|
Oct. 1.
Custom Ho., London. |
401. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. The Commrs. of Customs
will give orders as desired, Sept. 30th. Signed, Cha. Carkesse.
Endorsed, Recd. 1st., Read 2nd Oct. 1719. Addressed. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 867. No. 53.] |
Oct. 1.
Placentia. |
402. Lt. Govr. Gledhill to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Since my arrival here I've visited most of the harbours
of this Island etc. This humble proposal I lay before your
Lordship meets with the approbation of every fisherman here,
who thinks 'twoud be very essential to restore the fishery to as
great a pitch as ever. Your Lordship please to observe what
vast distance it is from the principal ports, St. Johns from this
place is 240 miles by sea and but 75 by land, and generally
6 weeks passage, so that generally there's a greater difficulty
in knowing what is done there than hearing from England.
Proposes to cut a road through the woods etc., employing some
of the troops etc. Signed, S. Gledhill. Endorsed, Recd. 13th,
Read 19th Nov., 1719. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
402. i. Sketch map of Newfoundland. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 6.
Nos. 70, 70. i.] |
Oct. 2.
African Ho. |
403. John Evans to Mr. Popple. Encloses following.
Endorsed, Recd. 3rd Oct. 1719. Read 17th Feb., 1719/20. 1¾ pp.
Enclosed, |
|
403. i. Royal African Co. to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to 17th Sept. The Dutch carry great
numbers of negro slaves to Eustatia, where they
dispose of them to the English Plantations and take
in return sugars and other commodities, the product
of those Plantations, which they carry directly to
Holland, etc. As to your Lordships' information,
that the Leeward Islands are not so well supplyed
with negroes by the English African traders as they
used to be, the entryes of slaves into these Islands
are not in our power; but the more negroes are
clandestinely brought in the fewer will be fairly imported etc. We cannot doubt but yor. Lordships
will reflect, that so far as this clandestine trade is
carryed on, so much the Plantations are become
independant on this Kingdome. Signed, By Order
of the Court of Assistants, John Evans, Secretary.
1¾ pp. Enclosed. |
|
403. ii. John Helden, Collector of Customs, St. Kitts, to the
Court of Assistants of the Royal African Company.
London, Sept. 19th, 1719. Reports trade in Dutch
negroes as above. Continues:—I seized several of
those negroes in St. Christophers and brought them
to tryall as Dutch merchandize illegally imported,
but the Judge of the Admiralty have always acquitted
them etc. Signed, John Helden. 1 p. [C.O. 388,
21. No. 219; and (without enclosures), 389, 27.
p. 360.] |
Oct. 2.
Whitehall. |
404. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices.
Narrate Mr. Weir's information as to an intended attack upon
St. Vincent's by the French and their proposal to settle upon
Sta. Lucia (No. 384. i.) Continue: We have discours'd with him,
and he has confirm'd to us, what he wrote, and added that before
he left Martinico Monsr. Martin was arrived etc. Recapitulate
English claim to Sta. Lucia and St. Vincent. (cf. C.S.P. 1708,
1709. No. 554. i. etc). Continue: As it appears to us by the
severall papers mentioned that H.M. title to Sta. Lucia is fully
demonstrated, antecedent to any pretence made by the French;
we humbly crave leave to take notice of the great importance
the preservation of ye said Island may be of to this Kingdom.
1st Because the wood and timber upon it, which has been
constantly fetch'd from thence to Barbados, is of absolute
necessity to that Island as well for H.M. Forts there, as for all
private occasions. 2nd The possession of it by any foreign
nation might be of the utmost ill consequence to the other
Islands belonging to H.M. in those parts; Because there are
at Sta. Lucia two very good harbours for ships; and all ships
from Barbados are oblig'd to pass to leeward, and for the most
part in sight of that Island. Besides the soil of Barbados
and of some others of our Sugar Islands is so worn out, that
it does not now produce sugar canes without great charge in
manuring, and the land at Sta. Lucia being fresh and not
exhausted may produce such large crops of sugar without the
expence of manuring, that if it shou'd be planted by any
foreigners it wou'd prove of very great prejudice to Barbados
and the rest of our Sugar Plantations. Upon the foregoing
considerations both of right and interest the following Instruction was given by his late Majesty King William to the Govr.
of Barbados in 1699 and the same has been continued ever
since, vizt., Instn. 106 "If any the subjects of a foreign
Prince or State have already planted themselves upon any of
the Islands of Sta. Lucia, Dominico, St. Vincents, or Tobago,
or shall hereafter attempt to do the same you are to assert
our right to the said Islands exclusive of all others, and in
order to hinder ye settlemt. of any Colony there you are to
give notice to such foreigners, that shall pretend to make such
settlemts. that unless they shall remove within such time as
you in your discretion shall assign, you shall be oblig'd by force
to dispossess and send them from off the said Islands." (cf.
C.S.P. 1699. No. 939. i.) We therefore humbly crave leave
to offer unto your Excellencies that care may be taken in such
manner as your Excellencies shall think most proper to maintain H.M. right to the foresaid Island of Sta. Lucia, and to
hinder the French from settling upon it. Autograph signatures.
7 pp. Enclosed, |
|
404. i. Thomas Weir to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Sta. Lucia. [Copy of No. 384. i.] |
|
404. ii. Two copies of Treaty between William Lord Willoughby of Parham, Governor of Barbados etc, and
several of the chief Captains of the Island St. Vincents.
v. C.S.P. 1668. No. 1717. 2 pp. [C.O. 260, 3. Nos.
1, 1. i., ii.; and (without enclosures) 29, 14. pp.
14–20.] |
Oct. 4.
Hamoose near Plimo. |
405. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. On the 24th of
last moneth we were put in here by contrary winds which have
continued so to this hour, so I judg'd it necessary to send to
their Losps. the Minutes of our last Session of Assembly at
N. York etc. Untill we came within 100 leagues of land I could
not stir off my bed but have ever since that time recover'd
wonderfully that I am now in full hopes of a totall recovery etc.
I intend for the bath as speedily as may be and hope to return
to ton in full vigour by the season of buss'nesse etc. Expresses
friendship and gratitude. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed,
Recd. Read 8th Oct., 1719. Holograph. 1½ pp. Set out,
N.Y. Col. Docs. V. 531. [C.O. 5, 1051. No. 99; and first
sentence only 5, 1124. p. 119.] |
| [Oct. 6.] |
406. Petition of Zechariah Richardson and Rebecca his
wife to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Pray that the
Act of Pennsylvania, 1718, for vesting the house etc. of William
Clarke decd. in trustees, to be sold for payment of his debts, may
not be confirmed. The property in Philadelphia was settled on
Rebecca and her first husband, Clark jr., and their issue. The
settlement was in consideration of £3,000 to be had by Clarke
on his marriage with Rebecca. This Act was passed whilst
they were in Barbados. It is a stratagem of Andrew Hamilton,
the tenant, to prevail upon them to sell the house. Clark senr.
left estate sufficient to pay his debt to William Howson, for
which Clarke junr., decd., was bound. The three children of
the marriage are deprived of their maintenance by this Act; etc.
Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 7th Oct., 1719. 1½ pp. [C.O.
5, 1265. No. 131.] |
| [Oct. 6.] |
407. Petition of Same to Same. Pray to be heard against
above Act. Same endorsement. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 1265. No. 132.] |
Oct. 6.
Whitehall. |
408. Mr. Delafaye to the Earl of Stair. Encloses Representation concerning the French settlement at Sta. Lucia. Continues: The Lords Justices direct you to enquire into this
matter and to send such informations as you shall be able to
procure concerning it to my Lord Stanhope to be laid before
H.M. etc. Signed, Ch. Delafaye. Copy. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
408. i. Copy of No. 404. [C.O. 253, 1. Nos. 4, 4. i.; and
(duplicates) 6, 6. i.] |
Oct. 6.
Whitehall. |
409. Mr. Delafaye to Mr. Pulteney and Col. Bladen, H.M.
Commissaries at Paris for matters relating to the Colonies in
America. Similar letter to that to Lord Stair supra. Signed,
Ch. Delafaye. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 253, 1. No. 5.] |
Oct. 7.
Navy Office. |
410. Commissioners of H.M. Navy to Mr. Popple. Reply
to letter of 23rd Sept. with extracts from Mr. Bridger's
letters. The preservation of masts and all sorts of timber
trees, as well as the propagation of Naval Stores in generall,
in America, is of very great importance to H.M. service, and
cheifly depends upon a diligent and skilfull Surveyor of H.M.
woods, supported by the Governments in the Plantations,
and we hope they will be instructed, to take care of preventing
the abuses complain'd of by Mr. Bridger and Mr. Taylor etc.,
by prosecuting the offenders etc. This may be a means to
preserve all pines, as well those under, for a constant supply,
as those above 24 inches, of which we think especiall care
should be taken, as well as that no tree should be cut to wast,
but each converted as occasion shall serve by a skilfull hand, to
the uses it naturally grows for. And we are further of opinion
that if some restrictions were laid upon the saw mills, it might
greatly conduce to the hinderance of the unlawfull distruction
of timber. It's true that the making tarr and turpentine,
occasions a great consumption of trees, but the necessary wast
made herein, should be remedied if possible, and the tarr and
turpentine improv'd, that they might be fit in every respect
for the service of the Navy. As to Mr. Bridger's proposition of
paying quitt rents in masts etc., we fear the charge of bringing
them over on the King's account, will be near as great to H.M.,
as the prices we have them by contract for. Approve suggestion
of sending hemp-seed etc. To obtain a constant supply of
Navall Stores, equal in goodness to those of any other Nation,
from H.M. own Dominions, may deserve great encouragement,
that this Nation may not be put to streights, or render'd destitute
of them, upon differencies with any forreigne powers. We fear
the woods in America are at present very much neglected etc.
Recommend the appointment of a qualified Surveyor, known
to that country and a shipwright, etc. Signed, J. Acworth, T.
Holmes, J. Fawler, Wm. Clerland, Tho. Colby, Jno. Swanton,
R. Hampden. Endorsed, Recd. Read 8th Oct., 1719. 3 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
410. i. Extract of letter from John Taylor, mercht., to
[? Commrs. of the Navy.] 7th Feb. 1717. As to what I
mentioned of the difficulty to have masts as formerly in
New England. My Factor there writes me that abundance are fell'd for board logs etc. and one that was at
Piscataqua at Michas. last tells me he then saw some
thousands of logs lying in the river and on the banks,
which were cover'd with them for 3 miles at least;
where are 10 or 11 mills continually employed in cutting
beams, plank etc. for all uses. They were 24 to 40 in.
diameter. They not only supply our Plantations
but send great quantityes to Portugal, Spain, etc., and
to the coast of Barbary, that if a stop is not soon put
to it, the masts for H.M. service will not be had. I
now give as much for them as I did in warr, when it
was an extra charge to have a guard against the
Indians, and can find but one sett of men that will
undertake it. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 867. Nos. 54, 54. i.] |
Oct. 8.
Whitehall. |
411. Mr. Popple to Governor Lowther. Acknowledges
letters of 9th May, 9th Nov. 1718, and 30th May, 1719.
Continues: As there is very little in them that requires any
particular answer at present, the Council of Trade and Plantations only command me to acquaint you that a Commission
impowring you to try pirates was sent to you by Mr. Secretary
Craggs with his letter of 24th Dec. 1718. Their Lordships
have had under considern. the Act to impower licentiate
lawyers etc., as also what you write thereupon, in order to their
laying that Act before H.M. at a convenient opportunity, but
their Lordships have as yet only thought proper to let it lie
by as probationary. As Mr. Lillington is not yet arrived, I
have nothing to add but that their Lordships have had a letter
from America in July last informing them of the French design
to settle on. Sta. Lucia (v. 20th June) etc. Their Lordsps. are very
much surpriz'd they have heard nothing from you upon this
matter which is of such importance that they think you ought
not to have neglected it. Their Lordsps. are surpriz'd you have
not yet given them any account of the death of Mr. Mills, tho'
it is many months since they have had certain advice of it by
other hands etc. They have recommended Mr. Lightfoot in his
room etc. [C.O. 29, 14. pp. 21, 22.] |
Oct. 8.
Whitehall. |
412. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Encloses, for his opinion,
Act of Pennsylvania for vesting the estate of William Clarke in
trustees etc. and Mr. Richardson's petition against it etc. [C.O.
5, 1293. p. 224.] |
Oct. 12.
New Hampshire, Portsmo. |
413. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. In obedience to their
Lordships commands, 20th March, I shall take all possible care
to preserve H.M. woods etc., and am now regulating the affairs
of the woods for this winter, etc. Mr. Elisha Cooke has this
last General Court obtained a confirmation of an old grant made
before Mr. Usher purchased the Province of Main in 1677 for
500 acres of land. Mr. Cooke goes into the woods in sd. Province
without the township with one of my Deputies in a particular
spot of large fine mast trees (which was by information of some
of Cook's cretures) and in order there to lay out or take up ye
500 acres, and offerred it to sale to my Deputy for £500, but he
being cautious of buying the King's lands, and woods, has now
acquainted me therewith and I have prevailed so far wth. him
as not to concerne himself farther. Mr. Cooke has wrott him
since and urged him much to buy it, being in want for money
offered to abate considerably, but he still declines it, and so now
'tis any one's that will buy it, and all those fine large trees will
be cut into loggs by the purchaser. I viewed this very spot of
timber last winter, which is the best I have yet seen: This is
most certainly H.M. woods, if there are any such. By this may
appear the loyalty of the Massachusetts Government and what
H.M. may depend of for the future supply of his Royal Navy;
by this appears also that H.M. has no woods, nor his Surveyor
any busines here as has been by some asserted. By this grant
of the Genll. Assembly it appears that the Govermt. has taken
up the stafe against me, and that the dispute betwixt Mr.
