|
| Feb. 11. |
555. (a) Extract from K. Charles II's Grant of New Jersey
etc. to the Duke of York, 12th March, 1664. |
|
(b) Extract from K. Charles II's Charter for Pensilvania
to William Penn, 4th March, 1680. |
|
(c) Query, Whither some small Islands lying in the River
Delaware between New Jersey and Pensilvania are included in
either of the two above extracts, and if not, whither the right
of disposing thereof is not in H.M.? |
|
(d) Mr. West's reply to preceding. I am of opinion that the
Islands scituate in the River of Delaware are not comprehended
within the expresse terms of either of these two grants and that
therefore the Crown may dispose of them. Signed, Richd. West.
Endorsed, Recd. 10th March, 1719/20. Read 19th May, 1721.
2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 971. No. 89.] |
| Feb. 12. |
556. Deposition of John Randall, apprentice to Dudley
Woodbridge. Confirms No. 551. Signed, Jno. Randall.
Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 16th Feb., 1719/20. 1¾ pp. [C.O.
28, 15. No. 73.] |
Feb. 12.
Whitehall. |
557. Mr. Popple to George Newport, merchant. An
affidavit having been lodg'd here this day in relation to Mr.
Lowther's trading to the French Islands in which trade you are
named to have been interessed, the Council of Trade and
Plantations desire to speak with you etc. [C.O. 29, 14. pp.
57, 58.] |
| Feb. 12. |
558. Deposition of William Gordon of the Island of Barbados, Clerc. In 1713 deponent with George Newport, then
of Barbados but now of London mercht., and Othniel Haggat
did purchase a cargo of negroes and flower to be sent to the
French Islands from Barbados wherein deponent was interested
one half, and Newport and Haggat one fourth each. The latter
agreed with Governour Lowther that deponent should hold
but one fourth, and that the Governor should have the other
fourth in the name of Newport. In consideration thereof, the
Governour undertook to protect, or screen from seizure any
European goods that should be imported as returns from the
French Islands, and to favour the sd. adventure so far as to
make the quarter part as profitable to deponent as the half
would otherwise have been. Deponent acquiesced and accordingly, when a few weeks afterwards ten hogsheads of claret,
part of 40 imported directly from Martinique as returns for the
sd. cargo, were seized by John Sharpe, Searcher, the Governour
did, by his warrant, command the sd. wines from Sharpe, and
they were soon afterwards redelivered to Newport or deponent,
and one quarter of the nett proceeds of the adventure accounted
for to Newport in trust for the Governour. There were other
adventures to the French Islands to about the value of £3000
in negroes and other merchandize. About 30 of the said negroes
were refuse negroes from the Governour's plantation, with his
own coat of arms burnt on their breasts, which deponent was
forc't to receive as part of one of the adventures, and to allow a
very exorbitant price for, rather than disoblige the Governour.
Of the returns made for all the cargoes, there was above £2000
in French brandy, claret, silks, soap and other European commoditys imported directly from the French Islands and sold
in Barbados, and one quarter of all the nett proceeds accounted
for as above and paid by Newport to the Governour, as he has
frequently assured deponent, and as the Governour about three
years agoe own'd to deponent at the marriage of John Lenoir,
at the same time complaining that notwithstanding the great
risque he had run, he had been a looser by the sd. trade, as he
was assured depont. and everybody except George Newport,
had been. Deponent has several times seen in the Treasurer's
Office, and in the hands of Joseph Young, the Deputy Treasurer,
several orders drawn by the Governour upon the Treasurer,
payable to himself with exchange for 25, 30 and 35 p.c., amounting to £10,000, at 5 or 10 p.c. above the current rate of exchange.
When deponent pointed out to Young that exchange had never
been known so high as 35 p.c. since Lowther's coming to the
Government, and asked how the Committee of Publick Accounts
could allow such extortion, Young reply'd, Damn'em, they dare
not dispute it etc. Signed, W. Gordon, Endorsed, Recd.
