|
Feb. [?]
Boston in Newfoundland. |
86. Mr. Bridger to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Repeats, with some additions, his complaints of last year as to the
waste of woods, and the inconvenience of H.M. being excluded from
cutting masts in private grants or townships. Desires instructions
therein. Requires a deputy, etc. As to Naval Stores, there is
none in this Fleet, except masts. The merchants have met with
such discouragement in tar, pitch, etc., that they wholey decline
it, except what your Lordships wrote to the Governor last year
incourages them to proceed. I last 5th of Sept. receiv'd a letter
from the Governor directed to the merchants trading in Naval
Stores, on which I mett them several times, and have last night
agreed to some particulars. Refers to enclosures. I am in
great hopes when the people here in the respective countys
are satisfyed by demonstration, that it will be their interest to
make tar, pitch, etc., they will set on it heartily, and answer
H.M. expectation. I printed directions for the making of tar
two years since, but that have not prevailed; they want to see
the operation, and then they say they will goe to worke, as I
formerly acquainted your Lordships, etc. This would divert
them from spinning theire own wool, for I have experienced
that a man shall earne as much money by makeing of tar, that
will buy two coats in the same time that he's spining and weaving
wool enough to make one, and nothing will give such life to this
designe as H.M. takeing all stores of theire hands at a stated
price; and as well that the survey of such stores should be made
here, is what they all very much insist on, for they say, if the
stores must recieve its probation at home, if not liked of then,
wee loose all as freight, insurance, petty charges and prime cost,
etc. Another thing which will greatly add to this designe is a
peace, then wee can goe into the woods and places proper for the
makeing of tarr, etc., wch. now is noways safe by reason of the
Indians, etc., etc. Mr. Collins' Agent has cutt a great many
masts above his contract, though allways forbid by me and
deputies. I this last Dec. seized 20 large masts, from 27 to 34
inches diameter, the largest of their contract is 26. But in
contempt of the seizure and the Queen's Commission, Mr. Collins'
Master immediatly loades some of them masts and they are now
on board the Prince, and many others above contract and bowtsprits, which the contract doe not mention one word of. Hundreds
of masts cutt two years since by the said Agent, which are in
contract, are in a perrishing condition in the River of Piscataqua,
for want of being carryed home, etc. Yet Mr. Collins hath not
yet delivered one mast into H.M. stores. Mr. Mico's mallice
is as great as ever, and reports all over the countrey he will turn
me out, if it cost him £10,000; he endeavours to discourage the
merchants from engaging in the production of Naval Stores,
etc. Prays for their Lordships' favour as to the seizure, and
for consideration of his travelling charges, etc. Signed, J.
Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 21st April, 170 9/10. 7 closely
written pp. Enclosed, |
|
86. i. List of masts contracted for by Mr. Collins with the
Navy Board, May 3, 1707, etc. 1 p. |
|
86. ii. Certificate as to Mr. Bridger's travelling in the woods
etc. Signed, J. Dudley. Boston, Feb. 4, 1709 (10).
Same endorsement. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 865. Nos. 42,
42 i., ii.,; and 5, 913. pp. 208–222.] |
| [Feb. 1.] |
87. Reasons offered by Colin Campbell for fortefying of
Ferryland. Signed, Colin Campbell. Endorsed, Recd. 1st, Read.
3rd Feb., 170 9/10. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 117.] |
| [Feb. 1.] |
88. Reasons offered by Mr. Cumings for the same. Signed,
Archd. Cumings. Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4.
No. 118.] |
| Feb. 1. |
89. Account of losses sustained by Mr. Colin Campbell
in Newfoundland, Jan. 1705 ff. Total, £10, 737 2s. 6d. Attested
by his brother, James Campbell. Copied by Colin Campbell,
June 5. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 1, 170 9/10. 8¼ pp. [C.O.
194, 4. Nos. 108, 108 i.] |
| Feb. 1. |
90. Affidavits by Colin Campbell, July 27, 1709; Capt. John
Moody, April 14, 1709; John Jackson, Clerk, April 14, 1709;
and Archibald Cumming, Jan. 25, 1709 (10?). The whole
endorsed as preceding. 7 pp. [C.O. 194, 4. Nos. 109–112.] |
Feb. 1.
Exon. |
91. The Mayor of Exeter to Mr. Popple. The recovery of
ye Newfoundland trade wilbe greatly advantagious to this
countrey, and this becomes evident to us, when we compare ye
riches, populousness and splendor of our Southern Ports, and the
great numbers of seamen, with the poverty and thinness of
inhabitants that now appeares in most of them, etc. Signed,
Edward Collyns. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 7th Feb., 170 9/10.
Addressed. Sealed. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
91. i. Merchants of Exmouth trading to Newfoundland to the
Mayor. There are now Fower ships prepareing to go to
Newfoundland directly on the Fishery, and more will goe
provided they can meet with fishermen and seamen.
Wee conceive it necessary for 3 men of warr at least to
goe as convoys to the shipps that shall goe to the
Land from the South and North Channell, and to protect
them in there Fishery, at the harbors of St. John and
Ferriland and Trinity, and that the said convoys be
ready to saile by March 1st, least wee should suffer
as the last yeare by arriveing soe late. It's alsoe very
necessary that 3 other men of warr may bee ready to
depart by June 10th, with the shipps that goe as
sacke, wch. with the 3 men of warr aforementioned
maye convoy the shipps from the land to there markets,
and alsoe those which shall returne home with traine.
It's our opinion that many more shipps would goe, if
there was noe feare of the Frenche retorneing againe
to take our harbours, which are unprovided of garrison,
and only a few planters left for its deffence, for wch.
reason may require more forces to bee sent. [C.O.
194, 4. Nos. 119, 120.] |
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
92. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Encloses extract from Mr.
Jackson's letter concerning Naval Stores (v. Jan. 24), with some
queries thereupon, for the opinion of the Commissioners of the
Navy. [C.O. 389, 21. pp. 39–43.] |
Feb. 2.
Maryland. |
93. President and Council of Maryland to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. Enclose Laws and Journals of the last
Session of Assembly Oct. last. Continue: The most of the Laws
being private, are of little moment, and those that are publique are
very few and only what seem'd absolutely necessary, wee having
refused to enact any of consequence in the absence of a Governor
in chiefe. The Province in generall is in greate peace and tranquility, and wee will heartily endeavour the continuance thereof,
etc. Col. Francis Jenkins and Mr. Philip Lynes, Members of H.M.
Councill, are lately dead. Signed, Edw. Lloyd, W. Holland,
Will. Coursey, Tho. Ennalls, Sam. Young, Tho. Greenfield, Cha.
Greenberry, Jas. Hall. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 23, Read 25th
Oct., 1710. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
93. i. Address of the Delegates of Maryland to the Queen.
Quote Acts for regulating ordinances etc. 1662 ff.