Cooke and the Surveyor is drop't; and I fear without some
speedy assistance, I shall have the worst end, and be forced to
resigne wch. I am not inclined to at present. There's much
the same case in this province; these townships being granted
by the Massachusetts near 70 years since, this very town of
Portsmo. was than thought to smal, and therefore granted to
the said town another grant, for a tract of land 10 miles long and
five miles over, wch. never yet has been setteled, lying up in
the woods above all other towns and in the middle of ye pine
timber, which will be very distructive to H.M. intrest and the
[?woods] near them. The old grant is now designed to be
settled by this town. There is at this time and in this Province
two more townships laying out, one ten miles square, the other
about six, which I designe to visite in a short time etc. Prays
that he may have a reward or salary for his services since 19th
June, 1717. I have heard that H. M. is to buy this Province,
if so, prays to be appointed Receiver General etc. Signed, J.
Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. 20th Nov. 1719. Read 5th July,
1722. Addressed. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 241, 242.] |
Oct. 13.
H.M.S. Swallow at St. John's. |
414. Commodore Ogle to Mr. Popple. I have made the
strictest enquirys into the irregularitys complain'd off in the
Newfoundland Fishery, and find its not without very good
reason, such complaints are made, the Admirals of the severall
harbours have no manner of regard to the Act of Parliament
further then what sutes their own private interrest, and are
generally the greatest discouragers of the poor inhabitants,
notwithstanding the voyages have prov'd very discouraging
for some years past. If the inhabitants have not wherewithall
to answer their engagements the Admirals and Masters of fishing
ships seize all the fish and other effects before the voyage is
at an end which vile practice prevents the servants prosecuting
the fishing voyage to the utter ruin of the inhabitant, such
methods are us'd in all the ports where H.M. ships do not
remain, and were it possible to visit every harbour, yet the
Admirals have no manner of regard to the orders given them
by the Commanders of H.M. ships longer then they remain
to inforce them. The constant, but pernitious practice of
rinding trees is not to be prevented unless some person remaining
in the land be impowred to prevent such irregularities, the
season of rinding being in April and May, and no longer. To
prevent the New England traders carrying off such numbers
of fishermen I did at my arrival order bonds to be taken
from all the commanders of vessells belonging to New England
in £500 etc. (v. No. i), which I take to be much the better way
than to detain them till my departure, it's only giving them an
oppertunity of returning to St. Johns as did one Thompson
that Capt. Scott carryed out with him etc. One such bond put
in execution would be sufficient to break the trade etc. Encloses
his orders to the Admirals to assemble the antient inhabitants
and survey the rooms belonging to the planters and fishing ships,
but finds that by the neglect of the fishing admirals for many
years past no true account can be obtain'd, the commanders
of fishing ships chooseing to hire from ye inhabitants, flakes,
stages and rooms, rather then build on such places as properly
belong to them, nor are the admirals and planters capable of
making proper surveys, so that unless some man be appointed
capable of such an undertaking their Lordships cannot have a
true account of the planters and ships rooms, where it but
obtained would be a means of preventing abundance of disputes.
Severall ships from France and Portugall still continue to
import wines, brandy, etc. the product of those Kingdoms,
but as those ships generally arrive before any of H.M. ships,
they take care to dispose of those commodities, so that they
are not to be found, nor is it easey to get sufficient proof to
condemn such vessells as are only suspected. Has seized the
Catherine from Nanz. Martin French commander, as being a
French ship laden with French goods, and having no papers,
etc. I shall send proper evidence by H.M.S. Seahorse. This
being the first seizure of that kind ever made in Newfoundland,
will I hope be a means to prevent that illegall trade. I have in
this affair govern'd myself by the Act 15 Charles II etc.
I cannot learn that any ship belonging to France have
attempted to fish on any part of Newfoundland, excepting at
Grand Bay, where the St. Malo men resort yearly, and seldom
less than 60 ships use that trade. Refers to enclosed scheme.
The occasion of complaints of our fish from Lisbon is the boatkeepers making but indifferent voyages endeavour what they
can to make their fish weigh heavy, by not giving it time to
work in faggots on the flames before they heave the same into
press pyle, and the often repacking their piles without letting it
lye to work out the salt is the only occasion that makes the
fish when it comes to be thrown in the sun to appear very white,
but after three months lying in a bulk turns black and very
subject to rot, etc. There is lately an attempt at setting up a
salmon fishery to the noward of Cape Bonavist by one Wm.
Keen a merchant in this place by whom I am inform'd that for
three years last past he has caus'd to be taken 700 teirces of
salmon and this season 900 quintlls. and doubts not to improve
that fishery, etc. The furring trade the last year prov'd of
very great advantage to the inhabitants of Bonavist, many
persons having taken to the value of £40 sterling pr. man for
the winter's season, all the furrs so taken is sent to Great Britain
by the Poole and Limington ships useing that trade. The seil
fishery to the northward is likewise of very great advantage
and greatly encouraged by Mr. Keen, who yearly purchases
all of that commodity, and sends for Great Britain. It's to be
hoped that in a few years the inhabitants will be capable
(especially those at the northward) to make the voyage of
furring and seil fishing more to their advantage than the cod
fishing has been for many years, and indeed if it were not for
those helps it would be impossible for so many people to live for
the flesh or rather fish of the said seil serves them instead of
English provisions. You will be pleas'd to acquaint their
Lordships that I know of no way so effectual to prevent the
irregularities yearly practiced in this trade unless it be by
appointing some gentleman residing in Newfoundland the
winter season to be judges of the respective harbours, etc. It
is a pitty so many of H.M. subjects inhabiting a place so advantageous to trade should be left to themselves to comit
such outrages as they do, and no person to call them to account.
To which end I must recommend Mr. Keen a merchant that
has resided here 15 years etc. I am informed that Henry
Edwards at Carbonear, Christopher Sheppard at Bonavist
may be intrusted with such a power, the other parts are so
small and near at hand that officers in those places might be
sufficient to serve the whole. Signed, C. Ogle. Endorsed,
Recd. 24th Nov., Read 17th Dec., 1719. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
414. i.—vi. Copies of six bonds in £500 by masters of New
England sloops only to carry out of Newfoundland
the crews brought with them, etc. Signed, respectively,
Jno. Smith, Jno. Dearing, Roger Dench, Jno. Hubbart,
Foxwell Curtis, Thomas Arnold, 25th Aug.—5th
Oct., 1719. Endorsed as preceding. 6 pp. |
|
414. vii. Scheme of the Fishery of Newfoundland, 1719.
Fishing ships, 69; sack ships, 28; ships from America,
22. Tuns, fishing ships, 5945; sack ships, 2660;
ships from America, 1230. Men belonging to, fishing
ships, 1523; sack ships, 370; ships from America,
181. Passengers, on fishing ships, 1090. Boats kept
by the fishing ships, 222; by byboatmen, 117; by
inhabitants, 341. Number of byboatmen, masters,
146; servants, 885. Quintals of fish made by, fishing
ships, 42,180; by byboats, 19,969; inhabitants, 32,450.
Quintalls of fish carried to foreigne markets, 94, 479.
