America and West Indies: December 1721

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 32, 1720-1721. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1933.

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'America and West Indies: December 1721', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 32, 1720-1721, ed. Cecil Headlam( London, 1933), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol32/pp496-510 [accessed 30 November 2024].

'America and West Indies: December 1721', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 32, 1720-1721. Edited by Cecil Headlam( London, 1933), British History Online, accessed November 30, 2024, https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol32/pp496-510.

"America and West Indies: December 1721". Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 32, 1720-1721. Ed. Cecil Headlam(London, 1933), , British History Online. Web. 30 November 2024. https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol32/pp496-510.

December 1721

Dec. 1.
Whitehall.
733. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Carteret. Enclose draught of Commission for Governor Worseley, in the same form as that for the late Lord Belhaven etc. Annexed,
733. i. Draught of H.M. Commission to Henry Worseley "to be Our Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over Our Islands of Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominico, St. Vincents, Tobago" etc. Signed, 11th Jan., 172½. [C.O. 29, 14. pp. 258–279.]
Dec. 2.
New York.
734. Governor Burnet to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have sent Mr. Kennedy one of the Lieutenants of the Troops here and my adjutant to England in order to sollicit for two additional companys for to be added to the four now in this Province such a force will be the only effectual security against the designs of the french and the only sure meanes to keep ye Indians true to us, by having numerous garrisons disposed in proper posts in their country. If this is done nothing will be able to defeat the measure I have already taken to settle a trade with the far Nations, which Settlement now lyes exposed to ye French whenever they shall think it worth their while to break their Treaty and destroy it. This is but too much to be apprehended from their former conduct and I hope your Lordships will approve of the meanes I now propose to put us out of all apprehensions. As this was once moved by Brigadier Hunter for much the same reasons and as he is an experienc'd officer and a perfect judge of this affair I have directed Mr. Kennedy to obtain of him ye particular scheme after what manner he proposed that the six companys should be regimented etc. Signed, W. Burnet. Endorsed, Recd. 15th, Read 18th Jan. 172½. 2 pp. Enclosed,
734. i. Account of Stores remaining in H.M. Garrison of New York, Sept. 17, 1720. Same endorsement. 1 p.
734. ii. Estimate of stores wanting for H.M. garrisons at New York, Albany and Schenectade (Seanactendy) and Fort Hunter, Dec. 1st., 1721. Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1053. ff. 22, 22v., 23v,–25.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
735. Lord Carteret to Governor Burnet. The King having been pleased to sign an Instruction not to prefer any Minister to any Ecclesiastical benefice in the Province of New York, without a certificate from the Lord Bishop of London, and not to admit any person to keep school in that Province, without the license of the said Bishop of London, I take this occasion to transmit the same to you. Signed, Carteret. Annexed,
735. i. H.M. Additional Instructions to the Governor of New York. St. James's, Nov. 30th, 1721. Altering 71st and 75th Articles of his Instructions as described in preceding. Signed, G.R. [C.O. 324, 34. pp. 84–86.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
736. Same to Same. Encloses similar instruction, as to ecclesiastical benefices only, in relation to the Province of New Jersey. Signed, Carteret. Annexed,
736. i. H.M. Instruction referred to in preceding. [C.O. 324, 34. pp. 86–88.]
Dec. 3.
Whitehall.
737. Same to Governor Nicholson. Encloses Instructions similar to those of the Governor of New York, supra. Signed, Carteret. Annexed,
737. i. H.M. Instructions ut supra. [C.O. 324, 34. pp. 88–90.]
Dec. 4.
Treasury Chambers.
