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April 1
St. James's |
770. Order of Queen in Council. Approving of draught of
Commission for Governor Douglas etc. Signed, Christo. Musgrave.
Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th April, 1711. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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770. i. Draft of Commission to Governor Douglas relating to
the rebellion in Antigua. Parchment. 1 p. [C.O. 152,
42. Nos. 56, 57; and (without enclosure) 152, 9. No.
54; and 153, 11. pp. 277, 278.] |
Aprill 2.
Whitehall. |
771. Lord Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Enquires if there is any objection to the appointment
of Thomas Byerly to the Councill of New York. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. 18th, Read 24th May, 1710. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 1050. No. 18; and 5, 1122. p. 325.] |
April 3.
Spanish Towne. |
772. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Since my last (March 20) Capt. Riddle, Commander
of one of H.M. ships, has run a French negro ship on shore, and
has brought in here between 90 and 100 slaves; and I do not here
that anything else was saved, the Frenchmen all gott on shore.
Encloses publick accounts to be laid before the Lord Treasurer.
H.M. Regiment being so sevearly fateagued what with supplying
H.M. shipps wth. men, as well as the hard duty the Island requires, make me very sorry that they cannot be releived with
me, etc. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed, Recd. 18th, Read
27th June, 1711. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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772. i. Accounts of H.M. Revenue (£9330) (fines, forfeitures,
quit-rents, wine licences, impost) and of the Fortifications, Jamaica, March 25, 1709–1710. Endorsed, Recd.
June, 18, 1711. 19 large pp. [C.O. 137, 9. Nos. 37,
37, i.; and (without enclosures) 138, 13. p. 332.] |
April 3.
Spanish Towne. |
773. Governor Handasyd to Lord Dartmouth. Duplicate of
preceding letter. [C.O. 137, 51. No. 37.] |
April 3.
Whitehall. |
774. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General.
The Council of Trade and Plantations having prepar'd the
draught of an Instruction relating to the late rebellion at Antego,
send you a copy thereof (v. following) for your opinion thereupon
as soon as possible. They further desire you will consider whether
the powers therein mention'd ought not to be granted under the
Great Seal, the power of pardoning rebellion and murder being
excepted out of the Governor's Commission, who in such cases
can only grant a reprieve, till H.M. pleasure be known. Since the
writing of this their Lordships have been press'd to make all
possible dispatch in this affair, etc. [C.O. 153, 11. p. 174.] |
| April 3. |
775. Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Reply to preceding and March 29.
We have made some alterations in the Comission to the Governor
of the Leeward Islands, which wee think proper, and submit them
to your Lordships' consideration; And wee are humbly of opinion,
that the Comission may be in common form, and that the
Additional Comission which wee have perused and altered, may be
passed separately, and must be under the Great Seal of Great
Britain, adding the usual beginning and conclusion. Signed,
Edw. Northey, Rob. Raymond. Endorsed, Recd. Read April 4,
1711. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
775. i. Corrected draught of Additional Instruction to Governor Douglas (afterwards turned into a Commission, with
the usual beginning and ending, and signed by H.M. at St.
James's, April 11, 1711. The corrections in Italics.)
Whereas We have been informed that great numbers
of our subjects in our Island of Antegoa in America,
have lately in an open rebellious manner taken up
arms and committed a most barbarous murder upon
the person of Daniel Park Esq., then our Capt. General of our said Leeward Charibbee Islands, whereby
they have incurr'd, and justly deserved, to suffer such
pains and punishments as by Law are inflicted for such
heinous offences; Nevertheless We being perswaded
that many of the offenders were drawn into that rebellion
and murder by the subtile insinuations and by the
influence of some of the chief advisers and promoters
thereof, and not from any rancour of mind or disaffection
to our Government, yet by reason of such their guilt
and thro' a despair of our mercy, may throw themselves
into evil courses of life, to the endangering the peace and
safety of our good subjects, for prevention thereof (by
removing all such fears and distrust, as much as in us
lies) We, out of our princely disposition to forgive, have
resolved that out Clemency shall temper our Justice,
Our will and pleasure therefore is We do hereby fully
impower and require you that so soon as you shall arrive
at Antegoa (to which Island you are to repair without
loss of time) and shall have fully informed yrselfe of the
circumstances of ye persons concerned therein, and shall
have seised and secured the most notorious of the sd.
offenders in number not exceeding six and not less than
three in order to their being brought to justice, you cause a
Proclamation to be there issued in our name under our
Great Seale of yt. Island, and published in ye usual manner,
containing Our gracious and general pardon, release, and
discharge for us our heirs and successors unto all the
said offenders (except such of them as shall be seised and
secured as aforesaid), their heirs, executors and administrators them, and every of them, of all and all manner of
treasons, felonies, misprisions, of treason, or felony,
murders, crimes, misdemeanors and offences whatsoever
by them, and every of them (except as aforesaid) consulted, commanded, acted, or done, on account of ye
said late rebellion and murder, and of all pains, penalties.
and forfeitures, that may accrue, for the same; and you
are to take care that a clause be therein inserted, whereby
it shall be declared that such our free pardon, by the
general words, clauses and sentences thereof, shall be
reputed, deem'd adjudged, expounded, allowed, and
taken in all our Courts there, and elsewhere most
beneficially for all our said subjects (not therein and
thereby excepted) as if their particular persons and
crimes were therein at large and fully expressed, and
that such other words, clauses, and sentences be therein
likewise inserted, as are usual in Proclamations of
general pardon for the making the same most effectual.
