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| [? Aug.] |
63. Governor Douglas to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Since my arrival here my time has been cheifly employed
in viewing the forts and magazines, and taking the best measures
I could in so short a time to put this Island into a better posture
of defence then I found it. I must refer your Lordships to the
minutes of the Council and Assembly, which will be represented
to your Lordship in their way concerning the late Insurrection.
I shall after my return from the Leeward Islands make a diligent
enquiry into all particulars relating to that action in order to lay
it in the clearest light before your Lordships. I have upon
good informations sent home on board H.M.S. the Lark Capt.
Norbury, Commandr., three officers in Col. Jones' regiment,
Capt. Rookby, Lieut. Wats, and Ensign Smith. The depositions
and witnesses that appear against them will convince your
Lordships of the dangers this Colony was involved in by men of
their principles and behaviour. Capt. Norbury at first scrupled
to take them on board pretending he was not properly under my
command. I would beg your Lordships to take into your consideration the 69th article of my Instructions, that I may receive
that power from the Board of Admiralty that H.M. service may
not be obstructed by such pretentions. I am desired by the body
of this Island to make application to H.M. by your Lordships
about the flags of truce, this Island bearing the whole charge.
The other Islands though receiving the same benefit refuse to
give any proportion towards it. That H.M. would be pleased
to give some orders that this Colony may be eased from so great
a burthen as the hiring sloops from and to Martinique and maintaining prisoners of war. If there were two frigats upon this
station the Trade of these Islands would be better secured, the
French Islands reduced to some distresses by their privateers
being forced to leave them who are their principal support, and
H.M. poor subjects would not be soe often in a starving condition,
while there was such a force at sea. Your Lordships will be
pleased to take this into your consideration and to recommend
it to H.M. most gratious Majesty. There is a great want of small
arms, and the inhabitants expect to be furnisht upon all occasions.
There is none in the magazine, 500 arms with swords and bayonets
would be sufficient to furnish those that want, and I shall take
care they shall be only employed upon publick service. The
Assembly are upon altering the Act in relation to their Courts
etc.; which I hope they will heartily goe thorow with, etc. Signed,
Walter Douglas. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 8th Nov., 1711.
3 pp. Enclosed, |
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63. i. Thos. Kerby to Lt. Govr. Yeamans in reply to an order
to copy some Acts, etc., Antigua, Aug. 23, 1711. Signed,
Thos. Kerby. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 27, 1711. 1 p. |
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63. ii. Lists of fees taken in Antigua. 8 pp. Endorsed as
preceding. |
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63. iii. Account of powder received for tonnage of vessels in
Antigua, Oct. 27, 1710—Aug. 22, 1711. Same endorsement. 1½ pp. |
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63. iv. Account of stores of war in the Magazine, Antigua,
Oct. 1710. Signed, John Brett. Same endorsement.
1 p. |
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63. v. Account of the stores of war delivered for the fortifications, Antigua, Dec. 1710—Aug. 14, 1711. Signed,
Saml. Parry. Same endorsement. 2¼ pp. |
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63. vi. Account of the stores of war delivered out of the
Magazine, Antigua, 1710. Signed, John Brett. Same
endorsement. 1½ large pp. [C.O. 152, 9. Nos. 87,
87 i.–vi.; and (without enclosures) 153, 11. pp. 392–394.] |
Aug. 1.
Whitehall. |
64. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High
Treasurer. Request payment of office expenses and salaries,
from Christmas 1710 to Midsummer 1711. [C.O. 389, 37. pp. 20,
22.] |
Aug. 1.
St. Christophers. |
65. Lt. Governor Lambert to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. According to the several Instructions directed unto
me from Governor Douglas, I enclose the particular accounts of
the Island, and whatever can be done shall be forwarded by the
soonest opportunity. But find an impossibility of compleating
the whole by reason a great many papers relateing thereunto were
lost upon the enemy's invadeing the Island, as also by the misfortunes of the hurricance in blowing down most of the houses,
and consequently destroying most papers of publick transactions
as well as private, to the detriment of the Island in general.
Signed, Mich. Lambert. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 27, Read Nov. 27,
1711. 2 pp. Enclosed., |
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65. i. Account of Stores received and spent, St. Christophers,
Aug. 16, 1707—May. 1710. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 27,
1711. 2 pp. |
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65. ii. Account of cannon, stores and forts belonging and
wanting in Antego. Signed, Saml. Parry. Endorsed
as preceding. 7 pp. |
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65. iii. Census of the inhabitants of St. Kitts, and the number
of slaves owned by them. Aug. 10, 1711. Endorsed
as preceding. 13 pp. [C.O. 152, 9. Nos. 88, 88 i.–ix.;
and (without enclosures) 153, 11. pp. 397–399.] |
Aug.3.
Treasury Chambers. |
66. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. My Lord Treasurer desires
the opinion of the Council of Trade and Plantations upon following. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 11th, Read 12th
Sept., 1711. ½ p. Enclosed, |
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66. i. Col. Corbet to the Queen. Having been appointed
Governor of Maryland in the room of Col. Seymour
decd., and it haveing been customary between the death
of owne Governor and the arivall of another to divide
the perquisites between the person who officiates and
the succeeding Governor, petitioner prays H.M. to grant
him the same benefitt till his arrival. Signed, John
Corbet. Subscribed, |
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66. ii. H.M. refers this petition to the Lords Commissioners
of the Treasury for their report. Signed, Dartmouth.
Whitehall, Aug. 28, 1710. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 717. Nos.
44, 44 i., ii.; and 5, 727. pp. 302–304.] |
Aug. 3.
