|
June 1.
Whitehall. |
211. Mr. Popple to Jeremiah Dummer. Asks for papers
relating to H.M.S. Squirrel in Nova Scotia. v 1st Jan. [C.O.
218, 1. p. 401.] |
June 2.
Whitehall. |
212. Mr. Delafaye to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Col. Philips being on his departure etc., you are to prepare the
draughts for his Commission and Instructions forthwith for
the approbation of the Lords Justices, and a representation
of whatever else you think necessary for enabling him to discharge his trust, and for the furtherance of H.M. service and
the improvement of that Colony etc. Signed, Cha. Delafaye.
Endorsed, Recd., Read 3rd June, 1719. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 2.
No. 67; and 218, 1. p. 403.] |
| [June 2.] |
213. Papers relating to the proceedings of H.M.S. Squirrel
on the coast of Nova Scotia. |
|
213. i. (a) Deposition of Nathaniel Cunningham. In Aug. last
at the Island of Canceau, I told M. Le Sond the
French would not be allowed to fish there another
year, for the Articles of Peace had left it in our favour
etc. He swore that if the French did not, the English
shd. never fish there more. Boston, Oct. 27, 1718.
Signed, Nathl. Cunningham. |
|
213. i. (b) Deposition of Giles Hall and William Walter.
Relates a quarrel with Bernard Le Sond, Cape Canso,
1717, the latter claiming it as French ground and
threatening to complain to the Governor of St. Peter's
who had written to him that if the English do carry
or ship any French men in their services, the French
and Indians would come and cut them off etc. Boston,
Oct. 30, 1718. Signed, Giles Hall, Wm. Walter. |
|
213. i. (c) Deposition of John Henshaw and Jonathan Rowse.
Some time in May, 1718, Govr. St. Ovid. came
over to Cape Canso and forbid the English fishing upon
that shore, for it was belonging to his Governmt.
After I had some dispute with him concerning that
matter, the Govr. and Le Sond went away together
up the Bay, and some days after the Indians came down
in a body to pull down houses and stages to plunder
us. They said Le Sond ordered them to do so, for
he had an order from the Govr. etc. But Le Sond
would never show any order from the Govr. But
oftentimes was threatening us by making use of the
Indians to drive us off from our fishery. Boston,
Oct. 30, 1718. Signed, John Henshaw, Jona. Rowse.
The whole endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 3rd June,
1719. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
213. ii. Duplicate of No. 137. vi. |
|
213. iii. Minutes of Council of the Massachusetts Bay.
Boston, Oct. 18, 1718. Ordered that the perishable goods
seized by Capt. Smart at Cape Canso be sold at public
vendue, and the vessels with other things not perishable
remain in the harbour. The produce of the said goods
to be deposited in the hands of Andrew Faneuil, and
that he and Capt. Smart give bonds that the same be
returned in case there should be orders from Great
Brittain that satisfaction be made to the French.
Instructions to the Judge of the Admiralty accordingly.
Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
213. iv. Governor Shute to Governor de Brouillan, sent by
Capt. Thomas Smart. I have had complaints by
several of H.M. good subjects of this Province who have
undertook the fishing business at Cape Canso of the
encroachmts. of the French etc. I therefore ask the
proper redress from you, before I proceed to other
methods of asserting and vindicating the rights of
the King of Great Brittain reserved and secured to
him by the Treaty of Utreicht; By letters from several
English merchants now residing at Cape Canso I am
informed that there is a great number of the French
already come over thither, that they have sett up
stages and houses on that shoar, and that there is
French ship in that harbour and more expected.
I need not tell you that if these proceedings are
abbetted and favoured by the French Governmt.
they will be accounted an open and notorious infraction
of the 12th and 13th Articles of the Treaty etc. Quoted.
Continues: No other lands but the Islands being given
to the French, they can upon no colour or pretence
of justice, settle themselves upon Canso, which is
the Continent of Nova Scotia and does of right belong
to the King of Great Brittain as much as any other part
of H.M. Dominion. I have therefore sent Capt. Smart
to demand in the King's name that orders be immediately given to the French that are gone over to Cape
Canso to fish on that shoar and make there fish on
the land there to withdraw and return to the French
Territories and that the French ships or vessels now
riding in the English harbours be ordered to depart
and that H.M. good subjects have no further molestation in the use of those priviledges, which they claim
by the ancient right of the Kings of Great Brittain
and by the said Treaty of Utreicht by which the same
is strengthen'd and confirm'd. Signed, Saml. Shute.
Same endorsement. Copy. 1¾ pp. |
|
213. v. Memorial of James Pitts. Oliver Noyes, John Marshall,
Nathl. Cunningham and Benjamin Alford in behalf
of themselves and partners concerned in the Fishery
to the Governor, Council and Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay. June 9th, 1718. Cape Canso being
a harbour accommodated for the making and curing
of fish, Memorialists fitted out a considerable number
of vessels, with stores for the summer's voyage and
to erect houses, stages etc. In 1716, Lt. Young in
H.M.S. Rose called at the said harbour and finding
about 30 French shallops a fishing there, ordered them
away and received answer that they acknowledged it
to be within the English boundarys and would be
gone. Notwithstanding the subjects of the French
King have this spring to the number of about 300
taken possession of the same, erected houses and stages
and one ship from France now in the harbour and
more dayly expected, have seized the best places to
make their fish and threaten the English with a
removal pretending what they act is by the advice and
direction of the Governour of Cape Britton, they claim
it as their right, and that if they are interrupted they
will stand by and defend their interrest etc. Signed,
James Pitts, Oliver Noyes, John Marshall and Compa.