And whereas out of Our just abhorrance of such heinous
offences, and to the end that by a total impunity thereof,
the peace and safety of our good subjects may not be
again endangered, We have judged it highly necessary
that some of ye most notorious offenders be brought to
condign punishment, whereby all others may be deterr'd
from committing or attempting ye like for the future,
Our further will and pleasure is, and we do hereby
further impower and require you that you forthwith
cause such and so many of the said offenders (soe by you
to be seised and secured as aforesaid) as you shall judge
proper to be tryed in the usual course of Justice, for such
their offences, and being thereof legally convict to suffer
according to law. But if by reason of the great number
of persons involved in that guilt or otherwise, you shall
have good grounds to beleive, or shall find yt. Justice
is not like to be had against any of the offenders in that
our Island, you may then forbear to proceed to tryal of
any of them soe by you seised and secured as aforesaid,
anything herein beforecontained to the contrary notwithstanding. And in such case Our further will and
pleasure is and We do hereby further impower and
require you, that by the first convenient opportunity
you cause the said offenders so seised and secured as aforesaid to be sent into this our Kingdom under safe custody,
in order to their being proceeded against and punished
here according to law, provided you do not cause any
offender who shall have been already tryed there for
the said rebellion, or murder, and acquitted thereof, by
due course of law, to be either tryed there a second time
for the same offence, or sent over hither in order to such
prosecution here as aforesaid. And lastly Our will and
pleasure is, that you give a full account of your proceedings herein, to one of our Principal Secretaries of
State, and to our Commissioners of Trade by the first
opportunity. Endorsed, Recd. Read April 4, 1711. 6 pp.
[C.O. 152, 9. Nos. 52, 52 i.; and 153, 11. pp. 175–180.] |
April 4.
Whitehall. |
776. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Dartmouth. Enclose draught of Instructions for Governor Douglas
(v. preceding). Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General are of
opinion that the powers therein mention'd should be given by a
Commission under the Great Seal of Great Britain, in order
whereunto we conceive it will be sufficient that the usual beginning
and conclusion of Commissions be added. We shall transmit the
ordinary instructions to your Lordship as soon as possible, etc.
[C.O. 153, 11. pp. 180, 181.] |
April 4.
Whitehal. |
777. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Dartmouth. In accordance with H.M. Orders (March 1st and 24th)
we were attended yesterday by Mr. Keen, who inform'd us that
he was able and willing to make good his complaint (Jan. 26, 31),
and desired leave to inspect and have copies of accounts at the
Ordnance Office given in by the Engineer at Newfoundland
1705–8, and the Mr. Hucksford, late Master—gunner, and
William Janson, late gunner there, now both at the Ordnance
Office may be summoned to attend the Council on the day fixed
for hearing. We not having sufficient powers to require the
attendance of any person at the Council Board, or to direct that
he be allowed to inspect the accounts as desired, refer him to
your Lordship. On this occasion we take leave to observe to
your Lordship that the sending us a copy of an Order of Council,
where we ought to have had an original under the seal of the
Office, we conceive to have been very irregular, yet that H.M.
service might not suffer, we have proceeded upon the copy.
Autograph signatures. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 194, 23. No. 3; and 195, 5.
pp. 228–230.] |
April 4.
Whitehall. |
778. Mr. Popple to Mr. Keen. The Council of Trade and
Plantations think it necessary for you to lay before them affidavits
in proof of your allegations against Major Lloyd etc. [C.O. 195, 5.
pp. 230, 231.] |
April 4/15.
Fort Kykoverall. |
779. Commandant Vanderheyden Rezen to the Directors of
the Dutch West India Co. Signed, P. Vanderheyden Rezen.
Endorsed, Recd. June 19 (N. S.) 1711. Dutch. 3 pp. [C.O. 16, 21.
No. 4.] |
April 5.
Whitehall. |
780. Lord Dartmouth to Governor Lord A. Hamilton. Encloses following petition on behalf of several mariners prisoners
at Lima. H.M. would have your Lordship immediately upon
your arrival at Jamaica use your best endeavours to obtain their
release in case they are not sooner discharged, either by exchange
of others, if there be any such on the Island, or by such other
means as your Lordship shall think most proper, which being an
act of so much charity and compassion towards H.M. subjects, I
need not further recommend it to your care. Signed, Dartmouth. Annexed, |
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780. i. Petition of John Bachelor, James Hollidge and other
merchants of Bristoll to the Queen. Petitioners fitted
out a ship from Briston called the Dutchess upon an Expedition into the South Seas to annoy the enemy in
those parts, and have taken several prizes and one town.
