|
| Oct. 17. |
647. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. On Saterday last I recieved
my Instructions from Mr. Secretary Stanhope's office, the season
of the year being past and the ships gone that designe for New
England at present. I have taken my passage in the ship that
will sayle first for New England, etc. Signed, J. Bridger.
Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 18th Oct., 1715. Addressed. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 866. No. 70.] |
Oct. 18.
St. James's. |
648. Order of King in Council. A ship is to be sent to the
Virgin Islands to report, as recommended 9th Sept. The Council
of Trade and Plantations are to report upon Capt. Walton's
further petition, enclosed. Signed, Christo. Musgrave. Endorsed,
Recd. Read 1st Nov., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
648. i. Petition of Capt. John Walton to the King in Council.
Proposes to accompany the ship sent to the Virgin
Islands. His knowledge of those Islands will save the
expence of many months. Prays H.M. to grant him a
competency for such service, etc. Copy. 1¾ pp. [C.O.
152, 10. Nos. 72, 72 i.; and 153, 12. pp. 357—361.] |
Oct. 18.
St. James's. |
649. Order of King in Council. Order in accordance with
Representation of 16th Sept. relating to John Dean's ship. v.
16th Sept. and A.P.C. II. No. 1241. Signed, Edward Southwell.
Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 16th Jan., 17 16/17. 1½ pp. [C.O.
152, 11. No. 36; and; 153, 12. p. 480.] |
Oct. 20.
Whitehall. |
650. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. We have considered the letter from Commadore
Kempthorn, relating to the state of the Newfoundland trade and
fishery (v. Oct. 13). We agree with him that it is necessary the
several particulars he complains of be remedyed as soon as possible.
We further think, that even to preserve the trade of Newfoundland,
it is absolutely necessary some new regulations be made by Parliament; and in order thereunto it will require that we consult
not only such persons as are conversant in that trade here, but
also the merchts. of the out-ports, after the return of the ships
from thence, and that we have some discourse with Capt. Kempthorn upon his arrival or at least, that we shou'd see the other
letter which he promises to write upon the same matters.
Therefore we give you this trouble, that you may not think it
long before you receive from us a full answer to your letter, which
we shall endeavour to prepare time enough to prevent such
abuses in the next fishing season. [C.O. 195, 6. pp. 144, 145.] |
Oct. 24.
Virginia. |
651. Lt. Governor Spotswood to [? Mr. Secretary Stanhope.]
I take this occasion by the Nightingale man of war to transmitt
to you the proceedings of an Assembly which has but too truly
verifyed the conjectures I made of them in my last. After so
bulky a Journal as that of the Burgesses is, one might have
expected more than three inconsiderable Acts from their session;
but such was their temper and understanding, that they could
not be reason'd into wholesome laws; and such their humour
and principles, that they would aim at no other Acts, than what
invaded the Prerogative or thwarted the Government; so that
all their considerable Bills stopt in the Council. To give you a
just summary of their five weeks work, I need only refer you to
the speech which concludes the Journals, and which I calculated
chiefly for the information of those to whom I am obliged to
give an account of the transactions of this Government, wherein
the several unaccountable schemes they had form'd, and their
whole proceedings thereupon are faithfully sum'd up, and told
them in so publick a manner, as will leave no room to doubt the
truth of the matters of fact: and after such a behaviour in the
House of Burgesses, as is there truly represented, I hope the
expressions will not appear too severe, nor their dissolution too
unadvised. Yet after all, I have the satisfaction to acquaint
you that the Colony is in an entire tranquillity: the late Representatives have the mortification to find their proceedings condemn'd by the generality of the People, and especially all men
of sense and honesty: and the frontiers, however left unguarded
by their perverse humour, are still free from the least disturbance
of the Indians. Some days ago, the chief men of the Indians who
formerly sent in hither to sue for peace came back according to
their appointment, but not bringing with them the chiefs of
severall of their neighbouring towns, as they had promised, I
have sent them back without coming to any Treaty. They
excuse the absence of the other Indians, upon their doubting the
reality of my passport, as being under a different seal from that
which they had been accustomed to see from this Colony, but
assured me that if they were fully satisfyed of my sending to 'em
they would immediatly repair hither. Whereupon to remove
their scruples, having by me a blank with impression of the old
Seal upon it, I have sent it, and am not without hopes of bringing
