|
May 2.
Boston, New England. |
376. Governor Dudley to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have the honour of your Lordships letters of the 26th
of January last which came to my hand two days since, and have
sent express to the Province of New Hampshire, directing the
Clerks to send me fair copys of that Act your Lordships wrot for
that I may lay it before your Lordships. The ship that brings
this was fallen down before your Lordships letters arrived, but
here is a vessel or two will sail within a few days time, by whom I
shall not fail to send the copys aforesaid. I have had the misfortune to lose the Secretarys of both Provinces within two
months last past which were men of capacity for their places.
Mr. Addington of the Massachusetts and Mr. Story for New
Hampshire who never failed me in carfully transmitting the Acts
and minutes of Assembly and Council in their several stations,
and in August last I was present and saw the fyles all put up, and
in my letter of September both at the Secretary's office and at
your Lordships' Board I gave notice of their coming, as I have
always done, and can't imagine how that single paper shou'd
be wanting, but the Gentlemen are both dead, and it shall be
forthwith supply'd. It is my duty to acquaint your Lordships
that the Secretary of the Massachusetts holds by Commission
immediatly from his Majesty; He has no stated salary, but was
usually presented by the Assembly with 50 or £60 per annum,
and his fees near the same summ, and that is all I cou'd ever
obtain for him. The Secretary of New Hampshire lived by the
Law and writing, and had a payment annually not exceeding
£20 pr. annum, and has been hitherto appointed by the Governour,
but your Lordships will please to give order therein. I have in
both the Provinces appointed two Gentlemen to each Province
to take care of the Seals, papers etc. belonging to the offices
severally, until H.M. pleasure be further known, and sworn a
Clerk of the Council in each Province for the time being. The
inclosed prints were published in both the Provinces, in all seaport towns, and H.M. Officers of the Custom House directed to
use all possible methods for the discovery of any collusion or
breach made therein. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd.
27th June, 1715, Read 26th June, 1718. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
376. i. Proclamation by Governor Dudley, with the advice of
the Council, against commerce with the French of Canada,
Cape Breton, or any other parts, the articles of commerce
upon the late Treaty of Peace being not yet settled, etc.
Boston, 29th March, 1715. Endorsed as preceding.
Printed by B. Green, etc. Headpiece, the Royal
Arms. 1 p. |
|
376. ii. Copy of the 5th and 6th Articles of the Treaty of
Neutrality between England and France in 1686.
Same endorsement. Printed by B. Green, Boston. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 866. Nos. 165, 165 i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 915. pp. 151–153.] |
May 3.
Whitehall. |
377. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Enclose following, for H.M. pleasure thereupon.
Autograph signatures. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
377. i. Same to the King. Representation upon the disposing
of the lands in the late French part of St. Christophers.
The sooner that Island is settled and planted, the
greater advantage it will be, not only to the inhabitants
and trade thereof, but it will also be an addition to your
Majesty's Revenue by the increase of the 4½ p.c. duty
there and Customs here, and an increase of people in
that island will be an addition of strength and security
to the rest of your Majesty's Leeward Charibbee Islands;
Wherefore we humbly offer the same be done as soon
as conveniently may be. We have been inform'd
the French part of that Island contains above 20,000
acres of good land fit for sugar canes; besides the lands
about the salt ponds, and some others of less value, but
fit for feeding and breeding of cattle. We shall humbly
propose two methods for the speedier settling this
Island. The first is, that it bee sold outright to the
highest bidder, which may perhaps be done, especially
the best lands, for about £3 per acre, with a quit-rent
of about 6d. per acre Island money upon the whole.
Of these lands we humbly propose that about 4,000 acres
of the worst near the sea side be parcelled out in plantations, not exceeding 10 acres each, and given gratis
to a poorer sort of inhabitants; and that there be a
clause in their respective grants, prohibiting them to
sell or dispose of their lands to any persons having
lands there already; and that they be oblig'd to furnish
one white man (in case they are disabled themselves)
with one good gun, 30 charges of powder and ball and
cartridge box and sword for the militia, to be ready on
all occasions. That in case of failure they be liable to a
penalty to be specifyed in the grant, or the lands to
revert to your Majesty. There will then remain above
16,000 acres, which if disposed of at £3 pr. acre as
aforesaid, will amount to above £48,000 besides the quitrent as above. We further humbly offer, that the
abovementioned lands be divided into plantations in
the following proportions, none exceeding 300, some of
250, 200, and 150, 100, 50, and some of 25 acres; that
each grantee be oblig'd to cultivate the said lands in a
certain limitted time; and for every 40 acres to keep one
white man, or two white women, within a year after the
date of their grant or bill of sale, and one white man or
two white women, for every 20 acres, 3 years after the
said date. And whereas the granting of large tracts
to one person is a hindrance to the people of an Island
or Plantation, and is one of the chief reasons of the weakness of Jamaica, and other your Majesty's Colonies in
America; we humbly offer, that no person having
already 300 acres of land in that Island be allow'd to
purchase any of the French lands, unless it be upon
the marriage of their children and the separation of
their families; and that as few as may be of the
inhabitants of the other three Leeward Islands be
encourag'd to purchase; since the known fertility of
the soil and healthfulness of the climate of St. Christophers, may invite many persons from the other Islands
to go thither, which wou'd be a weak'ning to the said
Islands and detriment to the whole. The other method
we humbly lay before your Majesty is, that the said land
be granted in fee farms, at a yearly reserv'd rent of
about 4 or 5s., that country money, pr. acre; and the
grantees have liberty to fine off ¼ or ⅓ of the said rent
as they shall think fit; This in our humble opinion wou'd
contribute to a speedier settlement; since people may
be more willing and able to settle plantations on the
terms of a yearly reserv'd rent, than of a sum in gross
for the purchase. This reserv'd rent may be sufficient
to answer the salaries of the Chief Governor and the
four Lieut. Governors (who are now paid out of the 4½
pr. cent.) and afford a further sum towards contingent
charges. The better to perform this work, which
method soever your Majesty may think fit to approve of,
we are humbly of opinion it will be necessary that
Commissrs. of known probity and ability, not exceeding
three, with Surveyors under them, be sent from hence,
impower'd and instructed to execute their Commissions
without the intervention of any Governor, Lt. Govr.
or Commander in Chief unless his or their assistance be
desir'd. We further humbly offer that in all grants or
bills of sale the grantee or purchaser be subjected to the
laws now in force in the other part of that Island, and
particularly that they be obliged to pay your Majesty
the duty of 4½ per cent. That the said late French
part be divided into parishes, and that the inhabitants
be impower'd to send a proportionable number of
Representatives to the Genl. Assembly. That to
incourage the speedy building and settling of the towns
of Basse Terre, French Sandy Point, and White Flag
Bay, the ground of the said towns be laid out in proportions for building tenements of different sizes,
and granted gratis to such as apply for the same, with
this proviso, that they build according to the proportions
within the space of 18 months. Autograph signatures. 6 pp. [C.O. 239, 1. Nos. 23, 23 i.; and 153,
12. pp. 192–199.] |
May 4.
