|
July—
Dec. 31. |
611. Permits for 20 ships to sail without convoy in America
and the West Indies. [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 155–187.] |
| [July 1st.] |
612. Memoranda taken from Lord Sunderland's book of Letters and Instructions concerning the West India Expedition
(c. April 28 etc.). Men of warr to be ready by ye end of
March at furthest etc. Concludes with memorandum of letter
to Col. Vetch, 1st July, Exped. laid aside. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 9.
No. 24.] |
July 1.
Whitehall. |
613. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High
Treasurer. Enclose following and pray for the payment of their
own salaries, now five quarters in arrear. [C.O. 389, 36. pp.
436, 437.] |
| July 1. |
614. Petty Expenses of the Board of Trade, Lady day—Midsummer, 1709. See Journal of Council. 6½ pp. [C.O.
388, 76. Nos. 79–83.] |
July 1.
Whitehall. |
615. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose Lt. Governor Bennett's letter etc. of Oct. 29,
1708, in confirmation of barbarities committed by the French and
Spaniards in the Bahama Islands (cf. June 29); and of March
12, 1709, relating to their design against Carolina. [C.O. 5,
1292. pp. 139, 140.] |
| [July 1.] |
616. Caveat by Sir John Colleton, praying that John Colleton
may not be appointed to the Council of Barbados, till his case
be determined. Endorsed, Recd. 1st, Read 8th July, 1709. ¾ p.
[C.O. 28, 12. No. 27.] |
July 2.
New York. |
617. Thomas Cockerill to Mr. Popple. I am to excuse my
self to you that I have not written to you since my arrival here.
Our disord'red family and other affairs have taken up so much
of my time that I have hardly thought of Old England. My Lord
dyed here on May 6, haveing never had a well day in his
Government, which I attribute wholly to the cold and sickness
he caught a board the man of war upon the coast. One son
dyed before him, and the young Lord a fortnight after, this
bad news, I suppose, is already come to your hands. With this
comes my Lady, who will want the assistance of your honble.
Board to recommend her case to H.M. She hath been a very
great loser, in other respects besides those already mentioned
by this voyage. I dare promise myself you will do her all the
good offices in your power, etc. Wee are here bigg with expectation of good success from the Canada expedition, and shall
raise in this Province £10,000 towards the charg of it. I cant
say that wee match the zeal and spirit of the men of New
England, Rhode Island and Connecticut, but we have already
sent away all our forces both regular and militia, whom Coll.
Nicholson commands in cheif. Wee have some against it, but
they have been out numbered. Interest, that governs all the
world, tyrannises at New York. At Albany where they trade
with the French at Canada, the handlers, i.e. traders, are against
it, the farmers for it. In Jersey the Quakers in the Assembly
voted against ye bill for raising £3000, etc. for the Canada
expedition, and upon the third reading, two of ye Assembly
that were not Quakers joyned with them thro somebody's
instigation to render that Assembly odious, whereby the Bill was
lost. But the Assembly being prorogued at the desire of the
Speaker met again and have since past it. Those two men
voted all along for the Bill untill the third reading. I am told
the Quakers would have absented from the house if they had
known of these two men's designes, but I will not altogether
credit this report. It may deserve the Queen's consideration,
whether Quakers shall be allowed to be chosen Assembly Men
in that Province for the future. You will now send us a new
Governour and consequently make some new alterations in the
Councill. Coll. Depeyster (being the Country's Treasurer) will
not act. There is your friend Dr. Staats, who hath the best
interest in this place, and is one of the honestest men, will
deserve the Queen's favour. If he be restored to his place,
he will be near the top. I dare not venture to give you, other
names, but my friend Sir Will. Ashhurst, if you consult him,
can supply you. If you any time desire an account of persons
and things here, I shall very readily obey etc. I hope to hear
of the Fleet's arrival with the forces from England, for all
trade is at a stand untill this expedition is over. Coll. Vetch
is gon back this week for Boston to receive them. Do me
the favour Sir to recomend me to the new Governour. Signed,
Thom. Cockerill. Endorsed, Recd. 29th, Read 30th Aug., 1709.
2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1049. No. 109; and 5, 1121. pp. 392–394.] |
July 2.
St. James's. |
618. The Queen to Governor Crowe. We resent your disrespect in disobeying our directions Jan. 24, 1707/8, etc. We
command you, as you shall answer ye contrary at your peril, to
admit Messrs. Sharpe, Walker and Beresford to the Council,
and comply with the Order of Dec. 30 last, etc. Cf. A.P.C. II.,
pp. 576, 577. Countersigned, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd.
7th, Read 8th July, 1709. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 12. No. 28; and
5, 210. pp. 154, 155; and 29, 11. pp. 474, 475.] |
July 4.