Same endorsement. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
213. vi. Duplicate of No. 137. v. |
|
213. vii. (a) Governor Shute's Instructions to Capt. Thomas
Smart, H.M.S. Squirrel for his designed negotiation
at Cape Canso and Cape Breton. You are to repair
to Cape Canso and if you find the complaints (v.
supra No. i.) to be true; you are first to go over to
Cape Breton and after delivery of my letter to the
Governour, you are to enquire of him whether those
proceedings of the French have been of his countenance
and approbation; which if he disowns you are to
give immediate orders that they withdraw themselves
their ships and boats from Cape Canso and the coast
thereabouts, and that there be no further cause of
complaint of the like injuries for the future. If the
Governour owns his approbation of the actions of
ye French, you are to make a plain and open protestation of the injustice thereof, and the breach thereby
made of the Treaty of Peace as well as an infringement
of the rights of the English to the said land by a much
older claim. You are to show him the Treaty etc.,
and urge from the 12th and 13th Articles of the
indisputable title of the English to the said country
and coast and in the King's name to demand that
justice be speedily done to the English in that affair;
and assure the Governour that the disturbances given
to their enjoyment of that place if supported and
vindicated by him will be resented by the English
Governmt. as a plain and notorious violation of the
Treaty of Peace, and measures will be taken by them
accordingly: After which you are to allow him a
reasonable time to bring of the people and their effects
from Cape Canso; and if then no compliance be
made to your demands, you are to seize upon what
fish and other effects you find within the English
limits and bring it of with you and to demolish
whatsoever buildings the French have sett up there
and compel the French people to quit the said place,
except such as are friendly to the English, and have
their leave to reside among them. You are by all
means to endeavour the effecting your business
without bloodshed and not proceed so far unless urged
to it by plain and evident necessity. I have ordered
Capt. Cyprian Southack to accompany you. He has
the vote of the Council to assist you in your negotiation; He has a perfect knowledge of the boundaries
of those countries and carries with him a good draught
thereof, and has had long experience of the customs
and manners of the French inhabiting there. You
are therefore to do nothing of moment without his
assistance. (b) Sailing orders for Capt. Smart.
Signed, Samll. Shute. Endorsed as preceding. Copy.
2½ pp. |
|
213. viii. Governor St. Ovide de Brouillan to [? Governor
Shute] Louis Bourg. The Royal Island, 23rd Sept.,
1717 (sic). Capt. Smart has delivered me your letter
etc. Refers to his letter to Governor Philipps. Cf.
July 23, 1718. Continues: This day we have had a
serious conference with Mr. Smart and Capt. Southack
etc. The difference which we found in the 12th
Article [of the Treaty of Utrecht] of which he is the
bearer and that which I have, occasioned us to give
reciprocally copys of the 12th and 13th Articles
which we have each of us signed. You will remark
by the 12th of yours Sr. that the points of the compass
are not equall and moreover there is no mention made
of the 30 leagues near the coasts of Nova Scotia as
it is in mine which on this occasion causes a very great
errour so that 'tis impossible to come to any agreement at present where the ancient limits might or
ought to be, for according to your rhombe of the wind
you bear much in the Royall Island, and according to
ours we border about the rivers of St. Mary. I don't
think it convenient for private subjects who ought
to be no more than the interpreters of the orders of
the Kings their masters to decide points so nice, etc.
Nevertheless I have offered Mr. Smart to withdraw
after the fishery is over to other places in the Royall
Island, all the French inhabitants that are at Canso
and thereabouts, provided that he would likewise
evacuate the English inhabitants that are there
untill we had a perfect decision from our Courts.
I know Sir, how strict the knotts are which unite our
two Crownes, and I should be very sorry to do any
thing that might give any occasion to break them
etc. I am going to inform the Council of what we
have done. I reckon that I shall have positive news
next Spring of what has been regulated thereon etc.
Signed, St. Ovide de Brouillan. Same endorsement.
2 pp. [C.O. 217, 2. Nos. 68–75]. |
| June 2. |
214. Mr. West to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Reply to April 23rd. Excepting one, I have no objection to
the Acts passed in the Massachusetts Bay in 1718, provided
that the severall Acts to which they respectively referr shall
have had the approbation of your Lordshipps' Board, etc. The
Act, to which I object, is for the regulating and limiting credit
in trade, and for the preventing the double payment of debts. By
which it is enacted that no actions shall be brought on any books
or account whatsoever for debts to be contracted by merchants,
etc., after the expiration of two years from the contracting
thereof etc., which I am of opinion may be very prejudiciall
to merchants who are resident in England, and have debts
due to them in New England, since by it they are barr'd from
sueing for their just debts unless they repaire into the Province
within the prescrib'd term. It is provided indeed that the Act
shall not extend to barr any action of account between creditor
and debtor, where either of them are beyond the seas etc., the
consequence of which provisoe is, that all other actions are
barr'd etc. The whole Act is no ways proper to be pass'd into
law. Signed, Richd. West. Endorsed, Recd. 5th June, 1719.
3 pp. [C.O. 5, 867. No. 37; and 5, 915. pp. 285, 286]. |
June 3.
Whitehall. |
215. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. Encloses extract of
Capt. Scott's letter, Nov. 16, 1718, relating to Newfoundland
trade, for the information of H.M. Commissioners of Customs.
[C.O. 195, 6. pp. 499, 500]. |
June 3.
Whitehall. |
216. Same to Mr. Burchett. Reply to May 18th. Capt.
Ogle's departure for Newfoundland being so very sudden, the
Council of Trade and Plantations had not time to make some
additions as they intended to the usual Instructions. And you
will find very little new in those now sent you beyond some
small alteration in the form of the return. But to supply that
defect they send you copies of some papers which may be of use to
Capt. Ogle.—Capt. Scott's letter Nov. 16, 1718, and letter from
Consul at Lisbon, and Mr. Bridgen's Memorial, Jan. 23, 1719.
As to the fishing Admirals (Jan. 23) their Lordships are of opinion
that as the cases are stated, Capt. Scott is certainly right, but
any Capn. of a ship who shall import into Newfoundland from
any part of Europe out of H.M. Dominions prohibited goods,
by the 6th paragraph of the Act of the 15th of King Charles II,
does not only forfeit his right of being Admiral, but likewise
the commodities so imported, together with his ship, guns,
tackle, furniture, ammunition and apparel. But for the
Commadore's Government upon this or any other occasion
that may offer, I likewise enclose a collection of the several
Acts relating to Trade and Navigation. Annexed,— |
|
216. i. Heads of Enquiry relating to the Trade and Fishery
of Newfoundland. 32 Heads of Enquiry and Additional
Instructions 1–16, as 3rd March, 1718. Additional
Instruction 17 now concludes: That the method taken
by Commodore Scott to oblige those who depart
before ye convoy not to take off the fishermen with
them may take effect, you are to use your utmost
endeavors to improve the same, by taking all the care
possible to have such obligations so witnessed, in
case it may be thought proper to put them in force,
that they may not be invalidated for want of evidence
to prove them authentick; And you are likewise to
be as strict as is practicable, to oblige all New England
ships to sail at the same time, that you shall leave the
land, and to get all the proof that can be had of
any breach of obligations entered into, as aforesaid,
and transmit an account thereof to the Lords
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. |
|
216. ii. Scheme of the Fishery of Newfoundland for 1719.
