|
April 5.
[? May 5.] |
112. Mr. Attorney General to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Reply subscribed beneath letter of May 1st. I am
of opinion the Act of 13 Car. II mentioned was a declaratory
law, that the power of disposeing of the Militia was always in
the Crown in all H.M. Dominions and was not vested in the
Crown by yt Act and I cannot see but yt the Crown may as well
put the disposition of ye Militia of a foreign Plantation in a
subject as it may ye powers of government as are granted to
several of the Proprietary Governmts. Signed, Edw. Northey.
Endorsed, Recd. Read 7th May, 1716. 1¾ pp. (Dated April 5,
apparently in error for May 5. v. April 28 and May 1st). [C.O.
5, 866. No. 85; and 5, 914. pp. 328, 329.] |
April 6.
St. James's |
113. Order of King in Council. Appointing John Johnson
to the Council of New York. Signed, Robert Hales. Endorsed,
Recd. 1st, Read 2nd May, 1716. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1051. No. 23;
and 5, 1123. pp. 442, 443.] |
April 7.
Custom ho., Bristol. |
114. J. Reynardson to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses copy of former accounts which have miscarryed. Signed,
J. Reynardson, Collr. Endorsed, Recd. 9th April, Read 5th
June, 1716. Addressed. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
114. i., ii. List of ships cleared from Bristol to the Fishery
at Newfoundland, June 24, 1713–1715. Two each
year. Signed, J. Reynardson, Collr., Jno. Elbridge,
Compt. 2 double pp. [C.O. 194, 6. Nos. 17, 17 i.,
ii.] |
April 9.
Whitehall. |
115. Joseph Micklethwait to Mr. Popple. Encloses Act of
Barbados appointing himself, Mr. Heysham and Mr. Lloyd as
Agents, to be laid before the Board of Trade, and transmitted to
the Council office. Signed, Jo. Micklethwait. Endorsed, Recd.
27th April, Read 2nd May, 1716. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 14. No. 48;
and 29, 13. pp. 326, 327.] |
April 10.
St. James's. |
116. H.M. Warrant to Governor Lord A. Hamilton. Whereas
it has been represented unto us, that there is due to you, and the
Council of that our Island of Jamaica for the subsistance of
Col. Handasyd's late Regiment from 1st May, 1714,–27th
Aug. following, as also for subsisting our two Independant
Companies from 27th Aug., 1714,–13th Nov., 1715, £2706 6s. 3d.
And we being very sensible of the good service you and the
Council did in taking such care for the subsistance of these
troops, and understanding that the late Assembly has made no
provision for reimbursing you, notwithstanding the same was
recommended to them, and judging it highly just, that this
debt should be discharged, we do by these presents authorize you
to pay the aforesaid debt out of the first and readiest of the
Revenue of that our Island, etc. And whereas the provision
made by the last Assembly for the necessary subsistance of the
Two Independant Companys for the time to come, does not
seem to be such as will answer that end, you are therefore hereby
authorized and empowred out of the first and readiest of our said
Revenues, to make up what the aforesaid provision shall fall
short until the Assembly shall make a more effectual provision
for the subsistance of these two Companys, which we judge so
necessary for the security of that our Island, etc. Countersigned,
James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 337, 338.] |
| April 10. |
117. List of papers laid before the House of Commons relating to the Palatines. [C.O. 5, 1123. pp. 438–440.] |
April 10.
Nevis. |
118. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Repeats March 1st. Continues: Since the foregoing I have visited the other chief Islands of my government
and find them all in a very defenceless condition, the forts and
platforms are very much out of order, most of the guns dismounted, stores and ammunition wanting everywhere which
I humbly intreat your Lordships to recommend that we may have
a supply sent of all sorts for the four Islands. I sent according
to your Lordships' directions to the Governors of Anguilla and
Spanish Town to send me an account of the Virgin Islands,
which I herewith send you inclosed, but is but a very imperfect
one. Had I a man of war fitt to attend the station I should go
down myself and carry the Surveyor with me and then should
be able to give your Lordships a more particular account. However your Lordships will give me leave to make some particular
remarks on the several Islands. Crabb Island as they say and
as I am inform'd is most on't very good land but then it is
attended with this inconveniency that it lyes so very nigh the
Island of Porto Rico that nobody is secure in his property, that
the negroes or other slaves may upon the least disgust get over
to that Island where if once they gett among the Cowkillers
(which are a sort of Banditti which are settled in the remote
parts of that Island) there is no getting them again althô the
Governor of that Island should be inclinable to make restitution,
he'd hardly have it in his power. And I must observe that in
the reign of King James II, and in the time that Sir Nathaniel
Johnson was Governor of these Islands, there was a settlement
attempted to be made by several inhabitants that went from this
and the other Islands, but they were soon molested and all of
them taken of by the Spaniards and carry'd to St. Domingo
where they were kept a considerable time as prisoners or rather
slaves for they were put to all hardships slaves usually undergo
in these parts, and it was in a manner so many inhabitants
lost from these Islands. The next island is St. Cruise which
they say they have no knowledge off nor durst they go there
to view it by reason of Spanish privateer or rather pirate that
was then hovering about, who had taken an English turtling
sloop and some French vessells as I am informed, but by what
I can learn there is a pretty deal of good land, and the people of
Anguilla are very desirous to remove from that Island to the
former, setting forth in a petition (enclosed) that the Island of
Anguilla is quite wore out and that they can no longer subsist
thereon, and therefore desire that I would grant them patents
for parcells of land and to make a settlement there, but I shall
wait for your Lordships' directions therein; at the same time
I must observe that the French had once a settlement upon that
Island and had pretty many inhabitants thereon but were all
removed by order of the French King in the beginning of the
former war about 1690 or 1691, by reason as I am informed of
the many landing places that are upon that Island and that the
people would be continually exposed to the insults of our privateers or to be wholly taken by a small force that might have been
sent against them; therefore I must wholly leave it to your
Lordships' judgement whether it will be for the advantage of
the Crown to have H.M. subjects scatter'd up and down in small
Islands and exposed to the insults of our enemies in case of a
war with any foreign power, were these peopled as well as those
of the other little Virgin Islands and had encouragement given
them by granting them small plantations in the former French
part of St. Christophers, I conceive it would be vastly for H.M.