Custom-house. Bristoll. |
619. Custom House Officers at Bristol to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. Enclose following. Signed, J. Reynardson, Jn. Elbridge. Endorsed, Recd. July 7th, Read Aug. 25,
1709. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
619. i. List of ships cleared from Bristol to the fishery
at Newfoundland, June 24, 1708—1709. 4, of 50 to
100 tons. Signed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 194,
4. Nos. 96, 96. i.] |
| [July 4.] |
620. Robert Tolson to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses following. My Lord Morton and the Gentlemen subscribing will be ready to attend yr. Lopps. upon any reasonable
notice, etc. Signed, Rt. Tolson. Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read
5th July, 1709. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
620. i. Earl of Morton and others to the Lords Committees
of Trade. The matter of a proper method for reduceing the pyrates at Madagascar being referr'd to your
Lordshipps, we haveing been requested by severall of
the near relations of the said pyrates to be concerned
as trustees for secureing to the said pyrates the due
execution of such termes as H.M. should be pleased
to grant unto them touching their lives and estates,
and wch. persons assureing some of us that the said
pyrates would accept H.M. most gracious pardon and
returne to their allegiance with their effects, and Admirall Benbow's sonn (who was shipwraked at Madagascar, and lived amongst them four yeares) haveing
assured us that the pyrates are willing to transport
themselves with their effects to Great Brittaine at their
owne expences, and they haveing drawn a petition to
H.M. to the effect aforesaid desired our approbation
thereof, soe far forth as to accept such trust onely as
H.M. with the advice of her Privy Councill should
think fit to repose in us. To obtaine such trust to be
put in us, we did countenance the said petitioners as
being willing to attend H.M. pleasure therein, as really
thinking it an effectuall meanes to reduce the said
pyrates and utterly to destroy their settlement at Mada
gascar by bringing them voluntarily to Great Brittain
with their effects, which we believeing could not be
better effected in any other manner then as the petition
of, or in the name of the said pyrates (lodged with the
Secretary of State, annexed) and haveing been informed
that the attempts of reduceing the said pyrates by
force or otherwise have in severall late reignes proved
ineffectuall, and we being induced to believe that all
future attempts of that kind will likewise prove invallid, unless proper trustees be appointed to whom
the pyrates may remitt their effects to be secured for
and delivered to them in such proportions as may
respectively belong to them, and we observeing the
Address of the honble. House of Commons to H.M.
for the effectuall suppressing the said pyrates and H.M.
most gracious answer thereto, were incouraged to lay
before H.M. the methods aforesaid as the most effectuall
meanes to be used for suppressing the said pyrates
without any charge to H.M. or the Government., which
we pray you will represent to H.M. etc. Nota. After
the method aforesaid the said pyrates will (it's supposed
and hoped) voluntarily submitt themselves and bring
home their whole effects to Great Brittaine, from wch.
H.M. will receave great summes for Customes and
save chargeable equipping of a Fleet otherwise necessary
for the uses aforesaid, and her subjects for the future
trade safe from the said pyrates. Signed, Morton,
Cha. Egerton, and 4 others. 1 p. |
|
620. ii. Petition of wives and relations of Pirates and Buckaneers of Madagascar and elsewhere in the East and
West Indies to H.M. Pray, on behalf of said pirates
and their accomplices, for a general pardon, soe that
their wealth and riches may be secured to them on
their return home etc. And that this great and good
work may not become abortive as a former undertaking
did, propose that some persons may be appointed by
H.M. as trustees in Great Brittaine to give instructions
to Commissioners to be appointed by H.M., who shall
carry the said pardon, and receave their effects and
secure the same for their use upon their returne hither,
petitioners intending H.M. nor the publick should be at
any charges therein, etc. Signed, Mary Read and 47
others (mostly "their marks"). Copy. 1 p. [C.O.
323, 6. Nos. 79–81.] |
July 5.
New York. |
621. Lt. Governor Ingoldesby to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I embrace this oppertunity, which is the first I
have had, to inform your Lordships that my Lord Lovelace dyed
May 6, whereby the Governmt. of this and H.M. neighbouring
Province of New Jersey devolved upon me, whome H.M. has
been pleased to appoint Lieut. Governor thereof. My Lord
Lovelace left the Assembly sitting when he dyed, and it was
very lucky for the carrieing on this expedition against Canada,
which I hope will be attended with the success I wish, and I
have no cause to doubt it. I herewith transmitt to your Lordship several Acts of Assembly of this Province, some past by
my Lord Cornbury and some by my selfe (titles given). There
is one Act among these, which I cant but take some perticular
notice of. It is for regulating and establishing fees, which was
framed wholly by the Assembly, who seemed to be very fond
of it; severall of the Councill, when it came up to them,
were of opinion it required many considerable amendments,
yett the part this Province is to perform in the aforesaid expedition against Canada being at that time before the Assembly
for their assistance therein, those of the Councill who thought
the Bill required those amendments conceived it was not proper
at that time to attempt it, least it might impede those other
weightyer affairs, whereupon they past it, and desired me to
give my assent to it, for the same reasons. I am sencible there
was reason for moderating the fees in some instances, but I
think the Assembly have runn into extravigancies farr greater
on the other hand, of which I am since by dayly experience
convinced, for the lawyers have declined their practice in every
Court, and the Officers would likewise quit their imploys, but
that their duty obliges them to wait H.M. commands, and that
they are in hopes they shall be releived from the hardships
which they suffer from this Act. An other reason for my
passing this Act is an other of the aforesaid Acts now transmitted to your Lordships, and past by my Lord Cornbury in
October last, to relieve this Colony from divers irregularitys and
extortions, which is so unintelligable that it rendred it doubtfull
whether any fees could be taken till some other Act were past
for settling the same. If your Lordships, upon the consideration
of the aforesaid Act for establishing Fees, should represent it
to H.M. as necessary to be rejected, I pray your Lordships
consider at the same time whether it may not be proper that
the other Act be likewise rejected to remove the doubts mentioned to have arisen thereon, and as to that clause giving
power to the people to elect their coroners, if H.M. should
think it reasonable, her signification thereof to her Governour
will, I presume, be sufficient, and as to the establishing of Fees,
I humbly recommend it to your Lordships' consideration and
directions that offices may be capable of maintaining gentlemen
of understanding and probity suitable to the nature and quality
of each office, without being dependant on the humour of the
Country, and that the practicers of the Law may have an
encouragement to proceed as near as may be in the order and
method used in England, and not Oretenus, as in some of H.M.