them still to a Treaty. In the mean time I have agreed with the
Indians who came hither, that while they continue to behave themselves peaceably towards all H.M. subjects of these Colonys they
shall not be disturbed from hence, but that they are not to expect
any trade untill a peace be concluded, which I hope will not be
long before it is accomplished, their necessitys of all manner of
goods being very great. The Government of South Carolina
have sent hither two Gentlemen to treat for a further assistance
of men, but I'm sorry to find that the ill usage of those already sent
has disabled me from answering that request; for notwithstanding the signal service the men sent from hence did to that Province
by defeating a body of 700 Indians who had fallen upon the
Southern parts of the country, while the Governor and all the
forces of his Government were on an expedition to the Northward,
yet that seasonable service (tho' it preserved a great part of their
country from destruction) has not obtained them common Justice
in any one article promised them; and the clamours from thence
are such that I am perswaded I could not find one man in this
Government now that would list in that service; But this treatment of the Virginia forces may be accounted for from the different
scituation of their affairs now, to what they were when these
forces were sent; the Indians since this last defeat, not appearing
upon their frontiers; However as it is but a bad return of the
friendship of this Government, so I'm afraid it will have as ill
an effect upon the dispositions of other Governmts. to assist one
another in ye like occasions. I should by this conveyance have
sent you the state of H.M. Revenue of 2s. per hhd., but it falling
so low that the established sallarys due last Aprill are not yet
paid, the Receiver General could not compleat any accompt
thereof. I did not fail to recommend to the late Assembly the
supplying that deficiency, but you will find by the resolves of the
House of Burgesses of the 8th of August that they plainly declared
they would do nothing therein till they had an answer from
H.M. to their Address about the Quitt-rents. I need not repeat
to you, Sir, what I have formerly represented of the inconveniency
a Government without money is exposed to, especially in any
dangerous conjuncture; but you will be pleased to give me leave
again to beg your interest for obtaining so much of H.M. bounty
out of the Quitt-rents as will set this Revenue upon an even foot.
And if H.M. will be pleased to do me the honour to signify that
it is at his Governor's intercession and representation of an extraordinary juncture of affairs and not upon the application of the
Assembly (especially since this last House of Burgesses have
behaved themselves so undutifully) it might be a means to prevent
such sollicitations for the future, and make it the more easy for
me upon some favourable accident, to prevail with the Assembly
to establish some additional fund for the support of the Government: since the present fund must necessarily decrease, the more
the inhabitants of this country fall into trades, their vessels
being exempted from the payment of all those dutys by which
it is raised. P.S. Here is advice of a considerable event in these
parts, that the Spanish Plate Fleet richly laden, consisting of
eleven sail, are, except one, lately cast away in the Gulf of Florida
to the southward of St. Augustin, and that a barcolongo sent
from the Havanna to fetch off from the Continent some passengers
of distinction, who were in that Fleet, having recovered from the
wrecks a considble. quantity of plate is likewise cast away about
40 miles to the northwd. of St. Augustin. I think it my duty to
inform H.M. of this accident, which may be improved to the
advantage of H.M. subjects if encouragement be given to attempt
the recovery of that immense treasure. Signed, A. Spotswood.
3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
651, i. Copy of Proclamation for the better regulating the
signing and certifying propositions and grievances to
the General Assembly. Signed, A. Spotswood. Williamsburgh, Aug. 24, 1715. 2¾ pp. |
|
651. ii. Copy of Minutes of Council of Virginia, Feb. 23—Sept. 7, 1715. |
|
651. iii. Copy of Minutes of Councill in Assembly of Virginia,
Aug. 3—Sept. 7, 1715. |
|
651. iv. Acts of Virginia, 1715. 4¼ pp. |
|
651. v. Journal of House of Burgesses of Virginia, Aug. 3—Sept. 7, 1715. [C.O. 5, 1342. Nos. 3, 3 i.–v.] |
Oct. 24.
Virginia. |
652. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I herewith transmitt to your Lordps. the proceedings of an Assembly more remarkable for their votes than
their Acts. I have already acquainted your Lordps. with the
occasion of my conveening them, and the several matters I laid
before them at their meeting: but instead of answering those
ends I proposed, after a session of five weeks, at the expence of
nigh 350,000 lb. of tobacco, for the pay of the Burgesses and
their officers, they have only pass'd the three laws here inclos'd,
which being so inconsiderable, I shal not trouble your Lordps.
