|
July 21.
Barbados. |
37. Governor Lowther to Lord Dartmouth. Since my letter
of 16th instant, a sloop arrived here from Curacoa which brought
letters of the 22nd and 26th of June last N.S. that Monsieur du
Cass was at St. Lewis in St. Domingo with ten sail of men of warr,
the least of which carry'd sixty gunes; and that it was supposed
he design'd to go very speedily to Carthagene to convoy home
several galleons which lay in that harbour ready for sailing. I
cannot pretend to say how much this account may be depended
upon, but several intelligent and sober people here give great
credit to it. Signed, Rob. Lowther. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O.
28, 43. No. 63.] |
| July 21. |
38. Mr. Attorney General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Your Lordships having sent to me the draught of
your Representation on the Lord Baltimore's petition, requiring
my opinion thereon, I humbly lay before you a copy of the report
I intend to make on the said petition to H.M., which has also been
referred to mee, unless better informed by your Lordships, on
which I shall be ready to attend on, or receive your Lordships
commands, as you shall please to direct. Signed, Edward
Northey. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Read 24th July, 1711. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
38. i. Mr. Attorney General to the Queen. Report upon the
petition of Charles Lord Baltimore that his right of
appointing a Governor for Maryland may be restored
to him. Recapitulates events of 1689–1691 relating to
the taking of the Government into the King's hands, and
the appointment of Col. Copley during the King's pleasure
(v. C.S.P.). Col. Copley's commission under the Great
Seal June 27, 1691, was granted without the consent of
Lord Baltimore, who refused to agree to it. It recited
that by reason of great neglects and miscarriages in the
Government of that Province, the same was fallen into
disorder and confusion, by means whereof, not only
the publick peace and administration of justice (whereby
the property of the subjects should be preserved) was
broken and violated, but also there was an utter want of
provision for the guard and defence of that country
against the enemy, whereby the same was exposed and
like to be lost from the Crown of England, and that the
Province and subjects there could not be defended and
secured by any other way than by taking that Governmt.
into the King's hands and under his immediate care.
Severall orders were made in Councill for the provision
for the Governor, who was ordered to have half of the
2s. per hhd. laid on all tobaccos exported, the Act laying
that duty there having appropriated half that duty
for the support of the Government. But I do not find
that any judgement in any of H.M. Courts was ever
given against Lord Baltimore for determining any of
the priviledges granted to his ancestors by the Charter
of King Charles I. And I doe most humbly submit it
to your Majesty's consideration, it being lawfull, on
the necessity before stated, for the late King's preserving
that Plantation, to appoint a Governour, whether the
warr continuing that necessity doth not yet remain, and
thereby make it lawfull for your Majesty to continue
to appoint a Governor, or at least till your Majesty
be fully satisfyed that that Colony will be sufficiently
secured against the enemy by the Proprietor, which will
be less prejudice to him now than it was, when that
Government was seiz'd by King William, for that since
that time, by an Act of Parliament made in the seventh
year of his reign, all Governours to be nominated and
appointed by Proprietors of Plantations are to be
allowed and approv'd of by your Majesty by Order in
Councill. 6 pp. [C.O. 5, 717. Nos. 42, 42 i.; and
5, 727. pp. 281–290.] |
[? July 21.]
Barbados. |
39. Governor Lowther to Lord Dartmouth. Encloses triplicate of June 24 etc. When I writt on the 24th of the last month
everybody believed that the preparations which the French were
making for an invasion at Martinique were intended against
Antegoa: this conjecture happened to be very right, but they
were disappointed in their design by the two following accidents,
(viz.) H.M.S. the Newcastle being a cruising on the 3rd of the last
month met with a French man of war and some sloopes (which
we now understand were bound to Guardaloup) and after a long
ingagement the French shipes were so disabled that they could not
proceed but were forced to return and refit; the next day H.M.S.
the Guernsey and Sweepstakes met with another French man of
war and chased her into Martinique, upon these accidents the
French laid aside their project against Antegoa, and formed a
design against Mountseratt with their sloops only, which they put
in execution; for on the 14th of the last month about four in the
morning they landed 1200 men at a place called Kerr's bay nigh
the North west point of the Island and march'd a considerable
way into the country, and then the inhabitants meeting them at
a convenient pass gave them such a warm reception that they
thought fit to retire with the loss of about 50 prisoners and as
many killed, and imbarked about 8 a clock at night, so that they
did not stay above 16 hours upon the Island; but the reason why
they retired in so great precipitation, was from the intelligence
they received that the Newcastle had been there but four hours
before they arrived, and that a sloop was dispatch'd to informe
the Newcastle of their invasion. We have had no intelligence of
the enemy since they left Mountseratt, and none of their privateers
have appeared about our coastes as usuall. I have advice from
Lt. General Hamilton of the 4th instant, that he sent a truce for
exchange of prisoners about five weeks ago to Martinique which
they still detain, he also says an other flag of truce which was sent
from Nevis about 27 days ago is likewise detained, so that we
have too much reason to fear that they are preparing for a second
attempt upon some of these Islands. I am extreamly sorry to
informe your Lordship that all the publick affairs of this Island
are in great disorder, but I hope I shall be excused from entring
into the particulars at this time, having already given your
Lordship so much trouble, etc. Signed, Rob. Lowther. Endorsed,
Col. Lowther 21 July, 1711. Holograph. 2½ pp. [C.O. 28,
43. No. 64.] |
| July 22. |
40. Address of the Governor Council and Assembly of New
Hampshire to the Queen. Wee crave leave humbly to prostrate
ourselves at your Majesty's Royal feet with all humble and dutifull
acknowledgments of the highest gratitude for the expressions of
your Majesties most compassionate tender regard to the prosperity
of your good subjects in these your Majesties Northern Plantations
in America, throughout the course of your Majesties glorious reign,
perticulerly for the signal instance of your Majesties Royal favour
in the gratious acceptance of our late humble addresses for
obtaining an expedition to be made for the reduction of Canada
and freeing us from those grievous oppressions, which wee have long
laboured under by the French of that country and the salvages
in their interests in soe near neighbourhood to us; And that your
Majestie has been pleased to command the service of such numbers
of your skilfull experienced officers, and choice troops, with soe
considerable a squadron of your Majesties ships of war in this
important affair. And to committ the conduct thereof to H.E.
Brigadier Hill and Sir Hovenden Walker, etc. The preparations
for the part of this frontier Government in obedience to your
Majesties commands for the Expedition by the hand of the
Honourable Colonell Nicholson are carried with such application
in raising the troops of this Province and transports to joyne
your Majesties squadron are this day perfected, And wee render
our most humble thanks to your Sacred Majestie for the cloaths,
arms, and accoutrements for war of your Royal Bounty directed
for the benefitt of your Majesties troops levyed within these your
Majesties Governments. May Almighty God on whom your
Majesty's dependance is placed be gratiously pleased to smile upon
this noble important undertakeing, and grant success thereto,
in subdueing of Canada to your Majesties obedience. It will be
a glorious acquisition to your Imperial Crown of Great Brittaine,
and of unspeakable benefit and advantage to the whole Brittish
Empire. May God be also gratiously pleased, to preserve your
Majesties sacred person, long continue your life and reign and
prosper your Majesties just arms everywhere, for the abasing of
the pride of the Great Oppressor of Europe. That your Majesty
may be instrumental under God to bring forward a speedy
happy and lasting peace is and shall be the daily fervent prayer
of Your Majesties loyal dutifull and thankfull tho' distressed
subjects. Signed, J. Dudley, Cha. Story, Secretary, By Order
of the Council, and Richard Gerrish, Speaker, By Order of the
House of Representatives. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 10. No. 5.] |
July 23.
Boston. |
41. Mr. Bridger to [? Mr. Popple]. Since my last of May 21st
by the pacquet I understand that the Palatines, when they should
have gone to worke in the spring, mutined and Col. Hunter
obliged to send for officers and 60 men from Albany to quel them,
and I am informed they will not worke and that most of them are
goeing on the Expedition against Quebeck, soe that the designe
of naval stores by them ends at once, and am told that the victualing of the Palatines and not the raising of naval stores induced a
Genll. to undertake an affaire he was wholy ignorant of. Sr., I
have this great submition to lay before theire Lordps., that if
they shall recomend me to H.M. for Lt. Governor of New Hampshire and Capt. of Fort Ann allowing me 60 men, a Lieut. and
Insigne, and to have the whole managment of them (keeping
this commision) humbly propose to take 40 men to work at
12d. per diem besides theire wages as soldiers, and so relieve them
as the service will admitt, the rest to keepe garrison, the woods
that are to be worked in is but 16 miles from the fort, 13 miles of
it is by water, it is the best place I know of in this country for this
worke etc. I would engage to make 1500 if not 2000 barrells of tar.