Whitehall. |
67. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Dartmouth.
Enclose extracts from Mr. Lillington's letter, June 13, concerning
exchange of prisoners and threatened attack on Antigua.
Enclosed, |
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67. i. Extracts referred to in preceding. [C.O. 29, 12.
p. 364; (Coverning letter only); and (enclosures only) 152,
42. Nos. 71–76 and 64.] |
Aug. 6.
Windsor. |
68. H.M. Warrant appointing John Carver to the Council of
Jamaica in the room of Thomas Clarke decd. Countersigned,
Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. pp. 101, 102.] |
Aug. 7.
Office of Ordnance. |
69. Board of Ordnance to the Queen. In obedience to Order
of Council July 30, relating to stores of war for the Leeward
Islands (v. June 29). We humbly report to your Majesty, that
wee do not know what stores of warr they now have, so we can
make no judgement what arms and other stores may be necessary
to be sent to those Islands. But if it is your Majesty's pleasure
any quantity of arms etc. should be sent thither, we must begg
leave to informe your Majesty, that the Parliament has not
given this Office any money for such service, and we humbly
conceive, if the Islands cannot as formerly at their own charge
supply themselves with stores of warr, then their particular
demands should be laid before the Parliament. Signed, C.
Musgrave, Ja. Craggs, Wm. Bridges. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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69. i. Extract from Lt. General Hamilton's letter, April 5,
referred to in preceding. |
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69. ii. Copy of Address of the General Council and Assembly
of the Leeward Islands to Lt. General Hamilton, March
3, 1711, praying H.M. to supply stores of war, etc. ¾ p.
[C.O. 152, 42. Nos. 70, 70 i., ii.] |
Aug. 9.
Span. Towne. |
70. Governor Handasyd to Lord Dartmouth. Duplicate of
part of July 16th. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Addressed. 2½ pp.
[C.O. 137, 51. No. 52.] |
Aug. 10.
Off Cape Brittoun. |
71. Col. Vetch to Mr. Secretary St. John[s]. I was honoured
with the coppy of yours to Col. Nicholson in Aprill last, by which
I was commanded to leave the garison of Annapolis Royall and
Government there, in order to putt in execution H.M. commands
signifyed to me by you, to take the command of the troops of
New England and nighbouring Governments who are in conjunction with the troops of great Brittan, under the command of
Generall Hill to reduce Canada conform to a scheam I had the
honour to lay before H.M. three years ago. I have accordingly
left that Government to Sr. Charles Hobby as my Deputy: by
order of the Congress have raised, moduled and embark'd all
the said troops, and are now near half way upon our voyage to
the said place: the getting to which place by reason of the
deficulty of the navigation I look upon to be the dificultest part of
the enterprise, being myself if not the only att least the best pilot
upon the Expedition, although none of my province. However
I doubt not ere long to have the honour to congratulate you upon
the success of H.M. arms in reduction of the said place and
country: by which H.M. will be sole Empress of North America,
six times larger then all her European Dominions. In the vein
of all which success be pleased to allow me to accquaint you that
notwithstanding my having layd the scheame of those affairs
and having bein last year honoured by H.M. Royall Commission
as Generall in the reduction of Port Royall, and afterwards
when reduced by H.M. Royall Instruction being made Governour
of the same with about 500 troops and 50 commissioned officers,
the maintaining of which characters, and keeping a table hath
occasioned me a verry great expense, for all which as yett I have
had neither allowance, salary nor establishment, and being now
in the greatest hurry imaginable called from my Government upon
the present Expedition to command the troops of the American
Governments concerned in the Expedition by sea, from whom I
have not one groat allowance though my equipage and preparations hath already cost me severall hundreds of pounds, I
must intreate your Lordship's favour and concurrence with my
Lord Dartmouth in procureing from H.M. such a summ of money
as in your consummate wisdom may answer my great expense
etc., etc. Signed, Sam. Vetch. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 31. No. 2.] |
| Aug. 10. |
72. Same to Lord Dartmouth. Similar letter to preceding.
2 pp. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 100.] |
Aug. 14.
From on board the Windsor man of war. |
73. Col. King to Mr. Secretary St. John. I thought I should
have had opportunity of sending you the inclos'd from Boston
by a merchant man. But our General and Admiral thought it
afterwards for the service, to stop all vessells going from thence
to Europe till we were ready to sail. So that this occasion by the
Devonshire's and the Humber's being order'd home, is the only
one I have had since I left Plymouth. The season is now so far
advanc'd, we must have all the good fortune imaginable both by
sea and land, to be able after the reduction of Quebeck to take
Placentia. However 'tis certain that the most proper time to
attack that place is from the middle of October to the latter end
of April. For then the French fishermen are absent; and while
they are there they can give 2000 as good militia as any in the
world towards the defence of it. Wherefore if the season is not
very boistrous at our return, our General will undoubtedly proffitt
of the occasion, and the more because he will then have the thousand New England troops which must be sent home to assist him
in reduceing it. Having reduc'd the great plan of the River of
St. Laurents to a more moderate size, I have sent you a copy of
it by Mr. Cole Lieut. in the Humber man of war: as also the plan
of the town of Quebeck—mention'd in the enclos'd letter. The
freedom with which I have writt part of the enclos'd would
I think admitt of no excuse if my great regard to truth and duty
to you had not oblig'd me to it. The inclos'd list of stores I
gott provided for us at Boston by what they call a Committee,
with a good deal of fatigue. This Committee is composed of
five persons, and when they have made up their accounts, another
like Committee is order'd to audit them to prevent their imposeing
on the Queen. As this method has been always practis'd there,
and as it appeared to me a reasonable one, I thought it properer
that the stores etc. should be provided that way than by me who
was a stranger to the vallue of all sorts of things in the country.
