|
Aug. 1.
Whitehall. |
1074. The Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. You are to prepare Instructions for the Secretaries
of the Commissions for Nevis and St. Kitts as proposed July 24.
Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 4, 1707. 1 p.
[C.O. 152, 7. No. 23; and 153, 10. p. 52.] |
Aug. 2.
Whitehall. |
1075. The Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. H.M. has thought fit to appoint Thomas Hodges
Attorney Generall of Barbadoes, etc. as No. 1062. Signed,
Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 4, 1707. 1 p. [C.O.
28, 10. No. 29; and 29, 11. p. 91.] |
Aug. 2.
Windsor Castle. |
1076. The Queen to Governor Handasyd. Whereas by
our Order in Councill of Nov. 14, 1706, we did signify our disapprobation of the Act past in the General Assembly of our
Island of Jamaica for providing an additional subsistence for our
officers and soldiers, and for other uses, and whereas the said
Assembly have again past another Act to provide an additional
subsistance for our said officers and soldiers from Feb. 1, 1706,
to Feb. 1, 1707, with the same clauses as those in the former
(an abstract of which clauses are herewith sent you) and whereas
we cannot but judge the said clauses as a great burthen and
discouragement imposed upon the soldiery, which happens
the more unseasonable at this time, when they are upon harder
duty by reason of the war, our will and pleasure is that you
signify to the Assembly, that we look upon their proceeding
herein, after our having signified our disallowance of their former
Act, as a high disrespect and disregard to us, in passing such
clauses as are so injurious to the officers and soldiers, sent by
us for their safety and defence, and therefore you are to move
them in the most effectual manner, that they do not make any
future Act lay such unreasonable hardships upon the soldiery.
Countersigned, Sunderland. Annexed, |
|
1076. i. Abstract of Act of Jamaica, to provide an additional
subsistence, etc. The whole, 1½ pp. [C.O. 137, 45.
Nos. 87, 87.i.; and 5, 210. pp. 55, 56; and (without
abstract) 138, 12. pp. 139, 140.] |
Aug. 4.
Antigua. |
1077. Governor Parke to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I have by this packett received a duplicate of a letter from your
Lordships of March 11, in which your Lordships think the Islands
of Antigua and St. Christopher's allowance for my House is too
much. I beleive I have the misfortune to be the first Governor
your Lordships ever thought had too much allowed him by the
Country for his House. I have no more than my predecessor,
nor more than I am allowed in my Instructions to take; for
tho they pretend to allow a thousand pounds per ann., 'tis this
country mony paid in sugar at 18s. per cwt., wch. is sold in
sterling mony at six shill. per cwt., so in reallity I have but
333l. 6s. 8d. I have the least sallery of any of the Queen's
Governors except Burmudus; and have four times the trouble,
having four Governments, each Island being a seperate Government,
I receive but 1,100l. in mony from the Treasury, and that not
paid as my Agent informes me, all my perquesites I lett at 60l.
ster. per ann., and he that rents it will not give it an other year,
this wth. what the Islands allow me for my House is what I have
comeing in all manner of wayes. I am forced to keep two Houses,
one at Antigua and an other at St. Christophers; everything
is so very dear I can hardly live uppon my incomb: and yett
I never lived worse in all my life; I came over 26 in family,
there is now but 4 left, 5 indead are gone for England, the rest
are dead; I myselfe have had the Plague; the Pestilence and
bloody flux, and have been out of my bed but 4 dayes of a malignant
feaver; I am so weak I can hardly write to yr. Lopps.; cou'd
I have foreseen what I was to suffer and how little 'twas possible
for me to gett, I wou'd never have come over; I should not think
your Lopps.' sallery to much were it 3 times as much as 'tis;
and cant but think myselfe very unhappy yt. yr. Lopps. should
think myne too great, considering I have no more than my
predecessor, and much less than I was promised when I had
the Commission given me; the Duke promised me the Government
of Virginia at ye Battle of Blenheim, but for some reasons of
State, that was given to my Ld. Orkney, and this given to me
wth. a promise ye sallery should be the same, wch. is 2,000l. sterl.
the year, I find myselfe mistaken and at this distance forgot;
all my predecessors have had complaints against them from
some Island or other in less than six months after their arrivall,
Coll. Codrington had severall in less than three; Sir Wm. Matthew
would have had one in less than three had he lived, for they
were preparing one before he fell sick. I have been here above
a year, and believe you will not be troubled wth. any publick
complaint, except the people of Nevis complain yt. I took from
them some gunns and armes they did not want, and caryed them
to St. John's where they were wanted; I think 'tis my duty not
to suffer the Queen's stores to ley useless in one Island when they
are very much wanted in an other. In the same letter your
Lopps. tax me wth. breaking my Instructions in swearing Major
Panton and Capt. Willet of the Council of St. Christophers, when
there was ten Councellors on the place, etc. There are the ten
names indead, and yett I had but five Councellors; Coll. Lambert
is the Governor and is never esteamed as one of the Council;
MackArthur, tho made a Councellor both to Sir Wm. and
myselfe, yett was dead long before Sir Wm. was made Governor;
Sam Crook has been bed-rid a great while, Charles Matthew
has been in England above two year and designes not to come
back, Clayton was never in my list; I hear he had the Queen's
letter to be of the Council, but never would be sworne, he was
the most substantial man on ye Island, and shou'd have been
glad to have had him of ye Council; now there being but 5 I
thought it for ye service to make them 7, for there must be 5 to
make a Council, and 'tis great odds but one or two are either
off the Island or sick; my Lords these Islands are very different
from Barbados or the other Governments, for the people there
make their Court to the Governor to be of the Council, and to
be Officers in the Militia; here I am forced to Court people to
accept of these places; 'tis so little in my power to oblige people
that there is no one place in the four Governments but what
I am forced to Court them to accept, all places even those of
small vallue are given away in England by Patent and are executed
accordingly by Deputys, evan ye hangman's place, wch. we call
here Marshall. I have received an other letter from yr. Lordshipps,
May 9, wherein I am allso accused for breaking my Instructions
in ordering Mr. Bellman, Mr. Broadbelt and Mr. Millikin to be
sworn of the Council of Nevis, when there were 7 on the place.
I must beg leave to inform your Lopps. of your mistake in this
as well as the other. I had, 'tis true, 11 in my Instructions
for Nevis, but some were dead, others in England, all
that were there that wou'd serve were these; Wm. Burt,
Jno. Smergin, James Bevon, Wm. Buttler, and Richd. Abbot,
of these, Jno. Smergin was bed-rid and has been so some
time, so that I had but four, and the adding those three
made but seven, one of these refuses to serve, wch. is Coll.
