|
April 1.
Whitehall. |
441. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Carteret.
Encloseletter from Mr. Keen, and Memorial of inhabitants of
Petty Harbour, 24th Dec., 1720, "relating to a wilfull murder
committed there, that orders may be given for the prosecution
of the malefactor who is now in Exeter gaol, and the Capt. who
brought him over may be heard of at the New England
coffee-house near the Royal Exchange. The great disorders
complain'd of in the annexed memorial are a further reason
with us for the giving all possible encouragement to engage the
inhabitants of Newfoundland to remove to Nova Scotia or to
some other of H.M. Colonies on the Containent of America,
according to the opinion of this Board 19th Dec., 1718, and
agreeable to the Instructions given by H.M. to His Governor
of Nova Scotia for that purpose; for such inhabitants as do
remain in Newfoundland after the return of the Fishery Fleet
besides their disorderly way of living there do for the most part
promote the trade and fishery of New England to the detriment
of their Mother Kingdom." [C.O. 195, 7. pp. 76–78.] |
April 3.
Whitehall. |
442. Lord Carteret to the Lt. Governor of Placentia. You are
to comply with the terms of the enclosed Representation, in order
to the putting a speedy and effectual end to the works of the
new fort etc. Signed, Carteret. Annexed, |
|
442. i. Board of Ordnance to the Master General [the Duke
of Marlborough] Feb. 24, 1720/1. After several years
sollicitations of the merchants loading to Newfoundland, to have forts erected for their defence,
particularly at Placentia, promising to transport the
materials thither for building at very easy rates, we
did make an estimate for building a fort at that place,
at £2500, which was granted by Parliament in 1718.
But the fishing ships and traders instead of taking
in these materials as ballast at 3 or 4 shillings per tun
(as we had hopes given us) would scarcely be prevailed
upon to take any, and those, that they did, cost us
from 12 to 45s. pr. tun, insomuch that it was full two
years before we could get a sufficient quantity transported, and send the artificers with necessary orders
for going to work. Accordingly the work is begun,
and altho' it appears upon making up the last year's
account, that we have already exceeded by £1400
what was granted by Parliament, yet the materials
and artificers, who are in constant pay, whilst there,
being upon the spot, we think it will be a saving as
well as an advantage to the publick to continue that
work, and get the exceedings hereafter from Parliament, which will not be much more, than what's
already abovementioned. As this place affords
neither materials, artificers nor labourers, and the
working season very short, yr. Grace will easily conceive the necessity of being effectually assisted by
the Governor with soldiers for labourers at the usual
rate paid by the Crown, who without his care and
diligence to prevent it, will hire themselves to be
employed in the Fishery preferable to this service.
This small affair having already proved tedious and
vexatious, as well as expensive, it will be necessary,
the Commanding Officer should be strictly ordered
not to employ or dispose of any part of the materials
of the old Forts, it being intended they should be made
use of in building the new one, and upon no account to
employ any of the boats, nor suffer any of the soldiers
to be employed but in this service directly, and it is
to be wished that the settlers there may be kept in
better order, for want of which our artificers etc. are
spoiled with drink to the destruction of the service.
If these articles are effectually complied with, we may
soon expect to see this small work finished, otherwise
it will be endless. Signed, T. White, John Armstrong,
T. Wheate, Cha. Wills, M. Richards. Copy. [C.O.
324, 34. pp. 50–53.] |
April 4.
St. James's. |
443. H.M. Warrant for admitting Anthony Swymmer to
the Council of Jamaica, in the room of Francis Rose decd.
Countersigned, Carteret. Copy. [C.O. 324, 34. pp. 42, 43.] |
| April 4. |
444. Earl of Harborough to [?the Council of Trade and Plantations]]. Recommends James Lawes to fill a vacancy in Council
of Jamaica. Signed, Harborough. Endorsed, Recd. Read 4th
April, 1721. ¼ p. [C.O. 137, 13. No. 47.] |
April 5.
Salem in New England |
445. Charles Blechynden to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Refers to letter of 20th Aug. last. Continues:
The clandestine trade carried on in this countrey to Cape
Breton with lumber, provisions, tobacco etc. brings from thence
wine, brandy, linnens, silks, etc. not only of the growth and
production of France but of Spain too. I have sevl. times laid
these matters before our Surveyor Genl. as also Governor Shute
who has for several sessions endeavoured to bring in a bill
for prohibiting of trade to Cape Breton and which had twice
the concurrence of H.M. Council: But was thrown out by the
Representatives with this reason that here is Officers of H.M.
