|
204. xvii. Christenings and Burials in the Leeward Islands
6th Feb. 1716–18th July, 1720. |
|
Christenings. |
Burials. |
|
Males. |
Females. |
Males. |
Females. |
|
St. Christophers |
115 |
49 |
85 |
15 |
|
Nevis |
91 |
82 |
53 |
59 |
|
Mountserratt |
18 |
28 |
8 |
9 |
|
Antigua |
230 |
223 |
311 |
124 |
|
Total |
454 |
382 |
457 |
207 |
|
Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
204. xviii. Petitions for and grants of lands, Antigua, during
Governor Hamilton's Government. Same endorsement. 33 pp. |
|
204. xix. Representation of Council and Assembly of Nevis
to Governor Hamilton. Charles Towne, 11th July,
1720. Reply to the Memorial of Monsr. D'Iberville
concerning the capitulation of Nevis, 1706. The
French first broke the Capitulation. M. D'Iberville
put it out of the inhabitants power to execute the 7th
Article. They performed their parts to the utmost
of their power. The second Treaty, forced upon
them contrary to the Law of Nations, was broken by
the French as soon as signed etc. Analyse misrepresentations in the French Envoy's account of transactions. cf. C.S.P. 1706 ff. and following depositions.
Conclude: As to the charge that they did not furnish
the hostages with necessaries, "those four hostages
having spent more than 20,000 livres of the fund of
the Armament for their entertainment at Martinique
etc. it must be confessed that they being left by the
enemy in the most miserable and distrest condition
they could not presently raise mony for the maintenance of those hostages unjustly taken from them,
but as soon as they were able they remitted to
Martinique sums sufficient for their subsistance unless
they were mostly unjustly and exorbitantly imposed
on by the French which is very probable, if the sume
of 20,000 livres were truely disbursed by the Armament
in their entertainment, but as that sume otherwise
exceeds the bounds of all credibility, so it is proved
by the deposition of Mr. Philip Dewitt, the only
surviveing person of those hostages, that besides one
suit of cloaths and two or three shirts aps. once given
them dureing their whole stay there was only 4 livres
pr. diem for each hostage paid by the Commissary
of the Armament, dureing the exact space of 9 months
and no more, which amounts but to 4384 livres etc.
After this they were thrown into the dungeon with
condemned criminals for 10 days being allowed no
other sustenance than stinking herrings and farine,
for five months following they were allowed at the
King's charge, 2 livres pr. diem each, after that, at
particular times dureing five years, when they had
not money of their own they were allowed one pound
of salt beefe, and one pint of farine pr. diem each out
of the King's stores, which last casual allowance seems
fully answered by the wine, beefe and other goods
sent from this Island for the hostages, but stoped by
the Intendant for the King's use; besides this those
hostages never received anything either from the
armament or from the King. Wherefore the whole
which they ever received can scarce exceed one fourth
part of the said sume of 20,000 livres. Mr. Dewitt
together with Mr. Joseph Stanley another of the
hostages, since deceased, made their escape from
Martinique in Nov. 1714, at which time there had been
remitted to Martinique from the Treasury of this
Island £2176 7s. 6¾d., besides what was sent by the
friends and relations of those unfortunate Gentlemen,
and since that time there has been remitted for the
use of the two remaining hostages (one whereof dyed
in 1716, and the other in 1719) £999 2s. 11d. (v. encl.)
It must therefore appear perfectly incredible that so
great a summe could have been expended by the
French in the entertainment of those hostages, but
if it were so as those gentlemen were carried away
by virtue of a capitulation broken by the French
and of a convention null and void in the beginning
and allso broken, their taking and detention was
unjust, therefore the French ought not only to bear
the whole charge of keeping them, but allso to repair
the injurys thereby done to them, their familys and
to this Island. The demand of 140,000 piasters, in
lieu of the 1400 negroes, with interest being grounded
only on the aforesaid void and broken convention
must also fall with that, Lastly the demand of 170,000
livres for the prisoners not restored, no ways concerns
this Island as it was in the sole power of her late
Majestye to comply with that Article or not it must
be supposed that her reason for not restoreing an equal
number of prisoners (which whither done or not
before the Treaty of Peace does not appear) was because
she was convinced that the French had on their parts
broke yt. Capitulation. Quote Sir C. Hedges' letter
Aug. 1st, 1706. v. C.S.P. 1706. No. 455. |
|
(b) Same to Same. We hope what we have here
set forth will enable your Excellency to return a satisfactory answer to the Board of Trade etc. We beg
your recommendation of the inhabitants of this Island
as proper objects of H.M. Royal compassion and their
Lordships' care; since the many assistances both of
men and money given by this to the other Islands
and particularly to St. Christophers render'd this
Island too weak to defend itself against Monsieur
D'Iberville, there being then on it not 400 inhabitants
capable to bear arms, and it never received the least
help from any other Island etc. In 1689 this Island
sent near 100 men to St. Christophers to assist the
English inhabitants against the French, who, being
joined by the Irish rebels of that Island, drove the
English intirely off of that Island, and those English
to the number of 1100 were billetted on and subsisted
by the inhabitants of Nevis during eight months. Five
hundred Dutch inhabitants of Eustatia having been
the same year driven off of that Island were also
subsisted by the inhabitants of Nevis, during the
space of 15 months. In the year following this
Island assisted the people of St. Christophers to
recover that Island with two Regiments of inhabitants commanded by Collo. Pym and Collo. Earle
amounting to between 7 or 800 men. Immediately
after the reconquering of St. Christophers, this Island
sent three companies of it's inhabitants to assist
in the Expedition against Guardaloupe, and in 1693,
three or four companies to assist in the expedition
against Martinique. In 1702 five companies of the
inhabitants of Nevis, besides gentlemen volunteers,
assisted the English inhabitants of St. Christophers
to conquer the French part of that Island; and in
1703 three companies were again sent by this Island
in the second expedition made to Guardaloupe. The
whole charge of transporting the men sent on those
several occasions was defrayed by the inhabitants of
this Island and many of the men never returning again
was the occasion of the so great dispeopling and weakning thereof. Yet this Island having never received
any help from its neighbours in the time of its distress,
labours under the additional misfortune of being
supposed liable to the unjust demands of the French
left undetermined at the Treaty of Utrecht. We beg
your Excellencies favourable recommendation of us
etc. Signed, Richd. Abbott, Jas. Bevon, Lawce.
