|
Oct. 1.
London. |
115. James Blake to Mr. Secretary St. John. Replies to
the complaints of several Colonels of regiments now employed
in the expedition under General Hill relating to the cloathing
and accouterments furnished by him. I was not acquainted to
what place the expedition was designed, etc. I was directed to
supply for the militia and H.M. forces, etc. The sergants surtout
coates were made of the best Glocestershire cloaths, and 1396
of the centinells' coates, the rest of the centinells with whole
thick kerseys, which are as dear as cloath, but allowed by everybody to wear much longer, and is what all the foreigners cloath
withall. As to their not being lined H.M. saved largely thereby
in what was given the militia. The breeches, hatts etc. were as
good or better then is used by the Army. Mr. Nettmaker the
Commissary was very nice in his inspection and returned great
quantityes that did not come up fully to the pattern, though
these were accepted by some of the regiments now upon the
expedition. The complaints began at Portsmouth, altho' none
of the cloathing was seen, and by that means the goods were
tossed from vessell to vessell much to their damage, and several
of them left behind etc. Signed, J. W. Blake. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
115. i. Certificate by Richard Hallam, Packer, corroborating
preceding. London, Oct. 1, 1711. Signed, Richd.
Hallam. 1 p. [C.O. 42, 13. Nos. 9, 10, (and duplicates) 10 (i.), 11, 11 i.] |
| Oct. 3. |
116. Presents made to the Chief Sachems of the Five Nations
of the Iroquois Indians by Lt. Gen. Nicholson at the House of
the honble. Col. Peter Schuyler in Albany, oct. 3, 1711. One
Queen Anne's guinea in memory of H.M. One of ye Oxford
Almanack's with ye cutt made upon their late sending the four
embassadors for England, shewing H.M. tender regard for them.
One kane with an amber head in memory of himselfe and in
token that as ye said head when warme is of an attractive power,
so his and their loves should be warme and attractive to draw
each to other. One multiplying glass to represent to them ye
fraud of the French in making a few things seem to be many.
One pair of pocket brass musquetoons and one long gun to shew
the French how well they are armed. And two barrills of bear
to drink the Queen's health, all wch. they thankfully recd. and
replied, Brother Anndegariax, we thank you and promise to
keep your presents in ye Onondage Castle etc. You have shewn
our belts of wampum formerly given you and desired that as
you have kept them so we keep these things, which we promise
to do, and that you shall see them whenever we have the honour
of your company that way etc. Signed, P. Schuyler, Laurens
Clase, Interpreter. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 68.] |
Oct. 5.
Treasury Chambers. |
117. Mr. Harley to Mr. Popple. Encloses following for the
opinion of the Council of Trade and Plantations thereon by
Tuesday morning, Signed, T. Harley. Endorsed, Recd. 6th,
Read 11th Oct., 1711. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
117. i. Petition of London merchants trading to Virginia
and Maryland to Robert, Earl of Oxford, Lord High
Treasurer. Protest against a new order of the Customs
forbidding the passing of any entries of tobacco inwards
until the bonds were discharged, for which the merchants
have always hitherto been allowed a full eighteen months
law, etc. Copy. 2¾ pp. [C.O.5, 1316. Nos. 69, 69
i.; and 5, 1363. pp. 332–339.] |
| Oct. 11. |
118. Mr. Perry to Mr. Popple. Encloses following. The
Trade have agreed to be at Whitehall on fryday morning, the
Queen is at a vast charge and so is the merchants: and time goes
off hand: and the fame of this dispute (v. Oct. 5) runs to Virga.
altogeather is a publique evile. Signed, Micajah Perry.En
dorsed, Recd. 10th, Read 11th Oct., 1711. Addressed. Postmark.
¼ p. Enclosed, |
|
118. i. Mr. Bayley to Mr. Perry. List of Acts laying duties
upon tobacco. Signed, Arthur Bayley. Addressed.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 1316. Nos. 70, 70 i.; and (without enclosure) 5, 1363. p. 340.] |
Oct. 11.
Whitehal. |
119. Mr. Popple to the Secretaries of the Treasury. Reply
to Oct. 5. The Council of Trade and Plantations do find by an
Act pass'd II and III Anne, that the time for the exportation of
tobacco etc. is inlarged to 18 months; but they do not find that
the several times for the payment of the duties are altered;
however in regard of the low state of the Tobacco trade, and that
the merchants in case they do not export their tobacco in the
time limitted do pay interest from the time the Customs are due,
their Lordships are of opinion that if the merchants are indulg'd,
as they affirm has been used, so far as to have an oppertunity
to clear their bonds by debentures, it will at this time not only
be a great ease to them, but an encouragement to the Virginia
and Maryland trade which, as above limited, is at present in a
low condition, and that the not permitting the merchants who
are already in bonds to H.M. to make entries of their tobacco
upon good and sufficient security till their former bonds be
discharged, may prove a discouragement to that Trade, and in
all probability will produce those ill consequences set forth by
the merchants in their said Memorial, etc. [C.O. 5, 1363. pp.
340–342; and (rough draft) 5, 1335. pp. 134–136.] |
Oct. 15.
Virginia. |
120. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. After what I writt July 28th of the success of my
endeavours in quietting the commotions in North Carolina, I
was in hopes I should not have had occasion to trouble your
Lordships again with the affairs of that unhappy country; but
a more dismall and unexpected accident happening there lately,
I think it my duty to give your Lordps. the following account of
it, together with my proceedings thereupon. On the 22nd of
the last month some towns of the Tuscaruro Indians and other
Nations bordering on Carolina made an incursion upon the head
of Neuse and Pam[plico] Rivers in that Province, without any
previous declaration of war or show of discontent, and having
divided themselves into partys, at sunrise (which was their
signal) begun a barbarous massacre on the inhabitants of the
frontier plantations, killing without distinction of age or sex
about 60 English and upwards of that number of Swiss and
Palatines, besides a great many left dangerously wounded. The
Baron de Graffenried, Cheif of the Swiss and Palatine settlement
there, is also fallen into their hands, and carryed away prisoner;
since which [they] have continued their ravages, in burning
those plantations, and others deserted by the inhabitants for
fear of the like crueltys. The Governor, Mr. Hyde, has raised
what men he can to oppose the further invasion of the heathen,
and protect the rest of the country; but that spirit of disobedience,
to which they have been long accustomed, still prevails so much,
that he can hardly perswade them to unite for their common
safety. I will not affirm that the invitation given those savages,
some time ago by Coll. Cary and his party, to cutt off their
fellow subjects (tho' that heavy charge is proved by divers
testimonys and firmly beleived in Carolina) has been the only
occasion of this tragedy; yet it appears very reasonable to beleive
that the Indians have been greatly encouraged in this attempt,
by the unnatural divisions and animositys among the inhabitants,
and I very much fear their mutinous and cowardly behaviour
in some late skirmishes will embolden the Indians to continue
their insolencies. Upon the first advice of this unhappy event,
I sent out detachments of our Militia to prevent our Tributary
Indians from joining with those savages, and understanding that
the greater part of the Tuscaruros had refused to be concerned
with the rest of their Nation in this bloody execution, I have sent
to them and the other neighbouring Indians to meet me next
week on our frontiers, in order to a treaty. And as they stand in
some awe of this Government, both from the opinion they have
of our strength, and their apprehensions of the loss of our trade
upon a rupture, I hope at this Conference to work so far on their
fears and interests as at least to preserve their friendship, if not
to engage their assistance for the destruction of those Assassines.