Custom's and let them look to that affair. How impossible
it is to prevent these illegal practices your Lordships may
perceive by the following etc. These vessels that trades to
Cape Breton goes under a pretence of fishing, and soe wee have
no opportunity of meeting with them; for wee have above
400 vessels belonging to the Fishery and if we had 500 officers
it would not prevent this trade; by reason of the largement of
the country and the many harbours and creeks belonging to
the same. If we had an Act of Parliament to oblidge the owners
wth. the masters of every fishing vessel to give security, only
to proceed upon their fishing voyage as also not to take in any
prohibited goods at sea, or any place whatsomever it would be
of great service etc. Signed, Chas. Blechynden, Collr. Surveyer
and Navl. Officer. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 8th June, 1721.
Addressed. Postmark. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 49, 49v., 50v.] |
April 6.
Whitehall. |
446. Mr. Popple to Mr. Carkesse. Encloses Instructions
for Governor Lord Irwin, and enquires whether the Commissioners of Customs think any alterations necessary etc.
[C.O. 29, 14. pp. 106, 107.] |
April 12.
Middle Temple. |
447. Mr. Newman to Mr. Popple. Encloses following.
Signed, Henry Newman. Endorsed, Recd. 13th April, Read
7th Sept., 1721. 1p. Enclosed, |
|
447. i. Answers to Queries relating to New Hampshire.
(i) The situation of the Province is between the
Massachusetts Bay and Province of Main etc. (ii) The
N. bounds is Piscataqua River to the head of it at
Quamphegon Falls and from thence a North line
westwardly into the Main, the S. bounds is 3 miles
N. of Merrimack River at the Atlantick Ocean from
thence a West line into the Main parallel with the
Massachusetts line. (iii) Constitution described.
(iv) The trade is wholly lumber, fish and masts for
the Royal Navy, the shipping about 20 sail of 50 to
100 tons besides fishing vessels etc. The trade is much
decreased of late by reason of the poor price lumber
bears in the West Indies, and little encouratement
to send it to Great Britain, by reason of the high duty
on it there. (v) The inhabitants depend wholly on
Great Britain for woolens and linnens cordage canvas
iron etc. to the value of about £40,000 pr. ann.
(vi) Lumber and refuse fish are sent to the West Indies
from whence for returns comes sugar, molasses, cotton
wool, and rum, without some remitances for Great
Britain. The merchantable fish is sent to Portugal
and Spain, from whence comes nothing but salt for
the Fishery the greatest part of the produce being
remitted for payment of the British commodities.
(vii) The method to prevent illegal trade is a preventing officer call'd a Collector whose care and vigilance
has hitherto proved effectual. (viii) Lumber fish
and masts with a small matter of tar and turpentine
are the only produce and manufacture of this Province,
tho' the soil is capable of bearing very good hemp and
flax and making great quantities of tar and turpentine
but seed is wanting for the first and men and skill for
ye latter. (ix) There are no mines yet discovered
except a small matter of iron which does not prove
rich. (x) The annual produce of fish, lumber etc.
is about £40,000. (xi) The number of inhabitants,
about 9,000, of which 150 blacks. (xii) The number
of inhabitants increase. (xiii) Militia, about 1500.
(xiv) There is only one Fort, which mounts 42 great
guns and that much not of repair, and poorly provided
with stores especially poweder of which not above
20 barrels in stock. It is on New Castle Island at the
entrance of piscataqua River where is a very good
harbour capable of receiving a great number of ships
of the greatest burthen. (xv) There are no Indian
Settlements within this Province. (xvi) The nearest
Indian Settlements are Nurridgwock and Penobscot,
the one about 130 and the other about 150 miles from
hence, whose strength is between 5 and 600 men.
(xvii) The French Plantations in our neighbourhood
are the country of Canada, and the late Settlement of
Cape Breton etc. In all which vast country they have
not above 1500 effective men and about 5000 souls.
They have 30 companies as they love to reckon, but
they don't make 12 men, one company with another.
(xviii) The French Setlements have a very ill effect
on these Provinces by continually instigating the
Indians who are very numerous about Qucbeck against
the English. (xix) The Revenue is about £100 per
annum, and that from time to time appropriated by
the Genearal Assembly towards support of governement.
(xx) The ordinary expenses of this Government is
about £1000 pr. annum in time of peace; in time of
warr £2000 and more in case of expeditions which is
rais'd by assessments on heads and estates. (xxi)
There are neither civil nor military establishments.
The General Assembly annually presents the Governour
with about £200 who with the Lieutenant Governour.
51/8 pp. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 111, 112–114v., 116v.] |
April 12.
Admty office. |
448. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. H.M.S. Flambrough
being under orders to return home from Carolina, asks for any
proofs of the charges against the Captain. (v. 3rd and 17th
Nov. 1720). Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, read
18th April, 1721. Addressed. 1p. [C.O. 5, 358. ff. 79, 80v.] |
April 12.