Train oyle made by, fishing ships, 175 tunns; by
byboats, 89; by inhabitants, 129. Price of the
fish 26 ryals pr. quintal; of the oyle £18 pr.
tunn. Number of stages, 331; of trainfatts, 280.
Inhabitants, masters, 264; menservants, 1,346;
mistresses, 172; women servants, 81; children, 466.
Total, 2,329. Remained in the country last winter,
1752. Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 6. Nos.
71, 71 i–vii.] |
Oct. 14.
Antigua. |
415. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I was in hopes that by this time I should have
been able to have sent the number of inhabitants etc. required
by your letter of 24th April, but notwithstanding my utmost
endeavours I have not been able to get them compleated. Refers
to orders (v. July 20) issued to the several Officers for delivering
their accounts and returning lists. Continues: Many of the
latter have been delivered to me but they are in such a confused
indigested manner that I shall be obliged to order the same
to be done de novo, it being impossible to range them into any
tolerable method from what has been sent me, the truth of
which your Lordships will perceive by a letter that I the other
day received from John Davis, Esqr. President of Saint
Christophers without date etc. (Encl. i.) The trouble that
accrews to me upon this occasion is incredible, for I am obliged
not only to issue orders, but to act the part of a Clerk likewise
in methodizing almost everything that is to be done by the
Constable and other officers, which your Lordships may believe
is no very easy task. There is hardly one return that will
answer your Lordships intentions which gives me great concern
fearing your Lordships may think I have omitted what was
necessary to be performed on my part, but as I can with great
truth aver the contrary; so I must pray your Lordships will
be pleased to excuse the same, until I have either returns from
the Constables as well as others to whom I shall forthwith give
fresh directions, and at the same time send them a form for
taking their lists. The Governours of other Islands, whose
sallarys are much greater, and their posts in all respects far
preferable to that of these Islands have not a tenth part of the
trouble that I have, and if your Lordships will please to consider
it ever so little, you will soon be convinced of the truth thereof.
Jamaica and Barbados have but an Assembly in each of them,
so the Governours thereof have but small trouble in supporting
the Prerogative, and observing your Lordships' commands,
every thing being immediately under their own eyes, but in
these Islands the Governor is obliged not only to write five
times as much as either of the others, but even often to have
disputes with the Assemblys of each of these four Islands
in regard every one of them do endeavour to get laws made
that will best answer their purposes; and if a Governour refuses
to assent to what is proposed and desired by each of them it
infallibly creates him enemies some of whom upon very slender
pretences will give great uneasiness by preferring complaints of
a most unjust and invidious nature. These I mention not with
design to condemn or reflect on the form of Government that
his most Gracious Majesty, and his Royal Predecessors have
been pleased to settle in these Islands, or to screen myself
from any just complaint that any one may have against me,
but to demonstrate to your Lordships how much more trouble
a Governour must have in these Islands than in other places
not so separated. Encloses duplicates of two Acts past in St.
Christopher's in March last, the one intituled An Act for the
general quiet of the inhabitants of the Island of St. Christopher's
in their estates and possessions, and for avoiding vexatious law
suites. The other intituled An Act for holding the Courts of
King's Bench and Common Pleas of the Island of St. Christophers
at Sandy Point and Basse Terre. The originals were assented to
by me in May last and returned to the President in order to
be published and recorded with directions to have them sent
back to me by the first conveyance in order to be forwarded
to your Lordships within the time limitted by my Instructions,
but it was impossible for me to send them sooner, etc. Quotes
Encl. i. Continues: I send your Lordships the originals as
well as the duplicates to let you see the condition in which I
received them; how the accident happened is not known,
but 'tis supposed to be done by the Clerk of the Assembly,
whilst he had them to enter on their books. About that time
he had the misfortune to be deprived of his senses, and is still
in a distracted condition. I have no observations to make to
your Lordships on either of these Acts, the one of them being
recommended formerly by your Lordships upon some objections
that were made by the late Attorney General to an Act of the
like nature, those objections I laid before the Council and
Assembly, and I hope they have taken care to avoid inserting
anything that may make it liable to objections at this time but
least it should I have taken care to have a clause inserted to
prevent its taking place until it shall be confirmed by H.M.
The other Act is only for the ease of the inhabitants in appointing places for holding their Courts, and can no ways in my
opinion affect the Crown or prejudice any private person, for
which reason I have consented to without any reservation.
The Council and Assembly of this Island are now revising the
Acts of this country in order to have them collected and printed
if your Lordships shall approve thereof, after they are laid before
you. I shall hasten the work all I can, and as soon as it is
compleated a duplicate thereof shall be made and transmitted
to your Lordships. P.S. The accounts of the Treasurers are
not yet come to hand but I expect them before long with those
from the storekeepers of the arms and ammunition all of which
I shall forward with the list of the inhabits. and other papers
as soon as they can be got ready. Signed, W. Hamilton.
Endorsed, Recd. 24th Dec., 1719. Read 27th June, 1721.
5 pp. Enclosed, |
|
415. i. John Davis, President of the Council of St. Christophers,
to Governor Hamilton. Without date. I herewith
send the two Acts (v. preceding), wch. were so damnified
and shattered after publication, that I was oblig'd
to get them new ingross'd, and that three times before
they were perfect etc. I was in hopes of sending
the other three bills amended, according to your
Excellencys directions, but they are not ready. Publick
affairs are very much obstructed by the backwardness of our Assemblys meeting and when they do,
its very late so that the afternoons are spent very
fruitless, and I see but little hopes of amendment etc.
Encloses Constables returns, or list of the inhabitants
etc. They are but indifferently as well as slovenly
drawn but its as much as can be expected from them
knowing what sort of men wee are forc't to put into
that Office. After your Excellency left this Island I
tendered Mr. Biss the Commission that was left for
him but he would by no means accept of it so have
since got Mr. Peter Thomas to accept of a Commission
to command that part of the troop of horse that is in
Basseterre Quarter, provided he may be elder or
Capt. Lieutenant, etc. Hope to be honoured with
H.E.'s presence etc. Signed, J. Davis. Endorsed as
preceding. Copy. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 152, 13. ff. 56–61.] |
Oct. 17/28.
Paris. |
416. Mr. Bladen to Mr. Delafaye. Acknowledges letter
of 6th Oct. etc. Signed, Martin Bladen. ¾ pp. [C.O. 253,
1. No. 7.] |
Oct. 17/28.
Paris. |
417. Same to Same. Refers to preceding etc. Continues:
I immediately waited on the Earl of Stair, who was of opinion
with me that it would be very proper to lay hold of the first
occasion in discourse to mention this matter to the Abbé Dubois,
not as a formal complaint, but as a report to which we could
not possibly give any credit; H.M. title to Sta. Lucia being so
notoriously known, and the friendship of the two Nations
established upon so firm a footing. In pursuance of this
resolution, the Abbé Dubois coming last night to my lodgings,
I mentioned the matter to him in the termes agreed on, but he
absolutely denyed, that this Court had ever entertain'd a thought
of that nature, adding that if they imagined they had any
pretentions to that Island, I might depend upon it they would
proceed by making their application to H.M. for redress, and
not by acts of open hostility. He acknowledged that there
might be preparations making at Martinico, but that they were
to be employed against the Spaniards only, to which I did not
think proper to make any other reply, but that I allways
believed the Regent had too much honour, and too much sense
to allow of any Expedition against the territorys of so good
and so necessary an Ally, as his Majesty. But to return to Sta.
