|
Sept. 20.
Whitehall. |
233. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Approving
Instructions (v. 11th Aug.), which are to be signed and
transmitted to the several Governors etc. Signed, Edward
Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read 11th Jan., 1720/21. ¾ p.
[C.O. 323, 8. No. 18.] |
Sept. 20.
Whitehall. |
234. Order of Lords Justices in Council. A warrant for
passing a Commission for trying pirates in South Carolina is
to be prepared etc. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed,
Recd., Read 11th Jan., 17220/21. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 358. ff. 63,
64v.] |
Sept. 20.
Whitehall. |
235. Order of Lords Justices in Council. Approving
drafts of Commissions and Instructions for the Governor of S.
Carolina, with amendments proposed by Attorney and Solicitor
General. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5,
358. ff. 65, 66v.] |
Sept. 20.
Whitehall. |
236. Order of Lords Justices in Council. New Seal for S.
Carolina to be prepared. Set out, A.P.C. II. p. 779.
Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 358.
ff. 67–68v.] |
Sept. 23.
Whitehall. |
237. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices.
In obedience to your Excells.' commands (15th instant), we
have considered the several papers therein transmitted etc.
Continue: In our opinion it is highly necessary no time should
be lost in erecting the fort proposed, wch. according to the best
information we can get wou'd be much better placed upon the
Continent on the North Banks of the Alatamaha River, than in
the Isld. of St. Simon, the sd. Isld. lying at too great a distance
from the shore to command the entrance of the sd. River, tho'
it may likewise be very necessary whenever H.M. shall think
fit to send a larger force to Carolina to take possession of the
sd. Island and erect a fort or forts in proper places there also.
We do likewise agree, that it may be very convenient for H.M.
service that a certain extent of ground adjoining to the place
where the new Fort shall be erected, should be marked out,
and set apart in equal lots not exceeding half an acre in each
lot nor 100 acres in the whole to build a town upon in time to
come in case this settlement should prosper, as 'tis hop'd it
will. And further that a reservation should likewise be made
of 600 acres circumjacent to the sd. projected town for common
of pasturage for the inhabitants of the said town when built.
And as nothing can so effectually conduce to the settlemt. of
this frontier as the giving proper encouragemt. to such persons
as shall be disposed to inhabit the new projected town, it will
be further necessary, that a very large tract of land should be
set apart to be granted in separate parcels not exceeding 200
acres to any one person, who shall be an inhabitant of the sd.
town, the sd. lands to be held of H.M. by the tenure of Castle
Guard, and the particular services to be perform'd to be specify'd
in the respective grants. But we are of opinion, that it may
be very difficult if not impossible to execute this important
design without the assistance of a small frigate to remain in
the River as a guard ship till ye new intended fort shall be in a
sufficient posture of defence, and therefore we do earnestly
recommend this particular to your Excellencies consideration.
But if H.M. affairs will not admit of the sending a small man of
war expressly on this service, we humbly propose that the Govr.
be impower'd and have directions to hire a sloop or brigantine
for this purpose upon his arrival in Carolina. Amongst the
papers referred to us, there is one entituled An account of
necessaries for 100 men now bound to S. Carolina, which we
have perused; and altho' there may be some particulars therein
that might possibly be spared, yet considering that this is
calculated for the making of a new settlement and recommended
by Col. Barnwell who seems to be a very intelligent person in
these matters, so far as the sd. necessaries do related to the sd.
new settlement only, exclusive of the Articles relating to Charles
Town, which may be considered on another occasion; we
conceive it may be for H.M. service that the same should be
forthwith provided, and we would submit to your Excellencies,
whether orders should not be given to the Board of Ordnance
for that purpose. But we presume that such part of these
stores as shall be deliver'd to the men for their own wearing
apparel will be deducted as hath been usual out of their off
reckonings. We have likewise considered the Instructions for
the Commander of the garrison etc. But having discoursed
with Col. Nicholson and finding that he designs to execute this
important service himself in person, we believe the method of
doing it may be left to his direction and so much the rather
because as he is Govr. in chief of Carolina he will have full
powers in any part of that Province to give such orders as he
shall think may most conduce to H.M. service in this particular;
and when the sd. Fort shall be erected he will leave such Instructions in writing with the Officer commanding in chief
there in his absence as may be necessary; But we shall give
Genl. Nicholson a copy of the sd. paper of Instructions which
may be of use to him in the execution of this design. We
presume the Board of Ordnance have already your Excells.'
orders for providing great guns with carriages, stores and
ammunition of all kinds necessary for the making of this Settlement. And we would likewise recommend to your Excellencies
to give orders for sending an able Ingineer upon this Expedition
as is proposed by Genl. Nicholson together with a proportionable number of gunners and matrosses. As the most material
informations which we have had upon this subject have come
from Col. Barnwell who has long been an inhabitant of Carolina where he has passed thro' all the publick Offices except that
of Governor. And in as much as the sd. Col. Barnwell at the
request of Genl. Nicholson is willing to accompany the sd.
General upon this Expedition, we should humbly conceive it
might be for H.M. service that General Nicholson should be
directed after that new intended Fort shall be built to put the
same together with ye garrison thereof under the care and
government of the sd. Col. Barnwell whose knowledge of the
country and experience in matters of this nature will highly
conduce to the promoting a settlement on this frontier. In the
mean while we do agree with Genl. Nicholson, that it may be very
necessary to take the proper measures for promoting settling;
and inlarging the Indian Trade, and that the Governors of
Carolina and Virginia should be instructed to conferr upon this
subject, and to settle matters upon such a foot, that neither of
these Colonies should have reason to complain of the other.
It will likewise be for H.M. service that the Govr. of the Bahama
Islands for the time being should keep a constant correspondence with the Govr. of Carolina, that they may be aiding and
assisting to each other as occasion may require. We are of
opinion that it may be necessary upon this occasion to distribute
some presents among the Indians to gain their friendship to
this new settlement, and if your Excellencies shall think fit to
give your directions to the Lords of the Treasury for that purpose
General Nicholson and Col. Barnwell may attend their Lordships
with a list of particulars presented to us to which we have no
objection. [C.O. 5, 400. pp. 126–133.] |
Sept. 24./Oct. 5.