For the same reason Governour Dudley is the most proper person
to pass the accounts finaly for them, and draw bills on the
Treasury or Office of Ordnance for what summs they'll amount
to: wherefore I have engag'd him to do it at our General's desire:
and as all the said stores are indeed very bad except the strong
gynn, crane, block carriage, chevaux de frize, and sling cart
which I made with my own artificers, I hope he will take care that
the Queen may be charg'd proportionably for them. We are
now with all our Fleet about 10 leagues south from the most
easterly part of the Island of Anticoste with the wind at S.S.W.,
which I hope will bring us into the mouth of the River: from
whence we must have an easterly wind to carry us up. The
Heavens have been hitherto so favourable to us in our navigation
that I doubt not but we shall have it: and that in a short time
afterwards I shall have the pleasure of sending you all an account
of our happily succeeding, etc. P.S. I am persuaded I may
assure you that our forces both by sea and land are resolv'd to
succeed or perish in the attempt. Signed, Rich. King. 3¾ pp.
Enclosed, |
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73. i. List of things provided at Boston for the present
Expedition. 2 pp. |
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73. ii. Copy of No. 61 i. [C.O. 5, 751. Nos. 81, 81 i., ii.] |
Aug. 15.
Treasury Chambers. |
74. Thomas Harley (one of the Secretaries of the Treasury)
to Mr. Popple. Encloses following to be laid before the Council
of Trade and Plantations for their opinion. Signed, T. Harley.
Endorsed, Recd. 25th Aug., Read 12th Sept., 1711. Addressed.
¾ p. Enclosed, |
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74. i. Petition of Michael Lambert, Lt. Govr. of St. Christopher's, to the Earl of Oxford, Lord High Treasurer.
Prays for the confirmation of a grant of Olivies plantation in the French quarter of St. Kitts, made to him
by Governor Parke in consideration for his services, for
a certain term, with an equitable title to H.M. bounty
for the same, in case the whole Island shou'd remain
unto H.M. upon the next treaty of Peace. Petitioner
has spent great sums in setling and improving it. 1¼ pp. |
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74. ii. William Blathwayt to the Lord High Treasurer.
Report on preceding. By H.M. Letters Nov. 30, 1705,
Governor Parke was directed not to dispose of any part
of St. Christophers taken from the French for a longer
term than 2½ years from the time of his arrival there,
etc. The grant referred to above was made by him Oct.
24, 1707 for 3 years, and is now expired. Proposes
that petitioner having been at great expense in improving the plantation, the grant be renewed for 3 years as
from April 24, 1710, the time to which it ought to have
been at first limited, etc. Signed, William Blathwayt.
2 pp. |
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74. iii. Copy of Governor Parke's grant of Olivies Plantation,
adjoining Monkey Hill, near Basseterre, as above. Oct.
24, 1707. Signed, Daniel Parke. The petition (No. i) is
referred by the Lord High Treasurer to Wm. Blathwayt
for his opinion. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Treasury
Chambers, June 30, 1711. 3 pp. [C.O. 152, 9. Nos.
75, 75 i.–iii.; and 153, 11. pp. 355–361.] |
Aug. 15.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
75. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. The inclosed is a duplicate of what I wrote
by the Scipio. The Assembly have since met, and four Acts
have been past which I shall transmit to your Lordps. together
with the minutes of the Council and Assembly and some observations on their proceedings by the Non-such, it not having been
possible to prepare them ready for this conveyance. The chief
grievance I find among the inhabitants of this land, is the duties
laid on by the American Act, tho' people are at present pretty
easy on that subject, in hopes of a speedy relief. As this is a
real pressure, I doubt not but your Lordps. will continue your
good offices in behalf of the Island, for obtaining them some ease
from it. I shall now have the satisfaction to mention to your
Lops. the success of Mr. Littleton's cruise, which has been the
taking of the Vice–Admiral of the galeoons, and another galeoon
they call a potache, which are both now in harbour. I can't
give your Lops. any particulars of their value, reports about
galeoons being very different; these are said to be full of goods,
but that Monsieur Du Casse had taken out all the King's Plate,
and several merchants their money. However it's beyond
dispute that they are very rich prizes. The Admirante of the
galeoon died of his wounds. The privateers have brought in
four other small prizes. Mr. Littleton sail'd the 14th with his
squadron with intent to lye off of Point-Pedro-shoales, there to
intercept Mounsr. Du Casse, if he comes to Leeward, as is expected: as soon as this cruise is over (which is believ'd will be in
a fortnight or three weeks) the Non-such is to saile with Majr.
Genll. Handasyd, by which opportunity I design to do myself
the honour of writing again to your Lordps. Signed, A. Hamilton.
Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 28, Recd Oct. 30, 1711. 1½ pp. [C.O.
137, 9. No. 47; and 138, 13. pp. 364, 365.] |
Aug. 15.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
76. Same to Lord Dartmouth. Repeats part of preceding.
Mr. Littleton had not an opportunity of delivering my letter
to the Marquis of Suerez. I have detained three of the chief
prisoners (from the galleons) which I think a favourable occasion
to facilitate the relief of the prisoners at Lima. Signed, A.
Hamilton. Endorsed, R. Sept. 28. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 51. No.
53.] |
Aug. 20.