with any observation upon them. Refers to Speech at close of
Session, "wherein I sum'd up all their proceedings; which
summary I made purposely for your Lordps' information, and
arose to speak it openly in the presence of the Council, and the
whole House of Burgesses that the truth thereof might be the
less doubted at your Lordps.' Board: and after such a behaviour
in the Burgesses as is there represented, I hope you will not
judge the expressions too harsh, or the dissolution of such an
Assembly too unadvised. Your Lordships may observe in the
Burgesses' Journal some extraordinary resolves, especially those
of Sept. 2nd, whereby they have aimed at laying me under
certain imputations: but since they themselves find they have
therein so grossly erred from truth and good manners, that
almost every Burgess now disavows the resolves and denyes
that he went into them. I shall not trouble your Lordps. with
any further vindication of myself, than barely referring to my
messages of 19th and 27th Aug., for setting forth that point in
contest which related to ye two Justices (Mr. Littlepage and Mr.
Butts) and shall content myself with the Council's message on
7th Sept., for clearing my conduct from the aspersions which the
Burgesses cast upon it: not doubting but the Council's resolves
upon the Lower House's proceedings will give your Lordships a
pretty just idea of the justice, veracity and good manners of the
late Representatives of the People. And as to the Bills they had
prepared, thô I confess I was resolved to reject them, if they
had come so far as to be presented to me, yet their encroachments
upon the prerogative of the Crown, and their injustice to their
fellow subjects was so evident therein that the far greater part
of the Council threw out their Bills without putting me to the
trouble of a negative. I have on former occasions represented
it to your Lordps. as the misfortune of this country, that the
bulk of electors of Assembly-men, consists of the meaner sort of
people, who besides their inclination to favour men of their own
stamp are more easily imposed upon, by persons who are not
restrained by any principles of truth or honour, from publishing
amongst them the most false reports, and have front enough to
assert for truth even the grossest absurdities. This has been
practiced by some on former elections, but by none so much as
the late members of Assembly; who finding tobacco to be now
valuable in hopes of making great advantages, by their sallary,
thought it worth their while to take extraordinary pains to secure
their election, while gentlemen of better understandings and more
plentifull estates, not tempted with the same desire of gain,
despised making their court to the populace by such vile practices,
and by that means were disappointed of representing their
county, except in two or three countys. Besides, these mobbish
candidates always outbid the gentlemen of sense and principles;
for they stick not to vow to their electors, that no consideration
whatsoever shall engage them to raise money, and some of them
have so little shame as publickly to declare, that if in Assembly,
anything should be proposed, which they judged might be
disagreeable to their Constituents, they would oppose it, tho they
knew in their consciences that it would be for the good of the
country. To remedy this evil in the Legislature is what my
thoughts have been bent upon, and after proving it to be incurable
by the direct way of an Assembly, I have at length fallen upon a
stratagem by which I hope to work the cure. I have observed
that the law by which the Burgesses claim their allowances,
does no more than declare that they are entitled to 130 lb. of
tobacco pr. day; And thereupon I have caused to be printed and
dispersed the two inclosed querys: This caution I understand is
like to prevail upon the County Courts, and by this means I
expect to bring either the Burgesses' allowances to pass every
Session in the Book of Claims, or they to submitt to a new law
which lessens the temptation of mean necessitous fellows serving
in Assembly. Some of the Indians I formerly mentioned to have
made overtures to this Government for a peace have been again
here; but as they did not bring with them the chief men of all
the Nations in confederacy with them, I did not think fitt to
proceed further in the Treaty, lest by opening a trade with
them, the other neighbouring Nations should by their means
be supplyed with ammunition and enabled to continue their
hostilitys. The reason these Indians gave, why the other Nations
did not send their Deputys at the same time, was upon a doubt made
by one of their great men whether the orders sent from hence really
came from me, because he observed the Seal different from those
he had seen come from this Colony," etc. as preceding. Continues:—Here are now two gentlemen come as agents from South Carolina,
to treat with this Government for a further assistance of men: but
the treatment those already sent have found there, has entirely
disabled me (thô I were never so willing) to afford them further
succours; for tho the chief encouragement for raising the men
here, was the promise of that Government to send hither an equal
number of slaves to work on their Plantations during their
absence, yet not one hath been sent, nor any great prospect of
their being sent at all, so as to do the service expected of them:
Another condition was, that the Virginians should be commanded
by their own officers, and should act in one body, but even that
also is broke, the Governor of Carolina not allowing of my
Commissions, and dispersing the men into garrisons remote from
one another. And in short almost every one of the Articles are
violated, and such complaints from the men, of ill usage, in
respect of the pay and cloathing promised them, that I am
perswaded I could not find one man in this Colony that would
engage in that service. And as this body of 150 men sent to
South Carolina is the first assistance of that kind which I can
understand has been given by any of H.M. Plantations here to the
other, so I am afraid the great discouragements this hath meett