Lucia, tho' I believe we have nothing to apprehend on that side
from this Court, yet I shall continue to get the best information
I can of the French proceedings in those parts etc. Copy.
1¾ pp. [C.O. 253, 1. No. 8.] |
Oct. 19.
Longreach 7 miles below Woolwich. |
418. Governor Hunter to Mr. Delafay. Announces his
arrival "from New York in a much better state of health then
I left it" etc. Hopes to see him soon etc. Signed, Ro. Hunter.
Holograph. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1085. No. 26]. |
Oct. 20.
New Hampshire. |
419. Mr. Armstrong to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In Feb. 1703 the Assembly of this Province by their
own act petitioned Mr. Allen the Proprietor and setts forth
that the inhabitants have only claime to the property of such
lands as is contained within their town bounds, which is less
then one third part of the Province, but have nothing to offer
as a greivance if the other two thirds are adjudged to Mr. Allen
etc. Notwithstanding all this, the inhabitants yearly make
great incrochments and takes up great quantityes of the best
wast lands without their townships whereon the most timber
and masts fitt for H.M. service growes, their reason for so doeing,
say they, If the King should purchase the wast lands, or
put the Proprietor in possession thereof, then we are lock'd out
there by our owne Act of Assembly, till then we will reserve
all the best timber within our townships for our use, and destroy
all without. The inhabitants now takes upon them to say,
that neither the Proprietor nor ye Crown hath any right within
their town bounds, etc. As the people are much more numerous
then formerly the saw mills increase in proportion which has
destroyed many thousands of good mast trees, and nothing
can effectually secure the remainder but a proper Act of Parliament
to keep the inhabitants to a steady obedience to observe
orders sent from home for the preservation of H.M. woods, and
likewise the bounding and settleing the wast lands, and that
such lands may be wholly invested either in the Crown or
Proprietor etc. Signed, Rt. Armstrong. Endorsed, Recd. 14th
Dec. 1719. Read 4th Aug. 1720. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 867.
No. 68.] |
| Oct. 21./Nov. 1. |
420. Mr. Bladen to Mr. Delafaye. Encloses copy of the
French commission, whereby the Marechal Detree and Abbé
Dubois are impower'd to treat with H.M. Comrs. etc. v. Nov. 4.
We proceeded to fix the method of treating. It was agreed to
take the several matters separately in order the Treaty of
Utrecht has ranged them, and at our next meeting we are to
enter upon the pretensions of the Company trading to the
Hudson's Bay. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Pulteney) 29th
Oct., Read 12th Nov. 1719. Extract. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
420. i. Copy of Commission of M. D'Estrées and the Abbé
Dubois to treat concerning the French and English
boundaries in America etc. v. Nov. 4th. Same endorsement. French. 3½ pp. [C.O. 323, 7. Nos. 165,
165. i.] |
Oct. 22.
Whitehall. |
421. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Appointing Richard
Lightfoot to the Council of Barbados, etc. Signed, Robert
Hales. Endorsed, Recd. 22nd., Read 29th Jan., 1719/20. 1¼ pp.
[C.O. 28, 15. No. 64; and 29, 14. pp. 39, 40.] |
Oct. 22.
Whitehall. |
422. Extract of letter from Mr. Delafaye to the Earl of
Stair. The Lords Justices transmit you the enclosed etc. Copy.
½ p. Enclosed, |
|
422. i. Extract of letter from the Governor of Barbados to
Mr. Secretary Craggs, 7th Aug. 1719. Encloses
following deposition and letter formerly written by
him to Lord Stanhope. Copy. ½ p. |
|
422. ii. Deposition of Barnard St. John, Mariner. Barbados,
24th July, 1719. Deponent saw 3 sail of ships at Sta.
Lucia, and going on board one of them, found there one
Monsr. St. Martin, who showed him some papers and
told him they were his commission to be Govr. of the
said Island. He was told they had landed some guns
there, in order to build a fortification, and that some
people were come from Martinique to lay out plantations. Copy. ½ p. |
|
422. iii. Extract of a letter from the Governour of Barbados
to Lord Stanhope. Sta. Lucia is an Island belonging
to H.M. and under my Government etc. It is extremely fertile, well watered and wooded, and hath a
very good harbour, but the shoar all round the Island
is so exceeding bold, and it hath such a great number
of fine bays as renders it incapable of being so fortified
but that an enemy may easily land without being
annoyed thereby. The French make great havock
of the wood which is much the best and most valuable
in this part of the world, and the chief and only place
from whence these Colonys are and can be supplyed
with timber at any moderate rate to build and repair
their mills, houses and fortifications. Copy. ¾ p.
[C.O. 28, 39. Nos. 7, 7. i–iii.] |
| Oct. 22./Nov. 2. |
423. Extract of letter from Mr. Bladen to the Earl of
Stanhope. I have been instructed by the Lords Justices to
ascertain the truth as to the reported design of the French on
Sta. Lucia etc. French. Copy. ¾ p. [C.O. 253, 1. No. 9.] |
Oct. 22.
Whitehall. |
424. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords of the
Treasury. In reply to Sept. 16, repeat Feb. 16th, that Mr.
Bridger deserves his salary etc. Continue: Upon what he
represents of the absolute necessity of preserving the woods
from the spoile that would be committed in them by the people
of New England, and more particularly since the notion lately
spread there that H.M. had no right to the woods in those parts,
we have always been of the same opinion etc. Refer to representations of 3rd Feb., 1716, and 6th Feb., 1719. Continue:
We likewise agree with Mr. Bridger in his objection against Mr.
Armstrong, and the Commissioners of H.M. Navy are of the same
opinion etc. Enclose copies of their letter, 7th Oct., and of
Mr. Bridger's letters relating to the woods, naval stores and the
woolen manufacture. Upon the whole, we beg leave to recommend to your Lordships that a proper person be appointed
for the preservation of the woods in America, it being of great
importance to his Kingdom, and that incouragement for raising
hemp be given, as is mentioned in the enclosed letter from the
Navy Board. [C.O. 5, 915. pp. 306, 307.] |
Oct. 24.
H.M.S. Swalloae at Sea. |
425. Commodore Ogle to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Sends duplicates of 13th Oct. by H.M.S. Seahorse.
Signed, C. Ogle. Endorsed, Recd. 8th Jan., Read 5th April,
1720. 4 pp. Enclosed, |
|
425. i.–vii. Duplicates of Nos. 414 i–vii. [C.O. 194, 6. Nos.
80, 80. i.–vii.] |
Oct. 25.