There is very little temptation for any man to enter upon an
Indian war, nor much honour to be got by encountering a people
more like wild beasts than men: but if war be the only means
left us to secure H.M. people and territorys from the Heathen,
I don't doubt but our Assembly (which is to meet the 7th of the
next month) will take such resolutions as become them to provide
for the effectual prosecution of it. But whatever air I may give
the matter, to the Indians, I must not conceal from your Lordps.
the incapacity of this country for an offensive or defensive war.
Our Militia are in a manner wholly destitute of ammunition,
and as ill provided with arms that are usefull, and unless H.M.
will be pleased to send in a supply of both to ly ready against an
emergency, I fear I shall not be able to sustain any considerable
attack of an enemy. Upon the apprehensions we had this
summer of the French squadron (which is said to be now in the
West Indies) I made a shift to raise four forts, and run some
lines for the defence of our cheif rivers, and to mount about 70
peices of cannon, not finding at my arrival such a thing as either
parapet, pallisade, or one single peice of ordnance mounted
throughout the whole Government. I endeavour'd to make our
last Assembly sensible of the naked condition of their country,
but the expence appearing to them then, much more immediate
than the danger, they were easily influenced by their low circumstances to deferr the consideration thereof, however I prevailed
on them to revive in the meanwhile a former Law made for the
defence of the country in times of danger, and by virtue of that
law I have carryed on the abovementioned works during the late
alarm. Notwithstanding I have been mightily embarassed by
a sett of Quakers, who broach doctrines so monstrous as their
brethren in England have never own'd, nor indeed can be suffer'd
in any Government; they have not only refused to work themselves, or suffer any of their servants to be imployed in the
fortifications; but affirm that their consciences will not permitt
them to contribute in any manner of way to the defence of the
country, even so much as trusting the Government for provisions
to support those that do work, tho' at the same time they say,
that being obliged by their religion to feed their enemys, if the
French should come hither, and want provisions they must in
conscience supply them. As this opinion of theirs is quite
different from their practice in Carolina where they were the most
active in taking arms to putt down that Government (tho' they
now fly again to the pretence of conscience to be excused from
assisting against the Indians) I have thought it necessary to
put the laws of this country in execution against that sect of
people, which impower me to imploy all persons as I shall see
fitt, for the defence of the country in times of danger, and imposes
fines and penaltys on their disobedience; I doubt not they will
sufficiently exclaim against me on this occasion, and perhaps their
brethren in England who keep a Joint Stock (as 'tis said) to
prosecute the quarrells of all that sect, may think fitt to attack
me: but I am perswaded I shall not incurr my Sovereign's displeasure so long as I act by the rule of law; and it is absolutely
necessary to discourage such dangerous opinions, as would render
the safety of the Government precarious, since everyone that is
either lazy or cowardly would make use of the pretence of conscience to excuse himself from working or fighting when there is
greatest need of his service. And I fear the Quakers would find
too many proselytes on such occasions. As soon as I was informed
of this fatal accident in Carolina, I prohibited all trade from this
country with the Indians, finding they were better provided with
ammunition than we ourselves, and had the Government of
Carolina made the same stop when this country had a dispute with
those very Indians, about a murder committed here some years
ago, it is very probable they might have been more cautious of
falling upon any of H.M. plantations, when they found we
espoused one another's quarrells, but the tameness of the Government in passing over that affair, and the constant supplys they
received from Carolina of powder shott and other necessarys,
notwithstanding the representations of this Government, made
them beleive we were under distinct Sovereigns as well as Governors, and that we would no more assist Carolina than they us.
I have also sent to demand the releasment of the Baron of
Graffenreid, who by our advices was still alive, but supposed only
reserved for a more solemn execution, to be tommahawked and
tortured at their first publick war dances. Upon persuing the
rough drafts of my letters to your Lordships I fear there is
ommitted in the transcribing a recommendation I intended to
make to your Lordships some time agoe of Col. William Fitzhugh
to be added to the Council. He is a gentleman of a plentiful
estate, of good interest in his country, and of principles entirely
loyal so far as I have been able to discover of him. This gentleman being added and Col. Bassett restored, according to my
former request, will for the present compleat the number of the
Council, and give me some more time to consider of proper
persons or supplying future vacancys, which I assure your Lordps.
is a matter of some difficulty among the little choice the country
affords. If your Lordps. think fitt to recommend Mr. Fitzhugh
to H.M. there is one Mr. Richard Lee Merchant in London, (who
is his brother-in-law) will take out his warrant. Signed, A.
Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. Read Nov. 29, 1711. 5 pp.
[C.O. 5, 1316. No. 72; and 5, 1363. pp. 374–381.] |
Oct. 15.
Virginia. |
121. Same to [? the Earl of Dartmouth]. Duplicate of preceding as far as "such occasions." [C.O. 5, 1337. No. 15.] |
Oct. 15.
Windsor Castle. |
122. Earl of Dartmouth to the Council of Trade and PlantaI desire you'l be pleas'd to acquaint me by what power's
and authority's the Admiralty jurisdiction is now exercis'd in
the Plantations, etc. Signed, Dartmouth. Endorsed, Recd. 16th,
Read 23rd Oct., 1711. 1p. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 15; and 324, 9.
p. 484.] |
Oct. 17.
Boston. |
123. Address of the Governour, Council and Assembly of
the Massachusetts Bay to the Queen. It is with the deepest
sorrow and abasement that we are humbly bold to prostrate
ourselves at your Majesty's Royal feet under the very melancholy
awful reflection upon the late sore disaster and unhappy frusrtration of that important Expedition undertaken by your Majesty
at such vast cost and expence for the reduction of Canada etc.,
in the wished for success whereof we hoped by the favour of
Almighty God to have obtained some respit and ease from the
heavy pressures of a long calamitous war under which we are
languishing and have suffered the loss of so much blood and
treasure. We humbly adore the Divine wisdom and soveraignty
in that surprizing disappointment being supported with the
consideration of having done our duty in giving assistance
thereto to the utmost of our power with a cheerful obedience to
your Majestys Royal commands etc. We should have esteemed
it a very great honour if we might have hapily been instrumental
and serviceable for making Canada a glorious acquisition to your
Majesty's Imperial Crown. We further humbly address your
Sacred Majesty if in your princely wisdom you shall so think fit,
that a new Expedition may be brought forward for the reduction
of that country to your Majestys obedience withal most humbly
praying your Majesty's most gracious consideration of the
distressing circumstances of your Majesty's good subjects of this
Province so greatly enfeebled and impoverished by the war and
at a constant standing charge for the defence of the inland
frontiers guarding of the sea coast and other incidental charge,
little if anything short of £30,000 pr. annum communibus annis
over and above the extraordinary advances for the preparations
made in the two aforegoing years and for this years Expedition
wherein we employ'd our utmost efforts. And that your Majesty
would be graciously pleased, if it may be, to excuse us from
furnishing a Quota of men for a new Expedition, or at least from
the greatest part of the Quota directed for the former: dureing
which, near one fifth part of your Majesty's subjects of this
Province capable of bearing armes were actually retained in your
Majesty's service and under pay vizt. at the Castle, forts, garrisons
and in cruising on the coast including the souldiers and seamen
on our part imployed in the Expedition several of which are dead
of sickness and of those of your Majesty's Governmts. of this
Province New Hampshire Connecticutt and Rhode Island to the
number of some hundreds left the last year in the garrison of
Annapolis Royal scarce one of five returned home, but dyed there
and near one fifth of the recruites sent thither from hence this
summer are since dead which with other mortalitys and many of
the young men of this Province going abroad by sea few of them
returning home again besides others who to avoid being called
forth to the service or paying of taxes have removed into the
neighbouring Governments, has very much diminished our
numbers etc. Signed, J. Dudley, Isa. Addington, by order of the
Council, John Burril, Speaker. Endorsed, R. 17th Jan. 17 11/12.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 10. No. 141.] |
Oct. 18.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
124. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. I herewith send a duplicate of Aug. 29, by the
Salisbury bound for Bristol. The Council and Assembly having
had under their consideration the subject matter of two several
Addresses to H.M., and a Representation to your Lordships, did
apply to me to give order for stopping the said ship and some
others now bound for England, untill these Addresses and Representation could be got ready; which, upon their joint request,
I did accordingly, for the space of 24 hours. And now the said
Addresses and Representation being finish'd makes me write to
your Lops. much shorter and in greater hurry than otherways
I inclined to have done, lest the merchants concern'd may think
they have any just cause of complaint. That one relating to me
in particular is what I was not in the least solicitous about; as
being truly beyond my expectation, merit, or desire; tho' I
could not but give way to what the Council and Assembly thought
fit in that matter. But as to the other relating to bonds for the
duties on prize goods, and the state of these bonds, as set forth in
the said Representation, (all herewith transmitted to your Lops.)