Brodbelt, Mich. Smith, John Richardson, Jno. Choppin,
Cha. Bridgwater, John Pinney. Joseph Symonds,
Speaker, Jeremiah Browne, Jos. Hobson, Richd.
Brodbelt, William Pym Burt, Pecok(?) Walker, John
Dasent, Carew Brodbelt, Robt. Pemberton, Michael
William, George Webbe. 10 large pp. |
|
204. xx. Deposition of Richard Abbott, President of H.M.
Council of Nevis. 31st May, 1720. To the 4th Article
of the French Envoy, saith that no officer in the Militia,
but deponent was permitted to march out of the
Dodan with any arms whatsoever. He himself rode
from thence to town on the 25th March, 1706, with
his sword only, and from that time remained a prisoner
of war, with other inhabitants under a strict guard
until the day the French Fleet departed. To the
5th Article. The dwelling house and other buildings
of deponent and several other houses in the country
part were burnt about the 29th March, by the French.
About the same time the women and children were
separated from the men, and the men hurried away
to the Church in Charlestown, and there kept prisoners
under a strict guard, until that Church was in danger
of being burnt, in which exigency some were let out
but others forced their enlargement from thence and
other places in Charlestown where they had been
close confined. On 4th April near half of the principal
part of the town was laid in ashes, amongst which the
house allotted to deponent was one, so that he was
obliged to retire to a small out-house above the town
etc. To the 7th Article. The greatest part of the
negroes either surrendered themselves or were taken
by the French (excepting such as fled to the mountains
and were in an actual revolt bidding defiance to their
masters as well as ye enemie) and the French had
wholly put it out of the inhabitants power to bring
them in, they being kept close prisoners and disarmed.
Neither deponent nor any other Officer of the Militia
ever received their respective number of negroes
capitulated to be delivered to them etc., but Deponent
was denyed the same by M. D'Iberville who replyed
that there were several negroes left behind in the
Island and that the officers must catch them. No
care was taken by the French in preserving the Publick
Records of this Island, merchants books or any other
private papers, but that several were destroyed by
them to the great prejudice of the inhabitants as well
as the traders to this Island, nor hath deponent ever
heard of any such books or papers that were restored
by the French. To the 10th Article. A list was
delivered to M. D'Iberville of all the inhabitants and
nothing refused him that was in their power to do.
To the 11th Article. M. D'Iberville did not leave the
choice of the 4 gentlemen hostages (for surety of the
exchange of prisoners) to the option of deponent and
other principal inhabitants but took such persons as
he and his officers thought fit: they were carried to
Martinique and there kept prisoners and were, at
sundry times, most barbarously treated by the
French. They were very considerably furnished,
from time to time, with money and other necessarys
both from the publick and their particular friends,
as can be made appear by receipts ready to be produced. On 6th April 1706, an order was given out,
by M. D'Iberville, to summons all the inhabitants
about Charlestown and in the country to appear
before him at his headquarters, and after some discourse with him he told deponent and several other
the principal inhabitants then before him that they
had not performed the articles and conditions agreed
on, in not delivering up all the negroes in the Island.
Whereupon deponent and several others of the principal inhabitants were put on board their man of
war threatning to send them to St. Domingo: On April
8th Articles were proposed to them by a Jew
D'Iberville sent off, purporting the demand the French
made of 1400 negroes to be sent to Martinique or the
sum of £42,000 as equivalent, and that if deponent
and said inhabitants would agree to the same, they
might come on shore and prepare writings accordingly;
and about 12 of the clock the same day they were
brought on shore and guarded to M. D'Iberville's
quarters where in the afternoon certain articles were
tendered them to be signed, which some time after
deponent and some others of the principal inhabitants
did signe: and those who refused were immediately
sent again on board and the next day after were
brought on shore and were also forced to sign the said
Articles. In some few hours after signing D'Iberville
shipt off several negroes belonging to Mr. Thomas
Cole merchant in Bristol and three or four belonging
to Mr. Francis Franklyn, which deponent acquainted
M. D'Iberville with, being informed of the same by
Capt. Thomas Bridgwater who was present etc.