Read 12th Feb., 1719/20. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 28, 15. No. 72.] |
| [Feb. 13.] |
559. Major Bellenden to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Several of Col. Moody's houses at Placentia were taken
up in Oct. last for work upon the Fort there etc. Signed, Robt.
Bellenden. Endorsed, Recd. Read 13th Feb., 1719/20. 1 p.
[C.O. 194, 6. No. 75.] |
Feb. 15.
Custom ho., London. |
560. Mr. Carkesse to Mr. Popple. Collo. Rhett, Surveyor
and Comptroller of the Customs in Carolina having sent the
Commissrs. an accot. that the people of that Province have
deposed their Governour and set up another, I am directed to
send you a copy of the letter date 21st Dec. last etc. Signed,
Cha. Carkesse. Endorsed, Recd. 15th. Read 16th Feb.,
1719/20. Addressed. ½ p. No enclosure. [C.O. 5, 1265. No.
141.] |
Feb. 16.
Nevis. |
561. Governor Hamilton to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges
letter of 29th Sept., which came to my hand at Nevis, where I
immediately after communicated to the Council and Assembly
what their Lordships commanded in relation to the hostages at
Martinique, and to let their Lordships know what the Island
has contributed towards the maintenance of them etc. A
Committee of both Houses is appointed to draw up an answer
to the Memorial of M.D' Iberville etc. I am now upon visitting
the other Islands etc., and shall pay a due obedience to every
part of your letter etc. I arrived here on the 20th Dec. last,
the same day I had an account sent me from St. Christophers,
that a Spanish privateer had that night taken an English sloop
at the Salt ponds of that Island, and afterwards went to the
Road of Basseterre, and there cut out an English ship commanded by one Mr. John Moulton; which ship was laden with
sugar, and almost ready to sail for Brittain, as soon as I had
notice of this, I sent the man of war in quest of them, but she is so
dull a sailer that if she had met with any of them, could hardly
have come up with them, and is but of little service, besides
that she is a meer bauble, when it blows but any thing hard,
is not able to carry out above four or six of her guns; so that
if she should meet with anything of strength, it would expose
the Captain (who I think to be a good and diligent Officer) and
loose the King a ship; this I have formerly represented, but
the same ship is still continued upon the Station, and has now
been here near three years. I hear since that the Master of
the forementioned sloop rose two days after he was taken, upon
the Spaniards, recovered his sloop, and is arrived with her at
St. Christopher's; that the ship was retaken by a New York
privateer and sent to that port, and the same Spanish privateer
was since cast away upon the Island of Berbuda, the Captain
whereof and his men are now in prison at Antigua, and as there
is no chartell settled betwixt H.M. subjects and those of the
Crown of Spain and that I have no directions to settle any, or
in what manner, besides that the Spaniards (especially in these
parts) are a most treacherous people; for these reasons, I have
ordered the Lieutenant Governor of Antigua, as oppertunities
offer from that Island, to send them for Great Brittain, signifying
to the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Craggs in which vessell
he sends them and the number; which conduct of mine I hope
will be approved of. We have of late heard of several pirates
that rove in these seas, particularly one of about thirty guns
that had been for a considerable time upon the coast of Guinea
where she had done a great deal of damage, afterwards took a
Portuguese ship upon the coast of Brazile, which he brought to
the Island of Cayon a French Island lying off of Surinam; and
there plundered her of a vast booty, most in moidores, not
valuing the rest of the cargo (which consisted of sugar, tobacco,
and Brazile plank) would have set the ship on fire but meeting
with a Rhode Island sloop, which they took and fitted out for
their use, they gave the Portugueze ship to the master of the
Rhode Island sloop, who with the Portugueze that were left
on board, brought her into Antigua where I have ordered a
merchant to take care of her, and what was remaining on board
for the use of the owner, or owners. There are now five white
men and one black in the goal of this Island, that were of the
crew of that ship, which were put ashoar out of her at the Island
of Anguilla, which pretend all to have been forced; I have
sent to the Lieutenant Governor of Antigua to enquire of the
Master of the Rhode Island sloop, his men, or the Portugueze,
whether they know any of these persons to have been active
amongst the pirates, in order that if any of them have been
guilty of the piracy they stand suspected off, they may be
proceeded against etc. I had last Sunday morning an account
given me by Major Richard Holmes of Col. Richard Lucas's
Regiment and one Mr. Thomas Ottley that as they were on their
voyage to the Island of St. Eustatius and St. Thomas (whither
they were bound, the first to look for some deserters that had
run away etc.) they were informed that a pirate ship lay under
the Island of St. Thomas, that most of the men were on shoar,
they went to said ship and found her at an anchor, and was
equipped in a warlike manner, and several pirate colours on
board, and not being able to bring her up to any of the Islands
(inhabited) of my Government they carried her to the Island
of Santa Cruis or Sancta Croix, where they left her under the
care of an Officer of the Regiment and some men, till the Major
could inform me of the premises; whereupon I ordered Capt.