Whitehall. |
378. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Enclose following, "and that H.M. undoubted right
and title to the Islands of St. Lucia and Tobago may fully appear,
we inclose a Representation by this Board 2nd June, 1709,
thereupon." Autograph signatures. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
378. i. Extract of letter from President Sharpe, 28th Feb.,
1715. |
|
378. ii. Copy of M. Duquesne's to President Sharpe. v. Feb.
28. |
|
378. iii. Copy of President Sharpe's reply. v. Feb. 28. [C.O.
152, 39. Nos. 125, 125 i.–iii.; and (without enclosures)
29, 13. pp. 304, 305.] |
| May 5. |
379. Lord Guildford to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Offers Col. Blackston (sic) and Capt. Hyde as securities for
Governor Hart and prays despatch. (v. April 30th.) Signed,
Guilford. Endorsed, Recd. 9th, Read 17th May, 1715. Addressed.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 717. No. 67; and 5, 727. p. 449.] |
May 6.
St. James's. |
380. H.M. Instructions to Governor Lord A. Hamilton.
Signed, G. R. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 199–257.] |
May 6.
Whitehall. |
381 Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Enclose following. Autograph signatures. 1p. |
|
381. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Enclose
following. |
|
381. ii. Draught of H.M. Instructions to Robt. Hunter,
Governor of New York, and New Jersey. Same as
former, except that David Lyol is added to the Council.
[C.O. 5, 1123. pp. 168–269; and 5, 995. pp. 190–299;
and 5, 1079. Nos. 83, 83 i.; and (without enclosures)
5, 980. No. 39.] |
May 6.
Whitehall. |
382. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Having
considered two Acts of New York, for laying an excise etc., and
discharging the debts of the Colony etc., we have no objection why
your Majesty may not confirm them, etc. [C.O. 5, 1123. pp.
270, 271; and 5, 1079. No. 84.] |
May 7.
Boston, New England. |
383. Governor Dudley to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have the honour of your Lordships' letters of the 26th
Jan., 1714/15, wherein I am commanded to lay before your Lordships an Act lately passed in New Hampshire, wherein a duty
is layd on all timber loaden in the Province of Main, that is brought
down Piscataqua River to be landed in the Massachusetts, and
another duty on all West India goods that pass up the said
River, thô' they have paid duty before in the Massachusetts.
The said Act was certainly sent home in July or August last
past and is now again enclosed, and I am humbly of opinion, do's
not impose such a duty, nor was intended so to do in the Council
of that Province when it was lay'd before me, however soon
after I was advis'd of it and wrote to the Gentlemen of H.M.
Council of New Hampshire, and advis'd the suspension of the
receipt of the duty upon the Massachusett vessels, until my next
visit of that Province, which was delay'd by the death of Her late
Majesty, and for want of the arrival of H.M. orders for the
continuation of officers until April 12th last past, when being
present I made an Order in Council to stop the receipt of the said
duty as being a proceeding and demand not contain'd in the Act,
which upon the perusal of the Act, I am humbly of opinion is not
contain'd therein. At the first complaint of it I projected a
meeting of several persons chosen for that end of both Provinces
to meet and set the matter in a true light to satisfaction, because
the Act contains other charges of impost, the standing Revenue
of the Province, who were chosen accordingly, but before they
cou'd meet, it being winter, the six months (by Act of Parliament
determin'd) were out, and they doubted of the meeting and so
'twas delay'd till my coming thither when the inclos'd Minute of
Council was agreed, and all this happen'd before the first of May,
when your Lordships' commands arriv'd. The words of the Act,
I am humbly of opinion, will not warrant the demand of that
duty, but being made for a year the Act is determin'd the 10th of
June, and the Collector being forbidden in April, your Lordships
will have no further complaint for the time to come the Act being
determin'd: And for the time past I inquir'd of Mr. Penhallow
the Treasurer of New-hampshire, what the receipt amounted to,
and he judg'd 'twould not amount to more than 30 or £40 for
the time that it was collected. I hope the past part of this
matter will be in a true light by the papers now presented, but
there are very great differences referring to the Little Province
of New Hampshire, in the affair of their bounds, and the challenge
of Mr. Allen and Mason to the soil of the whole Province, which
has been in Law, and often appealed home to the King in Council
for 40 years last past, which being hear'd and determin'd will set
all to rights, which I have been as serviceable in, as I was capable
since I have had the honour to command here etc. I have no
reason to favour either Province in this matter. My estate
and family is in the Massachusetts, which might draw me on that
side, and the smallness of the Little Province of New Hampshire
on the other side, and the great debts contracted by the unfortunate Expedition to Canada lying heavy upon them both,
which I desire earnestly may be provided for, and paid off,
that we may be ready for better service, when we may be thereunto commanded by His Majesty. These reasons allow me
to be unbyassed in any thing of charge between them. The
Massachusetts alledge that the half of the River is their's in right
of St. Ferdinando Gorge's Patent which they bought, and New
Hampshire alledge that the Fort on their side, of which they bear
the whole charge, is all the defence of the River; if this affair
might end in the Massachusett's building a fortification on
their side of the River, I am humbly of opinion, 'twou'd be a
security to both the Provinces, etc. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 27th June, 1715, Read 26th June, 1718. 3 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
383. i. Memorandum of enclosed Act of New Hampshire, 1715,
showing that the clause of the duty upon lumber etc.
is wholly abated. ¼ p. |
|
383. ii. Copy of Minute of Council of New Hampshire, Portsmo.,
26th April, 1715, restraining the Collector from taking
anything of those, that export lumber out of the
Massachusetts, the Act requiring no such thing etc.
Endorsed as covering letter. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 866. Nos.
164, 164 i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 915. pp.
147–150.] |
May 8.
Charlestown. |
384. Charles Rodd to his Employer in London (forwarded
by him to the King). It is with extreme regret that I am obliged
to inform you of the deplorable state to which we are reduced.