with will make it the last. And it is the more ungratefull in the
Government of Carolina to treat our men in this manner, considering the signal service they have done them; for while the Governor
had drained all his garrisons for an expedition against some
Indians to the North West, about 700 Indians fell upon the
Southern parts of the Province, and destroyed all before them,
within a few miles of Charlestown; but the forces sent from hence
arriving just at that time, immediatly march'd, mett with and
defeated that body of Indians; and 'tis to them that the preservation of the rest of the country is owing: but the treatment
of the Virginia forces may be easily accounted for from the
alteration of the Carolina affairs, which are not now under the
unhappy scituation they were in, when these men were raised;
for since the last defeat, the Indians appear no more on their
frontiers, and the Northern Nations ceasing their hostilitys
and sueing to this Government for peace, 'tis probable the
others will soon follow their example. Repeats part of gist of
preceding. I have long since taken notice that this Revenue
(2s. per hhd.) must necessarily decrease, the more the inhabitants
fall into trade, seeing their vessells are exempted from the
payment of all those dutys by which it is raised. This consideration has made me almost every session, to recommend
to the Assembly the raising some other fund as an equivalent;
but I find there's no reasoning against interest, the exemption of
Virginia owners from payment of dutys is too beneficial a
priviledge to be parted with; And since the laying any tax
whatsoever, even in the greatest necessitys is hardly to be compassed, while the humour of the People is more intent upon
private benefite than the publick safety or honour of the Government; your Lordships will judge how little a Governour's
endeavours assisted only by his own hearty inclinations is likely
to prevail for supplying this deficiency, unless some other means
be used to oblige the country to support its Government, which
I must leave to your Lordps.' consideration. Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. 25th Jan., Read 16th May, 1716. 5 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
652. i. (a) Copy of Proclamation for continuing all officers
within the Government of Virginia, in accordance
with H.M. Proclamation of Nov. 22, 1714. Williamsburg, Feb. 23, 1714 (15). Signed, A. Spotswood. |
|
(b) Copy of Proclamation for taking off the restraint
on exporting corn and other grain. Dated and signed as
preceding. |
|
(c) Copy of Proclamation for dissolving the General
Assembly of Virginia. Dated and signed as preceding. |
|
(d) Copy of Proclamation for taking up persons coming
out of Carolina without passports. "Whereas the
Governor of North Carolina hath represented that divers
of the inhabitants of that Province being apprehensive
of an Indian war are preparing to leave, whereby those
that remain will become a more easy prey to their
enemies, etc., inhabitants of North or South Carolina
coming into the countries bordering on North Carolina
without a passport from the Governor of North Carolina,
during the present apprehension of danger from the
Indians, are to be taken up and delivered to some
magistrate of that Province," etc. June 15, 1715.
Signed, A. Spotswood. |
|
(e) Duplicate of No. 651 i. The whole endorsed as
covering letter. 6½ pp. |
|
652. ii. Account of the Public Tobacco, Xtmas, 1714—7th
Sept., 1715. Receipts, 83, 125 lb. Expenditure, 80, 536.
Endorsed as preceding. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. Nos. 30,
30 i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 1364. pp. 351–362.] |
Oct. 25.
Antego. |
653. Lt. General Mathew to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. There being but seven gentlemen members of the
Council of Antigua, and one of them Coll. Oliver being by illness
now render'd incapeable of almost ever attending at that Board;
I have been forced by advice of the Councill to swear a new member, Lieut. Coll. Valentine Morris, a gentleman who has the
honour to command H.M. Regiment in these Islands; has
besides a very considerable interest here and who, besides his
being a man of very good learning, is known to be of steady
principles in behalfe of his King and country. Mr. Duport
Agent for Saint Christophers attends your Board with three
Acts, I have passed for that Island; the first is an Act to regulate
the Militia; there was no such Act in force when I came to the
Government; the Preamble sufficiently showes the vast necessity
of having such an Act, and the great detriment it has been to the
Island the discontinuance of one; the former Acts of this nature
were very lame and insufficient, I am very well satisfied the
amendments I have got made in this, will not a little contribute
to the settlement and security of that Island. The second Act
is to ascertaine the bounds of settlements already made in the
French part of that Island; that Act is but temporary, and
determines when H.M. shall order the final disposeal of that part
of the Island; In the meane while this Act was necessary to
put me in a way of providing for several new settlers that came
daily to the Island; which otherwise I could not do, by the
unreasonable greediness of people who kept possession of greater
tracts of land than their former grants intended them. The
third is an Act to prevent the exportation of sugars from Saint
Christophers to Nevis; this Island has long labour'd under a
vast disadvantage for want of such an Act; nor can any reason
be given why this Act should not be confirm'd by H.M.; without
doubt it is a prejudice to Nevis; and before the French part of
Saint Xtophers. was confirm'd to England by France, the dangerous roads might be a reason for shipping to come rather to
Nevis; But now the whole Island is H.M. Island, shipping
do come willing to Basseterre, which is little inferior to Nevis
Roade; and for their security I have rais'd a battry of nine gunns;
By this meanes the people of Saint Christophers will be supply'd
with goods, which were formerly brought to them no farther
than Nevis; and consequently will have them at 6 or 8 pr. cent.