John Rose Commander of H.M.S. Seaford forthwith to get
ready to go down, to take the said ship under his care, and bring
her up to this H.M. Island, or the Island where at his return
he shall hear I then am, and to see that no embezzlement
be made; who sailed yesterday with the Major on board etc.
I have desired the Major to make a particular enquiry as to the
conduct of the Danish Governor upon this occasion, for it has
been of a long standing, and it's now to be too much suspected
that the Danes give too much encouragement and countenance,
nay even publick protection to that vermine, which makes our
land and sea men so frequently desert, that being their place of
refuge. Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 25th April,
1720. Read 27th June, 1721. 3½ pp. with abstract. [C.O.
152, 13. ff. 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 66v.] |
1720.
Feb. 16.
Crutched Fryars. |
562. George Newport to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to 12th Feb. As to myself (the accusation being
off an illegal nature) I hope your Lordships will excuse me from
makeing any answer. As for Mr Lowther, he never concern'd
himself in any clandestine trade with me and I doe belive with
no other. If I was, I should indeed blush to own what that pious
divine sticks not to sware, out off malice and envy to a good
Governour etc. Asks for copy of Gordon's affidavit, if a further
answer is required. Signed, G. Newport. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 16th Feb., 1719/20. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 15. No. 74.] |
| Feb 16. |
563. Henry Lascelles to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Describes his sale of the "piraiticall slaves" brought
in by the Charlotte. "I never understood that they belonged
to any particular person" etc. etc. v. 13th Jan.. Signed, Hen.
Lascelles. Endorsed, Recd. Read 16th Feb., 1719/20. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
563. i. Account of sale of negroes brought into Barbados
by the ship Charlotte. Branson Oulson (Hoalson)
Commander. Sept. 11, 1719. Signed, Hen. Lascelles.
2 pp. [C.O. 28, 15. Nos. 75, 75. i.] |
Feb. 17.
Boston, N. England. |
564. Governor Shute to Mr. Popple. Encloses following
to be laid before the Board. Continues:—I cannot get the
queries relating to New Hampshire well answered untill I go
to that Province which will not be till the latter end of April,
by which time I believe the map of the Province will be finished,
so that I shall be able to send the queries answered with the
map of New Hampshire by the first ship that shall sail in May.
The 73rd Article of my Instructions (quoted) has been notifyed
to all the Printers, yet Nathaniel Boone has not only printed
a book without licence but has even ventured to print what I
have absolutely forbidden; upon which I summonsed the Council
and acquainted them with H.M. Instructions, who told me they
could not find out any method to punish the printer because
there was no law against it. I afterwards applyed myself to
the King's Attorney General who advised me to acquaint the
Lords of Trade and Plantations with this breach of H.M. Orders
and to get further directions from them in this matter. I desire
you will let me have a line in answer as soon as possible to assure
me that this letter came safe to you. Signed, Samll. Shute.