I presume it would answer and set other people to work on the
same affaire, and likewise give me power to prevent the utter
ruine of H.M. woods. I am thretened to be shot, if they ketch
me in the woods. P.S: By some omission in my commission
the word lands was left out, which should have been added to
the Surveyor General of all H.M. woods and lands, or lands and
woods, wch. is most proper, for now they dispute as much for the
land as ever they did for the woods and more, besides I humbly
offer it on the acct. of lands in generall belonging to H.M. at
Annopolis, and if it please God to bless H.M. armes with success
at Quebeck, and now at New Yorke, New Hampshire etc. Signed,
J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. 18th, Read 20th Sept., 1711. 1¾ pp.
[C.O. 5, 865. No. 68; and 5, 913. pp. 348–350.] |
July 25.
Virginia. |
42. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Acknowledges letters of Oct. 26th, Nov. 9th. In
obedience to your Lordps.' commands, I here send a transcript
of the several proceedings in Council relating to the selling the
quitt-rents; by these your Lordps. will be inform'd upon what
grounds the method of sale by inch of candle prescrib'd in H.M.
Instructions came to be altered: I have also subjoin'd a copy of
a letter from Col. Byrd H.M. Receiver General containing some
additional reasons why a publick sale is less beneficial, than the
method now in use; and since the former practice was altered
upon the experience of its inconveniency, I must joine in opinion
for continuing the present unless a greater inconveniency appears
therein. I have examined the several tables of fees sent me by the
respective officers in this Colony, and find them all agreeable to
the particular laws by which they were establish'd: and I'm the
more confirm'd in the opinion that they are within the bounds of
moderation, because I have not heard that there has ever been
any complaint of their exorbitancy. I have used my utmost
endeavours to detect the persons accused of illegal trading to
Curassoa and St. Thomas; but have not been able to discover
any thing whereon to ground a prosecution; the books of the
Custom-house officers give no light into the matter, and neither
the masters nor mariners employed in those vessells being inhabitants of this countrey, nor to be found here, I'm also disappointed of the discoverys which might have been expected
from them. Mr. Conner, the owner of one of those vessells, has
been with me with great professions of his innocence, he says his
vessell neither carryed tobacco to Curassoa nor brought any
European commoditys from thence; and that for avoiding all
future suspitions, he is resolved never to trade again to that
Island. It is very probable that tobacco may be taken on board
by the masters without the knowledge of the owners, and after
their clearing with the Custom-house officer, which cannot be
prevented any other way than by having a watchful eye on the
vessells while they are lading and searching them after they are
clear'd. I have with the advice of the Council proposed to the
Commissioners of the Customs, as the best means to prevent
such frauds, the establishing two searchers for this Bay, furnished
with shallops or good boats and hands, wch. may be continually
runing in to the little rivers and creeks, where such small vessells
load, and cruising in the Bay for examining them after they are
clear'd; and that this may be done without any additional
charge to H.M., I have also proposed the reducing of the three
Collectors now established for York and James Rivers, to one
for both, and he to live at Williamsburgh, which is the center
between both rivers and equally convenient for either, and that
the sallarys of the other two Collectors be applyed towards the
support of those searchers, which in my opinion will prove more
usefull officers for preventing illegal trade. I could heartily
wish what your Lordps. seem to expect in relation to the building
a Fort at Point Comfort could suit with the disposition and
ability of this Countrey; but when I propos'd to your Lordps.
the building that Fort, I knew very well it would be in vain to
expect the least assistance from the Assembly unless they were
first assured they should not be charged with the maintenance
of a garrison, which is an annual expence they will never be
prevail'd with to lay on the country, however necessary it may
be for its security: but if that point were once over, I should not
doubt engaging them to contribute to the building the Fort,
the charge whereof, I'm still of opinion, will be but inconsiderable
in comparison of that of a regular fortification, it being design'd
rather as something resembling a Land-guard-fort, than a Bergenop-Zoom. As to the project of the iron mines, concerning which
I received the signification of your Lordps.' pleasure, (v. Jan. 29)
I have in my former given your Lordps. an account how that
design was laid aside by the Assembly, and offerred my thoughts
how it may be made more beneficial for H.M. service and the trade
of Great Britain, upon which I hope to receive your Lordps.' commands.
Encloses Journal of Council, on which I shal only
trouble your Lordps. with these few remarks, that having by a
Proclamation issued last December given liberty to all persons to
take up land on the conditions in H.M. Instructions, it happened
through the interfering of entrys that divers persons made pretensions to ye same peice of land, for determining of which it
was thought necessary to establish the several rules, mentioned
in the Council Journal, which I hope will not be unacceptable to
your Lordps., since they have given such satisfaction to the
people, and that all contraversys upon these entrys are thereby
entirely accomodated. That the directions I gave for restraining
the unlimited granting of rights before the person desiring them
had made appear to me his ability to cultivate the land claim'd
thereby, is readily comply'd with, will appear by the several
applications on the Journal. And that I have with equal
satisfaction and less charge to the people taken the granting of
lapsed and escheated land out of the hands of the General Court
(where it had been a long time improperly placed) and brought
all applications of that nature to the Governor in Council as a
more proper channell to dispense the favours of the Crown.
Notwithstanding the objections made against the terms of granting land mentioned in H.M. Instructions, and the positive opinion
of some that none would be taken up on those conditions; there
have been considerable quantitys entered for since the publication
of those Instructions, and patents signed on the same terms last
April, for much larger quantitys heretofore surveyed. I hope
this will be an argument against further clamours on that head,
and hinder any applications from the Assembly for altering the
Instruction, especially if H.M. shal be pleased to allow patents to
issue for all lands entered and surveyed before the death of Col.
Nott, according to what I proposed to your Lordps. Dec. 18.
Having lately discovered here a notorious peice of forgery in
razing and altering the date of H.M. letter mandatory granted
to the Robinson frigat of London, and making it serve a voyage
for which it was never intended, I took the opportunity by the
New York pacquet to impart that matter with the particular
circumstances of it in a letter to my Lord Dartmouth etc.; and
having found very great reason to suspect that Mr. Corbin the
Naval Officer of Rappahanock, who is also part owner of the ship,
is privy to the forgery, the Council being of the same opinion, I
have removed him from his office, and shal wait H.M. commands
for proceeding further against him, if upon examination of the
other owners at London, they shal clear themselves, and throw the
crime on him. Your Lordps. will perceive by the accompts
herewith sent how much H.M. revenues both of the Quitt-rents
and 2s. per hhd. are sunk of late: this is occasioned by the declining price of tobacco for several years successively, which has
discouraged people from offerring any considerable rate for the
former, or shipping off their own tobacco for advancing the latter,
many chosing rather to keep their tobacco in the country under
the danger of spoiling, than venture to ship it and run the hazard
of its bringing them in debt. The accompt of the quitt-rents has
this last year received an addition of above 10,000 acres of concealed land, for there has been no new land granted in that time,
and I hope to see that revenue much more considerably advanced
by means of the Act passed last session of Assembly. I know
not whether your Lordps. have yet had leasure to reflect on the
advantages H.M. revenue will receive by that clause of it, making
three years non-payment of quitt-rent a forfeiture of the land;
but the people begin to perceive that will prove so effectual a
remedy against all the evasions wherewith they have hitherto
been able to conceal their land, that some have proposed to me
to move H.M. to accept of a reasonable fine or composition for
altering their tenures, and giving them new patents for their
land upon the terms of paying a small acknowledgment in lieu
of the present annual quitt-rent: but this being an overture on
which I have not yet had time to forme a judgement, I shall
neither encourage nor discountenance it, untill I receive your
Lordps.' directions. Col. Hunter, Governour of New York,
having signifyed to me that he had received H.M. commands to
buy up a great quantity of provision for the subsistance of the
forces sent to Canada, and that it was feared the service might
be prejudiced unless a supply of pork were sent from hence,
provisions being scarce in that and the neighbouring Provinces;
I have used such dilligence that there are now upwards of 700
barrells of pork ready to ship off from this country, and I believe
I have not left in it one barrell of sound pork besides. Tho' this
great demand happened at a time when I had no Assembly to
sett a rate on this commodity, I have taken such measures that
there is very little of it bought at a higher price than I myself
gave last Christmas when provisions were at the cheapest. The
price of the pork was to be paid out of the quitt-rents, so far as
that would go, but your Lordps. will observe by the quitt-rent
accompt, how little it will discharge. So that I have been obliged
to engage my own credit for the remainder, the people being
unwilling to take Col. Hunter's bills, wch. they do not know how
to negotiate at the Treasury. Capt. Smith, of H.M.S. Enterprize
attending this Governmt. has had the good fortune to take at
the Capes a French privateer of 88 men belonging to Petit Guaves.
The prisoners have been subsisted here ever since June 7th, and I
have chosen rather to send them to England by H.M. fleet, where
they may be exchanged for the like number of H.M. subjects,
than to transport them with a Flagg of Truce to their own Island,
being resolved on my own part to avoid all suspition of an unlawful correspondence with H.M. enemys, as well as to endeavor
by all means to prevent it in others. I should not have added
to your Lordps. trouble if the unhappy commotions in our
neighbouring Province of North Carolina did not oblige me to
represent the same as a matter that may very sensibly affect the
peace of this Colony without the application of proper remedys.