cheaper; shipps will alwayes think it worth their while to come for
their loading, and it must alwayes be thought very unreasonable
that Nevis, a very inconsiderable Island in comparison of St.
Christophers, should have the benefit of being supply'd with all
manner of goods cheaper than their neighbours, from whence
they even draw halfe the quantity of sugar that pay for such
goods, and only raise from thence an immediate unreasonable
benefit of 6 or 8 pr. cent., which they impose upon the inhabitants
of Saint Christophers. Herewith likewise is an Act pass'd at
Montserat to repeale a former Act entituled ye six pound Act; the
reasons that were given me for giving my assent to that Act, was,
the poor condition that Island was reduced to by the French,
which is worthy H.M. pity; and that he would please to oblige
the French to make good that Article of the peace which relates
to them. I was surpriz'd at my first arrival in these parts, into
giving my consent to an order of Councill at Saint Christophers,
for the raising of the vallue of French Crownes from 6 to 7 shillings
that country mony; but I since find ye 38th Article of the
Instructions cautions me from making any alteration in the
vallue of coines without H.M. leave; I shall direct the discontinuance of that order till I have leave from home, thô the
raising the vallue of that coine is of advantage to us, by drawing
cash from the French Islands hither; and seven shillings is and
alwayes has been the vallue of French crownes at Antego. Mr.
Duport waites upon you with a copie of the Minutes of the
Councill of Montserat from the 4th of July to the 1st Oct., 1715,
the Minutes of the Councill of Antego from 30th June to 29th
Sept., 1715, and the Minutes of the Assembly of Antego, 13th
July— 27th Sept.— the remaining Minutes of the Councills and
Assemblys of these Islands are not as yet compleated nor sent
me by the several Deputy Secretaries. Herewith is a roll of the
Militia of Saint Christophers and Antego; the like rolls from
Nevis and Montserat are not as yet remitted to me. I am satisfied
there must be more white men in these Islands; When the
new Militia Acts take place, ye rolls will be more exact; I have
sent besides an account of all ye guns and warlike stores in these
Islands; and thereto have added an account of such stores as
are absolutely necessary for the safety of these Islands in case
of a war. The Naval Officer's account of imports and exports
from St. Christophers, Montserat and Antego, 25th June—25th
Sept., 1715, will be deliver'd with these other papers; I am
forc'd to send these accounts that I have without the others,
the time being already elaps'd prescrib'd in the Instructions, and
this being the last oportunity of sending this season. Signed,
William Mathew. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd March, Read 5th June,
1716. 2¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
653. i. Account of guns and warlike stores in the Leeward
Islands, 24th Oct., 1715. Same endorsement. 1 large p. |
|
653. ii. Roll of the Militia (a) of St. Christophers, 10th Aug.,
1715. Total, Horse, 106; Foot, 467; (b) of Antego,
Total, Horse, 86; Foot, 752. Same endorsement. 1 p.
[C.O. 152, 11. Nos. 3, 3 i., ii.; and (without enclosures)
153, 12. pp. 388—394.] |
Oct. 25.