To the usual scheme, are added enquiries (i) as to the
number of passengers on fishing ships, (ii) of men and
women servants among the inhabitants, and (iii)
how many of the inhabitants remained in the country
last winter. [C.O. 195, 6. pp. 501–505]. |
June 4.
Whitehall. |
217. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Shute.
Acknowledge letters of 26th June and 29th Sept., 1718, and 1st
Jan., 1719. There is a clause in an Act of Parliament past this
last Session, which requires a more strict examination for the
future into the goodness of pitch and tar imported here from
the Plantations, and no præmium is to be allowed but for such
of the said commodities as shall be perfectly clear and good,
etc., as soon as the Act itself is printed, we shall send you a
copy of it. We have received the accounts of the Revenue of
the Massachusets Bay from May, 1717, to May, 1718, and the
accounts of New Hampshire for 1715–1717, and tho' the annual
expense of those Governments may be uncertain, yet this is
no reason why you should not send us such accounts every 6
months as by your Instructions you are required to do, or at
least once a year. We have also received the Minutes of Council
and of Council in Assembly of the Massachusets Bay to Aug.
last, but we want the Minutes of Council and Assembly since
that time, which you ought to have sent us before this time,
as likewise, the Minutes of Council for New Hampshire ever
since 1716. We must upon this occasion put you in mind that
by your Instructions from H.M. you are required to transmit
regularly to us these as well as several other accounts which
you have hitherto neglected to send, and that if you are not
more carefull in this respect for the future, we shall think ourselves obliged to take notice of it in a Repn. to H.M. We
approve of what you have done in removing Dr. Cooke from the
Council and we must earnestly recommend and require you to
use your utmost endeavours to support Mr. Bridger in the
execution of his office for preserving the woods; complaints
have been made here of the great destruction of those woods
contrary to the Acts of Parliament, and that great quantities
of timber have been sent from your Governments to Spain.
It is necessary therefore that Mr. Bridger should have all the
countenance and assistance possible in discharge of his duty.
In your letter of 29th Sept. you tell us there are three vacancies
by the death of some and by the non-acceptance of others of
the Council of New Hampshire etc., but you do not inform us
of their names, so that we cannot propose to H.M. the filling
of those places till we know in whose room they are to be
appointed. We think it necessary to observe to you that we
find many things relating to your Governmt. printed in the
publick news papers here of which you had given us no manner
of account. We are surprised that you have not in any of
your forementioned letters acknowledged the receipt of H.M.
additional Instruction relating to the passing of laws that may
any ways affect the trade or shipping of this Kingdom, tho'
we have reason to be assured that you received the same some
time ago. We must desire that for the future you do not mix
the affairs of your two Governmts. in one and in the same
letter but that you write what relates to each Province in a
distinct and separate letter. You tell us, 1st Jan., that you
have sent all the papers relating to the proceedings of the
Squirrel to the Agent to produce the same, in case the French
should make any complaint here; but we cannot apprehend
why you did not send us those accounts, that we might have
made such use of them, as might have been proper. Enclose Mr
Solicitor General's opinion about the trial of pirates etc. (v. 5th
March). It being for H.M. service that we be at all times
acquainted with the absence of Councillors from their posts
in the Plantations, We desire that whensoever you give leave
to any member of H.M. Council in New Hampshire to be absent
from his post, that such leave be under your hand and seal,
and that you forthwith transmit to us a copy of such licence of
leave, as also an account when such Councillor departed from
New Hampshire and to what place he is gone. We observe
that you do not send us the private Acts which from time to
time are passed in the Province of the Massachusets Bay,
this you ought to do that we may see whether those Acts are
passed in such a manner as is agreable to your Instructions.
It will be necessary for the future that when any private bills
are sent over the parties concerned in those Acts do appoint
some person here to sollicit the dispatch of them, otherways
they will lye by unconfirmed. In your letter of 1st Jan. you
complain of the miserable condition the Province of the
Massachusets Bay is in, by reason of the paper bills etc., which
daily sink in value, and that if some proper measures be not
taken that Province and its trade will be ruined. This is a
matter which you ought to have explained more fully to us
particularly what you mean by proper measures. If you have
[any] thing in view, how to remedy the inconvenience you apprehend or any scheme to propose for the doing it; you might have
communicated it to us that we might have considered the same
and given you our thoughts thereupon. We send you inclosed
our observations upon some of the Acts of the Massachusets
Bay and New Hampshire for your information and direction
in like cases for the future. As also a paper of queries to which
we must desire your particular answer. Their being frequent
complaints that great numbers of British seamen and servants
are every year carryed from Newfoundland to New England
by New England ships to the great prejudice of this Kingdom
and the trade of Newfoundland, Instructions are annually
given to the Commadores of the Convoy to prevent the said
unwarrantable practice as much as possible, and Commadore
Scot the last year took bonds from 3 New England masters etc.,
(v. 16th Nov. 1718). Notwithstanding which the said masters
did carry away several men etc. We send you inclosed the said
bonds that you may use your best endeavour to have them put
in sute as well for the punishment of the offenders as for an
example to deter others from the like practices for the future
which we think the Governmt. of New England ought to
discourage as much as possibly they can. least this matter
should be complained of in Parliament. Annexed, |
|
217. i. Observations upon some of the Massachusets Laws,
1715. Acts in addition to the Act against counterfeiting
bills of credit, and in addition to the Act for encouraging
the killing of wolves. By your Instructions fines and
forfeitures are reserved to the Crown, but by these
Acts the forfeitures are reserved and applyed to
particular uses. (b) As to the Act for holding a
Superiour Court of Judicature etc. for the County of
Hampshire, the first clause restores the Superiour Court
of the County of Hampshire, which is to sit every
2nd Thursday in August yearly according to the law
for establishing a Superiour Court of Judicature, which
law we find was passed in 1699, but then the same
clause goes on, any act or law since made to the
contrary notwithstanding. As we do not find any
Act since 1699, that seems to relate to this matter,
we cannot understand what law is repealed by this,
which is what you ought particularly to have explained
to us, that we might the better be enabled to lay our
opinion before H.M. We send you the opinion of Mr.