Antigua |
449. Governor Hamilton to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following, "believing at this juncture
it will be of service to your Lordships" etc. There are several
Acts and other papers which now lye before me to be transmitted
to your Lordships. but the notice given me of this oppertunity
from St. Christophers was too short for me to dispatch them etc.
Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 5th June, Read 6th
July, 1721. 2pp. Enclosed, |
|
449. i. List of present possessors of the late French lands in
the Basse Terre quarter of St. Christophers, with
acreage. 3½ pp. Signed, Antho. Ravell. Endoresed,
as preceding. 3½ pp. [C.O. 152, 13. ff.251, 251v.,
252v.–255, 256, 256v.] |
April 13.
Admiralty Office. |
450. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Encloses following,
transmitted to the Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty by Mr.
Burniston. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 17th April,
Read, 5th Sept., 1721. 1p. Enclosed, |
|
450. i. Mr. Armstong to Mr. Burniston. Duplicate of Jan.
10.No. 1. q.v. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 84–87, 88, 92v.]
|
April 14.
Whitehall. |
451. Order of Council. Referring to Committee of Council
Representation of Board of Trade, 30th March, relating to the
suspension of several Members of Council of Barbados. Signed,]
Robert Hales. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 8th June, 1721. 1p.
[C.O. 28, 17. ff. 124, 125v.] |
April 15.
Leicester Fields |
452. Robert Lowther to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to Mr. Gordon's Memorial (v. 31st March). The
Act depriving him of his benefice was passed in conformity
with my Instructions etc. As to his character, there is the
cloud of depositions by persons of the best distinction in the
Island, entred in the Minutes of Council, 16th Feb., 1720.
None of the facts contained in the said affidavits were controverted before the Lords of the Committee, or their Excellencys,
nor none of the said depositions admitted to be read from the
opposition made there by his Council etc., and he has offered
nothing in confutation thereof. He served me with the Order of
Council of 25th June, 1719, one the 29th Sept. and stayed till 12th
Dec., but although he was told by the Judges that they would
proceed upon said order and take depositions etc., he never
proceeded thereupon but privately imbarked for England etc.,
and gave out that I contemned the Order etc. By these and
other artifices he obtained a report in his favour. As to his
commitment, it was grounded on an oath made by the Chief
Collector of Customs for defamation. (v. Minutes of Council,
17th Feb., 1720). The pious divine in order to gratify his
revenge dos not scruple to own his trading which is forbid by
the Statute of the 21st of Hen. viii. ch. 13th, nor of corrupting
the Custom-house officers, which is against ye statute of 13th
and 14th Cha. II., ch. II., and which I communicated to H.M.
Commissioners of Customs here. Yr. Lordships will also perceive by Mr. Meins deposition yt. treachery and false accusation
are some of the ingredients in the case. As to the reflection
he attempts to throw upon me by saying that he was committed by my private Secretary, Mr. Lenoir did not committ
him as my private Secretary but as a Justice of Peace; he is
deputed by a gentleman in England etc. The Act regulating
the power of vestries was not made against him alone but
against all that are wedded to human prospects, or should aim
at pompe, power affluence of fortune etc. As to the assertion
that no Minister keeps a curate but himself, Mr. Irvine has
one etc. If it be true that he allows £200 to his curate, it is
very extraordinary, but even so, he will then have £540 a year
left for himself, instead of not one shilling, as he says, for his
perquisites alone were always esteemed at £500 a year etc.
Other objections answered. Quotes a complaint lodged in the
Council Office against him for passing these and other laws
by Sir Robert Davers, John Walter, Abell Alleyne, Thomas
Pinder, William Walker and George Strode. Signed, Robt.
Lowther. Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read 21st April, 1721.
2½ pp. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 79–81v.] |
April 18.
Whitehall. |
453. Mr. Popple to Mr. Boon. Asks for proofs of his
complaint against Capt. Hildersley (v. Nov. 17), he being under
orders to return home etc. [C.O. 5, 400. p. 143.] |
April 18.
Whitehall. |
454. Same to Mr. Burchett. In reply to 12th inst. refers
to preceding. [C.O. 5, 400. p. 142.] |
April 19.
Whitehall. |
455. Lord Carteret to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses following for their report with all convenient speed.
Signed, Carteret. Endorsed, Recd. Read 28th April, 1721.
½ p. Enclosed, |
|
455. i. Petition of the Co-partners for settling and improving
the Bahama Island to the King. Petitioners have
expended considerable sums in fortifying and defending said Islands, but further powers to act as a corporate
power are absolutely requisite towards carrying on
so great an undertaking, as likewise a power over
persons employed by them, etc. especially in regard
Governor Rogers has signify'd his intention to leave
Providence in April, which may be attended with
very fatal consequences, by leaving the Islands exposed to the Spanyards or Pyrates etc. unless timely
prevented by an immediate assistance from hence.
