|
Oct. 3.
Antigua. |
251. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to enclosures. Continues: By which you
will perceive that these seas are again infested with pirates of
considerable force etc., who on the 27th and 28th of the last
month openly and in the daytime burnt and destroyed our
vessels in the Road of Basseterre, and had the audaciousness
to insult H.M. Fort etc. (v. encl. i.) Continues: The Rose
man of war and Sharke sloop arrived here some time in June
last, but so much shattered with beating the seas, that the Capt.
told me soon after his arrival that the ship was almost unfit for
service very foul, and her upper works so tender that he durst
not heave her down: and there being no place of hauling her
ashore here, nor conveniencies to refit her, and the hurricane
time coming on I thought it necessary and for H.M. service to
condescend to the Captain's request which was to let him go
to the Northward to refit upon promise that he would return
about the middle of this month. I hear by a ship arrived from
Boston that she is safe arrived there but that he cannot be with
me till the latter end of November next and indeed had he been
here 'tis much to be feared he would not have been able to have
coped with them, tho' on my part he should have had all the
assistance possible. In my letters of the 15th March 1717 the
6th of Jan. 1717/18 and the 19th Dec. following I humbly desired
your Lordships to represent to H.M. how uncapable so small a
ship as the Seaford was (or indeed any ship of that force as this
towitt the Rose is) was to protect the Trade from the insults of
these vermine, and that such ship would be in danger of being
overpowered even when she went out to cruise on them and at
the same time I desired that your Lordships would represent
to H.M. that a fifth rate or at least a ship of 36 or 40 guns,
might be appointed etc., to which your Lordships were pleased
to answer that you had been informed several of the pirates
had surrendered etc., and that you hoped the rest would
follow etc. upon H.M. Proclamation of pardon, but your Lordsships may now plainly perceive how little Acts of Grace and
Mercy work on these vermine (several of these present pirates
have, as I have been informed, surrendered more than once
upon H.M. said Proclamation) and that nothing but force will
subdue them; and I daresay had we a ship of that force we
should not only drive them out of these seas, but in some
measure prevent their doing further mischief, for they come
among these Islands not so much for gain, but to pick up
straglers, and victual their ships for other enterprises. I come
now once more as it is my duty to lay these matters
before your Lordships, and humbly hope you will agree
with me in opinion how necessary it will be for H.M. service,
and the protection of our Trade that such a ship as I before
mentioned should be sent on this station, and that your Lordships will represent this matter to H.M. and use your good offices
towards procuring such a one etc. We are small Colonies and
subsist chiefly on trade; if our homeward bound vessels are
taken and plundered and our provision ships intercepted, what
have we that lyes not at the mercy of these villains? Signed,
W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 9th Dec., 1720.
2¾ pp. Enclosed, |
251. i. Extract of letter from Lt. General Mathew to Governor
Hamilton, 29th Sept. 1720. [St. Christophers]. Upon
the information of James Dennison (encl. ii), I had the
sloop referred to examined, an inventory made, and
refer Mr. Thomas Otley's claim to the goods to your
Excellency etc. Continues: Tuesday about one of
the clock Lt. Isaac Thomas sent me an express with
notice that these pirates were actually coming into
Basse Terre Road. I immediately ordered Lt.
McKenzie to Charles Fort and put a subaltern and 30
of the Militia therein. Ordered Lt. Coll. Payne to
get the two companys under arms at Sandy Point
Town, Capt. Nat. Paine to do the like at Old Road,
Major Willet at Palmeto Point, with orders to the
gunners at these four places to be in readiness, and then
rode to Basse Terre. I gat there by two found the
pirates ship and sloop with black flaggs etc, had cut
out one ship that was under sail actually then, and
had set two more on fire, and our Battery without
powder or ball rammer or gun (except two) fit for any
service, and everything in confusion. I took from
Mr. Hare's store by force 7½ barrels of powder, Mr.
Parsons furnished a half barril pickt up about town,
some shot big and little got four small three pounders
from Mr. Peter Thomas mounted on the beach with
some shot for them, and two more of the guns on the
battery in order, and we had then a small cannonading
for about an hour, but what with bad gunners unsizable
shot etc. we did them no hurt and they went out of
reach for that afternoon and night, this gave me some
time to remedy our confusons etc. The ship they had
taken belonged to one Fowls consigned to Mr.
Parsons. Fowls with two of his men goes off to them
just before I gat to town, and was kept on board.
One Hinkston (whose behaviour savored much of
knave or coward) had a ship in the Road which they
set on fire, tho' there were 500 barrils of beef in, he
had it seems sent his boat on board them of his own
accord, which with his men they also detained, as
they went out of the Road I perceived she burned but
slowly etc. With the aid of William Panton gets
her ashore and puts out fire. Continues: By the time
the night was closed and every man had got his post
along the Bay etc. Capt. Hinkston's men came on
shoar from the Pirate, and brought me the letters
(enclosed) etc. In the morning [the pirates still] lay
off Basse Terre, waiting for these sheep. We got by
this time 13 great guns in good order among them a
24 pounder, and had got shot from Palmeto Point
and cartridge paper from Old Road, about 9 the
pirate sloop stood directly in, and just about gun shot
off a boat put off from her, and she stood out again,
the boat brought on shore Capt. Fowles and one of
his men and another man whom they would have
forced, but his unwillingness and being troubled with
fits made them put him on shore, this man is under a
guard, and I wait the Sollicitor General's opinion about
him having sent to him to examine him close. About
11 the sloop stood in again for these sheep etc. (for
Capt. Fowl's forsooth could hardly be kept from going
to them again hoping to have his ship etc.) The sloop
came close in almost among our sloops, and we had
time to give her two rounds of all our guns of which
7 hit her tore her gibb setled her made [= ? main] sail
by cutting the hallyards 'tis supposed, and we believe
one of the 24 pd. ball. took her in the bow. She made
no return but got out as well as she could and shee
and the ship ran into the Grand Golett and there
turned Fowls ship adrift. I wish they may not have
got some of your Excellency's mutton for their boat
went on shoar etc. They stretched for Nevis, could
not fetch hardly Morton's Bay; so stood away westward along shore. We brought Fowls' ship in again
and found this fine distich in chalk on the companion
For our words sake we let thee go
But to Creoles we are a foe—
or something of remembering Creoles as a foe, and a
Death's head and arm with a Cutlace, and on board
Hinkston they had versifyed in chalk
In thee I find
Content of mind.
They standing along shore I got on horseback leaving
the care of all at Basse Terre to Col. McDowal, and
with about 70 horse and dragoons waited on them as
far as Old Road, etc. This morning at 10 they were
seen for the last time to the N. ward and E. of St.
