America and West Indies: October 1714

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1928.

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'America and West Indies: October 1714', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1928), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol28/pp22-37 [accessed 29 November 2024].

'America and West Indies: October 1714', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715. Edited by Cecil Headlam( London, 1928), British History Online, accessed November 29, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol28/pp22-37.

"America and West Indies: October 1714". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715. Ed. Cecil Headlam(London, 1928), , British History Online. Web. 29 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol28/pp22-37.

October 1714

Oct. 1.
St. James's.
57. H.M. Commission to George Hay to be Lieutenant Governor of Montserrat. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 43.]
Oct. 1.
Carmarthen.
58. Henry Jonston to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to Sept 7. Recommends George Withiell for making a survey of Newfoundland, in place of Capt. Taverner, who is not a mathematician, surveyor, or geographer. All the merchants traders to Newfoundland and masters of ships negotiateing that way are much concerned that an imperfect survey may be made by the latter, etc. Signed, Hen. Jonston. Enclosed, Recd. 4th Oct., 1714, Read 2nd March, 17 14/15 Addressed. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 74.]
Oct. 2.
Barbados.
59. Richard Carter to George Filson. The young lady Mrs. Thomas, whose affairs you recommended to my care as a practiser of the law here, has to do with a gentleman who must be well purg'd in Chancery; for I find without that nothing can be done, he pretending that he has no estate of Mr. Thomas's left, the same being swallow'd up in ye payment of debts, tho' Mr. Thomas was in his lifetime reputed to be a man of good substance. I beg leave at this time when all patent officers are applying to have their patent renew'd under his present Majesty, that you will shew me friendship, for what is done for me must begin in your office, etc. Signed, Rich. Carter. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 43. No. 91.]
Oct. 2.
Edinburgh.
60. Lord Provost of Edinburgh to Mr. Popple. Reply to Sept. 7. I found it my duty to advertise severall of our Royall Burrows before I returned any answer. We are of oppinion that it is the intrest of Scotland yea even of Brittain that the north coasts of Scotland [sic] namely the norwest to the highlands are proper places to be surveyed in respect there's great quantities of large cod and other fish to be found in those places, and that at a very small charge, etc. This being the needfull, I am, etc. Signed, Geo. Warrender, Provost. Endorsed, Recd. 12th Oct., 1714, Read 2nd March, 17 14/15. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 76.]
Oct. 3.
Boston.
61. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. After our universal and sincere joy in H.M. happy accession to the crown we are impatiently wayting the news of his majestyes happy arrival and his royal comands to his Goverments here which will be to our more joyfull establishment. The enclosed memorial referring to a bank of credit to be raysed in this province is earnestly caryed on by a few merchants in this place not of the first value and upon their attendance of me I have assured them that it must first be layd before the General Assembly of this province for their regulation of it and by them humbly offered to their Lordships at the board of Trade in order to H.M. Royal allowance thereof which I am not advised they are doing, some of the projectors are now in England I suppose Col. Byfield is one if their Lordships please to comand that what projection they are making be layd before their Lordships, I am humbly of opinion what they shall please to direct therein will be to the satisfaction of everybody here but the projectours. I know not how the board of Comissionrs. is at present setled but I pray you will do my duty there and assure their Lordships I shall alwayes be obedient to their comands while I have the honor to serve his Majesty. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Dec., 1714, Read 25th June, 1718. Holograph. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
61. i. Minute of Council of the Massachusetts Bay, Boston, 20th Aug., 1714. Upon reading a memorial presented by the Attorney General, setting forth that a certain number of Gentlemen and merchants are projecting a Bank of Credit, and design speedily to emit a quantity of bills to a great value, ordered that they do not proceed to print the said scheme or put the same on publick record, make or emit any of their notes or bills until they have laid their proposals before the General Assembly etc., and that this order be printed in the weekly News Letter. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Dec., 1714. ½ p.
61. ii. Memorial of Paul Dudley, Attorney General, to Governor Dudley, Boston, 17th Aug., 1714. Referred to in preceding. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Dec., 1714, Read 25th June, 1718. Copy. 6¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 866. Nos. 159, 159 i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 915. pp. 140, 141.]
Oct. 6.
Jamaica.
62. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade and Plantations. By the Biddeford man of war the first inst. late at night I received the orders of the Lords of H. M. Privy Council notifying the death of our late most gracious sovereign Lady Queen Anne, and directing the proclaiming here the high and mighty Prince George, etc., together with your Lopps.' letter of Aug. 11. In obedience to which early the next morning I call'd a Council, and imparted the orders I had receiv'd, and laid before them the form of the Proclamation for this Island, transmitted to me by the Lords of the Council. A Proclamation being prepared strictly agreeable thereto, myself being assisted with the Council of this Island and numbers of the principall planters and inhabitants of the place, unanimously and chearfully sett our hands to the same, and immediatly after H.M. was proclaim'd with all the solemnity wee were capable of, and with one voice, consent and generall acclamations of the people. The Proclamation for continuing persons in office was likewise published at the same time all was perform'd in the same manner and with the same zeal at the other usuall places of this Island. The Council met again in the afternoon where I haveing taken ye oaths to the Government as directed by law, as alsoe those of my office, the Council and other officers present did the same. I have used my uttmost application in causeing the Judges, Majestrates, Justices of the Peace and all other officers civill and military to take the oaths according to the direction of the proclamation of the Lords Justices. It is with the greatest satisfaction that I can further assure your Lopps. that at this extraordinary juncture the Island remains in a state of perfect tranquillity, and nothing shall be omitted effectually to secure the publick peace on this occasion and to show our zeal and inviolable fidelity to the present happy establishment. Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 21st Jan., Read 10th March, 17 14/15. 3 pp. [C.O. 137, 10. No. 63; and 138, 14. pp. 179–181.]
Oct. 7.
Jamaica.
63. Same to Same. Acknowledges letter of June 21st. It is a very great satisfaction and incouragement to me to find that your Lopps. approve of my conduct with respect to our late Assembly. In my letter of 5th May last, I acquainted you with my intentions of speedily calling a new Assembly, which I have hitherto delay'd, haveing but lately received Her late Majesty's commands for reduceing Col. Handaside's Regiment here into two independant companies, besides I found it necessary to give some time to allay the ferment that had been raised by the undutyfull and unwarrantable proceedings which had occasion'd the last desolution, and to undeceive and open the eyes of well meaning people who had been deluded and led away by the managers in that Assembly. The greatest and most pressing difficulty the providing for the soldiers from the 1st of May last has been obviated by myself and the Council's advanceing a sume of mony for their subsistance till they can be provided for by a new Law. I shall now loose no time in calling a new Assembly, and doubt not to find the good effect of the necessary delay, that has been hitherto in it, and the rather that I am confirm'd by your Lordships' opinion on the severall heads of their pretended and mistaken priviledges. But as your Lopps. have still under your consideration in order to be lay'd before H.M. what I wrote, in relation to these proceedings, which may require H.M. orders thereupon, the signification whereof will effectually remedy such like disorders for the future, and strengthen the Governmt. here. P.S. Oct. 25. The writts are out for a new Assembly and it is to meet Dec. 2nd. Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 21st Jan., Read 10th March, 17 14/15. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 137, 10. No. 64; and 138, 14. pp. 181–183.]
Oct. 12.
Admiralty Office.
64. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Col. Leake, H.M.S. Newcastle, being arrived from Newfoundland, I enclose following. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 13th Oct., 1714, Read 10th Feb., 17 14/15. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed,
64. i. Commodore Leake's Replies to Heads of Enquiry relating to Newfoundland for the year 1713. Newcastle in the Downs, Sept. 27, 1714. It was Sept. 3, 1713, before I arriv'd in the Bay of Bulls, and as soon as possible made all enquiry concerning any irregularities committed that year. It was so very late before I arriv'd that two thirds of the ships were sailed before I came, that there was but one Admirall (and that of Bay of Bulls) to give me any account of any manner of proceedings. I had severall complaints from the inhabitants, and others of other places, of injustice don them by the Admirlls, Vice-Admiralls etc., of the taking their fish off the rocks before cured, and other goods for debts by them contracted, without any law or justice, which has been a common thing among them so that they wholy ruine the Fishery, for the Planters have nothing to work with next year. It has been don by Masters of ships when the Admiralls have been in harbour without his order, but my arriving so late was impossible to prevent it, they being sail'd. By this irregular proceeding the strongest man getts all and the rest of the creditors nothing, so that the next year a planter is forced to hire himself out for a servant. (Article 4). The sustenance which the inhabitants receive, is chiefly beef, pork, bread, pease, butter and cheese, which is brought from Great Brittain, Ireland and a great deal from New England as cows and sheep, the rest is wholy the fish they catch after Augt. 20th, which they dry, and some wet fish. For