Plantations in the West Indies, and that they may thereby have
a maintainance suitable to their education and profession. The
Revenue of this Province expired May 18, and I fear the Assembly will hardly be brought to give it again, I mean as they
should and hitherto have done to the Queen, to be disposed of
as she shall think fitt, whereby H.M. might reward her servants
as they deserve, but instead of that the Assembly are now taking
upon them to appropriate what they give for the support of
Governmt. I doubt, if it be permitted to go on, those Officers
that are now the Queens will sone become the creatures and
servants of the people; it's very well known that this Province
has ever since it has been under the Crown supported the
Governmt. handsomly and as they ought, without oppression
to any or impoverishing the place, and they are still as able
to do it as ever. It's true there has been of late years some
ill managmt. with respect to the Revenue and the expences of
the Governmt., whereby a considerable debt has been contracted,
but if prudence and moderation be used in those things, or
some directions given relating thereto, there need be no apprehensions of the like for the future, at present Officers are
very precarious, some of them are like to have no sallary allowed
them by the Assembly, and almost all the rest so much reduced
that it's scarse worth accepting: 'twas the Assembly of New
Jersey that first begann to appropriate what they gave for the
support of Governmt., and I have been forc't to accept of what
the Assembly would give here on these termes, rather then lett
all the Officers starve. And that is only the Excise, no other
mony being yet given for support of Government, and this
is not yett appropriated, but provided to be disposed of by Act
of Assembly, I hope it will not be drawn into precedent, but
that H.M. will take such effectuall methods to have a Revenue
settled on a sure foundation, that Officers may without fear
discharge their duty, and intend the Queen's interest. The only
standing Revenue the Queen has in this Province is the quitrents, and they are so much concealed that very little comes
into the Treasury, nor is it practicable to make a rent roll
whereby they may be collected yearly, other then by a Law
to be made particularly for that purpose, for I am very well
informed that, when the Dutch took this place from us, severall
Books of records of Patents and other things were then lost;
and how little an Assembly will favour such a Bill is much
to be doubted from their interest. I wish your Lordships would
give me your directions herein, that I might apply myselfe to
bring this matter to a clearer sight then it has yett been in.
I am informed that the Minister of this place is attempting to
obtain from H.M. an allowance of £26 a year out of the quittrents for his house rent, as also the payment of some arrears
occasioned in common with others by the anticipating and
overcharging the Revenue, out of which this used to be paid,
it was given in the infancy of the Church, when the congregation
were not able to bear the expence, and 'twas a very pious act
and has contributed very much to increase of it, which is now
so flourishing that their Minester has a very handsome sallary
of £160 per annum, besides his perquisites. And the Church has
now in bank, as I am informed, £700 or £800. I hope H.M.
will think of some other way of paying this arrear and house
rent, for besides the ill example it will be to appropriate the
remainder of it to particular uses, it will deprive the Govern
ment of all manner of means to provide for severall unavoidable
exigencies, this being the only money it can command on these
occasions. I cannot omitt acquainting your Lordships, that
tho by my Lord Lovelace's directions, the Act of Parliament
for the ascertaining the rates of foreign coyns, was published
in this Province and in New Jersey, yett the people of either
Province pay no obedience thereto. Nay, the Assemblys take
upon them thus farr to make the Act of no signification that
they will pass no Bill for money, but to be paid at the value
it was before the said Act took place. Indeed, Mr. Cockerill,
who pays the forces here, has paid them according to that Act
ever since May 1st, and the Publick Officers conform to it,
but nobody elce does that I hear of. I pray your Lordship's
directions herein, whether I shall cause the Attorney General
to preferr an(d) information or indictment against one or two
persons, and trye if that will bring the people to the necessary
obedience, or what other measures I shall take. The Queen,
by her Instructions to the Governor, commands him to furnish
her shipps of warr with men, upon application from the Captains. The Captains of the Kingsale and Maidstone, which
came with my Lord Lovelace, have applied to me for men. I
was willing to supply them, but yett I doubted my hands were
tied up from impressing by the Act of Parliament for the
encouragement of the trade to America; yett I was unwilling to rely altogether on my own judgment, and therefore referred it to the Chief Justice and the Attorny General for their
opinion thereon, who have severally given it me (enclosed).
The disagreement there is in those opinions obliged me to take
the advice of the Councill thereon, who have given it (enclosed).
I pray your Lordships that I may have some further directions
herein, or that some other method may be taken to man the
Queen's shipps. I am just now honoured with your Lordships'
letter, wherein was H.M. disaprobation of the Act for ye corruption of the current coin, which I have made publick, and
I shall use my utmost endeavours to have the Act of Parliament
for ascertaining the rates of forreign coyns obey'd, nor doe I
see now what pretence the people can have not to comply therewith. I have given the Attorney Generall leave to goe for
England upon his request, and his representing to me the
necessity of it; he can witness to your Lordships what an
unwillingness Assembly's here have to give a Revenue suitable
to the exigences of the Governmt., tho many years experience
has convinced the considerate and best part of mankind that
the Revenue, as it has hitherto been raised has been exceeding
easy to the Province. One principle motive for the Attorny
Generall's going is that the Assembly have not thought convenient to give him the sallary which his predecessors had, and
they are going the same way to work with the rest of the
officers, of which I pray your Lordships' consideration that this
budding evil may be prevented from growing greater. In my
last to yr. Lordships from Perth Amboy, I sent an acct. of
what then occurred both in the Councill and Assembly to that
time. I have only to add that our Assembly mett according
to the appointment, and have passed an Act for raising £3000,
for the present service and expedition against Canada, an other
for the inforcing the currency of bills of credit for £3000, and
an other for the encouragement of volunteers. I have only to
observe to your Lordship that they passed the House of Representatives with great difficulty, all the Quakers in the House
voting against the Bills, which is a further confirmation of the
representation sent to H.M. from myselfe and the Councill,
in which Coll. Nicholson and Coll. Vetch have joined with us.
I hope your Lordships will excuse me for not sending the Acts
past in New Jersey, the Secretary not having as yett sent 'em
me. I shall transmitt them your Lordships per very next opertunity. Signed, Rich. Ingoldesby. Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read
25th Aug., 1709. 4 pp. Enclosed, |
|
621. i. Opinion of the Lord Chief Justice of New York. The
prohibition as to pressing in the late Act. is general.
and no commission or instruction can dispense with
it. June 30, 1709. Signed, R. Mompesson. Endorsed.
as preceding. 1 p. |
|
621. ii. Opinion of the Attorney General of New York. June
21, 1709. It is proper for the Governor to grant
warrants for impressing men to make up the complements of H.M.S. ships, the late Act of Parliament
not being intended to tye up the hands of the Government here, etc. Signed, Jno. Rayner. Same endorsement. 2½ pp. |
|
621. iii. Minutes of Council of New York, July 3, 1709.