At the beginning of the week before Easter, the rumour spread
amongst us that the Indians were discontented, and threatened
to rise. This at first appeared ill-founded. But the news was
confirmed by the arrival of Bray and Warner, two Indian traders,
who gave us the same information, and said that unless the
Indians saw the Governor, and some satisfaction was given them,
they would not fail to take up arms. These two men were sent
back at once to inform the Indians that the Governor would come
at once to redress their grievances; which he did the same day.
Bray and Warner arrived the Thursday before Easter in a town
of the Yammasees near Port Royal, where was Nairne, our Agent,
Mr. Wright and one by name Mr. Cochram who dwelt with the
Indians, and several other Indian Traders. They met the
Indians and their Kings, delivered their message from the
Governor, and offered them every kind of satisfaction for the
wrong which had been done to them. The Indians appeared
satisfied, shook hands in token of friendship, and drank with them
as usual; after which the traders retired each to his own dwelling.
But next morning at dawn their terrible war-whoop was heard
and a great multitude was seen whose faces and several other parts
of their bodies were painted with red and black streaks, resembling
devils come out of Hell. It is usually in this guise that they
appear in war. The red indicates War, and the black represents
the death without mercy which their enemies must expect.
They threw themselves first upon the Agents and on Mr. Wright,
seized their houses and effects, fired on everybody without
distinction, and put to death, with torture, in the most cruel
manner in the world, those who escaped the fire of their weapons.
Amongst those who were there, Captain Burage (who is now in
this town, and from whom I derive what I have just said) escaped
by swimming across a river; but he was wounded at the same
time by two bullets, one of which pierced his neck and came
out of his mouth, and the other pierced his back and is lodged in
his chest, without touching a vital spot. After which he went to
the house of Col. Barnwell, and so gave the alarm to the inhabitants
of Port Royal, from whence he informed the plantations of everything that had occurred. By the intervention [une admirable
effet] of Providence, the ship of Captain Swaddle, which had been
seiz'd for landing merchandize in an irregular manner, happened
to be there, with her Captain and other persons on board. They
received the wretched inhabitants, to the number of about 400;
and as night drew on, scarcely had these unfortunates got on
board, when the Indians entered the plantations, and finding
nobody in the houses, came down to the water's edge, and fired
heavily on the ship all the night, but killed no-one; they continually repeated their diabolical War-whoop as they fired. Next
day they killed the horses and cattle with gun-shots, and sacked
and plundered everything they met with, dancing in a grotesque
fashion, and uttering loud cries of joy whilst they fired and burnt
the houses. Such a spectacle might have given pleasure, had
not the results been so disastrous. Another Indian Trader (the
only one who escaped out of a large number) saved his life by
crawling into a marsh, where he kept himself hid near the town.
He heard, during the whole day, an almost continual fire, and
cries and grievous groans. He often raised his head in his
hiding-place, and heard and saw unheard-of things done; for
the Indians burned the men, and made them die in torture.
They treated the women in the most shameful manner in the
world. And when these poor wretches cried O Lord! O my God!
they danced and repeated the same words mocking them. Modesty
forbids me to tell you in what manner they treated the women:
modesty demands that I should draw a veil over this subject.
This man who had witnessed so many cruelties, stripped himself
naked so as completely to resemble the Indians; and in this state,
made his escape by night, crossing the town without being perceived, he heard many people talking there, and saw several
candles in each house; and having avoided the sentries, God
granted that he should arrive here safe and sound. Mr. Jean
Wright, with whom I had struck up a close friendship, and Mr.
Nairne have been overwhelmed in this disaster. I do not know
if Mr. Wright was burnt piece-meal, or not: but it is said that
the criminals loaded Mr. Nairne with a great number of pieces of
wood, to which they set fire, and burnt him in this manner so
that he suffered horrible torture, during several days, before he
was allowed to die. During these proceedings, the Governor
collected the troops and camped at the house of Captain Woodwards. A little while after, the cannon was fired to give the alarm,
and the laws of war were published; one party of Indians
attacked the Governor even in his entrenchments; but they were
very soon repulsed etc. When the necessary measures had been
taken, and the Governor was advised by those who were with
him that he was strong enough, he pursued the Indians; and
having sent by water Col. Barnwell and Col. Mackey with a
sufficiently large number of troops to the town where the Indians
had practised the cruelties I have spoken of, he advanced by
land with his main body. The second or third night, having
camped in a plain near a river, where there were woods on either
side, the scouts gave warning that the Indians were in the woods
and divided into several bodies. Upon this news, all necessary
precautions were taken and we remained under arms all night.
Next day at dawn the Indians began a continual fire till an hour
after sunrise, and almost surrounded the whole camp, being
drawn up in crescent form. But the Governor and those with
him, having rallied some fugitives, threw themselves upon the
Indians and put them to flight, after having killed some of their
leaders, amongst others one named Smith, who had in his pocket
a ridiculous letter, addressed to the Governor, in which he
advised him to quit the country, because they had determined
to seize it, adding that all the Indians of the Continent had joined,
or would join with them. And that we were only old women in
comparison with them, etc. It was not thought advisable to
pursue these monsters, the marshes being so placed that we
should only have lost all our forces. It is believed that they
have fled, and will presently form a large body to cut us to pieces.
For we have sent people everywhere, and we learn from every
side, from North to South, that the Indians have killed the Whites
who were with them. It is some years, as we learn from prisoners,
that the Indians have been preparing; they design to seize the
whole Continent and to kill us or chase us all out of it. Some
fancy that the Spaniards of St. Augustin and the French of Mobile
and the other Plantations have encouraged and advised this
horrible enterprise. I learn that all the traders who were
with the Indians, except two or three who escaped, have
been killed, and that poor Richard perished with six others,
etc., only one escaped, who tells us that they were with the
Cheriquois, and that these Indians appeared to be our friends,
and made a feast, to which they invited the Whites in order to
deceive them, after which they shot them, etc., etc. I should
never finish, if I endeavoured to give you all the deplorable
details of the condition we are in. The people from the country
seek refuge here in crowds from all sides. The cries and groans
of the women and children are heard unceasingly. Our misfortunes are great, and I fear lest they will be increased every day
by famine and disease, apart from the warfare of these accursed
Indians, so that I despair of surviving so many ills. One ought
not, however, to renounce all hope so long as one is alive. When
I consider what I have gained, and spent on the plantation in
three years, that I had about 16 slaves, and the best estate in the
Province, which would have produced several hundred pounds
sterling in a year or two, and that I have lost everything in a
moment etc. etc., it seems to me a hundred times worse than
death. I leave you to judge of the deplorable state to which
I am reduced. It is a capital offence to leave the country. It
is probable that, in view of the measures taken, we shall be able
to hold firm against the Indians, for seven or eight months, if
my Lord Carteret and you are touched by our condition. If
you represent it to H.M. warmly, so as to obtain assistance, if
we are sent munitions, about 1,000 men, some ships, and an Order
to all the Plantations on the Continent to help us; if we are
granted a free trade, at least for some time, as is desired here;
and if a Proclamation is published in all H.M. Dominions, to
prevent, under very severe penalties, the sale of powder, ball,
muskets or any other instrument of war to these infamous
criminals, this is the way to prevent the ruin and destruction of
this fine country, etc. It would be wrong to represent Carolina as
an inconsiderable country. Perhaps if this Province were lost,
the whole Continent would suffer. For you may be assured that
the evil will not stop there, but will spread everywhere, etc.