Barbados. |
654. Governor Lowther to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Acknowledges letter of 27th Sept. and refers to his own of
20th May, etc. Your Lordships will in some measure understand
in what temper I found the people, and in what condition the
civil and military affairs of this Government was in upon my
arrival here, by perusing the Council's representation to me upon
that head (Minutes of Council, 28th May). The Military Force of
this country consists of 6 regiments of foot, two of horse, and a
troop of Gards. Mr. Sharp soon after my departure from this
Island cashired the Colonel of the Gards, and five of the other
eight Colonels, with their Lieutenant Colonels, Majors, Captains
and the other inferiour officers: He also displac'd three of the
four Judges of the Common Pleas, a Master in Chancery, the
Treasurer, the Storekeeper of the Magazine, the Surveyor General,
the Coroners, and most of the other inferiour Ministers: He also
alter'd the Commission of Peace, dissolved the General Assembly,
and suspended Mr. Frere (a gentleman of six thousand pounds a
year sterling) from being of the Council. The great uneasiness
and dissatisfaction that these alterations occasioned were
extreamly heighten'd not only by the persons the several offices
and places were supply'd with, and the unusual resort of many
of the principal inhabitants of Martinique to this Island, but
also from the extraordinary and unwarrantable civility that was
shewn the French in permitting them to view the fortifications
and to sound the roads and bays: The people were likewise
justly offended with the insolent temper and ungrateful return
the French made to the great kindness and respect many gentlemen shew'd them upon Mr. Sharpe's account: There's one instance
so very remarkable that I can't omit acquainting your Lordshipes
with it: Mr. Edward Hooper Lt. Colonel to Brigadier Hallet
invited the French gentlemen to his house, and gave them a most
magnificent entertainment; They praised his house, and gardens,
and run great encomiums on the situation of the place, but
before the entertainment was quite over, one of them told Mr.
Hooper, that he did not doubt, but he should be master of that
estate in a twelvemonth's time, and that then he would return
his civilities, by making him and his friends as welcome there,
as he had done him and his companions. I think it my duty to
acquaint your Lordshipes that notwithstanding it is declar'd
in the Preamble to the Treaty of Commerce That since their
Majesties had applyed their minds (by the disposal of the
Almighty) to the study of Peace, they had been both moved with
an earnest desire to increase the advantage of their subjectes
which are to arrise therefrom by reciprocal liberty of navigation
and commerce which ought to be as well the principal fruit as
establishment of Peace, yet I find nothing in the said Articles
relating to the West-India Trade, nor have I any Instructions
upon that head: indeed the King's subjectes in this part of the
world are almost in as bad a condition in relation to foreign trade
as they were during the war; several attempts have been made
to open a trade with the Spainards, but to no purpose, nor do I
think it possible to be effected so long as the French have such an
absolute influence and ascendency over the Spanish Counsels and
Government. About two months ago one Mr. Lowden an
inhabitant of this place went to Trinidad with a cargo of such
English manufactures as was proper for those people; the
Spainards resorted in great numbers on board his sloop, and
agreed with him for his whole cargo, as likewise to pay him
for it as they took it away, but before he had deliver'd a third part
thereof, two French sloops that rode at anchor some small
distance from him interrupted the trade, and would not permit
the Spainards to have any further dealings with him, and he
was forc'd to leave the place, for fear of being seiz'd by the said
sloopes, in fine, the French behave themselves like Lords paramount over this part of the world and treat the Spainards just
as they think fit: They have diverted the old channel of trade, and
have carry'd it from the North to the South Sea: heretofore
Cartagena, Portobel and Santa Fe used to be the chief marts
where most of the European commodities were vended, and the
Spainards on the Southern part of the Continent resorted with
their silver to those places to buy what they wanted, but the
French now supply them by Panama and the other partes in
the South Sea. I herewith send a copy of my letter to M. Du
Quesne etc. He hath promised me that the Intendant will do
the parties justice in whose behalfe it's writ, etc. I desire your
Lordshipes to signify to me on the subject matter of his letter,
for I have no Instructions relating to it tho' Monsieur Du Quesne
possitively affirmes that I have: if H.M. shall think fit to forbid
his subjectes to trade at Martinique, I submit it to your Lordshipes
whether it will not be necessary to have a law made to restrain
them, for in time of peace, I know no law against it, nor is there
any law that makes them lyable to any forfeitures or penalties if
they import no prohibited commodities hither. I humbly
conceive it would be of great advantage to this place, and to all
H.M. sugar Colonies, if there was a law made in England to
restrain His subjects in North America from exporting horses
into any country that's not under H.M. Dominion, for the French
at Martinique and Guardalupa, and the Dutch at Sorronam begin
to rival us in the sugar trade, and this is owing in some measure
to the great supplies of horses they frequently receive from New
England, and other partes of that Continent, for as we grind the
sugar-canes with wind-mills, so they are necessitated to do it by
an engine that's drawn by horses and cattle. As it is of the last
importance to this place, and to all H.M. Sugar Islands, to have
the African Trade speedily put upon a right establishment, and
as it is an affair of greater consequence to England than everybody
imagines, so I hope this Ministry and Parliament won't postpone