One Col. Thomas Cary being some years agoe appointed Deputy
Governor of North Carolina under Sir Nathaniel Johnson, was
afterwards removed by an order of the Lords Proprietors, and
a President chosen to take on him the administration: but it
was not long before Mr. Cary being join'd by certain Quakers entrusted by the Proprietors in some part of the administration
gathered together a rabble of the looser sort of people, and by
force of arms turned out the President and most of the Council,
and by his own authority assumed the administration of the
Government. In the mean time the Lords Proprietors appointed
Col. Tynte Governor of South and North Carolina, and Mr.
Edward Hyde to be Deputy Governor of the Northern Province,
who was to receive his commission from the former. Mr. Hyde
arriv'd here last summer, but before his arrival Col. Tynte dyed,
so that he found himself thrown into a country without any
power or credentials, except some private letters from some of
the Lords Proprietors. However, by these he gave so good
satisfaction of his being the intended Governor for that Province,
that every one that could pretend to have deputations from the
Lords Proprietors, and among the rest Col. Cary, joined in a
petition to him to take the administration as President of the
Council, untill his commission for Governor should arrive. Accordingly he was sworne, proceeded to settle Courts of Justice, wch.
had been interrupted during the course of the former troubles,
and called an Assembly. But Mr. Cary and those of his party
finding their interest decline, and fearing to be called to account
for many unwarrantable actions and oppressions whereof they had
been guilty, began to find fault with their own election, protested
against the meeting of the Assembly as not called by lawful
authority, and endeavoured to stir up the people to throw off
their obedience to the establish'd Government. Upon which the
Assembly ordered Mr. Cary, and some of the chief of that party,
to be taken into custody, and proceeded to pass a law obliging
Mr. Cary to account to the Proprietors for their dues, wch. he
had refused to pay for the subsistance of the Palatines according
to their order, and added some other clauses perhaps too severe
to be justify'd, wherein it must be confessed they show'd more
their resentment of their ill usage during Mr. Cary's usurpacon (as they call it) than their prudence to reconcile the distractions of the country, but of this your Lops. will better judge by
the copys of the laws and address wch. are here inclosed. 'Twas
not long before they found their power was too weak to inforce
the execution of the laws they had passed. For Mr. Cary having
made his escape out of custody, had again recourse to his old
friends the Mobb, of which he drew together so great a number,
and fortify'd his house with great guns and other warlike stores,
that when the Government had taken a resolution to apprehend
him, they found it impracticable to attempt it. Mr. Cary did
not long content himself to stand on the defensive, but fitting
out a brigantine of six guns, furnished him by a leading Quaker
of that Province, with some other vessells equipp'd in a warlike
manner, he again declared himself President, and went to attack
Mr. Hyde and his Council at a place to wch. they had retired for
their safety. It was then I received pressing applications from
them for assistance from hence to enable them to defend themselves against this Insurrection. Whereupon having advis'd
with the Council, it was thought fitt in the first place to offer my
mediation for accomodating their differences, believing that Mr.
Hyde would be prevail'd on to suspend the severity of the Laws
against Mr. Cary untill the Proprietors' pleasure were known;
and that this being once obtain'd, Mr. Cary would be contented
to sit quiet and suffer the Government to go on in the way to
which he himself had agreed. Accordingly I sent a Gentleman
very fittly qualify'd for transacting an affair of that nature to
offer my mediation to both partys, and writt to them the letter
of wch. I here send your Lordps. the copy: and because I was
in some doubt whether Mr. Cary would yeild to a peaceable
accomodation, I also writt another letter (copy inclosed) to be
delivered him in case he rejected the former, intending that if
fair means would not prevail on him, he might at least be frighted
into a compliance by the expectation of a superior force from
hence. Mr. Hyde and his Council readily embraced the offer
made them, declaring themselves ready to yeild to any termes that
could in justice or reason be expected of them; but Mr. Cary
obstinately rejected all offers of accomodation. Tis true at
first he made a shew of accepting the mediation, but soon show'd
that he had no other intention in it, than to seize Mr. Hyde and
his Council by drawing them to an interview, separated from their
guards, wch. he treacherously attempted to execute in violation
of his own promise and agreement. After his disappointment in
this design, he would never agree to any place of conference where
Mr. Hyde could rely on the safety of his person: he was with
great difficulty perswaded to declare what his demands were,
and after a copy of them was obtained, he positively refused
to sett his hand to it: and tho' he had notice given him by the
gentleman I sent thither that every one of his demands would be
agreed to with some necessary explanations, even that would
not content him, but warned the mediator to retire for he was
resolved to treat no otherwise than with arms. Matters being
now come to the last extremity, Mr. Hyde and his Council again
pressed for assistance by a joint letter (copy enclosed); and having had the unanimous opinion of H.M. Council here, that there
was now no other way left but that of force to put a stop to
this dangerous insurrection, and that it was conformable to
H.M. Instructions to assist Mr. Hyde and those in the legal
administration of that Government, I thereupon ordered the
Militia of our frontier countys to draw together, designing to
march a detachment of them into Carolina, and at the same time
to obtain a reinforcement of marines from H.M. ships of war here,
to be sent in their boats to the Sound of Chowan for securing
the brigantine and armed vessells with wch. Mr. Cary had been
enabled to insult the Government and overawe the people.
But the Commodore of our homeward bound fleet judging it
the least part of his duty to do any service to this Country,
possitively refused to afford me any assistance either of men or
boats, tho' upon my first communication of that project to him
he seemed to approve it, and that I also represented to him how
serviceable his boats might prove in transporting the pork I had
ordered to be bought up in Carolina for the Queen's service; and
'tis only owing to that disappointment that I have been obliged
to lay aside the thought of getting any pork from thence, which
I wish may not be a disadvantage to H.M. service in another
place. In the mean time I receiv'd advice that Mr. Cary had
attempted to put in execution his chief design of seizing Mr. Hyde
and his Council, that he indeavoured to land a party of his men,
while at the same time he attacked them, with his cannon from
his brigantine; but finding he was like to meet with some resistance, and the courage of his mobb not being so great in action
as in imagination, he gave over the attempt and is since retired
to a remote part of the country whether it is impracticable to
march the militia from hence to attack him, he is there gathering
a greater force and threatens to bring down the Tuscaruro Indians
to his assistance. I have sent what marines could be spared from
our guard ships to the assistance of that Government, in hopes
by that means to satisfy the people that they are mistaken in
what their Quaker-Polititians have infus'd into them, that this
Government had no authority, nor would ever meddle in their
quarrels, and if this will not do, I shall still endeavour (notwithstanding the almost insuperable difficulties of marching forces
into a country so cut with great rivers and without any conveniency of water carriage) to put an effectual stop to these
confusions, which give so great apprehensions to H.M. subjects
of this Colony, who reflect that ye fatal rebellion raised here,
which cost the Crown a great expence of treasure to quell, sprung
from much less dangerous appearances, especially since Mr. Cary
has threatned to act another Antegoa tragedy, to which his own
desperate circumstances and the wretched crew he has got
together seem like enough to prompt him. It is no small concern
to me to find in two or three of our frontier counties where the
Quakers have got the greatest footing, such a reluctancy to
undertake anything against Cary and his party, which I understand is owing to the crafty insinuations of that sort of people,
who not only have been the principal fomenters of the distractions
in Carolina, but make it their business to instill the like pernicious
notions into the minds of H.M. subjects here to justify all the
mad actions of that rabble by such arguments as are destructive
to all Government, I think it necessary on this occation to
represent to your Lordps. how ill this country is provided for its
defence either against a forreign enemy or intestine commotions.
The powder which H.M. sent hither some years agoe is so much
wasted, that there's no dependance upon its doing execution
even at half distance. I beg your Lordps. will be pleased to
move H.M. for a fresh supply, and that in the mean time the
Admiralty may give orders to the Captains of H.M. ships resorting
hither, to exchange from time to time some of their fresh powder
for some of ours, wch. will be as proper for their use, in their
signals, watch guns and salutes. The confusions in Carolina
have hindered the meeting of the Commissioners for settling the
boundarys, but as soon as the affairs of that country attain any
tollerable settlement, I shal press them all I can to come to a
conclusion, and hope by the next conveyance, I shal be able to
give a good account of that affair. |
|
P.S. Kiquotan, July 28, 1711. Since I came hither to dispatch the Fleet, I have received advice that upon the arrival of
the marines I sent to Carolina, the heads of that mutinous rabble
there are fled and dispersed, and that there is now great hopes
that country will again be restored to peace; the Assembly and
Courts of Justice beginning to resume their functions without
fear of further disturbance. The Commissioners for settling
the boundarys are just now mett, and I hope they will conclude
that affair before they seperate; so that I may be able by the
next opportunity to lay their proceedings before yr. Lordships.