Paris. |
238. Mr. Pulteney to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges letter and
enclosures of 12th. Continues:—I had allready Mr. Vaughan's
and Mr. Capon's Memorial which makes the Islands of Canco
to be a parcel of rocks joining almost to the Cape, but the French
you will find, say a large branch of the sea runs between these
Islands and the Cape; some other accounts of our people seem
rather to agree with the French in this point, and as the Board
have not given their opinion in this matter, I think it best for
us to insist in general that these Islands are not in the mouth
of St. Laurents nor in the Gulf of that name, and consequently
do not belong to the French, without examining very nicely
whether they are more or less distant from the Continent of
Nova Scotia; because if we should go upon Mr. Capon's account,
and the French should produce better or more plausible proofs
for their assertion, than we can for ours, this would give them
an advantage as to the main dispute, besides though our proofs
were never so clear and strong they would not be convinced by
them. I observe by the last Representation of the Board
(15th Sept.) that they still mention only in general the fishery
at Canco, without determining whether it be at the Cape, or
at the Islands; this makes it necessary for us here to insist
likewise in general against the fishery even at the Islands,
though our arguments would be much stronger, even by what
the French have acknowledged, if we were only to insist against
the fishery at the Cape. P.S.—This letter comes out of date,
but it waited to go by a messenger, and I have ye oppertunity
of adding ye inclosed arret. Signed, D. Pulteney. Endorsed,
Recd. 7th, Read 11th Oct., 1720. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 217, 3.
No. 11; and 218, 1. pp. 482, 483.] |
Sept. 24.
New York. |
239. Governor Burnet to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Has published his Commission in New York
and New Jersey. The party which always opposed Governor
Hunter, has got ahead during his absence and been preparing
for a new Assembly quite different from that which granted him
the revenue. It has therefore been thought advisable for the
old Assembly to meet immediately, precedents for which will
be sent in his next dispatches. This Assembly will be more
tractable than ever in order to be continued. Provision will be
made for deficiencies in the revenue, which will amount to £3000
this country money (which is at the rate of eighteenpence to one
shilling sterling) when revenue expires in June, and for a revenue
thereafter. Hopes that measures may be taken too for fortifying the frontier against the French "who are more industrious
than ever in seducing our Indians and have built trading houses
in their country lately, and engaged great numbers of them to
live in the French country near Quebec. If the Assembly can
be brought to some immediate provision for this service, there
may be forts built next year, and other measures taken to stop
these designs of the French: which they carry on with great
application." A sudden remedy from home is needed as well
as utmost diligence here. Asks for the Board's protection and
the dispatch of the usual presents to the Indians, which the Lords
Justices directed the Treasury to provide; also of the stores
wanting for the garrisons, of which he gave an account to the
Lords Justices and for which the Board of Ordnance prepared
an estimate, but no order given by the Lords Justices etc. Has
had no opportunity of informing himself as to the state of affairs
in the Jerseys. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. 572. Signed, W.
Burnet. Endorsed, Recd. 26th Nov., Read 1st Dec., 1720.
Holograph. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1052. ff. 82–83v.; and
(extract) f. 81; and 5, 1092. No. 114.] |
Sept. 24.
New York. |
240. Same to [? Mr. Delafaye]. Repeats substance of preceding and encloses letter to Mr. Secretary Craggs and copy of
preceding etc. Concludes: Mr. Bamfeild will make propper
application in my name for despatch in those things I have
depending before the Lords Justices etc. Endorsed, R. 26 pr.
Board of Trade. [C.O. 5,1092. No. 13.] |
Sept. 27.
Annapolis Royal. |
241. Governor Philipps to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to former letters. Continues:—What hath hapned
since at Cansoe and the dammage done there to the fishery, by
way of reprisall (as the savages gives out) for what was taken
from the French by Capt. Smart, is an unhappy confirmation
that I have not been mistaken. For nothing is so evident, as
that our French inhabitants, and the neighbouring French
Governments are equally secrett enemys to the Brittish interest
in this Province and consult together how they may disturb
and obstruct its being setled, especially at this juncture they
are more buisy than ornary (seeing their hopes of this countreys
falling into their hands again is like to be at an end) and that
the savages are the tooles in their hands, with which they work
the mischeifs which themselves dare not appeare in. Refers to
enclosures. The fishermen being drove off, from their stages,
into their boates, by the savages, who surprised them in the
dead of the night, and their fish and merchandize left to the
pillage of the French, who lay ready for that end, they had a
consultation the next morning, and concluded to send a sloop
to Cape Breton, to seek for redress; but not finding to their
satisfaction: they sent to me, by one Mr. Henchaw for relief:
whom I dispatch'd with arms, amunition, and provisions, and
would have given him an officer, with a detachment of the
garrison, but he thought there would be no occasion. This
person brought me five French prisoners, taken in severall
shallops loaden with the English fish, and merchandize. Refers
to enclosures. By which your Lordshipps will see how farr the
Counsells of Cape Breton, may have been concerned, in contriveing and abetting this mischeif. I also sent my Major on board
him to Cape Breton with copys of those examinations to demand
restitution of the fish and goods. And satisfaction for the loss
of H.M. subjects: three haveing been kill'd on that occasion.
Refers to enclosures. As to the Indians I have the honour to
assure your Lordships, and everybody here will bear me witness,
that I have taken particular care, to treat them in the civillest
manner, that ever any Governor yet has done; there has scarce
past a week, since I am here but some of them have been with
me whom I never failed to assure of H.M. good will and protection and required them to acquaint all their Nation therewith, and that I expected considerable presents for them from
the King, in token of his affection. At the same time I never
dismist them without presents (which they alwayes expected)
for which I am out of pocket above £150. But I am convinc'd
that a hundred thousand will not buy them, from the French
interest while the priests are among them who haveing gott
in with them, by the way of Religion, and brought them to
regular confessions twice a year: they assemble punctually
at those times and receive their absolution conditionally that
they be alwayes enemys to the English. I had the honour to
acquaint you that I had by the advice of Council sent express
for the Chiefs of those who are called the St. John River Indians,
and are represented to be the most considerable. They came
according to the invitation I sent them. Refers to enclosure.