Concludes: True it is the assembly by an Act, 1694,
did give the profitts ariseing from Ordinary lycences to
Sir T. Laurence, which is the first Law which ever
gave such fines to the Secretary: which Act was
temporary and expired in 3 years; and altho' the
Assembly did afterwards by other Acts continue the
same to the Secretary, yett it was always by temporary
Laws, thereby reserveing to themselves the power of
disposeing of it as to them should seeme meete. And
it being considered that the fees of the Secretaryes
office of late are vastly increased through the multitude
of business therein, and the lycences to Ordinary keepers
not being any wayes enter'd or recorded in the Secretaryes Office, is unreasonable the fines ariseing thereon
should be given or settled on him. This Dread
Sovereigne is the true state of the case, and we doubt
not will give your Majesty full satisfaction that Sir
T. Laurence as Secretary has noe right to the fines on
Ordinary Lycences, etc. Signed, R. Bradly, Speaker,
and 38 others. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 23, Read Nov,
1st, Dec. 13, 1710. 1 large p. [C.O. 5, 717. Nos.
16, 16 iii.; and (without enclosure) 5, 727. pp. 184,
185.] |
Feb. 2.
Maryland. |
94. President and Council of Maryland to [the Earl of Sunderland]. Duplicate of preceding letter. Endorsed, R. Sept. 9, 1710.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 720. No. 7.] |
Feb. 2.
Treasury Chambers. |
95. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. Encloses following for the
opinion of the Council for Trade. Signed, Wm. Lowndes.
Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read 10th Feb., 170 9/10. Addressed. ¾ p.
Enclosed, |
|
95. i. John Rayner, Attorney General to New York, to the
Lord High Treasurer. By the grants of the Duke of
York and the several Governors, the greatest part of
the Province of New York is granted away, and in great
quantities to particular persons in fee, and not £100
communibus annis receiv'd in quitt rents by reason of
the small reservations made, and the not enrolling, or
the enrolments being lost of many patents, whereas if
reasonable rents had been reserv'd they would probably
now have supported the Government, for which there is
no standing Revenue. In most of the patents there
are conditions of improvements to be made in three or
some other certain number of years, many of which have
not been perform'd. The grants have been most of
them made without any report from a Surveyor of the
quantity, quality, or value of the lands, many of them
not agreeable to the Governor's Instructions, and in
several particulars, illegal, and by information there are
several concealed lands, no general survey having been
yet made. Petitioner could do considerable service to
the Crown in asserting H.M. title to her lands and
rents, was there wherewithal imprested for defraying
the charges of such proceedings and survey. As
Attorney, he has no other allowance than a bare salary
of £150 per annum. He did depend upon a salary of
£100 per annum usually paid there to ye Attorney,
and £100 more as Advocate by an establishment made
for the Admiralty Officers upon an accidental Revenue
belonging to H.M. arising by certain Acts of Parliament against unlawfull trade (which is incumbent upon
him to prosecute), for the first of which there is no
provision, and the last the Receiver is not willing to
pay without an order from hence. Prays for an order
that he be paid the arrears of his salary out of the
arrears of quit rents, which will be got by his means,
and his growing salarys out of the said quit rents and
accidental Revenue. The care of finding out lands for
the Palatines and of advising how the grants are to be
made will lye upon him as Attorney General; and the
granting of patents to them gratis will be a great loss to
him. Prays for consideration therein, etc. 3 pp. [C.O.
5, 1049. Nos. 156, 156 i.; and 5, 1122. pp. 159–164.] |
Feb. 2.
Craven House. |
96. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Tynte. You
are to sett out and issue grants for 100 acres of land per head to
these poor Palatines—Peter Harman, his wife and 3 children,
Hanes Peter Steling, Katherine Shafner, Handerk Ponly, Haniah
Katherina Ponly, Haniah Maria Elizabeth and Johannes Peter
Steber—to pay 1 penny yearly quit-rent for each acre, after
10 years, etc. Signed, Craven Palatine, Beaufort, M. Ashley,
J. Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 289. p. 238.] |
Feb. 2.
Craven House. |
97. Same to Council of Trade and Plantations. We have
transmitted copies of extracts (Jan. 19) to our Governor, Major
Edward Tynte, and have ordered him to make all the enquiry
he can into illegal trade between Carolina and Curacoa, St.
Christophers, etc., and to prosecute the offenders. We have
given him directions not to suffer any Flaggs of Truce to trade
during their stay at Carolina, nor to suffer any of them to come
on shore to examine the condition and strength of the Province.
We shall use our endeavours that the Laws relating to Trade and
Navigation be strictly observed and put in execution, and whatever accounts Major Edward Tynte shall from time to time
give us of his proceedings in this affair shall be carefully communicated to your Lordships. Signed as preceding. Endorsed,
Recd. 3rd, Read 15th, 170 9/10. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 94;
and 5, 1292. pp. 209, 210; and 5, 289. p. 239.] |
Feb. 2.
Craven House. |
98. Same to Mr. Sale. We have recd. yours of Oct. 15
last, and as to what you write concerning ye charges of ye
sessions, we will take a little time to consider of it, and in ye
mean time we order you to pay no mony but such as you have
directions to pay in your Commission and Instructions, wch. you
recd. at this Board from us. We do remember your request to
us for the Register's Office of Deeds and Conveyances, but we
can give no answer to that, till we have heard from our Govr.
Mr. Tynte, who was to inform us of the nature of that office,
and if the executing thereof by you, or any other person would
not interfere with the power and authority already granted by
us to the Secretary of our Province. Mrs. Blake as guardian
to her son has a right to an 8th part of the profits of a Proprietorship, but that matter must be adjusted at our Board here, and the
incident charges belonging thereunto must be divided and then
wtever. shall appear to be due to her in the right of her son, when
a dividend shall be made, shall be return'd. or paid to her according
to her order, but in ye meantime we think it reasonable for her
to pay her quit rent and purchase mony as other persons do. We
lately gave an order to permit ye lands belonging to Col. Tho.
Colletons Barony to be divided, but whether those lands were
ever purchased or not will appear by ye records of ye Province,
and if there are no records to testify ye same, they must pay a
penny an acre till they are purchased. We think it adviseable
for you to give publick notice yt. all persons who have already
obtained grants for lands, if they do not within 6 months after
such publick notice take up the lands so granted, it may be
lawfull for any other person to take up and purchase the same.
The Officers' sallaries and wt. payments you are directed to make
by your Commission and Instructions are to be paid out of our
Quit-rents, but all mony which you shall receive for ye purchase
of lands, and what shall remain of our quit-rents after those
payments made, you are to consigne to us, and to send them for
London by the first opportunity every quarter of a year in rice
or mony. Signed as preceding. [C.O. 5, 289. p. 240.] |
Feb. 2.
Mountseratt. |
99. Lt.-Governor Hodges to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Duplicate of Feb. 4, q.v. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd,
Read 7th July, 1710. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 26; and 153, 11. pp.