Pray that H.M. will grant them a Charter or Letters
of Incorporation, etc. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 23, 1. Nos.
30, 30. i.] |
April 19.
Whitehall. |
456. Lord Carteret to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
H.M. having been pleased to appoint John Lord Belhaven to
be Governor of Barbadoes, draughts of his Commission and Instructions are to be prepared etc. Signed, Carteret. Endorsed,
Received 19th, Read 20th April, 1721. ½ p. [C.O. 28, 17.
ff. 77, 78v.] |
April 20.
Whitehall. |
457. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Mr. Boon has attended
the Board of Trade, (v. 18th April) and declared that he
has no other proofs than those I sent you 17th Nov. etc.
[C.O. 5, 400. p. 144.] |
April 20.
Whitehall. |
458. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Carteret.
Enclose draft of Commission for Governor Lord Belhaven
"in the usual form except that we have added by name the
Island of Tobago" cf. 15th Feb. [C.O. 29, 14. pp. 107, 108.] |
April 20.
Jamaica. |
459. Governor Sir N. Lawes to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. I have lately reced. the honour of your Lordships
letter of 27th Dec. last, and return your Lordships my sincere
acknowledgments for the approbation which you are pleased
so affectionately to express of my conduct whilst we were
under just apprehensions of danger from the Spaniards etc.
I have hitherto used all possible means in my power to send
your Lordships punctually the severall accots. required by my
Instructions. As to lists of inhabitants, refers to copy of
Order sent 6th Dec. 1719. Continues:—Some of the officers
did return me their lists, others acquainted me that it was
impossible for them to do it, no Register being kept in most
of the remote parishes but in my letter (6th Dec. 1719) I informed
your Lordships that by the nearest computation I cou'd make
the number of effective men fit to bear arms in the severall
parishes were then near 3000, and I am of opinion at this time
we are much about the same number. I am in great hopes
from your Lordships recommendations H.M. will be induced
to order us gunns for the defence of the new line at Port Royall,
your Lordships are not insensible that the fund for the fortifycations is no more than £1250 pr. annum which is but just
sufficient to keep them in repair, and the Crown has hitherto
allways been pleased to send us such supplys of stores from the
Ordnance as our necessity have required, and which I suppose
the Board of Ordnance in accots. laid before the Parliament
has been stated as an extra charge and allowed of as such by
the House of Commons etc. Hopes the representation of the Board
about logwood and the Bay of Campeche will have the desired
effect etc. And I hope the Lords of the Treasury will have
come to a determination on what you have been pleased to
represent to them concerning H.M. proportion of seizures upon
breaches of the Acts of Trade being applyed to the support of
the Government here. I laid before the late Assembly what
your Lordships wrote, 9th July, concerning the Act relateing
to the trade to Hispaniola and I find by their Minutes a Bill
was ordered to be brought in on that head; but like most
other of their proceedings it came to nothing, so that I cannot
really desire your Lordships to defer any longer laying your
reasons before H.M. for the repeal of that Act, if the next
Assembly (to whom I shall recommend it) thinks proper to pass
another law not liable to your Lordships objections I shall lose
no time in transmitting the same to you. In severall of my
former letters I acquainted your Lordships I had recommended
to the late Assembly a due compliance to the King's just commands, in favour of Lord Archibald Hamilton and the former
Council and likewise sent you the resolutions the House had come
to on that head, from which, notwithstanding all the perswasions
I have used, could not get them to receed, as for my part I can
do no more than pay due obedience to H.M. commands in
ordering the mony to be paid out of his Revenue here which
is at this time greatly in debt, and hardly able to pay my salary
and other necessary contingencys, without which the Government here cannot subsist, and as the late Assembly came to a
resolution that if the Receiver Generall discharged that debt
of Lord Hamilton's theyd not reimburse the Treasury, I know
not what farther steps to take for his Lordships service unless the
next Assembly can be prevailed upon to whom I shall earnestly
recommend it. I have recd. Mr. West's report relateing to
two Acts, and shall endeavour all I can that no future law pass'd
here shall be liable to the same objections, etc. Encloses
Minutes of Council and Assembly. On 19th Jan. the [late]
Assembly met according to adjournment etc. Refers to his
Speech, "to which they returned Address of thanks." Continues:—Haveing soon after recd. some letters and other
certain information of the good disposition the inhabitants of
the Windward Virgin Islands were in to remove from thence
and come and settle here, occasioned my sending on 25th
Jan. a message to the House acquainting them therewith.