interest and the strengthning of the four chief Islands. The next
Island is Tortola, they themselves own is good for little. As for
Spanish Town that has the most inhabitants upon it, but do live
but very meanly, and being but a very ordinary little Island,
and of no profit to the Crown. As for Beef Island 'tis hardly
worth mentioning. By all which your Lordships may perceive
how little it is consistent with what Captain Walton informed your
Lordships and his desire of having it made a seperate Government,
besides that we really want inhabitants upon every one of the
four chief Islands, but I must wholly submit to your Lordships'
judgement and directions in every particular. I now come
to the Island of St. Christopher's, particularly in relation to
the former French ground, where I find that most part of the
land has been granted by my predecessors, the former Governours
to several people but chiefly to the inhabitants of that Island,
which grants have been most renewed by the Lieutenant General
before my arrival as your Lordships will see by the inclosed list
I had from the Lieutenant General. This way of settlement
will very little add to the strengthning of that Island, but if
encouragement was given for people from other parts to come and
settle, that would not only be for the advantage of H.M. interest
in that Island, but the strengthning of the rest of the Islands
under my Government, for I must observe to your Lordships
what has weaken'd these Islands most has chiefly been occasioned
by rich men's buying out the poor out of their little settlements,
by this means they have been in time drove off of the Islands,
and should the people of St. Christopher's that have plantations
in the English ground have others granted them, or continued
in the grants they have obtained (by what means I know not)
it will not at all prove for H.M. interest nor the strengthning of
the Colony, but this I must likewise submit to your Lordships.
I must observe that most of the French plantations had very
irregular bounds, and therefore it would be necessary that whenever there be directions from H.M. for the settling that part of
the Island, that orders should be given to the Surveyor that an
East and West and North and South line should be struck thro
the two former French parts (they being the East and West end
of the Island), that from thence all plantations might be laid out
in such square tracts or quantity of acres that should be granted
by the Crown to particular persons; this would not only make
the Island look like a garden, but prevent in time to come any
vexatious law suits or wranglings which must otherwise of
necessity ensue but will prove vastly to the quieting the inhabitants. In my former I acquainted your Lordships Captain Soanes,
H.M.S. Seahorse, did design to leave this station and notwithstanding all the arguments that I have used, he does persist in
his resolution of going home for Great Brittain, before the arrival
of the other ship of war to supply his place, and notwithstanding
that we have now pirates among these Islands which I had an
account of one of the Lieut. Governor of Antigua had been seen
off for eight or ten days to the Windward part of that Island.
I therefore ordered the said Soanes to cruize five days to the
East part of that Island between the latitude of sixteen and
eighteen who is now return'd but as I understand went only a
little to the South East of that Island and so came down again
not without some reflections on his being sent to cruize etc.
Refers to enclosure, whereby he peremptorily resolves to leave
this station, by which I shall be left without a man of war and
if any pirates are or should continue among these Islands, it will
not only prevent my going from Island to Island as H.M. service
will require me, but very dangerous to the ships trading to and
from these Islands. I must observe to your Lordships that the
Captain complains of his ship's incapacity notwithstanding that
in the small time he has belonged to this station he was four
months absent, and was near three of them at New York where
he might easily have fitted and might have been supplyed with
all necessarys, for what reason he did not he knows best. Signed,
W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 15th June, 1716.
5½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
118. i. Duplicate of No. 68 i. |
|
118. ii. Capt. Soanes to Governor Hamilton. Seahorse, 8th
April, 1716. I have used my endeavour to comply
with your Excellency's order so far as wind, weather,
currants and the condition of the ship would permit,
which I think very unreasonable for a ship wholly
uncapaciated to beat the sea to go on such a frivolous
errand, no such thing as a pirate being there, only Mrs.