The Board advised that the Governor cannot grant any
warrant for impressing mariners, except deserters.
Same endorsement. Copy. ½ p. |
|
621. iv. (a) Examination of Wagrasshse and Canawanegoe,
that were sent by Col. K. v. Renselaer and Robt.
Livingstone spyes to Canada. (At a meeting of the
Commissioners for the Indian Affairs, Albany, June 21,
1709. Present: Col. K. v. Renselaer, Evt. Banker,
J. Abeel, H. Hansen.) Say that, when they sett out
from Schaennechrtade, they came unto the French Praying Indian Castle of Cachnawage in Canada, the 7th
day, where the Indians askt what there bussiness was,
they replyd they came to fetch bevers which they had
there, the next morning by order of ye Govr. of Montroyall were carryed thither, who also askt what brought
them there and how all was at Albany, they reply'd
that all was well and in quietness. After we left the
Govr. of Canada, went according to our directions to
view what quantity of great guns there was in that
place, we first saw two partarrores before the Govrs.
house, and 10 more and 8 great gunns near the watersyde whereof two great gunns were only mounted, after
yt. ye Govr. of Montroyall sent for us again, and askt
when we went home, we answered in 3 days time, upon
wch. he forbid us to return thro Corlaer's Lake, for
that many of his people were gone out that way to fight,
and if they went that way might be kil'd, therefore
desyred us to return by way of Cadarachqua River.
As to the quantity of people in Montroyall, found no
more then at other times, that is many officers, but few
souldiers, the stockadoes round the town, we perceiv'd
many decay'd, when we came by Laplarie we see some
part of the Fort made new, the rest old and rotten; in
Chambly Fort were two great gunns and 3 patarrares,
and abt. 30 men with the souldiers there, and the inhabitants living near the same, and we also inform'd
ourselves relating Quebeck, do understand that that place
is very well fortifyed with a thick stone wall round it,
and is enlarg'd over the Creek, at which place the
Bostoners stopt when they attackt it, there is a considerable quantity of boums and three mortors. When
we were at Cachnawage in order to return home, just
as we were going out, came in the Govr. of Quebeck
who desired a meeting with us, and all other our Indians
that were there, and being convein'd, he askt us if
we were going home, we answer'd yes, then sd. he,
lett us first drink together, and gave every man of us
a dram of brandy, and a small roll of tobacco, and sayd
that he was inform'd that the hatchatt was given into
the hands of the Five Nations, but that he expected
the first blow from Quider, and then should know how to
deal with him, for it is an easey matter (say'd he) to
take Albany, and as for you children, (say'd he to us)
doe what you think fitt, fight or not, it is at your
pleasure. Says that the Fort at Cachnawage is also
old and sett round with small stockadoes, has 3 great
guns therein. We are informd that a considerable party
are gone out agt. N. England, whom one of our Indians
hath seen march out, in which party there is 100
Indians from Cachnawage, the same party is commanded
by one Romvich, a son of Monr. Artell; they are to
make a Fort on the head of New England River at a
place call'd Oneyade; after that we travel'd on to
Chambly in order to proceed on our journey home, we
were overtaken again by a messanger from the Govr.
of Canada, who desired us back again, on which we
return'd back to Montroyall, and went to the Govr., who
sayd he was glad we were come back, and desired us to
tarry a few days to take good news along to Quider, which
would be Peace, whereof he had a report, and expected
letters from Quebeck every hour, where a vessel was
arrived from France, and had brought that news, but
he had not yet any letters relateing the same, but expected hourly, whereupon we tarryed one day, then
told him we were going home, he say'd, since you will
not stay, tell Quider that as soon as my letters come
from Quebeck with Peace, shall immediatly send him
an express, altho' I beleeve by this time he will have an
account thereof by the way of N. York, so that I beleeve
the expresses will meet together by the way. |
|
(b). Examination of Matanas, one of the three that
were sent to Canada by Col. K. v. Renslaer and Mr.
Robt. Livingston, and return'd here this day, haveing
been 8 days by the way from Chambly. Says that in his
going thither he was 9 days by the way to Chambly,
where he found 40 Mohags from Cachnawage and other
Indians which he knew not; there he was taken up to
be one of them that had kil'd of theirs in the Lake
and Chambly River, and was detained there on that
acct. 3 days. Says that the stockadoes round the Fort
of Chambly are all rotten and propt up with cross
pieces of timber to hold them up, therein is also six
great gunns including patarres, all the men in't and
inhabitants round it are not above 30 in number; from
thence he went down to Sorrel, where he beleeves
all and all is not above 40 men; then he went to an
Indian Castle a little from thence call'd Adgecantehook,
where the Preist bid him welcome, there he saw 2
litle pattarares, and found provision very scarce; that
Castle consists of abt. 170 men when all are at home,
many of them were not yett come from beaver hunting,
after 10 days stay to give no suspetion he resolved to
goe to Troy River, with an intention to goe to Quebeck,
but the Preist takeing him to be a spye, would not
allow him to take his gunn etc. with him, but gave
leave to goe to see the place only, wch. put a stop
to his intended proceedings, after he came to Troy
River, he found it to be a town like Schaennechtady,
wh. consists abt. 40 familys, has a Fort wherein is
with great guns and patarrares about the number of
30, the stockadoes rotten and decay'd, he likewise meet
an Indian a frind of his come there from Quebeck, by
whom he understood that the stone wall round Quebeck
was compleatly finish'd, being built out over the Creek
where the Bostoniers made their attack, and that there
was 56 great guns planted round the inside of the
citty and upwards of 20 mortors; has further understood
that some Indians are gone out a-fighting towards the
N. W. Passage, and so return'd home. |
|
(c). Intelligence given by an Indian call'd Ticonnondadiha deserted from a French party gone to N. England. Says that it is now 24 days ago since that party
went out from Canada, wch. he left 3 days ago at the
head of the other Creek at a place call'd Oneyade,
and to goe over a long carrying place before they
come to the N. England River; this party consists of
180 men, 40 Christians and 140 Indians; they are de
sign'd for Dearfeild, and intended to post themselfs
near the Fort, and then send out a skulking party to
draw out the English, thinking by that means to take
the place. That by another Indian coms latter from
Canada confirms that this party is out, and that two
N. England Captives deserted from thence 14 days ago. |
|
Albany, June 22, 1709. Hereupon that Comrs. for the
Indian Affairs have sent Danl. Ketelhuyn expresse with
a letter to Coll. Partridge to give an acct. hereof.