56, 57.] |
| [Feb. 2.] |
100. Certificate by merchants trading to Barbados, that the
appointment of the Marshalls of the Courts of Common Pleas by
the respective Judges, has been of very ill consequence in respect
of the partial execution of writs. The influence of the Judges
over Marshalls of their own appointment may be detrimental
to trade. Their appointment, by H.M. Patent Officer will prevent
those mischiefs. Signed, J. Colleton and 17 others. v. Jan.
26. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 3rd Feb., 170 9/10. 1 p. [C.O.
28, 13. No. 15.] |
| [Feb. 3.] |
101. Extract of letter from John Le Gay to Geo. Gordon,
Sept. 26, 1709. I have been Marshall of the Bridge Court,
Barbados, for almost 8 years, untill the present Governour and
Judges demanded money, and then I quitted my post, their
demands being unreasonable. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 3,
170 9/10. ¾ p. v. Jan. 26. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 16.] |
Feb. 3.
Boston, New England. |
102. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. Refers to the difference between Mr. Bridger and Mr. Collins' Agents, who say that
they proceed according to their contract with H.M. Because of
a clause of uncertainty, some a little bigger for stowage, etc.,
they think they may not be obstructed in cutting more and bigger
(masts), and offer their bond to unload all in H.M. yards and submit
to Her pleasure, etc. Mr. Bridger says they are to keep strictly
to their warrants both for number and measure, that the uncertainty of the admeasurement cannot be intended to mean many
more inches, etc.; that they ought not to have cut them, nor
loaded them, nor ought to carry them away without H.M.
direction, and that the rest of the masts that are cutt for want of
shipping to fetch them away will be in danger of being lost, and
by lying will be damnifyed. I am of opinion that the Surveyor
says right, but since these masts are cutt and shipt and the Fleet
ready to sayl, and the masts wanted at home, and will be spoyled
here with lying as the rest will that are cut upon Mr. Collins's
acct., if they be not fetched away, I cannot see it my duty to
stay them, without a judgment in H.M. Court, which Mr. Bridger
has not seen reason to take, tho' I have allowed him to do as he
pleased. If their Lordships please so to influence the matter
that the contracts be for the future certain and express, and that
the Officer be commanded to see all masts that are to be cut, (by
himself or his deputies), and to seize and secure all such as are
not expressed in the contracts, and then that he may be directed
what to do with such sticks, that they be not lost by lying here,
there will never be any more trouble upon that head. I have no
manner of trouble with Mr. Taylor's Agents, Mr. Ichabod Plaisted
is the undertaker, his brother John Plaisted serves Mr. Collins;
I believe they are both careful to make no wast, but there is no
knowing of a tree until it be down, and often ten are found
defective, and not worth a penny for a mast, etc. Signed, J.
Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. April 3, 1710. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5,
865. No. 38; and 5, 913. pp. 193–197.] |
Feb. 3, 4.
Boston. |
103. Governor Dudley and Col. Vetch to Lord Sunderland.
We acquainted your Lordship, Jan. 9th, of Col. Schuyler and the
Indian envoys having come this length on their way to Great
Britain, in order to waite upon H.M. and your Lordships of ye
Ministry to press the renewing the Expedition. We have written
to Capt. Teate, H.M.S. Reserve, to take them on board etc. As this
will occasion him some considerable expence, pray that he may be
considered, etc. Signed, J. Dudley, Sam. Vetch. 2 pp. [C.O.
5, 9. No. 49.] |
Feb. 3.
Whitehall. |
104. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. The Council of Trade and
Plantations being of opinion that the illegal trade between the
British Plantations in America and the Islands of Curacoa and
St. Thomas may in a great measure be prevented by two
brigantines of 10 or 12 guns each to cruise off of those Islands
upon proper stations, with power to examine and seize such
vessels as shall be found trading contrary to law, desire to know
whether the Commissioners of Customs have any objection to the
sending such brigantines, or whether they have any other remedy
to propose, etc. [C.O. 389, 21. pp. 50, 51.] |
Feb. 4.
Mountserrat. |
105. Lt.-Governor Hodges to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. On the 28th March 7 privateers fitted out from
the French neighbouring Islands, having on board between
6 and 700 men made an attack on us about 10 in the morning
and having landed some of their men finding they could not
surmount the difficulties they were surrounded with were glad with
a great deal of precipitation to reimbarke, leaving behind them a
pair of collours and 3 prizners, which were taken alive, and we
make no doubt but many of the enemy was kill'd and wounded
in their boats in goeing off. Wee are well assured from the
confession of the prisoners that their intentions was the night
before to have surprized their landing, but that by the vigilance
of our guards they were prevented, and allthough it is to be
recon'd that the safety of the Island is cheifely oweing thereto,
soe I cannot but observe that the continuing our men under
their present disposition is not only a vast expence to the Island,
but likewise a great fateague to ye inhabitants, etc. The countainance sometimes of one of the men of warr, whose station it
is to attend this Governmt., would very much contribute to
the safety of this Island and the trade that attends it, and
consequently ease the inhabitants and lessen the charge they are
at, etc. Signed, Anth. Hodges. Endorsed, Recd. 13, Read 19th
April, 1710. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 17; and 153, 11. pp.
18–20.] |
Feb. 5.
St. James's. |
106. Order of Queen in Council. Copies of the complaints
against Governor Parke are to be sent to him, and he is to return
to answer them before H.M. in Council, etc. v. A.P.C. II. p.
598. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 15th
March, 170 9/10. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 13; and 153, 11. pp.
1–3.] |
Feb. 7.
London. |
107. Merchants trading to Newfoundland to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. As to convoys, propose that one man of
warr sail from the Bristol Channel, and two from Portsmouth by
March 10, and 2 from the Downs May 10th; that 4 of them
remain, one in Consumption Bay, one in Trinity Bay, one at
St. Johns, and one at Ferriland; the other men of warr to cruise
along ye coasts, etc. Proposals for return voyage. |
|
And as there hath been for severall years past great divisions
and dissentions in Newfoundland between the inhabitants
and masters of ships, occasioned by the unhappy quarrels of Mr.
Moody and Mr. Loyd, pray that the next C. in C. may be a stranger
to these factions. Signed, Solomon Merrett and 15 others.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 9th, 1709/10. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 4.
No. 123.] |
Feb. 7.
Boston. |
108. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. Prays for his favour in the
matters referred to No. 86. P.S. Since the seizure of the masts,
Mr. John Mico offered me money to be silent in this affair,
but I refused it, etc. Signed, J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd,
Read 21st April, 1710. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 865. No. 43; and 5,
913. pp. 224–227.] |
Feb. 7.
Whitehall. |
109. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Refers to letters of Jan.