In my humble opinion the man of warr upon the station of
New England, should have attended the fishery at Cansoe in
the season according to the orders that were sent upon my
application when at London, but why she has layn all this
summer in Boston harbour, I can't guess unless she has waited
for the reliefe that is said to be comeing. It is certain that had
she been at Cansoe, that loss had not hapned to H.M. subjects.
Some of the Indian robbers, who return'd from Cansoe to Minas,
to the number of eleven finding a New England tradeing sloop
there belonging to Mr. John Alden, and being flushed with
there former success, and aplauded by the priests, they plunder'd
her also at the very door of the inhabitants who look'd on,
without restraining those wretches, under the sham pretence
of being afraid of provokeing them. I have wrote to them to
demand a better reason of such their behaviour, which is all I
can do in my present circumstances, but hope it will not be long
thus. This being the last oppertunity (probably) this season
that I may have the honour of writeing to your Lordshipps,
do therefore think it my duty (with submission) to tell you
plainely that I find this countrey in no likelyhood of being setled
under the King's obedience upon the footing it is, and therefore
it is necessary that the Government at home exert itself a little
and be at some extraordinary expence, for this has been hitherto
no more than a mock Government. Its authority haveing
never yet extended beyond cannon reach of this Fort. I was
in hopes (and signifyed as much in the last letters I had the
honour to write to your Lordshipps) the addition of 100 men
more, with what I could draw from the Garrison of Placentia
might suffice for this work, but am now convinc'd it will require
a greater number. And because I might not be thought to
impose my own opinion in a matter of such consequence.
I have called a Council of the Cheife Officers (some of which are
of the Kings Council) to consider of and propose the most
reasonable and least expensive scheme for establishing the
Kings authority in such manner and in such parts of this
Province as may render it communicative over the whole.
Refers to enclosure. I heartily wish that this expence was not
absolutely necessary; but as the case stands it would be
more for the honour of the Crowne and proffit also, to give back
the country to the French, than be contented with the name
only of Goverment, and the charge that attends it, whilst they
beare the rule and make it subservient to the support of their
settlement at Cape Breton, which could ill subsist without the
graine and the cattle they fetch from Manis. The inhabitants
seem determined not to sware allegiance, and at the same time
I observe them to be goeing on with their tillage and building
as if they had no thoughts of leaveing their habitations. It is
likely they flatter themselves that the Kings affaires here will
alwayes continue in the same feeble state. I am certain nothing
but a demonstration will convince them to the contrary. The
number of those people and how scituated, with a description of
their particular settlements and countrey in general is herewith
presented to your Lordshipps, being the most exact and perfect
account that has yet been given of this Province. Refers to
enclosed reply from the Governor of Canada, and Minutes of
Council. I am certain there is not a paper of any consequence
transacted by me, which I have not done myself the honour
of laying before your Lordshipps. If anything be found amiss,
I must own it is from want of judgment; for I do my best for
H.M. service, and therefore am not without hopes of pardon.
The method by which the French have made all their settlements
in America, has been the undertakings of particular Societys or
Companys, whereby the Crowne has been at little more expense
then fortifications and a few troops to garrison them, with the
charge of Governors, Intendants and other necessary Officers.
The Isle of St. Johns scituated in the river of St. Lawrence and
opposite to our french settlements of Chignecto and within
three leagues of the Continent is now setling in the same manner;
by which the English Colonies will be environed from Misisippi
to Cape Breton. If therefore such undertakeings were sett on
foot at home, I am certain the Adventurers would soon find
their accots. to answer abundantly beyond any of the French
projections; the one being a demonstrable prospect of very
great advantage, the other but chimeracal etc. I shall waite
H.M. commands, for my further conduct etc. P.S. Sept. 27th.
Before I could dispatch my letter the answer from the inhabitants of Manis is come to my hands etc. v. enclosure. Your
Lordshipps may please to observe by this deportmt. of the
Deputies excuseing their appearance, a confirmation of the
little regard they pay to any orders of the Goverment, and
how the Indians (whom they have sett on worke) are made the
skreene for all their actions. The Jesuitical frame of the letter
plainly discovers it to be of the priests composure; there not
being one inhabitant in the country capable of such a performance. What is therein mentioned of Mr. Broadstreet is
literally thus. This gentleman was sent with a deputation
from the Collector (and with my approbation) to reside at Manis,
as a preventing officer, to observe the trade, and correspondance
those people carry on with Cape Breton, and to give an accompt
thereof, from time to time. This office not suiting with their
interest, they told him that he could not be protected there,
and therefore it was necessary for his safety to return, upon which
he desired them to furnish him with a guide to direct him the
safest way back thro' the woods, which not being able to obtaine,
he ventur'd alone, but first wrote the enclosed letter to the
Deputy he had apply'd to for the guide. This is their method
of excuseing their behavior by turning it into a grievance on
their side. Your Lordspps. will please to observe likewise
that they pass over that part of my letter, wherein I reminded
them of the testimony of my good will towards them in presumeing contrary to my Orders, to prolong the time for their
evacuation, which they do not think fitt to acknowledge;
since they have prevailed with the Indians to sett up their
native right and title to the countrey, as you will see by their
answers or rather the priest for them. These are the effects
the Proclamation has produced, and their grounds for laying
the blame, and makeing me the cause of this trouble, because
the honour of publishing those H.M. Orders has fallen to my
lot, for they will not be perswaded but that I have done it of
my own head. 'Tis what they should have been told eight
yeares sooner. But it is not yett too late. And I hope this
will serve as a lucky occasion to hasten the secureing the
countrey under the King's Dominion, which is a worke that
must be done first or last, and the longer it is delay'd the more
difficult it will be. Signed, R. Philipps. Copy sent by way of
Boston. Signed, Ar. Savage, Secy. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd,
Read 14th Feb., 1720/21. 18 pp. Enclosed, |
|
241. i. Memorial of John Henshaw, William Taylor and
Richard Pieke of Cansoe, in behalf of the rest of the
inhabitants, to Governor Philipps. On 8th Aug.