Same endorsement. 4½ pp. |
|
621. v. Extracts from the Journals of the Assembly of New
York relating to the expedition to Canada. Same endorsement. 5½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1049. Nos. 107, 107.
i.–v.; and 5, 1121. pp. 372–385.] |
July 5.
Whitehall. |
622. W. Popple to the Marquis of Carmarthen. I am again
commanded by the Council of Trade and Plantations to acquaint
your Lordship that they will be ready between tenn and eleven
of the clock on Friday morning next, to hear what your Lordship
may further have to offer in relation to the pirates at Madagascar.
[C. O. 324, 9. p. 405.] |
| [July 6.] |
623. Copies of depositions of James Feild, Richard Cochran,
and Jeffry Duncombs, as to soldiers being sent to seize Barry
Tankard for his contemptuous behaviour to Governor Parke.
Antigua, April, May, 1709. Endorsed, Recd. Read July 6, 1709.
8 pp. [C. O. 152, 8. Nos. 22–24.] |
| [July 6.] |
624. (a). Deposition of Samuel Walker. Thomas Gateward,
J.P., informed him that he did not think there would be a
sessions, because there could not be a jury got to condemn
the gentlemen, etc. May 2, 1709. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
(b). Deposition of Francis Carlisle. Governor Parke said he
would have no man to serve as his Provost Marshal, but such
as should summons such jurors as he should direct or approve,
etc. April 27, 1709. Copy. 1 p. The whole endorsed, Recd.
Read July 6, 1709. [C. O. 152, 8. Nos. 25, 26.] |
| [July 7.] |
625. Deposition of Jedidiah Hutchinson late of St. Kitts.
Deponent received the following Instrument from Col. Jno. Ward,
Speaker of the Assembly of St. Kitts, to be delivered to Wm.
Nevin, etc. (a). Council of St. Kitts to the Assembly. Dec.
7, 1708. We know of no grievance against the General [Parke]
such as some malicious people of Antigua report, and desire
you to inform us if you know of any. (b). Reply of the Assembly. Dec. 7, 1708. We heartily wish we could concur that
H. E. has been guilty of no maleadministration. (1). The Public
grievances: (1). His not laying before H.M. the Act for raising
100,000lb. of muscovado sugar per annum for the Governor's
house-rent, which, considering our unhappy circumstances by
the late hurricane and great debts, as well publick as private,
we were in hopes would not have had the Royal assent. (2).
H.E.'s keeping the late Assembly 15 months longer than is dircted by the Act for preserving the freedom of elections. (3).
His taking greater fees than any General heretofore for licences
of marriage, probate, etc. (4). The discouragement of the settler
in ye late French quarter of Basseterre. (5). The Lieut. Governor's sloop being sent, Easter 1708, with, a Flagg of Truce to
Martineco loaded with beef, which the country was then in great
want of. As to particular grievances, we give for instance the
hardship done Col. Codrington, Col. Ward, James Emra, Capt.
Marcum, Christopher Stodard, and Guillias McArthur being
deny'd guardians. What shall we say to the case of Mr. Vanbell,
Capt. Derby Donovant, Capt. Tho. Copping and their companies,
with Capt. Mallary, who was struck by the General, as 'tis
said, for only offering to search his sloop, Robert Jones, master,
that came from Carrasau with contraband goods, as it's supposed. Mrs. Clark, who was marryed in the night in the
General's presence, in a little thatcht hutt agt. the inclination
of her guardian, Col. Daniel Smith, and carryed off this Island,
by the General in H.M.S. Hector etc., etc. Copy. 4 pp. [C.O.
152, 8. No. 27.] |
| July 7. |
626. Deposition of Jedidiah Hutchinson. Deponent was resident in St. Kitts 1706–1709. The inhabitants of the French
part made great complaints amongst themselvs of the arbitrary
government of Governor Parke, who exacted a yearly rent from
them, which was never demanded by any preceding General, and
caused many to remove from the Island. Corroborates other
charges against the Governor. He indecently assaulted Mrs.
Du Southsay in. St. Kitts. Signed, Jedh. Hutchinson. Endorsed, Recd. Read July 8, 1709. Copy. 4 pp. [C.O. 152, 8.
No. 28.] |
| July 7. |
627. Roger Mompesson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Petitions to be continued as Chief Justice of New
York. Signed, Roger Mompesson. Endorsed, Recd. 7th, Read
27th July, 1709. 1 large p. [C.O. 5, 1049. No. 104.] |
July 7.
St. John's. |
628. Observations made in Placentia, June 1709, by Allen
Southmaid and Jno. Collin. Endorsed, Recd. Feb. 23, 1709
(1710). 5 pp. [C.O. 194, 22. No. 74.] |
July 8.
New York. |
629. Col. Nicholson to [the Earl of Sunderland.] Announces and explains his acceptance of the command in chief
of the land expedition against Canada, as June 28, q. v. Col.