Bellman; as for Mr. Minor I don't know him; he has never
been swore of the Council in my time; they tell me there is such
a man in England, who did formerly trade in Nevis; I have
eleaven named for Antigua, but there is but six ever serves,
the rest are either dead, off the Island, or laid up wth. the gout,
I have desired severall to be of the Council, but they desire to
be excused, saying it will give them trouble without either
previlege or proffitt; you order me to send you the names of
six of the most eminent men in each Island; for this Island
there is Wm. Thomas, Richard Oliver, Tho. Williams, Sam. Wattkins, Lucy Blackman, and Geo. Mackennis; if you make them
Councellors, you may add Esqr. to their names; when the ffleet
arrives I must goe to the rest of the Islands and uppon each Island
will send a list of six of those accounted ye most substantial. Your
Lordshipp reminds me of my duty in Mr. Baron's Order of Council;
wch. is directed to me for Col. Codrington to make restitution
of a ship that he seized of Baron's, and yt. if Codrington would
not restore her wthout suit at Law, that there should be a special
verdict that Baron might appeal for England; I show'd Codrington
the Order; he refuses to restore what Baron demands. I
acquainted Baron's Attorny wth. it and told him to sue Col.
Codrington, he answerd me that 'twould be very expensive,
and that Mr. Baron had not sent him any mony, and that he
would not lay out any of his own; I have done all yt. was possible
for me to do in it, and 'tis Mr. Baron's own fault, or the Law
would have long since determined this matter; for my part
Codrington, every one knows, has done all he can to make me
uneasy; I am not his friend nor he mine; and whenever Mr. Baron
begins his suit, he will have very fair play; the stay of the packett
will not allow me time to enquire after the affair of Freeman,
as soon as I can be master of it, will inform your Lopps. There
are as many men fitt to bear armes on Nevis as there was when
Monr. D' Bervill took it. All are returned; and had they not
had the sickness last year, there would have been nobody miss'd,
except every one missing part of his negroes; the reasons why
the English decrees on most of these Islands as I conceive are
these; the Islands are small, and as some grow rich, they buy
out their poor neighbours (first opressing them); an other reason
is they breed up their slaves to all manner of trades; and no
servants now comes over; and every year there is a sickness,
in one or other of the Islands; the People of this Island does
give incouragement to poor People, they are exemted from
taxes and have lands appropriated for their use; and tax lands
to discourage the holding of great quantitys; but the People
of Nevis keep up their lands, wch. is in the hands of a few; severall
of them live in England, and keep only one Englishman to look
after great numbers of slaves; St. Christophers may be made
a fine and populous Island; if we keep the French part and the
land given in small pieces. I will send a list of all the inhabitants
as soon as it can be procured wth. the number of slaves as you
order me; but this very thing was the occasion in some measure
yt. D'Bervill went to Nevis; for Coll. Johnson sending the account
of the inhabitants and the number of negroes, either the original
or a duplicate was taken, where they found there was on Nevis
14,000 negroes and but abt. 400 English to defend them; this
put them first on yt. project. As I have heitherto followed all
yr. Orders as near as 'twas possible for me, I will continue so to
do, as long as I stay in these hott, unhealthy Islands. The
comodetys are black course sugar, ginger and cotton; and some
small quantityes of indigo; Ireland and ye Continent of America
furnishes them wth. provesions and lumber, Madera wth. wine,
England wth. all other necessaryes; good Custom House Officers
will prevent clandestine trade etc. Signed, Daniel Parke.
Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read Oct. 28th, 1707. 8 pp. Enclosed, |
|
1077. i. List of Councillors of the Leeward Islands that now
act as such. Aug. 4, 1707. Note added by Governor
Parke:—All these I call Esqrs. being of H.M. Council,
but such Esqrs. as some of them are yr. Lopps. never
saw. Same endorsement. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 7. Nos.
27, 27.i.; and (without enclosure) 153, 10. pp. 66–76.] |
Aug. 4.
Windsor. |
1078. Order of Queen in Council. The Council of Trade and
Plantations are to hear and report upon any new matter of
complaint against Mr. Jones [See June 16]. Signed, Chris.
Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 26th, Read Aug. 27th, 1707. 1½ pp.
[C.O. 37, 8. No. 41; and 38, 6. pp. 314, 315.] |
Aug. 4.
Windsor. |
1079. Order of Queen in Council. Upon Representation
of June 13, Judge Cox is discharged from the complaint brought
against him. Signed, Chris. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 9th,
Read Aug. 14th, 1707 1 p. [C.O. 28, 10. No. 31; and 29, 11.
pp. 94, 95.] |
Aug. 4.
Windsor. |
1080. Order of Queen in Council. Upon the Report of the
Council of Trade, and the petition of Mrs. Sharpe, the proceedings
of Col. Wm. Sharpe are approved, and he is discharged from
the complaint brought against him by Messrs. Cleland, Colleton
and Holder. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1¾ pp. [C.O.
28, 10. No. 32; and 29, 11. pp. 95–97.] |
Aug. 4.
Windsor. |
1081. Order of Queen in Council. Col. Cleland is dismissed
from the Councill and all other imployments in Barbados.
Warrant to be prepared accordingly. Signed and endorsed as
preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 10. No. 33; and 29, 11. pp. 98,
99.] |
Aug. 4.
Whitehall. |
1082. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose draught of Instructions for the Secretaries
of the Commission for Nevis and St. Kitts. In case of the death
of one or both of the Secretaries, we submit it to H.M., whether
it may not be proper that a power be lodged in the Governor
or Commander in Chief of the Leeward Islands for the time being
to supply such vacancy or vacancies, by a fit person or persons,
to the end there may be no delay in the execution of H.M.
Commission. Annexed, |
|
1082. i. Draught of Instructions referred to above. See
July 27. [C.O. 153, 10. pp. 53–59; and (covering
letter only, with autograph signatures, 2 pp.) 152, 39.
No. 117.] |
Aug. 4.
Windsor. |
1083. Order of Queen in Council. Referring Representation
of July 7, relating to privateers at Martinique etc., to the Lord
High Admiral for his report. Signed, Chris. Musgrave.
Endorsed, Recd. 9th, Read Aug. 14th, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 152,
7. No. 24; and 153, 10. pp. 59, 60.] |
Aug. 4.
Windsor. |
1084. Order of Queen in Council. Thomas Barrow is to
be permitted (upon his making due application to the Governor)
to practice as an Attorney at Law in all H.M. Courts in Jamaica,
he behaving himself peaceably and with a respectfull deportment
to H.M. Governor and the Courts. Signed, Chris. Musgrave.
Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 9, Read Oct. 23, 1707. 2 pp. [C.O.
137, 7. No. 59; and 138, 12. pp. 144–146.] |
Aug. 4.