West upon the Act, 1716, in addition to the Act
for making lands and tenements liable to the payment
of debts, whereby you will see that this Act is not fit
to be passed into a Law, and therefore you ought to
move the Assembly to pass a new Act not liable to
the objections mentioned. We have no objection to
the Act for the further continuing an Act against
the objections mentioned. We have no objection to
hawkers, pedlars and petty chapmen, etc., but should
be glad to know what reason there is for passing such
an Act in the Massachusets Bay. We have no
objection to the Act for the change of the surname of
Spencer Bennet, alias Phips of Cambridge, Esqr., but
that some person or persons should be appointed here
to sollicit the dispatch of this and all other private
Acts and to pay the fees in the several Offices, when
H.M. pleasure is declared upon them. There are
Acts passed in 1716 and 1717, for granting duties of
impost and tunnage, etc., tho' these are expired, we
must observe to you that such laws are not fit to be
passed by you H.M. Governor: for the first of them
lays double the duties on British ships, that it do's
on ships belonging to the Massachusets Bay, and the
other lays a duty on goods from this Kingdom, which
ought not to be allowed of, and therefore you ought
to take care for the future not to pass any law whereby
the trade or shipping of this Kingdom shall be affected. |
|
217. ii. Queries to Col. Shute. Governor of the Massachusets
Bay. We desire you to inform us what number of
inhabitants there is at present, distinguishing the
number of freemen, women and children, and of
servants white and black: how are they increased
of late years? And what number of servants, men and
women have been imported of late and from whence?
What is the number of the Militia? What forts or
places of strength are there? And in what condition
are those forts? What is the strength of the several
Nations of Indians in your neighbourhood? and are
their inclinations for us or for the French? What is
the condition of the French settlemts. at Canada
and Cape Breton? and how may they affect any of
H.M. Plantations, and what can be done to prevent
any hazard or inconvenience from those settlements?
How and in what particulars is the trade of the
Province increased or decreased of late years and what
has been the reason and what changes has been observed in the fishery since the conquest or session of
Nova Scotia, and what scattered settlements are
there either French or English along that coast
without the Bay of Fundy? What are the present
methods used to prevent illegal trade? and what
further methods do you think adviseable? What
number of vessels are there belonging to the
Massachusets, where built, and what number of seafaring men? What manufactures are setled in the
Province of any sort whatsoever? What mines are
there? and what improvements made in the working
of them? What is reckoned to be the annual
produce one year with another of the several commodities in the Massachusets? What trade has
that Province with any foreign Plantations or any part
of Europe besides Great Britain? how is that trade
carryed on? What commodities do they send to or
receive from such Plantations or any foreign nation
in Europe? |
|
We further desire that you would send us the best
accounts you possibly can get concerning the French
Plantations in your neighbourhood? What is the
number of the inhabitants, and of the militia, or what
other military force is in each of those Plantations?
What are the several commodities produced in them?
and how much is the annual produce one year with
another of such commodities? what trade is carryed
on to and from these Plantations? what form of
Government is established in them, and what methods
are used to encourage and improve the products and
the trade thereof. |
|
217. iii. Queries to Col. Shute, Governor of New Hampshire.
We desire you to inform us, what number of inhabitants there is at present in New Hampshire,
distinguishing the number of freemen, women and
children, and servants white and black? To what
degree are those numbers increased or decreased since
your entrance upon the Government, or since the last
estimate made of them? What trade is there either
by exportation or importation with any other place
besides this Kingdom? and from whence is the
Province furnished with supplies (particularly of any
manufactures) that they were wont to have from
Great Britain? How and in what particulars is the
trade of New Hampshire increased or decayed of late
years, and what hath been the reason? What are
the present methods used to prevent illegal trade?
and what further methods do you think adviseable?
What number of vessels are there belonging to the
said Province, where built, and what number of
seafaring men? What manufactures are setled in
that Province of any sort whatsoever? what mines
are discovered, and how are they wrought or improved? and what changes or improvements have
been made in the Fishery since the cession of Nova
Scotia? What is the annual produce of the several
commodities in that Province? What trade has
New Hampshire with any foreign Plantations? or
any part of Europe besides Great Britain? how is
that trade carryed on? What commodities do they
send to or receive from foreign Plantations, or any
foreign nation in Europe? [C.O. 5, 915. pp.
272–284.] |
June 4.
Whitehall. |
218. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords
Justices. Abstract. Report upon an Act of New York, 1717, for
paying several debts etc. Refer to April 23rd and 6th May,
1718. Have now received from the Governor and Council an
answer to the merchants' objections etc. Examine those
objections and conclude, that ye objections against allowing
these several sums are slightly grounded, and that the Legislature have acted both justly and prudently in endeavoring
to extricate the Province out of the difficulties, their publick
debts had involved them in. We must further observe, that ye
approbation of the said duties for sinking the bills of credit
cannot, as is pretended, render the support of the Governmt.
precarious. The Custom and other funds appropriated for that
use being sufficient to answer more than the ordinary charge
of the Government there. We are also so far from agreeing
with the merchants that these bills will be to ye prejudice of
the trade of New York, that we doubt not, if the credit of the
bills is maintained according to the tenor of the Act, the trade
of the Province will be greatly incouraged and facilitated
thereby, as it appears to have been since the first bills were issued.
Nor are we sensible that it was in the power of the Legislature
to have taken any other method which would have answered
their intention so well it being very probable, that the funds
appropriated for sinking ye bills of credit both of 1714 and 1717
will effectually serve for that purpose, the Excise having
been already farmed for five years at 3750-oz. of plate pr. annum.
But whereas the Act now complained of, is of the same nature
with the Act passed in 1714, there should likewise have been
as there was in the former, a clause therein contain'd to prevent
the same from taking effect until it should have been laid before
H.M. and his pleasure signify'd thereupon. It must likewise
be allowed, that the credit of the bills struck in 1714 may possibly
be affected by ye additional increase of those in 1717. The
merchants have asserted to us, that they are fallen about 9 or
10 p.c., however as the Governor and Council have represented, in
their memorial, that ye difference between gold in New York and
Pensylvania (where there is no paper credit) is but little more
than ½ p.c., and in current silver little or nothing, and that the
value of silver varies, as there is more or less silver in that
Province, we are apt to believe the merchants may be misinformed or imposed on in this particular as well as in several
others, that ye discount on the bills of credit is not so considerable as they imagine, but if it be, that it may very probably
have been occasion'd by causes very different from those by
them assigned. But as the case now stands, these debts are
owned and provided for by ye Governmt. and the bills of credit
being issued, they are transferred in course from ye first claimants
to others who have been obliged to take them according to the
direction of the Act; We must therefore submit it to your
Excellencies consideration, what confusion and disorder the
Colony and the trade thereof would be in, if the merchants'
prayer of their petition should be granted. Upon the whole
therefore, we must humbly offer it as our opinion, that if H.M.
should be graciously pleased to confirm this Act, it would tend
to the great advantage and benifit of H.M. said Colony. But
at the same time it seems absolutely necessary that the Governor
should be enjoyned by H.M. command in order to prevent the
further increase of paper credit and the anticipation of any
fund upon which mony may be raised to supply the emergencies
of the Governmt. not to give his assent to any other bill of this
nature, and to transmit to one of H.M. principal Secretaries
of State and to this Board every six months accounts of the
produce of the funds appropriated for sinking the bills of credit,
and of the amount of the bills accordingly sunk, which we hope
would more effectually raise the credit of that Colony, and better
contribute to the promoting of trade there, than the method
proposed by the merchants. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. pp.