Vetch went last week for Boston. Enumerates enclosures, including a Proclamation for [?raising] of voluntiers in the Jersies,
Pensilvania etc., "tho' Capt. Farmer hopes to get the men, yet I
am very doubtful thereof, and if they are raised it will be late
before they can joyne the other forces, and I fear they will
not before we have marched from the Wood Creek, if so we
shall have 350 men less then were ordered," etc. Some of the
Long Island Indians are come to me already, and I am in
hopes there will be more. By the accot. that the Indian spyes
give (who are returned from Canada) your Lordship may likewise see in what condition they were in, in Canada, if the
Indian account may be relyed upon. I find that one of the
great difficulties I shall meet with is the transportation of the
men, provitions, and amunition, and I suppose we shall meet
with the like difficulty of carrying of 3 or 4 small brass guns,
but I will endeavour to make good use of the cowhorne morters
and granadeers, for I have (tho' with very much trouble) got
arms and accouterments for 218 of them. I think very few of
the forces have been in any service were great guns have
been used, wch. I find we are like to meet with, yet I shall
endeavour to manage affairs accordingly. We have as yet no
news of the Fleet being arrived at Boston, which makes people
here somewhat uneasy by reason of the sumer's being so farr
advanced. But notwithstanding any of these difficulties I hope
in God that the usuall success will attend H. M. arms. This day
Governr. Ingoldesby and myself designes for to meet Indians
at Albany, wither all the forces are gon up, and most of the
arms and amunition, the last being now loading to go with us
or presently after, I found it absolutly necessarie to stay here
for the dispatch of the affairs, etc. I hope your Lordship will
be pleased to excuse this unpollished letter, etc. P. S. This is
designed by John Rayner Esq., H. M. Attorney Generall here,
who tells me he is bound for Great Britain upon some affairs
wch. he proposes will be for H. M. interest, etc. Signed, Fr.
Nicholson. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 26.] |
July 8.
Whitehall. |
630. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. We
have considered the Articles of complaint etc. against Governor
Park (see March 31). It being but just and reasonable that
he should be heard in his own defence, we humbly offer that
your Majesty be pleased to order that copies of the Address,
Petitions and Articles be sent to him, and that he be directed
by your Majesty's letters mandatary to make his particular
answer to all the said Articles as soon as possible; and that
he be required to give free liberty to the complainants and
other persons concerned to make affidavits before any judge
or magistrate of what they know in those matters, and that such
judge or magistrate do summon before them such person or
persons as the complainants shall name; and that Col. Park
do signify your Majesties pleasure herein to such judge or
magistrate accordingly. We further humbly offer that the complainants be obliged to give unto Col. Park authentic copies of
their affidavits and other proofs; and also that he do in like
manner deliver to them copies of his answer and such depositions and other proofs as he shall think necessary for his
defence within the space of one month after publication of
your Majestyes said letters mandatary upon rect. thereof without
delay. And further that within 20 days after having so recd.
each others proofs, they do in like manner change the replys
that each of them shall think fit to make, and that ye whole
be returned hither by the first conveyance to be laid before
your Majesty. [C.O. 153, 10. pp. 363, 364.] |
July 8.
Whitehall. |
631. Same to Governor Parke. Recommend Mr. Jurdine
to his care and assistance in the dispatch of his business etc.
(See June 9.) [C.O. 153, 10. p. 365.] |
July 10.
South Carolina. |
632. T. Nairne to [? the Earl of Sunderland.] Having
been imployed by the Generall Assembly of this Province in the
quality of an Agent, and itenerary Justice among the Indians,
subject to our Governmt., among other things usefull to be
known for the safety and interest of this Colony, I aplyed
myself in particular to have a very minute acct., of all people
as well Europeans as salvages, from Virginia to the mouth of the
Mississipi. I have had a personall view off most of these parts,
either formerly when a Commander in the warrs, or this year by
travelling, altho my inquiries and serches of this kind are not
finished, yett considering the juncture, that peace must of
necessity in some small time be concluded, I could not dispense
with myself from laying before yr. Lordship a map of such
travells and observations as I have already taken, to the end
yr. noble Lordship may at one view perceive what part of the
Continent we are now possest off, and what not, and procure
the articles of peace to be formed in such a manner that the
English American Empire may not be unreasonably crampt
up. Yr. Lordship[s] may depend on the Inland topography to be
exact as any thing of that kind can well be. The numbers of
the inhabitant I took with the greatest care. Yr. Lordship
upon view of the map will presently conclude that if the French
now setled at Mobile were possest of all the Indians subject to
ye Governmt. of Carolina, and had united them to those of the
Mississipi, they wold be in circumstances to draw from among
them such bodies of forces as wold be intollerably troublesom
either to the English Colonies, or the naked unarmed country
of New Mexico, and that this province, only by trading and
other management. can put a check to them, a consequence of this
is that this province, being a frontier both against the French
and Spand., ought not to be neglected. I have represented this
matter in such a true light to the Genll. Assembly, that they
resolved to raise some forces, to reduce either the French fort at
Mobile, or at least all the Indians betwixt us and the Mississipi,
now in their alliance, accordingly I was busy providing everything for my voyage. I entertained intelligence among the Yassas,
Tassas and Nochees, inviteing them to setle up Cussate river,
I ventured my life, and made peace with the Chactas, in short
I design'd to invite by fair means all that wold accept of our
friendship, upon the terms of subjecting themselves to our
governmt. and removeing into our territory, and quite to ruine
such as wold not, soe that the French might never be in a
capacity to raise an Indian army to disturb us or our allies,
and that the lower parts of the Mississipi, being left desolate,
the trade of the up[p]er might fall to this province by means
of factories, setled on Cussate river, for the French from Mobile
wold find it extreme difficult to carry on that commerce, unless
had releif and defence from the Indian towns on the Lower
parts. But as I was imploying myself in concerting measures
for the intended expedition, the intelligence of the French and
Spands. designing to invade Carolina put a full stop to it,
only I continue to invite over by fair means all that I can,
which I hope will not be altogether in vain. My design was
to fall down from the Talapoosies against the French with a
fleet of 80 canoes man'd with 500 Indians and 1000 by land
15 English on ye one part and 30 with the other, with these
forces I pretended either to destroy or remove into our territory
all the salvages from Mobile to the Mississipi, and up the river
to 36 degrees of latitude. The French of Mobile have their
support by the furr trade from the head of the Mississipi, and
a good underhand trade with the Spaniards of La Vera Cruz
by way of Pansacola, that small garrison depends on Vera
Cruz, and live in extream good terms with Mobile, being both
afraid of our subjects, the Talapoosies, who last year burnt
Pansacola town, tho the French at Mobile be now weak, yett
they are well scituated for Indian trade. I have fix'd a red
Cross to these places now subject to Carolina and a triangle
at these in amity with Mobile. The English trade for cloath
alwayes atracts and maintains the obedience and friendship
of the Indians. They effect them most who sell best cheap.