May God open the eyes of those who hold the helm of State,
that they may take pity on an afflicted people, and that they may
work to aid them, etc. If you think that nothing will be done, I
pray you to arrange that the Governor and Council may allow
me to return etc. Signed, George Rodd. French. 3½ pp.
[C.O. 5, 387. No. 1.] |
May 9.
St. James's. |
385. The King to Governor Hunter. Whereas it has been
humbly represented to us by the Proprietors of New Jersey,
that it is of great consequence to the publick peace of that our
Province as well as for the security of the property of our subjects,
that the offices of Keeper of the Records and Surveyor General
of the lands should be faithfully discharged and that they had for
that end appointed James Smith and James Allexander for
officiating the said two offices, etc., you are to assist and countenance them in the execution of their offices, etc. Countersigned,
James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 259.] |
May 9.
Bermuda. |
386. President and Council of Bermuda to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. On the 26th of the last month about
ten at night dyed H. E. Henry Pulleine of a fever, wch. distemper
hath carried off many of the inhabitants, amongst whom the
Govr's. Lady also departed this life, the ninth day after him.
My Lords this country having had long experience of the conduct
and management of Col. Bennett both as to civil and military
affairs, when he was our Govr., have therefore addrest H.M.
that he may succeed in the Government, and do humbly intreat
your Lordps. will contribute to our happiness by promoting his
interest, etc. Signed, M. Burrows, Presidt., Tho. Brooke, Jno.
Trimingham, Saml. Sherlock, Wm. Outterbridge, Saml. Smith,
Jno. Peasly, Len. White. Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read 21st
June, 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 9. No. 33; and 38, 7. pp. 222,
223.] |
| [May 9.] |
387. Draught of H.M. Instructions to the Lt. Governor of
Placentia. v. May 12. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Secy. Stanhope)
Read 9th May, 1715. 3 pp. [C.O. 194, 5. No. 92; and 195, 6.
pp. 93–96.] |
May 10.
Whitehall. |
388. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Submit Capt. Taverner's accounts. Continue:— We
further conceive, by the accounts before us, that Mr. Taverner
may, by the end of this summer, finish what he is about in the
survey. We therefore humbly submit it, whether it may not be
proper, to send him orders to return at the end of this next
fishing season, to give a full account of his transactions, and that
in the mean time the Lords of the Admiralty be desir'd to give
orders to the Commanders of the King's ships, to be assisting to
him, during his stay there, for the better inabling him to perform
the survey he is now imploy'd in. Autograph signatures. 1¾ pp.
Enclosed, |
|
388. i. Copy of Capt. Taverner's account, 1714. [C.O. 194,
23. Nos. 19, 19 i.] |
| May 10. |
389. George Vaughan to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I am of ye country of North America in New England, and
understanding that some affairs are transacting respecting that
country, am the more incouraged to contribute what I am able
for its welfair, etc. Encloses following. Signed, Geo. Vaughan.
Endorsed, Recd. 10th, Read 11th May, 1715. Addressed. ½ p.
Enclosed, |
|
389. i. Mr. Vaughan's observations on the American Plantations. Many things might be effected in the Plantations,
which are worthy consideration, and have a proper
tendency to the benefit of Great Brittain, which because
of the distance, and due want of inspection, are wholly
neglected. The settlement of the Plantations hath
occasion'd ye increase of trade, and further'd ye English
Navigation etc. As they grow trade will grow by and
with them, etc. It is humbly conceived that one great
end of the Plantation Office was to promote and forward
the growth of the English Plantations, their numbers
and dominions, to regulate the Government there and
the trade to and from them; all which are much
impeded for want of better information of their constitutions circumstances and abillities and thereby the
whole damnifyed for want of a better regimen. Wherefore it is humbly proposed: that some Commissioners
be imployed to inspect, consider, and survey each
Collony in order to learn and report how and by what
means a further improvement may be made so as to
render the trade more beneficiall and accommodable
and those Dominions more conducive to the glory
and grandeur of Great Brittain. In the Plantations
on the main there are but few who are very rich, yet on
the other hand there are none who are miserably poor
(unless pr. accident) so that their numbers being many
their small estates added together, are of a considerable
value, and if brought to an equall charge in all taxes,
in their proportion for the publique good; and paid into
a Generall Treasury; and for the present laid out in
the necessary charges, for the suport, defence and
advantage of the Governments; then the weaker
parts might be fortifyed, and made defencible and
thereby protected from the incursion of enemies, whereas
now they are exposed and opressed; when the bigger
and greater ones are supplied with men, and arms from
the Crown; which cannot be accounted for any other
way but that things are not fully and impartially
represented, as for instance New York is assisted and
New Hampshire neglected, this the only place which
suplies the Crown with stores of great masts for the
Royal Navy, and the American settlements with
lumber, was a frontier in the late war to the Indian
enemy and the French both by land and sea; that an
inland and great goverment, surrounded with inhabitants on every side; a great and rich people, and New
Hampshire consisting of only six towns, and about
1,000 men which things if duly represented, would
doubtless be regulated, and the generall good of that
country provided for. It is thought the four Goverments in New England have in them 34,000 men, vizt.