Bartholomews etc. Col. McDowal, Major Milliken,
Mr. Spooner, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Thos. Otley gave me
all imaginable assistance etc. Recommends Peter
Thomas to command the troop of horse of Basse Terre.
Continues: These villains are certainly going to windward of Antego and Barbados etc. They want bread
and will wait some New England vessels coming.
They offer any price for Mr. Pinney, Spooner and
Brown for condemning their comrades at Nevis,
threaten and bluster much and have intelligences
off this island in particular that I am surprised at.
Same endorsement. Copy. 3¾ pp. |
|
251. ii. Deposition of James Dennison, gunner of Fort
Hamilton, St. Christophers, 25th Sept. 1720. Deponent arrested Robert Dunn (v. following) whom he
found landing goods out of a canoe. Dunn endeavoured
to prevent him from examining the sloop etc. Signed,
James Dennison. Same endorsement. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
251. iii. Deposition of Robert Dunn, Master of the Sloop
Relief, Jeremiah Burroughs owner, of Bermuda.
Turtling in the harbour of Curriwaccoo on 4th Sept.,
he was seized by a pirate ship and sloop, commanded
by one Roberts, of Barbados, about 130 men all told.
The remnant of the Royal Rover's crew are in this
gang. The ship they took on the banks of Newfoundland, French-built, and one of 21 they took there etc.
The pirates dismissed deponent after putting on
board his sloop some bundles of old rigging and cloth
etc. in return for his tending them with turtles etc.
which they made him do. They said they intended to
take Marygalante. They intend to take their revenge
off Antego and Barbados and then go on the coast
of Brazil or the East Indies. They would blow up
rather than be taken. Every man double armed,
and mostly Englishmen. Say they will when they
leave these coasts take none but Spanish and Portuguese etc. Signed, Robert Dunn. Dated and endorsed
as preceding. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
251. iv. Deposition of Moyse Renos, (Moses Renolds, or
Renault,) of Dartmouth, Mariner. St. Christophers,
26th Sept., 1720. Was taken by a pirate sloop
when on a fishing voyage on the Banks of Newfoundland in a pink belonging to William Cane
of St. Johns. Within five or six days they took
four or five prizes amongst them a vessell of Bristoll
one Thomas Commander who formerly used to trade
to Barbados they intended to use him ill but he
giving them an account that a ship and sloop
was fitted out of Barbados to pursue them (for
they had been in the Royall Rover in these seas)
and that it was reported at Barbados they had sunk
the said pyrates, they in their merriments hereon
returned him his ship and dismissed him but took
two or three of his men by force who made their escape
afterwards. Thence they went to Trepassi, and found
in the harbour 22 sail of English bankers and fishers,
of these they took one and in 10 days fitted her out
with 18 guns for their own use oblidgeing the crews
of all the ships to work and of the severall crews five
or six took on willingly with them etc. They forced
three or four more but only took provisions and left all
the rest of the vessells there except one they burnt etc.
They next took 5 or 6 sail of French bankers, among
them the ship they are now in, putting the Frenchmen on board the ship they took at Trepassi, for they
would not force or permit any of any nation to be with
them only English etc. Corroborates preceding. Signed,
Moyse Renos. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 2¼ pp. |
|
251. v. Inventory of goods taken on board the sloop Relief.
(v. Nos. i. and iii.) Same endorsement. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
(a) Bartholomew Roberts, the Pirate, to Lt. General
Mathew. Royall Fortune, Sept. 27th, 1720. This
comes expressly from me to lett you know that had
you come off as you ought to a done and drank a
glass of wine with me and my company I should not
harmed the least vessell in your harbour. Farther
it is not your gunns you fired yt. affrighted me or
hindred our coming on shore but the wind not proving
to our expectation that hindred it. The Royall Rover
you have already burnt and barbarously used some of
our men but we have now a ship as good as her and
for revenge you may assure yourselves here and hereafter not to expect anything from our hands but what
belongs to a pirate as farther Gentlemen that poor
fellow you now have in prison at Sandy point is
entirely ignorant and what he hath was gave him
and so pray make conscience for once let me begg you
and use that man as an honest man and not as a C
if we hear any otherwise you may expect not to have
quarters to any of your Island yours, Signed, Bathll.
Roberts. Copy. ½ p. |
|
(b) Henry Fowle to James Parsons. Sept. 27, 1720.
Requests him to send in the morning some sheep goats
etc. in a boat to the pirates. "I am treated very
civilly and promised to have my ship and cargo again
and desire Capt. Henksone to send his wheel that
he stears his ship with, or it may be the worse for
him" etc. Signed, Henry Fowle. Copy. ½ p. The
whole endorsed as preceding. [C.O. 152, 13. ff. 20–21v.,
23–24v., 25v.–26v., 27v.–28v., 29v.–32v., 33v., 34, 35v.] |
Oct. 6.
Whitehall. |
252. Mr. Delafaye to the Governors of Plantations. Encloses Additional Instruction relating to Money Bills. v. Aug.
11th. Signed, Ch. Delafaye. [C.O. 324, 34. pp. 15, 16.] |
Oct. 6.
Whitehall. |
253. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices.
Representation on petition of M. Hiriberry (13th Sept.). Refer
to representation of 5th June, 1719, upon which the late Lords
Justices did send orders to the Govr. of New England accordingly. But the letter from Mr. Delafaye upon the first memorials
from the sd. Hiriberry and upon which our foresd. Representatn. was made was dated the 28th May, 1719, and we now find
that H.M. was pleased about a fortnight before to grant the
said two vessels etc. to Capt. Smart (v. Sept. 13th). This being
the state of M. Hiriberry's case, we cannot see which way the
late Lords Justices gracious intentions towards him can be
made effectual without breaking in upon H.M. previous grant
to Capt. Smart and his crew unless your Excellencies should
be disposed to give the said Hiriberry a sum of mony in compensation for his losses. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 479–481.] |
| Oct. 6. |
254. Governor Nicholson to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Their Excellencies the Lords Justices having
been pleas'd on your Lordships' Representation of 30th Aug.,
to direct a Commission to pass the Great Seal for trying pirates
in South Carolina, but as the same cannot be dispatch'd till
proper persons are nam'd etc., prays them to lay before
their Excellencies the names of fit persons etc. Suggests a new
Commission for Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Signed,
Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. 6th., Read 11th, 1720. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
254. i. List of persons proposed by Governor Nicholson
to be of the Commission for trying pirates in S.