Barbados. |
77. Governor Lowther to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses Minutes of Council and Assembly, and Acts
passed since his arrival, etc. I also take the liberty to send a
list of the prizes which the French have taken and carried into
Martinique from July 1710 till May 1711; the greatest part of
which shipes did belong to Barbados, as I am informed by the
merchantes here; they also told me that these great losses were
chiefly occasioned from the little regard the men of war paid to
the orders Mr. Lillington gave them during his Presidentship,
for when he sent them orders to cruise three weeks or more to
the windward of the Island, they did not stay there very often
above 24 hours, but would go into another latitude: at other
times they would be in harbour four or five weekes after they had
the President's orders to cruise to the wind-ward of the Island:
upon these informations I looked into my Instructions to see how
I was to behave myself upon such occasions, and I find I have no
power over the men of war, nor no authority to call them to
account for the breach of any orders they receive from me; for
my 69th Instruction directs me not to exercise any authority
over the Captains of the men of war unless I have a commission
or power soe to do from the Lords of the Admiralty: I therefore
submit it to your Lordshipes' consideration whether it will be
for H.M. service that I should have such a Commission from the
Lords of the Admiralty. The Sweepstakes, Capt. Thomas Jacobs,
Commander, took a prize a little before I arrived here called the
Cupid on which were 48 men who made their application to me
by several Gentlemen of this Island to be sent to Martinique and
exchanged: upon a serious consideration of this proposition, I
did not think fit to grant their request; notwithstanding it was
urged that the French took more prisoners from us than we did
from them, and that therefore it would be for the interest of H.M.
and the benefit of the people of this Island not to have the Queen's
subjects that fall into the handes of the French sent to Europe,
for said they, the sending of them to Europe would be not only
a great interruption to trade, but would also be a very great
prejudice to particular persons, for which reasons they desired
a cartell might be settled with the French at Martinique for the
exchange of prisoners that were taken or should be taken on each
side. I may admit that the French take more prisoners than we
doe, and that the sending them to France is some obstruction to
trade, and a high aggravation of the misfortune of such as fall
into the hands of the French; yet notwithstanding this I am
humbly of opinion, that it is not only against the Queen's interest,
but also against the advantage and policy of this Island to settle
a cartell with the French: to make this obvious to your Lordshipes,
I take the liberty to put you in mind that the people of Martinique
are the very dregs and refuse of the French Nation, and that they
intirely subsist by piracy and privateering, and that they lose
nothing when they fall into our hands but some armes and
ammunition. I would likewise remarke that this loss to them is
so very inconsiderable when a cartell is settled with them, that
those very people which have been taken one week, and sent to
Martinique the next, have in the week after they arrived there
returned upon our coastes, for they have nothing wherewith to
subsist themselves and families but what they take from us, and
that therefore it must of necessity happen thus, unless they are
sent to Europe; but if they are sent to Europe, there is not one
in 50 can ever return to Martinique, having neither mony nor
credit to accomplish it, but must be constrained to go into the
King's service; so by this means not only many families at Martinique will be utterly undone, and the country distressed by the
great increase of the poore rates, but it will also disable them from
fitting out their number of privateers which will redound as
much to our advantage as to their ruin, being they have little
or nothing to subsist on but the provisions they take from the
Queen's subjects. I beg leave to say a word or two to obviate
one objection more that I fancy may be made against sending the
prisoners of war to Europe: the objection is this, that all the ill
consequences that attend the French prisoners being sent to
Europe will also befall such of the Queen's subjects as are under
the like unhappy circumstances: all I shall say to refute this
objection is, that the worst of the Queen's subjects that are taken
in a trading vessel, have either mony, credit or friends to support
them under such a misfortune, and to replace them in the same
way of livelyhood, if not in the same condition, which is not the
Frenches case, that live at Martinique. I have one more objection
to offer to your Lordshipes against settling a cartell with the
French at Martinique, which is, that it will give a great opportunity to carry on a trade between this place and them. I desire
your Lordshipes to signify the Queen's pleasure to me upon these
matters, etc. Signed, Rob. Lowther. Endorsed, Recd. Sept. 10,
Read, Nov. 15, 1711. Holograph. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
77. i. List of prizes brought into Martinique from July 1710—May 1711. Totals: 56, and 2 run ashore. Endorsed,
Recd. Oct. 10, 1711. 1 p. |
|
77. ii. Abstract of the Naval Officer's List of Ships entered
and cleared at Barbadoes, March 25—June 24, 1711.
To England; 10 ships of 1924 tuns burthen (sugar,
molosses, cotton and ginger). To Guinea: 5 ships of
165 tuns (rum). To the Plantations: 44 ships of 2133
tons (sugar, molosses, cotton, ginger, rum, (2105 hhds.
799 tierces, 691 barrels) and lime juice. Endorsed
as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 13. Nos. 72, 72 i., ii.;
and 29, 12. pp. 377–381.] |
Aug. 22.
North Carolina. |
78. Lt. Governor Hyde to [? Lord Dartmouth]. As no one
can more heartily congratulate yr. Lp. in that high station H.M.
has so deservedly placed yr. Lp., so no one can be less desirous of
giving you any trouble now you are in it. But it is my lot at
this time to be plac'd in a Governmt. where I find nothing but
sedition has been industriously cultivated and rebellion too much
practiced. An instance of wch. will be very evident in Coll.
Cary, who is now sent prisoner to England. I think this is but
the third rebellion he has headed since he came into Carolina,
beginning with him in Ashley River, where he headed 300 mob
and seiz'd Judge Trot, and twice since he came into North
Carolina, concluding with me. He and those people committed
with him, wch. he intended evidences for himselfe, were at the
request of me and the Councell apprehended by the Hon. Alexander Spotswood, Lt. Governour of Virginia, and I shou'd do
very great injustice to that honbl. person, if I did not own that
the prospect we have of peace being setled in this Government. is
oweing to him, as well as putting an end to this rebellion to his
measures; I [? saw] no way left to support H.M. authority and
peace here, and maintain the Lords Proprietors' power, but by
begging assistance from the Governour of Virginia, who with
great compassion tooke the miserable case of that country, and
my circumstances (in a manner I may say) into his own protection.