Simon Hatley, mate, with others of the crew, who were
putt on board one of the prize ships, being obliged thro'
want of provision to go on shore, were seized by the inhabitants and carried to Lima prison, where they now
are, together with several others of your Majesty's subjects formerly belonging to the ships under Capt. Dampiere's command. Pray H.M. to order the Governor
of Jamaica to send to Lima to claim them. Annexed, |
|
780. ii. Simon Hatley to Messrs. Hollidge & Co. Lima Prison,
Nov. 6, 1709. Reports as above. Concludes:—Some of
our countrymen that were here before we came, they
have made turn their religion, we live a sorrowful life
amongst them, and always plagued by the Fathers,
putting us in irons and in the dungeon to make us turn,
but we are resolved to dye first. I and one more they
have had to the gallows, hanged until we were almost
strangled before they cutt us down, this is what offers
from, Gentlemen, Your most humble servant. Signed,
Simon Hatley. Mem. Similar letter with enclosures sent
to Brigadier Handasyd. [C.O. 324, 32. pp. 64–68.] |
April 5.
Whitehall. |
781. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Archibald
Hamilton. Reply to March 16. We find, upon enquiry at the
Lord Dartmouth's Office, that H.M. has been pleased to sign a
warrant appointing Mr. Broderick Her Attorney General of
Jamaica. We wish your Lordship a safe and speedy voyage to
your Government, etc. [C.O. 138, 13. p. 328.] |
April 5.
Antigua. |
782. Lt. General Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses duplicate of former letter relating to the death
of Governor Parke, with Minutes of Council. I have very little
addition to make, all the endeavours used by myselfe and the
Members of the General Council proveing ineffectuall, as your
Lordships may perceive by the Minutes of March 14, etc., [by
which] your Lordships may be duly informed of the stepps made
both by the Council and myselfe to discover the truth of that
unhappy affair, but as it hath proved unsuccessfull, so I have
not to enlarge thereon, only to begg that your Lordships will
admitt me to recommend that part of the Council's request which
implores H.M. most gracious and favourable construction on the
unfortunate action, assuring your Lordships that nothing will
so effectually contribute to the restoration of peace and unity
amongst the people as H.M. grace and favour on the unhappy
commotion, without which I fear this poor Island will soon be in
a farr worse and more distracted condition then ever, espetially
if there should be any prosecution against the inhabitants, most
of them being concerned therein, for prevention whereof I presume your Lordships will use your utmost endeavours in regard
to H.M. interest and the good and tranquility of the Island, which
I hope will now be brought into some posture of defence in a little
time, the Council and Assembly in conjunction with myselfe pursuing all measures that tend thereto, so that unless there be a
turne of affaires by a prosecution for the unhappy action relating
to the death of General Parke, or some thing else intervenes,
which cannot be foreseen I perswade myselfe I shall be able to
give your Lordships' advice that our fortifications are repaired,
lost discipline restored, the divisions heal'd, and all things running
in their due channell, to accomplish which I assure your Lordships
there shall not anything be wanting that is in my power. But
in the interim, the magazeens and stores of warr in the other
Islands as well as this are exhausted, and tho' I have recommended
to the consideration of the Generall Council and Assembly the
provideing a new supply, yet I am now oblidged to lay the same
before your Lordships, and to request that you will be pleased
to supplicate H.M. for a good quantity of small arms, cartouch
boxes, swords, powder, flints and other stores, to be sent by the
first good conveyance which shall happen for the defence and
protection of these her Islands, there being no possibility otherwise to procure the same as your Lordships may perceive by the
copy of an address to me from the Generall Council and Assembly
entered amongst their Minites of March 3rd., etc. This Government is in great want of these as well as of all stores for our great
guns especially carriages, for those sent by Sir John Jennings and
the St. Quintine of which last his late Excellency sent the ten
culverin to this Island, where they have ever since the hurricaine
been burried in the sand, which I am now about getting out againe.