Carolina. Signed, F. Nicholson. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 358.
ff. 42–45v.] |
| Oct. 6. |
255. Governor Nicholson to Mr. Delafaye. Their Excys.
the Lords Justices having been pleased to signe an establishmt.
for the Independent Company designed for South Carolina,
but none for me as Governour, nor any other Millitary Officers,
encloses copy of an establishmt. for Govr. Philipps, "which
I had from ye Warr Office and I hope the Parliament will allow
the like for South Carolina which place in its present confusion
and unhappy circumstances can make no better allowance
than Nova Scotia etc. You will please observe to their Excellcys.
that the difference between Collo. Phillips's pay as Collo. and
mine as Capt. is 14s. a day, besides, he remained a long time
here with his pay as Govr. and had a great many advantages
of his officers and the clothing of his Regiment, none of wch.
I have or am like to have. Therefore I humbly hope that some
allowance will be made me for the great expence I have and
shall be at in providing equipage, necessarys for my voyage,
paying my passage and passing my Comicons; that for Captain
bearing date ye 24th of ye last month and that for Govr. the
26th so that my allowance as such can be but from those days.
I have got from the Offices, the payments and an accot. of
ye summs unissued on accot. of ye Garrison of Placentia by
which it will appear what savings there are particularly of the
pay of the Governour which was promised to me either as being
Governour or as being Genll. and Commander in Chief of the
forces in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland for which I had no
pay therefore I humbly hope I have an equitable pretence to
the said pay, but if their Excellcys. will be pleased to order me
the said savings it shall be very gratefully acknowledged by
me not only as a full satisfaction on that accot. but likewise
for my aforementioned expences."Has neglected his private
affairs in order to proceed on his voyage with all expedition etc.
Signed, Fr. Nicholson. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
255. i. Payments by Mr. Howe on account for the Garrison
of Placentia. April 1713–Dec. 1714. Total, £7447
12s. 1d. 2 pp. |
|
255. ii. Account of sums unissued by the Rt. Hon. Robt.
Walpole and the Earl of Lincoln for the Garrison of
Placentia, 1713–1717. Total remaining unissued,
£1482 12s. 1¾d. Total amount of the Governor's
pay 25th April, 1713–24th Aug., 1717. £1240 19s. 7d.
3pp. [C.O. 5, 387. Nos. 11, 11. i., ii.] |
| Oct. 7. |
256. Governor Nicholson to —Wase Esq. Prays
him to discourse Mr. Delafay about his establishment as
Governor etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, No order.
Addressed. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
256. i. Copy of Governor Phillips' Establishment:— |
|
(i.) Collo. Phillips as Collo. and Capt. |
£1 |
4 |
0 |
|
(ii.) Do. as Governor of Annapolis and
Placentia |
£2 |
14 |
9½ |
|
Lt. Governor of Annapolis Roya |
|
10 |
0 |
|
(iii.) Secretary to the Governor of Annapolis Royal and Placentia |
|
10 |
0 |
|
Fort Major or Adjutant |
|
4 |
0 |
|
Chaplain |
|
6 |
8 |
|
Commissary of the stores and provisions |
|
4 |
0 |
|
Comissary of the Musters and Judge
Advocate |
|
4 |
0 |
|
Fire and Candle |
|
7 |
0 |
|
½ p. [C.O. 5, 387. Nos. 12, 12. i.] |
| Oct. 11. |
257. List of 12 persons proposed to be of the Commission
for trying pirates in S. Carolina. Signed, Joseph Boone, Jno.
Barnwell. Endorsed, Recd., Read 11th Oct., 1720. ¾ p.
[C.O. 5, 358. ff. 46, 47v.] |
Oct. 11.
Whitehall. |
258. Order of Lords Justices in Council. The Lords Commissioners of Trade are forthwith to present the names of
persons proper for executing the Commission for trying pirates
in S. Carolina etc. Signed, Temple Stanyan. Endorsed, Recd.,
Read 13th Oct., 1720. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 358. ff. 48, 49v.] |
| Oct. 11. |
259. Mr. Dummer to Mr. Popple. Encloses following.
Some of the queries are not to be answered but on the spot or
from the Custom house books etc. Concludes: I am going to
the Old Bailey to prosecute a gang of rogues who have bin
counterfeiting our Province bills. I have seiz'd 900 of ye false
bills with all the copper plates. Signed, Jer. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. 11th Oct., Read 6th Dec., 1720. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
259. i. Mr. Dummer's answers to 21 Queries from the Council
of Trade and Plantations relating to the Massachusetts
Bay and New Hampshire. 4½ pp. [C.O. 5, 867.
Nos. 77, 77. i.] |
Oct. 13.
St. Albans, at sea. |
260. Commodore Percy to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following. Signed, F. Percy. Endorsed, Recd.
23rd. Read 28th Jan. 1720/21;. Addressed. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
260. i. Answers to Heads of Enquiry relating to Trade and
Fishery of Newfoundland. (v. April 6th) (i) Complaints of irregularities are not without just cause.
(ii) The rules of the Act are trifled with by most
persons, the Admirals have little regard to anything
but their own interests. (iii) Too common, unless
prevented by us. (iv) After the departure of the
convoy, it is customary for the ships remaining behind,
and the inhabitants resideing the winter; not only
to distroy the stages, flakes and cookrooms, but even
the fishing shallops etc. Nor is that care taken by
the masters of the fishing ships to repair the stages,
cook roomes etc. properly belonging to them; because
they sent their ships out of the Banks, having left
off fishing near the shore, hire the inhabitants stages,
store-houses etc. cheaper then they can repair those
that belongs to them; which has been a means of
several encroachments, and if some method be not
taken to prevent such practices, here will be no roome
left for the fishing ships to cure the fish, they bring
from the Banks; There has not all this summer,
neither is there in all this harbour, one stage standing
belonging to the fishing ships. (v) There are in this
harbour (i.e. St. Johns) many fishing ships roomes
unoccupied, it being chargable to build the flakes, etc.
Differences relating to them are generally decided by
the Admirals etc. (vi) Notwithstanding orders by
former Commanders, to several persons to relinquish
such stages, room's, storehouses etc. as have been by
them condemn'd as ships roomes, they have not
so done; particularly in St. Johns several persons
have engros'd on the Admiral's and Vice-Admirals
rooms, by building of dwelling and storehouses on
the same. 8 names given including that of Governor
Collins. The Admirals and masters of fishing ships
bring goods to trade with the planters which is the
reason they connive at these encroachments. (vii) They
continue to encroach on the fishing ships rooms;
because the masters don't keep up their stages, nor
imploy any shollops, but send their ships out on the
Banks to fish. (viii) The Byboatkeepers don't meddle
with ships' rooms, but hire from the inhabitants. (ix)
They don't comply with the Act in bringing over green
freshmen etc. No return is made by the Admirals.
(x) The inhabitants can't so well comply with the
Act, as to the number of green men, having no other
opportunity of procuring servants, then shiping such
as are free from the former masters, or passengers
directly from England. But the inhabitants of St.