There are now further discoverys made of the ill designs of Mr.
Cary and his party, there being some affidavitts sent in hither to
prove that Mr. Porter, one of Cary's pretended Council, was with
the Tuscaruro Indians, endeavouring by promises of great rewards to engage them to cutt off all the inhabitants of that part
of Carolina that adhered to Mr. Hyde. The Indians own the
proposal was accepted by their young men: but that their old men,
who have the greatest sway in their Councels, being of their own
nature suspitious that there was some trick intended them, or
else directed by a superior providence, refused to be concerned
in that barbarous design. Signed, W. Spotswood. Endorsed,
Recd. 25th Sept., Read Nov. 16th., 1711. 12 pp. Enclosed, |
|
42. i. Lt. Governor Spotswood to Lord Dartmouth. May 5,
1711. v. No. 24 i. Endorsed as preceding. Copy.
2¼ pp. |
|
42. ii. Duplicate of No. 24 ii. |
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42. iii. Copy of Proclamations (i) March 19, 1710 (11), proroguing the Assembly to 7th Nov., and (ii) April 28,
1711, for the due holding of Courts, and for returning
quit-rent rolls etc. Signed, A. Spotswood. Same endorsement. 2¼ pp. |
|
42. iv. (a) Copy of Acts passed in North Carolina, 1711. (a)
for the better preserving the Queen's peace. (b) for redressing grievances as to titles of land etc., |
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(b) Copy of Address of the General Assembly of Carolina
to H.E. the Palatin and Lords Proprietors of Carolina.
We being met to perfect so far as in us lyes the recovery
of this your Lordps.' poor country out of a most wretched
confusion, etc., think it at this time sufficient to inform
your Lordps. that some restless and giddy heads among
the people called Quakers pursuing their wonted practice
and indefatigable endeavour to oppose (we may rather
say to) extirpate the Church, after they had procured
several changes in the Government being perhaps encouraged by their former success, did in 1708 joyn with Col.
Cary, Mr. Porter and Mr. Moseley etc. and some persons
of desperate fortune at Pamplico raised an insurrection
against the Government then duly established by a
Commission from your Lordps. and to which they themselves had subscribed: and having by force and other
sinister means got the records and offices into their
hands, they set up an arbitrary Government which by
discords amongst themselves soon fell piecemeal to the
ground; till that nothing remained but confusion,
disorder and oppression. These matters may it please
yr. Lordps. are notorious, and need no proof, the disorders being encreased to that degree, that the continual
clamour amongst ourselves, and the reproach we lay
under in the neighbouring Collonies, as also the grievous
complaints made on behalf of the poor Palatins, put
all who had any sense of duty either to God or man
under a necessity of seeking some remedy for these
detestable evils, which we saw were very likely to
continue another year. The good method which your
Lordps. had taken being frustrated by the death of Coll.
Tynt, and the Hon. Edward Hyde Esq. being arrived
here, and it appearing by letters from Col. Tynt, and
other testimonys that he was appointed by your Lordps.
to be our Governor, we could not but look upon him to be
the most propper person to receive us out of this distress.
And therefore many endeavours were made to put the
Government into his hands, which were opposed and
frustrated by Col. Cary: but in a little time Mr. Hyde's
great candour and gracefull behaviour so far prevailed
wth. the best, and the awefull respect to his family and
interest overawed others, that Col. Cary found himself
under a necessity of complying or being deserted by all
those that yet adhered to him; whereupon Mr. Hyde
was unanimously chosen by all who could pretend to
have a suffrage in the election, upon which a Council
was called to appoint Courts of Judicature and necessary
ministers, and to call an Assembly, to which Council
Col. Cary and Mr. Porter were both called, but without
any reason refused to give their attendance; on the
contrary they have used all possible and most malitious
and odious endeavours, having caused the records and
seal to be detained to obstruct it, and all regullar proceedings, and to overturn the Government and introduce
the former confusion and miserys: for which their
seditious practices we were under a necessity to bring
them to a tryal (the account of which herewith sent).
And now the Government to the general satisfaction of
all men being thus put into some order, we earnestly
pray your Lordps. favourable construction of what has
been done, and that your Lordps. would assent to these
Acts we have herewith sent. And whereas in the first
there is a provision for continuing the Government,
we do not therein presume to give rules to your Lordps.
but out of a deep sense of the miseries we have allready
felt to prevent the like, untill your Lordps. shall according to yr. great wisdoms appoint a better method, being
verrily perswaded that your Lordps. have not been
informed of the want of such a necessary provision.
And whereas in the second Act all proceedings during
these two years last past are made void, which howsoever it may seem severe, yet we found it necessary
because of the unheard of irregularities and unlawful
judgements therein past, as appear by the copys which
have been given out of their Courts, which could not
be anywise provided for, whilst they conceal all their
Journals and Records, that an inspection cannot be
made, we thought it better that a few should be compelled to bring their suits over, than many be concluded
under unjust judgement, and yet the severity is not so
great as their declaring by proclamation all proceedings
null and void, that had been done by the space of nine
months before they usurped the Government without
any exception, tho in those proceedings they could not
challenge one article. And having laid before yr.
Lordps. this short but true account of our present
condition, we in most humble manner beseech yr.
Lordps. to take this poor countrey into your consideration without any dependance on the other part of your
Lordps.' province, by which the influence of yr. Lordps.
good government towards us have been very much
clouded. And that you would continue to us this
worthy gentleman who has been so happy an instrument
of peace and reconciliation amongst us; and that you
would remove these three restless incendiaries, Col.
Cary, Mr. Porter, and Mr. Moseley, from having any
share in the Government, which is all the punishment
we pray may be inflicted for many crimes and misdemeanours they are justly chargeable with. We have
but one thing more to lay before your Lordps. which
is the sale and surveys of your Lordps.' lands, concerning
which the complaints are so numerous and grievous, and
all the accounts we have yet had from either Mr. Moseley
or the Secretary's Office so short and unsatisfactory,
that no certain account can be had till a careful review
be made; thus much only is certain, that many surveys
have been returned for tracts of land, whereon the
Surveyor has never sett his foot. We hope this matter
will be reduced into some better order by Mr. Lawson,
who as he has been a very zealous promoter of the
settlement of this countrey, so we doubt not but he
will be serviceable to yr. Lordps. in this office; which
at this time needs a skillfull and faithfull manager.
We pray leave further to supplicate your Lordps. on
behalf of several of the new inhabitants who have
imported themselves and familys at a great charge into
this Government during these troubles, upon the encouragement given of having land by purchase, and there
being no setled Government, was under a necessity of
setling themselves upon any land they found vacant, or
else to have removed themselves into some other
countrey to their great dissappointmt. or utter ruine.
We hope yr. Lordps. will consider their case and give
order that they may have their lands granted on the
same terms that other your Lordps. tenants have, who
had the fortune to import themselves at a happier
juncture. We lastly beg your Lordps. that if any person
shall malitiously make any other representacon of the
state of the country and our proceedings than we have
here done, that your Lordps. would be pleased to suspend
your belief till we can make reply assuring your Lordps.
that we have had no other end than the doing justice
to all men and setling such a peace as we and our
posterity may reap the benefit of, etc. Signed, Edward
Hyde, W. Glover, Tho. Pollock, Richd. Sanderson, N.
Chevin, Tho. Boyd, Wm. Swan, Speaker, Fred. Jones,
Wm. Bray, Robt. Wallice, James Coles, Edward Smethwick, John Jordan, Richd. Jasper, John Blunt, Wm.
Read, Tho. Vandormulen, Lag. Reading, Leonard
Laftin, Edward Boyner, Tho. Relfe, Tho. Long, Richd.
Lerry, Tho. Lee, Richd. Stamp, Fran. Delamare, John
Muncref. The whole endorsed, Recd. Sept. 25, Read
Nov. 16, 1711. Copy. 12 pp. |
|
42. v. Copy of Lt. Gov. Spotswood's letters to Col. Cary and
the President and Council of Carolina, June 20, 21, 1711.
Referred to in covering letter. Same endorsement. 3½ pp. |
|
42. vi. Copy of letter from the President and Council of
Carolina to Lt. Governor Spotswood, June 29, 1711.
Referred to in covering letter. Same endorsement. 3 pp. |
|
42. vii. Account of H.M. Revenue of Quitt-rents in Virginia,
April 25, 1710—June 1st, 1711. Total, £1814, 19s. 2d.
Same endorsement. Copy. 1 p. |
|
42. viii. Account of H.M. Revenue of 2s. per hhd., 15d. per
ton and 6d. per pol. in Virginia, Oct. 25, 1710—July 20,
1711. Total, £4105 13s. 1½d. Same endorsement. Copy.
1 p. |
|
42. ix. Minutes of Council of Virginia, Aug. 23, 1702, Oct. 18,
1705, July 25, 1710, June 16, 1711, relating to the
manner of selling quit-rents. Same endorsement. Copy.