1720 we were surprised in the night by the French and
Indians, who stript and robb'd us of all to the value
of £18,000. They fired several small arms upon us
and killed two of us, as we were getting of in our boats
and drove several of us into the sea so that one of us
were drown'd in hast of getting off. At two a clock
in the afternoon Mr. John Henshaw, Wm. Taylor,
Jethro Furber and Nathl. Shannon sailed in a small
vessell to Louisbourg and presented our grievances
to the Governor. He made light of it and answer'd
if any french men were taken in the fact they should
make satisfaction, but as for the Indians he had nothing to do with them. Thomas Richards, master of
a ship rideing in the harbour of Cansoe, fitted out two
small vessells in pursuit of those robbers, and took
six challops with part of the plunder on board, vizt.
European goods and fish, which they brought into
sd. harbour; with 15 frenchmen on board, wch. sd.
frenchmen had taken off from sd. place in their boates.
At our arrival at sd. harbour with the shallops aforesaid, some of our men had taken two of the Indians
robbers, prisioners, which sd. Indians confessed they
were incouraged and had orders to robb us from the
Governor of Cape Britton. Pray H.E. to supply
them with men, arms and ammunition to enable them
to defend the rights of the Crowne of England etc.
Signed, John Henshaw, William Taylor, Richard
Pieke. Read in Council, 29th Aug. 1720. Copy.
2½ pp. |
|
241. ii. English merchants and residents at Port Canso to
Governor St. Ovide de Bruillan. Louisbourg, Aug.
10, 1720. Complain of attack by sundry French
and Indians, inhabitants of Cape Britton. Continue:
On 8th Aug., about one or two in the morning, we
were attackt by a body of Indians joyned with some
french about 50 or 60, who did take us out of our beds
and carry us prisoners from house to house, until
they had made themselves masters of the place,
then confineing us in sundry houses, pillaged our goods,
weareing apparell, bedding and things of value they
took out of our pockets, and carryed away the same
in canoes, shallops etc., makeing the Island of Capt.
Richards there place of randevous at their withdrawing where they began there onsett and had about
16 of his men prisoners. By this time our fishing
vessells haveing assembled themselves together, they
manned one of them, to save Capt. Richards' ship
which we feared they would burn and likewise to
drive them from the said Island. At the approach of
the said vessel, they began to discharge their firelocks
upon the English, whereupon we return'd the same
specie, but when we found nothing could be done by
fireing we ceased, and the vessel came to sail in order
to leave them, but they continued their fire, killed
one of our men; some time after they put up a flagg
of truce, when we had a parly etc. We notifye your
Excellency as soon as possible, they having professed
themselves (to us) to be subjects of France. The
names of the greater part we shall furnish your Excellency withall: some are, Renold Le Boue a frenchman, Estienne an Indian partly french, his son and
son-in-law etc. Pray for H.E.'s speedy answer and
punishment of the guilty etc. Signed, John Furber,
John Henshaw, William Taylor, Nathl. Shannon,
in behalf of the rest. Copy. 3¾ pp. |
|
241. iii., iv. Depositions of French prisoners captured at
Canso, taken before the Governor and Council of
Nova Scotia, Annapolis Royal, 29th Aug., 1720. In
robbing the English at Canso, they did as their captains
commanded them. The captains of their ships,
Philisbert d'Habilene and Massy, supplied the savages
with guns and ammunition to attack the English,
and received from them in return fish taken from the
English etc. Copy. French. 6½ pp. |
|
241. v. Deposition of François Pitrelle, French prisoner
captured at Canso. Taken as preceding. Deponent
was engaged in the cod fishery about Canso and Isle
Madame etc. For 3 months past there had been a
rumour that the savages were to attack the English
of Canso and avenge the wrong the French had suffered
from Capt. Smart. Those who had lost through that
seizure, counted on reimbursing themselves by the
attack of the savages. M. Renaud made a voyage to
Artigonesh in order to incite the savages to this act,
and to take them powder and ball for that end, as
deponent heard Renaud say himself etc. Confirms
preceding. Deponent's master, Jean Harenbourgh and
Capt. Massy said several times that there was nothing
to fear for carrying off and plundering the English
fish, and spoke in such a way as to make it appear
that they had authority for what they did. French.
Copy. 2½ pp. |
|
241. vi Deposition of Prudent Robicheau, French inhabitant
of Annapolis Royal. 24th Aug. 1720. Confirms
first part of preceding. The Indians who had robbed
the English made presents out of their plunder
to Father Vincent, Priest of Chignecto, on board a
shallop from St. Peters, who publickly approved of
what they had done to the English. The Indians said
in a short time they intended to make a visit to
Annapolis Royall, etc. Signed, Prudent Robicheau,
his mark. Copy. 3 pp. |
|
241. vii. Deposition of Michael Richards, French inhabitant
of Annapolis Royal, 24th Aug. 1720. Confirms preceding. At St. Peter's deponent saw Lassonde a
frenchman there who was pilot on board a sloop from
New England loaden with cattle and sheep, bound
from thence to Louisbourg for sale etc. Signed,
Michael Richards, his mark. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd,
Read 14th Feb. 1720/21. Copy. 3 pp. |
|
241. viii. Governor Philipps' Instructions for Major Lawrence
Armstrong, first of the Council. You are to goe
directly to Cansoe, to informe yourself of the posture
of affaires there etc., and give such direction therein
as you shall judg most for H.M. service and security
of his subjects there. You are afterwards to proceed
to Cape Breton, deliver my papers to the Governor
and represent to him the abuses they have received
from the French etc., to demand full restitution, and
that the Governor do arrest the persons with their
ships and effects who are mentioned in the depositions
to have been principal actors in the robbery, untill
the pleasure of both Crownes be knowne as to what
satisfaction shall be made for the loss of the King's
subjects who have been kill'd on this occasion, etc.