Signed, Richd. Abbott. 2 pp. |
|
204. xxi. Deposition of Richard Abbott. 2nd July, 1720.
From the time Mr. Thomas Abbott was taken an
hostage to Martinique, 1706, to the time of his death,
1716, deponent did at sundry times remitt for his
use in money and goods £648 18s. 10d. currant money
out of deponent's and Thomas Abbott's estate, besides
what was remitted out of the Treasury etc. Signed,
Richd. Abbott. ¾ p. |
|
204. xxii. Deposition of James Bevon, Member of Council
of Nevis. 31st May, 1720. Confirms No. xx. as to the
breaking of the 4th and 5th Articles by the French.
24 hours after the Island was surrendered Sir William
Stapleton's windmill was burned; deponent's house
mill and boiling house were burned to the ground as
also those of Walter Tobin. Deponent saw large
bodies of French officers and soldiers out after the
negroes burning and plundering etc. From 26th
March (O.S.) till Friday, 6 days before the French
left he never heard that M. D'Iberville required the
inhabitants to get in the negroes themselves, it being
indeed impossible for them to do, being unarmed,
but many parties of French soldiers were continually
out for that purpose, and could have easily got in
all the negroes remaining in the mountain, but M.
D'Iberville having received advice of a fleet off
Martinique, thought it more for his advantage to send
for the inhabitants and extort from them the second
agreement etc. as No. xx. Deponent at first refused
to sign, but was at length forced to do so or else be
carried to leeward among the Spaniards. On the day
the French departed deponent saw a canoa-load of
negroes carried off on board the French sloops, upon
which he told M. D'Iberville that he could not expect
to be paid if he suffered the negroes to be carried off.
Whereupon he said some words angrily in French and
stampt on the floor etc. Signed, Jas. Bevon. 1½ pp. |
|
204. xxiii. Deposition of James Bevon. 2nd July, 1720.
From the time Philip Dewitt was taken as a hostage
to Martinique, untill he made his escape in Nov. 1714,
deponent did at sundry times remitt to him, for his
use, in money and goods £922 2s. 2d. currant money
out of his own and Dewitt's estate, besides what was
remitted out of H.M. Treasury. Signed, Jas. Bevon.
¾ p. |
|
204. xxiv. Deposition of James Milliken. 18th May, 1720.
After the surrender of the Dodan, M. D'Iberville
refused to allow deponent, a Captain in the Militia,
to retain his sword. His house etc. were burned etc.
At the time of capitulating at the Dodan, a French
Officer (who bore the character of a Major) was sent
by the French into the Dodan with articles and an
Interpreter. Deponent and all others present objected
against the 7th Article, that it was not in our power
to deliver our negroes (who being then in the woods
and mountain were their own masters). It was
answered from the Major by the Interpreter, that M.
D'Iberville expected nothing from us but what was
in our power: Upon which David Dunbarr, a Captain
in H.M. regular troops, took a pen and wrote in the
margent over against the said Article, these words
(So far as in our power). All the negroes were taken
by or delivered to the French (except those who made
their escape and threatned to kill any of the inhabitants who should approach them, insomuch that
M. D'Iberville left arms for the inhabitants to defend
themselves from the insolency of the negroes.) Article
ix. All our papers were destroyed. Deponent saw
several large books made use of by the French common
soldiers, as saddles. The Publick Records were tossed
about and defaced, to the great detriment of the
Island. Deponent never heard nor doth beleive that
any of the inhabitants took refuge in the Dodan, and
that D'Iberville ever put himself in a condition to
force them a second time in the Dodan, nor that ever ye
principal officers or inhabitants proposed a new treaty
to him, but on ye contrary that about ten days after
the surrender of the Dodan the several inhabitants
were sent for to M. D'Iberville's which this deponent
was told that he and several others were then to have
the negroes that were promised (at the making the
Treaty) as Officers; but to our great surprise, as soon
as a number of us were there, he demanded all the
negroes that were out in the mountains and was
answered that it was not in our power to deliver him
more than what he had: Upon which we were all
ordered prisoners into the Church, where we were
kept so close, that we were not permitted to ease
Nature but in the Church itself etc as Nos. ii. and iv.
Those who at first refused to sign the second Articles
were sent back as prisoners on board M. D'Iberville's
ship and left in the night to lie in the open air upon
the deck. Which usage made us sign the Articles,
which we thought ourselves no ways obliged to, but
meerly forced etc. Signed, James Milliken. 2 pp. |
|
204. xxv. Deposition of Robert Eleis, Member of Council
of Nevis. 31st May, 1720. Confirms preceding.