London. |
426. Governor Hunter to [?Mr. Delafaye]. I was to wait
on you whilst I was able to stay abroad, I am now under a
necessity of going to Egham for a little rest, toward the losse
of that nothing has contributed more then the inclosed letters
(there are others on the same subject) relating to Rigg's conduct
since my departure, etc. I beg you to make no other use of
them but to sett him right under this infatuation for it can be
nothing else, whatever becomes of me it can not chuse but hurt
him, for there is not a man in these Provinces on whom I have
lay'd more obligations, and putt my reputation and the continuance of your friendship which I value so much upon this
single issue. I never refus'd any favour or service within my
power that Coll. Riggs either ask'd or expected of me, and in
word or act never did him directly or indirectly the least
appearing or real hurt etc. P.S. I am sory for the indiscreet
zeal of ye Mayor in the intended prosecution but I shall putt
a speedy stop to it. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Holograph. 1½ pp.
[C.O. 5, 1085. No. 27.] |
Oct. 26.
Boston. |
427. Governor Shute to Mr. Popple. I reced. yours of the
23rd July att present I dont see any tendency towards the alteration you mention, but you may be assurd yt whensoever it
happens I will not be unmindfull of wt. you mention. If any
of our fish or any thing else this country affords will be acceptable to you if you will let mee know it, I will send it. Mr.
Dummer has acquainted mee yt. he has acquainted the Lords
Justices as also the Lords of Trade and Plantations how yt act
of the impost came to slip us and how streniously I opposed it
the next year and would not suffer it to pass with wch. account
he tells me they are satisfyed. I have reced. also a large packett
from the Honble. Board wch. I will send answears to so soon as I
am well informd of the perticulers mentioned wch. will take up
some tyme to doe but shall endeavour to be as speedlay as
possible wch. I desire you will acquaint theire Lordships with.
Signed, Samll. Shute. Endorsed, Recd. 1st Jan., Read 3rd
Aug., 1720. ½ pp. [C.O. 5, 867. No. 64.] |
Oct. 26./Nov. 6.
Paris. |
428. Extract of letter from the Earl of Stair to the Earl of
Stanhope. To same effect as Stair to Craggs. No. 430.
Copy. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 253, 1. No. 13.] |
Oct. 27./Nov. 7.
Paris. |
429. Extract of letter from Col. Bladen to Mr. Delafaye. I
was not a little surprized to see the copy of a deposition from
Barbados this morning in my Lord Stair's hands, relating to
the actual seizure of Sta. Lucia by the French, especially after
the answer I had received from the Abbé Dubois, but it seems
he was very little informed of the state of this matter, for the
Regent, with whom my Lord Stair had a conversation about it
this morning, avows the fact and says the Marechal d'Etrées
assured him the French had a constant possession and an undoubted right to the said Island by Treaty. My Lord Stair
and I were not able to guess what Treaty this should be, and as
the Regent did not fix the date, we were inclined to believe it
might have been some private transaction of the peace makers
of the late reign, but we have this evening seen the Marechal
d'Estrées, who tells us the French claim the Island by virtue
of some treaty or transaction in King Charles the Second's time,
and that before this new lodgement, they had already above 100
families inhabiting in the said Island. You will easily imagine
my Lord Stair and I were not a little surprized at so frivolous
a pretence for so extraordinary an action in so critical a conjuncture; But we insisted with great temper that H.M. right
to the Island of Sta. Lucia was notorious to all the world, that
the English were the first discoverers, that they likewise purchased the Island of the natives, and that it had been from time
immemorial a branch of the Government of Barbadoes, that
we never had heard of such a treaty as the Marechal mentioned,
that there had been indeed a Treaty of Neutrality in King James
II's time, but that before and after that Treaty the English
had claimed and kept possession of the Island, and that it had
been a constant Instruction to the Governors of Barbadoes to
suffer no person to dwell on Sta. Lucia that did not acknowledge
H.M. right to that Island; to which I took the liberty of adding
the Abbé Dubois answer to me, viz. that if the French had a
pretence to the said Island, I thought we might have depended
upon it (at least whilst there was a Treaty on foot for setling
of boundaries) that application would not have been made to H.M.
for redress, and that the French would not have taken possession
of the King's Dominions by force of arms. The Marechal
seemed a little embarassed, he confessed all his papers were
not put in order, but that in a few days he would produce
proofs of his title, for it seems it is the Marechal that has taken
possession of the Island, and I presume he has a grant of it
from the Regent. Copy. ¾ p. [C.O. 253, 1. No. 14.] |
Oct. 27./Nov. 7.
Paris. |
430. Extract of letter from Lord Stair to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. I complain'd this morning to the D. of Orleans by
order of their Excellencies the Lords Justices of the settlement
the French have made upon the Island of Sta. Lucia. H.R.H.
told me that it was very true that they had made such a settlement, but that he had been told, that the Crown of France had
an undoubted right to that Island, and that the English had
given up their pretensions to it by a Treaty; and assur'd me
at the same time that if it appeared that the Crown of Brittain
had a right to that Island, he would immediately order the
settlement to be withdrawn. I went in the evening with Coll.
Bladen to the Marl. D'Etrées, who told us that he would shew
us very good documents that the French had an uncontroverted
right to that Island, and that the English had acknowledged
that right by a Treaty, and that he would shew us the papers
in 2 or 3 days. I reckon we can say no more, till we have seen
those papers. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 253, 1. No. 15.] |
Oct. 27./Nov. 7.
Paris. |
431. Extract of letter from Mr. Bladen to [? the Council of
Trade and Plantations]. To same effect as preceding. Copy.
¾ p. [C.O. 253, 1. No. 16.] |
Oct. 27./Nov. 7.
Paris. |
432. Mr. Bladen to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Refers to enclosures relating to trade, and to letter to Mr. Pulteney,
etc. v. Oct. 21st. Continues: My Lord Stairs and I have had
another meeting with the Mareschall D'Estrees and Abbe
Dubois, where the day was spent in discourses preparatory to
ye method of fixing the boundarys for Hudsons Bay; and this
day (if the Abbe Dubois health will permit him to come abroad)
we shall deliver in the Company's demand upon that subject,
in the terms of our Instructions, tho' I allready foresee some
difficultys in the execution of this affair, there being at least
the difference of two degrees between the best French maps,
and that which the Company delivered us, as your Lordships
will perceive by the cart enclosed, and I wonder that no person is
yet come hither in their behalfe. I shall have occasion to
trouble you more at large upon this particular in a post or two.
In the mean time I am perswaded your Lordships will be as
much surprised as I was (especially after what had passed
between the Abbe Dubois and me) to understand that the French
avow the taking of Saint Lucia, and say they are entituled to
that Island by virtue of some Treaty in King Charles the second's
time; but the Mareschal D'Estrees has promised to produce
his vouchers in a few days, and I shall transmit them to your
Lordships. Signed, M. Bladen. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read
4th Nov. 1719. 2 pp. [C.O. 323, 7. No. 163.] |
Oct. 27./Nov. 7.
Paris. |
433. Mr. Bladen to Mr. Popple. If Mr. Pultney should
not be allready sett out for this place, you will be pleased to
deliver him the enclosed, etc. P.S. Your Barbadoes affidavit
was a very true one, and ye account of ye French designe on
ye negros at St. Vincents was very well grounded, for they did
attempt to carry off the negros from that Island, but were
beaten off by them and obliged to return with the loss of thirty
or forty men etc. Signed, M. Bladen. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd,
Read 4th Nov., 1719. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 15.