Annapolis Royal, Aug. 29th, 1720. Signed, R.
Philipps. Copy. 2½ pp. |
|
241. ix. Governor Philipps to the Governor of Cape Breton.
Annapolis Royal, 29th Aug., 1720. I have received
your letter etc. Refers to his reply to Capt. Henshaw,
No. 1 supra. Encloses depositions of french prisoners,
supra, showing that the French were the promoters
of the attack upon Cansoe. All the savages who took
part in it, save four, came from Cape Breton, where
the affair had been spoken of for 3 months. I cannot
believe the evidence of two savage prisoners, that it
was M. de St. Ovide who caused them to act etc.
Demands full satisfaction etc. as preceding. I am not
altogether ignorant of the extraordinary movements
of the priests this summer between this Government
and yours, particularly Fathers Vincent and Justinien,
which is of no little weight as confirmation that this
evil design was then afoot. Same endorsement. French.
Copy. 3 pp. |
|
241. x. Conference of Governor Philipps with the Indians
of St. John's River. Speech of the Indians:— We
obey your summons and are delighted to see you.
Since the English have been masters of this country,
the Governors and merchants thereof have failed in
their written obligation to supply us with all we
needed in return for our money. We have therefore
been obliged to trade with others or starve. Can only
answer for the Indians of this River etc. Pray. H.E.
to treat all the other inhabitants as if they were their
brothers etc. Signed, Francis Sales, his mark, and
six others. Read in Council, 26th July, 1720. French.
Copy. 1¾ pp. |
|
241. xi. Governor Philipps' Reply to the Indians of St.
John's River. Declares H.M. good will, and his desire
to live in peace and amity with them. There is a
firm friendship and alliance established between
England and France. Regrets that they have been
disappointed as preceding. This was caused by the
impossibility of furnishing the necessaries they required. Care will be taken to supply them in future
at a reasonable price. Wishes all the Indians to enjoy
the benefit of this agreement etc. Continues: I will
treat you as a father his children, and as to the French
inhabitants, so long as they behave faithfully towards
King George and become his subjects, they will enjoy
their own religion and possessions and the same
privileges as H.M. natural subjects etc. But if they
refuse their allegiance to the King and continue
by their false and odious representations of the
English, to alienate the affections and duty of good
savages from the Crown of Great Britain, the King
will no longer allow them to remain etc. If you hear
of any evil practices or conspiracies against H.M.
subjects, I expect you to warn me, and I shall do the
same by you etc. Inform your neighbours of Passamaquaddy that I shall be very glad to receive two or
three of their Chiefs here and give them the same
assurances etc. I am sorry to have no better presents
for you, but expect the King's presents by the next
ship. The boat is ready for your return and I have
ordered provisions, wine and brandy to be put on board.
Annapolis Royal. 27th July, 1720. Signed, R.
Philipps. Same endorsement. French. Copy. 3¾ pp. |
|
241. xii. Deposition of John Alden, Master of the sloop Two
Brothers. Annapolis Royal. 14th Sept., 1720. At
Menis, on 22nd Aug., 11 Indians with Peter Nunquadden their Chief, demand 50 livers of him for liberty
to trade, saying this countrey was theires, and every
English trader should pay tribute, to which payment
Deponent agreed being under necessity. A few days
after the Chief told him that if any person came there
with any orders from General Philipps he would make
him prissonner and distroy what he had, neither should
any orders of that Government be observed there.
On 27th the same Indians and two more from Cobequet
came on board in a hostile manner and drove him
and his crew on shoare, and plundered his sloop's
cargo to the value of £260, without any provocation.
Signed, Jno. Alden. Same endorsement. Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
241. xiii. Governor Philipps to the four Deputies of Les
Mines. Annapolis Royal, 9th Sept., 1720. Recounts
his acts of favour and goodwill to the French inhabitants and expresses surprise at the robbing of
Alden's sloop preceding, of which they were spectators
and which they could easily have prevented etc.
Invites them to give a better reason for it than the
ridiculous pretence of fear of a handful of savages.
Orders them to assemble the savages that are amongst
them, to demand in his name reasons for so acting
and to bring their reply to him in person etc. Signed,
R. Philipps. Same endorsement. French. Copy.
2 pp. |
|
241. xiv. Indians of Les Mines to Governor Philipps. Les
Mines, 2nd Oct. (N.S.] 1720. Reply to preceding.
We have assembled to tell you that this land which
God has given us and to which we belong cannot
be claimed by anyone else. We observe your
threats to reduce us to your servitude, which you
must not expect, We are masters, independent of
everyone, and desire to have our country free etc.
If we wished to go and dwell in England, what would
you do but order us to retire; and for the same
reason we do not wish the English to inhabit our
country, which we hold only from God, and which
we will dispute with any men who wish to inhabit it
without our consent. The reason why we have taken
those of your nation is, that you have taken Canso etc.
Before you came to our country, all was at peace there,
but as soon as you came there, all is at war by your
threats to deprive us of the heritage our fathers have
left us. We do not know that any of your nation
have ever had any part with us to suffer them to be
free in our country, as you desire. Signed, Antoine
Coaurèt, (mark), Piere Couaret (mark). Same endorsement. French. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
241. xv. French inhabitants of Les Mines to Governor
Philipps. Les Mines, 3rd Oct. (N.S.), 1720. Reply to
No. xii in the absence of the deputies. We have no other
explanation to give than that we sent by Mr. Alden.