Masachusets, 20,000, Road Island 5,000, Connecticut
8,000, New Hampshire 1,000, and that every man one
with another is worth £10 annuall income, which at 2s.
in the pound is £34,000; and their annuall charge in
time of peace is not more then £14,000; and that the
other Collonies on the Main by the same way of reckoning
would pay £150,000 and their annuall charge not to
exceed £10,000, so that if they were taxed to the use
of the Crown, as the subjects of great Brittain are, there
would be £160,000 to spare, to defray the further
necessary charge in Civill Goverment, and other needfulls, as a Lord Lieutenant, Governours, Judges, Magistrates etc. It is certain that the Plantations are very
much pinched by want of a medium of exchange in
their traffick and that of late the silver and gold is almost
all sent for returns to great Brittain. And they have
but few bills of credit, for use of the Goverment, which
are not sufficient to suport the trade, therefore humbly
proposed whether it be not highly reasonable, that
the King by his Royal Perogative, should give the
Goverments liberty, to emit bills and let them out
to loan at 6 pr. cent., on land security, to the value of
£500,000, in New England, and in proportion to the
rest. The Revenue of New England, would be £30,000
pr. annum, and what is over and above the necessary
charge, might be expended in victualling ships of war,
sending home navall stores, etc. Proposed: (1) That
in North America a survey be made of all lands, their soil,
cituation, quantity, accommodations, rivers, bays, what
number of inhabitants, how and by what means they
may be rendred more serviceable to the Crown. (2) That
certain quantities of land may be appropriated for the
use of the Crown for timber, masts, sparrs, planks, dealls,
etc. (3) That directions may be given for the resetling
the towns destroyed by the Indians, since it is the best
part of New England for deals, masts, fishing etc.
(4) That proper measures be taken to reclaim the Eastern
Indians from idolatry and bring them to the English
interest. (5) That the importation of masts, deals,
hemp, tar, etc. be incourag'd into Gt. Brittain. (6)
That the Castle of New Hampshire may be secured and
its defence provided for. (7) That the Lt. Governour
may reside in New Hampshire, since the Governour will
not. (8) That the wast land may be put to quit-rent for
the use of the Crown. (9) That directions may be given
for the imediate settlement of the bounds between
province and province for prevention of future differences. The importation of masts, deals duty free and
pr. a bounty will increase the Brittish Navigation, make
Great Brittain independant for Navall Stores on foreign
Princes, promote the English manufactures, keep the
silver coin in the Kingdom, and suppress the growth
of the woollen manufactures in New England. If the
importation of masts, deals, tar, etc., be encouraged,
proposed (1) that every ship importing them shall
pr. themselves or others transport 10 of the begging
vagrants of the City of London to New England for every
hundred tunns imported. (2) That a Generall Name
be given to the country of North America where the
English Settlements and Plantations are. (3) That each
Goverment be constituted a province or Collony of the
same. (4) That every three years a generall Congress
of the Governours be appointed, and meet accordingly,
to consult the generall good of the whole. (5) That a
Commissioner be appointed to preside in the said
Congress to regulate and report all acts under the hand
and seall of their Secretary for the better information of
the Board of Trade. 3¼ closely written pp. [C.O. 5,
866. Nos. 33, 33 i.; and 5, 914. pp. 14–21.] |
May 10.
Whitehall. |
390. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. The Right Honble. the
Lords of the Committee of Council having been yesterday at the
Board of Trade and Plantations, and being of opinion that it is
very prejudicial that the fishing ships do not bring home the
complement of men they carry out, many of them being entic'd
away by the New England men, and others left in the country,
their Lordps. desire you to move the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty that the Commadore of the Newfoundland Convoy
be directed to signify to the masters of all British ships there,
that they take particular care to bring home the complement
of men they carry out, except in case of death, for that otherwise
they will be prosecuted here. Their Lordps. further desire that
Capt. Kempthorn may have directions from my Lords of the
Admiralty, to receive on board his ship such money as shall be
brought him by the Agent of the Garrison at Placentia for their
use. [C.O. 195, 6. pp. 96, 97.] |
May 10.
Admty. Office. |
391. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Reply to preceding.
My Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty have given directions to
Capt. Kempthorne of the Worcester, as supra. Signed, J.
Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. Read 11th May, 1715. 1 p. [C.O.
194, 5. No. 92; and 195, 6. pp. 99, 100.] |
May 10.
Whitehall. |
392. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Since our letters of 10th and 23rd March, etc., relating
to the survey of the late French part of Newfoundland, we have
had under consideration some papers receiv'd from Capt. Taverner,
and finding he is not recall'd, or anybody else sent in his place,
we think it proper to lay before you the account of the charges
he hath been at, etc. for H.M. directions thereupon. We conceive
Mr. Taverner may by the end of this summer finish what he
is about in the said survey; we therefore humbly submit it
whether it may not be proper to send him orders to return at the
end of this next fishing season, to give a full accot. of his transactions; and that in the mean time the Lords of the Admiralty
be desir'd to give orders to the Commanders of the King's ships
to be assisting to him the said Taverner during his stay there, for
the better inabling him to perform the survey he is now imploy'd
in. [C.O. 195, 6. pp. 97–99.] |
| May 11. |
393. Mr. Sheafe to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Refers to the disputed Proprietors' title to New Hampshire, now
descended to Sir Mathew Dudley by the decease of Thomas Allen,
successour to John Mason, and proposes that it should be now
purchased by the Crown. Signed, Sampson Sheafe. Endorsed,
Recd. 11th May, Read 6th Sept., 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 866.
No. 66.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
394. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. Enclose following, "wherein we have made some few
alterations." Autograph signatures. 1 p. Enclosed. |
|
395. Draft of H.M. Instructions to John Moody, Lt. Governor
of Placentia. St. James's, May 13, 1715. You are with the
utmost application to exert yourself in everything which may
encourage and promote so beneficial a trade as the fishing at
Newfoundland may be to our subjects, when carry'd on as it
ought to be, etc. (1) You are not to encourage any of the French
who are still in Newfoundland, to stay there. (2) You are to take
care that none of the waste grounds, beaches or stages in Newfoundland be disposed of, till our further order, and that none of
the inhabitants upon pretence of purchases from the French,
do hinder the fishing ships from using the proper rooms necessary
for the curing of their fish, the directions of the Act to incourage
the trade to Newfoundland being the sole rule for regulating the
disposal of such rooms to the said fishing ships. (3) In all
matters in which you have not particular directions from us, you
are to consider Placentia as subject to the regulations in the
sd. Act and are to govern yourself thereby; and in pursuance
of this Act you are to take notice that every fishing ship from
Great Britain, or the fishermen thereof, that shall first enter any
harbour for creek in Newfoundland, shall be Admiral of the said
harbour for that season; that the master of the ship next
entring shall be Vice Admiral, and the master of the third ship
Rear Admiral; that if any persons are possess'd of several
places in sevl. creeks or harbours, they shall make their elections
which they will abide in, within 48 hours after any demands
of any after comer; and in case of any difference touching
the said matters, or any other differences arising between the
masters of fishing ships, and the inhabitants there, about fishing
rooms, stages or flakes, such differences and disputes shall be
determin'd by the fishing Admirals in their respective harbours,
an appeal being reserv'd to the Commanders of our men of war
who shall be appointed convoys for Newfoundland. (4) We do
strictly prohibit and discharge you or any of the officers or soldiers
of the garrison under your command to have anything to do with
the Fishery or Trade; and you are to take care that the beaches
and stages be left to the public use, and dispos'd of as the
foresaid Act directs. (5) As you are to consider the French who
have continued in Newfoundland, as under the same regulations
with our other subjects; you are therefore to take care that
none of the French inhabitants have liberty to trade with
France, Canada, or any other French settlement, but be oblig'd
to trade with our subjects of Great Britain only. [C.O. 195, 6.