tis what the people here have very much at heart; and therefore
I must take the liberty earnestly to recommend the consideration
thereof to your Lops, hoping that you will concurr in promoting
the design thereof, for obtaining relief to the several persons
aggrieved by these Bonds. By the first man of war or packetboat, I'll do myself the honour to write to your Lops. fully of all
particulars that may occurr etc. Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 10th, Read 15th Jan., 17 11/12. 1¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
124. i. Address of the Governor, Council and Assembly of
Jamaica to the Queen. Oct. 18, 1711. Return thanks
for relief from the duties on the American Act, which
were so insupportable, etc. We beseech your Majesty
to extend your bountiful compassion likewise to many
poor families and a great number of seafareing men
belonging to this your Island, who have been captors
and owners of several prizes long since taken, and who
are become lyable to the payment of those duties upon
bonds already entered into, and which if your Majesty
is not graciously pleased to remit to them, must not
only be their inevetable undoing, but will prove a great
discouragement to the settlement of this your Colony.
And in regard that several of the Agents for prizes to
counter-secure themselves against the bonds they had
entered into have kept in their hands out of such prizes
as they were concerned for as much if not more than
what the real duties amounted to which Agents if your
Majesty should be graciously pleased to remit the said
bonds would take the intire benefit to themselves of the
shares of such owners and captors as shall never come to
demand the same, we therefore humbly beg, that such
Agents may be obliged to account in such manner as
your Majesty shall think fitting for what was so deposited
or detained in their hands, which will be a great incouragement to several seafaring men to return to
this Island and partake of your Royal favour, and that
the parts and shares of such as shall not return by a
time to be prefixed by your Majesty and your Parliament
may be thereby secured for (and we humbly hope
apply'd to) the support of the Government of this your
Island, which at present in many parts thereof labours
under many great and real wants. Pray for H.M.
preservation etc. Signed, A. Hamilton, Rod. Mackenzie,
Cl. Counll., William Brodrick, Speaker. Copy. Same
endorsement. 3 pp. |
|
124. ii. A state of the case of the bonds for duties on prize
goods (referred to in preceding). Totals, £12,023 4s. 6d.
Same endorsement. 4pp. [C.O. 137, 9. Nos. 60, 60 i.,
ii.; and (without enclosures) 138, 13. pp. 380–382.] |
Oct. 18.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
125. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Earl of Dartmouth.
Repeats part of preceding letter. A privateer of this Island having
taken a vessel bound for the Havannah, wherein the President
Governor and Capt. Genll. of the Spanish Coast of St. Domingo
happen'd to be passenger; I detain him upon account of H.M.
subjects that are kept prisoners at Lima, concerning whom I had
your Lordship's directions. I take this to be a favourable
occasion for reclaiming them; and in order thereto I have caus'd
him write to the Vice-Roy of Peru, that he is detain'd for them
by way of reprizal, till I am assured that they are set at liberty.
However I think of sending him soon for England at his own
request, etc. Signed, A. Hamilton. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
125. i. Address of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to
the Queen. Return thanks for the appointment of
Lord A. Hamilton as Governor, etc. Oct. 18, 1711.
Signed, Rod. Mackenzie, Cl. of Counll., William Brodrick, Speaker. 1p. |
|
125. ii. Duplicate of No. 124 i. [C.O. 137, 51. Nos. 55,
56, 57.] |
| Oct. 20. |
126. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. Reply to 15th Oct. Refer to correspondence relating to
Admiralty Jurisdiction in the Plantations, 18th Dec., 1701 ff.
(v. C.S.P. 1701, 1702) and give list of Commissions etc. [C.O.
324, 9. pp. 484–488.] |
Oct. 22.
Hampton Court. |
127. H.M. Warrants appointing Samuell Shirlock, Wm.
Outerbridge, Leonard White, John Peasly and Saml. Smith to
the Council of New York. Countersigned, Dartmouth. [C.O.
324, 32. p. 106.] |
Oct. 23.
Whitehall. |
128. Mr. Popple to the Secretaries of the Treasury. Encloses
draught of a bond for Mr. Hyde (v. June 14). Annexed, |
|
128. i. Draught of bond referred to in preceding. [C.O.
5, 1292. pp. 323–326.] |
Oct. 23.
Whitehall. |
129. Mr. Popple to Mr. Hulston. Refers to preceding. So
soon as you shall have brought a certificate from H.M. Remembrance Office, that security has accordingly been given there,
their Lordships will make their final report. [C.O. 5, 1292.
p. 327.] |
| [Oct. 23.] |
130. (a.) Journal of Committee of Accounts, Maryland.
28 pp. |
|
(b.) Journal of Council in Assembly of Maryland, Oct.
23—Nov. 3, 1711. 28 pp. |
|
(c.) Journal of House of Delegates of Maryland, Oct.
23— Nov. 3, 1711. 82 pp. Copies. May 29, 1712.
[C.O. 5, 720. Nos. 10—12.] |
| [Oct. 25.] |
131. W. Johnstone, of London, Merchant, to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. Recommends James Aynsworth to be
Councillor of Barbados in the room of G. Lillington, decd., he
having served under the late Governor during the suspension of
the three Councillors, etc. In view of Alexander Skene's petition
(v. Sept. 28), encloses copy of order in Council, Aug. 18, 1708,
dismissing him from the office of Secretary, q.v. Endorsed,
Recd. Oct. 25, Read Nov. 2, 1711. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 67.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
132. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lowther.