522–526. [C.O. 5, 1124. pp. 93–107; and (corrected draft)
5, 1079. No. 108.] |
June 4.
Whitehall. |
219. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords of the
Committee for hearing Appeals. Reply to 15th Dec. 1718.
We have been attended by Sir A. Cairns and others, who desire
the said grant [on the coast of Nova Scotia]; as likewise by Mr.
Dummer, who opposes the intended grantees being allowed
any consideration for curing fish in the said coast; and altho'
it may be reasonable that an acknowledgment should be paid
for the use of such stages and other conveniencies for curing of
fish, which the grantees shall at any time build at their own
expence within the limits of their grant, yet we are intirely of
opinion that where such conveniences are not built by the
grantees, all other H.M. subjects should have the liberty of
cutting timber, building stages and curing fish on the coast without being liable to any impositions upon that account. It may
be pretty difficult to settle a particular rate to be paid for the
use of stages and other conveniences, which may be built and
furnished by the grantees; But in our opinion it would be just
to put the grantees in this particular upon the same foot with
the people of New England, who according to the best information we have been able to get, do receive one shilling for every
quintal of fish cured at Marblehead for the use of their stages,
cookrooms and of a shore man to each stage; But to provide
as effectually as may be against any inconveniencies which may
hereafter happen to the prejudice of the fishery in those parts,
we would propose that there may be a clause in the grant
reserving to H.M. a power to make from time to time such
alterations and regulations in relation to the Fishery, as H.M.
may think proper. As this new settlement, if made under
proper regulations, may prove advantageous to H.M. service,
and beneficial to the trade of Great Britain; and as the grant
now in question may possibly serve as a precedent for such
future dispositions as H.M. shall think fit to make for peopling
of Nova Scotia, your Lordships will allow us the further liberty
of recommending to you upon this occasion in a particular
manner to have a view to the preservation of the timber and the
production of Naval Stores in this new Colony; For which
purpose we should propose, That both in this and all future
grants to be made of any lands in Nova Scotia, one full 20th
part of the land granted shall be reserved to H.M., His heirs
and successors, as a nursery for masts and timber for the Royal
Navy the said 20th part to be marked out by H.M. Survevor
General of the Woods in America, in one or more parcels, in
parts most adjacent to navigable rivers, wherein no person
whatsoever shall be permitted to cut down any trees under the
highest penalty the law can inflict. That all pine and for trees
of the diameter of 24 inches and upwards at 12 inches from the
ground, growing in any other part of the premises to be
granted, shall be reserved to H.M. His heirs and successors; the
said trees to be marked by the Surveyor of the Woods, or in
his absence, by some person to be appointed by him for that
purpose. That the patentees be restrained from exporting
to any foreign parts out of H.M. Dominions, any deals, masts,
planks, ship timber, hemp, pitch, tar or any other Naval Stores
whatsoever, under the same restrictions and penalties as in
the case of the enumerated goods from the Plantations. That
an annual quit-rent be reserved to the Crown of 14 pound
weight of hemp water rotted, bright, clean and fit for making
cordage for the Navy for every 100 acres of land granted that
shall be enclosed, planted, cultivated or improved, the said
quit-rent to commence within four years from the date of the
grant. The said quit rent to be double the twelfth year and
treble the 20th and so to continue for ever after. The said hemp
to be delivered to such person or persons as shall be appointed
by H.M. to receive ye same, at such place or places, as the sd.
persons shall name for that purpose, within ten miles of the
ground where the said hemp grew, free from all charges to H.M.
That the patentees be put under the strongest obligations to
comply with these conditions, and all others mentioned in our
former reports upon this subject; and that the same may be
more carefully put in execution that H.M. Surveyor of the Woods
or a proper person deputed by him, be present at the laying
out of the lands to be granted in the manner abovementioned;
till which time the patentees shall not be permitted to take
possession thereof. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 404–408.] |
June 4.
Whitehall. |
220. Same to the Lords Justices. In obedience to your
Excellencies' commands of 2nd instant we shall take care to
give all possible dispatch to Col. Philips' Commission and Instructions. Repeat former representations for a man of war
to attend upon that Government; and for a present to the
Indians as is done to the Five Nations etc. (v. 30th April).
Conclude: There being no provision as yet made by Parliament
for the fortifications of Nova Scotia, we shall at present only
propose to your Excellencies to give directions to the Board
of Ordnance for sending an Ingineer thither, to survey the
proper places, and make the necessary dispositions there,
against the time that provision shall be made for so necessary
a purpose. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 409, 410.] |
June 5.
Whitehall. |
221. Same to Same. Reply to 28th May. Quote Governor
Shute's Instructions to Capt. Smart and Capt. Southack's
Journal (v. 1st April, 2nd June.) Continue: Thus your Excellencies may perceive that Capt. Smart's proceedings in this
affair were by order of the Govr. and Council of the Massachusets Bay, who we presume believed it was their duty to assert,
in this manner H.M. right to ye lands or islands where the seizure
was made: and altho a gentler method might possibly have
been more adviseable at so critical a juncture, yet we can't
help thinking that Col. Shute and H.M. Council of the
Massachusets Bay have expressed upon this occasion a very
laudable zeal for H.M. service. For upon the best light we
have hitherto been able to get into this matter it would seem
the French had no manner of reason to set up a title to the lands
or islands where the seizure was made, or even to fish upon that
coast. However if your Excellencies should be disposed in
favour to the Memorialist, and to cultivate a good understanding
between the two Nations, to give your orders to the Govt. of
the Massachusets Bay and Capt. Smart, to return the vessels
and effects seized by the latter at Canceau, we have nothing
to object to it, provided this restitution be made as a pure act
of grace and favour; that previous thereunto full and ample
satisfaction be given to all H.M. subjects on whom any reprizals
may have been made by the French upon occasion of this
seizure, and that especial care be taken in the said order of
restitution to guard against any pretence his most Christian
Majesty may set up to the lands or islands whereon the sd.