Johns have intirely left off keeping of boats and
servants for fishing, the voyages has prov'd so bad for
several years past, that has impoverish'd the planters
very much, and made them uncapable of prosecuting
the fishery. They live by letting out their stages,
flakes etc. and keeping publick houses, to the great
detriment of the fishing trade, there being this year
only two boat keept by the inhabitants of St. Johns.
(xi) There are a great number of boats, trainfatts etc.
unoccupied. (xii) They do not rind more trees then
is made use off to cover the houses, and stages etc.,
nor do distroy timber otherwise, then for building and
fireing. (xiii) No complaint. (xiv) No. (xv) They
are not so ready to do justice to the several complaints,
which occasions abundance of trouble to us, to whom
all trivial complaints are made, as well as all appeals
from other harbours. (xvi) There being no parson,
the chaplain of my ship did duty etc. (xvii) There
has not been of late years, any aliens, or strangers,
that has presum'd to fish in any of the parts of Newfoundland, from Cape Bonavista to Saint Peters.
(xix) The inhabitants are supply'd with great quantities
of rum, moloss's, flower, pork, sugar, tobacco, black
cattle, sheep etc. from the American sloops, and New
England factors to the yearly value of £10,000 sterl.,
the produce of which is sent to Great Britain by bills
of exchange, and returned to America in linnen, and
woolen manufactorys. (xx) The inhabitants and
byboatkeepers are furnish'd with all their sail cloaths,
and furniture for the fishery, from England only.
(xxi, xxii) The scarcity of men very much enhances
the wages, insoemuch that a boats wages for five
men during the fishing season, will amount to £70,
the charge of the boat, craft, salt, and provisions for
curing 200 quintles amounts to £60 more, all which
charge is to be paid out of the fish that shall be taken
by three men in one shollop, the other two being left
on shore for curing the fish. For several years last
past, very few, if any of the inhabitants has taken so
much fish as would alone pay men's wages, and charges
of the boats, allowing the provisions intirely lost.
(xxiii) The fish taken by planters, byboats etc. is
alwayes at one, or the same price, and no manner of
difference in the charge of fishing, excepting the
mentaining winter servants, which the planters are
often necessitated to do, or want them the next season.
(xxiv) At Saint Johns, they drink and debauch
themselves all the winter, and their servants in cutting
firewood etc. In the other Southern parts they do
repair their houses, stages, flakes, and build boats
against the spring. But to the N. of Bay Verds the
planters and servants are imployed in seal fishing.
Last winter was taken in Trinity and Bonavist
260 tons of oyle etc. (xxv) The furr taken at Bonavist
amounts to £2000, which with the oyle was sent to
England. They have no commerce with the Indians,
who are a savage people, not as yet acquainted with
the use of guns. In the summer season they come
to the southward, have been seen near Bonavist.
In the winter they go further northward in canoose,
made of birchin rinds, which they sowe together with
the sinnews of bucks, and pay the seams with frankincence. (xxvi) The inhabitants' houses are generally
built above the flakes, and those near the shoare side,
are where no stages, or flakes can be, which is no
hindrance to the fishery. But there are a great many
publick hous's, and storehous's built near the waterside, which are encroachments on the fishing rooms,
and very prejudicial to them. (xxvii) All rooms cut
out by the inhabitants, that did not belong to the
fishing ships, since 1685, are still theres, tho' not
occupied by them, but let out to hire to the fishing
ships, and by boatkeepers, the rent of one boatsroom
being valued in peace at 6 or £7, and in warr 10 or 12.
(xxviii) 5 flakes of 100 x 46 ft. are esteemed to be a
boatsroom and generally built according to the ancient
custome, from the water side upwards. (xxix) There
has not been any records left of what room properly
belong to the fishing ships, which has been the occasion
of many disputes, and a means that the greatest part
of the ships-room is built upon, and possest by the
inhabitants of St. Johns. (xxx) The fishing ships,
and by boatkeepers furnish themselves with provisions
and craft from Great Brittain and Ireland. (xxxi)
No ship, that has not clear'd from Great Brittain on
a fishing voyage, that does not bring a certificate of
his quallification pursuant to the Act, is allowed to be
Admiral: But ships that are so quallified, notwithstanding they touch in Ireland for provisions, France
or Portugal for salt, are allowed the same liberty,
as if directlye from England. (xxxii) The putting
of passengers into possession of ships rooms, was
formerly practiced, but not lately. (xxxiii) The by
boatkeepers alwayes hire their stages, boatrooms etc.
from the inhabitants. They are the only support of
the fishery in this country, ought greatly to be encourag'd for their indefaticable industry, and hard
labour. (xxxiv) Some few fishing ships still follow
the custome of sharing the fish to the several persons
concern'd; the by boat keepers are generally three
of them partners in one boat, with only two servants,
and 'tis very remarkable, that they take every year
100 quintles of fish more then the inhabitants ever
do, who hire servants to fish for them, whilst they live on
the shoare, follow suttling, and pedling: which ruinated
many of them. The ships which goes on the Banks,
the master or merchant is at the charge of the ships
provisions, craft, etc. for the voyage. They often take
the poorer sort of inhabitants with them, who are
allow'd one third of all such fish as they shall respectively take, deliver'd to them cured and fitt for market.
This way is very good for certainly every man then
will be industrious etc. The charge of fitting a ship
from the builder, of 100 tons, with 50 men and 10
boats, will amount too for the whole season, allowing
£600 for the ship fitted, £1540. (xxxv) The British
ships do frequently import from France, Spain and
Portugal brandy, wine and oyle, which they bring in
their salt directly from thence seldom less then 30 sail,
every year uses that trade openly. I have taken
cognizance of the masters of those ships, as has done
it this year, in this port, which I leave to your Lordships determination. Three names given. (xxxvi) It
is sold to the inhabitants of Saint Johns, who all keep
taverns, and suttling houses, and drank here. It
cannot be exported to New England etc., because great
care is taken by the Custom house Officers in America,
it being prohibited, both ship and goods forfeited.
(xxxvii) Great quantities of rum is yearly imported
from New England etc. seldom less then 600 hhds.
(to the ruin and distruction of the people and country)
together with a considerable quantity of moloss's,
tobacco and sugar, all which is expend'd in this land;
but no cotton wool, dying wood, ginger or fustick,
has lately been brought here; nor any carried to
Spain, Portugal, or any other parts, by any indirect
trade. (xxxviii) 'Tis uncertain what quantitys of
goods in general are imported in all Newfoundland, but
this year by the nearest estimate has been brought into
this harbour, in bread, flower, pork, rum, moloss's,
tobacco, black cattle and sheep, from the American
Islands, and New England, to the value of £6000 sterl.,
all which is sold for fish, and laded on board the sack
ships, excepting some small quantities of refuse fish
sent in sloops to the Maderas, and American Plantations in the West Indies. (xxxix) The inhabitants of
Saint Johns keep taverns, and eating houses for the
masters of ships, and factors. Others suttle; but all
in general sell liquor to the fishermen, and seamen
belonging to the ships. Here are a nest of litle
pedlers, who goes under the denomination of merchant
factors, have small storehouses, sell rum, wine,
tobacco, and sugar by retail. Inhabit amongst the
planters all the winter, and involve them over head and
ears in debt, which after the fishing season, causes so
much villany, and knavery, as cannot be parraleld.