21, 24. There will be between 50 and 60 fishing ships besides
sack ships sent [to Newfoundland] this year; and in regard there
is no protection at land, as there was in 1707, for the inhabitants
and fishermen, since the Forts at St. Johns was ruined by the
French, and that several of the Harbours even during the fishing
season are frequently insulted and plunder'd by parties from
Placentia, the Council of Trade and Plantations are of opinion
that 6 ships of good force will be necessary to be sent this year
under the same regulations and directions as in 1707, for the
protection of this year's fishery. [C.O. 195, 5. pp. 127, 128.] |
Feb. 7.
Whitehall. |
110. Same to Mr. Carkesse. Desires from the Commissioners
of Customs an account of Naval Stores and premiums, etc. as
Dec. 2, 1709. [C.O. 389, 21. pp. 51, 52.] |
Feb. 8.
Custom House, London. |
111. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. Reply to preceding. Dr.
Davenant has directions to prepare the said accompt. The
allowance of the præmium is paid by the Commissioners of the
Navy, etc. Signed, Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed, Recd. Feb. 9th,
Read March 13th, 1709. Addressed. ¾ p. [C.O. 388, 12. No.
84; and 389, 21. pp. 84, 85.] |
Feb. 8.
Whitehall. |
112. The Earl of Sunderland to the Governor of Jamaica.
I send you the enclosed memorial of the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, whereby they desire that you may hire men to
bring home two of H.M. ships, since the Law forbids the impressing
of men for that service. You are to comply with what is proposed,
etc. Signed, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 197.] |
Feb. 8.
Boston. |
113. Lt. Governor Usher to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In mine June, July and Oct. lastt, gave accott. whatt
then offered if design to Canada had succeded, would have bin
as greatt advantage to the Kingdome as if had Spain, because
of the Fishery; the produce of wch. is remitted into greatt
Brittain. By all Govermtts. heartily wished H.M. would send
a Fleatt and forces for takeing St. Jnos., portt Roiall and Newfoundland; many vessells this last year taken on our coaste,
carryed into port Roiall; this winter being favorable, the French
privateers take and drive in severall vessells on our coaste. I
formerly hinted as to Actts of Parlimt. trampled on, respecting to
coine; Act oblidging to pass att 17½, merchatts. saying they will
regulate and shall pass att 15d., by itt the country impoverished,
merchtt. for £100 sterl. advance 200 p.c.; in time Great Brittain
will suffer for there will nott ⅓ of woollen manifactory exsported
goods dear; nott vend. by it moth ceizes the goods, shopkeepers
haveing noe trade must break, all wch. falls upon the consigner,
ye factour haveing formerly 5 p.c. makes 10 p.c. for comistion,
all loss upon the owner, all wch. occationed by mony goeing att
15 dwt. For H.M. gracious favour in sending stoares to the
Govermtt. New Hampshire, you will have from the Govermtt.,
formerly writt if H.M. would take the soile of New Hampshire,
as well as Govermtt., might be of service in secureing all trees
fitt for mastts and timber for H.M. Navy, by reason of the greatt
waste and destruction. They goe now 20 miles for mastts, as
for the havock made, you will have from better hands then mine,
wch. is very greatt. In July lastt, when by H.E. order, I wentt
into the Province, I gave orders for Malitia officers in Hampton
to se all persons doe there duty in garisons, ytt. belonged to
Province, being within the 3 mile line, wch. accordingly they
did. The persons being ascesed to the publick rates, refuseing
to pay, was committed, afterwards sett att liberty without
paying. New Hampshire Govermtt. small, butt being H.M.
Govermtt. hope may nott be lessned, butt there will be an
order to assertt the bounds and preserve the same, the same
formerly haveing bin run. By this conveiance you will have
an Actt of Assembly made in Dec. lastt for £5000 to be pd.
in 5 years time, £1000 every year, if yor. Loshps. pleas to compare
these Actts wth. former, you will finde a difference, formerly
accott. of every particular sum, and to whom to be pd.; exsprestt
in ye Actt, and same always to be pd. in species; now exsprestt
for severall debts, subsistance and salarys, and £3000 bills of
creditt for service of the province; the rates to be paid in
curantt mony or creditt bills; and firstt sum of £1000 is to be
pd. in Dec. nextt: all Assembly setting was butt £2000 due
from province; formerly would nott raise mony to pay debtts
and now pastt an Act for £3000 more then is due, and New
Hampshire hath printed bills to vallew of £3000, and am informed
ytt. itts to maintain Law suite of Walderen, or getting a Charter
for the province, soe to frustrate Mr. Allen as to his claime.
The Act nott to take place before Decembr. hope H.M. will
accept of the £5000 granted, and being exspressed paiable in
curantt mony or bills, will rejectt the Actt for makeing of bills,
soe whole sum may be aplied to ffortifications, etc., as Queen
may directt, itt being to be pd. in money. Formerly writt
Treasurour had noe comistion for his place, nor given security
for same. I thinck may be of service, a Treasurour comistioned
from the Crown and have place Collectour for his suportt.:
Secretary to have a comistion and Naval Officer, and perquesites
may suportt him, and Treasurour, Secretary and Surveior
of Woods to be of the Councill, by wch. means Govermtt. may
nott be run down and Crown's interestt suported, withoutt
wch. will not. Actt saying for subsistance and wages of souldiers
and paymt. of salarys; there being recomended from H.M.
to raise money for suportt of Governour and Lt. Governour: I
haveing served many years, and never recd. one penny for same,
hope H.M. will order a sum outt of sd. Actt (for can say uprightly
have endeavoured to be faithfull in the place, and trustt reposed
in me) and beg your Lordships' favour therein, etc. P.S. Am
informed Genll. Assembly intend if possible to repeall Actt of
£160 granted for yearly salary to the Governour dureing time of
his Govermtt., if should, I thinck the Actt of £5000 partt for
salarys, H.M. may lay hold of £3000. Signed, John Usher.
Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 20th April, 1710. Sealed. Postmark.
Addressed. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 865. No. 39; and 5, 913. pp. 197–202.] |
| [Feb. 9.] |
114. Peter Holt to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Memorial relating to illegal trade between Curacoa, St. Thomas
and the British Plantations. Signed, Peter Holt. Endorsed,
Recd. 9th, Read 21st Feb., 170 9/10. Holograph. 5 pp. [C.O.
323, 6. No. 98.] |
Feb. 9.
Craven House. |
115. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Tynte. The
bearer hereof, Mr. John Urmston having been well recommended
to us by the Lord Bishop of London as a person of worth and
learning, and very well qualifyed to do ye duty of a minister, we
have agreed to send him over to North Carolina, and desire you
to give him all encouragement etc. Signed, Craven Palatin,
Beaufort, J. Carteret, M. Ashley, J. Colleton. [C.O. 5, 289. p.
241.] |
Feb. 9.