Acknowledge letter of June 24. We are glad to hear of your safe
arrival at Barbados, where we hope by your prudent administration the heats and animosities that have too long continued there,
will be wholly composed, since nothing can conduce more to the
welfare and prosperity of that Island. We doubt not but you
have received advise from the Leeward Islands of the repulse the
French met with when they landed at Montserrat, which in a
great measure as we are informed is owing to the conduct and
bravery of the Commander of H.M.S. the Newcastle, and therefore
we shall not add anything more on that head. Whereas there are
several articles in the Instructions to all the Governors of America
which have not punctually been comply'd with, and which are
necessary for our information in order to our laying a state of
each respective Government before H.M. from time to time as
the nature of the thing may require, and tho we do not doubt
of your observance thereof, yet we find ourselves obliged to
mention some of the said articles to you, as we do to all the rest
of the Governors, that answers may be returned thereunto
vizt., accounts of public money, patent places, courts, tables of
fees, numbers of inhabitants, arms, ammunition, negroes imported, and wants and defects of your Government. We shall be
glad to hear frequently from you, and to receive an account of
the present state of your Government etc. P.S. An Act having
been passed the last session of Parliament for the encouragement
of the trade to America, we send you the said Act here inclosed,
which you will cause to be published and duly observed in your
Government. [C.O. 29, 12. pp. 369–371.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
133. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Hunter.
We have received letters from Mr. Clarke, May 28, 30, 31, and
June 7, and shall return particular answers on the first occasion.
Require answers to clauses in Instructions as No. 132. Enclose
Acts passed last session for the encouragement of trade to America,
and for the preservation of white and other pine-trees. [C.O. 5,
1122. pp. 426, 427.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
134. Council of Trade and Plantations to Edward Lloyd,
President of the Councill of Maryland. Acknowledge letter of
Nov. 4, 1710. Require answers to clauses in Instructions as in
preceding. Conclude: H.M. having referred to us the Address
from you, the Councill and Assembly relating to ye Governor's
keeping of the seal of Maryland, and we having laid the whole
state of that matter before H.M., she has been pleased by her
Order in Council, June 14, 1711, to declare her royal pleasure
therein etc., which Order we send you here enclosed, that you may
cause the same to be published and entred in the Councill books
and punctually complyed with. P.S. Repeat last paragraph
of No. 133. [C.O. 5, 727. pp. 305–308.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
135. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Dudley.
Since our letter of Jan. 29, a duplicate whereof has been sent you,
we have received none from you, and only one from Mr. Addington
etc. Require answers to clauses in Instructions as in preceding.
[C.O. 5, 913. pp. 352, 353.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
136. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord A.
Hamilton. We have received your Lordship's letter of July 17,
and at present have only to acquaint your Lordship, that we are
glad to hear of your safe arrival, as also of the repulse given the
French at Montserrat, which we understand from Mr. Hamilton,
Lieut. General of the Leeward Islands, was in a great measure
owing to the conduct and bravery of the Commander of H.M.S.
the Newcastle. We hope that Commodore Littleton, whom your
Lordship mentions to be gone in quest of Monsr. Du Casse, will,
if he is so lucky to meet with the Fleet under his convoy, be able
to give a good account of his Expedition. Require replies to
certain Articles in Instructions as in preceding. |
|
We hope that your Lordship will find the new Assembly disposed to do everything that you may recommend to them for
H.M. service and the good of the Island. We shall be glad
to hear frequently from your Lordship, and to receive an
accot. of the present state of your Government, and such other
accounts as are required by your Instructions. P.S. An Act
having been pass'd the last Session of Parliament, for the encouragement of the trade to America, we send you the said Act here
inclosed, which you will cause to be published and duly observed
in the Island under your Government. [C.O. 138, 13. pp. 361—363.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
137. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Solicitor General.
The Council of Trade and Plantations send you the enclosed
clauses of an Act past the last Sessions of Parliament relating to
the issuing of debentures to such of the sufferers of Nevis and
St. Christophers as have resettled or shall resettle their plantations and thereupon desire your opinion upon the following
queries. (1) What is to be deemed a resettlement ? (2) What
will be a sufficient proof of such a resettlement ? (3) Whether
the inhabitants, vizt. merchts., shopkeepers etc., who had no
plantations, and whose losses are inserted in ye returns made by
the Commrs. appointed to state the same, are to be relieved by
the above clause ? [C.O. 153, 11. p. 376.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
138. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Douglas.
We have had from Lt. Genll. Hamilton an account of your safe
arrival, and should have been glad to have received. it from
yourself. However we hope to receive shortly from you an
accot. of the present state thereof, and of what you have done
in relation to the late Rebellion at Antegoa. We doubt not but
by your prudent interposition, you will be able to allay the heats
and divisions that have too long disturbed the peace of that
Island, and that the Councill and Assembly as well of Antego,
as the other Islands under your care, will act in concert with you
to H. M. service, and their own good. H. M. having been pleased
by her Order in Council, March 1st, 1711, to repeal an Act of
St. Kitts for the Treasurer's paying the publick stock, etc., we send
you the said Order here inclosed, which you are to cause to be
published and entred in the Councill books of that Island as
usual. Require answers to several clauses in his Instructions as No.
132. P.S. An Act having been passed the last Session of Parliament for the encouragement of the trade to America, we send you
the said Act here inclosed, which you will cause to be publish'd
and duly observed in the Leeward Islands under your Government. [C.O. 153, 11. pp. 377–379.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
139. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor
Bennett. Acknowledge letters of Dec. 26, 1710 and June 22,
1711. We should have been glad to have received the account of
the fortifications you mention therein. But whereas there are
other clauses in your Instructions that have not been complyed
with, conclude as preceding with request for answers. [C.O. 38, 7.
pp. 29–31.] |
Oct. 26.
Secretary's Office in Barbados. |
140. Mr. Skene to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses the last quarter's Minutes in Mr. Lillington's time, etc.
Signed, A. Skene. Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 13, 1711. 1 p.
[C.O. 28, 13. No. 77; and 29, 12. p. 395.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
141. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Dartmouth. In reply to your Lordship's letter of 15th instant,
desiring to know by what power and authorities the Admiralty
Jurisdiction is exercised in the Plantations, quote Order of Council
Dec. 18, 1701, and replies from Governors to circular letter
written to them. (v. C.S.P. 1701. No. 1094, 1702, Nos. 197,
504, 570, 743, 1005, etc.). We have likewise examined the copy
of the Commn. for Vice-Admiral given to the late Sir Bevil
Granville under the Seal of the Admiralty (and we are inform'd
that Commns. to the like purpose are given to all H.M. Governors
in America) whereby he was impowered to appoint a Deputy or
Deputies for determining all maritime affairs, as also all other fit
and necessary officers under him, for the execution of his office
of Vice-Admiral. And as the returns from Jamaica and the
Leeward Islands mention a clause in the Governor's Commn.
under the Great Seal of this Kingdom, impowering them to
constitute Courts, we inclose a copy of that clause in the Lord A.
Hamilton's Commn., which is the same to all the other Governors
in America. Autograph signatures. 5 pp. Enclosed, |
|
141. i. Copy of Clause in Governor Lord A. Hamilton's Commn.,
impowering him to constitute Courts etc. [C.O. 137,
46. Nos. 1, 1 i.] |
Oct. 26.
Whitehall. |
142. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor
Spotswood. Acknowledge letter of July 25, etc. Request replies
to Instructions and enclose Acts as No. 133. [C.O. 5, 1363. pp.