2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1316. Nos. 71, 71 i.–ix.; and (without
enclosures) 5, 1363. pp. 346–367; and (duplicate of
enclosure No. v.), 5, 9. No. 17.] |
July 25.
Bristol. |
43. Extract of a letter from Laurence Hollister of Bristol
to Benjamin Cater of London. Reports the engagement of the
Newcastle with the French etc. ½ p. [C.O. 152, 42. No. 69.] |
July 25.
Boston. |
44. Mr. Addington to Mr. Popple. Encloses following.
Signed, Isac. Addington. Endorsed, Recd. 18th, Read 20th Sept.,
1711. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
44. i. Proclamation by Governor Dudley for preventing
desertion of H.M. forces. Penalties for harbouring and
rewards for arresting deserters etc. July 13, 1711.
Boston. Printed. 1 p. |
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44. ii. Duplicate of No. 45 vii. |
|
44. iii. Proclamation by Governor Dudley appointing William
and Francis Clarke of Boston, merchants, to accompany
officers appointed by General Hill and secure provisions
for the Expedition. Mr. Commissary Belcher is to take
up all pork and grain brought in by water, for the
service of the Expedition. Capt. Samuel Gookin and
Samuel Phipps are to attend the camp on Nodles Island
and see that there is no extortion or oppression in the sale
of victuals there, etc. Boston. July 2, 1711. Printed.
1 p. |
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44. iv. Order made by the General Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay, Boston, May 30th, 1711. Any person
enticing or harbouring deserters to be liable to £20 fine
or 6 months imprisonment, etc. Printed. 1 p. |
|
44. v. Order by Governor Dudley, Boston, July 3rd, 1711.
The Select-men of the several towns of the Province are
to see that beeves, sheep, fruits, and greens etc. for
subsisting H.M. 6000 British troops encamped on
Nodles Island, be daily sent to Boston or Winnisimet,
where the proper officers will attend to bargain for the
same. Printed. 1 p. |
|
44. vi. (a) General Hill to Governor Dudley. Lt. General
Nicholson brought me this morning the Act of the General Assembly, passed yesterday, for further enforcing
and enlarging the Act passed in May last against inticing,
harbouring etc. of deserters. I hope it will fully answer
the end for which it was made. I have only to desire
you will be pleased to give direction for securing all
such souldiers and marines as may be apprehended after
I am gone, in consequence of the said Act: and that it
be particularly recommended to Mr. Attorney General
to prosecute the inhabitants of this Colony offending
therein with utmost severity accordingly, etc. July 21st.
(b) Admiral Walker to Governor Dudley. Same as preceding, with the substitution of seamen for souldiers.
(c) Proclamation by General Hill and Admiral Walker,
pardoning deserters since June 25, surrendering at or
before July 27 etc. Boston, July 21, 1711. |
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(d) Order in Council of the Massachusetts Bay. Boston,
July 21, 1711. That the above be printed etc. Printed.
1 p. |
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44. vii. Copy of Act referred to in vi. (a) preceding. Printed.
2 pp. |
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44. viii. Order by Governor Dudley. Boston, July 20, 1711.
The Commanding Officers of the respective regiments
are to cause above Act to be published by beat of drum
in the several towns, etc. Printed. 1 p. |
|
44. ix. Proclamation by Governor Dudley, Boston, July 16th,
1711, addressed to Col. Ephraim Hunt, Major Robert
Spurr, Col. John Phillips, Col. John Hathorne, Col.
Benjamin Church. Upon information from General
Hill and Admiral Walker as to desertions from the camp
and fleet, I hereby direct you to raise the military
companies of Hull, Hingham, Weymouth, Brantry,
Milton, Dorchester, Roxbury, Dedham, Melfield, Bi[ ]gs's,
Cambridge, Charlestown, Maldon, Lynn, Marblehead,
Salem, Bristol and Pocassett, to examine all strangers
and travellers whatsoever, etc. Col. Nicholson has put
into my hands £100 sterl. for the reward of officers and
persons recovering deserters, etc. Printed. 1 p. |
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44. x. (a) Resolution by the House of Representatives of the
Massachusetts Bay, June 12, 1711, that H.E. be pleas'd
to emit the annexed Proclamation etc. Signed, John
Burrill, Speaker. |
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(b) Proclamation by Governor Dudley. Boston, June 12,
1711. Whereas our Soveraign Lady the Queen, expressing her most compassionate resentment of the great
losses, charge and expences of her good subjects in
these H.M. Provinces and Colonies in North America,
for their necessary protection and defence, from the
insults of the French in their neighbourhood, and the
Indian salvages in their interest, as well as for the defence
of the sea-coast: of her tender regard to the welfare
of H.M. subjects aforesaid; has been graciously pleased
to declare her royall resolution to make an Expedition,
under the protection and blessing of Almighty God,
to attempt the removal of H.M. said enemies; the
recovery of her country's, and to bring them under her
intire subjection; thereby to procure a happy and lasting tranquillity and quiet to H.M. subjects in these
northern Plantations. For the effectual carrying on
of which great important Expedition, H.M. has been also
pleased to order a very considerable squadron of Her
ships of war, bomb ships, transports and train of artillery,
with accoutrements for war, and land forces, from Her
Kingdom of Great Britain; part of which are arrived,
and the rest daily expected. And to command the
service of some of her troops in their Provinces and
Colonies to joyn H.M. British forces in this undertaking.
And for their encouragement to yield their dutiful and
chearful obedience to H.M. commands in that respect
over and above the great advantages which will particularly accrue to them, by the success of this noble
enterprize, H.M. of her royal bounty, has been pleased
to order armes and ammunition for the furnishing of
these her troops, and a coat, breeches, stockings, shoes
with buckles, two coloured shirts, coloured neckcloths,
and hat, gratis; for every officer and souldier that shall
be retained in her service aforesaid. And further to
promise upon her royall word, to such person or persons
who shall distinguish themselves on this occasion, that,
out of the lands and territories which shall be reduced
to H.M. obedience, She will, if they desire the same,
grant them houses, lands, priviledges and immunities
for the support and benefit of themselves and their
posterity; and to give ample instructions to the Commander in Chief of her said forces, to indulge her loving
subjects in what plunder or booty may be gotten in this
expedition, and to apportion the same justly and equally
amongst her said subjects, according to the service by
them respectively performed, and to settle Garrisons
in those countries of H.M. regular troops. To all which,
H.M. Government of the Province of the Massachusetts
Bay have superadded their further encouragement, of
advancing the pay of their officers, souldiers, sailers
and transports, and provided for the return of their
troops as soon as the Expedition shall be over, etc. To
be published at the head of the several regiments of
militia. Printed. 1 p. This and the preceding Printed
at Boston, by B. Green, Printer to H.E. the Governour
and Council. The whole endorsed, Recd. Sept. 18, 1711.
[C.O. 5, 865. Nos. 69, 69 i.–x.; and (without enclosures)
5, 913. p. 351.] |
July 25.
Boston, New England. |
45. Governor Dudley to Mr. Secretary St. John. Col. Nicholson arrived here June 8, and General Hill and the forces June
25th, since which there has been no application wanting in this
wild country to persue the affairs so as to save the time, and I hope
3 days will dispatch the fleet and forces in good health and vigour
and a middle passage will in 30 days shew them Quebeck where
God can make them victorious. Refers to enclosures. We
humbly hope the Fast ordered by H.M. Instructions to be holden
to-morrow will fil their sayles etc. Signed, J. Dudley. 1 p.
Endorsed, Rd. 17 Oct. Enclosed, |
|
45. i. Minutes of proceedings of the Congress of Governors
at New London, June 21, 1711, in preparation of the
Expedition to Quebec. Copy. 9 pp. |
|
45. ii. Duplicate of No. 44 iv. |
|
45. iii. Duplicate of No. 44 x. |
|
45. iv. Duplicate of No. 44 iii. |
|
45. v. Duplicate of No. 44 v. |
|
45. vi. Duplicate of No. 44 i. |
|
45. vii. Proclamation appointing a General Fast for July 26th
and the last Thursday in every month during the
Expedition, "that divine conduct may be granted to
H.E. the General and the honourable the Admiral,
with H.M. forces under their command." Signed,
J. Dudley. July 16, 1711. Printed. 1 p. |
|
45. viii. Duplicate of No. 44 vii. |
|
45. ix. Duplicate of No. 44 vi. |
|
45. x. Copy of Minutes of General Assembly, May 1711,
resolving upon address of thanks to H.M. for setting
forth an Expedition of so great consequence and making
provision for 900 men besides commission officers for
the Expedition. 6½ pp. [C.O. 5, 898. Nos. 10, 10
i.–x.] |
July 25.