it, or think it a work unworthy of their consideration. I have
prevail'd with the General Assembly to raise mony for the payment
of the publick debts, and to put the carriages belonging to the
great artillery, and the fortifications into repair, as also to make a
proper provision for the gunners and matrosses, and I hope the
several laws relating thereto will meet with your Lordshipes'
approbation. There was a law made about six years ago impowering a Committee consisting of four members of the General
Assembly and three of the Council to receive, audit, and settle
all publick accounts from time to time, and to finally determine
and adjust the same, by which law, the Governours of this place
are excluded from intermeddling therein. I have given strict
directions for taking exact listes of the number of the white
inhabitants within this Island, and so soon as I receive the same
shall transmit them to your Lordshipes. I have too much
reason to believe that too many of the Planters are faulty in not
keeping their proportionable number of servants according to the
acres of land they possess, but we have this matter under
deliberation, and I hope to bring it to such an issue as will be to
your Lordshipes' satisfaction. The several species of stores
belonging to the Government (all but powder) have been
purchased by the country, and that is annually supply'd by a
duty that [that] was laid some years ago on shipes that trade
hither: the consumption of powder proceeds from returning
the salutes of shipes that arrive here, and the discharge of the
great ordnance on Festivals and other solemn occasions. I
presume your Lordshipes may understand from others besides
me that the spirit of contention and faction that raged here for
many years is intirely asswag'd, but it's fit I should informe your
Lordshipes that this happiness is greatly owing to H.M. dismissing
Mr. Sharp and others from the Council Board here and by the
absence of one Mr. William Walker who hath been not only a
common nuisance to this country, but hath done it more
prejudice than all he hath in the world will atone for, tho
he's esteemed to be worth no less than £25,000 sterling, which is
all acquired in less than 10 years, and chiefly by intrigueing,
mischief-making, and other indirect and wicked wayes. Returns
thanks for their promises of support, etc. P.S. The fortifycations
are so exceedingly out of repair that they will require much
mony, labour-and care to put them into order: all affairs of this
nature were heretofore carry'd on and managed by the Commissioners of the Fortifycations in the several districtes and
divisions, which consisted of all the Field Officers, the Members
of Council and General Assembly that lived in each district or
division, which are five (viz.) Ostins, Bridge, Hole, Read's Bay,
and Spikecess, and the Colonels in each of these Divisions received
and disburst the mony that was raised from time to time to
repair the fortifycations in each of the said respective districtes
or divisions but instead of applying it to that use the greatest
part of it was either sunk, or so imprudently laid out that the
Publick received little or no advantage by it: I therefore thought
it absolutely necessary to alter this method of proceeding, and
upon mature deliberation thought it most advisable to intrust
the chief management of this affair to six gentlemen under such
limitations, directions and restrictions as are mention'd in the
Act impowering me to appoint them: Their principal business
is first to consult with the Commissioners of the Fortifycations
in each division, what timber, utensiles, and other materials will
be wanting to repair the fortifycations in their division, and then
to make as reasonable and as good contractes as they can with
the merchantes etc. and artificers and labourers necessary etc.
The Commissioners in each Division are to inspect and supervise
the work, and when the contractors have compleated their
respective contractes to certify the same to me to the end the
contractors may obtain an order from the Council and me on the
Treasurer, etc., and care is taken in the Levy Bill to oblige the
Treasurer to punctually pay the said orders. Signed, Rob.
Lowther. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd Feb., 17 15/16, Read 25th Jan.,
17 16/17. Holograph. 8 pp. Enclosed, |
|
654. i. List of papers enclosed in preceding. 1 p. |
|
654. ii. Governor Lowther to M. Du Quesene, Lt. General of
the French American Islands and Terra firma at
Martinique. Barbados, Aug. 22, 1715. I send this
letter by Capt. Charles Constable, Commander of
H.M.S. Roebuck, etc., to acquaint you that Benjamin
Curtis Esq., and Company subjects to the King of Great
Brittain had a sloop called the Martha taken the fifth
instant by a French sloop near Sta. Lucia in sight of
Martinique, which together with the cargo amounts
to the vallue of £2,000 pounds sterling, and that Daniel
Updike master, and Bernard St. John supercargoe and
the crew were put naked on Sta. Lucia without any
sustenance but had the good fortune some small time
after to be transported to Martinique, etc. St. John
hath deposed the persons on board the sloop which took
him were all French and told him they were not pirates
but came to declare the warr first. He hath also
deposed that upon his arrival at Martinique he made
his misfortune known to the Governmt. and desired a
Commission to go in quest of the said sloop, he having
then an English sloop at his command, but this just and
reasonable request was denyed him. That some small
time after this a French sloop arrived at Martinique with
some negroes etc. which he knew to be part of his
cargo, which he claimed, and applyed to M. Vaucresson
for justice, who refus'd to take any notice of the said
claims. But told him he would confiscate the sd. goods
and negroes to the King and that the only service he
could do him was that he might have the liberty to buy
any of the said goods at publick sale, etc. I pray your
Excellency not to insist upon little punctilios and
niceties of law but cause such part of the negroes etc.