This makes it necessary that the trade with them should in
England lye under as small duties and embarrassment as may
be, sixpence custom for such dear skins as are small and not
worth 12d. seems unreasonable. Yr. Lordship may perceive
by the map that the garrison of St. Augustine is by this warr
reduced to the bare walls, their Castle and Indian towns all
consumed either by us in our invasion of that place or by our
Indian subjects since, who in quest of booty are now oblidged
to goe down as farr on the point of Florida as the firm land
will permitt, they have drove the Floridians to the Islands of
the Cape, have brought in and sold many hundreds of them
and dayly now continue that trade, so that in some few years
they'll reduce these Barbarians to a farr less number, there
is not one Indian town betwixt Charlestown and Mowila Bay
except what are prickt in the mapp, only am uncertain of the
numbers of the Floridians. Our friend the Talopoosies and
Checasas imploy themselves in making slaves of such Indians
about the lower parts of the Mississipi as are now subject to
the French. The good prices the English traders give them
for slaves encourage them to this trade extreamly, and some
men think that it both serves to lessen their numbers before
the French can arm them, and it is a more effectuall way of
civilising and instructing, then all the efforts used by the French
missionaries. Ye English in next Treaty of Peace have just
reason to insist upon the French quitting that setlemt. on the
Bay of Mowila, because they setled it in prejudice to and
dispight of the just title the English had to that Bay and the
River of it. It seem they found the Mississipi unfitt to setle on,
and not willing to give any umbrage at that time to the Spaniards
by going to the westward of it, made bold (tho' in time of
Peace) with the English of Carolina, and setled on the Bay of
Mowila, 150 miles to the east of the Mississipi, all the inhabitants
whereof had for 10 years before submitted themselves and country
to the governmt. of Carolina, and then actually traded with us;
the French upon their first arrivall were so liberall of thein
presents yt. they entirely decoyed the people of the lower parts
from their duty, and endeavouring to doe the same with the
Talapoosies who live higher up, 5 of them were killed in the
attempt, as they were coming up, by an Indian called Dearsfoot;
this has made them desist ever since, and the English are now
in possission of the greatest part of the people of that River.
Yr. Lordship by a view of the map will perceive that if the
Englist think fitt to use any efforts to make themselves masters
of the furr trade from the head of the Mississipi, it must be
done by drawing up the Yassas etc. to setle on Cussate river
and making small forts to defend the traders merchantdise
where the places are marked. Yr. Lordship will likewise se
that the Cherockee nation now entirely subject to us are extreamly
well scituate to keep of any incursions which either ye Illinois
or any other French Indians may think of making into Carolina,
and in effect so it is, they are now our only defence on the
Back parts, but are themselves miserably harrassed by the
Iroquis. Yr. Lordship may please to write to the governours
of Maryland and New York to interpose as much with the
Iroquois in their behalf a[s] possible, all parts of the English
Dominions ought mutually to espouse one another's interest
in everything that relates to the Common Defence against ye
French and their party. I have considered this coast, what
parts may be any way usefull to ye Brittish nation in order to
setle Colonies. It is certain we have firm possession by means
of our Indians from Charles Town to Mowila Bay, excepting
only the garrison of St. Augustine and ye Islands of Cape
Florida. If the English could spare people, it seems fitter to
strengthen this Province, then setle any new. But if an inclination to setle any place to the Eastward of the Mississipi should
prevaile, the old Country of the Apalachias is the only best,
being for 40 miles long and 20 wide clear feild fitt for the
plough, formerly manured by the Indians, who were four year
agoe subdued, and the remaining part of them removed to
Carolina. This place wold be proper for the seat of a governmt.
to take in the neck of Florida and 100 miles to the westward
along the Bay, that country is full of catle and horses, which
before the war belonged to ye Spaniard and Apalachia Indians,
but are now all wild. But if yor. Lordship please to have laid
before you all the printed mapps and descriptions that are
in England of the country to the westward of the Mississipi,
and thoroughly consider all circumstances, you will incline to
beleive that the English Nation can setle a Colony nowhere to
greater purpose then upon some convenient place any where 60
or 80 miles to the westward of the mouth of ye Mississipi. It is
certain there are considerable numbers of Indians there, so
farr from being subject, that are at constant warrs with the
Spaniards of new Mexico it is certain the french could not
persue La Salle's design formed against ye mine country, by
reason of their present circumstances with Spain, so that if
the English put in and gett the Indians of their side, it may
be a means of at least enjoying a good share of the trade both'
with ye Spaniards and their Indian subjects of that part of
New Spain, the example of Queriso shows us that neither galleys,
men of warr, nor garrisons can prevent a trade of that nature,
and no man can foretell how favourable some revolutions of
time might prove in affording oppertunities worth catching att,
to gain some of the mines. The Bay of Campeeche lying not
farr of the bay, men might be invited to setle in the new
Colony and make it the port to ship home their wood from, and
occasionally exercise the trade of cutting logwood from, that
port, above all things arming the Indians, purchasing their
commodities, making discoveries and sending youths to learn
their language wold be of the utmost consequence to the firm
establishing ye Colony, for of them might be had men ready at
any time to help oppose the Spaniards, a thing of this nature
must be done with great secrecy, and first setled with considerable strength, and fortified with the utmost celerity. If
the Spaniard patiently suffer the french to goe sharers with
them in the Peruvian trade, it's equally reasonable that the
English, should aim at gaining some of the Mexican. It's easy
to make the peace and inland discoveries from Carolina, from
whence we are already well acquainted as farr as the Mississipi. 2 or £300 sterling's worth of goods proper will be sufficient and for discovering the coast and finding a fitt River
to setle on a sloop may be sent from hence privately. Signed,
Thomas Nairne. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 382. No. 11.] |
| [July 10.] |
633. Petition, statement of case, and depositions (2) of
George Lillington. v. following, and C.S.P. 1705, and A.P.C.