I humbly supplicate yr. Lp. (that not having had notice of Coll.
Cary's being apprehended and committed before the Fleet sayl'd
for England, by wch. it was render'd impossible for me to send
evidences to make out our charge at this time against him, wch.
I shall have no reason to doubt but I shall do with great clearness)
that I may have sufficient time allow'd me to send over my
evidences and proofs. But if such a favourable consideration
(in yr. Lp.) to the poverty of this country, shou'd prevail with
yr. Lp. to get a Commission sent into Virginia to examine not
onely evidences, but to try the criminals that are in custody
here, (if Col. Cary and those committed with him, shall not by
yr. Lp. be thought fit to be try'd allso) must undoubtedly be
esteem'd a very great charity. Levy Trewit and George Lumley
are two of the most eminent villains that cou'd be pick'd out for
Coll. Cary's purpose, the first Coll. Cary made Clarke of Pemptico
Court in Bath County, where it will be prov'd he was famous for
forging of false judgmts, and razing of records, wch. most in that
Court are now raz'd by him. George Lumley was made the Secretary's Clarke by Coll. Cary, and when he recd. the Colony's seale,
and the Records he gave bond to restore them when requir'd as
whole as when he recd. them, without corruption or imbezelmt.,
when I sent my order for them he refus'd it, and when I compel'd
him to deliver them, abundance of records was not onely raz'd
but whole Councells cut out of the booke, the other two Edmund
Porter and Callingwood Ward are as usefull for any wicked
purpose as the other, and were all of them in arms on board the
brigantine with Col. Cary when he assaulted me June 30th last
on Col. Pollock's Plantation, but was repuls'd. I hope of yr.
Lp's. protection etc., having been most barbarously us'd ever
since I came in, by a people I never offended. But the Quakers
that have ever strove to overturn the Church Govermt. in this
Colony, has since I came in push'd it on with unusuall force,
many having tooke up arms themselves. I had allmost forgott
to beg of yr. Lp., if John Porter senior, who I hear is gone in a
runner for England, shou'd be heard of, he may be tooke up, for
he has not onely at all times been the disturber of the peace of
this Governmt. ever since he came into it, but in this last commotion has endeavour'd by going in person to severall Indian
towns and by promises of reward, to bring down the Indians to
cut of man woman and child on the western shore of Chowan,
that has been the onely subjects to H.M. that on all occasions has
express'd their loyalty. Begs to have his compliments made to
my Ld. Rochester and my Lord Guernsey, etc. P.S. I hope
Mr. Tobias Knights sent over by this Fleet, who was Secretarye
here, may be admitted to give such proofs before yr. Lp. as he is
furnish'd with, Coll. Cary being tooke after he was on board, and
so cannot be fully prepar'd, as otherwise he might, and wch. I
shall take care that he shall. Signed, Edward Hyde. Endorsed,
R. April 11, 1712. 2½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
78 i. President and Council of North Carolina to [? Lord
Dartmouth]. Whereas Col. Thomas Cary, Levy Truehit, Challingwood Ward, George Lumley and Edmund
Porter are at the earnest request of us the President
and Councill of North Carolina apprehended in Virginia
by order of Lt. Governor Spotswood, and by him
committed to a hearing, wee in most humble manner
pray leave to inform your Lordship that at a General
Assembly holden for this Collony in March last, the
said Col. Cary and John Porter were impeached of high
crimes and misdemeanours and were thereupon committed to the custody of the Provost-Marshall from
whom they made their escape, and to protect themselves
from justice did confederate with the abovenamed Levy
Truehit, Challingwood Ward, George Lumley, Edmd.
Porter, and with one Richd. Roach and several other
desperate and evill-minded persons as also with Emanuel
Low, Gabriell Newby and many other of the people
called Quakers and raised an insurrection against the
lawfull authority of the Lords Proprietors, and against
the peace and soveraign dominion of our soveraign
Lady the Queen, and to carry on their rebellious purposes have endeavour'd by promises of reward to draw
into their conspiracy the neighbouring Indians by them
to cut off all such of H.M. subjects as shou'd oppose
their lawless proceedings, and did man and fit out with
great guns etc. two vessels and in them did sail in warlike manner with a flag on the mainmasthead to the
great terrour of the inhabitants and severall robberys
and other injurys did commit, and in one of the said
vessels did make an assault upon us the President and
Councill at the house of Col. Thomas Pollock (of the
said Councill) in the precinct of Chowan, who there
endeavour'd to keep the peace of our soveraign Lady the
Queen, and maintain the authority of H.E. the Pallatine
and Lords Proprietors, from whence being by God's
assistance repell'd, they fled till they were apprehended
as abovesaid. Wherefore we humbly crave leave in such
time and manner as your Lordp. shall think most
necessary, to produce an evidence against the said
Cary, Truehit, Ward, Lumley and Edmund Porter,
who were committed and sent prisoners to England,
before wee had the least notice of it, by which wee were
depriv'd of sending our evidences at the same time with
him, for which reason wee humbly hope considering the
nature of their offences, wee may have sufficient time
allow'd us for the doing of it, wherein wee do not doubt
but to make out full proofs of whatever wee shall accuse
them with. Wee are not out of hopes of yr. Lordp's.
great candour in this affair by which wee may fully
expect to see law and justice once more restored to
H.M. subjects, and this poor country, that for near three
years last past has by these rebellions been dispossess'd
of all. And considering this country is entirely impoverish'd through these unhappy commotions wee
shou'd look upon it an Act of the greatest compassion
towards us, if a Commission cou'd be obtain'd to be sent
into Virginia, to try the criminals, as well those sent to
England, as those that remain in custody here, to prevent
that charge which wou'd near complete the ruin of our
Colony. P.S. Wee beg leave if John Porter be fled
to England (as 'tis by all here concluded) that your
Lordp. wou'd please to give orders that he may be
apprehended. Signed, Edward Hyde, Graffenried, Tho.