The r[es]olutions they came to on my speech and the said
message gave me great hopes that they'd have pass'd into laws
those severall resolutions, but to my great concern the next
day severall of the members did not attend the service of the
House whereby they could not make sufficient number (fixt
by their rules) to meet and adjourn, which laid a necessity on
me to prorogue them by Proclamation, which I accordingly
did till the 31st Jan., and then I renewed what I had recommended to them some days before. On 4th Feb. the Council
and. Assembly haveing pass'd two bills, I gave my consent to
them and are herewith transmitted vizt.: An Act to oblidge the
inhabitants of this Island to provide themselves with a sufficient
number of white people etc., and An Act for the releif of such
persons as have suffer'd by piracy and roberys at sea or on shore
by any of H.M. subjects of this Island. The first is much of
the same nature with former Bills etc., and the usual provision
is therein made for H.M. Independant Companys for twelve
months longer; and I perswade myself your Lordships will
think the latter a good law Mr. Bonfils and others haveing liberty
to prosecute their severall claims. I therefore recommend it
to your Lordships to be laid before H.M. for his Royall assent.
After my assenting to the two above-mentioned Acts, I
earnestly recommended to them the passing a law to invest in
the Crown without any exceptions whatever, that whole tract
of land from Pero Plantation in the Parish of St. Thomas in
the East to the River Grandy in the Parish of St. Georges which
said tract contains about 80,000 acres and whereon there is not
one settlement made, and tho' all or most of that land has been
patented upwards of forty years, yet till very lately no quit
rents have been paid for any part of it. However when the
House came to consider of such a bill I found private views and
interest govern'd the majority, and tho' the Council and
Assembly pass'd a bill with a plausible title I soon perceived
upon my peruseing it that it would in no ways answer the end
proposed, so many exceptions being made in it that I judged
little more land thereby was put in the power of the Crown to
dispose of, than what the King cou'd claim by virtue of severall
laws of this country in force before their passing that bill vizt.:
either by escheat or for non-payment of the quit rents. However I had resolved to give my consent to it had they given me
an opportunity for so doing, this Bill pass'd the Council on
Sat. 25th Feb. and the Assembly standing adjourned to the
Monday following, I design'd then to have pass'd it; but the
same accident happen'd as in page 20 of the Members not
attending the service of the House, which oblidged me to
prorogue them by Proclamation to 23rd March, at which time
they met again etc. Refers to his speech to them. Continues:
But I soon found they were come together with a disposition
to make little or no alterations in the Bill, that heats and
animositys together with private views had too great a sway
over their reasons, so that I saw it was in vain to expect more
good from this Assembly. I did therefore with the advice of
the Council dissolve them, and writts are now issued out for
calling a new Assembly to meet on 20th June. I cannot better
express to your Lordships the great advantage 'twould be to
this country to have those people fixt among us and of the proceedings of the Assembly and the cause of disolving them, than
in the reasons set forth in the Proclamation incerted in the
Minutes of Council etc. By my letter of 13th Nov. last you
will have observed that I had then little hopes of the Assemblys
reimbursing the Treasury, or supporting the honour and dignity
of the Government with that duty they ought to pay to H.M.
recommendation. I therefore hinted to your Lordships an
expedient which would entirely put the Government here out
of the dependance on Assemblys for supplys, and that was by
an Act of Parliament to establish a Revenue equall to the annuall
charge of the Government, which might be done by duely
collecting of H.M. quit rents and adding the additionall duty
bill to the Revenue Act, which together wou'd raise mony
sufficient to defray all the extraordinary charges of the Government with the most ease I can think of to the inhabitants. I
am perswaded from a view of the proceedings of the Assembly
since that time your Lordships will be of opinion that this
proposition is now become the more necessary to be put in
practice, and should H.M. consent to this method, his subjects
here have no reason to complain, they have only themselves to
thank for it, since neither admonition nor recommendation
cou'd prevail on them to support the Government. Encloses
Receiver General's accots. to 29th Sept. last. The last half
years have not yet been sworn to before me in Council, they shall
therefore be transmitted by the next opportunity, etc. I find
often great difficulty in getting a corum of the Council together,
which in some measure proceeds from the great distance those
Gentlemen live at from this town, and of others being indulged
to stay in England while the King's service requires their
attendance here. Collonel Rose is lately dead, John Ascough,
and John Moore are now in England, and Mr. Samuell Moore
goes in the next ships with a design never to return, so that there
will be four vacancys. I formerly recommended William
Nedham and Thomas Rose Esqrs. to whom I must now add
Richard Elliston (who was formerly of the Council) and my son
James Lawes to fill the four vacancys etc. They all live near
at hand etc. Since my last severall pirates have been taken,
tryed and executed, particularly the famous fellow name Vane,
and I am told our adjacent Spanish Governors are grown more
cautious in granting commissions to guard de la coasts especially
since the country sloops have been cruiseing round about the
Island. Signed, Nicholas Lawes. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read
28th July, 1721. 10 pp. Enclosed, |
|
459. i. Accounts of H.M. Revenue of Jamaica, March-Sept.,
1720–1721. Expenditure, £6237 14s. 1¾ d. Receipts,
£10,246 7s. 2d. (including £8191 brought forward),
Debts, £6855 2s. 7¾d. Signed, Richd. Mill, Receiver
Genll. Deane Poyntz, Depty. Auditor. Same
endorsement. 6 pp. |
|
459. ii. Accounts of H.M. Fortifications to 29th Sept., 1720.