A planter by them, is often reduced to a servant,
and soon after to slavery for life; unless he transplants
himself to New England, leaving them in the lurch.
There is no limitting the publick houses by licence,
for after we saile there is neither law nor reason amongst
them, not so much as self preservative community.
(xl) The inhabitants and by boatkeepers do frequently
trust their servants with liquor, and tobacco to the
full of their wages. That at the end of the fishery,
they have not wherewithall to buy themselves bread.
Are necessitated to transplant themselves to New
England, or starve in the winter. (xli) The passage
of a servant from England is 50s., to £3, and back 30s.,
which is paid in fish to the masters of the ships in the
Land. (xlii) It is certain that trusting the fishing ships'
crew is very prejudicial to the masters concern'd in
the fishery. The people naturally love strong liquor,
and are too often in such a condition as make them
uncapable of performing their duty. (xliii) The
masters of fishing ships, and by boat keepers contrive
to leave their servants behind, by giving them too
great credit, or cheating of them; for open knavery
is here lookt upon no other, then close dealing. Last
year Capt. Ogle oblidg'd all the American sloops and
brigantins to sail out of this harbour with him; but
they had no sooner parted company, then those very
vessells returnd back againe to Saint Johns, for all
such men as would go with them to New England,
which they were fully freighted with etc. (xliv) The
New England masters do still continue to carry away
great numbers of fishermen, and others; notwithstanding that due care is taken to prevent it. The
Admirals of the several ports, were H.M. ships does not
reside, never trouble their heads about preventing
that pernicious practice. (xlv) In this port, no one
has, or shall depart without entring into such bonds,
and attested in such manner, as the same may be
prov'd in England; and unless some of the forfeited
bonds be put in execution, it will be imposible to
prevent them. John Miller, master of the Nassau
sloop off Charles Town in New England carryed off
Roger Parker from Renoose on purpose to cheat all
his servants, as may be proved by 5 names given.
(xlvi) I have represented to the respective Admirals,
the loss of credit the Newfoundland fish has in foreigne
markets etc., and find it chiefly oweing to the fishing
ships, who have left off keeping of shallops, and fishing
near the shoar; but send their ships, and vessells on
the Banks for a month, or five weaks, then bring the
fish into the land to cure; such fish as are caught
at the begining of the season, are good; if rightly
salted; but in the height of summer, and latter end
of the year, very bad. The by boat keepers and
planters are greatly to blame in not giving the fish
due time to cure on the flakes etc. If the ships continue goeing on the Banks, will in a few years ruinate
this trade, and country; tho' the rum has struck
a great stroke towards it already. (xlvii) Great
numbers of French fishing ships use the Banks on the
coast of Canada, and Cape Breton. (xlviii) There
are not above 10 French residents in St. Peters, St.
Lawrences, and in Placentia; who conforme to the
Treaty, and are supply'd with craft and servants from
England; but here are brought over every year by
the Bristol, Biddiford and Bastable ships great
numbers of Irish roman Catholick servants, who all
settle to the southward in our Plantations; which if
a warr with France etc. would be a direct means of
loosing this country, who would joyne with any
enemy, if some care be not taken to suppress the same,
it may not be improbable that these very fellowes
may turn pyrotts in a little time, especially, after a bad
fishing voyage. (xlix) The French fish in the northern
parts of this land, but don't reside there all the winter,
nor build houses, neither do they come from any other
parts to hunt for furr, but there are a sort of French
Indians who take a considerable quantity of furr in
the winter and sell to our tradeing people. (1) The
officers don't concern themselves with the fishery in
Placentia, which place is of the least consequence to
the fishery of this land, it lying farr out of the way in
a deap bay; where very little fish is caught. It was
of great service to the French in time of warr, where
there So. Sea West India and Banck ships joyned the
convoy, which every fall lyes ready for them there,
as well as annoying our trade here, and along the
American coast. (li) George Skeffington has met with
no molestation this summer. Has imployed 30 men
servants in the salmon fishery, 20 of which were raw,
green men. Has taken 530 tirces of salmon, 330 of
which was sent to Italy and 200 to Bilboa, price
£1 15s. pr. tirce. There was taken last winter £2000
in furr, and £4000 in sceal oyle, which sceal fishery
in a little time will be of great advantage, in and
about Bonavista. H.M.S. St. Albans. St. Johns, 8th
Oct., 1720. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 11½ pp. |
|
260. ii. Scheme of the Fishery at Newfoundland, 1720.
Totals: Fishing ships, sack ships and ships from
America, 101; Burthen, 12,210 tons; men belonging
thereto, 2,240; passengers on the fishing ships, 1,206;
number of boats kept, 617; by boatsmen, 713;
quintals of fish made, 80,220; carried to foreign
markets, 94,030; train oyl, 590½ tons; price, 28
ryals pr. quintal of fish; £16 pr. ton of oyl; stages,
276; train fatts, 138; inhabitants, 2,320, of which
2,057 remained in the country last winter. Details
of ports, etc. given. Signed, dated and endorsed as
preceding. 2 pp. |
|
260. iii–vii. Five bonds in £500 each given by the Masters
of New England ships, only to depart with such men
as really belong to their ships etc. H.M.S. St. Albans.
5th Aug.–27th Sept., 1720. Endorsed as preceding,
5 pp. [C.O. 194, 7. ff. 1v., 3, 5–12v., 13–17v.,
18v.] |
Oct. 14.
London. |
261. Mr. Cumings to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Having received a letter from Boston dated 2nd Sept. in which
I have the following paragraph, "This morning arrived att
Boston from Canso Mr. Henshaw son in a sloop who brings the
bad news of the French setting the Indians upon the English
fishery there the 15th Aug. with French amongst them and
seized to the value of £10,000 sterl. in fish and merchandize
and carried it over to Cape Bretton and killed three English
men the English have taken severall of the French that were
in the action and have sent them prisoners to Govr. Philips att
Annapolis Royall." The above coming from a gentleman of
credite I thought itt my duty to lay itt before your Lordships
as also that by the printed news from Boston of 29th Aug. the
Indians in the eastern settlements of New England by instigation
of the French missionaries insult the English by killing their
catle and robbing ther houses which has obleidged the people
to leave ther habitations and goe into garrisons as farr as York
in the province of Maine. My Lords, I am most humbly of
opinion that unless the eastern parts of New England and the
coast of Nova Scotia be protected by the Crown the setlements
cannot be carried on in safety nor the fishery to advantage
which is capable of great improvements and if the french
missionaries amongst the Indians in the Brittish Dominions
be not obleidged to retire the inhabitants will not be able to live
in peace and tranquillity while they remain. Signed, Archd.