Signed, Robert Eleis. 1 p. |
|
204. xxvi. Deposition of John Choppin, Member of Council
of Nevis. 31st May, 1720. Confirms preceding replies
concerning the 4th, 5th, and 7th Articles. The
Officers had not liberty to march out of the Dodan
with their arms: deponent's boiling house and negroehouses were burnt by a French Officer and three men
the very day M. D'Iberville compelled the inhabitants
the second agreement, and, the day after, the dwelling
house of Capt. John Dasent was burnt by the enemy.
The inhabitants, being kept close prisoners and disarmed, were prevented by the French themselves
from compelling the negroes to come in etc. Signed,
Jno. Choppin. ¾ p. |
|
204. xxvii. Deposition of Lt. Col. Thomas Butler. 20th
May, 1720. Corroborates No. xxiv. Signed, Thomas
Butler. 1¼ pp. |
|
204. xxviii. Deposition of Nicholas Burroughs. 31st May,
1720. Corroborates No. xxiv. Signed, Nicho.
Burroughs. 1¼ pp. |
|
204. xxix. Deposition of Thomas Bridgwater. 31st May,
1720. Corroborates No. xxiv. Signed, Thos. Bridgwater. 1¼ pp. |
|
204. xxx. Deposition of Jacob Williams, Planter, 21st May,
1720. Corroborates No. xxiv. Signed, Jacob Williams.
¾ p. |
|
204. xxxi. Deposition of James Evans, Merchant, 10th
Feb. 1719–20. Corroborates No. xxiv. The negroes
fled to the mountains of their own accord, soon after
the French landed etc. Signed, James Evans. 1½ pp. |
|
204. xxxii. Deposition of Walter Tobin, Planter. 31st May,
1720. Corroborates No. xxiv. as to 5th, 6th and 7th
and 9th Article. About 200 inhabitants were confined 4 days in the Church, and had neither victuals
nor water provided for them; there was not room for
a man to lie down. The French soldiers killed several
beasts and left their intrails stinking about the Church
etc. Signed, Walter Tobin. ¾ p. |
|
204. xxxiii. Deposition of Daniel Stephens, Planter. 31st
May, 1720. Confirms No. xxxii. Signed, Daniel
Stephens, his mark. 1 p. |
|
204. xxxiv. Deposition of John Faucett, Planter. 31st
May, 1720. Deponent, contrary to the 2nd Article,
was stripped of all his wearing apparel to his shirt
shoes and stockings, some days after the surrender
of the Dodan. Some few days before the departure
of the French deponent's house boiling house etc.
were burned by the French etc. They burned the
boiling houses of John Choppin and Isaac Evans after
the surrender of the Dodan etc. Signed, John Faucett.
¾ p. |
|
204. xxxv. Deposition of Philip Dewitt. 25th June, 1720.
Describes his treatment as a hostage at Martinique
as quoted in No. xix (a). About 1708 or 1709 4 pipes
of wine and 16 barrels of beef etc. sent them from
Nevis were stopt by the Intendant and put into the
King's store. Though deponent was then barefoot
he could not so much as obtain a pair of shoes out of
the things then sent etc. Signed, Philip Dewitt. 1 p. |
|
204. xxxvi. An accompt of what money have been remitted
to the hostages at Martinique by the Island of Nevis,
1707–1719. Yearly remittances, with dates, amounting
in all to £3175 10s. 5¾d. Signed and sworn to by,
Solomon Israel, late Treasurer. 1 p. |
|
204. xxxvii. Copy of Articles of Surrender granted by M.
D'Iberville to Col. Abbott etc. v. C.S.P. 1706. Nos.
357. iii., v., vi., vii., ix. Endorsed as covering letter.
2 large pp. |
|
204. xxxviii. List of ships etc. and their crews belonging to
Antigua, 8th Aug. 1718–8th May, 1720. 3 ships, 2
brigantines, 29 sloops etc. Signed Jno. Booth, D. Naval
Officer. Endorsed, Recd. 20th Oct., 1720. 1 large p. |
|
204. xxxix. Account of the growth and produce of Antigua,
25th June, 1719–1720. Lime juice, 1425 galls. Sugar,
11943772 lb. Cotton, 262710 lb. Ginger, 85980 lb.
Lignum vitæ, 4710 lb. Fustick, 12000 lb. Rum,
243964 galls. Melasses, 140656 galls. 1 p. |
|
204. xl. Account of growth and produce of St. Christophers,
25th June, 1719–1720. Sugar, 8239138 lb. Cotton,
25901 lb. Melasses, 14491 galls. 1 p. |
|
204. xli. Account of the growth and produce of Nevis, June
25th, 1719–1720. Sugar, 5305086 lb. Cotton, 2045 lb.
Rum, 794 galls. Melasses, 25954 galls. 1 p. |
|
204. xlii. Account of the growth and produce of Montserrat,
25th June, 1719–1720. Sugar, 2846356 lb. Indigo,
14069 lb. Cotton, 11789 lb. Pemento, 690 lb. Rum,
5735 galls. Melasses, 64956 galls. Endorsed as
covering letter. 1 p. |
|
204. xliii. Governor Hamilton's licence of leave to John
Yeatmans, member of Council, to be absent for a
further six months from Antigua. 20th Aug. 1720.