Windsor. |
1085. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation of May 28. The Council of Trade and Plantations are to
prepare letters to Governors of H.M. Plantations directing them
to oblige Members of Council to a due attendance. Signed,
Chris. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 9, Read Oct. 21,
1707. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 28, 10. No. 36; and 29, 11. pp. 110,
111.] |
| Aug. 5. |
1086. Sir T. Laurence to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays for a report upon his memorials etc. Signed,
Thomas Laurence. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 5, Read Oct. 21, 1707.
Holograph. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 716. No. 30; and 5, 726. pp.
474–476.] |
Aug. 5.
Whitehall. |
1087. The Earl of Sunderland to Governor Parke.
Acknowledges letters of Feb. 15 and March 29. What you write
concerning Col. Whetham is sent to Mr. St. John. The French
squadron by which you have been alarmed is returned to Brest,
and so good care will be taken for your security that I hope you
will not any more have occasion to be under any apprehensions
of this kind. Signed, Sunderland. P.S.— Refers to Commission
of Enquiry into losses at Nevis and St. Kitts. If either of the
Secretarys should dye, you will do well to appoint some fitting
person to supply his place. Encloses H.M. letter for the removall
of Capt. Pogson, etc. [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 58, 59.] |
Aug. 5.
Whitehall. |
1088. Same to Governor Handasyd. Acknowledges letters
of March 8 and April 21. H.M. approves of what you have
done in relation to the Assembly, and as to what relates to the
regiment, it is referred to Mr. St. John, etc. The French ships
have returned etc. as in preceding. Signed, Sunderland. [C.O.
5, 210. p. 59.] |
Aug. 5.
Whitehall. |
1089. Same to Governor Crowe. I have reced. your
letter from the Maderas and those wrote to me from Barbados,
May 15 and June 5. I agree with you that Mr. Holder is represented as one that has been very active in promoting the disorders
in that Island, tho I must tell you by the way that he was
recommended by Mr. Bromley, Mr. Walters and Mr. Kendale.
However, when the matter is laid before the Queen, I doubt
not but H.M. will give such orders therein as will be most conducive
to the ease and satisfaction of her subjects there. I doubt not
of your care to quiet those disturbances and settle the tranquillity
of the Island in the doing of which you may assure yourself of
all the assistance and encouragement from hence. H.M. has
approved of the report of the Council of Trade against Mr. Cleland,
and that in justification of Mr. Sharp and Judge Cox, which I
hope will have a good effect in the Island, and with your prudent
government will serve to quiet the disturbances there. H.M.
is very well pleased with your resolution to preside in person
in the Courts of Justice to prevent the irregularity's and riots
which have of late been committed there; and the answer you
gave to the Address of the Assembly has been commended as
very prudent and a judicious one. As for the Chartel, I shall
enquire for it at the Councill of Trade, and I will acquaint you
with H.M. pleasure as soon as it comes to my hands. H.M.
has been pleased to appoint Mr. Hodges to be Attorney Genll.
in your Island in the roome of Mr. Chilton, deceased. He is a
person of a very fair character, and has been so well recommended
to the Queen that I do not question but he will answer the trust
that is reposed in him. Signed, Sunderland.[C.O. 5, 210.
pp. 57, 58.] |
Aug. 8.
Barbadoes. |
1090. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The incloseds are duplicates of my last, to wch. I humbley
crave referance, and begg your Lordships in your next to send
me H.M. pleasure how I should governe myselfe in the Courte
of Chancerey; wheather to sitt sole Judge there, as by the Seale,
Commission, Instructions, Petitions and Decrees of thatt Courte
I now apprehend; and only to take the Counselors' oppinions
in all matters of equity that may come before thatt Court, or
as it has been usuall take theire voates and oblidged thereby to
singe a Decree contraqrey to my judgemt. and oath. If H.M.
should thinke itt for her servisse thatt the Governour should
be sole Chancelor, it would be nessisarey to give him power to
constitute another in casse of sickenesse or other extreordinarey
occations, or thatt ye first Counselor should offisiate. My Lords,
any ill desingeing Gouvernour will screne himselfe under ye
votes of the Counsell, and a just one will never doe anything
contrarey to his contiance. In Sir B. Granvill's time the
Barresters (who are not above seaven gott an order contrarey
to an Ackt of this Island, thatt none should plead in any Courte
but them, by wch. some old practissioners of ye Law were
silenced, and theses 6 or seaven Gentlemen made a minopeley
of the whole, refuseing to plead under such exorbitant sums as
seldome has been heard off, soe that many poore people has been
oblidged to forgoe theire right for want of money to fee them.
And altho there is a Law for settling Atturneys' fees (who when
that Ackt past wear and are still accounted lawears and plead
hear) the Barresters apprehend they are not oblidged thereby.
I have in conformety to said Law given licence to all thatt
formerly had any to plead againe, for eayse of ye poor and good
of the Island. Your Lordships will find this greavance amongst
thosse complayned of by the Grand Jurey. I shall endeaver
to regulate ye rest as time will permitt. Indeed, if some meathud
be not taken for cleareing the Bridge Towne Road, itt will be
imposseble in few years to load any suggrs. from the wharfes.
It would be verey nessisarey and save H.M. a greate sume
yearely, to have a person apoynted, with a small salerey of
50l. per annum to muster the men of warr, who often demand
more men then they realy want of their compliments, and afterwards desposse of them att greate rates to the merchant shipps.
In examineing ye Pattent offices, I find none for ye Clarke of
ye Merkett, nor Causeuall Revenew, soe thesse places are supplyed
with fitt persons untill H.M. pleasure be further knowne. I have
seen all the forts and fortifications of the Island and desinged
to have sent your Lordships platts thereof with this, butt they
cannot be finished in time, shall goe per next man of warr. The
Island is soe much in debt thatt they will not be able to compleat
St. Anns, without H.M. would be gratiously pleased to grant
them some allowance out of the 4½ p.c. I compeute 5,000l.