any sort of skins there is very little for traffick. Theire liquor is wine of several sorts as port, French claretts, brandy, rum, which is brought from the West Indies, New England, France and Portugall, as English effects, cotton, indigo and fustick, ginger I co'd learn of none. Theire common drink is made of molossus and spruce, the molossus is brought from the West Indies and New England and some tobacco. (Art. 5). They have their salt for curing their fish from the Isle of Mayo, Spain, Portugall and France, and some from Great Brittain, their fishing tackle is chiefly from Great Brittain and New England sufficient to supply their wants. (Art. 6). I made particular enquiry on complaint made of the rending trees and destroying the woods adjacent, but found nothing don but what was peculiar necessary, for the forwarding the said fishery. (Art. 7 and 8). What complaints was made to me of the inhabitants engrossing any of the ships rooms, I took care to regulate but found very little. (Art. 9). As for the by-boat-keepers carying their number of men green as sho'd do can give no account, they being all gon home before I arriv'd, but found not above two men made complaint to me of their being left behind and that found very frivolous. (Art. 10 and 11). I found no complaints of defaceing or cutting out any marks of boats or trainfatts or removall of any, nor no hindrance or molestation in their trawling for bait, nor no theft in stealing bait. (Art. 12). I did not find, that any stages cook rooms or any thing thereto belonging were defaced or spoyled in any manner, at any persons going away, that had possessions the season, and that they were contented with what they found. (Art. 13, 14, 15). Refers to opening paragraph supra. As to the Admiral's taking more grounds than belongs to them I heard nothing of, they being all sail'd before I came but onely the Admirall of Bay of Bulls, whose Journall I believe is right. As for the people's complaining to the Admiralls etc. of any injustice don them by others, I do not find that any master of a ship vallues him, but the strongest side takes everything by force as severall complaints were made to me, but too late, everybody being gon, but as far as I co'd I decided. (Art. 16 and 17). I took particular care that what ships were left to give orders to the masters that no ballast sho'd be thrown out to annoy the harbours and the offall of all the harbours is so taken care of that the tide and sea carries it away that it is no annoyance to the inhabitants. (Art. 18). I took particular care for the better keeping the Lord's Day, by issuing an order on severe penalty, for no publick house to sell drink, and what person found drunk should be severely punished. (Art. 19). Upon enquiry I did not find any foreigner of any nation had come on any account, or any others but from New England, which brought rum, molossus, fishing tackle, cloths, nails, deals and most all sorts of commodities for the inhabitants building houses and for other uses. (Art. 21). The fish which this year has been cured by the inhabitants and others has been cured with good salt well cured and merchandible, for the places they were bound to. (Art. 22 and 23). Tis certain that there are great quantitys of wine, rum brought from New England as well as other places, and the inhabitants by being trusted run so far in debt, that they weary of the next year are forced to hire themselves, for servants, but not wholy for liquor, but provision and cloaths for their families. As for any other commodities brought to vend, I cannot find but what I have mention'd but what is brought from Great Brittain or Ireland, and wholy sould to the inhabitants residing there, boatkeepers and others for carrying on the Fishery; I can find nothing but sugar brought, and rum, molossus from Jamaica, Barbadoes, and that but such quantities for the supply of the inhabitants, etc. (Art. 26 and 27). I doe not know what price the fish caught in Great Brittain may bear but this year it was very dear, it sould from 30 to 40 ryalls per quintall there being abundance of ships. There was 46 saile of fishing ships from Great Brittain this year, 162 boats, 736 men, 25,890 quintalls of fish taken, one with another about 5,520 tunns, their charge is impossible for me to tell arriving so late. (Art. 28). Value of fish as supra, and oyl from £8 10s. to £10 per tunn. The fish goes to Portugall, Spain and up the Levant as high as Venice but mostly for Legorne, and some to the Ile of Mayo Western I'les etc., but that but small quantities, the oyl is sent to Great Brittain. (Art. 29). The number of sack ships this year was about 40 bound for Portugal, Spain, up the Levant as high as Venice, some loaden, some two thirds, and some not half, all with dry fish. (Art. 30 etc.) There has been commonly every year severall men left behind particular handycraftmen and seamen, which is not so much the masters of ships faults as their being inticed by great wages from the New England people who stay till all the men of warr are sailed, they keeping them in the woods till then. I gave them all a caution of these proceedings when I came in, but found no man make his complaint of being left behind. I can see no way of prevention, but such vessells being obliged to sail before the convoy or at a particular time so that they may be searched. (Art. 31). For the inhabitants etc. of Placentia arriving so late can give no account having but little time to get ready for sailing; but doe not doubt by this time you have a full account from Generall Nicholson or the man of war that went there. I have taken all the care immaginable to hinder and prevent all those former proceedings but can find no other way then above-mention'd. Signed, R. Leake. 9¾ pp.