Signed, W. Hamilton. Same endorsement. Copy. 1 p. |
|
204. xliv. Similar licence for a further 12 months to Vallentine Morris. 29th Feb. 1720. Signed and endorsed
as preceding. Copy. 1 p. |
|
204. xlv. Similar licence for six months to Edward Warner.
10th June, 1720. Signed and endorsed as preceding.
Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 13. ff. 83–84v., 86–90v., 91v.,
92, 93, 94, 95v., 97–105, 107v.–110, 111v., 112, 113,
114, 115, 116, 117, 117v., 121v. –124v., 125v., 126v.–127v., 128v.–136, 137–138, 139, 140, 141, 142–143,
144, 145, 146, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155,
156, 157, 158–160v., 164–179, 183v., 184, 185, 186,
187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194–195, 196–197,
198–199, 200, 201–204, 205–206, 207, 208, 209, 210,
211, 212–218, 219v.–220v., 221v., 222, 223.] |
| Aug. 22. |
205. Accounts of Treasurer of Antigua, Nov. 1716–10th
March, 1720. Enclosed in Governor Hamilton's letter preceding.
Endorsed, Recd. 20th Oct., 1720. 69 large pp. bound in volume.
[C.O. 10, 4.] |
Aug. 23.
Albany. |
206. Robert Livingston, Secretary of the Indian Affairs,
to President Schuyler. Abstract. Has never known "our
condition attended with more melancholy circumstances."
Both our own people and the Indians say that we ourselves
are the occasion of it. If not remedied, this province and all our
neighbours will be involved in incredible destruction. The
danger consists chiefly in (i) The Five Nations infesting H.M.
subjects to the southward, which I perceive by their letter
cannot longer be endured, (ii) the French settling Onjagoro,
(iii) the furnishing the French and their Indians of Canada
with goods from hence, whereby they not only supply the
Indians and engross that trade to themselves, who otherwise
must come here to buy them, and by that means secure them
to their interest etc. Proposes that the Five Nations be prevailed upon to desist from making war that way, or going within
the high mountains that cover Virginia, and to go in a
friendly way to the Government of Virginia and make a
firm peace with all the Indians in allegiance with the
Indians, and renew the Covenant chain with that Government at Williamsburgh, where they treated with the Governor
last winter etc. Secondly, that the Sachims be prevailed upon
to engage their people to demolish Onjagoro and prevent
any future settlements there by the French, and that a
good gratuity be promised to those that perform this service.
"We cannot be ignorant of the great settlements they have
made already round about us higher up, and what a noyse
ye Missisippi Comp. makes in ye world, who will undoubtedly
encourage and assist our rivals of Canada and this being so
near bloks us up intirely" etc. Thirdly, a stop be put for three
months for all Indian goods going to Canada etc., but encouragement given to those that will go to the Sennekes country and
Onjagoro to sell what Indian goods they please to the Five
Nations or Far Indians, and that some person that has influence
among the Indians be sent with a considerable company to
the Sennekes country to keep them steady to the British interest, and defeat the subtle artifices of the French. Finally,
whatever we do with the Indians must be in a friendly way,
since all our forts are quite rotten and fallen down, and if a war
with the Five Nations break out, the best part of the Province
will certainly be ruined and we on the frontiers are absolutely
undone etc. But the Indians must not be allowed to perceive our
apprehension etc. The matter is come to a crisis; we must do or
die. It is alleged some are gone and others of the Five Nations
are going out against the Southern English settlements and if the
blow be once struck it will be a hard matter to heal the breach etc.
Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. 559. 3½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1092. No. 12]. |
| [Aug. 23.] |
207. Answers by Mr. Boone and Col. Barnwell to queries
relating to Carolina. cf. Jan. 12th and 29th. Signed, Joseph
Boone, Agent, Jno. Barnwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read 23rd
Aug., 1720. 9 pp. [C.O. 5, 538. ff. 13–18v] |
| [Aug. 23.] |
208. An account by Mr. Boone and Col. Barnwell of places
proper for garrisons in Carolina, which must be done speedily
etc. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 538.
ff. 19, 20 v.] |
| [Aug. 23.] |
209. An account of distances between and communications
of several settlements and rivers in S. Carolina. Endorsed,
Recd., from Mr. Boone and Col. Barnwell, Read 23rd Aug., 1720.
1 p. [C.O. 5, 538. ff. 21, 22v.] |
[Aug. 23.]
Whitehall. |
210. Mr. Popple to Sr. R. Raymond, Attorney General.
Encloses papers relating to the proceedings against the Charter
of the Proprietors of Carolina, "which have been lodged in
this office etc." List annexed. [C.O. 5, 400. pp. 27–29.] |
| Aug. 23. |
211. Mr. Worsam to Mr. Gordon. Encloses accounts of
the trade between H.M. and the foreign Plantations, 1715,
"when that trade was in its infancy and when it was believd
illegall but since they had Sr. Edward Northey's opinion they
have especially in sugar rum and molassoes traded for above
3 times as much every year" etc. Signed, R. Worsam. Mem.
The accts. abovemention'd were return'd to Mr. Gordon.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Aug. 23, 1720. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 8.
No. 14.] |
Aug 23./Sept. 3.