Cumings. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 18th Oct., 1720.
Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 3. No. 12.] |
Oct. 14.
London. |
262. Same to Mr. Secretary Craggs. Duplicate of preceding.
Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 23. No. 32.] |
Oct. 16.
Albany. |
263. Extract of letter from Mr. John Riggs to Genl. Nicholson. The hammocks you are pleased to say, you left at Fort
Nicholson, I never heard of them before, nor Sr. do you name with
whom you left them. Lt. John Scott has, for these several years,
been posted at Fort Hunter with twenty sentinels, a sergeant,
corporal and drum, as is still Capt. Schuyler at Schonnectady
with the like complement. Mr. Andrews, as to the progress
he made with ye Indians, there is very little if any appaarence
of it, for they soon return'd to their primitive state again. The
French at Canada are still very busy with our Five Nations, and
take much more pains to gain them than we do to keep them;
I think we are much in the wrong to suffer the French to come
daily to Albany to buy what goods they want, with which
they supply our Indians and the foreign Nations, and have got
leave of the Senecaes to build a fort at Orijagray, the place at
which the foreign Nations must pass over to come to us, with
two or three forts more up towards the Lake Erie. Sr. you
must believe the French have a great interest wth. our Indians,
when they can or dare do this, pray God send, we do not lose
them. Sr., you know the consequence and what must follow.
In the beginning of Sept. our Precedent Queeder came up here
to renew our Covenant and secure the Chaine, but half the
number did not come as usual, so that the Chaine was not well
secured in my thoughts. As for the clothing of yours to be
given to the Indians, you mention. I never heard of any given
or to be given to them. As for the plate belonging to Fort
Hunter in ye Mohacks Country, it was left with Lt. Scott, who
commands there, by Mr. Andrews when he went away. As for
the plate and furniture for ye Anendagoes Fort, Mr. Bartlett our
Priest tells me Colo. Hunter still has it, for there never was any
Fort erected there as yet, nor Minister appointed. Our good
priests were never cut out for hard labour, nor will they work
miracles in Religion till they can ly on ye ground, Sir, as we
have done for months together, and be very glad when they
can meet with a piece of bear otherwise called an Oghquary,
or of a fox or racune without either bread or salt to it. I beg
your Honrs. pardon for naming a small march we had to Norridge
Walk from Pemequid against ye French and Indians about
30 years ago. The fellow to this march would qualify one of
our Priests or Ministers, as they must be called, for a missionary
abroad. Sir you remember I was one of ye officers commanded
on that service, and we performed it, burnt their fort to ye
ground; on that service officers and soldiers carryed their own
provision in a leather knapsack; a few pease, a few bisketts
and a piece of salt pork were our provision and store; marched
out 250 miles upon the snow four or five foot deep under us,
our drink was snow melted in our mouths, never saw one house,
at night cut down some spruce boughs to lye upon, and if it
chanc'd to snow we lay the warmer under it, while the fort was
burning down I was warm, and having an inclination to clean
linnen, I went to turn my shirt but found nothing except the
neck of it, nor did I know when it went away. As to the
Palatines there are still some at Mr. Levingston's Plantation,
and a pretty many at Scoherye, but I never was among them;
some are gone to the Garsees [? = Jerseys, Ed.] and some to
Philadelphia Governmt. where they think to fare the best.
Few or none of our Indians coming here this season, I could
not procure you those things they used to bring. 2½ pp.
[C.O. 5, 387. No. 13]. |
Oct. 17.
New York. |
264. Governor Burnet to Mr. Popple. Encloses following
etc. Signed, W. Burnet. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 27th
Dec. 1720. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
264. i. Speech of Governor Burnet to the Assembly of New
York, 13th Oct., 1720. Refers to his "incomparable
predecessor" and the flourishing state of the Province
as left by him "who is still ready to take care of its
interests, which H.M. favour, and the general regard
shown him at home will give him great opportunity
of doing etc. I meet a Council and Assembly who
assisted him in those great and good measures, that
are now completely confirmed by H.M." Urges
provision for the great deficiency of the present
Revenue, and defence of the frontiers against the
intrigues of the French with the Five Nations and other
Indians and their advance "every day farther into
our country, building trading houses in the main
passes belonging to it" etc. Same endorsement.
Printed. 2½ pp. |
|
264. ii. Opinion of the Chief Justice of New York. The
opinion that an Assembly is ipso facto dissolved by
the publication of a new Governor's commission is
but of late date and without any foundation in law etc.
Argued. Signed, Lewis Morris. Same endorsement.
6½ pp. |
|
264. iii. Similar opinion of the Attorney General. New
York, 24th Sept. 1720. Signed, David Jamisson.
2¾ pp. |
|
264. iv. A. Hamilton to Dr. Johnson. Philadelphia, 27th
Sept., 1720. The men of the best judgment here
agree with preceding etc. 3¼ pp. |
|
264. v. Copy of writ for choosing Representatives of the
present Assembly of New York. Endorsed as covering
letter. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1052. ff. 90v.–100v.] |
Oct. 18.
Whitehall. |
265. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices.
Representation upon Act of Barbados, 1719, to impower the
Governor or Commander in Chief and Council to commute the
value of powder, armes and ammunition or other stores, that are
or shall be found wanting in the account of store keepers of the
Magazines, and to reduce the same into money. The magazine
in Barbados is supply'd by a duty laid of so much powder
pr. ton on all vessels trading thither, which is to be paid in
specie and not in money least otherwayes there might not be
a sufficient quantity of powder to be purchas'd in the Island
upon an emergency, which, in time of war, has sometimes
happen'd. But this law impowers the Governor and Council
to receive money from a storekeeper upon the making up of his
accounts in lieu of such stores as he cannot account for which
cannot answer the end for which ye powder duty was given,
and may prove of dangerous consequence to the Island. One
of the pretences for the passing of this law is the making the
storekeeper accountable which seems to us unnecessary in as
much as the storekeeper upon the entering upon his office is
already oblig'd to give security in ye sum of £10,000 that Island
money and to take an oath for ye faithfull discharge of his duty.
Upon the whole, we are humbly of opinion that this Act is not
fit to receive H.M. Royal approbation. [C.O. 29, 14. pp.
82–84.] |
Oct. 18.