seizure was made, or of any right to fish upon that coast in
consequence of the said restitution, for upon a very strained
construction of certain words in the Treaty of Utrecht, the
French claim a right to the Island of Canceau, besides there is
so great a difference in the accounts we have of the place where
this seizure was made, some calling it the Island of Canceau,
some the Cape of that name, and others the main Continent
of Nova Scotia, it will be highly necessary, that great caution
should be taken in the manner of wording your Excellencies'
Orders upon this subject, lest at any time hereafter when Commissaries shall be appointed to fix the boundaries of Nova
Scotia, advantage should be taken thereof by the persons empower'd to transact that matter in dehalf of the French.
Enclose copy of proceedings of the Council of the Massachusets
Bay after Capt. Smart's return, (v. June 2nd), "which we thought
proper to annex because there seems to be a very considerable
difference in the value placed upon those effects by the French,
and that set upon them in New England." [C.O. 218, 1. pp.
411–415.] |
| June 5. |
222. Lt. Col. Moody to the Lords Justices. Encloses
following as ordered etc. Signed, J. Moody. Endorsed,
Recd., Read June 19th, 1719. 1 p. Annexed, |
|
222. i. Copies of H.M. letters from Lord Dartmouth to Lt.
Govt. Moody, July 11, 1713, and H.M. letter to
Governor Nicholson, June 23, 1713, relating to the
sale of their lands and tenements by the French at
Placentia, with a list of such lands and tenements
purchased by Col. Moody in 1714, by virtue of H.M.
order, 12 plantations and one house, for total sum
of £1687 10s. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 6. Nos. 63, 63 i.] |
June 5.
Admiralty Office. |
223. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Reply to June 3rd.
"If the Council of Trade and Plantations have any further
Instructions to prepare for Capt. Ogle, and they can be ready
in eight or ten days, it will be time enough," etc. Signed,
J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 10th June, 1719.
¾ p. [C.O. 194, 6. No. 62.] |
June 5.
Antigua. |
224. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses Act to amend an Act for raising £5000
etc., by which former Act the Gentlemen of the Assembly were
at last sensible that they had overrated their sugars, and that
the prices would not answer the markett in Great Brittain
and that all creditors would be sufferers thereby, for that
reason they prepared this Act to moderate the price, as had
before been recommended to them by H. M. Council of this
Island. I therefore hope your Lordships will recommend this
Act to H. M. for his Royal approbation. Signed, W. Hamilton.
Endorsed, Recd. 22nd Aug., Read 16th Sept., 1719. ¾ p.
[C.O. 152, 12. No. 153]. |
June 5.
Antigua. |
225. Same to Same. I herewith transmit an Act for raising
a poll-tax etc. for the Island of Nevis, which will be delivered to
your Lordships by Col. Joseph Jory, Agent for that Island.
The Act in itself explains the uses it is to be applied to except
that part appropriated for the use of the gentleman prisoner
at Martinique, which is one Mr. Charles Earle the only one of
four remaining of those that were taken off by Monsieur
D'Iberville when that Island was taken by the French in 1706
and has been ever since kept there as an hostage for the pretended ransom. And £200 mentioned for Mr. Philip De Witt,
which is part of a gratuity the gentlemen of that Island are
desirous to allow him for the hardships he suffered whilst one
of the pretended hostages at the aforesaid Island, from whence
he made his escape some time since and is now settled at Nevis,
which Act I hope your Lordships will recommend to H. M. for
his Royal approbation. Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed,
Recd. (from Col. Jory) 12th Aug., Read 16th Sept., 1719. 1 p.
[C.O. 152, 12. No. 154]. |
June 6.
New York. |
226. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. Encloses Minutes
of General Assembly of New Jersey, etc. The Assembly here
(now sitting) have read twice and committed a Bill for ye
continuation of the Revenue for one year after the expiration
of ye present Acts. The report of my going home curtailed
the term for they had determined to setle it for five years etc.
I shall leave both Provinces in perfect peace to which both had
been long strangers. I live in torture with a violent pain in
my hipp, etc. I have no hope of cure on this side etc. I
labour'd hard for an Agent for ye Jersey, but the fear full and
stingy nature of a sect of men in our Assembly gott the better
of me and I must find a better way to reward our friend Bampfield etc. Set out, N. J. Archives, 1st Ser., iv., 387. Endorsed,
Recd. 27th July, 1719, Read 30th Aug., 1720. Holograph.
3 pp. [C.O. 5, 971. No. 84]. |
June 8.
Bermuda. |
227. Lt. Governor Bennett to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to letter of 26th Oct. Continues: I
understand that in South America all H. M. Govmts. have recd.
the Decleration of War against the King of Spain, but none had
reached the Continent the 10th past as by several accounts,
nor has any been brought here, but doe hear mine was carried
to Jamaica, soe expect it by the first vessel. Several privateers
are fitted out from the Leeward Islands, Jamaica and Providence, and is said that the enemy had taken in the Gulf one
of ours from Jamaica and carried her into the Havana: I am
likewise advised that the two Providence privateers mett with
three periaugres bound for the Havana from Florida which
they took. On the 23rd of Apr. arrived here from the Bahama
Islands a sloop wherein were nine pirates who surrendred
themselves and received the King's most gratious pardon
accordingly: And on the 15th of the last month an other sloop
brought to just without our bar. the Comander whereof sent
his boat a shoar with written proposals to me, wherein they
owned themselves pirates, and incerted, that if I would allow
all they had on board to be their own they would come in and
surrender, or otherwise be gone by such an hour, and I thought
proper for the service to agree to their demands, and hope I
was right; there were seventeen in number one Warner was
Capt., what they brought in with them was a small quantity
of wine, brandy, and provision: I believe the pirates in general
have submitted and accepted of H. M. pardon, for I only hear
of one Coudon that is out in a ship of 110 men and 20 guns,
and one England in a sloop of 8 guns and 70 men. The publick
seal was according to order cut and have now sent it under the
care of a person who will convey it to Mr. Popple etc. Will
transmit accounts of the Magazine etc. Inclosed is an account
of the fortifications viewed by me and Council, which I hope
will satisfie yor. Lordps. that I have not neglected that part
of my duty as was represented. Refers to enclosures. Signed,
Ben. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd July, 1719, Read 7th
July, 1720. Holograph. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
227. i. Accounts of money received by virtue of an Act to
supply the deficiency for building a house for the
Governor etc., 1713–1716. Same endorsement. 4 pp. |
|
227. ii. Account of the condition of the fortifications of
Bermuda. Same endorsement. 4 pp. |
|
227. iii. Account of money received for building Governor's
house, 1716–1718. Same endorsement. 5 pp. [C.O.