Paris. |
212. Mr. Pulteney to Mr. Popple. Encloses copies of
Ordinances relating to trade of forreigners with the French
Colonies 1681 and Aug. 1698 etc. Continues:—This Ordinance
is in English in a Treatise of the Dominion and Laws of the Sea,
which I think is in your office etc. Requests copy of Board's
report on this subject. Signed, D. Pulteney. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 5th Sept. 1720. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 8. No. 15.] |
Aug. 24.
Jamaica. |
213. Governor Sir N. Lawes to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Since I had last the honour to write, we have had
a short Sessions of Assembly. I found that after they had come
to several resolutions on the public affairs, especially with respect
to the better peopleing the Island, a recess would be agreeable
to them, which I was willing to gratifye them in. I therefore
with the advice of the Council adjourned the Assembly till the
4th Oct., the Minutes of the last Sessions and also that of the
Council your Lordships will receive herewith. The most
materiall matters in them is an agreemt. I have made with
an Indian King, for a number of his people to come and scour
our woods from the rebellious and runaway negroes, who are
often very troublesome to us, and as this has been judged both
by the Council and Assembly a better and cheaper expedient
than the sending out of parties to suppress them so I hope it
will have the desired effect. I have likewise with the advice
of the Council and Assembly sent proposalls to the people
inhabiting Anguilla and the rest of the Virgin Islands to move
with their negroes and effects and come and fix in this Island
where they can have much better land and a greater quantity
and likewise much securer from an enemy than where they are
now settled; if they agree to the proposalls I have sent them,
'twill prove of great service to this country in generall, but more
particularly to the strength and security of the eastermost part
of it, where I intend to settle them, beleiveing there may be found
there a convenient tract of land remaining in the gift of the
Crown to grant them, and I make no doubt but your Lordships
will approve of my proceeding and conduct in this affair as well
as in that of the Musquito Indians. About a month agoe the
Adventure man of warr arrived here, and as she left England
after the publication of the Cessation of Arms with Spain I was
in hopes to have recd, by her some directions from your Lordships
or from the Secry. of State in relation thereto; but as I have not
hitherto recd. any commands concerning the publication thereof,
it put me for some time under a dilemma in what method to
proceed. Comadore Vernon sent me one of H.M. Proclamation
and acquainted me he had directions from the Admiralty to
observe the same, this I communicated to the Council and they
were of opinion that I should cause the said Proclamation to be
published here, which was accordingly done on the 26th of last
month, and I have taken all proper steps for the calling in of
our privateers, and have acquainted the Spanish Governors in
these parts with it. But tho' I have allready given most of
them notice of the suspension of arms and that a Peace was
speedily to ensue; yet the Spaniards continue dayly to molest
our coast and commit depradations by robbing severall of our
remote settlements, and this is cheifly done by vessells fitted
out from Trinidado on Cuba, and I am credibly informed all
the time of last Peace the Alcades or Magistrates of that place
paid no regard to the Treaty, and that vessells with pretended
commissions were fitted out from thence who constantly were
a robbing and plundering our remote Plantations and takeing
all our ships and vessells they could make themselves masters
of, and that restitution had been severall times demanded in
due form but to no effect, so that it was computed this Island
had suffer'd more in time of peace than dureing the whole course
of the late warr, and now the people of Trinidado are beginning
their old course of life, for notwithstanding I sent them timely
notice of the suspension of arms, it was but the other day they
carried off from our Plantations a considerable number of
negroes, and they give out in speeches, that this is the time of
their harvest; I beg your Lordships will lay this matter before
H.M. for we lay under the greatest hardships imaginable if our
hands are tyed up and not allowed to make reprizals, and they
suffer'd to go on in their evil courses. Repeats reasons for
insisting upon right of cutting logwood in the Bay of Campeachy
etc. Continues: Since the calling in of our privateers, I find
already a considerable number of seafareing men at the Towns
of Port Royall and Kingston that can't find employment, who
I am very apprehensive, for want of occupation in their way,
may in a short time desert us and turn pyrates. So that I
impatiently wait your Lordships' answer etc. By the last
accts. I had from Providence the Governor there was much
under the same apprehensions of most the inhabitants there
turning pyrates, so that there is a dismall prospect of the trade
in these parts, if some method is not found out to employ our
seafareing people, and I know of none so good or woud be more
agreeable to them than that of the Bay of Campeche. Refers to
enclosures. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Endorsed, Recd. 31st
Oct., Read 2nd Nov., 1720. 4¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
213. i. Governor Sir N. Lawes. Speech to the Assembly of
Jamaica, June 24, 1720. Same endorsement. Printed.
1 p. |
|
213. ii. Address of the Assembly in reply to preceding. Same
endorsement. Printed. 1 p. |
|
213. iii. Governor Sir N. Lawes Speech to the Assembly,
June 28, 1720. Same endorsement. Printed. 1 p. |
|
213. iv. Address of the Assembly in reply to preceding.
Same endorsement. Printed. 1 p. |
|
213. v. Governor Sir N. Lawes' Speech to the Assembly,
July 8, 1720. Same endorsement. Printed. 1 p. |
|
213. vi. Address of the Assembly in reply to preceding.