Boston. |
46. Col. King to Mr. Secretary St. John(s). Refers to enclosed Journal. You'll there find, what difficultyes we mett with
through Nicholson's neglect in not sending his two transports
with a man of war to New York to convoy our provisions from
thence: through the misfortune that the Coloneys were not
inform'd of our comeing two months sooner: and through the
interestedness, ill nature and sowerness of these People: whose
Governmt., doctrine, and manners; whose hypocrisy and
canting are insupportable, and no man living but one of Gen.
Hill's good sense, and good nature would have managed them with
that patience and dexterity as he has done. But if such a man
mett with nothing he could depend on, altho' vested with the
Queen's royal power and authority, and supported by a number
of troops sufficient to reduce by force all the Coloneys. 'Tis
easy to determine the respect and obedience H.M. may reasonably
expect from them for the future, and how absolutely necessary
it is, and with what great truth one may affirm, that till all their
Charters are resum'd by the Crown, or taken away by an Act of
Parliament: till they are all settled under one Government with
an entire liberty of conscience: and an invitation to all nations
to settle here, they will grow every day more stiff and disobedient,
more burthensome than advantageous to great Brittain. The
inclos'd Plan of Quebeck I form'd from the best advice that could
be had here. As to the strength of the works, the accounts
differ'd: but all agree that the scituation of the place is very
strong, and the avenues leading to it from the River choak'd
with woods, rocks and precipices. I have therefore by my
General's orders provided here a crane and other engines, which
will enable us with the 30 horse we take from hence to surmount
any difficulty of that nature we shall meet with, in bringing our
canon, mortars, and ammunition to the part which shall be
thought proper to attack the Town at. Wherefore neither the
strength of the place, or the great trouble the advantagiousness
of its scituation must undoubtedly give us, do make me in the
least dubious of success, because I know that with pains and
resolution we can overcome them. So that if storms, contrary
winds, and the difficult navigation of the River don't defeat us,
I beleive it's certain nothing else can. The Pilots who were with
Sir William Phipps in his Expedition against Canada, and indeed
all others we mett, represent the navigation of the River as the
greatest difficulty we shall encounter. That from Tadoussac
to some leagues above Quebec the water ebbs and flows with
that prodigious rapidity it will carry a ship above a league and
half an hour: that we must have a sufficient gale of wind to
stemm this tide, or it will drive the ships on shoals and rocks,
which are in vast numbers all along the River: and that there's
every day, especialy in the latter season, such squals of wind,
that the stoutest ships are hardly able to resist them. I am now
in no very great pain whether Nicholson will gett ready in time to
make the diversion he was order'd by Wood Creek, Chambly and
Montreal. For an expedient is found, which I hope will answer
the end near as well. This expedient is in sending the week we
go from hence one Major Levingston with 100 English and 300
Indians from Albany. These 400 men can alarm that country
as well as 4000, consequently will prevent the regular troops as
well as all the inhabitants above Trois Rivieres from falling down
to defend Quebeck, which I take to be the principal design of
Nicholson's Expedition. Our General's Declaration, which he
sends you by this occasion, would undoubtedly do us great
service if the inhabitants of Accadia had been tolerably well
treated after the reduction of Annapolis. However I hope it
will have some effect, and at least gain us pilots to conduct us up
the River: and encourage part of the inhabitants to join us, and
bring us in provisions when we are landed, since the General has
very prudently resolv'd to give them all manner of encouragement, and perform religiously what he has promiss'd in his
Declaration. I can't express the uneasyness we have been all
in for our long stay at Boston. But it was unavoidable on our
part, unless we had gone without provisions and the men transports and all other necessarys we were to have from hence.
'Tis certain if the Government here had made that dispatch
which they ought to have done, and which our General constantly
press'd them to: I beleive we might have sail'd from hence a
fortnight ago. But all has been done with indolence and indifference with a thousand scruples and delayes. I had almost
forgott to mention one grievance we mett with here, which is
insupportable especialy on such an occasion as this. 'Tis the
encouragement given here by the people to deserters, and the
severe Acts of Parliament against land or sea forces makeing any
reprizal; I mean to recruit and compleat their respective compliments. This hardship falls very heavy on the Naval Force,
as its more frequently here and that the encouragement given by
the inhabitants to seamen is vastly great. Indeed the Government here at the General and Admiral's desire have fallen into
such measures in appearance as would prevent the people from
concealing or enticeing away our men: but notwithstanding we
have lost above 250: a great number considering how weak our
regiments are, and how ill our men of war are mann'd. But
these losses, delayes and lateness of the season I don't think are
sufficient reasons to induce me to change the opinion I always
had of our succeeding: so that I still firmly beleive nothing but
the navigation of the River of St. Laurents or a force from Europe
can defeat us, etc. Signed, Rich. King. 7½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
46. i. Col King's Journal, May—July, 1711. May 4. The Fleet
for reduceing Canada and Newfound-Land sail'd from
Plymouth. The 8th the Admiral sent back four men of
war he brought to strengthen his squadron till we gott
clear of the Capes being inform'd that M. Ducass was
at sea with a strong squadron to fall on the Fleet, etc.
May 9th. The Mary transport was miss'd. She had
aboard her 80 soldiers of Col. Desney's Regimt. and a
great part of its cloathing. As we had no bad weather
to separate her from the Fleet, we could not conjecture
what was become of her. May 15. The Monmouth
man of war having sprung her foremast, the Admiral left
the Swiftsure to take care of her till it could be mended:
and order'd them both to make the best of their way
afterwards to Boston. May 21. The Mary gally,
which had on board cloathing, artillery and several
stores for the service of the Expedition Lt. General
Nicholson was to command, was detach't from the
Fleet under convoy of the Kingston man of war for New
York to deliver there to Nicholson or his order the
aforesaid stores. June 18 we miss'd 13 of the transports: and considering we had almost constantly for
ten dayes before great foggs, dirty hazy weather, and
often very stiff gales, of wind, it is surprizeing more of
them did not lose the Fleet. June 19. The Fleet
sail'd by Cape Sables and the Seal Islands. The
Admiral left off of these Islands the Mountague man of
war to convoy to Boston such of the transports as lost
the Fleet and should pass by there. The 24th in the
evening the Fleet came into Nantasket harbour. Here
it met with the Monmouth, Swiftsure, Dunkirk and all
the transports seperated from us during the voyage.
The Dunkirk lost the Fleet in giving chase to a French
sloop, which she took and brought in here loaden with
salt fish. The Humber had like to have been lost
coming into the harbour by the neglect or ignorance of
the master of the Monmouth, who placeing a bouy on
the wrong place of a shoal the Fleet should avoid in
coming in: and depending on that, pretended to steer
the ship in by it contrary to the advice of the Pilate,
so runn'd her head aground. It happen'd luckily that
the tide was almost spent, and the water very deep
abaft the ship: so that when the tide return'd, they
toad her off, not perceiving she receiv'd any damage,
etc. June 25. In the morning Deputies from the
Governour and Council came to the Fleet to compliment
the General and Admiral on their arrival. They
acquainted them that Nicholson arriv'd at Boston on
the 8th, with two men of war and two transports, which
were still in the harbour without any Instructions
when to proceed to New York, where the stores aboard
them must be deliver'd, that he was gone to New
London with the Governour the 15th to a General
Congress, etc.; that there were two sloops under convoy
of a man of war sent to Annapolis to carry provisions
and orders for Col. Vetch to embark immeditely for
Boston with all the officers and artillery that were not
absolutely necessary for the defence of the place: and
that they had letters the 23rd from Col. Vetch, which
gave an account that Forbus the Engineer with 2
officers and 60 men fell into an embuscade of the
Indians. Forbus with one of the officers and 17 men
were kill'd and all the rest taken prisoners. This
unfortunate affair was undoubtedly perform'd at the
instigation of the French inhabiting Accadia, who have
been very severely treated since the reduction of Annapolis. The 26th. Contrary winds prevented the transports from coming to Noddles Island, the place the
Governmt. here appointed the troops to encamp on.
This day the Admiral appointed a man of war to convoy
Nicholson's two transports to New York: but they not
expecting to sail suddenly from hence, were careening
as well as the men of war that-came with them, and
could not be ready to sail before the 29th. This great
omission of Nicholson in not sending these ships immediately away to New York was a very great mortification both to our Admiral and General, knowing
how absolutely necessary it was they should be there:
the arms and cloathing for the troups that were to
march by Albany, and the presents to engage the
Five Indian Nations in our interest, being aboard them.
This day likewise a demand was made of the Government of some stores wanting in the trayn of artillery
which were promiss'd to be provided with the utmost
expedition. June 27th. The troups landed and encamp'd on Noddles Island, which is a mile distant from
this town and opposite to it. This place is proper to
encamp 8000 men on, the ground dry, the water good,
and the air sweet and refreshing. Yesterday Captain
Butler of the Dunkirk was broke by a Council of War
held aboard the Admiral for giving chase without
orders to the French sloop he took; and loseing company
of the Fleet by the said chase. The 28th. Both
yesterday and this day the General and Admiral had
several conferences with the Governour and Council.