37, 10. Nos. 13, 13 i.–iii.] |
June 9.
Lond. |
228. Col. Vetch to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Being informed that your Lordships were to take under your
consideration the setling the limits betwixt the British and
French Colonys etc., I lay before your Lordships the inclosed
Memorial which I delivered to my Lord Sunderland, about a
year agoe which his Lordship seemed then to approve etc.
Offers his services, etc. Signed, Sam. Vetch. Endorsed, Recd.,
9th June, Read 5th Aug., 1719. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
228. i. Memorial of Col. Vetch, late Governor of Nova Scotia,
to the King. Refers to his scheme for reducing the
French Colonys 1708 ff. Continues: Tho' the Grand
Expedition against Canada miscarried, because it
seem'd to be design'd so to do by some of the
principal actors, yet your Memorialist's projection
for the reduction of Nova Scotia succeeded perfectly
well etc. He was made Governour untill the latter
end of the late Queen's reign, when, only for his zeal
for your Majesty's Royal House, and the service of
his country, he was remov'd etc. Describes the
activities of the French and consequent sufferings of
the Colonies. Urges that Commissioners be appointed
on both sides to adjust the French and British
boundaries etc. 2 pp. [C.O. 217, 2. Nos. 86,
86. i.]. |
| [June 9.] |
229. Wm. Nevin to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Prays the Board to report in favour of the Act of Antegoa
to enable Arthur Freeman etc. Endorsed, Recd., Read 9th
June, 1719. ¾ p. [C.O. 152, 12. No. 134.] |
| [June 9.] |
230. Same to Same. Has been lately appointed Agent
for St. Christophers, as well as for Antegoa and Mountserrate,
but is now advised to goe to Tunbridge Wells for the recovery
of his health. Prays to be consulted before any report is made
upon any Acts from those Islands. Endorsed as preceding.
¾ p. [C.O. 152, 12. No. 135.] |
| [June 9.] |
231. Agents for the sufferers of Nevis and St. Christophers
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Pray that debentures
may be issued in accordance with an Act passed in the last
Sessions of Parliament entitling the sufferers of Nevis and St.
Christophers who resettled in either Island to their shares of
the bounty money etc. Signed, Ste. Duport, James Butler,
John Smith. Endorsed, Recd. 9th June, Read 2nd July, 1719.
¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
231. i. List of debentures claimed by above. For James
Stephens £340, John Seaborne by intermarriage with
Mary Jones, £40. 8. 10., Mrs. Mary Pogson, £17. 5. 1.,
Capt. Wm. Kitt, suffered at St. Christophers, resettled
at Nevis, £327 14. 9. ¼ p. [C.O. 152, 12. Nos. 142,
142. i.] |
June 9.
Whitehall. |
232. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. Desires from of the
oath the Governors of Plantations take for observing the Acts
of Trade etc. [C.O. 324, 10. p. 261]. |
June 10.
Custom Ho., London. |
233. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. In reply to preceding
encloses following. Signed, Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed, Recd.
12th, Read 18th June, 1719. Addressed. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
233. i. Copy of a Commission granted in the 9th year of
K. William III for appointing Commissioners to
administer the oath to be taken by Governors in the
Plantations, by the Act of 7 and 8 William III,
with the form of that oath. 2½ pp. [C.O. 323, 7.
Nos. 157, 157 i.; and (without enclosure) 324, 10.
p. 261]. |
June 10.
Whitehall. |
234. Mr. Popple to Col. Mathew. You having some time
ago recommended Richard Cooke to be of the Council of
Mountserrat, my Lords Commissioners for Trade etc. desire
to be informed whether he be still living etc. [C.O. 153, 13.
p. 410.] |
June 10.
Whitehall. |
235. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Refers to his report on the
Act of the Massachusets Bay in addition to the Act for making
lands and tenements liable for debts etc. (9th July. 1718), and asks
for the further objections to it mentioned therein. [C.O. 5,
915. p. 287.] |
| June 10. |
236. Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Capon to the Council of Trade
and Plantations. In obedience to your Lordships' commands
to give our best account of the Isles of Canso, describe the same
and argue that they are the property of Great Britain, as they are
far distant from Cape Britton and more especially from the
mouth or Gulf of St. Lawrence, and even from the Gutt of
Canso, and the French map (v. No. 208 iii) is donne with partiallity purely to favour the last year's French fishery at Cape
Canso etc. Nor can the French have the least title to Les Isle
Madame, which is in the main sea, without Britton etc. As to
the boundaries we are humbly of opinion, what was in the
possession of the French, under their Governour Monsieur
Supercass. when the garrison at Annapolis was delivered to
Generall Nicholson, in Oct. 1710. with all the appendages,
doth of right belong to the Crown of Great Britain; more
particularly from Annapolis westward, to the River St. George
or to Kenebeck which, as we are informed, was in Supercass's
Commission, and from St. George River, northward to the head
of Penobscot River, and from the head of Penobscot River,
to the head of the river near Red Island in St. Lawrence, and
from thence to Cape Roziers, on an easterly line. Signed,
Geo. Vaughan, Peter Capon. Endorsed, Recd. 10th June,
Read 5th Aug., 1719. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 217, 2. No. 87.] |
June 10.
Whitehall. |
237. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Encloses, for his opinion,
draught of Commission and Instructions for Governor
Philipps, and desires him to prepare a clause to impower Col.
Philipps to appoint Justices of the Peace in Nova Scotia.
[C.O. 218, 1. pp. 415, 416.] |
June 10.
Whitehall. |
238. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Encloses extract of
Governor Hamilton's letter, 19th Dec., 1718, relating to pirates
and the insufficiency and unserviceableness of the man of war
at the Leeward Islands, etc. [C.O. 153, 13. p. 409.] |
June 11.