738. H. Walpole to Mr. Popple. Encloses following for the opinion of the Council of Trade. Signed, H. Walpole. Endorsed, Recd., Read 5th Dec., 1721. Addressed. ½ p. Enclosed.
738. i. Account of Beaver skins imported and exported, 1715–1720. 1 p.
738. ii. The Hat-Makers Case. The duty of 151/8d. upon beaver skins was laid when the value of 20s. per skin. The great importation thereof has reduced it to 4/6 per skin, so that the duty is now 30 p.c. Soon after the Peace of Reswick the French seduced 12 English Hatters, and one Hat-dyer to Paris, and there set up a manufactory of beaver-hats, by which means that mysterious art, heretofore known to the English only, did soon spread into other foreign countries, and (besides having their labour cheaper) they drawing back at the Custom-house 13¼d. on every skin exported, enables them to buy their goods at our markets 20 to 25 per cent. Cheaper than the British manufacturer can do: which is equal to laying a tax of 20 to 25 per cent. on our own workmen, when the foreigner pays nothing. A still greater advantage arises to the foreigner, by an evil practice introduced a few years since, of carrying very great quantities of beaver-skins from New York, or other Plantations, to Holland directly etc. Pray that the duty may be so alleviated or proportioned, as to set the English manufacturer at least on the same level with foreigners etc. Printed. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 23. No. 74.]
Dec. 8.
Bermuda.
739. Lt. Governor Bennett to the Council of Trade and Plantations. On 24th Sept. I received H.M. mandamus for calling into the Council Hen. Tucker and John and Richd. Jennings, and doe understand yor. Lordps. wants to know what is become of Robt. Burton formerly appointed one of the Council by my Instructions from His present Matie., to which I answer that Robert Burton Esq. died before I received my Commission. Inclosed is an Act of Assembly whereby yor. Lordps. may please to observe in the preamble, there has been two such Acts made laying a duty on all goods imported not belonging to inhabitants (provisions and liquors only excepted) for supplying the deficiency of several funds in these Islands, and for building a house for the present and succeeding Governours. The last of which will expire in May next; and by the act herewith sent it appears there are still deficiencies in answering the intent of the former Act with an addition in the title (vizt.) and repairing the Castle and fortifications, and for defraying the other publick charge of these Islands, which addition almost made it a new bill, and knowing the necessity of the Govermt. incline me to presume so far to pass it as is mentioned after the close of the Act, and doe pray that as soon as conveniency will permit it may be laid before H.M. for approbation, and if allowed that I may be advised thereof by the first opportunity, in order to put it in force after the expiration of the former Act without which the Govermt. can not with soe much ease and content be supported, for the trader is noe way hurt he advanceing accordingly on his goods, and the inhabitants can't find fault because they by their Representatives have put it upon themselves: and least this tax may be supposed to amount to more than really it does, on examining the accts I find it has one year with another brought in £162 6s. 8d. two thirds of which has been paid by persons comeing to trade for our platt, which whilst in fashion may produce abt. the same, but when not in demand that fund must sink proportionably. My Lds. I am sensible this Act wanted several amendmts. both as to form and wording, but the Assembly being impatient to return to their plantations did by the same Committy that brought it up to me in Council, desire to adjourn to the first Monday in May. In answer to which I said I would let the Speaker know after reading the bill, and upon consulting with the Council about the amendmts. they advised me not to detain the House least something might arise to obstruct it, and cause it to be laid aside till their next meeting, before which time the former Act will expire, besides it was doubted that if delayed it would not be sent up to us again, several of the members being against it; which reasons (and being for the support of the Govermt.) prevail'd on me to proceed in passing it so far as it is, and hope I shall not be censur'd. From Barbados I understand that that coast and Martinique have been infested with five pirate sloops and a brigantine, whom have taken several vessells, and that their place of randevouz was att Sta. Lucea, and that the Governour of Martinique had sent up to the Presidt. of Barbados for the assistance of a man of war etc. Refers to enclosure. Signed, Ben. Bennett. Endorsed, Recd. 24th Jan., 172½, Read 13th June, 1722. Holograph. 2½ pp. Enclosed,