Byam was to go to Barbuda and she thought herself
not safe without a man of war to cruize that way. I
spoke with those that ran down that latitude bound for
Jamaica that saw none, etc. I have but barely provisions
left to carry me home. Designs to sail in two or
three days, etc. Signed, Jos. Soanes. Same endorsement. Copy. 1p. |
|
118. iii. Account of 95 grants of 6563 acres of land to 62
Planters in the late French part of St. Christophers
made by Governors Christor. Codrington, Douglas,
Mathew and Smith. Same endorsement. 5 pp. |
|
118. iv. Petition of Abraham Howell, Governour of Anguilla,
for himself and in behalf of the rest of the inhabitants,
to Governor Hamilton. The Island is soe very poor and
barren, that it will not produce subsistance for the
inhabitants, soe that in a very short time they must
leave the same or inevetably perish for want of land
to cultivate and manure. Prays him to grant patents
to them for the settlement of St. Cruix, a very large
island uninhabited and withall of a very fertile soil
and commodious with good roads for shipping and trade,
etc. 1 p. |
|
118. v. Report upon the Virgin Islands. The soil of Crabb
Island, Sta. Crux and Tortola is described as very rich.
St. Johns and the rest of the small islands as good for
little or nothing. Signed, Tho. Hornbe, Abra. Howell.
1 p. |
|
118. vi. List of the Inhabitants of Spanish Town, Tortola
and Beef Island. Spanish Town: 50 men, 46 women,
151 children, 125 negroes. Beef Island: 4 men,
4 women, 9 children, 6 negroes. Tortola: 20 men,
23 women, 60 children, 44 negroes. Endorsed as covering
letter. 1 p. |
|
118. vii.–ix. Governor Hamilton's Speech to the Assembly
of Antigua with their answer, welcoming him and
protesting their loyalty, etc. The whole endorsed as
preceding. Copies. 7 pp. |
|
118. x. Address of the Lt. Governor, Council and Assembly
of Antigua to the King. Congratulate H.M. on the
late happy victories obtained over his unnatural and
rebellious subjects, and upon his choice of a Ministry,
etc. Return thanks for sending Walter Hamilton as
Governor, etc. Signed, Edward Byam, John Hamilton,
Wm. Thomas, Bar. Tankard, Vall. Morris, John Fry,
E. Warner, R. Oliver; Archd. Cockran, Speaker, Hump.
Osborn, Jas. Nisbitt, John Burton, John Duer, Jac.
Morgon, Benj. Wickham, Bar. Looby, John Gamble, Giles
Watkins, John Combe, Tho. Turner, And. Murray, Wm.
Paynter. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
118. xi. Address of the Lt. Governor, Council and Assembly of
Nevis to Governor Hamilton. We are most thankfull
to the King's most excellent Majesty for appointing
you, notwithstanding all the uncommon malicious
endeavours of your enemies, etc. Signed, Danl. Smith,
Jas. Bevon, Aza. Pinney, Lawce. Brodbelt, Jas. Milliken,
Robt. Ellis, John Richardson, Mich. Smith, John
Pinney; Rogr. Pemberton, Speaker, Saml. Gardner,
Geo. Meriwether, Richd. Brodbelt, Jas. Symonds,
Josiah Webbe, Archd. Hamilton, Wm. Maynard, John
Dasent. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
118. xii. Address of the Governor of the Leeward Islands and
the Lt. Governor, Council and Assembly of Nevis to the
King. Charlestown, 12th April, 1716. Congratulate
H.M. on the success of his arms and councils in the late
unnatural and unprecedented Rebellion, to the confusion
of the Nation's enemies, the friends of Popery and arbitrary power both at home and abroad, etc. Signed,
W. Hamilton, Dan. Smith, Richd. Abbott, Ja. Bevon,
Aza. Pinney, Lawce. Brodbelt, James Milliken, Robt.
Eleis, Jno. Richardson, Mich. Smith, Jno. Choppin,
Cha. Bridgwater, John Pinney; Jeremiah Browne,
Speaker, John Dasent, Saml. Gardner, Rogr. Pemberton,
Richd. Brodbelt, Thos. Wallwin, Josiah Webbe, Wm.
Kitt, Tho. Cressey, Robt. Pemberton, John Woodly,
Mich. Williams, Saml. Jefferys, Archd. Hamilton.
Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
118. xiii. Address of the Lt. Governor, Council and Assembly
of Nevis to the King. Return thanks for the appointment of Governor Hamilton, whom they had recommended, and whose zeal for the Protestant succession
they had been more than twenty years witness of.
"We were astonished at the false and malicious
insinuations of his enemies," etc. Signed as preceding
excepting Governor Hamilton. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
118. xiv. Address of the President and Council of Montserratt
to the King. Congratulate H.M. on defeat of the
rebellion and return thanks for appointment of Governor
Hamilton, "the only person to heal the breeches and
unite the divisions amongst us, that have been occasioned
by the male administrations of our late Generalls," etc.
Signed, William Frye, John Daly, Geo. Wyke, W.
Gerrish, Edward Parson, Antho. Ravell, William White,
Antho. Fox, Wm. Barzey. Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
118. xv. Address of the President and Council of Montserratt
to Governor Hamilton. Express gratitude to H.M.
for appointing him, "having all of us experimentally
found the effects of your good government both in
military and civil affairs," etc. Signed and endorsed as
preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 11. Nos. 6, 6 i.–xv.; and
(without enclosures) 153, 12. pp. 403–412.] |
April 10.