Signed and endorsed as preceding. 2 pp. [C.O. 137,
13. Nos. 53, 53. i, ii.] |
April 23.
London. |
460. Rev. William Gordon to Lord Carteret. Encloses
following copies of papers which he had prepared and sent to
Lord Townshend at his request about a month ago etc. Signed,
W. Gordon. Holograph. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
460. i. Some thoughts concerning the Charibbee Islands,
humbly offered to Lord Townshend etc. March 14,
1721. Insists upon the great importance of settling
them. "In July last at the desire of the Board of
Trade, I wrote their Lordps. a letter and stated the
advantages and disadvantages of settling Sta. Lucia,
and, about the same time, with Mr. Popple, but without
mentioning my own name, gave reasons to my Lord
Sunderland for setling Tobago" etc. Submits proposals for that purpose. Signed, W. Gordon. 2⅓ pp. |
|
460. ii. Copy of letter from Rev. W. Gordon. to B. of T. about
settling Sta. Lucia. July, 1720. |
|
460. iii. Reasons offered [by Rev. W. Gordon] to Lord Sunderland for settling Tobago. (i) It will strengthen the
British Colonys in the Charibee islands, which are at
present very much inferior to the French, which grow
daily incredibly in wealth and power etc. (ii) The
soil is very proper for producing cocoa, arnatto and
indigo. The British Colonys produce none of the two
first commoditys, and but little of the last etc. (iii) By
reason of its near neighbourhood to Venezuela or
Peru, it will make us much more considerable in the
eye of the Spaniard, and make it less advisable for
them to come too slightly into any rupture with
Britain etc. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 40. Nos. 2,
2. i–iii.] |
| [April 25.] |
461. Petition of sundry merchants trading to New England
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Petitioners generally
load their ships with cod-fish in return of their effects sent to
N.E. But by a pernicious Act (for the better regulating the
culling of fish) passed in the Assembly there in May, 1718, very
prejudicial to trade in general etc., masters of our ships and our
factors in that countrey are entirely deprived of chusing such
fish as are fit for their purpose, being imposed upon by the
cullers appointed there, who oblige them to take such fish as
they think fit etc. It has been the practice in Newfoundland
time out of mind, for the purchaser to cull his own fish. Pray
that the Act may be repealed etc. Signed, Andrew Faneuil,
and 22 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read 25th April, 1721. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
461. i. Abstract of Act referred to in preceding. ¾ p.
[C.O. 5, 868. ff. 41, 42v.] |
April 25.
St. James's. |
462. Lord Carteret to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
H.M. refers following to the Council of Trade and Plantations
for their report. Signed, Carteret. Endorsed, Recd. 26th,
Read 27th April, 1721. Subscribed under, |
|
462. i. Petition of Anthony Cracherode to the King. By
H.M. Letters Patent, 10th March, 1715, petitioner was
appointed Chief Clerk, Register etc, in Chancery,
Barbados. Appeals are frequently brought from
judgments and decrees obtained in the Courts of Law
and Chancery there to your Majesty and Council here,
and to prevent the respondent's wasting the estate
of the appellant recovered by such judgment or decree,
pending such appeal, an Act of the Island was lately
passed, appointing security to be given by appellees,
staying execution until the appeal be finally determined,
unless the party obtaining such judgment or decree
should give bond with sufficient security in the Secretary's office in double the summe for which such
judgment or decree should be had etc. Prays that
this Act may not be confirmed, since the enacting this
security bond to be given in the Secretary's Office
is a diminution of the benefits granted to petitioner,
and is dilatory and expensive to the inhabitants etc.
Signed, A. Cracherode. 1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
462. ii. Reasons in support of preceding petition. Signed
as preceding. 3 pp. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 82–84, 85v.] |
April 25.
Bermuda. |
463. Lt. Governor Bennett to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. On the 16th and 26th Oct., 1718 I transmitted
to your Lordships the same as is now inclosed relateing to
the Council here, and did pray that H.M. pleasure therein
might as soon as conveniently it could, be known, for that three
of the eight surviveing members were Judges of Assise, who
could not sit in the Court of Chancery on any appeal from the
Common Law, and that there was but five remained which with
myself just made the number appointed to hold a Chancery
Court, and if any one of them should be absent a delay must
follow, which has too often happen'd to the great grief of the
country: and I now again for the reasons afore, presume to
intreat your Lordships, to forward the list herein sent (concludeing the former has been intercepted or otherwise miscarried)
that H.M. Council here may be filled up. Refers to enclosure ii.