Craven House. |
116. Same to same. We hope by this time you have enter'd
upon yr. Government. We earnestly require your endeavours
to reconcile the minds of the inhabitants to each other, that the
name of parties, if any yet remain amongst you, may be utterly
extinguished, for we can noways doubt but their unanimous
concurrence with our labours for their prosperity will most
effectually render Carolina the most flourishing Colony in all
America. We think it adviseable for you to detain Col. Gibbs's
Commission for Chief Justice in your custody till further order
from us, Mr. Trott's Commission not being entered as it ought to
have been by our former Secretary, we were not apprized of the
manner of it: we did consent when you were here that Mr. Sale,
our Receiver General, should act as Mr. Hyrne's Deputy Naval
Officer, do you appoint him accordingly, but then Mr. Sale
trading as a merchant, care must be taken that all vessels or goods
wherein Mr. Sale or his partners are any ways concern'd do pay
all such duties as are required by the Laws of Trade and
Navigation. Signed as preceding. [C.O. 5, 289. pp. 241, 242.] |
Feb. 9.
Boston. |
117. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. Repeats complaints of
waste of woods in New England owing to Mr. Collins' contract
(cf. Jan. 31, Feb. [?] and 7th etc.), and of Governor Dudley
supporting Mr. Mico, his Agent, etc. Signed, J. Bridger.
Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 21st April, 1710. 3 closely written pp.
[C.O. 5, 865. No. 44; and 5, 913. pp. 227–233.] |
Feb. 9.
Whitehall. |
118. Council of Trade and Plantations and Governor
Bennett. Circular letter as Jan. 19. q.v. [C.O. 38, 6. pp. 487–489.] |
| Feb. 10. |
119. Col. Quary to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses copy of Act of Maryland mentioned in former letter.
Col. Ingoldsby hath held a long session of Assembly. I could not
bee there. There was an Act past in my Lord Lovelace's time for
raiseing £1700 at 8s. per ounce, £800 of wch. summe was given
to his Lordship, but on the death of my Lord, the Act was
defective, this Assembly have appoynted the usese of it, and have
given Col. Ingoldsby allmost all that was designed for his Lordship,
besides the £200 wch. was given to himselfe. I have not had time
to inform myselfe of what other Acts they have past, but by the
next yr. Honors shall have them. I believe yr. Honour's Board
will see the necessity of restraining all these Govermts. from
passing any Acts in the absence of H.M. Governours, else those
oppertunitys will bee improved to the Queenes prejudice, etc.
There are a vast number of grants past in New Yorke Govermt.,
so that the next Governour will have nothing to doe of that
nature, etc. Signed, Robt. Quary. Endorsed, Recd. 21st June,
Read 12th July, 1710. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1049. No. 158;
and 5, 1122. pp. 168, 169.] |
| [Feb. 10.] |
120. Mr. Byfield to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Proposes a contract for importing pitch and tarr from Carolina.
Signed, Thomas Byfield. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 10,
170 9/10. 1 p. cf. B.T. Journal, Feb. 10 and N.C. Col. Rec. 1. 721.
[C.O. 5, 1264. No. 93; and 5, 1292. pp. 208, 209.] |
Feb. 10.
Whitehall. |
121. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Desires a farther
protection for S. Brise (cf. Jan. 16). [C.O. 389, 21. p. 54.] |
Feb. 10.
Plymouth. |
122. Mayor of Plymouth to Mr. Popple. Here are about 3
ships will be fitted out for Newfoundland, and severall more
from our neighbouring ports, which will come hither to joyne the
convoy, we are allso inform'd that severall will goe from Lisbone
and Isle May thither. A good convoy will be for their preservation and encouragement. There were severall ships left behinde
the convoy in Verginia last year, and some are gone thither lately,
all which will soone be ready to depart thence if a convoy were
order'd to that place, for 'tis of great detriment to the owners
and dangerous for the men and ships to lye there all summer,
etc. Signed, James Bligh. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 13,
170 9/10. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 124.] |
Feb. 10.
Admiralty Office. |
123. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Encloses a protection
for Samuel Brise (cf. No. 121.) Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed,
Recd. Feb. 10, 170 9/10. Addressed. ¾ p. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 97.] |
Feb. 11.
Whitehall. |
124. The Earl of Sunderland to Governor Handasyde.
Recommends to his care that the effects of Capt. Fisher Wentworth, who died in Jamaica, may be remitted to his family, etc.
Signed, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 197.] |
Feb. 11.
St. James's. |
125. The Queen to Governor Parke. You are to repair
to our presence on the first man of war bound home, after depositions have been taken and interchanged, etc. cf. Feb. 5.
Countersigned, Sunderland. 4 pp. [C.O. 152, 42. No. 13; and
152, 9. No. 14; and 153, 11. pp. 9–14; and 5, 210. pp. 198,
200.] |
Feb. 11.
Boston. |
126. Mr. Addington to Mr. Popple. The General Assembly
have constituted the Honble. Sir William Ashhurst Knt.
Agent for this Province. His Commission comes by this conveyance. Youle please to favour him in his attendance at yor.
Board, etc., etc. Signed, Isa. Addington. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd,
Read 21st April, 1710. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 865. No. 41; and 5,
913. pp. 206, 207.] |
Feb. 14.
Whitehall. |
127. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Boyle. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. |
|
127. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report
upon the Swedish pitch and tar monopoly, as Jan. 24,
q.v. The Commissioners of your Majesty's Navy have
complain'd of these hardships and difficulties, and
thereupon the like complaints have by your Majesty's
commands been made at the Court of Sweden, yet we
find that Trade does still lye under the same discouragements from the said monopoly, the Company taking it
for granted that this Kingdom cannot be sufficiently
supply'd therewith but from the Swedish dominions.
And it appears by a letter from the Navy Board to Mr.
Burchett of the 27th past, that though the Commissioners had then lately publish'd a day for treating
for tar to be imported for the use of your Majesty's
Navy the next year, nobody had appear'd to undertake
the same, so that the supply of the Royal Navy with
such stores is become very precarious, the prices greatly
enhanced, and your Majesty's subjects deprived of the
benefit of fetching the same from Stockholm. Which
consideration gave rise to the Act for encouraging the
importation of Naval Stores from America, and we find
it so alarrum'd Sweden, that immediately upon it,
the Company was obliged to fall the prices of their pitch
and tar considerably. But when the Tar Company
shall no longer apprehend any prejudice to their trade
from that Act there is reason to believe their conduct
will be such as may subject the trade for pitch and tar
from Sweden even to greater hardships and difficulties.