Whitehall. |
119. Mr. Popple to Lt. Governor Caulfeild. Acknowledges
letters of 1st and 23rd Nov. last. The Council of Trade and
Plantations having fully represented to H.M. the state and
condition of the garrison at Annapolis Royall, they doubt not
but such orders will be given, as will for the future effectually
prevent the hardships and inconveniences which the said garrison
have hitherto suffer'd. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 309, 310.] |
April 14.
Nevis. |
120. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. This accompanys an Act past here by the Council
and Assembly and assented to by myself, for settling £1000 this
money per annum on me during my Government in lieu of the
rent of a house, the which is probable with a first view will appear
to be contrary to my Instructions, but I am so far resolved
on a strict observation of them, that I assure your Lordships I
have not, neither will I take or make use of one farthing thereof
until the Act has been laid before your Lordships, and I have
received your answer thereto, which I beg may be as soon as
possible, and withall I must intreat your Lordships to get the
said Act laid before H.M. in order to its being rejected or confirm'd
as your Lordships see most proper, the first of which in respect of
my interest as well as my own inclinations will be as agreeable as
the latter. For tho the sume therein mentioned seems so far
to exceed the sume limitted by my Instructions yet I do assure
your Lordships that the same sometimes will scarce produce
£400 sterling, were it to be remitted for England in the growth of
this country, in which specie (if the Act be confirmed) I must
take the same there being no such thing as money in any of these
Islands, the want whereof lays Trade as well as everything else
under very great difficulties, and indeed the members of the
Council and Assembly are so sensible thereof as well as of the
loss on returns from home, that they believe it will be easier for
the Publick to pay £1000 here than £400 in England, which I
presume has been the occasion to make this offer. I do assure
your Lordships that I faithfully communicated to them that part
of my Instructions which relates to this matter, and that it was
their ease in the manner of payment that chiefly induced me to
pass the Act, however, as I have already assured your Lordships,
I will not take one farthing until I have your opinion, etc. The
extravagant prices which we are obliged to give for all necessaries
of life in these Islands would give me an oppertunity of demonstrating to your Lordships the very great expence that must
necessarily attend a Governour, etc. Signed, W. Hamilton.
Endorsed, Recd. 14th June, 1716, Read 18th Feb., 1716 (1717).
1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 11. No. 46; and 153, 12. pp. 449–502.] |
April 16.
Whitehall. |
121. Mr. Popple to Governor Hunter. Abstract. Has little
to add to Board's letter enclosed (? 15th March). Urges the
necessity of appointing agents for each Province. Private acts,
for instance, referred to the Attorney and Solicitor General, will
lie for ever in their hands for want of such agent to pay their
fees, and if the Board had reported (as they were inclined to do)
that the persons he had recommended should be appointed
Councillors, nothing would have been done therein, for want of
a person to pay the fees in the Council and Secretaries Office,
etc. Printed, N.Y. Col. Doc. V. 472 and N. J. Archives, 1st
Ser. IV. 229. [C.O. 5, 1123. pp. 440–442.] |
April 18.
Whitehal. |
122. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Stanhope. There being some ships design'd in a few days for
Jamaica, we are preparing answers to the several letters we have
receiv'd from the Lord Archd. Hamilton; before the despatch of
which we take leave to remind you what we writ you the 17th
Feb., particularly in relation to the subsistence of the Forces
there, upon which, if the same be not already done, we conceive
it wou'd be absolutely necessary for H.M. service that His Royal
pleasure be soon declared to prevent the disorders which we are
apprehensive may ensue from the little care which the Assembly
seems to take for their subsistence. Autograph signatures. 1 p.
[C.O. 137, 46. No. 14; and 138, 14. p. 406.] |
April 19.
Whitehal. |
123. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord
A. Hamilton. We are now to answer your Lordship's letters of
31st Jan., 26th April, 2nd July, 30th Aug., 14th and 28th Nov.,
1715. We are sorry to find that notwithstanding H.M. most
gracious letter to your Lordship, the confirming the two advantageous laws we sent you over and the readiness we have shewn
to concur in and promote whatever might be propos'd for the good
and advantage of the Island, the Assembly shou'd be so far
wanting to themselves and their Country, as not to make a suitable
return; as to their manner of providing for the subsistence of
the soldiers, we look'd upon it to be somewhat extraordinary
and as your Lordship will see by the enclosed copy of our letter
to Mr. Secretary Stanhope, we lost no time in representing it
to the King. We have wrote again to the Secretary to remind
him of the necessity of having H.M. pleasure declared upon that
subject. In the mean time we shou'd hope that when the
Assembly comes seriously to consider the great number of negroes
in the Island, how it is in a manner surrounded by the French
and Spaniards and compare these circumstances with the weak
state of their own Militia, they will lay aside any private views
and be induced to think that their own safety is worth looking
after. For our part we do not conceive how that can be preserv'd,
even without a greater number of regular troops, till the Island
is sufficiently strengthen'd by white people. Your Lordship
will farther see by our said letter what we did in relation to the
Assembly's sending over their Address without your Lordship's
concurrence. As to what your Lordship mentions of allowing
appeals from the Court of Chancery to H.M., we are of opinion
that the 92nd Article of your Instructions being general and
requiring security to be given by the appellant for effectually
prosecuting his appeal, answering the condemnation and paying
the costs and charges, which shall be awarded in case the sentence
of the Chancery be affirm'd your Lordship is sufficiently authoriz'd
to admit of such appeals, provided the sum appeal'd for exceed
£500 sterl. the latter part of that Instruction being also general
and providing that execution be not suspended by reason of
appeals, we think your Lordship will do right not to stop the
execution of any sentence in Chancery thô an appeal be admitted
to the King. We have laid before H.M. what your Lordship
writes about the Spaniards taking our ships, and we do not doubt
but effectual care will be taken to prevent the like for the future.