July 9, 1720. Same endorsement. Printed. 1 p. |
|
213. vii. Copy of proposals sent by Governor Sir N. Lawes
to the inhabitants of Anguilla for settling in Jamaica,
where they will be allotted 10 acres of good land for
each in family; sent through Capt. Robert Jones.
See covering letter. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Same
endorsement. 1½ pp. |
|
213. viii. Articles of agreement made 25th June, 1720 between
Governor Sir N. Lawes and Jeremy, King of the
Musquito Indians on the mainland. Jeremy undertakes to bring 50 Indians for six months to pursue
rebellious negroes in the woods and mountains. The
men to be paid 8 pieces of eight or 40s. current money
per head etc. etc. Signed, Nicholas Lawes, Jeremy,
King of the Musquitos. Totem mark. Same endorsement. 3 pp. |
|
213. ix. Accounts of H.M. Fortifications at Jamaica, March
25, 1720. Signed, Richd. Mill, Recr. Genl. Same
endorsement. 2 pp. |
|
213. x. Account of H.M. Revenue Receiver General, 25th
March, 1720. Signed and endorsed as preceding.
6 pp. [C.O. 137, 13. Nos. 44, 44. i–x.] |
Aug. 25.
London. |
214. Lt. Governor Hart to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Replies to Queries proposed to him by the Board
10th Augt. (i) Maryland is situated in the center of the British
Plantations. The climate is unhealthy, especially to strangers,
occasion'd by the excessive heat in summer, and extream cold
in winter; the vernal and autumnal quarters are attended
with fevers, plurisies, etc. The inhabitants are generally a well
natur'd and most hospitable people; and much the greater
part, zealously affected to H.M. Government and the Protestant interest. The soil is of different kinds, but most of it
sandy and of various colours: which when cultivated with
little labour gives a vast increase, and produces all things
necessary for life, that Great Britain affords; with which the
inhabitants plentifully provide for their subsistence, and might
have sufficient to vend at foreign marketts but that the making
of tobacco imploys all their time and care. This Province has
many great and navigable rivers etc. Forest trees are large
and tall, as in any part of the Continent, etc. (ii) Maryland is
bounded by Pensylvania, the river Pattowmeck, Delaware Bay
and the main ocean, and, on the west by the meridian line of the
first fountains of the River Pattowmeck—which has not yet
been discovered. (iii) The Lord Baltemore is hereditary
Governor, etc. (iv) From the time H.M. has been pleas'd
to restore the Lord Baltemore to his Government, it is administered in the same manner, as when I had formerly the honour
to be Governor by commission immediately from the Crown,
save that in the enacting of laws, holding of Courts, issueing
of process, and granting Commissions, the Lord Proprietor's
name is solely made use of: as was always done by his Lordsp's. noble ancestors: the Crown having made no reservation
in the grant of that Province; the faith and allegiance of
the people, and sovereign dominion thereof excepted. (iv)
Tobacco is ye principal trade of the Province, thence exported
to Great Britain; and some to the Plantations; as also grain,
beef, pork, and lumber; for which they have in return rum and
sugar. To Madeira with corn, for wine; But this article is
for ye most part purchased by bills of exchange. The number
of shipping is uncertain, that depending on the quantity of
tobacco made in the country. But for some years past, there
has been about 100 sail of ships from G. Britain; which computed at 130 tons each, makes 13000 tons: and allowing 16
men to each ship, is 1600 seafaring men. The Province have
only 4 small brigantines owned in the country, and not more
than 20 sloops from the sea: The inhabitants are not inclin'd
to navigation, but depend on British bottoms, for export and
importation of the bulk of their trade. (v) They wear the
like clothing and have the same furniture for their houses with
those in G. Britain: The slaves are cloathed with cottens,
kerseys, flannel and coarse linnens all imported; and by the
best computation I coud make there is consumed of British
manufactures about £20,000 pr. ann. (vi) This Province
trades with no foreign Plantation besides Madeira for wine;
nor to any part of Europe but Great Britain, except Lisbon
when corn is scarce, for which they have returns in money.
(vii) Besides the Instructions given the Governor by the
Crown, H.M. has Collectors of the Customs, Surveyors and
riding officers to prevent illegal trade: and I do beleive the
same to be effectual. (viii) Tobacco is the staple commodity,
which is exported to Great Britain to the number of 30 to 35,000
hhds. per ann. Whilst tobacco answers in its price the planters'
labour, all manufactures, or trade that may arise from the
produce of the country are laid aside as it is at this time. (ix)
No mines are yet discover'd, except iron of which there is
great quantity of oar, but none worked, for want of persons
with a sufficient stock and skill to undertake it. (x) The
annual produce of the commodities of this Province is computed at £150,000 in their favour, free of all charges. (xi) Number
of white inhabitants, 1719, 55,000; of blacks, 25,000. (xii)
The inhabitants are much increased of late years; by those
born in the country; by the rebels imported from Preston;
by the great number of convicts; by the purchase of slaves
and by many poor families, who transport themselves from
Ireland. (xiii) Militia, about 8,000 well arm'd and excellent
marksmen. (xiv) There are no forts nor places of defence:
But I have, at the publick charge, lately built a large magazeen
at Annapolis, which is well provided with spare arms for 1200
foot and 600 horse, with great quantity of ammunition; to
maintain which and to make a further provision of arms etc.