342–345; and (rough draft) 5, 1335. pp. 138–140.] |
Oct. 26.
Bermuda. |
143. Lt. Governor Bennett to [? Lord Dartmouth]. Refers
to letter etc. of June 22. The three soldiers I reprieved att the
gallows were soe penitent, that the Council made applycation
they might be pardoned, as did the Assembly by an Address,
soe that I found none were apprehensive of any second attempt,
or that the Island was in any dainger by them: I therefore
pursuant (as I conceived) to H.M. most gratious goodness and
intention of mercy pardoned them, and are now soldiers again
in the Company: I hope I have not varied anything from the
dictates of your Lordps.' letter, etc. This country in generall is
afficted with the measles, but does not prove mortall altho'
infectious, none escapeing in a ffamily it seized that has not had
them. Repeats part of June 22. This coast has been lately
infested by a French privateer of 10 guns and 120 men, and has
taken severall vessells: whereupon I fitted out two sloops, and
sent them to cruse round the Island att a convenient distance,
which they accordingly did for five days, but the privateer was
gone: I wish more in company doe not visit us, and that the
want (in case they should land) of an augmentation to H.M.
independt. Company of Foot (mentioned in mine of June 22nd)
be of noe inconveniency. As for my part I shall doe all that's
possible for me to demonstrate faithfull discharge of my duty,
and the trust reposed in me, etc. Signed, Ben. Bennett. Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O. 37, 28. Nos. 8; and (duplicate) 9.] |
Oct. 27.
Barbados. |
144. Governor Lowther to Mr. Popple. Encloses duplicates
of Minutes and Acts sent Aug. 20 etc. Signed, Rob. Lowther.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Dec. 13, 1711. Holograph. ¾ p. [C.O.
28,13. No. 76; and 29, 12. p. 394.] |
Oct. 27.
Barbados. |
145. Dudley Woodbridge, Judge of H.M. Court of Admiralty,
Barbados, to the Earl of Dartmouth. When I did myself the honour
of addressing your Lordship on the 24th instant, I was under noe
apprehention I should have this occation of laying before your
Lordship an account of an appeal from my judgement here to
H.M. in Privy Council, which I granted in pursuance to the Act
for the encouragement of the trade to America. But soe it is, may
it please your Lordship, Capt. Thomas Legge and Capt. Robert
Chadwick, Commanders of H.M.S. Anglesea and Joy having
taken ye shipp Camwood Merchant from the subjects of the French
King on the coast of Affrica brought her into this port and
libell'd her in the Admiralty here. Messrs. Bate and Stewart
Agents to the Royal Affrican Company put in a claim to the
said ship in behalf of the Company, on hearing ye arguments of
ye Council on both sides, and inasmuch as it plainly appeared to
me that the ship was in ye possession of the subjects of the
French King at the time of her caption, had been soe for the
proceeding 28 days, had been carryed in and anchored in several
ports, or rivers on the coa(s)t of Affrica, where the French usually
trade, and there unloded her English cargo, and was reladed by
the subjects and with the effects of the subjects of the French
King, and bound with the same on voyage to Martineco, an
island (belonging to the French King) in America, but was by
such caption of the Anglesea and Joy prevented and compel'd
into this island, it was my opinion and I did accordingly sentence
the said shipp to be lawfull prize to the said Legge and Chadwick
and their ships' companys etc., which reasons etc. I humbly begg
leave to lay before H.M. in Privy Council, thro' the hands of
your Lordship. Capt. Legg and Capt. Chadwick having sail'd
from this place for Jamaica on the 23rd instant are noe ways
apprais'd of this appeal, nor being under any expectation of the
same, did take care to leave attorneys or fee Council to state and
transmit the case and proceedings thereof. For the petition for
said appeal, the order thereon, and ye security given was not
till the 25th and 26th instant, which were the last days within
the limitation of the Act of Parliament for granting the same.
I humbly hope and flatter myself your Lordship's goodness will
pardon the plainness and freedom of this address, when I tell
your Lordship I am wholy unfit and unaccustomed to applications
of this nature, this being the only appeal from any judgement of
mine, and the first that ever was from this Island on the aforesaid
Act, etc. Signed, Dudley Woodbridge. 4 pp. Enclosed, |
|
145. i. (a) Raynes Bate and Thomas Stewart to Dudley
Woodbridge. Petition for leave to appeal against
judgment in the case of the Camwood Merchant, on the
grounds that she belonged to the Royal African Company
before being taken by the French, and was not carried
into any French port etc., before being recaptured.
The Company therefore claim restitution of the ship on
payment of salvage etc. Oct. 24, 1711. |
|
(b) Leave to appeal granted, provided security be given
Oct. 25, 1711. Signed, Dudley Woodbridge. |
|
(c) Security of £1000 given as above Oct. 26, 1711, by
Raynes Bate and Thomas Stewart. Copy. 2 pp.
[C.O. 28, 43. Nos. 66, 66 i.] |
| [Oct. 28.] |
146. Copy of Order in Council, Feb. 27, 1709, (v. C.S.P. 1708,
9, No. 482) restoring Alexander Skeen to the office of Secretary
of Barbados, etc. (v. Oct. 25, Nov. 15 etc.) Endorsed, Recd. Oct.
28, Read Nov. 15, 1711. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 68; and 29, 12. pp.
374, 375.] |
Oct. 30.
Portsmouth in New Hampshire. |
147. Address of the Governour, Council and Representatives
of New Hampshire to the Queen. Return thanks for H.M. favour
in the late Expedition etc. But whereas the Divine Soveraigntye
was pleased to disappoint that noble design to which wee yeilded
a chearful obedience to your Majesties Royal commands, would
humbly crave that notwithstanding the disappointment your
Majestie would gratiously accept of our sincere design and endeavours therein. Att same time most humbly pray, if in your
princely wisdom you see meet, that your Majestie would gratiously
please to renew the Expedition in the Spring for the reduceing of
that Countrey unto your Majesties obedience. And whereas
one halfe of our men, are imployed against the daily insults of
a barbarous enemy, which renders us very poor and feeble;
And considering that at least one third of our young men yearly
goe abroad, very few of whom returne again; Wee humbly begg
your Majesties most gratious favour respecting our Quota of men,
under our present distressing circumstances, and humbly prostrate ourselves at your Royal feet, etc. Signed, By Order of the
Council, Cha. Story, Secretary. By order of the Representatives,
Richard Gerrish, Speaker. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 10. No. 6.] |
Oct. 30.
Whitehall. |
148. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High
Treasurer. Report upon the petition of George Lyddel and Robert
Clayton of St. Kitts (v. Aug. 22). Petitioners having been at
great expense in improving the sd. plantations, and sustained
considerable losses by the late invasion and dreadfull hurricane;
and as such improvements are an addition to H.M. Revenue, we
see no objection why H.M. may not renew the said grant for
2½ years (according to H.M. order of Nov. 13, 1705) to commence
from expiration of Col. Parke's grant, provided there be a reservation of the usual quit-rent, as in Mrs. Bowden's grant of Aug.
14, 1707. [C.O. 153, 11. pp. 388, 389.] |
Oct. 31.