exclusive of negros' laboure would finish itt. Col. Lilley, who
is a verey ingeanious deserveing man, has showne me some other
places verey nessisarey to be fortified, but we are not in a condition to efeckt itt, and indeed there has been such abuisses in the
manidgemt. of the Publicke money thatt dishartens the
inhabitants from engageing in any greate work. The Planters
have brought a petition agst. the late Act, wch. was desinged
to reamedy the paper creaditt, wch. has been soe destruckfull
to this place, hearewith I send a coppy of the Aturney Ginerall's
opinion thereon. The Counsell has made a suplementall Bill
to reamedey whatt is found wanting in said Act, espeaceley to
reinstate thosse H.M. was pleased to order should not be sufferers
by parteing with there just debts or leagall securetyes, said bill
now lyes before the Assembley for there concurrence. By the
adjoyned Adresses and answears, with the Mineuts of the Counsill
and Assembley, your Lordships will perseave whatt has been
done since my arrivell, and how much of my time has been taken
up in rectifieing former mistakes wch. required immeadiate
inspection; I am sorey to tell your Lordships there has not an
Act past in the President's time but wants amendment. I have
desired the merchts.' advice as to trade, and soe soune as this
Fleet sayles, I hope they will thinke on whatt I have recommended
to them. I begg your Lordships' directions on the Assembly's
bill aboute the alteration of the coyne. By the storekeeper's
Accts. of the Magasine, your Lordships will perseave there wants
seaverall things there, and whatt a small quantity of powder
remaines. Everey Coll. and Capt. ussed to fire the guns in the
forts att theire pleasure, wch. I have wholly restrained. There
is aboute 200 barrells more in the severall devitions thatt the
Coll. keeps for the usse of the Battereys. I sent downe H.M.S.
Crowne and Medstone to creusse of St. Vincents and Domineco,
who have brought me up some of the cheafe Indieans from both
Islands, who I have cloath'd and been kinde to. They tell me
have been and will continew verey loyall to H.M. but I observe
they understand more French then English, and Capt. Clarke
says he saw some little whitte flaggs out att St. Vincents soe
soune as his ship appear'd, but could not learne that any French
weare setled there. The Blacks and Indieans have been for
some time att warr there. I intend to send the pretended Kings
of both Islands a presant, and send H.M. Union flagg to be
hoysted on any occation, and keep the best correspondance
I can with them. There is not above 3 writts of error, and your
Lordships will perseave ye few causses now depending in the
Chancery list. All the Inferier Courts are duely held. I have
not since my arivall had any complaint agst. them. Last Fryday
I proclaimed the Unieon with all the solemnity this place could
afford. It's above two monthes since I ordered the Churchwardents of each Parrish to bring me an exackt list of all the
Inhabitants, both Christians and slaves, and how many of each
weare fitt to bear armes, as also the number of horsses fitt for
servisse, but there has been such a generall destemper throughout
ye whole Island, that 4 of ye Parishes has not been able to comply
with said order; I hope to have itt ready agst. next man of warr
sayles. This sicknesse has prevented me from vewing the
Malitia, wch. I shall per first opertunity, and advisse your
Lordships of there number and condition. Att present the
French have noe men of warr thatt I can hear of in thesse partes,
but dayly anoy our trade with there sloops from Martineco,
wch. are two nimble for our men of warr. The Deale Castle
is not yeet returned. There is a Committe of ye Counsell and
Assembly apoynted to examine into ye publicke debts, and how
ye money raysed thesse last three years has been expended, as
soune as finished shall be sent your Lordshipps. Findeing by
the Assembley's inclosed resolves and the Counselors' owne
confession, their gilt in voateing for the paper Act, I shall obay
H.M. Instructions in turneing out Messrs. Sharpe, Cox, Mills,
and Walker, and place Coll. Wm. Wheeler, Coll. John Hallett,
John Colleton and Timothey Salter in theire roomes, who are
all Gentlemen of the best estates fittly quilified, and weare
noewayes conserned in ye latte unhappy devitions. Signed,
M. Crowe.Endorsed, Reed. 8th, Read Oct. 24, 1707. 5 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
1090. i. Address of Assembly of Barbados to Governor Crowe.
Duplicate of No. 961.i. |
|
1090. ii. Governor Crowe's Reply. Duplicate of No. 961.ii. |
|
1090. iii. Governor Crowe's Speech to the Grand Jury of
Barbados. Concludes:—I am much concerned to find
not onely ye first petition layd before me in Councill
to be for a very scandalous contempt of H.M. authority
placed in the hands of her Ministers of Justice, but
that allso ye first cause of this Sessions should be of ye
like nature etc. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 8, 1707. I¾ pp. |
|
1090. iv. Address of the Grand Jury of Barbados to Governor
Crowe. Express their satisfaction at his appointment.
Before your Excellency's arrivall we grounded our
great expectations of blessings in your Government on
the relations which the world has heard loudly proclaimed
of your eminent services to the Crowne, and the remarkable
successes the Allies have attributed to your negotiations;
and yet since your desired arrival your Excellency
has showne us that we expected but part of the felicitys we
are to enjoy. Your unwearied diligence in the service of
the publick, your impartiall determinations, and just proceedings,
your wise enquiry into the causes of the condition
you found us in (which we tremble to thinke of) and
your vigorous application of proper remedys, raise
our hopes above all that has been in our view. We
make no doubt soon to see divisions heal'd, all the
inhabitants led to a due obedience, your Excellency's
endeavours of restoreing credit and advanceing trade
prove(s) successfull, and (in imitation of your great
actions in Catalonia) we shall be inspired with courage
still to defend our Island. Especially seeing your
Excellency is graciously pleased in your charge to us
to assure us that you will promote Religion by requireing
those in authority to be exemplarly pious, which will
certainly encourage inferiours to imitate them and
make us all happy. Signed, Rd. Walcott, Ralph Sadlier,
Richd. Farre, Jas. Browne, Jno. Hooper, Wm. Rayner,
Sam. Mapp, Wm. Rollock, Jno. Eastmond, Joseph Hannis
(=Hannie or Hannay), Timothy Salter, Hen. Lintott,
Wm. Dottin, Wm. Allamby, Jno. Frere, Richd. Parsons,
Tho. Affleck. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 1 large p. |
|
1090. v. Presentments of the Grand Jury of Barbados. (1)
That the laws discountenancing swearing and profanation of the Sabbath be duly put in execution, and that
for an example, the clergy and magistracy be particularly
circumspect in their lives etc. (2) That all due encouragement for the advancemt. of good literature, so much
mentioned in former presentments, be no longer delayed.
(3) That the highways be mended, and surveyors
severely punished for failures in their duties. (4) The
neglect of the inhabitants of St. Michael in not keeping
clean the streets and common shores of the same is a
great cause of the frequent sicknesses, which disheartens
strangers to resort amongst them, and consequently is no
small discouragement to trade. (5) That persons who are
owners of tottering and decay'd buildings in and about
the towns be obliged either to rebuild or pull them
downe. (6) That for the commodious lading and
unlading of vessels a strict enquiry be made into the
condition of the wharfs. (7) That of late years the
lawyers, and other persons concerned in most publick
offices, have augmented their fees to such an exorbitant
degree that the inhabitants are soe far discouraged
from prosecuting their debtors as to loose their debts
rather than goe to law for their just demands, and that
a regulation of their fees be speedily taken into consideration. (8) That vestrymen and parish officers be discouraged from expending moneys levyed for the necessary
and emergent occasions of their parishes and for the
support of their poor, in feastings. (9) That Forstallars,
Regrators and Ingrossers be punished according to
Law, and that all due encouragements be given to those
that shall detect such persons who shall be found guilty
of such pernicious practices. (10) That the great
bridge leading from the towne to Carlisle Bay be speedily
built at the publick charge. Signed and endorsed as
preceding. Copy. 1 large p. |
|
1090. vi. Address of the Grand Jury of Barbados to the Queen.