But the carriages were quite lost in the storme, he also sent four
of the demi-culverin with powder and other stores in proportion,
he likewise sent away the flagg and ginn that came in said ship
for want of which I am forced when there is occasion to mount
any guns at Nevis to order them to be lodged in their carriages
woal'd with a haszard and so oversett which is a mighty straine
and often breakes the axell trees if not the whole carriage, the
flagg was never delivered to any of the Islands, but the ginn
was sent here. The late Generall at the request and desire of the
Council of this Island commissionated and appointed Lt. Governour
Yeamans to be Chiefe Justice of the Courts of Common Pleas in
this said Island, which I find to be contrary to H.M. Instructions,
but as I presume H.E. advised your Lordships thereof, so I
thinke convenient to continue him untill I have your Lordships'
opinion therein, that I may act agreeable thereto. By my last
I did promise your Lordships to make enquiry for the old seal
and to returne the same if it could be found, the first of which I
have perform'd and should have been glad to have obeyed the
other, but by what I can understand the same was melted and
made into a Tankerd for his late Excellency by his owne orders
and directions, so 'tis not possible to comply with your Lordships'
commands in that particular. I think it indispensably my duty
to lay before your Lordships the ill state of the Islands for want
of their being guarded and the trade to and from them protected,
which its imposable can be done by one man of warr, the Islands
lying seperate, and at so great a distance from each other, the
dayly insults committed by the enemys privateers are too plain
demonstrations thereof. They narrowly watch the motion of the
man of warr, that when she is to windward they are commonly
to Leeward and appear even at the mouths of our very harbours,
by which means the inhabitants of the severall Islands are constantly harrassed and oblidged to guard every night to prevent
their being robbed; which notwithstanding, some time happens,
as it did about a month agoe on the Island of Montserratt where
they landed in the night and almost ruin'd two particular familys,
vizt. that of the late Lieut. Governour's and a nephew of his one
Capt. Anthony Fox, they tooke from the former 45 very fine
slaves and 25 from the latter, and one from Capt. George Wyke,
and would have taken more had they not been discover'd by a
negroe that made his escape and allarm'd the Island, which
brought downe the Gentlemen and others out of the Country,
who took 26 of the negro stealers (for no other I can call them)
prisoners, whom, since they had quarter given them, I have sent
amongst some other prisoners that were here to Martinique to be
exchanged. By all which your Lordships may judge that these
Islands ought at least to have as many ships of warr to protect
them as is allowed to the Government of Barbado's which is only
one single Island, and may be much easier guarded by two (though
they have three) then this Government can be by four, which I
hope your Lordships will be pleased to consider and take such
measures therein as may be for the service of H.M. and the benefitt
and advantage of these Islands as well as in respect to the security
of their trade as the ease and defence of the inhabitants. I
likewise hope your Lordships will have patience and pardon me
for giving your Lordships this long and undeniable demonstration
of which I beleiving it absolutly my duty so to do, which is
vizt. that there ought allways to be one of the men of warr on
this station during the present warr to attend the Governor in
Chief or Capt. Generall, who is at all times oblidged to go from
one Island to the other as H.M. service requires it, that one of the
said ships of warr ought to cruise to windward to protect the
trade coming to the respective Islands, one to Leeward, and
constantly to convoy or see the loaden ships from the severall
Islands out of danger of the privateers, and these men of warr
alternately change their stations, by which means they would
at uncertaine times be oblidged to make a cruize betwixt the
severall Islands, which would so discourage and dismay the
enemy's privateers that they would hardly know where or how to
shelter themselves, besides if at any time the Generall or Chief
Governour should find H.M. service would require his stay in any
one of the Islands for the space of a month or longer, one of the
said ships of warr in the meantime might be ordered to careene,
by which means wee should allways have the said ships in good
order to attend the enemy as well as to defend the Trade, and that
those ships might be one of fifty guns to give countenance, the
rest to be small ones and nimble saylors, tho' they were but such
sloops as H.M. has lately ordered to be built, all this I offer as
my humble opinion; without which the Islands can be never
guarded or the inhabitants eased of the great fatigue and expence
they are constantly at, but with all submission referr it to your
Lordships' consideration. One John Bermingham, (an Irishman)
commonly known by the name of Capt. Bermingham, who was
in the late Generall Parke's time very often imploy'd to go in
Flags of Truce to the French Islands as well as in other services
wherein he often behaved himselfe with a great deal of insolence
to sundry of the inhabitants of these Islands, and has some time
since joined with the subjects of the French King and landed on
the Island of Berboda took of all the slaves belonging to Col.
William Codrington as also the few whites he had thereon, the
particulars I cannot informe your Lordships of till the return of
a Flag of Truce which I have sent, and dayly expect back from
Martinique, but whether she will returne time enough for me to
accompany this letter with my further advices is uncertaine,
H.M. immediate service requiring my going forthwith to Anguilla,
and Spanish Towne having intelligence fron the Deputy Governour of the first place (to whom I had given an account as I did
to all the other Islands of this Government, as well as to that of
Barbado's of the said Bermingham's disertion or turning rebell)
that he had apprehended three spy's that were sent by said
Bermingham in a boat to enquire and learn the strength of the
place with the number of slaves they had upon the same as the
spyes confest adding that the said Bermingham is now with two
large privateers' sloops at St. Martin's as has there two hundred
and odd men to surprize or attack them upon which I have
resolved the moment the man of warr arrives which is hourly
expected being to windward of the Island to imbarke and go to
their reliefe which is another instance that the Islands cannot be