Pollook, Tho. Boyd, W. Glover, N. Chevin. Aug. 22,
1711. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 308. Nos. 1, 1 i.] |
Aug. 22.
Whitehall, Treasury Chambers. |
79. Petition of Humphry South, of London, Merchant,
Agent for George Liddell of St. Christophers, and of Robt. Clayton,
son and heir of Richd. Clayton, of the same Island, decd., to the
Lord High Treasurer. Prays. H.M. confirmation of a grant made
to them by Governor Parke for 2½ years of two plantations in
the French Quarter of St. Kitts. 3 pp. Annexed, |
|
79. i. The Lord High Treasurer refers preceding to the Council
of Trade and Plantations, and to Wm. Blathwayt,
Auditor General of the Plantations, for their opinion.
Signed, Wm. Lowndes. ½ p. |
|
79. ii. William Blathwayt to the Lord High Treasurer.
Recommends that the grant referred to in preceding be
confirmed with an additional term of two years, till Oct.,
1713. Signed, Wm. Blathwayt. Sept. 20, 1711. 1¼ pp. |
|
79. iii. Copy of grant by Governor Parke, Dec. 1708, referred
to in preceding. 2½ pp. The whole endorsed, Recd.
26th Sept., Read 26th Oct., 1711. [C.O. 152, 9. Nos.
85, 85 i.–iii.; and 153, 11. pp. 380–388.] |
Aug. 24.
Barbados. |
80. Governor Lowther to Lord Dartmouth. Repeats part
of No. 77. Concludes: Mr. Hodges, the present Attorney
General of Barbadoes, goes for England in this Fleet, upon which
I intend to appoint Mr. Arthur Slingsby Attorney General in his
room, having power so to doe, till H.M. pleasure is known: Mr.
Slingsby is a gentleman of great worth and partes, and perfectly
well acquainted with the customes, laws and constitution of
this place, in consideration of which character I desire your
Lordship to obtain him a patent for being Attorney General:
it will be a favour I shall alwaies esteem, and think myself very
happy whenever I have an opportunity to acknowledge it as I
ought. I have taken the liberty to send your Lordship 24
quartes of citron water, and 50 weight of sweet-meats, which
I intreat your Lordship to accept as a marke of my gratitude for
your many civilities, etc. Signed, Rob. Lowther. Holograph.
2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
80. i. ii. List of French prisoners taken by H.M.S. Sweepstakes and sent to England. 3 pp. [C.O. 28, 43. Nos.
65, 65 i., ii.] |
Aug. 27.
Antego. |
81. Governor Douglas to Lord Dartmouth. I had not been
many daies upon the Island till I perceiv'd it was impractacable
for me without endangering the safety of the whole Colony to
execute H.M. Orders in securing some of the inhabitants who were
the principal offenders in the late rebellion. I cou'd expect no
service from part of Col. Jones' regiment here, if they had made
any insurrection against me, the officers and soldiers are so
corrupted and influenc'd by the chiefest men of this Island.
Upon some informations I order'd Capt. Rookby, Lieut. Wats and
Ensign Smith, officers in the Queen's troops, to be taken into
custody, and sent on board the Lark man of war, Capt. Norbury
Commander. Your Lordship will perceive by the depositions
and witnesses against them how far they were ingag'd as encouragers or actors in the late tragical action. Capt. Norbury hasreceiv'd my orders to signify the same to your Lordship, or one of
H.M. principal Secretarys of State upon his arrival at the first
port of England to have your Lordship's farther directions about
them. The greatest part of my time has been employ'd in
viewing the Forts in the Island and putting it into some better
posture of defence to prevent any designs the enemy might have
from the animosities and divisions of the people. I cou'd not
make any progress in the examination of the rebellion as yet fit
to lay before your Lordship. If I had a man of war, with some
draughted soldiers well arm'd for recruiting the regiment, and
under my command, I had probably sent some of the principal
malefactors to England, but Capt. Norbury's sentiments that
he was not properly under my power, his intimacy and friendship
with some persons has in some measure obstructed what I thought
proper for H.M. service, for how can I depend upon those who
will find some pretentions to dispute my orders. If I can't at
the same time send them off as they are taken, I don't know what
might be the fatal consequences thereof. I have writ more fully
to Mr. Lewis, which I beg your Lordship's consideration off,
that I may be better enabled to put H.M. Orders in execution,
etc. Signed, Walter Douglas. Endorsed, Recd., Read Feb. 4,
17 11/12. Copy. 2¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
81. i. Deposition of Richard Oglethorp, Aug. 22, 1711. Some
time before his death Governor Parke sent for deponent,
being Deputy Marshall (of Antigua), to go for the purser
of the Lark man of war, Capt. Norbury Commander,
who informed him there was aboard upwards of 20
days provisions. Afterwards H.E. told Capt. Norbury
to cruise about the French Islands for 10 days, and then
proceed for Barbadoes for more stores, for that he was
was informed of an intended invasion of this Island etc.,
to which Capt. Norbury answered, he would not, but
would directly saile for Barbadoes, to which H.E. said
then in a passion, send then the soldiers that I may not
want their assistance, to which Capt. Norbury replyed
he would not, but if he would have it done to land
them himself, and immediatly the Capt. went away in
hast, and going by the house where the Assembly were
sitting, who presently accompanyed him, and in great
hast went downe to the wharf and entred a pinnis and
rowed away, the Assembly or the most of them and others
huzzai'd him off, and in few houres he put the ship under
saile, and did not return till after his death. Signed,
Richd. Oglethorp. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 1¼
pp. |
|
81. ii. Deposition of Richard Oglethorpe, Aug. 22, 1711.