The 44th Article of your Lordship's Instructions relating to
patentees and the consequence of their appointing deputies not
fit to officiate in their stead, we desire your Lordship to give
us a particular account how the said offices are executed;
whether they are rented to the deputies at such a rate as may
occasion their exacting upon the inhabitants and any other
observations that your Lordship may make thereupon. The
South Sea Company having presented to H.M. a memorial (v.
March 14), we send your Lordship a copy, and of our letter to
Mr. Secry. Stanhope thereupon, whereby you will perceive,
we cannot fully report that matter to H.M. till we have a farther
light in it. We send your Lordship a copy of a memorial deliver'd
to us by several Planters and others, that you may return your
answer to it. Your Lordship may be assured that we shall not
give credit, much less make any report upon any complaints or
insinuations to your Lordship's disadvantage till we shall have
acquainted you with them and given you an opportunity of
making a reply. [C.O. 138, 14. pp. 408–412.] |
April 20.
St. James's. |
124. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Governor and
Council of South Carolina. H.M. having been graciously pleas'd
to grant to the inventors or proprietors of a machine for diving,
his letters patents for the getting and obtaining such wrecks at
sea as shall or may be found within the limits mention'd in the
said letters patents. And the Directors of the said machine
having made their application to us for our protection of their
ships (now setting out upon that account), etc., we therefore
earnestly recommend Capt. Cuthbeard and Capt. Archer with
their vessels to your favour and assistance, etc. Signed, Carteret,
Palatin, M. Ashley, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 290. pp. 95, 96.] |
April 20.
Whitehall. |
125. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Propose
William Carter for the Council of Barbados, in place of John
Pilgrim, decd. (v. 30th Dec., 1715). [C.O. 29, 13. p. 326.] |
April 21.
Whitehall. |
126. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. H.M. having been pleased to appoint Colonel
Samuel Shute to be Governor of Massachuset's Bay in New
England, in the room of Elizeus Burges, Esq., you are to prepare
a draught of a Commission and Instructions for him, etc. Signed,
James Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 28th April, Read 1st May,
1716. 1p. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 82; and 5, 914. p. 323.] |
April 21.
Whitehall. |
127. Same to Same. Similar instructions to prepare a
commission etc. for Samuel Shute to be Governor of New Hampshire. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 866.
No. 83; and 5, 914. p. 324.] |
April 23.
Whitehall. |
128. Same to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. H.M.
having thought fit to order a number of rebels, who were taken
at Preston to be transported to his Plantations in America, I am
to acquaint you that it is H.M. pleasure, that you send directions
to the Governor of Carolina, that as soon as any of them land in
any place or port of that Government, to appoint a sufficient
guard for securing them til they are dispos'd of according to the
terms of the indentures they have entred into, and to take notice
that such of the prisoners as have not entred into indentures,
of whom there are some, are not to be set at liberty until they
have engaged themselves by indentures in the same way as the
others. Signed, James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 333, 334.] |
April 23.
Whitehall. |
129. Same to Governors Lowther, Spotswood, Hart, Walter
Hamilton, Ld. A. Hamilton, and Shute. Circular letter as
preceding. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 334, 335.] |
April 24.
Whitehall. |
130. Same to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Having
laid before the King your letter of the 18th I am to acquaint you,
that in pursuance of what you proposed, Feb. 17th, etc. directions
are sent to the Governor of Jamaica for paying of the debt
contracted for the subsisting of these forces, out of the first and
readiest of the Revenues of that Island and for continuing to
subsist them in the same way till the General Assembly fall upon
some other method for their subsistance. Signed, James Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 27th April, Read 1st May. 1716. 1 p.
[C.O. 137, 11. No. 13; and 138, 14. p. 413.] |
April 28.
St. James's. |
131. Order of King in Council. Referring following to the
Council of Trade and Plantations, to hear petitioners and report
their opinion thereon. Signed, Robert Hales. Endorsed, Recd.
30th April, Read 1st May, 1716. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
131. i. Petition of Richard Partridge, Agent for the Colony of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantation, to the King.
Col. Burges, the late Governour of New England was
directed in his Instruccons to take upon him the
command of the Militia of Rhode Island, and Providence
Plantation. The power of the Militia is vested in the
Governor and Company of the said Colony by the
Charter of K. Charles II; by virtue whereof they have
many years enjoyed the priviledge of comanding their
owne Militia, which should they now be divested off,
it would be attended wth. very ill consequence. Petitioner prayed to be heard against the same, etc., but
another person having since been appointed, prays to
be heard in behalf of the Colony, being apprehensive the
same instruction may be prepared for him by the
Commissrs. of Trade. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 866.