served well by one ship, for had there been more on this station
I might have been able the moment I had notice of this villaines
designes to have gone to Leeward, and very probably surprized
him which I am afraid will be now to late. The Deputy Governour of Spannish Towne advices me that they are inform'd the
Spaniards designe to attack them with 500 men. If I have wrote
a little too eager on this subject, I hope your Lordships will
pardon me, and beleive its out of a sincere inclination I have for
the service and the care of the people under my charge, if the
packet boat should arrive before my returne your Lordships I
hope will pardon me for not being more particular about Bermingham and may expect his whole transactions by the first oppertunity after my return. P.S. April 7th. Since the foregoing
I have had an express from Montserratt that they have intelligence
by way of Martinique that the enemy have a designe to make an
attempt upon that Island with 700 privateers who are commissionated for that purpose by their new Generall Monsieur Philipeaux
and that that runagado Bermingham is to be one of the number,
by which your Lordships will find me againe under the greatest
difficulty immaginable which way to goe, however when the man
of warr comes in, which I expect every minite, shall do my utmost
to give releife to the place that most requires it, and withall
would endeavour to assist them with some force from hence, but
I perceive it impossible either to raise men or mony, there not
being any fund in the Treasury of this place at present to discharge the same, and besides if there was I doubt I should find it
a very difficult task to prevail with the people of this Island to
advance for their neighbours, they alledging they are already
considerably in disburse for them without any prospect of being
repaid, the representatives of the other Islands neglecting to
adjust their accounts, which I know to be fact, and without some
directions from your Lordships on that matter requireing them to
settle their publick accounts, I doubt the same will hardly ever
be effected. Wherefore I humbly pray your Lordships will be
pleased to give some speedy orders therein if you see fitt. There
is one thing more I judge would prove for H.M. service, if your
Lordships thinke it proper to be lay'd before H.M., which is the
procuring a Generall pardon to be proclaim'd for all such Brittish
or Irish subjects as have inlisted or entered themselves into the
service of the French King, or the Duke of Anjou by the name of
King of Spain, provided they do returne to their allegiance within
such a time as your Lordships should thing proper, being informed
that a great many of their privateers are such who are heartily
weary of their service and would willingly returne if they could
be secure of their pardon. Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed,
Recd. 23rd, Read 27th, June, 1711. 12½ pp. [C.O. 152, 9. No.
70; and 153, 11. pp. 322–333.] |
| April 5—7. |
783. Lt. General Hamilton to [? Lord Dartmouth.] Duplicate of preceding. Enclosed, |
|
783. i. Address of the General Council and Assembly of the
Leeward Islands to Lt. General Hamilton. St. Johns,
March 3, 1710 (11). Haveing taken your Honour's
speech into our serious consideration as to that part
relateing to the repair of our much neglected fortifications,
magazeens, and stores of war throughout the several
Islands, it is the humble opinion of both houses, that
the best and most effectual methods for their speedyest
repair will be the properest consideration for the particular Legislatures of the respective Islands, but
considering the extreame want wee are in of small armes,
powder, flints, swords and other stores, the low state of
our several Treasuryes, and the impossibility of procureing a reasonable quantity of such stores here; do find
ourselves under the necessity of becomeing humble
suitors to her most sacred Majesty for a supply thereof.
Pray him to make application accordingly. Signed,
Antho. Ravell, Antho. Fox, Dan. Mackinen, Ralph
Willett, Fran. Carlile, Ja. Watkins, William White,
John Bramley, Wm. Parsey, Natha. Crump, Speaker,
Ro. Cunynghame, Clemt. Crooke, John Duport, Jos.
Crisp, Jo. Eleis, John Willett, James Milliken, Edw.
Byam, Hen. Lyons, John Daly, Geo. Wyke. 1 p. |
|
783. ii. Address of the General Councill of the Leeward Islands
to Lt. General Hamilton. St. Johns, March 14, 1710.
Wee have seriously considered that part of your speech
made to us at the opening of this sessions on Feb. 22,
desireing us to enquire into the true reasons how the
differences between Governor Parke and the inhabitants
of this Island came to so unhappy a heigth as to occasion
the death of H.E. and others. And tho' your Honour at
the second meeting, which was on Feb. 24th, by our
request issued a Proclamation requireing all persons who
could give any evidence or testimony relateing to those
affairs to appear before us on March 1st to be examined
therein, and tho' wee did deferr entering into any consideration thereof for severall meetings in regard no
witnesses appeared, and notwithstanding your Honour
in conjunction with us sent a message in writeing to the
Members of the Generall Assembly desireing to know if
they had anything to offer in that matter, yet no manner
of wittnesses or evidences did appear or were produced
to us untill the 10th inst., at which time there onely
appeared Dr. Gousse Bonnin, Lt. Richard Worthington,
Sarah Collongs and Sergeant Bowes (notwithstanding
the Members of the particular Councill of this Island as
well as the others were summoned to appear) coppyes
of whose depositions are hereunto annexed. But wee
do not conceive that the matters therein contained are
sufficient to apprise us of the rise and beginnings of
those unfortunate differences, so that we cannot advise
your Honour what further stepps to take in the premisses
in order to make a more full and perfect discovery
thereof, Your Honour as well as ourselves having already
pursued all such measures as wee presumed would
effectually have answered the same. But wee are
humbly of opinion that Her most sacred Majesty will
upon the Representation which has been offerred home
upon this occasion from the Lt. Governor and Councill
of this Island, with the account of our owne proceedings
hereon which wee humbly presume your Honour will
likewise lay before H.M., be graciously pleased to direct
your Honour what in Her royall wisdom she shall think
most proper in so difficult a point, Till when wee beleive
it most adviseable for your Honour to wait H.M. Royall
pleasure in regard wee beleive the generality of the
inhabitants were concerned therein except in the mean
time a more expedient way may be offerred or found.