We concur with your Majesty's Commissary that the
most effectual way to remedy such mischiefs is to
have the Tar Company dissolv'd, and that Trade
free and open as it formerly was, and that your Majesty's
Minister at the Court of Sweden solicit the laying it
open, etc., etc. |
|
Now forasmuch as this trade to Sweden has, during
the late and present war, been carry'd on under great
discouragements, and to the prejudice of this Kingdom,
not only in regard of the hardships and difficulties already
mention'd, but for that those stores have been bought
either with money paid here, or by Bills of Exchange
(since the British ships trading to those parts do mostly
go out in balast), we are therefore humbly of opinion
that for remedying thereof for the future, all due
encouragement be given to the importation of these
and other Naval Stores from your Majesty's Plantations
in America. On this consideration it was that we
took the liberty, Dec. 5 last, to propose the transporting
and settling a number of the Palatines in those parts,
to be wholly employ'd in the production of Naval
Stores, and your Majesty having been pleas'd to approve
thereof, we do hope that after some reasonable time, by
such an addition of hands to those already employ'd
in these manufactures on the Northern Continent of
America, they may under a due care and good encouragement, be able to furnish sufficient quantities of pitch,
tar, and other Naval Stores for the use of your Majesty's
Navy, and the Navigation of this Kingdom, there being
in those parts a very great plenty of trees, and other
materials proper for that produce. We are sensible
that for some time the tar made there, through want of
skill in the manufacturers, had a burning quality, which
made it unfit for tarring of ropes; but of late that
manufacture has been so much improv'd, that considerable quantities of tar imported from America have
undergone the Navy proof, been receiv'd into your
Majesty's Stores, and Bills made out to the importers
thereof for the præmium allow'd by the foresaid Act.
The Plantations lying at a much greater distance than
Sweden does from this Kingdom, it must be granted that
by reason of the difference in the charge of freight, those
Plantation goods cannot be afforded here so cheap as
what are brought from Sweden; however in regard those
from America are in return for the woollen and other
manufactures of this Kingdom, whereas from Sweden
they are bought with ready money, or bills of exchange,
and that the shipping of this Kingdom may, as little
as is possible, depend on being supply'd with Naval
Stores by foreigners, tho' at cheaper rates, the importation of Naval Stores from America ought to be greatly
encouraged. The freight at present from Sweden is
but £3 per last, computing 12 barrels to the last, whereas
from the several parts of North America it is from £7 10s.
to £10 per tun, containing 8 barrels, which high freight
does partly arise from the increase of seamen's wages
occasion'd by their insecurity from being press'd to
serve on board your Majesty's Fleet, wherefore we
humbly offer that the said charge may in some measure
be lessen'd, if all such ships as shall be dispatch'd
from Great Britain to the said Plantations for pitch
and tar, and shall return from thence laden therewith,
be allow'd protections for their men (in like manner as
by law are now allow'd to all ships employ'd in the
coal-trade) if it shall be consistent with your Majesty's
service, as we hope it may. A further cause of the
increase of freight is from great præmiums paid for
insurance of ships trading to the Plantations, which
is at present 16 guineas per cent. without convoy, and
half that sum, if with convoy. This charge might be
greatly lessen'd, if good and regular convoys were
appointed for that trade, with regard to the times
of their departure from Great Britain and from the
Plantations. For we have been inform'd by complaints
from thence, that the Commodore, after he had given
due notice of the precise day of his intended departure,
(as requir'd by his Instructions) has sometimes been
prevail'd upon privately to promise some Masters of
ships to allow a further day, and thereby has given an
opportunity to them who wanted their loading, to forbear
agreeing with the Planters for the freight of their goods
unless at very high freight, till the time first set for
the Commodore's departure was near expired, so that
the Planters, not knowing a further day wou'd be
allow'd, rather than lose the opportunity of that
convoy, were obliged to submit to whatever freight
those masters demanded. Which practice wou'd be
prevented, if the Commodore be strictly requir'd to
sail at the time first by him prefix'd, wind and weather
permitting, and not to prolong it at the instances of
masters of ships. It wou'd be a further encouragement
that two voyages were made in a year, which might
be practicable, if the ships took their departure from
Plimouth about the latter end of August, and return'd
from America in the spring, whereby they will have the
whole summer to perform a second voyage. And to
the end ships employ'd in that trade may not lye long
there for their loading, and the charge of freight be
thereby increas'd, it will be necessary that all possible
care be taken that a good stock of such stores be always
ready to be put on board, so soon as the ships from Great
Britain shall arrive. The freight of tar is much higher
than of pitch, tar being apt to leak, and spoil other
merchandizes stow'd with it, for which reason the
masters of ships will seldom take in such goods, unless
in ships purposely design'd for it, and then at a high
freight; so that there has been a much greater importation of pitch than of tar from the Plantations, whereas the
consumption of tar is very much greater here than that
of pitch, in regard to the navigation of this Kingdom.
Therefore whatever encouragements shall be thought
fit to be given, they should be distinguish'd in favour
of tar (both as to the produce and importation thereof)
which, as occasion shall require, may at any time be
manufactured here into pitch, and thereby your Majesty's
subjects of this Kingdom have the benefit of such
manufacture. If sufficient encouragements be given
to the manufacturers of naval stores, particularly of
tar, the same will have a further good effect in drawing
off your Majesty's subjects inhabiting in the Plantations,
from the woollen, linnen and other manufactures,
(wherein they have already made too great a progress)
and the employing them wholly in that of Naval Stores;
whereby the Tar Trade may become the general trade
of the Northern Colonies in America, and such a constant
stock always ready, that ships may be loaded with
little loss of time. By the forementioned Act, for every
tun of tar and pitch a præmium of £4 is allowed, which
præmium, however sufficient soever it may prove
in time of peace, yet in time of war, we find, does not
answer the intent of the Act, especially being paid by
Navy Bills, (according to the course of the Navy)
without any allowance of interest upon them: so that
those bills are at present 35 p.c. or more worse than
money, and above 12 p.c. worse than other Navy Bills
payable in like manner, whereon an interest of 6 p.c.
is allow'd after 6 months: which, as we have been
inform'd by Mr. Bridger, has discouraged the manufacture of tar in New England; and several merchants here
concern'd in that trade, with whom we have discoursed
on this occasion, have expressed themselves to the same
purpose. We therefore humbly propose that for the
rendering the encouragement intended by the said
præmium more effectual, the Commissioners of your
Majesty's Navy be directed and impower'd to allow
the like interest upon such bills as shall hereafter be
made out by them for such præmium, as is allowed
on all other Navy Bills. Endorsed, Read at the
Cockpitt Feb. 18, Read at St. James', Mar. 19. |
|
127. ii. Duplicate of Mr. Jackson's letter, Jan. 24. [C.O. 5, 3.
Nos. 37, 37 i., ii.; and (Representation only), 5, 3. No.
38; and (without enclosure ii) 389, 21. pp. 61–71.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
128. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Representation upon illegal trade carried on at the Isle of Man (cf.
Jan. 18). Recommend that no debentures be allowed for tobacco
exported thence, etc. [C.O. 389, 21. pp. 71–74.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
129. Mr. Popple to Col. Hunter. Encloses letters to be
forwarded to the Governments of Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut,
the Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire, etc. [C.O. 5, 1122.
p. 158.] |
| [Feb. 15.] |
130. Merchants of the Port of Bideford to the Newfoundland
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The number of shipping
designed from this Port to the Newfoundland being more than
could well fish in the harbour of Faryland, (Fairmoose being
thought next thereto the most securest harbour for defence of
our trade from the enemy) pray their Lordships to represent it
to the Admiralty that two ships of the fourth or fifth rate be at
Millford at the end of February at farthest for convoying the
trade and to protect our shipps in Faryland and in Fairmoose.