Nos. 84, 84 i.; and 5, 914. pp. 324–327.] |
April 28.
St. James's. |
132. Order of King in Council. Referring following to the
Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 10th May, 1716.
1¼ pp. Enclosed, |
|
132. i. Petition of Sir Edward Ernley to the King. On behalf
of his brother John Colleton, prays that he may be
appointed to the Council of Barbados, notwithstanding
Sir John Colleton's opposition, etc. Set out, A.P.C. II.
No. 1254. Copy. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 28, 14. Nos. 50,
50 i.; and 29, 13. pp. 329–331.] |
April 30.
Amboy. |
133. Abstract. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Received his Instructions of 7th Sept. about a month
ago. Our Indians attacked the enemies of Carolina and brought
back several scalps and some prisoners. Believes that war is
near an end, but if not our Indians will march in a body in the
spring to attack them. This will serve as an answer to that odd
memorial of Mr. Lodowick's. The Council were as much surprised at it as he was, and all denied that they had written to him to
that purpose. The memorial is really Mr. Nicholson's. Replies
to the suggestion that Col. Peter Schuyler was slighted. Admits
that he thinks very highly of Col. Morris. Encloses accounts of
building forts and explains provisions of the Revenue Act and
begs that it may be confirmed. "It is not in the power of men
or angels to beat the people of this Continent out of the silly
notion of their being gainers by the augmentation of the value of
plate." The number of Militia is 5060. The inhabitants do
not increase so fast as in the neighbouring Provinces where the
purchases of land are easier. Great numbers of the younger
leave Long Island yearly to plant in the Jerseys and Pennsilvania.
If they could extend their limits, as proposed in his last letter,
the people might be kept at home. Trade does not decay, though
the low rates of flour in the West Indies sometimes damps it for
a season. News has arrived of the Pretender's flight. On the first
news of that rebellion, Hunter framed and signed an Association
against him, which he sent to the Council, who signed it, as did
almost all ranks of men. Mr. Vesey has acknowledged his errors
and promised to behave better in the future. He was put upon
going to England by Mr. Nicholson. The late Chief Justice was
in the plot, but as he is dead, will only say he was the most
ungrateful of men. Refers to enclosures iii. and iv. He will
interpose in the former. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd.
20th June, 1716, Read 14th Nov., 1717. Holograph. 8 pp.
Printed, N.Y. Col. Doc. V. 475. Enclosed, |
|
133. i. Account of money remitted and raised for building forts
in the Province of New York, 1703 ff. Endorsed as preceding. 1½ pp. |
|
133. ii. Copy of the Association of the Governor and Inhabitants
of New York against the Pretender. New York, Dec.
16, 1715. We who have hereto subscribed our names in
duty to God and our King and due regard to our holy
religion, our country and prosperity do solemnly declare
and promise that we will to the utmost of our power
and ability support maintain and defend H.M. rightfull
and lawfull title to the sovereiginity of Great Britain
and all other the Dominions and Territories thereto
belonging agt. the Pretender and all other Pretenders
whatsoever, their associates and abettors. And we do
further in the most solemn manner promise and engage
to one another that we will cheerefully and readily
joyn together when thereto required by lawfull authority,
at such place within this Province and in such manner
as shall be by the sd. authority appointed to oppose and
suppress all such efforts as shall be made by the secret or
avowed friends or abettors of the said Pretender, etc.
Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
133. iii. Bill of indictment found by the Grand Jury of New
York against Thomas Clarke, merchant, for seditiously
stating that most of the best imployments in America
and the West Indies were exercised by men of that
country (meaning that part of Great Brittain formerly
called Scotland) and that wee needed them (meaning
the Governor etc.) not. Also that King William was an
alien and at his death could not dispose even of his
personal estate, etc. Same endorsement. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
133. iv. Bill of indictment found by the Grand Jury of New
York against William Vesey. Whereas on 2nd Dec.,
1709, the greatest body of the inhabitants of the City
of New York were descended of the Dutch Nation
allways had and continue to have and use their own
national worship in the Dutch language and their
ministers from time to time supplyed from Holland by
the classes of Amsterdam. And whereas there then was
and still is in the said City a very considerable congregation of French Protestants who in like manner use
their own manner of worship in the French language.
And whereas the said Dutch and French Congregations
have allways accounted themselves so very happy
and easy in the free exercise and enjoyment of their
own way of worship that most of them not only have
contributed peaceably, chearfully and willingly towards
the payment of the sallary of the minister of that
Congregation in the said city in communion of the
Church of England, but have also freely and voluntarily
paid very large sums towards the building of a very
handsome and decent Church and steeple for the
National Worship, called Trinity Church, and paid many
other marks of respect and good affection to Mr. William
Vesey then incumbent thereof, and are still desirous
of cultivating a good understanding with the inhabitants
of that communion. Nevertheless Mr. Vesey intending to
break the harmony, peace and tranquillity of the inhabitants, and to bring the Dutch and French Congregations,
into great scandall and infamy, etc., on that day did write
a certain infamous libell to the defamation of the said
congregations, to witt, "I hope Col. Riggs and the
Bishop of London with other friends will recommend
me and my Church to the favour and protection of the
new Governour and that affectionately. Otherwise
I fear wee shall sink under so great an oppression both
from the French and Dutch (Congregations), who
maliciously seek our destruction," etc. Same endorsement. Copy. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1051. Nos. 33, 33
i.–iv.; and (without enclosures) 5, 1123. pp. 458–465.] |
April 30.