II. No. 1088. 7 pp. [C.O. 28, 43. Nos. 5–8.] |
July 11.
Windsor. |
634. Order of Queen in Council. On petition of George
Lillington, the Order of May 19 is revoked, and the matter referred to the Committee for hearing Appeals, etc. v. A.P.C. II.
No. 1088. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug.
2, 1709. 1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 12. No. 30; and 29, 11. pp.
483, 484.] |
July 12.
Whitehall. |
635. W. Popple to Mr. Burchet. Encloses extracts from
Governor Handasyd's letter April 6, relating to the case of the
Naval Officer condemned in Jamaica, to be laid before the Lord
High Admiral for his directions therein. [C.O. 138, 12. pp.
415, 416.] |
July 13.
Whitehall. |
636. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose extracts from Governor Handasyd's letter,
April 6th, relating to a serjeant condemned in Jamaica, etc.,
to be laid before H.M. for her pleasure therein. [C.O. 138,
12. pp. 416, 417.] |
July 13.
Whitehall. |
637. Same to the Queen. Recommend that Samuel Sherlock,
Samuel Smith, Wm. Outerbridge, Leonard White and John Peasly
be appointed to the Council of Bermuda. [C.O. 38, 6. p.
467.] |
July 13.
Antigua. |
638. Masters of ships lying in the harbour of Antigua to
the Council of Trade and Plantations. Address in favour of
Governor Parke and his fair and regular administration etc.
10 signatures. Endorsed, Recd. Read July 13, 1709. 1 p.
[C.O. 152, 8. No. 29.] |
| [July 14.] |
639. Christopher de Graffenried and Luis Michel to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. Explain their proposal for
settling Swiss Protestants in Virginia (see June 28, supra).
Signed, De. Graffenried, Michel. Endorsed, Recd. 14, Read 15
July, 1709. French, 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 28.] |
July 15.
Whitehall. |
640. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Handasyd. Acknowledge letters of Aug. 2, 1708, and April 6,
1709. What you write of the want of seamen has been laid
before the Lord High Admiral, and we have also transmitted to
him the case of the Naval Officer etc. We have likewise laid
before H.M. your desire in relation to the Serjeant etc., and
as soon as we shall know H.M. pleasure, we shall give you
notice thereof. We are glad to perceive that the Assembly
have passed the Acts you mentioned which we shall expect
according to your promise, and when received shall consider
that same as opportunity offers. P.S. Since our writing the
above, we have received yours of May 1, and have only to add
that H.M. has been pleased to pardon the Serjeant, etc., and
the same is now preparing by Mr. Attorney Generall for passing
the Great Seal. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 417, 418.] |
July 15.
Whitehall. |
641. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose Addresses from Antigua and St. Kitts in
favour of Governor Parke, to be laid before H.M. [C.O. 153,
10. p. 366.] |
July 15.
Whitehall. |
642. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Crowe.
Acknowledge letters of March 2 and May 18. As to the proceedings of the Grand Session against Alexander and Wm.
Walker, we can give you no directions therein; that matter is
now depending, and Mr. Lillington's son is here to prosecute his
father's complaint, as also Mr. Wm. Walker to defend himself,
so that till both sides have been heard, we cannot make any
determination thereupon. The Acts you transmitted, March 2,
shall be considered; but we have not received the Act about
Agents referr'd to, May 18. And therefore we supposed that it
has been sent to the said Agents, which ought to be immediatly
transmitted to us from yourself. As to your refusing to readmit Mr. Sharp, Mr. Walker and Mr. Beresford into the Councill, and your not issuing orders for their taking of depositions
pursuant to H.M. directions to you, H.M. having been pleased
to determine that matter in Councill, and having accordingly
writ fully to you thereupon, we need not add anything in that
matter. [C.O. 29, 11. pp. 476, 477.] |
July 15.
Whitehall. |
643. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor Bennett. Acknowledge letters of April 8, June 12, Aug. 4 and 14,
Oct. 29, 1708, and March 1708/9. We can now make no return
to what you write in relation to Mr. Jones, because the
hearing of the complaints, which we had begun, has been put
off till Michaelmas next by reason of the term then at hand,
and other business; so that till both' sides have been fully heard,
we cannot give you any particular answer upon that head. We
have recommended 5 proposed by you for the Council (v. July
13), and doubt not but the orders for their admission will be
sent you by the Agent. We have received the tryal of Mr.
Daffy, and shall as occasion offers have recourse thereunto.
We have laid before H.M. what you writ us in relation to the
cruelties of the French in the Bahama Islands, and to their
design on Carolina. As to the condemnation of the Margaret,
that matter being transmitted to the Commissioner of Customes,
we need not say anything thereupon, not doubting but they
will take care to justify their own officer's legal proceedings.
[C.O. 38, 6. pp. 468–470.] |