They were in order to find out means to prevent the
merchants imposeing on us in our exchange. For they
had already unanimously agreed not to give us above
£120 of this country money for £100 sterl. in London:
whereas they ever gave before from 145 to 175. That
the Governmt. here should make the utmost dispatch
in raising the troups and provideing the other necessarys
they were to furnish us, and oblige the country to bring
in provisions of all kinds to refresh our men and save
our salt provisions. They promiss'd at our arrival we
should have in the greatest plenty fresh provisions of
all sorts, but hitherto we found nothing less and were
oblig'd to our men from aboard the transports. The
result of these conferences were, that the Governmt.
should lend us 2 or £3000 of this country money to
subsist the troups till the Assembly mett, July 5th: and
that pressing orders should be given to prepare with the
utmost expedition whatever this Province was to furnish,
and particularly that fresh provisions should be brought
in. The money was accordingly lent: and the orders
given as they assur'd us. At the same time the Admiral
gave in a memorial of what provisions would be necessary
for the subsistance of the troups three months; desiring
they would give an account of what they could furnish
of it, and how they would propose to supply the rest.
This evening the two storeships for Nicholson sail'd
under convoy of the Chester man of war for New York.
The Admiral gave orders to Capt. Mathews, Commander
of this man of war, that when he had convoy'd the two
storeships so far that they could proceed to New York
in safety, he should sail to Cape Britton and cruise
betwixt that place and Placentia till our Fleet should
pass by thence. June 29th. The General order'd to
be provided with all possible diligence 30 horse with
harness, eight waggons or tombrils, and all things
necessary for their transportation. The reason he
order'd these things was grounded on the certain
information he had that there was near 100 pieces of
cannon in Quebeck: that in opposition to these it would
be necessary to make the greatest fire we could and
therefore a vast number of hands must be constantly
employ'd to draw the canon, mortars and ammunition
for that service; which in all probability we should not
be in a condition to spare, if a great number of seamen
must always remain aboard to preserve our ships from
fireworks we were inform'd the enemy had prepar'd to
destroy them. These fireworks are said to be made on
great floats of timber, which they design to send down
with the tide to the part our fleet shall anchor at, and
as the ebb is excessively rapid and that these floats
sink near 4 foot in the water, they hope we shall not be
able to toa them clear of our ships and consequently
that they will either burn them, or oblige us to cutt our
cables to avoid them and so be drove ashore by the tide.
July 1st. The General receiv'd an express from Col.
Hunter, whereby he acquainted him that the provisions
he was to provide in his Governmt. for our troups were
ready, but that he had no man of war to convoy it
hither. Upon which an order was dispatch't to New
York for the first man of war that should arrive there to
take immediately into his care what transports with
provisions Col. Hunter should order to be deliver'd
to him, and convoy them hither with the utmost expedition. Col. Hunter's express brought likewise an
account that the Kingston man of war detach'd from
the Fleet at sea with the Mary transport was not yet
arriv'd at New York. This want of convoy for our
provisions from New York, is entirely owing to Col.
Nicholson's neglect in not sending at his arrival here the
two transports with stores immediately away for New
York, under convoy of the two men of war which brought
them hither. For these were design'd to convoy to us
what provisions we were to have from thence. Thus
has he not only risqu'd dissapointing the diversion he is
to make, but even the whole expedition by detaining us
here for want of provisions, till the season is too far
advanc'd. July 2nd. It plainly appear'd the Governmt.
here did not put in execution any of the promisses they
made us. For the bread we contracted for, to subsist
our men during our stay here, was not deliver'd. The
fresh provisions, which was to be brought in, in great
plenty, was not sufficient for the quarter of our troups.
And all other things to be provided, were brought us with
that sloath and indifference, there could be no fixing
any time when they would be finish'd. For these
reasons and that the Governmt. and Council had sent no
answer to the Admiral's memorial: the General sent the
Governour and Council a message to represent to them
our condition, and the treatment we mett with: to let
them understand how different it was from what H.M.
could reasonably expect in return for the vast expence
she had put. herself to in commisseration of them.
That any one who would read their several memorials
to the Queen and her Ministry, wherein they represented
in the strongest terms the deplorable condition they
were reduc'd to by the frequent incursions of the French
and their Indian allies: by their loss of trade, and the
great expence they were at in maintaining troops to
defend their frontiers; could not imagine they would
defeat this great effort her Majesty was so graciously
pleas'd to make in their favour by not giving provisions
and whatever else was necessary for carrying on vigorously the Expedition: that H.M. could not but resent
so undutifull, so ungratefull, so unjust a return: and
that if out of her great tenderness and indulgency for
her subjects she should be inclin'd to pardon them, would
not the Parliament interpose, and beg her Majesty to
do justice? That therefore he hop'd they would
seriously reflect on what they were doing, how far the
season was advanc'd, and the length and difficulty of
the voyage to Quebeck: that they would make proportionnable dispatch with the provisions and other
things demanded of them, and lend the troups £5000
more in their bills, and settle the exchange for it at a
reasonable rate. Upon this message they lent the
£5000 and issued a Proclamation to order search to be
made for all provisions fitt to be sent to sea; that it,
and whatever ships came into the harbour with anything
that could contribute to victual us, should be secur'd for
H.M. Fleet and troups etc. (v. No. 44 iv.). July 2,
3, and 4th. Diligent search was made for all the
provisions in town that were proper to carry to sea.
All they discover'd they mark'd for the Queen's service,
takeing an exact list of the quantitys of each kind and
where they were lodg'd. The 5th, this list was laid
before the Governour and Council, with a memorial
from the General and Admiral, wherein they desir'd
that they would fix the prizes of each species contain'd
in the said list: that they would order the delivery of
them immediately to our Commissarys, and settle the
exchange of money, that bills might be given for the
said provisions and what other things we should be
furnish'd with here. In the said memorial they recommended to them the utmost dispatch, shewing that the
success of the expedition depended entirely on our
speedy departure from hence. This evening in complyance to the said memorial they fix'd the prizes of the
provisions, and order'd them to be deliver'd to our
Commissarys: and the Assembly or Parliament of this
country (which mett here yesterday) settled the exchange
of money at 140 per cent., which is 10 or 15 per cent.
less than it usualy is at. But our necessities oblig'd
both our General and Admiral to accept of it at this
rate. July 7th we had advices from Col. Hunter that
no man of war was yet arrived to convoy to us the three
months provisions he had prepar'd for us; that besides
this quantity he could furnish us with what wheat and
peas we should have occasion for, upon which the
General and Admiral dispatch'd an express to him to
desire him to send all the peas and wheat he could
procure along with the three months provisions: and
that if they were gone before this advice should come to
his hands, he should send them by the first opportunity
after us, and particularly that the two frigates which
were to cruise off his coast should be likewise sent, they
being absolutely necessary to assist us in our navigation
up the River of St. Laurents. The 10th the General
reveiw'd our European troups: and found that they all
amounted to 3500 effective men. This day the Admiral
came to a resolution of sending home the Devonshire
and Humber, being assur'd by all the pilots we take from
hence, that it was impossible to carry them up the River
of St. Laurents without running great risque of loseing
them. July 9, 10, 11, 12, our Commissarys and Agent
Victuallers were employ'd in makeing the distribution
for the fleet and army of the provisions found in town,
and buying three transports to load with a sufficient
quantity of wheat, rye, and Indian corn to subsist the
troups with bread for three months. The General
order'd this corn to be provided, because that all the
provisions we should be able to gett here, would only
compleat what we had aboard to three months, and that
if any accident should prevent the provisions for New
York to join us before the River of St. Laurents should
be froze up our troups would run a great risque of
perishing before supplys could be sent them the next
sommer. July 11th. Capt. Cockburn, Commander of the
Saphire was sent to Annapolis for Col. Vetch and such
artillery stores and officers belonging to it as were not
absolutely necessary for the defence of the place. As
soon as he had put all things aboard at Annapolis he
had orders to return hither, provided he could do before
the 25th instant: otherwise that he should cruise off of
Cape Sables, and join the Fleet as they pass'd by there
for Canada. July 14th. Lt. General Nicholson arriv'd
here from New York and Col. Vetch from Annapolis.
The first brought an account that in 8 or 10 dayes the
troups he was to make a diversion with from Albany
would be marching towards that place. That expresses
were sent to the five Indian Nations in allyance with us,
to desire their attendance at Albany: and that he
beleiv'd they would be there before the 25th instant.
That he did not doubt but they would heartily enter into
what measures Col. Hunter and he should propose for
attacking with all their power our common enemy the
French and their allies. That he did not expect his
full compliment of troups from any of our Provinces,
especialy from New York and Pensylvania: and that
he hop'd the boats, canoes, provisions and other necessarys would be ready by the time the troups would
assemble. He could give no tolerable reason why he
did not on his arrival here send to New York the two
transports with stores, the want of which and a convoy
for our provisions he own'd to be a great detriment to
the whole undertakeing. Col. Vetch brought an account
that the French Indians in Accadia summon'd the Fort
at Annapolis to surrender a few dayes after they had
defeated the party he sent to cutt timber to repair it:
that they afterwards block'd it up for four dayes and
then retir'd: that the Fort was at present in a tolerable
good condition and fitt with the garrison in it to resist
any force the enemy can raise in that country against
it: and that he would have brought all the officers, men,
artillery and stores that good (=? could) with safety be
spar'd: but that the sloop he came in was so smal, it
would not contain the quarter of them. July 17. Capt.