Warspight, St. Johns, Newfoundland. |
149. Commodore Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following replies to Heads of Enquiry April 17.
Severall abuses that had been committed I have regulated, and
some others which are esteem'd as abuses, cannot be otherways
order'd, but perticularly about the rynding of trees, which cannot
be avoided except the fishing ships and inhabitants doe cover
their stages and houses with board, and as to New England
vessells etc. supplying the people with provisions which is allso
esteem'd an abuse, I cannot see my way to avoid unless they were
supply'd with greater quantitys from Great Brittain, the people
are pretty numerous, and would want in the winter season both
bread and flower if not supply'd from New England etc. The
Fort in this place considering the late destruction is in very
good posture of defence against any attempt of the enemy from
these parts, for Mr. John Collins, the deputed Governor in absence
of H.M. ships has by his industery and som charge repaired a great
part of the damages, and somthing that is still wanting is now in
hand a repairing, soe that by the methods I have taken by
forming the inhabitants into bodys in severall places proper for
defence, and divideing those bodys into companies with proper
officers, I hope in god the inhabitants will be capable of defending
themselves and effects this winter, but what is wanting is 200
reguler troops, 150 for this place and 50 for Ferryland, all under
a Governor resideing here, who should have full power to determine causes between man and man, and by whoes determination
(with consent of some of the principall people) they should stand,
but the Officer soe sent must be an impartiall man prefering the
publique before his own private interest, and who will not doe
unjustice for gaine, it is such a man that must prevent irregularitys
and abuses in this place, and continue to keep the people under
good orders, for they are natureally inclined to be ledd by the
person who has power to drive them. The reasons I propose
for 150 men for this place and but 50 for Ferryland is the conveniencies of the Fort and harbour, which is very commodious
for 200 or 250 saile of ships, it being the metropolis of this Island
and lying just in the center of trade and most resorted too; soe
that whatever occasion may be for assistance to any part it is
sooner sent hence than from any other place. Ferryland and its
adjacent places being the Sothermost part of our Fishery, the
Fort and harbour small, which won't containe above 50 sail,
altho' a place very fitt and commodious for a small fort and fewer
forces will defend it, yet St. Johns exceeds it abundantly, by the
conveniencies of the people's building under command of the
cannon, whoes number is now within the fort, and mounted,
including 4 that I have order'd on shore, 14 with ammunition,
I hope sufficient for this winter. If the troops abovementioned
were sent thither early in the spring to arrive here in the begining
of Aprill next, and three men of warr of 50 and 40 guns to cruize
off Placentia would intercept all their provisions and soon starve
that place, the reduceing of which as it is the shurest soe it is the
easiest and cheapest way to fortifie and make this Island flourish,
etc. Signed, Jos. Crowe. Endorsed, Recd. Nov. 28th, Read
Dec. 4th and 14th, 1711. 2½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
149. i. List of bodies of inhabitants drawn from several places
Total: 1925 men. ¾ p. |
|
149. ii. Commodore Crowe's Replies to Heads of Enquiry
(v. April 17). Articles 1, 3, 20, 21. Number of English
planters, men, women, children and servants, amounts
to 2281; the greatest part being fishermen or boatekeepers in the summer season, are wholy imployed in
catching and curing fish, or in making train, the former
of which they vend to the sack ships coming for that
purpose, or to merchants and factors residing among
them, of which they have some, both from Great
Britain, Ireland and New England, the latter to British
ships only. In the winter, the planters both to the
northward and southward of St. Johns hunt for deer,
beaver, otter, bear, martin, fox and seales, on whose
flesh they feed for the greatest part of that season and
of their furrs drive some small trade with the ships at
their return into the country, but at St. John's the
inhabitants have little or no benefit of this; these
beasts generally retiring to the woods frightned by
the greater number of people that resorts there more
than to other places; besides the danger they are
expos'd too by the neighbourhood of the French at
Placentia makes that much neglected, as it does many
other improvements the country is capable off, as building, breeding of cattle, planting many Europian grains,
fruits, plants etc., necessary for their more comfortable
subsistence. Their provisions they have in part from
Great Brittain and Ireland, the remainder from New
England, New York, Pensylvania, and Carolina which
is brought in their tradeing sloops in good quantitys;
particularly flower, briskett, pork, some sheep and black
cattle, without which the Planters would starve, planting nothing themselves for the reasons before mentioned,
and a sufficient quantity not being brought from great
Brittain; their salt they have from Portugall, the
Azores and Canary Islands with some French salt
taken in prizes, but I do not finde that they have any
supply of cloath, neets, tackle, or fishing necessarys,
but from Great Brittain, excepting what is brought in
prizes. Article 4. I do not find that they make any
waste of the woods by setting fire too or burning them
any otherways than for their necessary occasions, but
they continue to rynde the trees as without which they
cannot (as they pretend) carry on their fishing trade,
and much waste is made of the woods so rynded, for
being at a greater distance than smaller woods which is
of easier carriage and more usefull for building their
stages, flakes etc., it is left in the woods till the weather
and length of time decays it; for which there is no
remedy, unless they are oblidged to cover their stages
and fishing houses with board. Articles 5 and 6.
Great complaint was made of many and great incroachments and daily makeing upon beaches, stages and ships
roomes, where the planters and by-boate keepers build
dwelling-houses, storehouses and stages, and exacted
exorbitant rates from such ships as had occasion for
them to their prejudice, and the discouragement of
the fishing-trade, all which I ordered to be dispossesed
according to the intent of the Act of Parliament, and
they are accordingly dispossesed. Article 7. The byboate keepers and fishing ships have generally more
fresh men then their proportion to their respective
companys of seamen, but very few have certificates
thereof! from great Brittain, and I finde the inhabitants
doe allso imploy a proportinable number of green men,
as the Act directs. Articles 8 and 9 are wholy comply'd
with. (10) I doe not finde that the fishing ships or
others when they are ready to saile or at other times do
destroy or deface or doe any detrement to the stages
or cookroomes etc., or to the materialls thereto belonging, but I finde most of the fishing ships and by-boate
keepers when their fish is cured remove their fleaks and
put them into houses with severall other things which
can be moved in order (as they say) for their preservation,
and so to be imploy'd on the same roome by them that
take it the next year, and I finde all fishing ships and
by-boate keepers do content themselves with what is
necessary for their own use, and do repair the defects
of stages etc. by timber etc. fetched out of the woods,
and I have been informed that the planters in the
winter's season does deface and destroy the stages etc.
belonging to the fishing ships for the repairing their
own, but nothing prov'd against particular persons.
Article 11 is wholy comply'd with. (12) I do not finde
the Admiralls of harbours take that care as they should
aboute the rules and orders in regulateing the fishery,
for they don't keep jornals and accounts, or the number
of all ships, boates, stages, etc., nor of the seamen in
each harbour, as the Act directs, for I have demanded
them here from Capt. Hayden Admirall, and Capt.
Dorrell Vice-Admirall of Carbinear and could not have
them, therefore what jornall they deliver in Great
Brittain I know not, for offten people yt. were never in
the country before are Admills., therefore it would be
very necessary yt. none who has not used ye trade five
years at least should have that previlidge. (Article 13).
I doe not finde by the complaints made to me that the
Admirall of this harbour gave himselfe much concern
for the determination of any differances among the
Planters or others, but they wholy depended on me,
coming with their greivances and complaints farr and
near for me to determine, and I finde they do the like
in other harbours where any man of warr is, and depend
little on the Admiralls, who have so much business of
their own that they cannot finde time to do justice for
others. Articles 14 and 19 are wholy comply'd with.