Admiralty Office. |
239. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Reply to preceding. The
Lords Commrs. at the Admiralty have [thereupon] wrote to
the Commissrs. for Victualling H.M. Navy to know whether they
cannot conveniently contract with some proper person at the
Leeward Islands for furnishing the Rose and Shark sloop, now
attending on those Islands, with provisions there. Signed,
J. Burchett. Endorsed. Recd. 12th, Read 18th June, 1719.
Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 12. No. 138.] |
June 11.
Whitehall. |
240. Mr. Popple to Mr. Delafaye, Secretary to the Lords
Justices. Encloses extract from Governor Hamilton's letter,
19th Dec., 1718, relating to soldiers deserting to St. Eustatia etc.,
for the Lords Justices' directions thereupon: also an extract
from the said letter, relating to the preparations the Spaniards
are making to attack the Bahama Islands to be laid before their
Excellencies. [C.O. 153. 13. pp. 410, 411.] |
June 11.
Whitehall. |
241. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Referring following to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report
thereon. Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. Read 19th
Nov., 1719. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
241. i. Petition of Lewis Piers to the King. Petitioner's
plantation in Mountserrat, described, was destroyed
by the enemy, who burnt or took away all the records
of the Island. Petitioner has a copy of the deed of
gift, made by Anguish Brown, the first proprietor
of the land, 14th April 1680 to Margaret his wife and
the remainder to Robert Lynch to whom petitioner's
wife is heiress at law. This is attested by the Secretary but thought insufficient for a purchaser to venture
thereupon. Prays H.M. to grant him and his wife
Cecilia a patent for said plantation etc. 1 p. |
|
241. ii. Copy of Anguish Brown's deed of gift, Mountserrat,
Ap. 14, 1680, referred to in preceding. Signed,
Anguis Brown, his mark. 2 pp. |
|
241. iii. Copy of Certificate by William Gerrish, Deputy
Secretary of Montserrat, that No. ii is a true copy.
7th Nov., 1718. Signed, W. Gerrish. ½ p. Nos.
i.–iii. endorsed, Recd. 10th March, 1718/19. Referred
to ye Board of Trade, June 11th, 1719. [C.O. 152, 12.
Nos. 162, 162. i.–iii.] |
|
242. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Reply to 5th June.
The alterations the Council of Trade and Plantations intended
to offer to the Heads of Enquiry will be too many to be perfected
to go by this opportunity, and therefore their Lordships are
of opinion that those sent June 3rd may be sufficient for this
year. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 507.] |
June 11.
Whitehall. |
243. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Referring following to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report.
Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. 30th June, Read 19th
Nov., 1719. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
243. i. Petition of John Usher to the King. Prays for H.M.
order that he be paid the sums due to him as a
Treasurer for New England, 1686–1689 etc. In spite
of several orders in the past, he has never been able to
obtain any relief etc. Signed, John Usher. 1 large p. |
|
243. ii. Duplicate of C.S.P. 1694. No. 985. |
|
243. iii. Report of Committee of Accounts of the
Massachusets Bay, March 25, 1695. ½ p. |
|
243. iv. The account of John Usher, 1715. 1 p. |
|
243. v. Committee of Accounts of the Massachusets Bay,
to John Usher. Demand payment of £500, three
fifths of the principal and one year's interest of loan to
same, due Dec. 13th last. Boston, July 23, 1718.
Copy. 1 p. |
|
243. vi. Copy of receipt by Caleb Ray for £35 11s. 5d. paid
by John Usher committed to gaol on Col. Samll.
Shrimpton's execution. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 867. Nos.
57, 57. i.–vi.] |
June 12.
Witham in Essex. |
244. Col. Mathew. Lt. General of the Leeward Islands, to
Mr. Popple. In reply to June 10th, knows no objection to
Richard Cooke etc. Continues: By the Minutes of the Assembly
of St. Christophers I find their Lops. had sent to Generall
Hamilton's for ye proceedings of the Councills and Assemblys
even since 1713, they not having recd. them. I having commanded there during part of that time, may probably have
incurred their Lops. censure. Explains that he sent Minutes
of the Councils and Assemblies, and accounts of stores and
imports and exports regularly to Mr. Duport, with duplicates
for Antego to Nathl. Carpenter, for Montserrat to Messrs.
Tryon & Carpenter, and for Nevis, to Col. Jorie, "all which
those agents wrote me word were delivered to your office." etc.
Signed, William Mathew. Endorsed, Recd. 16th., Read 18th,
June, 1719. 2½ pp. [C.O. 152, 12. No. 139.] |
June 13.
Boston. |
245. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. Returns thanks for the
Board's representation to the Treasury etc. Repeats parts of
June 26 and July 9. Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Burniston's deputy
knows not an oake from a pine etc. His duty as Collector of
New Hampshire, wch. is on the water chiefly, cannot correspond
with his duty as Surveyor of the woods etc. I have procured
two Acts of Assembly at Portsmo. last month, as to the preservation of the pitch pine there was a great necessity for it tho' I
could not prevaile to get an Act before. There are thousands
of those trees killed by making of tirpentine, for the country
people out of a covetious desire of gain boxed those trees on
three sides some, on others 4 sides, wch. infaliably kill'd
those trees. In 2 years at farthest I have rod many miles
together thro' such woods and all the trees dead, the Assembly
came into it at last. The 2 Act is, that the treasurer is obliged
to pay any person of the Province 12d. a pound for any quantity
of good, sound, water-retted merchtble. hemp, and to continue
for three years, this time I thought, and know will bring people
into the manufacturing of hemp to their great benefitt. I am
sorry I must leave them in the darke, having promised to assist
and instruct them etc. I can't stay here and starve etc. |
|
P.S. I understand that the Commrs. of the Navy have contracted for sundry Naval Stores to be brought hence, and as the
premium is taken of all stores but such as shall be fit for the
service of the Royal Navy, and that there will be a proper person
to survey and mark all stores etc., I beg their Lordships' favour
for this office etc. The Navy I understand are fell into the way
of paying the ships' bottoms with tirpentine and sulphur etc.
wch. I advised 20 years since etc. Signed, J. Bridger.
Endorsed, Recd. 20th Aug., Read 10th Sept., 1719. 3¾ pp.
Enclosed, |
|
245. i. Duplicate of No. 270. i. |
|
245. ii. Copies of two Acts of New Hampshire, 2 May, 1719,
for encouraging Naval Stores etc. Same endorsement.
1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 867. Nos. 47, 47. i.–iii.] |