Whitehall. |
266. Same to Same. Enclose copy of Mr. Cuming's
letter Oct. 14 supra. Upon this occasion we humbly represent
to your Excellencies our opinion that restitution be made to
H.M. subjects, who have had their fish and effects thus seized
before any satisfaction be given to Mr. Hiriberry as was proposed by our former representations of 5th June, 1719 and 6th
instant. And so much the rather because this seizure seems
plainly to be intended as a reprizal for that particular case.
What we have further to observe upon this head is, that our
possession of Nova Scotia, and the fishery on that coast is very
likely to be very precarious till that Province shall be better
settled, a sufficient force sent thither and some small forts
erected in proper places for the protection of the British vessels
fishing on that coast but more especially in the harbour of
Canco. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 484, 485.] |
Oct. 18.
Whitehall. |
267. Mr. Delafaye to Governor Shute. The Lords Justices
send you enclosed Order that you may take care to have it
safely convey'd to the French Govr., and may obtain the
release of those prisoners pursuant to the Law of Nations and
the Treaty of Peace between the two Crowns, etc. Signed,
Ch. Delafaye. Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read 21st Oct., 1720.
1 p. Enclosed, |
|
267. i. Order by the Regent of France to M. le Marquis le
Vaudreuil. M. Sutton complains that you keep in
captivity several English prisoners. The Council can
hardly believe it, for in that case you have not performed the orders given to you 28th June, 1713. In
case you still have any English prisoners, you are to
give them full liberty to return home, or remain in
the Colony, if they choose. Signed, L. A. de Bourbon.
¾ p. French. Copy. Encloses following. |
|
267. ii. Sir Robert Sutton to the Duke of Orleans, Regent
of France. Paris, 19th Sept. (N.S.) 1720. The
Governor of Canada has refused to give back several
English prisoners taken during the last war, although
the Governor of New England has often claimed them
by virtue of the 23rd Article of the Treaty of Utrecht.
Requests H.R.H. to despatch orders for their release etc.
Signed, Rob. Sutton. Copy. French. ¾ p. [C.O.
5, 867. Nos. 76, 76., i., ii; and 324, 34. pp. 16–18.] |
| [Oct. 20.] |
268. [?John Conrad Weiser] to the Lords Justices ("the Lords
honourable to Deputies in the Regency"). On behalf of the
Palatinates in New York returns thanks for permission "to
choise us a land fit for us farmers and grasiers of cattel." They
unanimously ordered us to desire a grant of the land called
Schettery, the most fruitful and convenient for the purpose in
the whole country etc. No signature. v. 25th Oct. Endorsed,
20th Oct., 1720, Read 18th May, 1722. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1053.
ff. 52, 53v.] |
| [Oct. 21.] |
269. Capt. Benjamin Young to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Describes coast, fishery and harbours of Nova
Scotia. Continues:—But what excells them all is Canso, which
is invaluable for its fishery. Tis here such great quantitys
of codd herring and macrell swarm amongst the Islands that
when I was there in H.M.S. Rose there was then 96 sail of
English and 200 French makeing their voyages, the English
vessells from 50 to 70 tonns the French small shallops and when
fish is scarce at other places here they are always plenty for
on letting the line down they draw up two and two as fast as
they can pull it. Upon my arrivall at Canso haveing observ'd
the French was come over with a design to fish I order'd them
away to there own coast and after went with H.M. ship to Lewisbourgh were Monsieur St. Ovid Brouillard the then governor
assur'd me he knew nothing of those fishermen goeing over for
that 'twas contrary to the Treaty of Peace and that he should
take caution to prevent their doeing the like for the future.
I sayled again to Canso were our vessells were all soon laden.
When a ship of warr is not there or any thing to hinder the
French fishing amongst us then our fishing vessells cannot
take 4 fish when they will take tenn. They fish with fresh
and we with salt bait we come 180 leagues they but 7: they
in small boats we in large sloops all which for want of a garrison
or a protection of our people from the indians who the French
sett on to our ruin in those parts. If a fort were to be built
King Georges Island formerly call'd Canso Island would be
the best place which fortification would command the harbour
and beaches etc., and prevent the French or Indians from disturbing us. A ship of warr must attend the work till its compleated, which whenever they appear in the Plantations carrys
awe to the French, and dread to the Indians. I must humbly
beg your Lordshipps' favour if there is a small ship sent there
for myself, who have served the Crown 24 years etc., there being
no officer in England who knows the coast or place but myself.
Signed, B. Young. Endorsed, Recd. 21st, Read 27th Oct.,
1720. Addressed. 2 pp. [C.O. 217, 3. No. 13.] |
Oct. 22.
Virginia. |
270. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I have commissioned Col. Jenings Secretary of
this Colony in place of Dr. Cocke decd. etc. Recommends John
Robinson to succeed him in the Council etc. Set out, Spotswood
Papers. II. 343. Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd.
30th Nov., Read 2nd Dec., 1720. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 1318.
No. 78.] |
| Oct. 24. |
271. Governor Burnet to Mr. Popple. Encloses duplicates
by way of Philadelphia of what sent by way of Boston, 17th
Oct. etc. Signed, W. Burnet. Endorsed, Recd. 1st, Read
14th Feb., 1720/1 Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1052. ff. 149,
150v.] |
| Oct. 25. |
272. John William Schaff to the [?Council of Trade and
Plantations]. After the government put to our choice whether
we would rather stay in Schuchary or go to another place, I
choose in the name of our people the above sayd Schuchary,
which was cultivated by us with great pains and where we have
built houses etc., the leaving of which would be very hard and
which we can never resolve to do except a full satisfaction
would be made to us etc. I protest against the acceptation
of the land called Schattera, for which my comrade John Wiser
is, because there is never a city nor any strong place for our
defence, so that we would be a prey to our enemies, for every
minute (v. Oct. 20th). Signed, John William Schaff. Endorsed,
Recd. 25th Oct., 1720. Read 18th May, 1722. ¾ p. [C.O.
5, 1053. ff. 54, 55v.] |
| Oct. 25. |
273. Henry Newman to Mr. Delafaye. Honoured Sr.,
I have made a new enquiry into the progress of the New
Bubble, I had the honour to mention to you t'other day,
for sale of H.M. subjects and the lands they have improv'd
in the whole Province of N. Hampshire and about 30
towns and villages in the northern part of the Province of
Massachusetts Bay, and am inform'd from good hands that
the affair still goes on. Mrs. Jane Allen of Highgate widow, is
selling her pretended right and that of her children to a grant
formerly made to James Mason Esq. in that part of America
for £15,000 to Capt. Ben. Young, Mr. Cummins and Mr. Campbell
and others who propose to divide it into 2500 shares and to sell
each share at 30l. and that each proprietor shall advance 10l.
towards the purchase and 6 months after 10l. more, and the
remaining 10l. as there may be occasion, making in all 75,000l.
under a pretence of more effectually carrying on a fishery and
the raising of Naval Stores in those parts. In order to which
they are now attending my Lord Chancellor to get the will of
Mr. Allen deceased proved in Chancery and his Lordships
approbation of guardians for the children impower'd to sell
the same for payment of debts and raising fortunes to the
children out of the effects that shall remain. If you think fit
to let His Excellency know of this, I am sure whatever decree
His Lordship may grant in their favour he will never encourage
the real design of the purchasers, much less enable them to
disturb the present possessors of those lands who have defended
them above 70 years past from the French and Indians at the
expence of a river of blood, and an immense treasure under
which they groan to this day. Signed, Henry Newman.