Some few days before Governor Parke was murdered,
he sent deponent, who was Deputy Marshal, from the
Councill Chamber in St. John's, where the Genl. and
the Councill were then sitting, to go to Capt.—Marshall,
a Capt. in Col. Jones' regiment, and tell him that it was
his possitive orders, that he should not go off nor depart
this Island. When these orders were given to Capt.
Marshal he was in a boat at Cook's Wharfe, and in a
slighting manner putt off and went on board the Larke,
Capt. Cunningsby Norbury, commander, where his
company of soldiers was, which company with other
soldiers were also ordered to be landed, by reason this
Island was in some danger from the French, notwithstanding which the Larke, Capt. Marshal and the Queen's
regular forces went to Barbadoes immediatly and return'd not again till after the General's death. Signed,
Richd. Oglethorp. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 9. Nos.
97, 97 i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 153, 11. pp. 421–423.] |
Aug. 29.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
82. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I trouble your Lops. at this time with duplicates
of my two former letters, and transmit the Acts which have been
already past this Assembly, with Journals, and the Accots. of
the Revenue. The proceedings of a former Assembly will be
deliver'd to your Lops. by Major Genll. Handasyd, to whom I
referr the giving you such satisfaction touching the Laws then
past as your Lops. may require. Amongst them your Lops. will
find the Act of Fees, concerning which I had your Lops'. directions,
and which I understand to have been amended conformable
thereunto. Upon the proceedings of that Assembly your Lops.
will observe they came to a resolution that they had a right to
adjourn themselves for a longer time than de die in diem, which
I am told they intended to assert by adjourning for a month
against the Majr. Genll's. positive directions, and when business
was yet undone, and which occasion'd an abrupt dissolution.
I think myself somewhat oblig'd to mention this matter to your
Lops., the better to explain one part of my speech to this Assembly; if your Lops'. leasure should permit you to cast your eyes
upon it; but more that I may have your Lops'. opinion and directions in this particular, if ever it should be attempted again; and
wherein I cannot but in my own judgment agree with the Majr.
Genll. that it would be of very mischievous consequence here,
that the Assembly should, at any time, separate themselves
against the Governour's commands: But if your Lops. will please
to favour me with some Instructions herein, I shall intirely
resign my own sentiments to yours. By the Acts past this
Assembly your Lops. will find the usual and necessary provision
made for the Regiment and other exigencies of the Government:
and tho' as yet this is done but for three months, I must do them
the justice to acquaint your Lops. it has not proceeded from any
want of a good intention, but the necessity of affairs occasion'd
by the shortness of time; and the want of having the accots.
upon publick funds adjusted, which had been too long omitted,
and which inclined me to yeild to them in it; having said upon
that occasion what I thought proper to prevent its being drawn
into practice. You will find (my Lords) the Act for quieting
possessions is now past, exactly agreeable to H.M. pleasure
signified to the Majr. Genll., and the other small Act to prevent
Hawking, being for relief of a growing inconveniency, I think
can meet with no objection from your Lops. I gave them leave
to adjourn till Oct. 1st in respect to the season of the year proper
for planting; and I dare flatter myself they will then meet
in such a disposition as to compleat the Session as satisfactorily
as it has been begun: and indeed as I shall always endeavour to
keep them in this temper, as much as I can, so your Lops. will
observe, there is a more than ordinary occasion for it now, when
you find that notwithstanding £3000 had been given to the
Treasury, to enable it to pay the Majr. Genll's. salary, I must
still be necessitated to ask considerably of them for the contingencies of the Government: and unless they supply it, I am
told there is not any money to pay me: But I shall examine
further into the state of the Revenue, and endeavour to give your
Lops. a more particular accot. of it. In the meantime I beg
your Lops. to believe that nothing will be a temptation to me
wilfully to forget or omit the nicest part of the duty of my station.
There is in bank, I understand, about £2000 of that branch of
the Revenue appropriated to fortifications; and I can not but
say there seems employmt. enough for it; and I design forthwith
to employ it accordingly in repairing old works, and making new
where the service and defence of the Countrey may most require
it. And upon this head it may be proper to mention to your
Lops. that Capt. Hawkins, the Ingenier, has acquainted me of
some information he has had of a motion at the Board of Ordinance to send for him away: I hope if anything of that kind be
intended, your Lops. will interpose that Capt. Hawkins be not
recall'd without somebody's being appointed in his stead;
assuring your Lops. that I think H.M. service here does in a
particular manner require the assistance of an Ingenier, and
especially at this time. I can't send your Lops. the particulars I
promis'd you of his expedition to Providence, not having received
it of him. I think it my duty to inform your Lops. of a letter I
received from the French Genll. of the Coast of St. Domingo, lately
arrived there, in the room of the Count de Choiseul, proposing in
substance the settling a Cartel, which as I thought inconsistent
with the interest of this Island, I rejected, with the unanimous advice of the Council. Mr. Littleton is return'd with the squadron
under his command, having had advice that Mounsieur Du Cass
sail'd with three men of war (three days after he left the coast)
neither taking with him any merchant men, nor acquainting
anybody what way he went. It's suppos'd he went directly
home. The success of Mr. Littleton's former cruize I think (my
Lds.) was in a great measure owing to his diligence and conduct;
nor could there reasonably be any hopes of further, after such an
alarm given to the enemy. The galeoon which is taken proves
less rich than was expected; which implies that there's still the
more on board those ships which Mounsr. Du Cass has with him.