64. ii. Scheme of the Fishery of Newfoundland. Fishing ships 46, sack ships 40, ships from America 20. Burthen of fishing ships 5,520 tons. Number of men belonging to the ships 736. Fishing ships' boats 162, by-boats 195, inhabitants' boats 288. By-boatmen, masters 167, servants 380. Quintalls of fish made by fishing ships, 25,890, by-boats 32,370, inhabitants' boats 177. Total carried to market 78,860. Train made by fishing ships 51 tons, by-boats 97, inhabitants' boats 177. Number of stages 387. Men 2,566, women 350, children 400. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 59, 59 i., ii.; and 195, 5. pp. 424–434.]
Oct. 16.
London.
65. Thomas Coram to the Earl of Orford, First Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty. Supports the petition of Daniel Hall etc. (Dec. 6th) and describes the lands desired by them. A settlement here would be the most useful Plantation of any to this Kingdom, and a lasting security against the French and Frenchify'd Indians, and would open a way to Quebeck without hazarding the Fleet in the St. Lawrence etc., and create a new nursery of seamen, by bringing a certain supply of Naval Stores from thence, etc. Signed, Thomas Coram. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Burt, by order of my Ld. Orford) 31st Dec., 1714, Read 8th Feb., 17 14/15. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 29; and 5, 914. pp. 1–5.]
Oct. 16.
St. James's.
66. H.M. Warrant revoking the patent of Thomas Hare and appointing Anthony Cracherode Registrar, Chief Clerk, and Examiner in Chancery for Barbados. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 1.]
Oct. 18.
New York.
67. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and Plantations. This being the first vessel bound from hence to England since H.M. decease, I could not omitt acquainting your Lorps., that tho' the expresse design'd for us was not arriv'd yet haveing receiv'd by other conveyances the news of H.M. accession to the Crown with the origenal Proclamations I thought it my duty to proclame his Maty. here also by the advice of H.M. Council in this Province and am this day to proceed to the Jerseys for the same purpose. The real joy of His Maty's. good subjects here will best appear by their own homely but hearty Addresses which we humbly beg your Lorps. to convey to his Royal hands, not well knowing as yet to whom besides that trouble may properly belong at present, I shall not at this time disturb the publick joy with my private grievances, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 15th Dec., 1714, Read 21st June, 1715. Holograph. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
67. i. Address of the Governor and Council of New York to King George. We humbly beg leave to approach your Royal feet with this first tender of our firm allegiance etc., beseeching the Almighty Providence which has in so signal a manner disappointed the devices of the bad and dissipated the fears of all good men etc., to protect your sacred person etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter, Abr. Depeyster, Sam. Staats, Rip van Dam, R. Walter, Roger Mompesson, John Barbarie, Adol. Philips, T. Byerley. Same endorsement. Copy. 2 pp.
67. ii. Address of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Assistants of the City of New York to the King. Your happy and peaceful accession (your undoubted right) has filled our hearts with joy and thankfulness, etc. We promise to support your Majty. and the Protestant succession with our lives and fortunes, etc. The City Hall, Oct. 16, 1714. Signed, John Johnson, Mayor; David Jamison, Recorder; Joh. Jansen, Jacobs Kip, Abra. Wendell, John Cruger, Jacobus Bayard, Aldermen; Fra. Harison, Sheriff; C. D. Peyster, Albert Clook, Harmanus Vagelder, And. Maerschalck, Johannis Ryckman, Assistants; Sam. Bayard, Chamberlain; Will. Sharpas, Town Clerk. Same endorsement. Copy. 1¾ pp.