Congratulate H.M. on defeating her enemies and the yet
greater glory of uniting her subjects. Return thanks
for sending so great a Minister as H.E. Mitford Crowe
to command us etc. Signed and endorsed as preceding.
Copy. ¾ p. |
|
1090. vii. Capt. Clarke to Governor Crowe. H.M.S. Crown.
Carlisle Bay, July 20, 1707. Describes a cruize with
the Crown and Maidstone, June 18 ff. After detaining
for examination a flag of truce for Antigua from
Martinique, and an abortive attempt to cut out some
ships riding in Backsterr (Basse Terre) Road, Guadeloupe,
we made our way to St. Vincents. We stayed there
July 6–10, then made for Barbados. In our passage
we lookt into Port Royal Harbour, Martinique,
where we saw 3 sail, one of them a ship of force. I
have some Indians on board of Dominico and St. Vincents,
but it appears plainly they are very hearty to ye French
interests. Wee could not get none from Sta. Lucia
for fear of not returning within the time I am ordered
to saile with ye Barbados Trade for England etc.
Signed, Robert Clarke. Endorsed as preceding. Copy.
2 pp. |
|
1090. viii. Captain Fane to Governor Crowe. H.M.S.
Lowestoffe, Barbados, May 10, 1707. Being bound
for New York, the station appointed by H.R.H., and
haveing found the inconveniency of stayeing there the
winter season, by the desertion of the greatest part of
my men, wch. render'd the ship of no use part of the
next summer, I desire your Excellency to recommend
it to my Lord High Admiral that we may have leave
to come to Barbados the winter season, returning in
the spring with such traders that are bound to the
northward, wch. in my opinion will be of great use
to this Island, as well as a security to the Northern
traders. Signed, G. Fane. Endorsed as preceding.
Copy. ½ p. |
|
1090. ix. Memorandum of points offered by Governor Crowe
to the Merchants of Barbados for their advice thereon.
Same endorsement. 1½ pp. |
|
1090. x. Governor Crowe's second Speech to the Assembly.
I little expected after yr. first Adress such a coldness
in dispatching the publick affaires, ye delays whereof
you then soe much complained of, and more particularly
the unhappy divisions, which I fear are rather augmented
then heal'd, much contrary to my hopes of your wholly
applying yrselves for ye remedying both. After soe
many delays and breach of trust reposed in you by ye
people and neglect of duty to H.M. in my express orders
transmitted to you by your most worthy Speaker for
ye summoning of a house, wch. proved unefectuall,
I must plainly tell you, Gentlemen, that ye Queen
sent me here to heal and not permitt her Royall authority
and good subjects to suffer by yr. private and unhappy
divisions. Therefore I expect you will lay aside everything that may encline that way, and let me experiance
(what I only aime at and wish for) your speedy assistance
in redressing of all grivances, and ye promoting such
wholesome Laws as may for ye future secure you from
ve ill designs of those who have heretofore made a prey
of ye country. Mr. Speaker, there is one thing more
that I must particularly recommend to you, that is,
ye exact observance of ye rules of yr. house, as the only
thing yt. can suport yt. part of ye authority granted
by H.M. etc. Same endorsement. Copy. 1 p. |
|
1090. xi. Abstract of proceedings of the Grand Jury of
Barbados, June 10–13, 1707. 20 cases. Signed,
Norman Mackaskell, Dy. Clerk. Same endorsement.
1 p. |
|
1090. xii. Opinion of the Attorney General of Barbados upon
an Act for ascertaining the payment of the Bank Bills.
It is contrary to H.M. Instructions and contains many
provisions which are legally impossible. It is of so
extraordinary a nature and so repugnant to the Laws
of the Land, the rights of the Kingdom, the liberty
of the subject, your Excellency's authority and H.M.
prerogative that it ought not to be put into force till
H.M. pleasure be known, etc. Signed, Wm. Rawlin.
Same endorsement. Copy. 4 large pp. |
|
1090. xiii, xiv. Accounts of Stores received and delivered
out of the Magazines in Barbados, 1695–1706. Same
endorsement. 18 double pp. |
|
1090. xv. Copy of an Act of Barbados for the encouragement
of the importation of money. Endorsed, Recd. 8th,
Read Oct. 24, 1707. 1½ pp. |
|
1090. xvi. List of Gentlemen of good estates proposed by
Governor Crowe for vacancies in the Council:—Col.
Allemby, Thomas Maxwell, Coll. Lilley (the Ingineer),
Christopher Warren, Simon Lambert, John Freer, jr.,
Saml. Maynard, Wm. Roberts, Wm. Moore, Daniel
Leight, Wm. Cole, Reynard Allen. Endorsed, Recd.
Oct. 8, 1707. ½ p. |
|
1090. xvii. List of Causes depending in the Court of Chancery
of Barbados. 8 cases, July 1, 1707. Signed, Will.
Davies, Dep. Reg. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
1090. xviii. Resolves of the Assembly of Barbados against
the promoters of the Act for a Paper Credit. (Journal
of Assembly June 5, 1707.) William Sharpe, with his
brother-in-law, James Cowse, contrived this pernicious
law, and with Alexander Walker, in Council, and John
Holder, in Assembly, were the principle promoters
thereof. Sharpe received 500l. from the office erected
by virtue of the Act of Credit, and gave the bond in the
usual form, but whether this was merely a cloak for
receiving that sum from Holder for his assistance in
passing the law, does not appear. By amendments in
Council they altered the trust of management from
the Treasurer for the time being, and vested that power
solely in Holder's hands, Walker was to receive from
Holder a great proportion of the profits, and did actually
receive 527l. Samuel Cox, Councillor, warmly supported
the Act, and since its repeal has endeavoured to excuse
his error by saying that, if he had not consented to
passing this Act and the Triennial Act, he would have
been suspended from the Council. He has thereby
demonstrated his own unworthiness. He did propose
to be one of the three Managers intended in the first
project of a Paper Credit by Major Dudley Woodbridge.