(15) Before my arriveall the Lords Day was nothing at
all reguarded neither by the inhabitants or comon
saylers, who spent it generally in the houses of entertainment in drinking, swareing and the most disorderly
actions, liveing without any sense of religion; and profaneing the day to that degree that a stranger could
never beleive they had heard of Christianity nor indeed
of god except by the oathes, curses, blasphemous
expressions and horried imprecations; at my first
meeting with the commanders of ships and the Planters
of St. Johns, I represented this to them and proposed
that they should by vollunterry contribution repair
their Church and do something for the maintainance of
the Minester sent by the bishop of London, who arrived
at the same time with me; when the Church was repaired, and upon my publishing by beat of drum and
affixing to the most publique places the laws established
in England against immorality and profaneness, and
punishing those that were found guilty accordingly,
their swareing and riateouse liveing was in a great
measure left off, and the Church upon that day generally
frequented; had they a man amongst them impowered
to put the laws in execution, who would do it impartially
and prefer the publique before his own private interest,
religion would soon be effectually established, the people
would becom orderly, and deal fairly; and this Island
by its trade add very much to H.M. Revinue, and the
riches of the Nation; to this purpose till other provision
is made, I have given the Governor I deputed Instructions annexed to his Commission, and hope it will have
success accordingly. (16) There is no resort of any
strangers to fish or trade in any part of the Island,
except the French who fish and hunt both to the northward and southward of our plantations, and some few
Spanyards, who come with passes to buy fish. (17 and
19) Due care is taken by those that catch fish for the
well salting and cureing the same, and preparing it fitt
for markitt, which if they neglected to do, it is of such
a nature that it would be quite spoyled before ship'd
for at any time that they are overtaken with raine
the fish is green on the flakes, or if by the neglect
of a salter the fish be over or under salted, it becomes
damnified and called refuge fish, and tho' as good
for present spending as the best, yet will sell but for
halfe price on the spott, and ship'd off for the West
Indias. (22) At present neither wine, brandy nor rum is
brought hither from New England, there being sufficient
quantitys brought from the Azores and the West
Indias, and som quantity taken in prizes, by which some
of the fishery grow debauched and run in debt; and,
great part of the year's wages is gon before it be well
earned, to the great hinderance of their business, and
then they hire themselves to the Planters for another
year, but since my arriveall here, I have supress'd in
som measure by threats, punishments, and other
necessary means both to the vender and criminall.
(23 and 24) Som small quantitys of wine and oyle are
brought here from Lisbon, Liverhorn or other places
in the Mediteranion by most ships that come thence,
and is expended among the fishermen and inhabitants,
and I don't finde any trade driven by selling the same
to New England or other Plantations, excepting som
masters of small vessells buys a hogs head or two of
prize wine for their own use. (25) I don't finde that
any Plantation commodities excepting sugar, mollasses,
rum and tobacco are exported hither, and no more of
those then what is used by the seamen, planters, and
fishermen of this country, and none to be shipp'd off
for any part of Europe. (26) v. infra. The price this
year is 15s. per quintoll, fish being scarce, but other
years when more plenty, it is sold for eleven shillings,
but I don't know how it can be sold in great Brittain.
(27) v. infra. They feed their men in the summer
season mostly with fresh codds, with som salt pork and
a little beefe and biskett, they catch all their codd with
hooks and line, but som of their baites with netts, and
other with hookes, by bobbing; they are at about £150
charges for wages, victualls and craft for each boat, and
have catched not above 200 quintolls per boat and som
a great deale less by reason of the scarsness of fish
this year, (28, 29) which has rais'd the price to 15s. per
quintoll, and yet I beleive som of them will be loosers
this year, for other years they catch from 350 to 400
quintolls per boate, and their fish is worth 11s. per
quintoll. Train oyle is worth £16 per tunn, which is
most part or all carry'd to great Britton, but the fish
is sent to Portugall, Spaine and Ittialy. (29) v. infra.
(30) I don't finde any masters of ships encourage their
men to stay behinde, but most that does stay seek it
themselves by hireing themselves to planters for another
year; others run away from ships and stay in the woods
to meet opportunity to gett for New England, which I
have in great measure prevented, since I came into the
country, but others gett on board the privateers, therefore cannot learn what number is left behinde yearly,
but finde as som does stay, others as their affairs call
them goe hence to great Brittain, and I finde the best
methods for preventing there staying here, is the dilligence of the officers guarding the severall harbours, to
prevent their goeing for New England. (31, 32). By
the best information I can gett here, there is not above
600 French inhabitants att Placentia and the places
adjacent, but they have now with two companys,
brought lately over, five companys of soldiers; and but
small encouragement given to settle, or plant anywhere,
for som times they send great ships a fishing in harbours
to the northward of us as farr as 50 and 51 degrees of
Lattitude, and as soone as their voyage is made, they
all retire and leave the place, but there has been orders
given this year, that no ships shall fish there; they
have no fort or places of strength but Placentia, where
in the Fort on the Hill are 16 gunns, 6 iron and 10 brass,
which were carryed from St. Johns, that fort is square,
haveing only four guns in front in two teere; in a small
bay under this Castle are planted 12 guns with a brest
work on the East side of the bay; 2 miles from the Fort
are 4 gunns in the west side of the harbour; the grand
Fort of 40 guns, 20 of which are at the goeing in of the
harbour, 10 fronting the bay and 2 to the land. They
have a small trade from Quebeck for furrs and flower,
but most of their provisions comes from France, and
if 3 men of warr of 50 and 40 gunns were here early in
the spring, and to cruize off that place by the midle
of Aprill, it would intercept their provisions and soone
starve that place, the reduceing of which, as it is the
surest, so it is the easiest and cheapest way to fortifie
and make this Island flourish. 7 pp. |
|
149. iii. Scheme of the Fishery of Newfoundland. Number of
fishing ships, 62; sack ships, 55; ships from America,
10;=6880 tuns burthen, and 3137 men. Number of
fishing ships boates, 168; by boates, 93; inhabitants'
boates, 346; by boat masters 76; men 558. Quintals
of fish made by fishing ships, 33988, by by-boats 13950,
inhabitants boats, 72608;=120546 quintals. Quintals
carried to market, 118900. Quantity of train made by
fishing ships, 234; by boates, 85; inhabitants, 410;=
729 tunns. Number of stages, 123. Number of inhabitants, men, 1925, women, 190 and children 278=
2393. Signed, Jas. Crowe. Warspight. St. Johns,
Newfoundland. Oct. 31, 1711. 1 p. |
|
149. iv. (a) By Capt. Jos. Crow, C. in C. of H.M. ships, forts,
and garrisons in Newfoundland. A record of severall
laws and orders made at St. Johns for the better disipline
and good order of the people and correcting irregulariteys by them committed contrary to good laws and
acts of Parliament, all which is debated at severall
Courts held wherein was present the Commanders of
mercht. ships, merchts. and cheif inhabitants and
wittnesses being examined, it was brought to the following conclusion, Aug. 23—Oct. 23, 1711. (1) That a
sume of mony should be collected by a voluntary gift
from the commanders of ships, merchants, masters of
famillies and others tradeing to St. Johns and those
resideing there for this winter season for repairing and
refitting the Church which was demollisht in order for
the due worship of Allmighty god therein, and the
remainer for the Minister's subsistance. (2) That
orders be put up att publick houses and other convenient places for the suppressing drunkeness cursing
and swearing, and other irregularties with fines and
punishment according to annexed copy. (3) That a
body of seamen or others should keep guard in the night
and patroull along the backsides of the harbour of St.