Harrison, General Hill's Aid de Camp arriv'd here from
New York. He was sent with the Kingston man of war
and the Mary transport detach'd from us at sea, with letters and instructions for Col. Hunter and Lt. Genl. Nicholson: and to observe how forward they were in raising the
troups and provideing the provisions etc. He brought
an account that he only arriv'd at New York the 12th
inst. with Kingston and Mary transport being detain'd in
their passage by contrary winds calms and currants.
That Col. Hunter acquainted him that most of the troups
to be rais'd in this Government were ready: that the boats
and other necessarys prepareing for Lt. Genl. Nicholson
would be finish'd by the 21st instant: and that now the
two storeships were arriv'd from Boston with the cloathing arms etc., he hop'd to have his men and whatever
he was to provide for the expedition from Albany ready
by the latter end of this month. The 20th, all our
troups were reembark'd to prevent desertion: and to
save the salt provisions, the Agent Victuallers were
ordered to deliver fresh every two dayes. The 22nd.
All the last week we were employ'd in putting the
artillery stores and provisions aboard: in watering and
fitting out all the transports: and getting ready with
the utmost expedition the Windsor man of war appointed
for our General since it has been resolv'd to send back
the Devonshire with the Humber to England: and as
it was discover'd about 12 dayes ago that one of our
transports which carry'd 300 men of Col. Kirk's regiment
was not in a condition to proceed further: two vessells
were taken up here for that purpose, and are prepareing
with all possible diligence. This day three of the
Sachems or Kings of the Five Indian nations of Iroquois
our Allies arriv'd here. They were deputed by all the
five Nations as their Plenipotentiaries to our General and
Admiral on account of the present expedition: and to
see what men of war and troups we had here for that
service. For as this Fleet did not come two year ago
and last year as they were assur'd they would, they did
now [? not] expect it or beleive it was arriv'd here.
July 23. They had their audience of our General and
Admiral. The substance of their speech was that with
much fatigue they came a great way in hot weather to
see them: that their troups were already on their march
and would be at Albany by the latter end of this month:
that the fine season would be over before we could finish
our expedition, therefore advis'd the Admiral to take of
his great canoes or men of war: and that as they were
now assur'd we design'd to prosecute vigorously the
war against the French and their allies, they would
heartily employ all their force in our assistance as good
friends and brothers. The General and Admiral treated
them with great civility: made them presents in the
usual manner: gave them all imaginable assurances
of the Queen's protection and the great esteem she had
for their nations: shew'd them our troops and fleet:
and did all they could to imprint in them great ideas
of the Queen and make them long to be under her
Governmt., and to be fellow subjects with those men
that they saw command armys and fleets so vastly
superior to any ideas they ever had before of either.
The 24th, the New England troups embark'd tho'
their transports were very far from being ready to receive them. No sailors aboard: and except provisions
and water, beds and all other necessarys were in a
manner wanting. The reluctancy and ill nature that
these people shew'd to serve us and forward the Expedition upon all occasions before: did not near so
fully demonstrate their perverse and wicked intentions
as this great neglect: it being evident to anybody that
has seen this country, that they could fitt out and
man twice the number of vessells they were to furnish
for this Expedition in much less time than they have had
to do it in. Therefore I can't imagine what their
designs could be by all these delayes if they were not
to delay us here, till the advanc'd season of the year will
probably defeat us. And what almost confirms me in
this opinion is, that it's certain that those who rule and
proffitt by their present dissorderly Governmt. now see
how reasonable it is to change: that the conquest of
Canada will naturaly lead the Queen into it: and shew
her how absolutely necessary it is to put all this Northern
Continent of America under one form of Government
for the real good of the present Coloneys: for the establishing of others: for their mutual support: and the vast
advantages that will thereby accrue to great Brittain.
One of the three men of warr we have now cruising betwixt Cape Britton and Newfoundland took the 12th inst.
a French vessell of 14 guns and 120 tunn, loaded with
wine, brandy and bale goods, and sent her in here.
She brought an account that she left France June 9th
in company with two other merchant men all bound for
Quebeck. That off of Rochelle they join'd a fleet of
theirs of 15 men of war and about 20 merchant men
commanded by Monsieur De Guy. This fleet they
kept company with till they were about 100 leagues off
of Cape Finistre, when they directed their course to
the westward for Quebeck; the fleet keeping a southerly
course. Monsieur De Guy had not open'd his last
orders when they left him: but all people concluded he
was bound for Barbados, Jamaica, or Brazil, tho' some
private letters taken aboard this prize say possitively
that he is to come to this country if he can't releive
Quebeck, which they suppose in France already lost.
Nine of the 15 men of war are ships betwixt 50 and 76
guns. The prize and the two merchant men which
came out of France with her, had each of them 30
recruits aboard for the troups in Canada. July 26th.
This country gally came in here, and brought under her
convoy from New York seven sloops loaded with provisions, which we have distributed aboard our transports. July 29th. Some officers arriv'd here from
Annapolis and brought letters for our General from
Sir C. Hobby, Depty-Governour of it: wherein he
inform'd him that he call'd a Council of War upon the
receival of his letters sent him by the Saphire, for the
marines, and all the officers and ammunition that was
not necessary for the defence of his garrison; that the
majority of the Council of War was of opinion that the
marines could not be sent away without endangering the
loss of the place: that therefore he kept the said marines
and 100 men of the New England troups which were sent
to releive them. The stores that were order'd to be sent
Sir Charles takes no notice of in his letter: but the
officers who came from thence assure us, he sent none.
Wherefore Col. Vetch being of opinion that 100 of the
marines and a great part of the artillery stores (which
we realy wanted) could be well spar'd; our General
and Admiral order'd Capt. Southwyck, Commander of
the New England gally, to sail with a brigantine to
Annapolis, for them; and that as soon as he had put
them aboard he should follow the Fleet with all diligence.
And as the New England transports were mann'd out of
the said gally, Governour Dudley was desired to be
aiding in remanning her with the utmost expedition.
And least Sir Charles Hobby should again evade sending
the aforesaid marines and stores, possitive orders were
now sent him by Capt. Southwyck for the delivery of
both. July 30th. Having at last gott all our Fleet
victuall'd for 3 months, and the New England transports
mann'd, we all sail'd out of Nantasket or Kingroad
Harbour with a fair gale at S.S.W. to pursue our expedition. This morning several merchants at Boston
had advice from Barbados that Monsieur De Guy was
arriv'd with his squadron at Martinico. Lt. General
Nicholson was to sett out this day from Boston, for
New York, and thence to Albany, where his troops were
assembling to make the diversion. As we had advice
on Saturday that the boats, provisions, and all other
necessarys for the said troups were ready, 'tis probable
he will be at Lac St. Pierre by the time we shall gett to
Quebeck, which will effectualy answer the design of his
expedition. Aug. 3rd. We sail'd by Cape Sables with
all our fleet. The 10th the Saphire join'd the Fleet off
of Cape Britton. Capt. Cockburn, Commander of her,
brought an account that Annapolis was still block'd
up by the French and Indians: that Sr. C. Hobby had
made a sorty on them but to no great purpose: and
that he could neither gett the marines or stores he was
order'd to bring from thence for the reasons Sir Charles
sent before. He brought likewise an account that the
Chester and Leopard men of war, which were to join the
Fleet off of Cape Britton, were watring in Spanish
River: that the Chester took a sloop belonging to Placentia, which gave intelligence that they were all appriz'd
there of our arrival at Boston: that they were under
the greatest apprehensions of being attack'd, tho' they
were assur'd our design was against Canada: that they
had sent several sloops to Quebeck to give Monsieur Vaudreul the Governour timely notice to be on his guard:
and that several ships were coming from Provence
to his releif. The 11th. The Admiral resolv'd not to
send home the Devonshire and Humber off of Cape
Britton as he first design'd: but to take them with us to
the Island of St. Paul; and there leave them to cruize
20 dayes betwixt that place and Cape Ray before they
return'd. And that he might have an account of all
occurrences they should meet with, he left them the
prize sloop to send after him to Quebeck when they left
their cruize. The reason the Admiral came to a resolution of ordering these two men of war to cruise, was that
he might by that means take along with him the two
men of war, which he should otherwise be oblig'd to
leave cruising at the mouth of the River St. Laurents.
The 12th. The Chester and Leopard join'd us betwixt
Spanish River and St. Paul's Island. 29¼ pp. [C.O.
5, 898. Nos. 11, 11 i.] |