there is a duty of 3d. per hhd. laid by Act of Assembly on all
tobacco exported. (xv) The Indians who dwell within the
inhabitants do not exceed 500, with whom I have always liv'd
peaceably; nor cou'd I learn they ever offer'd any injury to
the English, unless first provoked; then their revenge is secret
and bloody. (xvi) What the number of the neighbouring
Indians are is not certainly known; but reported to be many
formidable nations. Maryland has little commerce with the
Indns., being a Peninsula, so I was only careful to make those
on the frontiers my freinds, by which the Province enjoy'd a
perfect tranquility during my Government. (xvii) There are
no Europeans nearer than the Spaniards at St. Augustines; and
the French on Missisippi to the Southward; and on the Lakes,
and at Canada, to the nor'ward. (xviii) I have not heard of
any ill effects the French settlements on the Continent to the
Southward, has, as yet, on H.M. Plantations; save that the
French use all imaginable arts to engage the Indians in their
interest; the consequence of which is too obvious, to admit
of a comment to your Lordsps. (xix) There is no Revenue
arising to the Crown, all royalties being in the Lord Baltemore,
to whom the profits are appropriated. (xx) The provision
for the support of a Governor is by a duty of 12d. per hhd. on
all tobacco exported, and 3d. per ton. on all ships and vessells
entring; both these duties are by Act of Assembly. The other
extraordinary charges of the Government are provided for by
ye Assembly. (xxi) The establishment both civil and military
within that Government, are under the same regulation, as
when the respective Governors held their Commissions, and had
their Instruction immediately from the Crown: save, that all
commissions are now given by, and in the Lord Proprietaries
name. There are no patent officers who hold immediately
from the Crown. Signed, Jo. Hart. Endorsed, Recd. 26th
Aug., Read 30th Nov. 1720. 6¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
214. i. 21 Queries from the Council of Trade and Plantations
to Lt. Governor Hart relating to Maryland, answered
in preceding. 3½ pp. [C.O. 5, 717. Nos. 84, 84, i.] |
| Aug. 30. |
215. Mr. Bampfeild to Mr. Popple. Prays that Act of
Barbados to confirm certain deeds of lease and release between
Robert Lowther and Lady Lonsdale etc., may be laid before H.M.
for confirmation as soon as may be. Signed, Geo. Bampfeild.
Endorsed, Recd. Read 6th Sept., 1720. Addressed. 1p.
[C.O. 28, 15. No. 97.] |
Aug. 30.
Whitehall. |
216. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. Asks for copies of Naval
Officers accounts of entries and clearances, Carolina, for past
three years etc. [C.O. 5, 400. 30.] |
Aug. 30.
Whitehall. |
217. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices.
Representation enclosing following and proposing measures
necessary for the defence of Carolina. Set out, N.C. Col. Rec.
II. 393. Enclosed, |
|
217. i. Draft of Instructions for a Governor of Carolina. |
|
217. ii. Instructions for same relating to Acts of Trade and
Navigation. [C.O. 5, 400. pp. 31–125.] |
Aug. 30.
Whitehall. |
218. Mr. Popple to Mr. Tilson. Reply to 17th Aug. As
the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations are not
acquainted with what are the proper fees for the Attorney and
Sollicitor Genl. in matters relating to the Crown, they are of
opinion it would be more for the publick service if the Sollicitor
of the Treasury should have their Lordships' directions to
attend the Attorney or Sollicitor Genll, with such references as
the Board shall have occasion to make to them. Ask that
directions be given accordingly. [C.O. 389, 37. pp. 189, 190.] |
Aug. 30.
Paris Sept. the 10th N.S. |
219. Mr. Pulteney to Mr. Popple. I had this afternoon a
Conference at the Archbishop of Cambray about the affair
of Canceaux etc. Refers to letter to Mr. Delafaye (v. Sept. 8th.)
Desires to be informed, whether ye French fish[ery] at Cape
Canceau, and if they have their huts or settlements there for
cureing their fish, or if this is done at the small islands of Canceau
which lye at some distance; I am apt to believe the first; the
extract Mr. Delafaye sent me of the board's representation
saying the French fishery at Canco; but under an uncertainty
I thought it best to insist on the excluding them even from the
little Islands; it would likewise be of use to me to know as
exactly as possible the situation of the Island of Sable with
respect to Cape Breton and to Nova Scotia, the situation of
those Islands of Canceau in the same respects, and if what we
call Cape Canceau, is really an Island detached from the mainland of Nova Scotia, as I fancy the french will pretend;
Captain Smart who was employed last year in disturbing the
French fishery and settlements at Canceay may, if he is in
England, give you the most perfect accounts of this matter.
Acknowledges letter of 25th. No signature. Endorsed, Recd.
Read 5th Sept., 1720. Holograph. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 217, 3. No. 7.] |