67. iii. Address of the Grand Jury for the City and County of New York, to the King, Oct. 13th, 1714. The loss of so excellent a Queen so filled our hearts with grief that nothing but the succession to the Crown in your most illustrious House was able to comfort us, etc. Notwithstanding our remoteness from your Royal person wee will to the utmost of our power with our lives and fortunes defend your Majesties undoubted right and title to the Imperiall Crown of your realms against all open and secret Pretenders and Conspirators whatsoever, etc. Signed Richd. Burke, G. Schuyler, Alec. Moore, Phil. Schuyler, Law. Smith, Gerrard Viele, Abra. Keteltar, Jon. Rolland, Jon. Auboyucau, Isaac Gouverneur, Humph. Salusbury, Wm. Provoost, Danl. Crommelin, Marten Clock, F. Vincent, Louis Carre, Nich. Roosevelt. Same endorsement. Copy. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1050. Nos. 83, 83 i.–iii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 1123. pp. 287, 288.]
Oct. 18.
N. York.
68. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. The faire prospect of the publick security transports me beyond all private considerations, etc. The enclosed to their Lorps. will inform you that the King has been proclaim'd here with a universal transport, some awkward half-huzzas there were but few, when matters are setled you must expect more trouble. In the mean time be assur'd that no man on earth is more heartily then I am your affect. friend, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. 11th Dec., 1714, Read 21st June, 1715. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1050. No. 84; and 5, 1123. pp. 288, 289.]
Oct. 22.
Placentia.
69. Capt. Taverner to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following. I hope your Lordps. will approve of my proceedings, etc. Nothing in my opinion can add more to the Fishery and commerce of those parts than an expeditious survey thereof. I shall do all that's possible to be done this winter, and hope your Lopps. will concurr in ordering me a sloop, which I humbly requested may be sent me timely in the Spring to enable me to proceed on that service. This coast is very dangerous and having no true chart thereof, 'tis my humble opinion, that few of the Brittish ships will come here to fish untill I have compleated one. The French give me an accot. that there is extraordinary good fishing on Banck-vert, which with submission I think proper to be survey'd as soon as possible. I am inform'd there's abundance of salmon on this coast. I shall endeavour to know the truth thereof. Its certainly the best place of fishing in Newfoundland as also for furrs and masts. I doubt not but to bring the Indians in Newfoundland to trade with us, which will be a great advantage to the Brittish Nation. I inform'd your Lordships the last spring of the hardships I lay under for want of a supply of money, which you represented to my Lord Treasurer etc. I was obliged to come away without receiving a farthing from him, and I hear nothing of it is paid since. Prays for instructions to be given to James Campbell, his Agent, etc. Signed, Wm. Taverner. Endorsed, Recd. 26th Nov., 1714, Read 28th Feb., 17 14/15. 1 p. Enclosed,
69. i. Capt. Wm. Taverner's Report to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Placentia, Oct. 22, 1714. Describes his arrival in Newfoundland, June 27th. Col. Moody ordered the Capt. of the Tyger galley to follow my orders, and gave me papers to publish at St. Peters, requesting me to administer the oath of allegiance to H.M. to all the French inhabitants who were willing to take it, to use my utmost endeavours to perswade 'em to continue in their respective plantations, and if possible to hinder all French ships from fishing and trading in those parts which belong to the English. He let me have a corporal and 11 soldiers for that service, etc. July 17th I arrived at St. Peters where I put up Col. Moody's order on the Church door, as also the declaration aforementioned to hinder the French from fishing or selling goods during my continuance in that harbour. I administred the oath to the inhabitants. I also demanded the reason of the Frenche's fishing there. One of them told me he had a good French pass which he would stand by, or fight me. After a consultation with the English masters of ships, I confined him aboard, and told him I should not be imposed on by any such passports, as knowing that the French King had nothing to do with the fishing at that Island or parts adjacent. He begged pardon, but I obliged him and the master of the other French fishing vessel in the same harbour to give £500 security etc. I surveyed the Islands and harbour of St. Peters with the rock adjacient, which in my opinion, is the very best place of fishing for a few English ships in and about Newfoundland, and a considerable place of trade, especially about Michaelmas, where all the planters and servants from the Bay de Espere etc. bring in their furrs and summer's fish, to sell for purchasing their winters provision and necessarys. Description of St. Peter's fishing. July 23 I sailed to, and surveyed the Northermost Bay of Manyclone where was a French Biscayer a fishing, I also required the master of her to give security of his good behaviour. Description of this and of Harbour of Good Hope. There was here a fine field of barley growing as good as ever I saw in England. I surveyed the Bay of Hermitage. Ther's a good beech and place for fishing. Some of the houses were burnt by the English 4 yeares agoe. The