St. Christophers. |
134. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Repeats 10th April, q.v. Concludes:—I have
received several orders from H.M. to pass patents for plantations
in the former French ground vizt. for Madame Elizt. Salenave,
her former husband's plantation, etc., which I order'd the
Surveyor to run, or lay out according to H.M. pleasure to me
signified in that behalfe, that I might pass a patent for the same,
but one Mr. Cunynghame who marryed a niece of the said
Salenave (an obstinate man) brought and offered me a patent
in Councill ready drawne without mentioning any quantity
of akers or being limited by any bounds or so much as being
surveyed by any one notwithstanding the sworne Surveyor had
given him notice, etc., for which reason by the advice of the
Councill I refused to pass the said patent, of wch. I supose, or
at least I am informed the sd. Cunynghame doth designe to form
a complaint against me. wch. I hope will have litle wight with your
Lordship, when I assure you that it is not out of any disobedience
to H.M. commands, but will reddily comply when ever that selfe
willd gentleman has gott the land lay'd out according to H.M.
directions. The next is Mrs. Renoult who had an order for 336
akers for wch. I pass'd her a patent two days agoe, but I beg your
Lordships give me leave to observe to you the manner some of
them have imposed, as this Mrs. Renoult. Shee setts forth
that her husband was formerly possess'd of 5000 akers of land,
where in truth I cannot learne that he ever was posses'd. of the
fift, or even the sixt part, and as for her adhearing to the Protestant interest, she did upon the Treaty made at Ryswyke
remaine amongst the French and actually was knowen to go to
mass, but (as I am inform'd here) a difference hapened between
her and her son, or sons, they claiming a right to the plantation
of theire father, was the reason of her going for England, by wch.
the son remained in possession, and was so in 1702, when I myselfe
sent them of amongst the rest of the French prisoners. As for
Monsieur Bonnemere he has now his land running out by the
Surveyor, and as soone as finish'd shall pass a patent for the same,
at the same time I can affirme that boath ould and young bonnemere (under whom this Bonnemere in England claimes) were
amongst the French, and in the fort, when wee tooke the Island
in 1690. The last order that is com to my hand is for Mrs.
Martha Assaillie wch. was delivered me by her brother in law,
and is for a plantation her father formerly had, but had sould it
to one Mons. Zubere, or Jubere, and had actually received part
of the purchase money and the said Martha Assaillie is now actually
at the Island of Guardeloupe amongst the French, and has been
there for above 10 months last past, for wch. reason I have refused
her brother in lawe (who apply'd to me) a patent till shee shall
appear herselfe in person, by wch. your Lordships may perceive
what slender pretensions some of these people have to H.M.
most gratious bounty, this I thought my duty to inform your
Lordships of that you may act herein, or for the future as shall
seem most proper to your most decerning judgment; only one
thing I take the freedom to observe, that in case any more grants be
given, that they may be for a certaine quantity of akers from where
such a dwelling house, or sugar-house did formerly stand in such a
plantation, and not for such a plantation, for if the latter, the
bounds are so verry irregular, that it will always occasion disputes
and vexatious lawe suites and if it is for such a quantity of akers
it will prevent all wrangelings of that nature and the Island in
time will looke like a garden. I must observe that severall
persons have had grants for part of the land, now given by H.M.,
and did plant the same, who are now wholy without any remedy,
since the passing of the patents, by wch. meanes they loose theire
labour and are denyed any part, which I can not think was
H.M. intention, all which I hope will be considered by recommending the same, or ordering that the persons that have planted upon
grants that shall become voy'd by H.M. order may have some
reasonable time allowed them to take of theire labour, etc. Signed,
W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 28th June, 1716, Read 7th
Feb., 1716/17. 4½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
134. i. Deposition of Anthony Ravell, Surveyor. H.E. ordered
him to survey the plantations of Mr. Bonnemere and
Mme. Salnave and lay out for them the number of acres
appointed by H.M. at once, etc. 5th May, 1716.
Endorsed as preceding. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 11. Nos. 44,
44 i.; and (without enclosure) 153, 12. pp. 489–493.] |
April 30.
Amboy. |
135. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Abstract. The restless spirit of Cox and the furious zeal of Mr.
Talbot has inflamed the lower rank of people in the Jerseys. Only
time and patience or stronger measures than are at present in his
power can allay the heat. Is gratified that the alternate sessions
of Assembly at Amboy and Burlington have been restored by his
Instructions, for it may not be safe to hold them or Courts of
Justice at Burlington, as will be seen by the indictments by the
Grand Jury there of the Chief Justice, President of the Council
and Attorney General for doing their duty according to the laws.