I hope from the notice that has been sent, he may still be met
with in his passage. Mr. Littleton has now in concert with me
determin'd to dispose of the squadron most for the service of
the Island, and security of the Trade. One of the sloops fitted
out by the countrey, before the arrival of those now in H.M.
service, has lately done a very gallant action in having, with 70
men, taken a French-privateer of 120 men from Petit Guavis,
after a smart engagement, board and board; which I mention
the rather, because that sloop was mann'd out of those privateers
who have been so much discourag'd by the duties, and by such
behaviour merit something of the favour I hope is intended them.
I have now one favour to beg of your Lops., which might have
been introduc'd in a properer place of this letter; however I
will not omit it here, and that is (my Lords) that your Lops. will
please to discountenance all applications which may be made to
you for the Council here, without my privity or approbation.
I am perswaded your Lops. will entertain so favourable an
opinion of my judgment and conduct, as to think me most
capable (being upon the place) of recommending to your Lops.
the fittest persons for that trust: and your Lops. will easily
conceive the usefulness of having somewhat of reward to bestow
upon such persons as shall distinguish themselves in the service
of H.M. and the countrey, which will always be my rule in such
recommendations. I had almost forgotten to mention anything
of the old seal, which I herewith transmit to your Lops. Signed,
A. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read 30th Oct., 1711.
4 pp. Enclosed, |
|
82. i. Account of H.M. Revenue in Jamaica, March 25, 1710—1711. Total, £3470 6s. 3d. Endorsed, Recd. Oct 24,
1711. 4 pp. [C.O. 137, 9. Nos. 48, 48 i.; and (without enclosure) 138, 13. pp. 366–373.] |
Aug. 29.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
83. Same to Lord Dartmouth. Repeats parts of preceding,
including last paragraph as to nomination of Council. I am
told that the prisoners at Lima are already discharged;
however I intend to detain the galeoon-prisoners at least till I
have further certainty thereof. I have not as yet had any answer
to what I wrote to the Marquis de Suere by Mr. Littleton, etc.
Signed, A. Hamilton. 2½ pp. [C.O. 137, 51. No. 54.] |
Aug. 31.
Treasury Chambers. |
84. Mr. Lowndes to Mr. Popple. On reading to my Lord
Treasurer (enclosed) report of the Rt. Hon. Jon. Howe relating
to the severall bills drawn by Col. Vetch for money taken up by
him for the use of the garrison of Annapolis, amounting to
£7742 2s. 6d., wherein it is represented that there is no provision
made by Parliament for such extraordinary expence, my Lord
Treasurer transmits said report and desires that the Council of
Trade will let him know whether there be not money of H.M.
Revenues in that countrey that may be applyed in ease of the
said expence, and how much the same doth amount unto.
Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 12th Sept.,
1711. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
84. i. J. How to the Lord High Treasurer, July 10, 1711.
Report referred to in preceding. Copy. 2 pp. [C.O.
5, 865. Nos. 67, 67 i.; and 5, 913. pp. 340–346;
and 218, 1. pp. 11–18.] |
Aug. 31.
Piscataqua. |
85. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges letter of
Nov. 18 etc. Explains why a tree must stand two years after being
prepared and barked before being tapped for turpentine, and also
his process of making tar, etc. Continues:—I cannott be silent on
the account of H.M. woods, the wast and destructions made therein daily, and not in my power to prevent, etc. I have no power to
prosecute nor have I any foundation to ground an action on, since
the Charter is not binding on H.M. side. I pray that I may be
enabled by Instructions, Law, or any way as shall be thought
proper to save all from destruction. Everyone has land and no
limitts to it on that side next the woods, and that land wch. is
H.M.'s if any such is common to all, but before Collins' contract
I had them under correction, telling them that they could not
cut a mast tree on theire own land, but Mico, Collins' factor here,
cut all before them, and at the same time are informing against
me for destroying H.M. woods. The Governor here has recd.
an order from the Treasury, theire being a complaint against me
lodged there, to examin and take the oath of these who has
informed against me, but theire is not one appears. This is
the same complaint as was before theire Lordsps. 5 years since,
and because I have made seizures of his masts tho' not confirmed
has given them this incouragment to begin againe. I have seen
40 masts, or very near that number now cut and lyes in this
river above Mr. Collins' contract, if I could obtaine an order to
seize them I am assured it would stoop theire careire, and 'tis
not £10,000 will make good the damage H.M. has sustained by
that contract, there has been more waste made since that contract
than was made in 20 years before. I humbly pray you to lay
this before theire Lordps., humbly begging theire protection for
such pernitious persons and malitious false and continued vilianys,
who has done all the hurt possible and lay it on me. P.S. I
wrote you by the Humber, wch. was ordered home, being thought
to large for the Expedition etc. I am here loading a ship with
masts for Jamaica by the Admiralty's order. This shipp was
taken by the Weymouth and Winsor etc. The Winsor is gon for
Quebeck, and the Weymouth convoys this shipp to Jamaica, etc.
Signed, J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 22, Read Nov. 2, 1711.
2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 865. No. 71; and 5, 913. pp. 356–360.] |