proprietor now fishes at the Isle de Espere, but designs to return the next season. I also surveyed the Plantation at Isle Grole, being a good fishing place, etc., and administred the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants of those parts. The other branch of the Bay de Espere called N.E. Bay is accounted the best bay in Newfoundland. In it are abundance of islands which afford plenty of furrs, and timber, etc. Aug. 4 I sailed for Grand Bank, etc. At Rancounter I saw a stage and two men left by a French ship that had fished there this season, but was run away to Cape Britton fearing I should seize her according to Col. Moody's order, etc. Aug. 10th I surveyed the plantations at Grand Bank and Fortune, etc., and administered the oath of allegiance, and returned to St. Peters, etc. Aug. 18 M. Costebelle sent a letter from Placentia the contents whereof hath been published by the priest in the chappells at St. Peters and Fortune threatning the French inhabitants of those places that had taken the oath of allegiance to H.M., in case they remained there should be all accounted as rebells to the French King, be hang'd if they went to France and have all their goods and effects confiscated there, which frightened them very much. I was obliged to stay at St. Peters to encourage them, otherwise this small Colony would have been quite depopulated. In order to supply them with provisions for the winter, I was obliged to promise 'em the liberty of having provisions from M. Gabriel Roger a French mercht. who gave them credit, which the English masters and merchts. were not inclinable to do. I humbly desire your Lordps. will dispence and grant him liberty the next season to gather in his debts so contracted, this being the only expedient I could take to prevent the people going away. Their continuance here tends very much to H.M. service, they being all acquainted with the best fishing grounds and places which the English another season to their great benefit will discover altho' hitherto they have not frequented these parts, the very worst of them being better than our former English settlements to the No'ward. Sept. 22nd I arrived at Placentia. The ship being very foul, and too large and expensive and not proper for the survey, Col. Moody agreed with me in sending her home Oct. 16, 1714. And that H.M. service might not suffer, I have hired a small vessel for surveying the Bays the ensuing winter, and am also obliged to build a boat with 6 oars, etc. Prays for hire to be paid to his Agent. I have also hired a Canadean for H.M. service who speaks the Indian language very well, that when I meet with any Indians I may the better settle a commerce with them, etc. Repeats request for a good sloop for the survey in the spring etc. Signed, Wm. Taverner. Endorsed as preceding. 4½ large pp.
69. ii. Memorandum of a chart of St. Peters, the Island of Columba and adjacent rocks, surveyed by Capt. Taverner, Surveyor of Newfoundland. ½ p.
69. iii. Copy of passport, for a French ship (No. i. supra) to trade and fish at St. Pierre. Signed, Louis Alexandre de Bourbon, Morlaix, April 10, 1714. Same endorsement. 1 p.
69. iv. Account of ships and inhabitants at St. Peters belonging to France. Names of 26 inhabitants, 17 of whom took the oath of allegiance to H.M. Names of 5 French ships in the harbour. Same endorsement. 1 p.
69. v. Certificate by Lt. Governor Moody and Capt. Taverner recommending Capt. Ruston, Tyger galley, to the Commissioners of Transportation for a month's pay for his journey home. Placentia, Oct. 10, 1714. Signed, John Moody, Wm. Taverner. Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 68, 68 i.–v.; and (without enclosures) 195, 5. pp. 514, 516; and (enclosure No. i. only) 195, 6. pp. 1–16.]
Oct. 25.
Virginia.
70. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Tho I have recieved no intimation from your Lordships of the death of our late most gracious Queen, I cannot omitt this first opportunity after the notification of the mournfull news sent me by my Lord Bolinbroke, to acquaint your Lordps., that according to the directions transmitted therewith I proclaimed King George, with all the solemnitys this country is capable of, on the 19th instant; the Council and most of the principal Gentlemen of the country (who were then extraordinarily assembled at Williamsburgh on occasion of the General Court) assisting therein; and the night concluded with an entertainment at my house for all the Gentlemen in Town, where H.M. health was drank with the fireing of guns, and all suitable demonstrations of joy for H.M. happy and peaceable accession to the Throne, whose undoubted and rightfull title, the People of this Colony do unanimously acknowledge. I have together with the Council and principal Officers taken the oaths prescribed by the sixth of Queen Anne; and have issued out orders for proclaiming H.M., and qualifying the severall Officers throughout the Government. Having recieved no commands from your Lordps., but what I have already acknowledged and answered, I shall not till after the meeting of the Assembly (wch. begins the 16 of next month) trouble your Lordps. etc., except to acquaint you that I am but just return'd from a six weeks expedition for settling the Indians and securing the frontiers, and that the country is at present in perfect tranquility. Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. 10th Dec., 1714, Read 16th May, 1716. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No. 24; and 5, 1364. pp. 303–305.]