John Milles and Middleton Chamberlain, Councillors,
supported the Act, before and since its passing, with
intent to obtain advantagious credit to themselves,
and they received from the office erected thereby
2,877l. 11s. 3d. and 1,854l. respectively. John Holder
endeavoured to bribe Major Woodbridge with 1,000l.
out of the public money. It does not appear what
James Cowse was paid for framing the Bill; but it is
apparent that William Walker did receive 200l. from his
brother, Alexander, by consent of Holder, for soliciting
support for the Bill in the House. The promoters of the
Triennial Act designed thereby to continue the Paper
Act. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 24th Oct., 1707.
Copy. 4½ pp. |
|
1090. xix. Address of the Council and Assembly of Barbados
to the Queen. Congratulations on the Union of the
two Kingdoms, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 8, 1707.
¾ p. |
|
1090. xx. Address of the Council and Assembly of Barbados
to the Queen. Returns thanks for "the great and
happy alteration your Majesty's subjects in this Island
have received by the prudent and wise management
of affairs under Mr. Crowe," etc. Same endorsement.
¾ p. |
|
1090. xxi. Naval Officers' List of Ships entered and cleared
at Barbados, March 25–June 24, 1707. 14 bound
to England, 60 to the Plantations and one to Guinea,
with sugar, molasses, rum, cotton, ginger, lime-juice,
salt, alloes and cocoa-nuts; 53 remaining unladen.
Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 10. Nos. 39,
39.i.–xxi.; and (without enclosures) 29, 11. pp. 119–134;
and (Nos. iii.–x., xix., xx.) 28, 43. Nos. 23–27, 31–35.] |
Aug. 8.
Barbados. |
1091. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Since ye closeing of my packett Mr. Sharpe has brought
me his adjoyned answer, wch. he beggs your Lordships would
be pleased to peruse. Signed, M. Crowe. Endorsed, Recd. 8th,
Read 24th Oct., 1707. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
1091. i. Wm. Sharpe to Governor Crowe. Reply to above
resolves of the Assembly (No. 1090. xviii.). The charges
against me are contrary to their own vote of confidence
in me Jan. 29, and the Minutes of their own House,
whereby it appears that the first project of paper money
was introduced into this Assembly by Major Woodbridge.
(1) A bill passed two readings in that house before I
ever saw it. When that Bill was rejected on the third
reading, and I understood that there were some other
projections for establishing a Paper Credit, which upon
examination I did not approve, and perceiving that
the Assembly were fully bent upon some project of
that kind, I did several times discourse Mr. Cowse
whether it might not be possible to continue a scheme
more beneficial to the public than any we had at that
time been acquainted with. He then drew up a bill
which was approved by Sir B. Granville as the best he
had seen, but there were many essential differences
between his draught and the Bill as it passed. The
paper bills, for instance, were to carry interest at 5 p.c.
per annum. (2) These charges are groundless aspersions.
I never met those Gentlemen on the occasion of the Bill
but once, and that publickly, etc. (4) A disingenuous
insinuation. It was to serve my necessary occasions
I borrowed the money, and entered into bond, as they
admit, in the same form as all others, and repaid it
within a few weeks with interest for a whole year, as
the Bank book shows. (5) I am proud to own it. It
is notorious to all who are acquainted with Barbados
that the Treasury has been the bone of contention
wch. has given birth to all our factions and divisions,
and if there had been such struglings to obtaine it for
the advantages that Office had been usually attended
with, I had reason to believe it would occasion far
greater divisions when such a profitable post as the
managemt. of the Bank should be suspended to it.
I was well perswaded of the integrity of Col. Holder,
and the indubitable security he was able to give. The
consequence has shewn that I was not much mistaken.
That this and the other amendments made by the Councell
were improvements of the Bill will appear from the
different reception it met with when sent down to the
Assembly from what it had at its first passing that
House. |
|
When I perceived the inconveniencies of that Law,
as soon as I had the honour to preside in H.M. Councell
here (which was long before H.M. pleasure was known
therein) I did not only publickly declare my opinion
agt. to the Councell and Assembly, but also did what
I could to have it remedy'd, and when the Assembly
refused to consider a bill to that effect, upon the repeated
importunitys of the majority of the Island, I at last
dissolved them. Upon the arrival of H.M. Order for
the repeal of that Act, I found the present Assembly,
so far from redressing the grievances of it, that they
were for reenacting and continuing the Bills for
12 months, altho' they now pretend soe much to dislike
it. This was lookt upon by myselfe and the Councill as
an act of disobedience, whereas the passing the Law
at first was but an error in judgment, and therefore
we rejected there Bill, which was the first occasion of
offence I perceived they took against me. That I
voted for the Triennial Bill with intent to support the
Paper Act is false in fact, and impossible for them to
know without the aid of divination etc. Signed. Wm.
Sharpe. Quotes Addresses of the Grand Juries
Dec., 1704, June, 1705, Dec., 1705, June, 1706, June,
1707, expressing confidence in him, and Addresses
from the inhabitants of St. Michael's etc. demanding
a General Election, etc. Signatures. Endorsed, Recd.
8th, Read 24th Oct., 1707. 18 large pp. |
|
1091. ii. S. Cox to Governor Crowe. Reply to the Assembly's
charges (No. 1090. xviii.). I did consent in Council to the
passing the Paper Act, being fully perswaded that by
reason of the scarcity of money, it was absolutely necessary.
As the Bill passed the Assembly it was in need of many
amendments, and I was the first person at the Council
to move such. Details. The Act has been very
prejudicial to the Trade of this Island, yet as that
consequence could not be foreseen, I hope I shall not
be condemned for what has since happened, especially
seeing I neither proposed any private advantage to
myself by it, nor ever received any. When I observed
its fatal influence, I warmly and publickly declared
that it ought to be repealed. I consented to the
Triennial Bill because I really believed it would conduce
to the peace and welfare of the Island. It has no more
answered my expectation than the former, and I have
long since expressed my dislike of it by concurring
with the late President in dissolution of the last Assembly,
etc. Signed, Saml. Cox. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 8,
1707. 3 pp. |
|
1091. iii. John Milles to Governor Crowe. Reply to same.
He voted for the Paper Act because he was firmly
persuaded that nothing could prevent the ruine of
this Island but the establishing another measure of
commerce in the room of the cash which had drained
from us, etc. Signed, John Milles. Same endorsement.
1½ pp. |
|
1091. iv. Col. Walker to Governor Crowe. Reply to same.
Criticises action of Assembly in bringing such accusations without hearing the parties. My support of the
Bill was dictated not by private expectation but by
the conviction that it was necessary. Describes his
part in preparing and promoting it. Signed, Alexander
Walker. Same endorsement. 8 pp. [C.O. 28, 10.
Nos. 40, 40.i.–iv.] |
Aug. 8.