And as wee must acknowledge your Honour's great care
and concerne upon this occasion to find out the truth,
so hope wee have discharged our duty to H.M., your
Honour and our Country, etc. Signed, Jo. Eleis, John
Willett, James Milliken, Edw. Byam, John Daly, Geo.
Wyke. 1 large p. |
|
783. iii. Interrogatories exhibited to (a) Gousse Bonin,
Chyrurgeon, before the Lt. General and General Council
of the Leeward Islands, March 10, 1710 (11). I saw
H.E. carried out to the house where he died, and tarried
there with him until he was dead. Q. After he was
brought out of the house where he was wounded did you
see any person drag him through the streets, as has been
reported? A. I did not. (b) Lt. Richard Worthington.
I had no command from H.E. for what I did at Mr.
Chester's. I was wounded myself and am no witness of
what became of H.E. after he was wounded. Q. What
reasons had you for writing a letter to Mr. Ayon that
some persons had designes to murther him ? A. I mett
with one Johnson late servant to Mr. Ayon, who told me
on Wedn., Feb. 28, that Mr. Ayon was to be murthered
that night. I immediately sent him word, because I
thought it might be fact, by reason that a few nights
before I was attacked by eight or ten persons all in white
jacketts below Mr. Denbow's door, upon which I laid
my hand to my sword and made a stand at which time
some of them said it was not he, meaning as I did
suppose Mr. Ayon, we both of us being much together
that day, and both in black cloths. 1 large p. |
|
783. iv. (a) Deposition of Sarah Collongs, St. Johns, March 10,
1710 (11). On Dec. 7 deponent with Sarah Pelham
did wash and shroud the corps of H.E. at the house of
Mr. John Wrights in St. Johns. He was in no way
bruised or wounded in his body or any of his limbs, but
by a shott in one of his thighs. Deponent saw him
attended at Mr. Wright's house by Dr. Gousse Bonin.
He was very uneasy and tumbled himself to and fro
after the Doctor had put some tow into the wound to
stopp the bleeding. He asked the doctor if he could
stopp the blood, who answered that he could if he would
be ruled and would not tumble so much. Notwithstanding, H.E. continued to turne himselfe to and fro
in the bed, with which the wound bled afresh, and in a
very little time he expired, haveing before complained
very much of his back, but tho' deponent actually
washed his back and shrouded his corps she saw no
manner of wound or bruise there or in any other part
saveing that in his thigh. Signed, Sarah Collongs, her
marke. |
|
(b) Deposition of Charles Bowes, St. Johns, March 10,
1710 (11). Sergeant in Col. Jones Regiment, deponent
for 3 years past was for the most part on duty upon the
guard of H.E., who often told him and severall soldiers
belonging to the guard, that if they would beat and
insult any of the Gent. of the country, he would as an
encouragement give them a pistole apeece for everyone
they should so beat and insult, and that he would give a
good reward to any of them that would well thrash Capt.
Edward Perrie and Mr. Stureman, and protect them from
punishment. Deponent heard H.E. frequently tell the
soldiers that if he had but some companys which he
knew in Flanders he would soon drive halfe the planters
in the Island, and that they were cowards for not
beating the planters, which he had so often ordered them
to do. H.E. sent for him the night of Dec. 6th, and told
him that he heard the Protestants had a beef which was
tyed in Patrick West's yard, and that if Deponent with
some of his soldiers would go and take away said beef,
he would give him 5 pistoles and to every soldier that
should assist him in doing it, two pistoles a peece.
Deponent answered he would goe and try, in some small
time after Mr. Michael Ayon and Lt. Worthington came
up to the guard, where deponent acquainted Worthing
ton what had passed between him and H.E., saying
he beleived it was impossible to do it. Worthington
answered that he would rather then anything but that
it should be done, because he knew it was the Generall's
desire, and that if he thought anyone of the soldiers
then present would refuse to assist in takeing the beef,
or offer to discover the same, he would immediately
run his sword through his gutts, whereupon the soldiers
presently went and searched the Towne till they found
said beef. Deponent beleives, if Worthington had not
been there, the beef would not have been taken away.
H.E. next morning told deponent that if he, or any of
them that were with him, should be examined about
takeing the beef, they must swear they took it from
negroes in the street. Signed, Charles Bowes. The
whole 1 large p. [C.O. 152, 42. Nos. 59, 55, 21, 22,
23.] |
April 5.
Whitehall. |
784. Lord Dartmouth to the Councill of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following for their report thereon tomorrow. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. Read April 6th,
1711. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
784. i. Governor Walter Douglass to Lord Dartmouth.
Petitioner doubts his Commission and Instructions can
be dispatched time enough to embarke with ye convoy
now at Portsmouth, which will sail with ye first fair
wind. There being a third ship added to the usual
convoy to that trade, he proposes that part of the convoy
may be stayed for him, etc. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 9. Nos. 53,
53 i.; and 153, 11. pp. 181–183.] |
April 6.