We have taken an oath that we had no share in the
Indians' attack etc. We are very poor and cannot afford
the expense of the deputies' journeys. Besides, the
savages threaten to kill our cattle, and will not allow us
to go to Port Royal. Mr. Bradestrick (= Broadstreet),
when he came here, threatened to burn down our houses,
without knowing how matters stood. Eleven savages
would have been no great matter, if there had not been
others to fear, but they come daily, and we do not
know when the end will be reached. We are the
trembling spectators of an assembly which may
become deadly to us by eating our beasts etc. To
ask us to oppose them, would be to expose us to their
fury and loss of our property and lives. We cannot
remain on our lands if we are to be held responsible
for the outrages of the savages. Enclose preceding
reply by the savages, dictated by themselves. They
absolutely forbid, under great menaces, our letter or
theirs to be presented to you by any one of us, but have
ordered the bearer of them to deliver them to one of the
deputies of Port Royal and to return immediately etc.
Signed, Les Bourg and 27 others. French. Copy. 4 pp. |
|
241. xvi. Governor the Marquis de Vaudreuil to Governor
Philipps. Montreal, July 9th (N.S.), 1720. I have just
received your letter of 3rd June, etc. I am charmed
that you open a correspondence from which I foresee
that I can only derive much pleasure etc. I have
no orders to appoint boundary Commissioners at
present, doubtless they will come by the King's ship
which will only arrive at Quebec at the end of August,
etc. Nothing will be done in the mean time on my
part to disturb the union of our royal Masters. I
hope that, until the boundaries are fixed, you will not
allow any innovation in the places which the English
did not occupy at the time the Peace was made, etc.
Signed, Vaudreuil. Same endorsement. French.
Copy. 2 pp. |
|
241. xvii. Representation of the Governor and Council of
Nova Scotia. Annapolis Royal, 27th Sept. 1720.
Repeat following with slight variations. Add: From
Chignecto the trade is clandestinely carried to Cape
Breton by meanes of the small trajet from the Bay of
Fundy into the Gulph of St. Lawrence. The French
have sent this summer four shipps, two of which are
actually arrived at Island St. John's, not above 6
leagues from Chignecto, where they intend to have
a very considerable fort and settlement, and by means
of it will be able to command the trade as well as the
French inhabitants in these parts etc. Besides a ship
of warr which ought to countenance these several
projects two sloops of about 50 tonns each are necessary
which may be mann'd out of the garrisons, and serve
as guard vessels as well as packetts and transports
to the places, which do not admit of the man of warr.
Signed, R. Philipps, John Doucett, P. Mascarenc,
Ar. Savage, J. Adams, Hibbert Newton, William Skene,
Wm. Shirreff. Same endorsement. 5 pp. |
|
241. xviii. Representation of the Governor and Officers of
the Garrison of Annapolis Royal. (i) The French
inhabitants unanimously refuse to sweare allegiance
to the Crowne of Great Britain, and do look upon
themselves to be the indispensable subjects of France,
by an obligation under their hands from which the
priests tell them they cannot be absolved. (ii) Notwithstanding this, they do not seem to entertain much
thoughts of quitting their habitations which (we have
reason to beleive) proceeds from a contempt of this
garrison, and confidence in their owne numbers,
together with the assistance of the Indians, with whom
they are link'd by commerce, long acquaintance,
consanguinity, and religion, and are as one people.
(iii) Both the inhabitants and Indians are so influenced by the Government of Cape Breton and the
priests resideing among them that whatsoever tends
to favour and advance the British intrest in this
countrey, does alwayes meet with obstructions either
private or publick, for which last the Indians are
ever ready to be imploy'd, witness the late mischief
at Cansoe and Menis etc (No. xii). (iv) Wee are very
sensible by dayly experience that these people disclaime all reguard and obedience to the Kings
authority and that the orders of Government are
rejected and loose their force, at the distance of gun
shot from this fort. This being the state of affaires,
we are humbly of opinion that a sufficient force is
absolutely necessary to be sent from Great Brittain to
curb the insolence of the present inhabitants, in case
they be permitted to remaine, or to oblige them to retire
in the manner prescribed them, and at the same time
to protect such of H.M. subjects, as shall come to settle
in this countrey, against the insults of the Indians,
otherwise we see no likelyhood of its being setled, and
consequently will be of no benefit or advantage to
Great Britain. The number of troops necessary
ought to be 600 men, besides the six companys of
H.E.'s Regiment now in garrison here; (i) 200 to
be landed at Cansoe, there to erect a fort to guard
that fishery, the garrison of which when built to
consist of 100 men; (ii) 400 to be order'd directly for
this place, to take pilots, with an Enginier, to proceed
to Menis, there also to build another fort, in a proper
scituation to command the place, and particularly
the ground, called the Grand Pré, which produces
great cropps of wheat, and other graine, and is the
treasure of that settlement, which when put in a
posture of defence should be garrison'd with no less
then 150 men. (iii) The remainder to proceed to
Chignecto, where a fort is necessary to stop the
clandestine trade carry'd on with Cape Britton, and to
face the Isle of St. John's where the French have this
year begun and intend to make a very considerable
settlement. This fort to be garrison'd with 150 men.
(iv) The remaineing 100 men with the 100 to be drawn
from Cansoe (when that fort shall be built) to be
disposed off on some part of the Eastern coast (in case
it shall be thought fitt to remove the seat of Government thither) for which, Port Rosway, Lahave or
Morligashe are recommended as proper places. It is
also our humble opinion that these projections be putt
in execution early in the Spring; and that the troops
arrive here in Aprill or May at the farthest with
provision for 12 months, and stores of ordanance, and
tooles to raise redoubts etc to secure the garrisons
against winter 'till such time, as they can be perfected,
by reason that the shortness of our summers afford
little time for work of that kind. Some small peices of
cannon will be likewise necessary for these forts.
Signed, R. Philipps, John Doucett, L. Govr., P.
Mascarenc, Chris. Aldridge, Jos. Bennett. Same
endorsement. 4 pp. |
|
241. xix. Copy of Minutes of Council of Nova Scotia, 25th
April,—5th Sept. 1720. Same endorsement. Copy.
24 pp. |
|
241. xx. Description of Nova Scotia by Major Paul Mascarenc.