No. 55.] |
Oct. 28.
Secretaries Office in Boston. |
434. (a) Mr. Willard to Mr. Popple. In reply to the Board's
complaint, Aug. —, states that he has sent copies of the Minutes
of Council and Assembly once in six months ever since his
arrival, covered to Mr. Dummer etc. Continues:—My office
is reduced to £120 sterl. a year, out of which I am to provide
a Clerk etc. by the Act in addition to the acts for regulating
fees, by which I am cutt off from the fees which the former
Secretary received for the copies sent to the Board of Trade
and other perquisites to the value of £60 per annum etc.
Signed, Josiah Willard. Annexed, |
|
(b) Governor Shute to Mr. Popple. I sent the papers relateing
to Canso to Mr. Agent Dummer in January, and he hath own'd
the receipt of them. I am mightily surprized that he hath not
laid them before the Honble. Board etc. Signed, Samll. Shute.
The whole endorsed. Recd. 1st Jan. 1719/20. Read 8th June, 1721.
Addressed. Postmark. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 53, 54.] |
| [Oct. 28th] |
435. Petition of Anthony Browne and John Elliott of
Antigua, gentlemen, to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Pray the Board to report upon Act to oblige the Vestry of St.
Phillips to raise money etc., passed in 1715 for the relief of
petitioners, and against which a caveat was entered. Endorsed,
Recd. (from Mr. Nivine) 28th Oct., Read 20th Nov. 1719.
1 p. [C.O. 152, 12. No. 163.] |
Oct. 30.
Barbado's. |
436. Governor Lowther to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to letter of 7th Aug. and replies at length to
"Parson" Gordon's sermon, and the Bishop of London.
Signed, Rob. Lowther. Endorsed, Recd., 18th Jan., Read 12th
April, 1720. 12 pp. Enclosed, |
|
436. i. Rev. W. Gordon to the Bishop of London. Barbados,
Nov. 5, 1716. Same endorsement. Copy. 1 p. |
|
436. ii. Copy of Governor Lowther's Declaration in answer
to Mr. Gordon's Book entitled, The Miserable State of
Barbados, and to the Preface of his Sermon, to the complaints of the S.P.G., and Mr. Lansa. (v. supra).
Details of commitment of Jonathan Blenman (v. 21st
Nov.) Refers to his recall, C.S.P., 7th Feb., 1714:—H.M. letter of recall came to my hands 7th April,
1714. I instantly ordered it to be read in Council
and entred in the Council Book, and the very next
Council day, 24th April, I gave up the Governmt.
to Mr. Sharpe, and left the Island etc. Mr. Sharpe
and his party were indeed very uneasy in the mean
time and endeavoured with Samuel Cox, Alexander
Walker and Timothy Salter to raise a rebellion by
attempting to force the administration out of my
hands. But as H.M. letter was only directed to myself
and was no supersedeas of my Commission, and as Mr.
Sharpe nor any other person had any warrant or
authority to divest me of the Governmt., so had I
given up my Commission to Mr. Sharpe while I stayed
in the Island, neither Mr. Sharpe nor myself could
have acted. Quotes Clause of Commission. As H.M.
was not pleased to declare the reason's of my being
recall'd, and there was no complaint whatever against
me at H.M. death, I take upon me to say that it could
not be for the reason the Representation assigns (vizt.)
My arbitrary conduct in calling and dissolving
Assemblys; since that matter had happened about two
years before my recall; But I verily beleive the true
reason of that recall was, that the then Ld. Bolingbroke
might meet with no resistance in delivering up the Island
to the Pretender. No complaints were lodged against
me before my leaving England May, 1715. etc. Denies
various charges etc. Published in St. Michael's Town,
by beat of drum. Signed, Wheatly Gooche P. Mar.
Pilgrims. 15th Oct. 1719. Signed, Robert Lowther.
Same endorsement. 59 pp. [C.O. 28, 15. Nos. 85,
85. i., ii.] |
Oct. 30.
St. John's. Newfoundland. |
437. Mr. Keen to [? Mr. Popple.] Capt. Ogle desired me
to acquaint you if anything worth your notice should happen
etc. Continues:—The New England masters John Hubart,
Roger Dench and John Smith (whose bonds are already transmitted to their Lordships, v. Oct. 13th) have carry'd away
severall fishermen, seamen and others etc., the proof of wch.
will be easily made before the Officer that shall be appointed
the next year, etc. The day after the departure of H.M. ship
some Comrs. of fishing ships insulted the Admirals in their
administration of justice at a publick Court for wch. they remain
under a fine of sd. Admls. but the agressors have so little regard
to the judgment or orders of the Admlls. that they will not
comply with any. And indeed dureing the absence of the men
of warr wee have neither Justice or Religion and every man dos
what he lists without controle etc. Wee are now goeing on
ye second year without Divine servis (excepting whilst Capt.
Ogle's Chaplain was here). It's to be hop'd some good man
of an exemplary life may be sent amongst us for such as have
been of late years have don more harm then good by leading
wicked lives but wrather deboches. I have sent my petition
to their Ldspps. relating to a salmon fishery and humbly pray
the same may be presented. Signed, W. Keen. Endorsed,
Recd. 1st, Read 17th Dec., 1719. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 194, 6.
No. 72.] |
Oct. 31./Nov. 11.
Paris. |
438. Mr. Bladen, Commissary in France, to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. The Abbé Dubois' indisposition did
not allow him to meet my Lord Stair and me on Wednesday
last. but the Marechal d'Etrées was there, and we deliver'd
him the demand of the Hudson's Bay Company with respect
to their limits, of which you have a copy enclosed, whereby you
will perceive that we have fully complyd with yr. Instructions
on that subject. So soon as I receive the answer of the french
Commissarys to this demand, I shall likewise take care to transmit a copy of it to your Lordships. The Governor of the
Hudson's Bay Company arrived here yesterday, and I presume
he is furnished with the proper materials to support their
claime in case it should be disputed. I am allways with perfect
truth and respect my Lords your Lordships most obedient and
most humble servant. Signed, M. Bladen. Endorsed, Recd.
5th, Read 11th Nov. 1719. 2 pp. Enclosed, |
|
438. i. Proposals of H.M. Commissaries presented to the
French Commissaries in Paris, relating to the
boundaries of Hudsons Bay etc. In accordance with
instructions, Nov. 4, 1719. q.v. Endorsed, Recd.
5th Aug., 1719. French. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 134, 2.
Nos. 47, 47. i.] |
Oct. 31.
London. |
439. George Lillington to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Describes Sta. Lucia and St. Vincent. Continues:
They were till the late Peace possest by the native Indians,
and negroes wch. runn off in boats from the adjacent Islands;
And have always with us been reputed part of the British
Dominions, till we were surprized with many and often repeated
reports that the French were settled on Sta. Lucia with 300
familys, were building houses, were clearing and granting
ground with shuger caines, and at last that they had erected a
Fort or battery with severall peices of cannon and the Fr. arms
flying thereon, pretending a right thereto from a grant of the
Brittish Crown of Sta. Lucia in lieu of that part of St. Christophers which was given up by the French att the late Peace.