Endorsed, Recd. 19th April. Read 3rd Aug. 1720. 2 pp.
Enclosed, |
|
564. i. Governor Shute's Answers to Queries relating to the
Massachusetts Bay (v. 4th June, 1719). (i) Inhabitants,
94,000. Militia, 15,611. Besides which there are
of the Indian natives who are civilized, and make some
profession of the Christian religion, and dwell in several
parts of the Province in perfect friendship with the
English improving their own lands etc. to the number
of 1,200, men, women, and children. Slaves, negros or
Indians (but most negros) about 2000. Within this
three years last past there have come from Ireland
a considerable number of familys and persons to settle
the Eastern parts of this Province, and elsewhere to
the number probably of 5 or 600 men, women and
children. White servants imported and sold June
29, 1717–1718, 113 males, 13 females; negro slaves,
37 males, 16 females (details given). No great difference for 7 years last past. At the entrance of the
Harbour of the Town of Boston there is Castle William,
a regular fortification and in good condition, 80 great
guns mounted, a Captain with other officers and a
company of 30 men. There are also in the town two
small batterys, but of no use, wholly out of repair.
At Salem and Marblehead there are two small forts
both gone to ruine and not supported in a time of
peace. In the County of York there's a small stone
fort at Brunswick with 15 men and an officer, a pretty
good defence against the Indians. At Winter harbour,
a small fort in a poor condition with ten men and an
officer. (ii) In the neighbourhood of this Province to the
North East or towards Nova Scotia there are two tribes
of Indians, the Kennibeck Indians, 100 fighting men,
who live chiefly at Neridgiawack within a sort of fort
made of wood and is a small chappell and a Jesuit.
There are two or three other settlements of Indians that
may make out in all 50 fighting men at Pennicook
Amarasgogin and Pegwoket. One other tribe called
Penobscot Indians lying up the River of that name
150 fighting men, both tribes too much inclined to
the French interest thro' the influence of the Jesuists
who have allways one among them, and during the
late warrs they have been bloody enemys to the
English; at present they are pretty quiet; but there
is no depending on them. To the westward near
Albany there are several nations or great tribes of
Indians that are in alliance and friendship with the
English Government of New Yorke, but are so far
distant, that we have scarse anything to do with them.
Northwest and towards Canada there are some tribes
of Indians, but their situation is so near the French
settlements that we call them the French Indians and
they are perfectly under their Governmt. and at 3 or 400
miles distance from us; their numbers not very great.
(iii) Describes Quebec and Montreal as elsewhere. Continues:—From Canada it is that in a time of warr, the
French influence and actually imploy their Indians
to annoy and destroy the English settlements both of
this Province and Connecticut and sometimes New
York. This Province have had two fair towns destroyed in two years successively in the last warr by
a party of 200 Indians headed by French Officers
from Canada. And it is dificult, considering the
vastness of the frontiers to know how to prevent such
incursions in a time of war, unless the two Crowns
should agree never to imploy the Indians on either
side against each other even in case of a warr. As
to Cape Breton refers to Governor Phillips etc. Continues:—They have yet no regular fortification. But
in case of a war between the two Crowns the French
would certainly be very troublesome to all the English
Plantations. It is generally thought that it might be
of service to H.M. and a security of the trade of his
subjects if there were a small fort built at the Isle of
Canso, and another between that and Annapolis Royal
etc. It hath been of the last mischief to H.M. Government and people of these countreys to suffer the
French Jesuists to reside among the Indians that are
under the English protection and particularly at
Kennebec and Penobscut both of which are within
H.M. territory. This is what I have had the honour
to represent once and again to your Lordships.