Describes climate, soil and resources. "There
are four considerable settlements on the South side
of the Bay of Fundy, Annapolis Royal, Manis, Chignecto, and Cobequid. Several families are scattered
along the Eastern coast. The inhabitants of these
are still French and Indians." Discusses status of
former. There are only two reasons for keeping them,
the use that may be made of them for erecting fortifications, and keeping the stock of cattle and lands
tilled for English settlements, and the addition of
their strength might render the French too powerful
neighbours. They would destroy their saw-mills
on going. The free exercise of their religion, as
promised to them, implies their having Romish
missionaries amongst them etc. Urges that they
should not be tolerated in their non-allegiance any
longer; a force of 600 men is needed to compel them
to comply with the terms prescribed to them etc.
Situation of Annapolis Royal described. Two leagues
above Goat Island is the Fort; seated on a riseing
sandy ground on the south side of the river on a point
form'd by the Brittish river and another small one
called Jenny river. The lower town lyes along the
first and is commanded by the Fort. The upper
towne stretches in scattering houses a mile and a half;
S.E. from the Fort on the riseing ground betwixt the
two rivers. From this riseing ground to the banks
of each river, and on the other side of the less one,
lyes large plots of meadow which formerly were
damned in, and produced good grain and sweet grass;
but the dikes being broake down, are overflow'd at
every spring tide. From Goat Island five leagues
above the Fort, on both sides of the Brittish river,
are a great many fine farms inhabited by about 200
familyes. The river is not navigable above two
leagues above the fort, by other than small boates.
The banks of this river is very pleasant and fruitful
etc. The chief imployment of the French inhabitants
now is farming, and the time they have to spare they
employ in hunting, and ketching of sable martins.
Their young men who have not much work at farming
begett themselves to fishing in the summer. The
Fort is almost a regular square has four bastions, and
on the side fronting the point, which is formed by the
junction of the two rivers, it has a ravelin and a battery
of large gunns, on the counter-scarpe of the ravelin;
which last with the battery have been entirely
neglected, since the English had possession, and are
entirely ruined. The works are raised with a sandy
earth, and were faced with sodds, which being cut out
of a sandy soil (the whole neck betwixt the two rivers
being nothing else) soon moulder'd away. The
French repaired part of the courtin with timber.
The English revested the fort all round with pieces
of round timber, of 6 or 7 inches diameter, to the height
of the cordon, and raised a parapet of sod work;
but whither by neglect of the workmen, or some other
reasons, they put the Government to a prodigious
deal of charge, and gave an entire disgust for any
manner of repaires. Proposal for repairing it next
summer so as to be capable of resistance until materials
for a stone redoubt can be sent etc. Manis (called by
the French Les Mines) has its name from the copper
mines which are said to be about it especially at one
of the Capes, which divides the Bay of Fundy, and is
called Cap des Mines or Cape Doré. This towne lyes
30 leagues by sea and about 22 by land, E.N.E. from
Annapolis Royal. The harbour is very wild and
unsecure etc. This place might be made the granarie
not only of this Province, but also of the neighbouring
Goverments. There is a platt of meadow, which
stretches along for near four leagues; part of which is
damn'd in from ye tide, and produces very good
wheat and pease etc. The houses which compose a
kind of scattering town, lyes on a riseing ground
along two crieks, which runns betwixt it, and the
meadow, and makes of this last a kind of peninsula
this place has great store of cattle, and other conveniencys of life, and in the road they catch white
porpasses, a kind of fish, the plubber of which turnd
into oyl, yeilds a good proffit. The inhabitants of
this place and round about it are more numerous
than those of the Brittish river, besides the Indians
which often resort here. And as they never had any
force near them to bridle them, are less tractable.
All the orders sent to them if not suiting their humours,
are scoff'd, and laught at, and they put themselves
upon the footing of obeying no Government. It
will not be an easy matter to oblige these inhabitants
to submitt to any terms which do not entirely square
to their humours, unless a good force be landed there,
and a fort or redoubt of earth be thrown up, well
ditch'd, freez'd and pallissaded, till a more durable may
be built, this redoubt must have four peices of cannon
(sakers) and command the meadow, which is their
treasure. The force sent must be 3 or 400 men etc.
Cobequid lyes about 12 leagues N.W. of Manis, at the
upper end of the eastermost branch of the Bay of
Fundy. There are about 50 French familys settled in
this place. The soil produces good grain, and
abounds in cattle etc. By a river the inhabitants have
communication with Chibucto a harbour on the
Eastern coast and by a road across the woods at the
distance of about 20 leagues they fall into the Bay of
Vert, by which they drive a trade to Cape Breton.
The Indians resort much to this place. Chignecto
is seated upon the westernmost branch of the Bay of
Fundy almost at the upper end of it. The inhabitants
are numerous, haveing much encreas'd of late yeares,
and are about 70 or 80 familys. This place is about
12 leagues distant from Manis haveing a communication by a river, which discharges itself into Manis
Road. It produces good store of grain and abounds
in cattle more than any other. Within 7 leagues of
Cape Chignecto are very good coal mines. Near the
town is a small island which has a good quarry of soft
stone etc. The inhabitants are more given to hunting
and tradeing than those of the other settlements.
etc. By the Gulph of St. Lawrence they have a continual intercourse with Cape Breton carrying most
of their furrs that way, and supplying it with provisions of grain, cattle etc., and bringing for returns,
linnens, and other goods, to the prejudice of the
Brittish trade and manufactories. To put a stop
to this, and to bring the inhabitants under obedience,
who are the least subject to the English Government
of any other here. It will be necessary, that a small
fort be built in some convenient place on this Neck;
capable of containing 150 men etc. ut supra No. xviii.
Cansoe is an island with several other less ones adjoyning, lyeing at a small distance from the main etc.
Describes attack by Indians and robbery by French.