pp. 100–104; and (without enclosure) 194, 23. No. 20.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
396. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. We think fit to acquaint you with correspondence
with Mr. Burchet. (v. May 10.) Autograph signatures. 1 p.
[C.O. 194, 23. No. 21; and 195, 6. pp. 104, 105.] |
May 12.
London. |
397. Col. Vetch to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
I contracted with Mr. Borland for victualling the garrison at
Annapolis Royal for 7½d. There is a great sum due to him, and
no person more capable to undertake the work etc. The risque
and freight being less in time of peace, I believe there may be an
abatement made on the price. During all the time I commanded
there, the troops never had any cloathing upon account of their
arrears or off reckonings. When Mr. Nicholson came to
supersede me he brought over some cloathing from Boston, Nov.,
1713 etc. It was very bad of the sort alltogether unfit for so cold
a climate, being only a sort of frock without any lining and no
waistcoats. Refers to Mr. Sheriffe, the Clerk of Major Caulfield,
the Lt. Govr. at that time, and Mr. Netmaker. The same sort of
cloaths were sold at publick vendue at Boston for less then halfe
the price they were charged at to the soldiers, notwithstanding
that all cloathing sent from England sell at Boston at 150 p.c.
advance. How reasonably this cloathing hath been charged
to the Crown, I humbly submit to your Lordps'. consideration.
Signed, Sam. Vetch. Endorsed, Recd. Read 12th May, 1715.
2¾ pp. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 104.] |
| [May 12.] |
398. Petition of private soldiers upon the Expedition of
Canada to the Duke of Marlborough. Petition for arrears of pay
due to them. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 106.] |
| [May 12.] |
399. Copy of Minute of Council of War, Annapolis Royal, Sept.
20, 1714. Genl. Nicholson informed the officers of the four
companies that neither he nor their captains received any of their
pay since the establishment, that their cloathing being part of
H.M. stores, were issued to them at the price H.M. paid for the
same. There being no clothing provided for them in England,
there was an absolute necessity to supply them with those stores,
etc. He would transmit their case to H.M. if laid before him
in writing etc. Signed, F. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. Read 12th
May, 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 107.] |
| [May 12.] |
400. Memorial of officers of the garrison of Annapolis Royal,
on behalf of the troops, to the Queen. Pray for pay etc. on scale
of New England troops. Duplicate of C.S.P. 1714. No. 741.
Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Shirif), Read 12th May, 1715. 1 p.
[C.O. 217, 1. No. 108.] |
| [May 12.] |
401. Invoice of cloathing sent by Genl. Nicholson to the
Garrison at Annapolis. (v. No. 397.) Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr.
Shirreff), Read 12th May, 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 105.] |
May 13.
St. James's. |
402. The King to Governor Lord A. Hamilton. Whereas
the state and condition of that our Island of Jamaica having
been laid before us by our Commrs. for Trade and Plantations,
we cannot from the great regard we have for the safety and
prosperity of an Island so valuable by its own produce and by its
scituation for trade but express our concern to find its inhabitants
so decreased and trade of late decayed whilst its vigilant neighbours have omitted no endeavours to increase and strengthen
themselves in both. This concern is the greater when we observe
there has not been that good agreement in Assembly's so necessary
at all times for publick happiness, but more especially at such a
juncture. We have therefore thought fit and do hereby require
you to call an Assembly (if not already done) and to acquaint
them in our name that as it has been our earnest and greatest
desire at our accession to the throne of our ancestors, that all
our subjects the most remote may feel the happy influence of
our Government, so we shall have a particular care of that
our Island by affording it such protection from time to time as
by the blessing of God and the assistance of our subjects there
may render them secure, and by giving our Royal approbation
to such good laws as may make them happy, of which we have
been graciously pleased to give them an early insistance by
confirming two most beneficiall Acts by them so long and so
earnestly desired vizt. the one for regulating fees and the other
for further quieting possessions etc., in return whereof we cannot
but expect from that our sd. Island a ready and chearful complyance in making an honourable provision for our Revenue, in
discharging all publick debts, and giving a necessary subsistance
to the two independant companies there in our pay, till by the
good laws which shall be made for encouraging the encrease of
inhabitants there may be no further occasion for them; it not
being our intention to burthen our people with extrordinary
charges any longer than is consistent with their own safety.
It is so much their intrest and of so great concernment to them
to enter seriously and heartily upon measures to encourage a
resort of people thither and there to fix them that we cannot
doubt of their being unanimous in it; to which however we are
willing to exhort them further by assuring them that such
proceedings for the publick good of our people will always be the
most effectual recommendations to the continuance of our Royal
favour and protection; and as wee have been pleased to renew
your Commission and Instructions we expect you will continue
your best endeavours for the advancement of these good ends
which we hope will restore that our said Island to a flourishing
condition, etc. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O.
5, 190. pp. 260, 261; and 137, 11. No. 3.] |
May 13.