(iv) The trade of the Province has been of late years
under great discouragements occasioned as is judged
by the most thinking people chiefly by the want of
silver and gold for a medium of trade in lieu whereof
the Government have made and issued out £200,000
in bills of credit. The fishery of this Province (which
indeed is the best and chief article of their trade) is
much increased since the cession of Nova Scotia.
Refers to Governor Phillips. Continues: (v) To
prevent illegal trade I do my utmost indeavours to
put the laws now in force relating to the trade of
the Plantations in execution; and also take all
imaginable care that the King's officers may be protected in doing their duty. And I am also of opinion
farther to prevent illegal trade, if two fishing shallops
were imployed, under the inspection of the Surveyor
General or principal officer in each port (the charge of
building which would be about £300 sterl.) to be manned
and victualled by the station ship as there may be
occasion and a Custom House officer on board, would
be of great service. But if this is not thought practicable the appointing more waiters in each port as
four at least in this port (whereas there is but two)
which I believe might answer the end and very
much prevent the running of counterband goods.
(vi) According to the best inquiry and information I
find belonging to the Massachusetts Province and
mostly built in it nearest 190 sail of ships
and other vessels being in all nearest 8000 tunns and
navigated with about 1100 men. Besides about 150
boats with 600 men employed in the fishery,
(vii) As to manufactures, the inhabitants in some
parts of the Province work up their own wool and
flax and make an ordinary course cloath for their
own use without exporting any. But the greatest
part both of woolen and linnen cloathing that is wore
in the Province is imported from Great Britain, and
sometimes linnen from Ireland; and considering the
excessive price of labour the mercht. can afford what
is imported cheaper than what is made in the countrey.
There are also a few hatters set up their trade in
the maritime towns. And the greatest part of the
leather used in the country is manufactured among
themselves. There has been for many years some
ironworks in the Province that have afforded the
people iron for some of their necessary occasions.
But the iron imported from Great Britain is esteemed
much the best, and the shipping wholly use that
which is imported. And besides the ironworks of
the Province are not able to supply as to the
common use one twentyth part of what is wanted.
(viii) [The annual produce is about] £220,000 this
country currency, which is about £100,000 sterling
according to the present course of exchange.
(ix) The trade of the Province is principally to Europe
by codd fish to Spain Portugall and the Mediterranean
the produce whereof is remitted chiefly to Great
Britain either pr. bills of exchange or gold. Great part
of the trade of this place is directly to Great
Britain by whale oyle, finns, furrs, turpentine and
other Naval Stores. Trade from hence to any foreign
Plantations is inconsiderable, except that to a Dutch
Plantation called Suraname which is carried on mostly
by exporting small wild horses not fit for service here,
nor saleable in our English Plantations, for which is
brought back in return chiefly molasses, in which
trade may be employed 12 or 15 small vessels. As
to the trade we have with Barbados, Antego etc. refers
to accounts of exports and imports remitted yearly.
(x) The French Plantations in our neighbourhood are
the Country of Canada and the late settlement at
Cape Breton. Canada is a vast tract of land lying
on each side the great river of the same name, beginning
at the mouth of St. Lawrence extending up to Quebec
from thence to Monreal, from thence up to the great
Lakes and so to Messasippi River as the French pretend
in all which vast country they have not above 1500
effective men and about 5000 souls. They have 30
compas. as they affect to reckon, but I'm very credibly
informed they don't make 12 men one company with
another. The Government of the country is like other
French Governments despotick and mostly military.
Mr. Vaudrevil the Governour has the character of a
very good officer. They have also an Intendant
General who manages the civil affairs and is a sort of
check upon the Governour. Quebec is the principal
town in Canada a handsome well fortyfied town but
small etc. Their next best settlement is Monreal etc.