Barbados. |
1092. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following:— |
|
1092. i. Col. Holder to Governor Crowe. Reply to the resolves of
the Assembly, June 5 (No. 1090. xviii.). Demands evidence
at great length. I was chosen for the post of Manager of
the Bank without my seeking it,—a compliment to my
integrity—and they have not been able to detect the
least unfair practice in my management of it. I was
ravished to think I had it in my power to exceed
Alexander Walker in generosity by making an equal
distribution of the profits of his office with him, seeing that
he shared my drudgery. I'me greived to my heart that
his after conduct was not of a peice with his action in
approving my appointment, after having been originally
suggested as one of three intended managers himself.
There was no corruption in the matter. If Alexander
Walker gave his brother 200l., how should that affect
me? I did retain the latter as Counsel in cases affecting
the Bank. Neither Cowse nor Sharpe directly or
indirectly ever received one farthing from me, etc. etc.
Signed, John Holder. 30 large pp. Annexed, |
|
1092. ii. Copy of the Rise, Progress and Determination of the
Bank of Barbados. By John Holder. 10½ pp. |
|
1092. iii. Copy of the Council's Amendments to the Paper
Act, and of the Minutes of Assembly upon them. 8 pp. |
|
1092. iv. Copies of depositions of Wm. Walker and Wm.
Sharpe in support of Col. Holder's defence. July 24,
1707. The whole endorsed, Recd. Oct. 8, 1707. 3 pp.
[C.O. 28, 10. Nos. 41, 41.i.-iv.] |
Aug. 9.
Windsor Castle. |
1093. The Queen to Governor Crowe. Warrant for dismissing Col. Cleland from the Council of Barbados. and all other
employments. Countersigned, Ro. Harley. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 210.
p. 60; and 28, 38. No. 64.] |
Aug. 9.
Windsor Castle. |
1094. The Queen to Governor Handasyd. Warrant for
restoring Tho. Barrow to his practice as an Attorney at Law
in Jamaica. Countersigned, Ro. Harley. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 45.
No. 88; and 5, 210. p. 61.] |
| [Aug. 12.] |
1095. Some Merchants of Barbados to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. Recommend John Pilgrim for the Council
of Barbados in the room of Col. Cleland. Signed, Rob. Heysham,
Geo. Lillington and 12 others. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 12, Read
Oct. 20, 1707. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 10. No. 35.] |
Aug. 12.
Torbay. |
1096. Governor Hunter to [?Mr. Popple]. Acknowledges
letter of July 1st etc. We are this minute return'd to Torbay,
wth. ye whole Fleet, haveing been as far as the Eddystone, and
in all appearance shall sail again to-night in order to return
again next day. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Aug. 27, 1707. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 70;
and 5, 1362. p. 259.] |
Aug. 14.
Whitehall. |
1097. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Parke.
Since ours of June 26 we have received yours of June 10, and
are glad to find so good an account of the Islands. As to the
supply of great gunns you desire, we must on this occasion remind
you of orders formerly sent you, to let us have a state of the
Ordnance Stores in those Islands, particularizing what are at
each fort or platform, and what are wanting, in order to our
laying the same before H.M. Recommend Messrs. Rhodes and
Estwick, Secretaries of the Commission of enquiry, to his favour
and countenance. [C.O. 153, 10. pp. 64, 65.] |
| Aug. 14. |
1098. Wm. Penn to Wm. Popple. Esteemed Friend, The
inclosed answers to G. Willcoxe's Reasons has been ready above
a weeke since, but my wife's great illness in ye country disabled
me from waiting upon ye Lords Commrs. with it. I hope ye
Lords will upon perusall of it be of an opinion they are frivolous,
not to say malicious to our perswasion, since ye drift of yt.
Memoriall is to unquallify us for shares in our own Govermt.,
a most improper as well as an unreasonable thing; and yt. since
they came Dwarfs into ye Province, whatever they are now,
is it not very hard that these Gentlemen should make us Dissenters
in our own Country? and in effect themselves our Lords and
masters, for life, Liberty and Property. I will in a few days
(God willing) wait upon ye Lords both upon this and ye other
subject before them. I am, Thy assured and affect. ffriend,
Wm. Penn. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 16, Read Oct. 20, 1707.
Addressed. Sealed. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
1098. i. Mr. Penn's Answears to ye Reasons offered by Geo.
Willcox agst. confirming an Act past at Philadelphia,
directing ye qualifications of magistrates, etc. (1) 'Tis
evident yt. ye preamble of ye Act is grounded on a
reality, for in ye Countys of Chester and Bucks 2 of ye
3 yt. compose the Province, there are at least 4 of ye
people called Quakers to one yt. can swear, and in ye later
they are not only 5 to one, but there are not able and
sufficient men enough other than those called Quakers
to execute justice among them, therefore there would be
a failure of it if those people were excluded. Besides, this
very Law was fully debated in a free conference between
ye Councill and Assembly, before ye Governor, a Churchman, at wch. Councill there were 5 or 6 Churchmen and
but 3 Quakers, and not one of those Gentlemen soe much
as offerd to deny ye superiority of number when urged by
ye Quakers, insomuch yt. ye Governor declared himself
and ye rest too, satisfied of ye plurality and necessity
of their being concerned in ye Administration of ye
Govermt.; ye denying therefore yt. ye majority of ye
freeholders of ye Province of Pensylvania are such
who are sc[r]uplous of taking oaths is at least a mistake,
but certainly this Article carrys apparent exclusion
in ye very face of it, in alleadging yt. there are a
sufficient number of such who are well quallified to
exec[ute] all trusts and offices in ye Govermt., who doe
not scruple to take and administer oaths: thereby
doubtless intending totally to devest and discharge
our frds. from haveing any share in ye administration
thereof, tho of a Province or Colony of their own making,
at ye known hazard of their lives and fortunes and a vast
expence and labour for 26 years past, by wch. means
a meer wilderness is converted into a usefull and
beneficiall Colony to ye Crowne, a poor returne for ye
favours shown them by ye people called Quakers. (2)
As before, soe I must say it's highly reasonable and
according to naturall right, yt. a people which made
a country should be estab[lished] therein, neither will
their establishmt. therein destroy ye pres[ent] settlemt.
as is suggested in this Article, when ye greater part
[of] ye ministers are Quakers and ye Legislators almost
all, and ye sec[uri]ty of an affirmation wth. them is
certainly as valid as yt. of an [oath] with those yt. are
free to take it, their incomparable and constant sufferings for not swearing considerd, ye expression of
leting in Quakers into ye Govermt. of yt. Province
is ridiculous, they haveing had ye whole Govermt.
there, and by their humanity and free principles admitted
others to a participation wth. them yt. show now they
doe not deserve it from them. (3) What is said agst.
ye forme of affirmation there 'tis presumed may be
alleadged agst. ye affirmation here, wch. seemes a
reflection on the wisdom of Parliamt. ye affirmations
being worded alike. (4) This clause is only where
there is no proper officer on ye Bench yt. can administer
an oath, and where almost ye whole are ye people
called Quakers. Besides, ye greatest part of ye people
of ye Province are as well satisfied wth. ye affirmation
as wth. an oath, and hold themselves as much obliged
thereby, and therefore there is no shew of any ill consequence from this clause, and further I must say ye
whole Province and Territorys had an agreeable
distribution of Justice free of oaths for many years
wthout any complaint or address to ye Crown in respect
of ye mode or manner of ye administration thereof,
untill these complainants and their few adherents began
to make those people uneasy who made ye Province,
wch. has in a great measure made them wt. they are.