[C.O. 5, 931. No. 12.] |
| [Oct. 27.] |
274. Memorial from several merchants trading to Carolina.
What may be done to retrieve the desolation of Carolina etc.
To recover the friendship of the Indians, by encouraging trade
under proper restrictions, such as prohibiting selling to them
upon trust, which was the chief occassion of the last warr, being
drove thereto by despair; prohibiting upon yet greater penalties
the selling as a slave any person of the Nations in amity with
us. To prevent abuse therein, none but deputies from the
publick should have power to buy Indian slaves from those
Indians in alliance with us as taken in warr, to be transported
to the Islands etc. To discourage the sale of strong liquors
to them etc. A law, that nobody may have more than 10
negroes to a white man etc. No law that may regard directly
or indirectly the subjects of Great Britain (other than those
residing actually in Carolina) ought to have force against them
untill ratified in England. No law to be enacted in Carolina
repugnant to the laws of England. No law for the future to
oblige anybody to take paper in payment of debts which hath
been the mainspring of the ruin of that province and of the
honestest part of France. A due execution of the laws ratified
in England, and no protection for those that bids defyance to
them etc. Merchants will then adventure their estates to help
them, when no more at the discretion of designing men, who
under spetious pretences have introduced paper money that
they might under the shelter of a law pay their debts, at the
rates of 2/6 per pound. Unless the paper can be sunck and their
money be reduced to the old standard according to H.M.
proclamation, there will be no safety for honest men to adventure thither. Signed, Steph. Godin and 15 others. Endorsed,
Recd., Read 27th Oct., 1720. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 358. ff. 50,
50v., 51v.] |
| Oct. 27. |
275. Governor Nicholson to Mr. Delafaye. I find there is
a difficulty concerning agreeing with ye Masters of ye two
transports bound to Carolina, about ye freight of the stores
from ye Tower, therefore humbly begg their Excellcys. will
please to give directions to the Comrs. of Transports to agree
about them etc., and of the freight of the presents for the Indians
concerning which the Lords of the Treasury will this day give
directions; and the freight of 3 months subsistence for the
Company etc. Refers to enclosures, and proposes that 600 gallons
of Geneva in lieu of beer be sent from Portsmouth where I
hear is the best and cheapest it is a drink I find the soldiers
much use and that taking a dram moderately is very wholsom
etc. So soon as directions are given concerning these things
I hope the ships will sail round for Portsmouth and Plymouth
in order to take the men on board etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson.
Marked in margin, alld. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
275. i. Same to the Secretary of the Victualling Board.
20th Oct., 1720. I was very much concerned to find
that the Honble. Commrs. had made any scruple
about ye beer wch. is one of the principall species of
provisions necessary for the men bound to Carolina
considering that part of it which we are designed for
is very nigh 200 miles from any town. We are to
lye in tents or hutts and not certain whither we shall
find good water soon etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson.
Copy. 1 p. |
|
275. ii. Secretary of the Victualling Office to Governor
Nicholson. Victualling Office. 21st Oct., 1720. The
Commissioners having already furnished the usuall
species of provisions for men going to Carolina, cannot
do anything more therein without further directions
etc. Signed, Sprig Manesty. Copy. ½ p. [C.O. 5,
387. Nos. 14, 14. i., ii.] |
Oct. 27.
Whitehall. |
276. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Justices.
In reply to 11th inst., present names of persons proper for
executing commission for trying pirates in S. Carolina. [C.O.
5, 400. pp. 135, 136.] |
Oct. 31.
Bermuda. |
277. Lt. Governor Bennett to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. A vessell touching here from South Carolina
gives me this opportunity etc. On 17th Aug. last was held a
Court of Admiralty for the trial of two persons accused of
piracy, one whereof was acquitted, the other pleading guilty
sentence of death passed against him, and was accordingly
executed: the proceedings of the Court are herewith sent.
Refers to letter etc. of 24th Dec., and encloses Minutes of Council,
7th June, 1708–7th June, 1720 etc. Signed, Ben. Bennett.
Endorsed, Recd. 20th March, 1720/1, Read 13th June, 1722.
1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
277. i. Proceedings of Court of Admiralty, Bermuda as above.
Aaron Gibbens found not guilty, William Bournal
guilty etc. Same endorsement. 10 pp. |
|
277. ii. News, 1720. Bermuda. On 6th July Capt. Francis
Landy, Commander of the privateer sloop Devonshire
fitted out by the inhabitants returned from his cruse
on the Spanish coast. Reports that on 11th May off
of Cape Rose on Hispaniola he discovered two Spanish
privateers standing without him. Having a small
privateer in company which he had taken some time
before, he quitted her for a decoy, which one of them
gave chase to, the other makeing for him. He
engaged for six hours, boarding the enemy thrice,
and after an obstinate defence carried him, then came
up the other Spanish privateer, but upon giveing her
two broadsides she made for the shoar and there set
her afire. The sloop taken had 8 great guns and 85
men, 25 whereof were killed in the fight and 6 wounded.
Capt. Landy had 14 guns and 75 men, 4 of whom
were killed and 19 wounded. St. Christophers. Two
private vessells, one a ship of 34 guns, the other a
sloop of 6 guns, haveing on board them both 130 men
cut out of Bassetere road a loaded ship and burnt
another that had begun to take in sugar, that cut out
they kept two days and then gave her to the Capt.
without doeing much damage: these pirates have
been at Newfoundland and had burnt, sunk and taken
above 20 sail etc. Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O.
37, 10. Nos. 25, 25. i., ii.] |
Oct. 31.
Barbados. |
278. Mr. Frere to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses Minutes of Council, 30th June—Oct. 25th, and of
General Assembly, 30th June—Oct. 18th, and Naval Office,
25th June—25th Sept. I shall send duplicates etc. Signed, Jno.
Frere. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd Dec., 1720, Read 18th May,
1721. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
278. i. List of papers enclosed, as above. Same endorsement.
⅓ p. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 91, 92v., 93, 94v.] |