Whitehal. |
785. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Dartmouth. Reply to preceding. Mr. Douglas' Instructions will
be sent to your Lordship to-morrow morning, being all that is to
be dispatched by us. Autograph signatures. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 4.
No. 2; and 153, 11. p. 184.] |
April 6.
Whitehal. |
786. Same to same. We herewith transmit the draught of
Mr. Douglas' Instructions, which are to the same purpose as
those that were given to Col. Parke; and have only to observe
that there wants one Councillor for Nevis, two for Antego, two for
Mountserrat and one for St. Christophers, to supply which
vacancies no persons, of whose qualifications we are sufficiently
inform'd having been as yet recommended to us, we therefore
submit it to H.M. whether it may not be convenient, that the
said vacancies be kept open till Major Douglas upon his arrival
at his Government shal pursuant to his Instructions in that
behalf, send over the names of such persons as he shal judge fitly
qualify'd. etc. Annexed, |
|
786. i. H.M. Instructions for Walter Douglas Governor of the
Leeward Islands. |
|
786. ii. H.M. Instructions to the same, relating to the Acts of
Trade and Navigation. [C.O. 153, 11. pp. 184–272.] |
April 6.
Admiralty Office. |
787. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. I have read to the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of March 24 together
with the proposal of Mr. Polhampton (March 5). Their Lordships
will give the strictest orders to the Capts. of the Queen's ships
that they doe not at their perril doe anything which may prejudice H.M. in the manner Mr. Polhampton represents; and will
recomend it to the Governours of those places whereon the ships
attend, to send them to cruiz as he hath proposed in the winter
season. What I have more to add is, that Mr. Polhampton was
not willing to accuse any particular officer of the abuses mentioned
in his generall representation. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed,
Recd. 7th, Read 9th April, 1711. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 5,
1050. No. 17; and 5, 1122. pp. 321, 322.] |
| April 7. |
788. Merchants and estate owners of Antegoa to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Recommend Richard Lightfoot of
East Greensted, who has a considerable estate there and also in
Antegoa, for the Council of that Island. Signed, Robert Chester,
Rowld. Tryon, Saml. Ball, Wm. Parrott, T. Forster, Ed. Warner,
Nath. Carpenter, James Field, Sam. Richards, John Travers, Wm.
Johnson. Endorsed, Recd. Read April 12, 1711. 1 p. [C.O.
152, 9. No. 59.] |
April 7.
St. James's. |
789. H.M. Commission to William Tayler to be Lt. Governor
of the Massachusetts Bay. Countersigned, Dartmouth. [C.O.
324, 32. pp. 68, 69.] |
April 7.
Whitehall. |
790. Lord Dartmouth to Governor Douglas. There being
at present one Councellour wanting for Nevis, two for Antegoa,
two for Mountserrat, and one for St. Christophers, upon your
arrival at your Government you are to send over the names of
such persons as you shall judge fitly qualifyed to serve as members
of the said respective Councils that I may lay them before H.M.
and receive her directions therein. Signed, Dartmouth. [C.O.
324, 32. p. 69.] |
April 10.
Whitehal. |
791. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Douglas.
Besides what is contain'd in H.M. Instructions to you, there are
several other particulars relating to your Government, which we
think ourselves obliged to take notice of to you, (vizt.), Whereas
Laws passed in H.M. Leeward Charibbee Islands (as in other H.M.
Dominions in America) have before the publication thereof been
usually sign'd or underwritten by the Capt. Genl. or Commander
in Chief, and the Speaker of the General Assembly respectively,
testifying their respective assents given to such laws, and whereas
it hath been represented to H.M. that the Genl. Assembly of the
Island of Antego do pretend and insist that all laws after they
have pass'd the Legislature there ought to be sign'd or underwritten by the Capt. Genl. or Commander in Chief (to testify his
assent to such laws as aforesaid) before the same are sign'd or
underwritten by the Speaker of the Genl. Assembly for the like
purpose, whereby they do pretend to reserve to the discretion of
their Speaker the last act to be done in relation to the passing of
bills and in so doing wou'd assume a power of giving sanction to
all laws pass'd and publish'd in the said Island, in derogation of
H.M. undoubted prerogative, and tending to frustrate Her
intention in giving a negative voice by Her Commission to the
Capt. Genl. or Commander in Chief, the true meaning whereof is
that the ultimate power of passing or rejecting all laws there,
shal reside in the said Capt. General or Commander in Chief,
which power no Assembly in any other of H.M. Dominions has
at any time attempted to elude by such pretended priviledges as
aforesaid or in any other manner to dispute; You are therefore
to forbear to sign or underwrite any law to be hereafter pass'd in
the said Islands testifying your having given your assent thereto
until such law shal have been first sign'd or underwritten by the
Speaker of the Genl. Assembly to show that they have passed
or agreed to the same. And you are to give directions to the
Lieut. General and Lieut. Governors of each respective Island to
take the like care herein. The foregoing state of the dispute
which happen'd between your predecessor and the Genl. Assembly
of that Island in relation to their signing laws past there, and the
directions we have given you for your better guidance in that
matter are such as we have been able to collect and frame from
ye accounts thereof sent us by Col. Parke; but in regard the same
are not so full and clear as they ought to have been, we shal therefore expect that when you have informed yourself of the grounds
and nature of that dispute, you do with the first opportunity
acquaint us therewith, particularly whether all laws having pass'd
the Legislature, that is ye assent of the Govr., Council and Assembly of that Island, are not to all intents and purposes good laws,
and may be publish'd as such notwithstanding the same be not
sign'd by the Govr. and Speaker of ye Assembly, them or either
of them, and if so, then of what use is such signing, or to what
purpose does the same operate, that is if it be necessary, or a
matter of form only. Several persons having been recommended
to us to be members of H.M. respective Councils in Nevis, Antego
and St. Christophers, we send you here inclosed a list of their
names, that you may upon your arrival in those Islands enquire
into their characters and qualifications whether they be men of
estates and well affected to H.M. Government, wch. having done
you will transmit an account thereof to us by the first opportunity
pursuant to your Instructions in that behalf and the names of
such other persons as you may think fitly qualify'd to serve H.M.