Continues:—It's computed one third of the white men
are generally at sea, soe what number of men capeable to bare
arms on occasion may easily be known; as for the negroes they
can be of noe use till we come to close not haveing firearms but
lances about six foot and a half long, which would be of service
if it were to be depended on that the fellows would not give
way till we came to club musket. The inclosed News paper I
believe may be depended on having had repeated accounts to
the same purpose, and I am further informed that the pirates
used frequently to say in the hearing of their prisoners, that
when they had doubled their complement of men they then
had they knew where to goe; whether they had this country
in their thoughts it's impossible for me to say, but formerly
they sent me word by masters of vessells and others whom they
have taken, that they would come hither and make this place
a new Madagasca: I wish what I some time since humbly
proposed of augmenting the number of men in the King's
company here to 100, and another Independant Company of
the like complement to be sent, had been adhered to, then this
Island might reasonably have been said to be in security; and
as for the consequence if this place were it in the hands of any
sort of enemy to the Crown of Great Britain, I have often explain'd. If their intentions is hither, all necessary care and
precautions are taken to prevent their design's, and hope we shall
behave ourselves as becomes us on occasion etc. Signed, Ben.
Bennett, Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 7th June, 1721. 1½ pp.
Enclosed, |
|
463. i. List of Council of Bermuda: Capt. John Tucker,
discharged by his request July, 1713, Major Michael
Burrows, deceased Jan., 1718, Capt. Benjamin Hinson,
deceased, July, 1715, Capt. Thomas Brooke, Colo. John
Trimingham, Samuel Sherlock, Lt. Col. Samuel Smith,
Lt. Col. William Outerbridge, Capt. John Peasley,
deceased, Oct. 1715, Capt. Leonard White, Major
Henry Tucker, Colo. William Tucker. Recommended
to supply vacancies:—Capt. Henry Tucker, of Port
Royal parrish, of a very good character, and has one
of the best estates in the country. Capt. John Jennings
of the same parrish has for several years been a J.P.
and of the Quorum, Speaker of the Assembly and has
a very good estate. Capt. Richard Jennings of
Harris's Bay parrish, has been a J.P. and of the Quorum
for many years Chairman of the Quarter Sessions
always behaved himself as became him and has a
good estate. The Rev. Dr. Andrew Auchinleck,
Minister of St. George's parrish, a very good man in
his ministerial offices, of exemplary life and conversation and very well beloved. Signed, Ben. Bennett.
Same endorsement. 1 p. |
|
463. ii. Number of Inhabitants of the Bermuda Islands,
17th April, 1721. Totals:—Men on the Muster roll,
1078; men otherwise, 91; Women, 1596; boys,
1072; girls, 1013. Blacks; Men, 817, women 965;
boys 880; girls, 852. Signed and endorsed as preceding, 1 p. |
|
463. iii. News from Barbadoes, Antigua and Jamaica.
Bermuda. Feb. 18, 1721, a pirate ship of 32 guns,
comanded by one Jon. Roberts, and a brigantine of
18 with 350 men in both, had lately come up with a
Dutch interloper of 30 guns and about 90 men as she
lay at an anchor with her yards and top-masts down
at Sta. Lucea. The pirates at first endeavoured to
board her but she running out her booms or fenders
prevented them, and then began to engage, the interloper mentaining an obstinate defence for four hours
and killed a great many of the pirates, but being
overpower'd was forced to submit and what men the
pirates found alive on board they put to death after
several cruel methods. The Dutch interloper has
the character of a handsome warlike vessell and was
extraordinary well fitted in every respect, in which
the pirates have now 36 guns mounted: When the
pirates had refitted after the battle, they went with
their prize under Dutch colours close along the harbor's mouths on Martinique shoar, and made the usual
signals that the Dutch interlopers were accustomed to
doe to give notice to the inhabitants when they came
off from the coast of Guiny with negroes, and then
went again to Sta. Lucea the place for tradeing on
such occasions with the interlopers. In two or three
days several sloops were fitted out of Martinique and
went down in order to purchase slaves which vessells
the pirates secur'd as they came up and made them
anchor by the ships as if they were actually tradeing;
soe those that came latest in knew not the others
were taken till they were sensible of their own misfortune, and by this way of manageing they took 14
sail of French sloops, in each of which was a considerable
summe of money for that trade. The men they
took they barbarously abused some they almost whip't
to death others had their ears cut off others they fixed
to the yard arms and fired at them as a mark and
all their actions look'd like practiceing of cruelty,
and at last they sunk and burnt 13 of the 14 sail and
let the other return with the poor tormented men to
Martinique to tell the storie. After this tragical
scene was over they (the pirates) stretched along
amongst the French Islands and passing by Guardalupa they saw a large ship at an anchor in the Road,
which they cut out haveing 600 hogsheads of sugar
on board, from thence they went to Domonico where
they intended to carein as is supposed and what's
further come of them is not known. From Jamaica
March 31st. Several pirates have been lately taken
and brought in here and on trial most of them found
guilty and executed, among them Char. Vaine and
one Racum, two notorious Comanders of pirate vessells
suffered and died most profligate impudent villains.