(5) The clause enacting yt. ye tender of an oath by
one Magistrate in ye presence of a Bench of Magistrates
shall be esteemed his act only, yet as valid as if done
by ye whole, cannot too much extend ye pow'r in any
wise of any one Magistrate, as is here suggested, because
ye same is limited to ye administration of an oath only.
(6) 'Tis presumed ye Quakers hold themselves as firmly
bound by an affirmation as others in generall by an
oath as before at large, and therefore this reason seemes
to carry no weight in it. (7) There is a great deale of
reason for yt. clause relating to ye deposition or
affirmation of a wittness, being sick or necessitated
to goe out of ye Province, for ye people having often
occasion, there being many of them traders, to goe
to New York, New England, Maryland, Virginia,
Jamaica, Rhoad Island, Barbadoes etc., as well as to come
to England, and ye Judge before whom such deposition
is to be made is certainly thought to be capable of
knowing whether there is a necessity of such deposition
or not, and if he finds none, then 'tis conceived
he will not admitt of it; who is also to summon ye
adverse party to appear before him, and will undoubtedly
give them sufficient time to appear, else such deposition
'tis presumed would be laid aside by ye Court: Besides
this appears only to have a relation to property and
to ye life of ye subject; however it seemes to have
been coppyed after a Barbados Law yt. has long since
had ye Royall sanction, for so I have been informed.
All wch. is humbly submitted to ye consideration of
this Honble. Board in behalf of ye people called Quakers
of ye Province of Pensylvania. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264.
Nos. 13, 13.i.; and (without enclosure) 5, 1292. pp. 13,
14.] |
Aug. 14.
Whitehall. |
1099. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Crowe.
Since our letter of June 26, wee have received yours of May 15
and June 5 last, as also the duplicate of the first of the said letters
which was not signed. We think fit to take notice thereof to
you, that you may sign all duplicates for the future, least the
original shou'd at any time miscarry. We are sorry to perceive
the fortifications are in so ill a state, but as the 4½ per cent. is
appropriated by Act of Parliament here, it will be difficult to
obtain any of it, as you desire, but we think you ought to move
the Assembly in the most effectual manner, that they give the
necessary supply for putting the said fortifications in the best
posture they can, and that you send us over a perfect state of
the said fortifications drawn by Col. Lilly, with a computation
of what the charge of repairing them will amount to. Wee
have perused the copy of the Address of the Assembly to yourself.
Wee think it very proper that a full and strict enquiry should
be made into the misfeasances and disorders which have disturbed
the quiet of the Island, and that all fitting methods should be
taken for remedying what is amiss, and prevent the like for
the future. But before any such Act passes as is proposed in
their Address, we think it convenient that the draught of such
a Bill as they desire should be sent over to be considered here,
in order to your receiving further directions therein. As to
the Cartel with the French, we see as yet no objections to it.
We have communicated it to the merchants and others concerned
in Barbadoes, who all approve of it, but seeing you did not
think fit to ratify it, we expect that you send us by
the first opportunity the objections you have to it, that we
may thereupon judge what shall be fitting to be done. As to
your sitting as Judge at the Grand Sessions, though it may be
alledged that the other Governors have done it, we cannot but
declare to you that the practice appears to us very irregular,
and that it is altogether unfit that the same person should either
sit as Judge or otherwise appear on the Bench, or to speak and
interpose in the hearing of any cause in the first instance, which
may afterwards come before him by way of appeal. This, therefore, we thought fit to take notice of, as a thing that may be lyable
to ill constructions, and as what was complain'd of in the case
of Col. Codrington then Governor of the Leeward Islands. As
to the Act to ascertain the payment of Bills, etc., H.M. hath been
pleased to confirm the same, as you will see by H.M. inclosed
Order, which you are to cause to be published in the usual manner.
As to what you write in relation to coin, we had before the receipt
of your letter represented our oppinion to H.M. (copy enclosed).
We inclose H.M. Order Aug. 4, discharging Col. Sharp from
the complaints made against him by Cols. Cleland, Colleton
and Holder; as also another order of the same date, discharging
Mr. Cox from the complaints made against him by Mr. Sandford
and Mr. Dorn, both which orders you are to communicate to
the Councill, and see that they be observ'd according to H.M.
directions. H.M. having been pleased to dismiss Col. Cleland
from the Councill and all other employments in Barbadoes,
a warrant is accordingly preparing for H.M. royal signature
which will be sent you by the next pacquet, in the meantime
we send you a copy of H.M. Order thereupon for your information.
As to what you mention in relation to Mr. Holder's being a Member
of the Councill, we must acquaint you that it was as great a
surprize to us when first we heard of it, as it seems to have been
to you; and we are making an inquiry into that matter, of which
we hope soon to give you a further account. [C.O. 29, 11.
pp. 99–103.] |
| [Aug. 15.] |
1100. A Memorial of the Present Deplorable State of New
England, with the many Disadvantages it lyes under, by the
Male-Administration of their Present Governour, Joseph
Dudley, Esq., and his son Paul, etc. By Philopolites. Printed
in the year MDCCVII, and sold by S. Phillips, N. Buttolph,
and B. Elliot. Booksellers in Boston. The Governor is accused
of countenancing trade with the French and Indians, through
his son, William Dudley, and Capt. Vetch, and thereby enabling
the latter to continue their depredations etc. Everything is
bought and sold betwixt the Governour and his son Paul, and
no Justice is to be had without money. There is a general
opposition to the Governour thro' the whole country. Affidavits
of John Calley, Mariner, Wm. Partridge and Thomas Newton,
quoted, "as they were laid before the Queen and Council, relating
to the Governour of New England's Mercenary and Illegal
proceedings," etc. Concludes with some accounts of outrages by
Indians in the E. and W. of New England. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 15,
1707. A pamphlet of 41 pp. [C.O. 5, 864. Nos. 191, 192.] |