St. James's. |
403. H.M. Instructions to Lt. Governor Moody. You are
with utmost application to exert yourself in everything which may
encourage and promote so beneficial a trade as the fishing at
Newfoundland may be to our subjects, when carried on as it
ought to be; and for your particular directions herein we require
you to observe our following Instructions:—(1) You are not
to encourage any of the French who are still in Newfoundland
to stay there. (2) You are to take care that none of the waste
grounds, beaches or stages in Newfoundland, be disposed of
till our further order, and that none of the inhabitants upon
pretence of purchases from the French, do hinder the fishing
ships from useing the proper rooms necessary for the curing of
their fish, the direction of the Act to encourage the trade to Newfoundland being the sole rule for regulating the disposal of such
rooms to the said fishing ships. (3) In all matters in which you
have not particular directions from us, you are to consider
Placentia as subject to the regulations in the said Act, and are to
govern yourself therby; and in pursuance of this Act, you are
to take notice that every fishing ship from Great Britain or the
fishermen thereof that shall first enter any harbour or creek in
Newfoundland, shall be Admiral of the said harbour for that
season; that the master of the ship next entring shall be ViceAdmiral and the master of the 3rd ship Rear-Admiral; that if
any persons are possessed of several places in several creeks or
harbours they shall make their elections which they will abide in
within 48 hours after any demand of any after comer, and in
case of any difference touching the said matters or any other
differences arising between the masters of fishing ships, and the
inhabitants there, about fishing rooms, stages or flakes, such
differencies and disputes shall be determined by the Fishing
Admirals in their respective harbours, an appeal being reserv'd
to the Commanders of our men of war who shall be appointed
convoys for Newfoundland. (4) We do strictly prohibit and
discharge you or any of the officers or soldiers of the Garrison
under your command to have anything to do with the fishery
or trade; and you are to take care that the beaches and stages
be left to the publick use and disposed of as the foresaid Act
directs. (5) As you are to consider the French who have continued
in Newfoundland, as under the same regulation with our other
subjects, you are therefore to take care, that none of the French
inhabitants, have liberty to trade with France, Canada or any
other French settlement, but be obliged to trade with our
subjects of Great Britain only. Signed, G. R. Copy. [C.O. 5,
190. pp. 262, 263.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
404. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to Lt. Governor Moody. Encloses
preceding and Act of Parliament referred to therein. As you must
be sencible of how great consequence [your trust] is, I doubt not
but you will with the utmost zeal not only pursue your Instructions but everything else that may be proper for attaining the
ends H.M. proposes by them to the satisfaction of his subjects
who trade to those parts, and the rather by the inclosed copies of
petitions from Barnstaple and Biddiford you may see the
merchants think they have ground to complain of your past
conduct, and I am ordered to transmit to you these copies, that
you may have an oppertunity of justifying yourself. Captain
Taverner having been employed in surveying the late French
part of Newfoundland etc. and having transmitted some papers
relating to that survey, which have been under the consideration
of the Lords Commissioners of Trade, H.M. has thought fit, on
their opinion that he should continue the said survey, and to
compleat it as far as possible he can, so as that he may return as
he is directed about September next, with the ships that are then
to leave that place, you are therefore to give him all the assistance
you can in the making of the survey. H.M. having given directions for six months provisions and for such a quantity of stores
as is here judged necessary for that place as also money in specie
for the subsistance of officers and soldiers of which you will be
apprised by Mr. Foreman the Agent, I hope all these will come
safe to hand and that by your care and conduct the garrison
will be in want of nothing till the next season for a fresh supply.
I am able also to acquaint you that upon information of preparation made in some ports in Spain to fit out ships for Newfoundland in order to fish there, on pretext of the 15th Article
of Peace concluded at Utrecht, H.M. judging this may be of bad
consequence to the trade of his subjects, and that they are not
well founded in any such pretention has thought fit to direct the
Lords Commiss. of the Admiralty to give orders to the Commander
of the men of war sent to Newfoundland not to allow the Spaniards
to fish in those parts, which you are also to take notice of, and
to concur in this matter with the Commander in such a manner
as may be most effectual to prevent their fishing without offering
the least violence or insult to them any other way. As the
Ingineer who is now with you at Placentia is directed to return
home next season, and to bring with him an exact survey of both
sides the harbour of Placentia, and a plan of what works and
fortifications may be necessary, till then H.M. does not think
to take any resolution in relation to those fortification[s], and
therefore you are directed only to make such repairs as are
necessary to protect the garrison from the weather. Signed,
James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 264, 265.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
405. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to Capt Taverner. Gives
directions for making a complete survey of Newfoundland,
returning home with the ships in September. H.M. is paying you
20s. per diem and £217 13s., for the hired vessel, etc. Signed,
James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 266.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
406. Same to Same. The King having had under his
consideration several papers etc. in relation to the works and
fortifications of Placentia, and judging it necessary before he comes
to any resolution on this head that he have an exact survey of
that Fort, and of both sides of the Harbour, etc., you are to apply
yourselfe with the uttmost dilligence in the making this survey,
and return with it hither with the ships that leave that place
about September next, which on no account you must fail to do.
Signed, James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 267.] |
May 13.
St. James's. |
407. H.M. Warrant to Governor Hamilton for restoring
Elizabeth Salenave to a plantation in St. Kitts (v. May 5, 1714).
Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 267–269.] |
| [May 13.] |
408. Henry Norton to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
The clothing sent by Genl. Nicholson for Annapolis Royal were
directed to be issued at, a serjeant's coat and breeches, 40s., a
centinel's, 28s. etc., and a serjeant's complete mounting £4,
a centinel's £2 10s. The remainder, which upon the advice
of the Governor and Council of New England, he sold by public
auction, fetched, a centinel's coat and breeches from 18s. 6d. to
23s. (New England currt. money=60 p.c. advance), etc. Signed,
Henry Norton. Endorsed, Recd. Read 13th May, 1715. 3 pp.
[C.O. 217, 1. No. 109.] |
| [May 13.] |
409. Copy of H.M. Establishment of the Garrison and four
Companies at Annapolis Royal, 30th July, 1712. Endorsed,
Recd. (from Col. Nicholson), Read 13th May, 1715. 1 p. [C.O.
217, 1. No. 110.] |
| [May 13.] |
410. Copy of H.M. Warrant to Col. Nicholson for sale of the
stores brought from Canada, 7th Jan., 1712/13. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 13th May, 1715. 4 pp. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 111.] |
| [May 13.] |
411. John Mulcaster, Agent and Paymaster to the Garrison
and four independent companies at Annapolis Royal, to [? Council
of Trade and Plantations]. The Garrison is very much in debt
upon account of the victualling, each soldier's subsistance being
but 6d. a day, whereas the provisions furnished by Col. Vetch's
agreement amounted 7½d., but since May 1714, by Genl. Nicholson's agreement, at not much above 5d. The Garrison is in a very
great want of cloaths, strong and warm, etc. Those delivered
by Genl. Nicholson's order amounting to £3,030 10s. 6d. will
take up the off reckonings to the end of 1716, of which great part
remain as yet unused, most of which are extreamly damaged
and withall so slight and thinn etc., several of the men must
perish, if care is not taken to send a compleat cloathing fitt
for so cold and uncomfortable a climate, and also bedding etc.