Signed, John Clifton, Mayor and 43 others. Endorsed, Recd.
Read. Feb. 15, 170 9/10. 1 large p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 125.] |
Feb. 16.
Whitehall. |
131. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Representation upon petitions of George Gordon and A. Skene against
an Act of Barbados, 1667, directing how Clarks and Marshals
shall be appointed and what they shall receive. Quote Representation of March 24, 1708/9 q.v. and certificates of Jan. 26, Feb.
2, 3, 1710. In case your Majesty shall be graciously disposed
to gratify petitioners in restoring them to the full enjoyment of
the rights and perquisites of their respective offices by repealing
the said Act, we have no objection thereto in regard, no person
will suffer by such repeal, otherwise than that the fees which the
judges and Petitioners are authorized to take by the said Act may
no longer be demanded or received by virtue of that authority,
wherein they may be relieved if your Majesty's pleasure be signifyed to the Governor or Commander in Chief there for the time
being to move the Assembly that an Act be pass'd for settling a
salary or reasonable fees on the several judges and for restoring
to the clarks and marshals the fees mentioned in the foresaid Act.
[C.O. 29, 12. pp. 91–94.] |
Feb. 17.
Whitehall. |
132. Mr. Popple to Capt. Gardner. Communicates Brigadier
Handasyd's request for recruits etc. [C.O. 138, 13. p. 93.] |
Feb. 17.
Whitehall. |
133. Same to Mr. Burchett. Communicates Brigadier
Handasyd's account of the ill condition of the men of war at
Jamaica, and of the French privateers, etc. v. Dec. 17, 1709.
[C.O. 138, 13. p. 94.] |
Feb. 18.
St. James's. |
134. Order of Queen in Council. Repealing Act of Barbados
described Feb. 16 and ordering as there proposed. Signed,
John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 13th March, 170 9/10.
1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 22; and 29, 12. pp. 99–101.] |
Feb. 18.
St. James's. |
135. Order of Queen in Council. The Commissioners of
Customs are to prepare a clause to be offered to Parliament to
prevent illegal running of tobacco from the Isle of Man. (cf.
Jan. 18). Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 13th
March, 170 9/10. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 12. No. 86.] |
Feb. 18.
St. James's. |
136. H.M. Warrant appointing Alexander Spotswood Lieut.
Governor of Virginia, in case of ye death or absence of George
Earl of Orkney, our present Lieut. and Governor General, etc.
Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 201.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
137. Mr. Popple to Mr. Lowndes. Quotes Governor
Handasyd's letter June 4, 1709, concerning escheats in Jamaica,
and clause from his Instructions, to be laid before the Lord High
Treasurer. [C.O. 138, 13. pp. 95, 96.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
138. Same to William Penn. The Council of Trade and
Plantations having, since their letter of Jan. 19, received further
information of illegal trade carry'd on between Curacoa and Pensylvania, send you enclosed extract, and desire that you will
give the necessary directions for prevention thereof in that
Province as proposed in their aforementioned letter. Annexed, |
|
138. i. Extracts of several Memorials relating to the illegal
trade carry'd on between Curacoa and St. Thomas and
the British Plantations. From the British Plantations
on the Continent of America, the inhabitants of Curaçoa
are furnished with all sorts of provisions, from Pennsylvania and New York strong and small beer, from
Carolina and New England pitch and tar, from the
Charibee Islands and Jamaica rum, sugar, cotton, ginger, indico and tobacco. In return of which our Plantations have chiefly cocoa, linnens, muslins, silks and
other goods for wearing apparel, with great quantities
of rigging, sail canvas, anchors and other sorts of
iron works, powder and shott. That Island has been
furnished from H.M. Plantations with 12 or 1500 tunn of
bread and flower, and as much beef, altho' such provisions one time with another were as dear in H.M.
Islands as at Curaçoa, the returns whereof has been
in European goods. They have but 3 sloops at this
Island but what have been built at Rhode Island, New
York, Pensylvania, Carolina, Bermuda and the Bahamas. There are many vessels which come from the
Northern parts of America, that take in wine at Madera
for Curaçoa, and so return home; they sell their Mediteranean passes to the Dutch, who man their sloops
with English, and go under English colours for Maderas
or the Canaries. Instances given of sloops trading between Curacoa and Pennsylvania 170¾ 1707. [C.O. 5,
1292. pp. 211–213.] |
Feb. 23.
Whitehall. |
139. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Having received accounts from several hands of the state of
Newfoundland, since the taking of the Fort at St. Johns by
the French in Dec. 1708, we beg leave to lay before your Majesty
an account of the Fort and Garrison there, etc. In relation
to the state it was in before the French took it; Major Lloyd
(Oct. and Nov. 1708) informed us that the garrison was in as
good a condition as he desired it for that winter; that the
company was compleat; that there was near 800 of the inhabitants
that would winter under the covert of the Fort; and that all
things were in so good a posture, that if the enemy made any
impression there, he was willing the blame should be laid to his
charge. And by information from Captain Moody and others,
we find that there were in the said Fort 48 pieces of cannon, with
mortars, arms, ammunition, bombs, powder and ball proportionable, all which were carried to Placentia in April 1709, and as
we have been informed by the Commodore and others, the said
guns are there mounted. In relation to the state of Newfoundland when the Commodore came away, quote Commodore Taylor's
measures, v. Nov. 18, 1709. Notwithstanding this care, all
accounts agree that the inhabitants remaining at St. Johns are
in a very bad condition, for besides their former sufferings, they
are much impoverished by the great contributions raised upon
them by the French in 1708, and were left exposed without a
sufficient Fort, arms and ammunition (and but small quantity
of provisions) to maintain and protect them, while, on the other
hand, the enemy is grown stronger, the stone wall round
Placentia finished, several new fortifications added and furnished
with arms and ammunition taken at St. Johns; their strength
increased by the addition of 200 men from France, etc. The great
advantages that acrue to the Kingdom from the Newfoundland
Fishery, and the necessity of protecting and securing that trade,
are so well known that we shall only report to your Majesty,
that having considered the frequent losses your Majesty's subjects
there have sustained, ofttimes during the fishing season, but more
particularly in the winter by the incursions of the French, we
consulted the principal persons here, and in the out-ports concerned in that trade, and others lately arrived from thence, who
generally agree that if there were six ships of good force sent
thither this year, under the like regulations as they were in
1707, it might be a protection for them during the summer season.
