attended with great mortality, but four of them are gone
with Sir J. Jennings to the Spanish coast to make as great an
appearance as they can, in hopes something may offer for the
advantage of H.M. and her Allies: the Admirall designs to return
in three weeks' time, and in four or five days after to begin his
voyage for England, the ships being not in a condition to continue
longer here, both for want of provisions, and by their not being
sheathed: all the ships under his command are very well, except
the Northumberland, which has lost a great many men, and most
of those remaining are ashore sick at the Hospitall. I have been
obliged to put on board a hundred odd men of my Regiment,
to assist the four ships belonging to Capt. Kerr, not being able
to supply them with sailors. I enclose an Address to H.M. from
the Councill, Assembly and myselfe, which I request your
Lordships will recommend to Sir C. Hedges to lay before H.M.
I desire your Lorps. will be pleased to prevail with H.M. for her
Privy Seal, to the disallowing of a clause in the Quartering Act
past the last year, whereby all fforeigners were made incapable of
acting either in civill or military employments, upon a very
severe penalty, and I finding it absolutely necessary to restore
all those gentlemen, they are still liable to that penalty, unless
H.M. repeal the Act. The Assembly have now pas'd an Act
for quartering the Regiment another year, to commence Feb. 1,
but will not admitt of any conference with the Councill upon
it, calling it a Mony Bill, tho they have tack't severall clauses
to it, for perpetuity, as will appear by the Minutes of the Councill,
to be sent home with the Bills by the next packett, but I could
not help passing it, unless I had proclaimed Martiall Law for
the subsisting the soldiers, which would have been very
pernicious to the manufactory of England, as well as to the
trading people of this Island. Here are two or three other Acts
which I think myselfe obliged not to pass, but shall send them
home to your Lops. to shew you the design of these people, notwithstanding my communicating to them H.M. Privy Seal,
and using all other arguments I could think of. I enclose the
Minutes of the Councill and Assembly. Here is one Barrow,
a blind man, who was formerly Attorny General of this Island,
and was turned out on my first coming to the Government for
his villainous practices against the Queen's authority; after
which, he made it his business to get into the Assembly, where
he put everything into such a flame that I apprehended it would
have been of very evill consequence; he has been off the Islande
for these three years past, in which time he has visited severall
of H.M. Colonies, as New England, New York, Carolina and
Bermudos, in all which places he endeavoured to sew the seed
of sedition, taking part with the disaffected, as appears by a
letter from the Governor of Bermudos now enclosed. He lately
returning to this Island, I have refused letting him practise in
any Court of Law here, as an utter enemy to the peace and
tranquility of H.M. subjects, therefore hope what I have done
herein will be approved of by your Lordships. Here is arrived,
by this packett boat, an officer and 20 recruits, one of the new
Captains is left sick at Barbadoes. I have writt at large to Mr. St.
John, to lay before H.R.H. and his Grace the Duke of Marlborough
a scheme for the recruiting my Regiment, which I hope will
not be neglected. The Spaniards are as willing as ever to
continue a private trade with us, but we are not yet supply'd
with woollens for that trade, which I much wonder at. Signed,
Tho. Handasyd. P.S.—The present Attorney General beleiving
he shall soon have leave to go home, I recommend in his stead
Coll. Wm. Brodrick, who was formerly in that post, and is a
very fitt man. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 17th March, 1706/7.
3¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
735. i. Governor of Carthagena to Sir J. Jennings. The
news your Excellency writes (Dec. 14, 1706) is wholly
made void by letters I have received from the Catholick
Majesty, Philip V, that he is restored to the Court of
Madrid and hath regained all the other towns etc. In
his defence we will spill the last drop of our blood.
Jan. 5, 1707. Copy. 1 p. |
|
735. ii. Lt. Governor Bennett to Governor Handasyd.