There lives the [Lieut.] Governour of Canada Major
Ramsey a Scotchman. The trade of Canada consists
chiefly of beaver and some other furrs which is managed
by a Compa. who are supplyed by the Indians and
French hunters as far almost as Messasippi River and
some even from Hudson's Bay; tho' by what I can
learn there are but few Indians in those parts it
being a desart cold country. The value of the furrs
exported from thence to France annually may be
computed at £60,000 sterling; they also export to
the French West Indies some flower pease and lumber
to the value of about £20,000 sterl. annually. If the
furr trade of Canada should fail the country would
be but of little worth, for it does not afford English
grass, cattle, corn equal to other countreys that lie
more southward and hardly any fruit at all. The
navigation up that river is very inconsiderable except
once a year when the ships comes to Quebec. As to
Cape Briton, the French have there a very considerable
fishery for these two or three last years having in the
season from 60 to 80 sail of ships besides small craft
loading with fish etc. Endorsed as letter. 10½ pp. |
|
564. ii. Copy of Queries No. 216. ii. [C.O. 5, 867.
Nos. 66, 66 i, ii.] |
Feb. 17.
Whitehall. |
565. Mr. Popple to Governor Hunter. The Council of
Trade and Plantations have appointed this day sennight to
hear Capt. Evans etc., (v. Dec. 14, 1719) at which time they
desire the favour of speaking with you also. [C.O. 5, 1124.
p. 127; and 5, 1079. No. 113.] |
Feb. 17.
Whitehall. |
566. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Enclose copy of Mr. Rhett's account, referred to
15th Feb., "giving an account that the People of Carolina have
deposed their Govr. and Council, together with all the other
officers there, both civil and military, and appointed others in
their stead. We thought it proper to give you ye earliest
notice thereof, that you may lay the same before H.M." [C.O.
5, 1293. p. 231.] |
Feb. 18.
Whitehall. |
567. Same to Same. Enclose copy of letter from "the
new pretended Council and Assembly of Carolina" to be laid
before H.M. etc. [C.O. 5, 1293. p. 232.] |
| Feb. 18. |
568. Mr. West to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Report upon two parcels of Acts of Antigua. States objections
to Acts (i) Declaring the qualifications of voters. (ii) for raising
a tax of £5000. (iii) for establishing a Court of King's Bench, etc.
(iv) for laying a powder duty. (v) for confirming the title of
George Thomas to certain lands. Has no objection to other
Acts named. Signed, Richd. West. Endorsed, Recd. 18th
Feb., 1719/20. Read 19th July, 1721. 21½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
568. i. Observations upon Mr. West's objections to the Act
of Antigua for establishing a Court of King's Bench
and Common Pleas etc. No signature or date. 3½ pp.
[C.O. 152, 13. ff. 262–274v., 275v.] |
| Feb. 18. |
569. Mr. West to Mr. Popple. Concerning the Commissioners' powers to administer an oath (v. 5th Feb.). Enquires
whether the power has ever been exercised etc. Signed, Richd.
West. Addressed. Endorsed, Recd. Read 18th Feb., 1719/20.
1 p. [C.O. 388, 77. No. 73; and 389, 37. pp. 172, 173.] |
Feb. 19.
New Hampshire. |
570. Mr. Armstrong to the Council of Trade and Plantations. It would be very much for H.M. service if orders were
sent to the Governor of New Hampshire to hold an enquiry as
to what time the Surveyor General has spent in the woods, for
the preservation of the King's timber etc. Signed, Rot. Armstrong. Endorsed, Recd. 14th April, Read 4th Aug., 1720.
2 pp. [C.O. 5, 867. No. 69.] |
Feb. 19.
Whitehall. |
571. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Reply to 13th Jan. Messrs. Sitwell and Chamberlaine
have produced letters which leave us no room to doubt of their
right to the negroes; But they do allow that two of the slaves
dyed before they were exposed to sale; and having discours'd
Mr. Lascells he acknowledged that they were seized and sold
as effects of pirates; that he had the money in his hands and
had charged himself with it in his accounts now lying before the
Lords of the Treasury, that he was ready to pay the same
whenever their Lordships shall give him an order for that
purpose. [C.O. 29, 14. pp. 60, 61.] |