This at the desire of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty,
we have communicated to their Lordships. Though the said
ships may be sufficient for a summer guard, as aforesaid, yet
considering the strength and settlements of the French, unless
there be a security at land for the inhabitants during the winter,
that Fishery cannot be carried on with the same advantage to
this Kingdom as otherwise it might. The necessity of protecting
the inhabitants during the winter, will appear from what follows;—that the French are increased in strength and numbers at Placentia; that there are considerable effects of the British merchants
left at Newfoundland every year; that the inhabitants provide
considerable quantities of fish and train oyle, which the ships at
their arrival find ready to barter for the manufactures and other
goods of this Kingdom. From which we humbly presume it will
appear that the preservation and increase of that Fishery very
much depend upon the security of the inhabitants, and the
certainty that the merchants here may have thereof, which
serves as a measure and rule to them for their adventures, and
therefore we are humbly of opinion that a land strength is as
necessary for their security in winter, as the ships of war are in
the summer season; in order whereunto it will be convenient
that a good Fort be built in a proper place, with a sufficient
Garrison; from which Fort the other Harbours may receive
assistance when necessary in the summer, and to which the
inhabitants may retire with their effects in the winter. As to
the place most proper for the building such a Fort, we have
been informed that Ferryland Down, which lies to the Southward
of St. Johns, being a rising ground, clear of woods, and no place
nigh to annoy it, no ships can come within 7 or 8 leagues, but must
be seen. It is joyned to the Island by a narrow neck of land
or Peninsula, not above 20 or 30 yards broad, and might easily
be made an Island if necessary. It is therefore represented as
the most proper place to be fortified; for that the fishing ships
and boats seldom going further than a cannon shott to fish, they
would be better protected by a Fort there than in any other
harbour in Newfoundland; that this Harbour will contain 50
ships at least, and with the Harbours of Caplin Bay and Aquafort
which lye but a mile from it, they may contain several hundred
sail; that it hath the advantage of all the other Harbours in
plenty of fish and bait; and would effectually secure the inhabitants and their effects in the winter, if they retired thither, where
there is room enough to contain 7 or 800 families. These are
some of the advantages of the situation of Ferryland Down;
whereas the harbour of St. Johns has not the like. And we have
been informed by Sir John Norris, formerly Commodore there,
that the situation of the Fort at St. John's was too high, and at
two great a distance to defend the batteries at the entrance into
the Harbour, nor was it strong enough to resist an enemy's
ships; besides that there are two hills which command it, whereby
it is rendred insecure to the inhabitants. This has been further
confirmed to us by Col. Nicholson, Capt. Moody and others lately
come from thence, who have added that there is no other place in
that Harbour capable of being fortifyed. Autograph signatures.
7 pp. [C.O. 194, 22. No. 75; and 195, 5. pp. 133–139.] |
| [Feb. 23.] |
140. [Mr. Laws] to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Memorial upon Lord Carbery's proposal for surrender of lands
(v. 1709). By the Revenue Bill of Jamaica the quit-rents are
already appropriated and given by H.M. to the support of the
Government. I think it would be a favour in H.M. to take the
surrender of any lands there after the arreares were fully paid.
Endorsed, Recd. Feb. 23, Read March 14, 170 9/10. 1 p. [C.O.
137, 8. No. 78; and 138, 13. pp. 97–98.] |
Feb. 23.
Whitehall. |
141. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of
Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. We are
preparing the Instructions relating to the Acts of Trade, etc.
Annexed, |
|
141. i. Instructions for our right trusty and right well-beloved
cousin George, Earl of Orkney, our Lieutenant and
Governor General of our Colony and Dominion of Virginia. In the usual form, cf. C.S.P. 1705, No. 1051 i.
[C.O. 5, 1363. pp. 44–126.] |
Feb. 24.
Whitehall. |
142. Same to Same. Enclose following. Annexed, |
|
142. i. Instructions to Governor Lord Orkney, relating to the
Acts of Trade and Navigation, in the usual form. [C.O.
5, 1363. pp. 127–168.] |
| Feb. 24. |
143. Sir T. Laurence to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Memorial enclosing following (v. March 14, 26). Signed,
Thomas Laurence. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 24, 170 9/10.
Holograph. 8 pp. Enclosed, |
|
143. i. Ordinance of Assembly of Maryland empowering
the Justices of the County Courts to grant licences to
Ordinary keepers, etc. Assented to by the Council,
Dec. 9, 1708. Copy. 1 p. |
|
143. ii. Address of Assembly of Maryland to the Queen,
against Sir T. Laurence's claim, agreed to Dec. 1708
without the Governor's consent. Copy. 3 pp. |
|
143. iii. Case of Sir T. Laurence, Secretary of Maryland.
Printed. 3¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 717. Nos. 5, 5 i.–iii.] |
Feb. 24.
Whitehall. |
144. Mr. Popple to Mr. Lowndes. The Council of Trade
and Plantations have considered Mr. Raynor's petition. (Feb.
2 q.v.) Tho' the grants (referred to) may have been irregularly
obtained, and the conditions not complyed with, yet their
Lordships cannot think it will be for H.M. service that those
patentees should be molested in their possessions by such prosecutions as Mr. Rayner proposes, in regard it may discourage the
seating and cultivating of lands there. However, if he shall at
any time be imployed by the Governor and Councill there in
performing any service of that kind, in such case their Lordships
think he ought to receive a suitable reward. As to his request
to be paid out of the quit-rents etc., their Lordships observe
that he will be paid his salary of Attorney General in the like
manner as the Governor and other Officers are out of the Revenue
there. As to his salary of Advocate, if my Lord Treasurer shall
think fit it be paid out of the forementioned accidental Revenue
arising from forfeitures for illegal trade, their Lordships have no
objection thereunto. As to his request for consideration for
drawing patents for the Palatines, etc., their Lordships observe
that the grants are not to be made till the said Palatines by their
labour and industry in the production of Naval Stores shall have
repaid what H.M. shall have disbursed for them; that the finding
out lands for them, belongs to the Surveyor of that Province;
and that the Governor has instructions directing him, how and
in what manner the said lands shall be granted; and as for a
consideration for the drawing the Patents, their Lordships have
no objection, why he may not be allowed the same out of the
Revenue there, when those Patents shall be drawn. [C.O. 5,
1122. pp. 164–167.] |
Feb. 25.
Custom House, London. |
145. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. The Commrs. of the
Customs desire to know whether the Governors in the severall
Plantations have any instructions touching H.M. share of the
penalties and forfeitures for breaches of the Acts of Trade and
Navigation, etc., and by whom the same are received there, and
how accounted for. Signed, Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed, Recd.
Feb. 27, 170 9/10. Addressed. ¾ p. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 99; and
324, 9. pp. 430, 431.] |
Feb. 25.
St. James's. |
146. H.M. Warrant appointing Walter Hamilton Lieut.
General "of all and singular our forces" in the Leeward Islands,
and to execute Governor Parke's Commission in the case of his
death or absence. Countersigned, Sunderland. 1¼ pp. [C.O.
152, 9. No. 15; and 153, 11. pp. 15, 16; and 5, 210. pp.
202, 203.] |