to be deliver'd to Capt. Constable, as you shall conceive
upon the hearing of the cause were taken out of the
Martha, etc. Signed, Rob. Lowther. Recd. 23rd Feb.,
1715 (16), Read 25th Jan., 17 16/17. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
654. iii. M. Du Quense, Governor of Martinique, to Governor
Lowther. Fort Royal, Martinique. I have received
repeated and strict orders from the King not to allow
any foreign trade. I know that you have the like
from the English Court. Yet our coasts and roads are
filled every day with your ships coming to trade, which
obliges me to beg you to give your attention to it, and
absolutely to forbid coming hither all those who are
under your Government, etc. If however any vessel
in its course should have urgent need of help, I will
cause it to be given unhesitatingly, with proper precautions; but I am forbidden to allow any such in our
roadsteads for more than 24 hours, etc. Signed, D[uquesnes ?]. Same endorsement. Copy. French. Torn.
1 p. |
|
654. iv. Copy of Commission appointing six commissioners to
make contracts for the repair of the fortifications of
Barbados. Pilgrim, 24th Oct., 1715. Signed, Rob.
Lowther. Same endorsement. 2½ large pp. |
|
654. v. Account of the stores of war in the magazines of
Barbados, 4th Nov., 1714—19th July, 1715. Signed,
Wm. Downes. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
654. vi. List of negro slaves imported into Barbados 24th
April, 1714–1715. Total, 5,259. Signed, Hen. Lascelles.
Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 15. Nos. 1, 1 i.–vi.;
and (without enclosures) 29, 13. pp. 353–370.] |
Oct. 25
Whitehall. |
655. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney General. Summarizes
petition of M. Durepaire (v. 8th Oct.). The petitioner's wife was
the widow of M. Maigne, the French King's Lieut. of St. Christophers. Mrs. Maigne retired with the French in 1690, and when
they were restored, returned with them and enjoyed her estate,
retiring with them again in 1702 and living at St. Thomas'. She
was not at that time reputed a Protestant, tho' Durepaire affirms
she is one now. This case seems very different from that of the
French Refugees who were obliged to abandon their estates in
St. Christophers upon account of the persecution of the Protestants, and retir'd to the English etc. The Council of Trade and
Plantations desire your opinion, whether, considering the Act
of 12th and 13th William III. for the further limitation of the Crown
etc., and the Act pass'd the last Session of Parliament to explain
the forementioned Act, H.M. may grant the lands petition'd for
to Mr. Durepaire, supposing neither he nor his wife have been naturaliz'd before H.M. accession to the Throne ? P.S. And whether
the claim of right of Mrs. Maine by descent from her ancestors
was not destroy'd by the 12th Article of the late Treaty of Peace,
whereby the French part of St. Christophers is absolutely ceded
to the Crown of Great Britain, both on the part of the Crown of
France and of its subjects ? [C.O. 153, 12. pp. 354–356.] |
Oct. 25.
Custom ho., London. |
656. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. The Commrs. of the
Customs being informed that by an Act passed in the Assembly
of Conneticutt, eight ports are established; and that by another
Act pass'd there the Navall Officers appointed by the Governours
are impower'd to enter and clear all vessells both inwards and
outwards, and to give certificates for clearing bonds as well as
for performing all parts of the duty of the Officers of the Customs.
They desire copies thereof, etc. Signed, Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed,
Recd. 25th, Read 28th Oct., 1715. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 5,
1265. No. 9; and 5, 1292. pp. 473, 474.] |
Oct. 28.
Whitehall. |
657. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. Reply to preceding. I do
not find any of the laws of Connecticut of the purport mentioned,
etc. [C.O. 5, 1292. pp. 474, 475.] |