Bermuda, Nov. 10, 1706. Describes Mr. Barrow's
foolish and insolent behaviour. He went from Jamaica
to Rhoad Island, New England, and New York and
finding himself neglected there, to Carolina, where,
being treated according to the post he had in your
Island, "which soe much puffed him and his homely
yoak up that he had the insolence to contradict and
affront the Chief Justice on the Bench, and she the
confidence to redicule and abuse the best of both sexes
on the place, insomuch that the Carolinans gave it out
they would set up a cucking-stool for her, which is
thought was the occasion of their scouring hither."
After making pretence of friendship for me, he presently,
when warm with wine, contradicted me and refused
to apologize. He then openly sided with the malecontents, Dr. Starr etc. He declared he knew he could
have noe justice done him here and was prosecuted
and fined 40l. He refused to plead, denying the
jurisdiction of the Court,—a villainous contrivance
to help his associates and to destroy our constitutions,
for had his argument prevailed and the Bench been
startled att his quotations of Acts of Parliament, which
are very positive, that noe Commissions shall be granted
but in the name of the King or Queen (which as I take
it only relates to England), he had gain'd his point,
by unraveling and seting aside the whole authority
of the magistracy, and consequently released his friends
in the jail, who are there for being under contempt
thereof, etc. Signed, B. Bennett. Holograph.
Endorsed, Recd. March 14, 1706/7. 4pp. |
|
735. iii. Address of the Governor, Council and Assembly of
Jamaica to the Queen. Congratulations on
Marlborough's victories, and thanks for the protection
afforded by H.M. soldiers and ships. Signed, Tho.
Handasyd, Richd. Rigby, Cl. Concil., by order of the
Councill, John Peeke, Speaker. Past the Assembly
Jan. 25, 1706. Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O.
137, 7. Nos. 37, 37.i.-iii.; and (without enclosures)
138, 12. pp. 69–74.] |
Jan. 29.
Whitehall. |
736. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. |
|
736. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Recommend supply of provisions and clothing for the
Garrison at Newfoundland, and sailings of 6 convoys
in Feb., March and May to cruise off the coast and
harbours. Set out, Acts of Privy Council, II. pp. 512–514. [C.O. 195, 4. pp. 363–365.] |
| [Jan. 31.] |
737. Merchants of Dartmouth trading to Newfoundland
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Memorial concerning
convoys and prisoners etc. as Jan. 17 and 31. 14 signatures.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 31, 1706/7. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4.
No. 17.] |
| Jan. 31. |
738. Mr. Thurston to W. Popple, jr. Encloses following.
You'll find the number provided for to be 100, when that of the
Company's 92. I presume the gunners are included, altho I
formerly acquainted the victuallers that the officers of the
Ordnance desired no such provision might be made for them,
since they payd them their full mony, and are therefore to take
care of themselves. If this be so, there has been another undue
care of themselves. If this be so, there has been another undue
advantage to somebody, and will continue unless restrained.
Signed, J. Thurston. P.S.—Mr. Moody has since told me the
gunners had no provisions from the publick stores during his
time. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 7, 1706/7. 1¼ pp. Enclosed, |
|
738. i. R. Stephens to Mr. Thurston. Victuallers' Office,
Tower Hill, Jan. 29, 1706/7. Encloses following. Signed,
Robt. Stephens. Addressed. Sealed. ¾ p. |
|
738. ii. Account of provisions for 100 men sent to Newfoundland, 1706. ¾ p. [C.O. 194, 4. Nos. 18, 18.i., ii.;
and 195, 4. pp. 306, 307.] |
Jan. 31.
Plymouth. |
739. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. By H.M. Orders from the Seacritare of State, I was soe
hurried out of Towne, thatt I had not an opertunity of takeing
leave of your Lordships. We have been these 12 dayes detained
by contrare winds in this Porte, etc. Signed, M. Crowe.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 5, 1706/7. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 9. No. 90;
and 29, 10. p. 392.] |