Endorsed, Recd. Read 13th May, 1715. 1¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
411. i. Lt. Governor Caulfield and the Captains of the Garrison
of Annapolis Royal to Governor Nicholson. Oct. 8,
1714. We were detached from the 7th Regiment and
lost our bedding and necessarys on the Expedition against
Canada. Pray H.E. to represent their condition home.
The greatest part of the men complain they engaged
to serve only three years, which has been expired some
time. Pray that 200 recruits may be sent. It is very
necessary a new sett of arms be given to the four companys. But the disatisfactions and murmours among
the soldiers have been chiefly caused by Col. Vetch's
arbitrary and loose administration, who flattered them
with the expectation of full pay and by a profuse
management thought to make them plyant to his
purposes; but now they are disabus'd, think themselves agrieved, etc. This accounts for the fulsome
flatterys he recd. in an Address drawn up by a parcell of
mercenary fools and pedlars which is as scandalously
false as it is foolish etc. Pray to be reimbursed for
nearly a whole year's pay advanced by them in cloths
and necessarys to the four companies. Signed, Thos.
Caulfield, J. Williams, L. Armstrong, Chris. Aldridge.
Endorsed as preceding. 2 pp. |
|
411. ii. Cost of victualling the Garrison of Annapolis Royal,
May 1st, 1714—May 31st, 1715, £3,166 6s. 8d. Same
endorsement. 1 p. |
|
411. iii. General Nicholson's answers to questions relating
to the state of the Garrison at Annapolis Royal. March
25, 1715. Signed, Fra. Nicholson. Same endorsement.
2½ pp. |
|
411. iv. Duplicate of No. 410. |
|
411. v. Account of cloathing of the Garrison at Annapolis
Royal out of the stores brought back from Canada.
Same endorsement. Boston, June 25, 1714. Signed,
Jno. Netmaker. Same endorsement. 3½ pp. [C.O.
217, 1. Nos. 112, 112 i.–v.; and (without enclosures)
218, 1. pp. 208–211.] |
| [May 13.] |
412. William Shirreff to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Represents the miserable condition of the garrison at Annapolis
Royal, for want of pay these three years past, provisions only
obtainable from Boston, and cloathing. All the officers as well
as the Lt. Governour who has advanced for their immediate
support upwards of £1,000 sterl. will be intearly ruined, he being
likewise charged by Genl. Nicholson with all their provisions, etc.
Though managed to the best advantage, Genl. Nicholson would
give him no allowance for the same. The unsettled state and
little care that has been taken of that Garrison has been very
detrimentall to the trade in those parts, and will be the ruin of
both country and garrison, if not timely prevented etc. Signed,
Wm. Shirreff. Endorsed, Recd. 13th, Read 14th May, 1715.
2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
412. i. Lt. Governor Caulfield and officers of the Garrison of
Annapolis to General Nicholson. The 7s. a day for
firing by the new establishment is quite insufficient,
owing to the climate and difficulty of carting timber
etc. The soldiers will mutiny if compelled to do this work,
etc. Annapolis Royall, 3rd Nov., 1714. Signed, Tho.
Caulfeild and 16 others. Endorsed as preceding. Copy.
1 p. [C.O. 217, 1. Nos. 113, 113 i.] |
| May 14. |
413. William Shirreff to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
The cloathing sent by Genl. Nicholson to the Garrison at Annapolis Royal was extreamly bad, damnified and dear, so that the
soldiers absolutely refused taking the second clothing he had
ordered to be issued to them, etc. The inhabitants because of
their dearness rather choised to buy of the marchts. who commonly
in those countrys have at least 300 p.c. upon all their European
goods. Signed, Wm. Shirreff. Endorsed, Recd. Read 14th May,
1715. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 1. No. 114.] |
May 14.
Custom house, London. |
414. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. In reply to May 9th
encloses following. Signed, Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed, Recd.
14th, Read 16th May, 1715. Addressed. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
414. i. An account of the duties upon timber imported from the
Northern Crown and from America. Signed, Chr.
Tower, D. Coll., 12th May, 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 17.
Nos. 118, 118 i.] |
| May 15. |
415. Copy of Petition of Archibald Cuming(s) to the King.
Urges appointment of Surveyor of woods in New England, as
April 8th, and solicites the appointment for himself. Overleaf, |
|
415. i. H.M. refers this petition to the Council of Trade and
Plantations for their opinion. Whitehall, May 5, 1715.
Signed, James Stanhope. The whole endorsed, Recd.
6th May, Read 28th July, 1715. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 866.
Nos. 51, 51 i.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
416. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following representation for their report.
Signed, James Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 18th May,
1715. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
416. i. Nova Scotia or Accadie is one of the Provinces expressly
named in the Charter granted by King William and
Queen Mary to constitute the Government of the
Massachusets Bay in New England, and it seems a
direct violation of the very words of that Charter to
erect a new Government there, or put any place in that
country into hands independent of the Governor of
New England. There is no settlement of any of H.M.
natural born subjects in Nova Scotia or Accadie, except
only the single fort of Annapolis Royal, which always has
been supply'd from New England hitherto, and must
be sustain'd from thence, if ever it be attacked, therefore
will most properly be under the command of the same
person. If ever it be thought necessary (for the sake
of our Fishery, or to make head against the French
at Cape Breton) to make more settlements in that
country, most of the people carried thither, will be
drawn from New England, and that Colony must
sink at the same time, and in the same proportion
as the other rises: But they will not feell this so soon,
if they are thus united and put under the same head.
If they continue two distinct Governments, the people
will certainly be very ill friends; thô very near neighbours, for their interests will ever be opposite, as rivals
in the same trade, and as they are both to live, and grow
rich by the same Fishery. If the Governor of New
England has the Government of Annapolis (as it seems
of right to belong to him) he will be more independent,
and much better able to secure the Crown than he is at
present, while he draws all his subsistence from the
people, and has nothing but his Commission from
the King. No date or signature. 31/8 pp. [C.O. 217, 1.
Nos. 116, 116 i.; and 218, 1. pp. 213–216.] |