[Oct. 26.] 71. Memorial presented on behalf of President Sharpe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Recounts his services (v. April 24 and July 1st), refers to enclosed, and prays to be recommended to H.M., etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read 26 Oct., 1714. 1 large p. Enclosed,
71. i., ii. Extracts from Lord Sunderland's letters, v. C.S.P., 1707, Nos. 835, 836. [C.O. 28, 14. Nos. 24, 24 i., ii.]
[Oct. 26.] 72. Petition of President Sharpe to the King. Recounts his services as in preceding and prays to be continued in the Government of Barbados. Endorsed, Recd. Read 26th Oct., 1714. 1 large p. [C.O. 28, 14. No. 25.]
Oct. 26.
Treary. Chambers, Whitehall.
73. Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to the Lords of the Council. We do intirely agree with the Lords Commissioners for Trade as to the settlement of St. Kitts etc. We have no objection to the restoring the French Protestant Refugees whose cases have been already examined and reported by the Council of Trade and Plantations, but as to the five petitions which came annext (v. Oct. 27) to your Lordps'. order of reference, we return them back with our opinion that they ought to be examined in like manner by the said Lords Commissioners, etc. Signed, Halifax, Ri. Onslow, Wm. St. Quintin, Edwd. Wortley, P. Methuen. Endorsed, Recd. — Nov., 1714, Read 23rd Feb., 17 14/15. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 40; and 153, 12. pp. 182, 183.]
Oct. 27.
Councill Chamber, Whitehall.
74. Order of King in Council. Referring following to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 28th Oct., Read 1st Nov., 1714. 1 p. Enclosed,
74. i. Petition of Stephen Duport to the King. Prays that following petitions formerly mislaid may be referred to the Council of Trade like those of April 5th. 1 p.
74. ii. Petition of Stephen Duport to the King. Duplicate of his petition to the Queen, C.S.P. 1714, No. 630 i.
74. iii. Petition of Stephen Duport, in behalf of the Council and Assembly of St. Christophers, to the King. Several Irish and French Papists residing in the English part of that Island when the first war with France broake out in 1689, did fly from their habitations into the French quarter, took up arms and assisted the French in the reduction of the Island against your Majesty's subjects, whereof many suffered thereby in their lives and estates, and at the reconquest of the said Island by your Majesty's forces retired out of the same into the French Colonies, where they resided and continued to act in open rebellion, after which your Majesty's Chief Governor for the time being and others since, did make grants of the said rebells' lands and plantations as being forfeited by their rebellion to such of your Majesty's faithfull subjects as did distinguish themselves in the defence and reconquest of the Island; upon which an Act passed there for the confirming these grants, which being sent over for your Majesty's confirmation, the Attorney General gave his opinion that it could not be confirmed, for want of some formalities mentioned in his report, which could not be prevented, there being no civill laws open during the wars, since which, and the present Peace, many of the said rebells have return'd to the Island, claimed their former lands and plantations, and some of them recover'd the same from the late possessors and behave themselves there in such insulting dareing manner and threats that your Majesty's faithfull subjects are much disturbed thereat and will probably occasion some considerable disorder if not timely prevented. Prays for H.M. speedy relief. 2 pp.
74. iv. Petition of Mary Maillard to the King. Widow of Peter Maillard, her father, Francis Meunier, was forced to fly from his plantation in the French part of St. Kitts owing to the persecution of Protestants, prays to be granted one moiety thereof, she and her sister Arouet Guychard being his only children. 1 p.
74. v. Petition of Mary Maillard for the King. Prays to be restored to a plantation in the French quarter of St. Kitts, possessed by her husband and herself, before they fled into the English quarter on account of the French persecution of Protestants. She has lived there since the English conquered that part. 1 p.
74. vi. Petition of Francis Guychard, and other children of Arouet Guychard (v. No. v.). Prays to be granted a moiety of the plantation referred to (No. iv.). 1 p.
74. vii. Petition of Francis Guychard and other children of Francis Guychard to the King. Prays to be restored to a plantation in the French quarter of St. Kitts, whence his father fled before the French persecution of Protestants. Petitioners and their mother have lived there since the English conquest. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 10. Nos. 33, 33 i.-vii.; and (without enclosures) 153, 12. p. 144.]
Oct. 27.
Whitehal.
75. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Townshend. Enclose Addresses of the Council and Assembly of Barbados to Her late Majesty, relating to Mr. Sharpe. Autograph signatures. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 39. No. 1; and 29, 13. p. 126.]
Oct. 28.
Whitehall.
76. Lord Townshend to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following for their opinion thereupon. Signed, Townshend. Endorsed, Recd. 29th Oct., Read 1st Nov., 1714. ¾ p. Enclosed,
76. i. Monsr. de Pontchartrain to Monsr. D'Iberville. Oct. 17, 1714. The King being fully resolved to put the Treaty of Peace in execution in every part of it, and particularly what is contain'd in the 6th Article, relating to the Trade with the Spanish West Indies, H.M. has not been satisfied with preventing what is there stipulated by the prohibitions which he had already made by the Ordinance of Jan. 18, 1712. In order also to prevent the tricks and contrivances that the traders of France might make use of to evade the foresaid prohibition, H.M. has farther required all those who shall sail out of the ports of France to trade at Cadiz at the French Colonies and elsewhere to give security, under the penalty of 100,000 piasters and confiscation in case they be convicted to have sail'd to the said Spanish West Indies. Since which H.M. finding with concern, that the avidity of some particular persons has rendered these precautions too weak, and suggested to them to equip their ships in foreign ports; H.M. has therefore issued a new declaration, signed and sealed, in which the foregoing prohibitions are recited, with the addition of the penalty of being sent to the galleys, and other penaltys capable to restrain such whose temerity cannot be curb'd by pecuniary mulcts, which is a convincing argument of the sincerity of H.M. etc. But H.M. fearing that this Declaration might be evaded by a collusion between his subjects and those of other countries where they make their equipments, has thought fit before he publishes the same to communicate it to the foreign and maritime powers, that they making on their part the like prohibitions to their subjects, on the same penalties, or others equivalent, the Articles of the Treaty may be reciprocally observed with the same exactness, and not be for the future in danger of being evaded by particular persons of any other nation. For this reason I did transmit to you by the King's Order of Nov. 11th last, a copy of this Declaration informing you by an article of Instructions which was annexed to it, that H.M. desired you would communicate it to the Queen of Great Britain, that she might be pleas'd to enter into the same measures. H.M. has also given the same directions to Monsr. de Chateauneuf, for what relates to the States General; but neither they nor the Queen of Great Britain have as yet done anything therein; so that their silence is the reason why the said Declaration has not yet been register'd in the parliaments and publish'd. H.M. therefore has commanded me to signify to you his pleasure, that you apply with vivacity to the King of England, in order to bring him as soon as may be to make the like prohibitions to his subjects and under penalties. This is so much the more reasonable in that the English continue to carry on a considerable trade to the Spanish West Indies by Jamaica, importing there great quantities of goods, and even into the South Sea. Although the Ministers of England have complained to the Spanish Court of a trade they pretend the French carry on there, but it will not be difficult to you to enervate the said complaints in acquainting the English with what H.M. has done and the measures he has taken to prevent his subjects sailing into those parts. 4 pp.
76. ii. Declaration by the King of France prohibiting all traders from going or sending ships to the South Sea. Marly, July 31st, 1713. 2½ pp.
76. iii., iv. Duplicates of i. and ii. the original French. [C.O. 388, 17. Nos. 76, 76 i.-iv.; and (without Nos. iii. and iv.) 389, 24. pp. 432–438.]
Oct. 28.
Treary. Chambers.
77. Mr. Lowndes to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The persons possessed of debentures towards repairing the losses sustained in Nevis and St. Christophers having preferred a peticon for the sum of £18,540 12s. 9¾d. granted by Parliamt. for three years interest from Xmas 1711–1714, the Lords Commrs. of the Treasury desire an authentick list of the said debentures, etc. Signed, Wm. Lowndes. Endorsed, Recd. 29th, Read 30th Dec., 1714. 1 p. Enclosed,
77. i. Petition of Joseph Martyn, Ste. Duport and others to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Pray for payment of interest on debentures as in preceding. Signed, Joseph Martyn, Ste. Duport and 24 others. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 10. Nos. 35, 35 i.; and (without enclosure) 153, 12. p. 147.]
Oct. 29.
St. James's.
78. H.M. Warrant appointing James Archbould to the Council of Barbados in place of Henry Low decd. Countersigned, Townshend. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 2.]
Oct. 29.
St. James's.
79. H.M. Warrant appointing Thomas Beake Secretary of Maryland. Countersigned, Townshend. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 23.]