in her respective Councils there, that we may lay the same before
H.M. from time to time to fill up any vacancies that may happen
in the said Councils. Two Acts having been passed at Nevis, the
one on Feb. 23, 170¾ for the establishing of Courts in Nevis, etc.,
the other June 22, 1705, at a General Assembly of all the Leeward
Islands at Nevis for establishing Courts, etc. throughout all the
Leeward Islands; enclose copies of Representation Dec. 23, 1708
and Order in Council Dec. 30, 1708, repealing same, for your information, and that you may move the next General Assembly of
all the Leeward Islands to pass a new Law (if the same be not
already done) for establishing Courts, etc. not lyable to the same
objections as those aforementioned. Whereas the business of the
Plantations frequently suffer delays for want of proper persons
appointed to reside here on the part of each respective Government who may be ready at any time to solicite the dispatch of
business in the respective offices where the same may be depending, you will therefore do well upon your arrival by and with ye
advice of ye respective Councils to appoint a proper person or
persons for that purpose, and endeavour to get a suitable and
reasonable salary to be setled upon such person by the Assembly
for his care and trouble in the service of the said Islands under
your Government. [C.O. 153, 11. pp. 273–277.] |
April 10.
St. James's. |
792. Order of Queen in Council. Approving drafts of
Instructions to Governor Douglas, etc. Signed, Christo. Musgrave.
Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th April, 1711. ¾ p. [C.O. 152,
9. No. 55; and 5, 11. No. 63; and 153, 11. pp. 278, 279.] |
April 10.
St. James's. |
793. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation
of April 6th (q.v.) relating to vacancies in the Councils of the
Leeward Islands, and ordering accordingly. Signed and endorsed as preceding. ¾ p. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 56; and 153, 11.
pp. 279, 280; and 5, 11. No. 62.] |
April 10.
St. James's. |
794. Order of Queen in Council. Approving additional
Instructions to Governor Douglas, relating to the disorders at
Antegoa, and ordering that it be converted into a Commission as
proposed April 4th. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 p.
[C.O. 152, 9. No. 57; and 153, 11. pp. 280, 281.] |
April 10.
St. James's. |
795. Order of Queen in Council. Ordering that the Lord
Dartmouth do cause the two following Heads of further Instructions to Governor Douglas to be prepared for H.M. signature;
(1) That besides the six or three persons directed by ye Governor's
Commission to be tryed, the Governor have liberty to try any
such others, who shall not surrender themselves according to the
Proclamation to be issued, as they shalbe apprehended, as the
Governor shall think fit. (2) That in case any person shalbe
thought fit to be sent over into England to be tryed for ye said
offences, care be taken to give ye party accused due notice for
getting his witnesses ready to attend his tryal here, as also to see
that witnesses be likewise sent over in H.M. behalf. Signed and
endorsed as preceding. ¾ p. [C.O. 152, 9. No. 58; and 5, 11.
No. 61; and 153, 11. pp. 281, 282.] |
April 10.
Whitehall. |
796. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend Samuel Barwick to be a member of the Council of
Barbados (v. March 24), in case there be a vacancy, as alledged,
whereof nevertheless we have as yet had no advice from Mr.
Lillington, etc. [C.O. 29, 12. pp. 342, 343.] |
April 10.
St. James's. |
797. Order of Queen in Council. Appointing S. Barwick, as
in preceding. Signed, Christo. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 12th,
Read 15th May, 1711. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 58; and 5, 11.
No. 60; and 29, 12. pp. 347–349.] |
April 10.
Whitehall. |
798. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Hunter.
We herewith inclose to you a copy of Mr. Polhampton's memorial
(v. March 5), and Mr. Burchett's letter, April 6th, not doubting
but you have already taken care to put a stop to such abuses and
mismanagements, and that you will continue to prevent the like
for the future. [C.O. 5, 1122. pp. 323, 324.] |