One Warner and his gang has been also tried and
condemned but not yet executed. Leeward Islands,
April 23rd. On 26th March Capt. Hingston Commander of a ship belonging to London in her way to
Jamaica was taken about 4 leagues S. of Antigua by
John Roberts Commander of a pirate ship of 42 guns
and a briganteen of 18 with 262 white men and 50
negroes in both carryed to Burbuda, and there kept
5 or 6 days having in that time thrown over severall
stills coppers saddles bails of dry goods etc. and stript
their masts of some running rigging and sails and took
forceably 12 of his sailors and then discharged him
with his ship; The pirate ship had been a French man
of war some small time before taken by Roberts in her
way from Martinique to France with the Governor
of Martinique on board who the pirates hanged at the
yard arm etc. The pirate run on board the French
ship in the night. On 2nd Aprill Hingston was again
taken by a French pirate (one Nicholaus) Commander
of a sloop of 6 gun and 63 men, three or four leagues
to windward of Spanish Town, and the same day took
a sloop belonging to Antigua and barbarously used
the people on board her by cutting them with cutlasses
and using severall other inhumanities, and having
taken away the said sloops mainsail put the said
Hingston and sloop's company with two boys on board
her and dismissed them. Nicholaus belonged to Martinique from whence he run with the sloop some small
time before. A sloop with 50 negroes commanded
by a white person was lately run away with from
Martinique on the pirating account as is supposed.
A boat from St. Christopher's was also lately run away
having on board 8 or 10 people who went to St. de
Crux and there took a sloop with which they went to
St. Thomas's under pretence of want of provision,
and on the pretended master's shewing his clearings
(which was the sloop's) the Governour asking his name
found it disagreeable to the clearings and secured him
which the people that remained on board understanding cut the cables and run away. Same endorsement.
2 pp. [C.O. 37, 10. Nos. 17, 17. i–iii.] |
April 27.
Antigua. |
464. Governor Hamilton to Mr. Delafaye. Immediately
on receipt of your letter of 16 Aug. I offered Mr. Hill, upon his
producing his power for the receiving pirate's goods, all assistance in my power, but have not heard from him since. Your
letter of Oct. 6th came to my hand 23rd March, etc., I
immediately communicated to H.M. Council of Antigua their
Excellencies' Instruction relating to money bills. Signed, W.
Hamilton. Endorsed, R. 23rd July. 2 pp. [C.O. 152, 42.
No. 114.] |
| April 28. |
465. Francis Whitworth, Secretary of Barbados, to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. With reference to Anthony
Cracherode's petition (v. 25th April), memorialist apprehends
the method prescribed for appellees to give security is by the
said Act well and properly directed to be in the Secretary's
Office etc. Signed, Fras. Whitworth. Endorsed, Recd. 28th
April, Read 22nd June, 1721. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 146, 147v.] |
| [April 28.] |
466. Mr. Armstrong to Mr. Burniston. Duplicate of letter,
Jan. 10. No. 1, but with addition of paragraph to the effect
that New Hampshire has been found by experience capable of
raising hemp fit for H.M. Navy. "To encourage its production
the Government some years ago passed an Act of Assembly,
that all merchantable hemp, the produce of this Province,
brought into the Treasury should receive 12d. per lb. The
inhabitants are stopped for lack of hemp seed, and about 200
have applied to me to lay their case before the Governmt. at
home to supply them with about 100 bushels of seed by the first
ship in the spring. This will divert them from going upon
woollen manufactories" etc. Signed, Robt. Armstrong. Endorsed, Recd. 28th April, Read 5th Sept., 1721. Copy. 4 pp.
[C.O. 5, 868. ff. 89–90v., 91v.] |
April 29.
London. |
467. Mr. Young to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Refers to his chart and account of Canso etc. Prays to be
recommended for the command of "one of the small vessells
now building to intercept the smugglers" etc. Signed, B. Young.
Endorsed, Recd. Read 4th May, 1721. Addressed. 1 p.
[C.O. 217, 3. No. 21.] |