Whilst the Indians, incited by the French to surprise
the English, were plundering the dry goods, the French
were robbing the fish etc. Had it not been for this
iruption 20,000 quintalls of dry codd fish this season
would have been exported out of this place etc. This
shews the need of a ship to countenance British subjects
there in the summer, and a fort and garrison in the
winter. This if incouraged is very likely to be the
chief place for trade, tho not so conveniently scituated
for the chief seat of Goverment, as Port Rosway,
La Have, Marligash, Chiboucto, or any other harbour
scituate on the Eastern coast of this Goverment,
but these have not yet been narrowly surveyed, etc.
Signed, P. Mascarenc, Engeneer. Carefully examined
and found to be exact. Signed, R. Philipps. Same
endorsement. 20 pp. |
|
241. xxi. Duplicate of No. i. |
|
241. xxii. Duplicate of No. ii. [C.O. 217, 3. Nos. 18, i.–xxii; and (without enclosures) 218, 1. pp. 500–512;
and (abstract of letter) 217, 30. pp. 11–13.] |
| Sept. 27. |
242. Govr. Nicholson to Mr. Delafaye. Refers to interview
with Board of Trade. Continues: I believe this day their
Lordps. report will be layd before their Excellcys. Encloses
proposalls for presents to the Indians. Continues:—I find by
the Boston News Papers that there are severall piratts on those
coasts that have done a great deal of mischief etc. Recommends
that handgranades be supplied to the Company as being very
useful in case of a close fight and also at the Fort etc. A dozen
of brass cohorn mortars etc. may be of great use on board our
transports etc. Recommends provision of harquebusses and
blunderbusses etc. Concludes:—The Commissioners of Transports have agreed wth. ye 2 ships and they are to be ready (God
willing) to sail from hence for Portsmouth and Plymouth by ye
7th of the next month, and ye 3 months provisions wch. is
humbly proposed to be sent may be putt on board them,
because there is an accot. from Carolina of a great drought and
scarcity of provisions etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Addressed.
1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 387. No. 10.] |
Sept. 27.
Placentia. |
243. Lt. Governor Gledhill to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. By some experiments I've made, hemp may be
bro't to a considerable perfection in this part of Newfoundland
etc. P.S.—We have multitudes of French ships that frequently
fish upon our Banks. One is stranded in the next harbour etc.
She has aboard 36 hgd. wine, 400 hgd. salt, 6000 of bread.
Asks for directions in such cases. Signed, S. Gledhill. Endorsed,
Recd., Read 15th Nov., 1720. 1½ pp. [C.O. 194, 6. No. 84.] |
| [Sept. 27.] |
244. H.M. Commission to Francis Nicholson to be Captain
General and Governor in Chief of Carolina. Preamble: Whereas
by great miscarriages and neglects in the Government of our
Province, and Territory of Carolina in America, the same is
fallen into such disorder, and confusion, that the publick peace,
and administration of Justice (whereby the properties of our
subjects should be preserved there) is broken, and violated,
and the said Province is become wholly void of defence against
any foreign enemy, or even against the incursions of the
barbarous Indians; Whereby the southern frontier to our
Plantations on the Continent of America, and one of the most
fruitfull of our Colonys is in great danger of being depopulated,
and the trade, and advantages thereof forever lost from the
Crown of Great Britain. And whereas our said Province of
Carolina, and our good subjects the inhabitants thereof, cannot
be defended, and secured by any other means than our taking
provisionally the Government into our own hands and immediate
care, We therefore appoint you etc. [C.O. 5, 189. pp. 614–629.] |
Sept. 27.
Whitehall. |
245. H.M. Instructions (by the Lords Justices) to Same.
You are to choose and appoint 12 Councillors until H.M. further
pleasure be known and transmit their names and qualifications
etc. Countersigned, Ch. Delafaye. [C.O. 5, 189. pp. 630–661.] |
Sept. 27.
Whitehall. |
246. H.M. Instructions to Same relating to the Acts of
Trade and Navigation. [C.O. 5, 189. pp. 662–674.] |
Sept. 27.
Whitehall. |
247. Minute of Lords Justices in Council. Governor
Nicholson this day took the oath etc. Signed, Edward Southwell.
Endorsed, Recd., Read Jan. 11th, 1720/1. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 358.
ff. 69, 70v.] |
Sept. 27.
Whitehall. |
248. Order of Lords Justices in Council. The Attorney
General is to bring a scire facias for resuming the Charter of
Carolina, etc. v. A.P.C. II. p. 780. Signed and endorsed as
preceding. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 358. ff. 71, 71v., 72v.] |
Sept. 29.
Charles Town, Carolina. |
249. [?Council of] Carolina, to Mr. Secretary Craggs. By
the last account we are given to understand that after our
repeated applications to H.M., the old Proprietors have assigned
over their Charter to new Proprs., which in our humble opinion
is done to elude that Justice we might reasonably hope from
H.M. etc. Refer to their last Petition. Continue:—The new
steps taken by the Proprs. have not altered our former sentiments, and we are very unwilling to enter upon any measures
with the new Proprs. till our affairs shall be taken into H.M.
consideration etc. If H.M. shall think fit to confirme their
purchase or grant them a new Charter (neither of which do
we hope for), then we are desirous that for the peace and wellfare
of this Colony a consideration may be had of these Articles sent
home to our Agent in a letter of the same date herewith. Repeat
complaint against Spanish privateers and the refusal of the
Governor of St. Augustine to restore vessels taken by them
since the cessation etc. Conclude: The sixth of this instant
they took a ship and a sloop off of the Capes of Virginia, as will
appear by affidavits sent to the Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty. Signed, Richard Allein, Benja. Schensking,
Richd. Beresford, Sam. Eveleigh, Jos. Morton, Tho. Smith,
Sam. Prolean (sic). Mem. Mr. Boone aquainted the Board,
Dec. 22, that the Articles and Affidavits abovementioned are
not come to his hands. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Boone,
Read 22nd Dec., 1720. Copy. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 358. ff.
59, 59v., 60v.] |
| Sept. 29. |
250. Office accounts of the Board of Trade, June 24–Sept. 29, 1720. v. Journal of Council. [C.O. 388, 77. Nos.
94, 96, 98.] |