A little before my leaving Barbadoes, Aug. 1719, we had a report
that the French with a considerable arm'd force had attempted
to take and carry off the negroes from St. Vincent, but were
repuls'd with loss by the desperateness of the negroes, who
had kil'd many their wives and children to prevent their
falling into the Fr. hands, and declared themselves under
the English subjection and fought under their colours. And
from Sta. Lucia we understood that a New York privateer
being arriv'd at that Island and having recd. some affront or
disgust from the French settled thereon, landed his men, hawld
down the Fr. colours wch. were flying, nail'd up their cannon
and took away their stores of ammunition. And we farther
heard that the Govr. of Martineque had given a Commission
to a Fr. gentleman to be Govr. of Sta. Lucia, wch. is a very fine
soil for producing cocoa, wch. would be a very considerable
advantage to the English Crown, and no prejudice to any our
settlements, having no plantations that produce that desirable
nutt. We have likewise heard the French have planted tobacco
at St. Vincent's, and no doubt that Island will produce considerable quantitys of that weed if thoroughly cultivated etc.
The harbours of Sta. Lucia have been of great advantage to
Barbados and would be of detriment in French hands etc., etc. |
|
P.S.—We had reports that the Spaniards (before the late
breach with that Crown) had destroyed a new English settlemt.
on Crabb Island, by taking away what negroes the few inhabitants
had carried on and burning a large qty. of dying
wood wch. they had heapt together. And that the Danes were
settling St. Johns (I think) one the Virgin Islands, and both
esteemed to belong to the English. Signed, Geo. Lillington.
Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 4th Nov., 1719. 2 pp. [C.O.
28, 15. No. 56.] |
Oct. 31.
New York. |
440. Col. Schuyler, President of the Council of New York,
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Encloses
Acts and Minutes of Council to 29th inst. etc. By the memorial
(encl. 1) of the Surveyor appointed for the Province for ascertaining the division line between it and New Jersey, the Board
will perceive there is a stop put to those proceedings. Thinks
he ought not to compel him to proceed against the advice of
the Council and his conscience; besides, the money given for
that service is exhausted. Would rather be overcautions than
rash in a matter of such importance to the King in his quit
rents, and lands and the properties of his subjects, though the
Proprietors of Jersey are much exasperated. Hopes that
before any resolution is taken, timely notice may be
given, so that his Government and proprietors of lands
under patents from it may state their case etc. Acknowledges
letter of 7th Aug. relating to the boundaries on the French
settlements. Governour Hunter I believe carryed with him
the best mapp that has yet been made of Hudsons River.
But of the countrys belonging to the Five Nations no mapp
has yet been made, nor is there any public money to do it
with, the French have already setled at the back of us from
Canada to Messassipie, in the last warr they attempted to make
some settlements among the five Nations and it's feared are
every day gaining ground for want of ascertaining the limitts
and placeing garrisons at the Lakes. Hopes their Lordships
will apply to H.M., that his pleasure may be known concerning
a mapp of the Province and particularly of the frontiers. Continues: "There is no money in the Treasury here to defray the
expence, if there was I would not give your Lordships the trouble
of this request." Coll. Graham the late Surveyor General of
the lands of this Province being lately dead, has appointed
Allane Jarratt, etc. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. 531. Signed,
Pr. Schuyler. Endorsed, Recd. 29th Dec. 1719. Read 16th
Aug. 1720. 3 pp. Enclosed, |
|
440. i. Petition of Allane Jarratt to the President and Council
of New York. Describes proceedings with Surveyor
General of New Jersey to fix the boundary line. After
fixing the latitude upon the Fish Kill, observations
were taken at Madam Corbetts, when it was discovered
that observations taken near the middle of the
quadrant made use of differed from those taken at
the ends upwards of four minutes. Petitioner, perceiving
great difficulties in fixing the true latitude of
41° in so wide differences of observations and with
so small a quadrant, asks for directions etc. Signed,
Allane Jarratt. Copy. 1 large p. Set out, N. J.
Archives, 1st Ser. iv. 403, 406. |
|
440. ii. Report of Committee of Council of New York upon
preceding. New York, Sept. 24, 1719. We examined
the above petition in the presence of Mr. Alexander
Surveyor General of New Jersey and Dr. Johnston
one of the Commissioners for New Jersey. Mr.
Jarratt said he could not adventure to settle a latitude
that could be depended on without a quadrant
of 5 or 6 ft radius certified by able and skilful
mathematiants from Great Brittain etc. The methods
proposed by Mr. Alexander for correcting the defects
of the smaller instrument were not satisfactory to him.
We cannot advise that he be ordered to fix the latitude
by this instrument, but that he should certify that
the station pretended to be fixed at Fish Kill is wrong
and erroneous, and that further proceedings be stayed
until a correct and large instrument be procured etc.
Signed, A. D. Peyster and four others. Endorsed as
covering letter. 1 large p. Set out, N. J. Archives.
1st Ser. iv. 403, 406. |
|
440. iii. An account of bedding which the late Col.
Ingoldesby's men have in Albany, 25th March, 1719.
11 straw beds, 5 of them rotten. 12 pillows, 5 of
them not fit for service. 3 broken ketles, 2 old iron
pots, no tongs, fire shovels, bowls, platters, spoons,
buckets or frying pans. At Fort Hunter 10 men
have 1 bed tick, 2 blankets, 4 sheets, etc. Signed,
Henry Holland. Copy. 1 p. |
|
440. iv. Similar account of Col. John Riggs Company at
Albany. Signed, John Riggs. Copy. 1 p. |
|
440. v. List of necessaries required for above two Companies. Signed, Henry Holland. Copy. ¾ p. |
|
440. vi. Memorial of Col. John Riggs and Capt. Henry
Holland to Peter Schuyler, President of the Council.
Refer to preceding. Their deplorable condition
renders our centinels incapable of doing their duties
and will soon occasion the desertion of many. The
barracks and forts are very much out of repair. Part
will soon fall down. All which was represented to
Governor Hunter last April, but we have had no answer
etc. Signed, Jno. Riggs, Henry Holland. Endorsed
as covering letter. Copy. 1 p. |
|
440. vii. Lt. Col. Weemes and Major Symes to President
and Council of New York. New York, Oct. 13, 1719.
Represent the deplorable condition of the two Independent
Companies at Fort George. They have
been destitute of bedding etc. for several years, have
no benefit of fire and candle or for sickness etc. Pray
for relief. Signed, Ja. Weemes, Lancaster Symes.
Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
440. viii. List of stores in Fort George, New York. 29th
July, 1719. Signed, Gerard Beekman, John Cruger,
Phillip Schuyler. Same endorsement. 5 pp. |
|
440. ix. List of 19 Acts of New York, 24th June, 1719. Same
endorsement. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1052. ff. 59–61, 62–63,
64, 65, 66, 67v., 68, 69v.–72. 73v.–76]. |