Johns to prevent the mischeiffs frequently committed
by the spyes of the enimiey and others upon the inhabitants, to be raised from the complements of the
ship in ye harbour one man for every 15 and by one man
for every three boats of the inhabitants and by boatkeepers, a commander of a ship and a mercht. to command them each night. (4) That the tenements,
store-houses and stages, etc., now in posestion of persons
mentioned, being proved formerly belonging to fishing
ships and engros'd since 1685 contrary to Actt of
Parliament to the prejudice of the said ships etc.; I do
therefore hearby disposses them of the same in right
of the fishing ships for the next season. (5) That the
inhabitants, fishermen, and servants of the severall
places in Newfoundland are to repair to their winter
quarters allotted them (enumerated) by Oct. 1st and
be under command of their severall Governers for the
better security of themselves and effectts against the
assaults of the enimiey. (6) That the houses in Fort
William of St. Johns is not to be sould or lett for hire
but in case ye person that builltt or otherwise purchased
the same for time past does not inhabitt therein themselves the said houses are att the disposall of Governor
Collins to put therein such persons that are destitute of
habitation in the said fortt. (7) That the owners of
such houses which shall themselves inhabit therein, and
have not a preportion of people to the said house, it is
at the discretion of the Governer Collins to put to
cohabitt with them such a number of people as he shall
see convenient. (8) That in case there may not be
sufficientt ground in the said fortt to builld habitations
for the number of inhabitants that are to reside there for
this winter season is to be left to the discreetion of
Governor Collins to give leave for the buillding such
habitations as will be proper for them under the gunns
without the work of the fortt. (9) That servants
in this country frequently hier themselves to one or
two or three masters at one time not only to their
disappointment butt much to their prejudices and
hinderance thereof for the preventing such irregularities
for the future, I doe hearby impower the Governor
over such persons so offending to oblidge them to pay
for every such offence £2 10. for the publique good or
otherways cause them to [be] whipt three times forward
and backward along some publique place. (10) That
five men for each ship in the harbour shall goe into the
woods and cutt 20 stockadoes and pallasades to repair
the works of the Fortt of St. Johns, and the boatkeepers for every boat they keep in the season use to
fetch as maney. (11) That the plantation wherein
John Drue of St. Johns has posestion being proved to
be ship's room yet in regard to his age and thereby
past labour, he has free liberty to enjoy the same
dureing life, butt after his decease to return to ye right
of the ships. (12) That Mr. Furss is confirmed at a
second application to lose the upper stage adjoyning
to his own two boats room that he now houlds in behalf
of Mrs. Anne Earll. (13) That whosoever at any
time shall demolish, deface or brake downe any stage,
cooke-room, house or flakes, by removeing any raffters,
rinds, floreing, shores, stakes or layers, any other way
than with a designe to imploy them on the same room
the next year, shall forfeit £10 for repairing the same to
the posseser of the said stage and roome. (14) The
house in possion of Capt. Arthor Holdsworth, that
formerly belonged to Mr. Juitt, I have confirmed to
Capt. Holdsworth, this right being assigned to him by
Mr. Richard Colesworthy. (15) That the minister
have for his subsistance a subscription for the insuing
year from the shollups three, the two men boats two,
and the skiff one quintoll of dry merchandable fish,
to be leavied one from the owner of the stage, one from
the boat-keeper, and one from the servants. (16)
That a plantation of three boats rooms in possesion of
Abraham Barrott and Richard Lutton in Torbay being
ships' rooms, they are disposses'd thereof in right of the
ships that have occasion for them the next year. Signed,
Jos. Crowe. |
|
(b) Proclamation by Commodore Crowe, Warspight, St.
John's harbour, Aug. 28, 1711. I doe hearby strictly
forbid any tavern or publick house to entertaine any
seamen or others upon the Sabbath day except strangers
come from other harbours in boats with effectts, to whom
as well as to others you are not to sell any strong liquers
whereby they may be debauched by drunkeness to the
dishonour of Allmighty god, neither are you at any time
to suffer any company to keep disorderly hours in the
night, or to lett them have so much liquers as may
make them drunk upon the penalty or forfeiture of
40s., and for the second double that summe with the
loss of the licence, and each person so taken in any
house disorderly shall forfeitt one shilling, or otherwise
be punished according to my direction and the mony so
forfeitted shall be put for repaireing the Church, and
if any person above the rank of a common seaman be
convicted of swearing or curseing shall pay for such an
offence 2s., and a common seaman or servant 1s., or to
receive such punishment as I shall think fitt, and the
mony so collected shall be for the use above-mentioned.
The whole, 5 pp. |
|
149. v. Since the writeing the foregoing; I have mett one
Martin Kellogg who lives at Dearfield in New England,
and was taken twice by the Canada Indians, the first
time after liveing with them 15 months made his escape,
the second time of his being taken is three years the
14th 7ber. last, and has been in Canada ever since,
liveing 9 months near Mount Royall, and six with the
Indians, and three with a French preist before he was
discovered to be a man taken before, but then remov'd
to Quebeck, where he continued 2 years and 3 months,
and after that when they heard of the English Fleet
coming they sent him away prisoner to Placentia, but
was taken by the way by the Ambuscade privateer.
He sayeth Quebeck is the principal place, and about
half a mile square with pallasadoes and mudd walls
hove up against them, haveing near 100 guns, but don't
exceed 5 or 600 men in it fit to carry arms. Mount
Royall is the second place and more then halfe as big
as Quebeck pallasaded round, but not mudd walls, has
in it about 200 familys and about 350 men includeing
soldiers fitt to bear arms, and is about 60 leagues S.W.
from Quebeck. Three Rivers is the third place which is
about 30 leagues from Quebeck all by the river side,
and in it not above 50 houses with severall small Indian
Forts, along the river side, wherein is an officer and
guards, the river lies nearest S.W. and N.E., and inhabited by French and Indians on both sides the river
and may be near 6 or 7000 French in all Canada besides
Indians whom they don't suffer to live in their towns,
only in small places distance from them and can gett
in 15 or 20 day's warning near 2000 Indians to their
assistance. The country is very fruitfull for grain and
produceth very large horses and sheep with a great
many other cattle, and sends abundance of furrs to
France; but that all their cloathing, stores, necessarys
and liquors etc. come from thence. Signed, Jos. Crowe.
¾ p. [C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 8, 8 i.–v.; and 195, 5. pp.
234–263; and 194, 24. Nos. 2, 2 i.–v.] |
[Oct. 31.]
Boston. |
150. Abstract of Journal of proceedings of the Governour,
Council and Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay for assisting the
Expedition for the reduction of Canada and Newfoundland,
June 8–24th, 1711. With a note as to the steps taken to provide
supplies, and General Nicholson's uncommon zeal and indefatigable pains for the preparations for the Expedition etc. 12 pp.
[C.O. 5, 10. No. 142.] |