The Assembly being dissolved upon the arrival of his new patent
writs were issued for a new election, when by means of false
suggestions, fraudulent conveyances and the rum bottle the
persons abovenamed procured such a return that the Council
and all friends to the Government advised a dissolution in order
to give the country one more opportunity of making a freer and
better choice. Matters are something mended by the last
returns, the Quakers having carried the elections against Cox in
the county of Burlington. After much struggle they are now
met at Amboy. Mr. Cox laboured hard to dissuade the members
of the Western Division from coming to Amboy, but in vain, but
by foul insinuations carried an address in the House to remove
the Sessions to Burlington. Hunter answered that he should
continue to follow H.M. Instructions, and that the ascertaining
the time and places of sessions of Assemblies was an undisputed
prerogative of the Crown, etc. The indictments enclosed are
founded upon a notion instilled into the people by some pernicious
pretenders to law here that the New Jersey Act for qualifying
Quakers for employments by their affirmation or attestation was
repealed by the Act of Parliament passed in favour of that
people in the first year of His Majesty's reign, whereas it is plain
that that Act extends the Act of 7th and 8th William III to the
Plantations only so far as relates to the affirmation etc. in detail.
Mr. Cox and his party gave out that all laws past in the last
Assembly, which continued more than three years, were null
and void by reason of the Triennial Act. Many therefore refused
to pay their taxes, including Mr. Cox, who suffered himself to
be distrained for his tax of 14s. He was chosen Speaker of the
Assembly now met here, by the same means he was elected
Assemblyman. Thinks he may be able to beat him with his own
tools. The Assembly has sat for three weeks and done nothing.
Cox has sent a Remonstrance through the country for signatures,
praying H.M. to put the Province under a separate Government.
Knowing that to be of ill precedent and dangerous consequences,
Hunter will endeavour to put a stop to it, but if it goes home, hopes
the Board will see that it gets the reception it deserves. It may
be thought strange that one such man should embroil a whole
Province, but palpable lies and absurdities backed with a large
dram bottle have more force upon the minds of the lower rank of
men in these parts than self evident truths and their own interest.
The reason why he is not punished is, that the Quakers, who are
the only friends to the present establishment in the county where
he lives (thanks to the Rev. Mr. Talbot), and almost the only men
of substance sense and probity there are not capable by the laws
of serving on Petty Juries in criminal cases. The rest are his
abettors who by the advice and arts of that vilest of prostitutes
Basse defeat the laws and render all such prosecutions of no effect
except to bring the Government into contempt. Is studying his
practices in other counties and hopes thereby to be able to deal
with him. To strengthen the hands of the Government requests
the speedy confirmation of the Act now lying before them that
the solemn affirmation of Quakers shall be accepted instead of an oath
and for qualifying them. If the Board do not think fit to advise
a declaration of nullity of all the laws passed by Mr. Ingoldsby
though he had been suspended from the office of Lt. Governor
several years before, still some of those laws are so unjust in
themselves and of evil tendency that they ought to be disallowed,
particularly the Act explaining an Act for support of H.M.
Government, by which the money given to Lord Lovelace was
given to Mr. Ingoldsby and others against all justice and H.M.
express commands. Also an Act for better qualifying Representatives, which was intended only to exclude from the Assembly
some persons of the best estates and figure in the Province who
for the sake of their children's education, etc., reside at York.
Hopes this will be disallowed as differing widely from the
Instructions on that head, "which have ever been looked on as the
terms of the surrender." The rest being either expired and replaced by subsequent Acts, no harm can be done by a general
declaration of their nullity, etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed,
Recd. 20th June, 1716, Read 23rd Nov., 1717. 9¾ pp. Printed,
N.J. Archives, 1st Ser. IV. 230. Enclosed, |
|
135. i. Indictment of David Jamison, Chief Justice of New
Jersey, presented by the Grand Jury of Burlington, for
directing Jeremiah Basse to qualify Quakers for the
Grand Jury by affirmation, contrary to Act of 1st
George, etc. (v. preceding). Basse objecting, he fined him
£20. He also allowed the return of a jury by a Quaker,
etc. Signed, James Thomson, cl. Endorsed as preceding.
Copy. 2¾ pp. Printed, N.J. Arch. 1st Ser. IV. 236. |
|
135. ii. Indictment of Lewis Morris, Member of Council for
New Jersey, presented by the Grand Jury of Burlington,
for ordering, 14 Dec., 1715, the return of a jury of
Quakers after it had been dismissed by the Justices in
accordance with the Act of 1st George, etc. Same
endorsement. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
135. iii. Minute of Council of New Jersey, Dec. 22, 1715,
referred to above. Signed, Ja. Smith, Secry. Same
endorsement. Copy. 2pp. |
|
135. iv. Governor Hunter's Speech to the Assembly of New
Jersey. Perth Amboy, 4th April, 1716. Signed, Ro.
Hunter. Same endorsement. Printed. 1½ pp. [C.O.
5, 971. Nos. 21, 21 i.–iv.; and (without enclosures) 5,
995. pp. 344–353.] |