739. i. Six inhabitants of Bermuda qualified to supply vacancies in the Council:—Capt. Danl. Tucker, John Darrell, Tho. Parsons, Capt. Samll. Rayner, Capt. Geo. Ball, Capt. Jam. Browne. All of good character and estate. Signed, B. Bennett. Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 10. Nos. 27, 27. i.; and (abstract of covering letter), 37, 24. p. 8.]
Dec. 11.
Whitehall.
740. B. Wheelock (assistant Secretary, Board of Trade) to Mr. West. Encloses, for his opinion thereupon, the petition of Lewis Piers etc. [C.O. 153, 14. p. 83.]
Dec. 12.
Boston.
741. Mr. Willard to [?Mr. Popple]. Encloses Minutes of Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay, 31st May—Aug., 1721, and of Council for half year ending Aug., 1721, Acts passed May—Aug., 1721, Treasurer's accounts and accounts of stores at Castle William. Signed, Josiah Willard. Endorsed, Recd. 31st Jan., Read 13th Feb., 1721/22. 1 p. Enclosed,
741. i. Accounts of Jeremiah Allen, Treasurer and Receiver General of H.M. Revenue within the Massachusetts Bay, 31st May, 1720–1721. £45,500 10s. 1d. The balance of his account discharged by the Assembly, June 22, 1721. Endorsed as preceding. 26 pp.
741. ii. Account of stores of war at H.M. Castle william at Boston. June 24, 1721. Signed, Zecr. Tuthill, Lt, Same endorsement. 1 p.
741. iii. Account of stores of war expended at Castle William, 24th June, 1720–1721. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 163, 164v., 166–179v., 184v., 185, 186v.–187v.]
[Dec. 12.]
Admty. Office.
742. John Cokburne, a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, to the Earl of Westmorland. Upon news of death of Col. Archbould, recommends his brother to fill vacancy in Council of Jamaica. Signed, Jo. Cokburne. Endorsed, Recd. from the Earl of westmorland, 12th, Read 13th Dec., 1721. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 14. ff. 48, 49v.]
Dec. 13.
Boston.
743. Governor Burnet to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Abstract. Returns thanks for promised representation on his administration (23rd Aug.). The affairs of the Province remain as before. Finds that the rebellious conduct of the Indians mentioned in his last letter was chiefly occasioned by M. de Vaudreuil permitting, or encouraging Father le Chaise, and Monsr. Croizeen, a French officer, to come down into H.M. Government, and there join with Raillee, another French Jesuit, who constantly resides among the Indians that are in H.M. territories, who all combined together as incendiaries to persuade the Indians to commit this insult. These proceedings keep the Eastern settlements constantly alarmed, and obliges him to keep troops upon the frontiers, to the great expence of the province. These proceedings of the French are directly contrary to the Treaties, and he begs the Board to consider them etc. Set out, Maine Hist. Soc. Coll. I. 376. Signed, Samuel Shute. Endorsed, Recd. 31st Jan., Read 6th Feb., 1721/22. 2 pp. Enclosed,
743. i. Account of powder in H.M. Fort William and Mary at New Castle in N. Hampshire, May 28, 1720–1721, with a list of stores remaining. Signed, J. Wentworth. Same endorsement. 2 pp.
743. ii. H.M. Additional Instruction to Governor Shute, 27th Sept., 1717, relating to passing Acts affecting trade or shipping etc. Same endorsement. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 868. ff. 150, 150v., 151v.–152v., 153v.–154v.]
Dec. 13.
Whitehall.
744. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lord Carteret. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. Annexed,
744. i. Same to the King. Enclose following draught of Instructions for the Duke of Portland, Governor of Jamaica, "in the usual form, except some few alterations from the Instructions given to Sir N. Lawes, etc. vizt., To the 15th Article of Sir N. Lawes' Instructions relating to the passing of private Acts, we have added (No. 19), that the Governor take care that in all such private Acts there be a clause inserted to prevent their being in force till they shall have receiv'd your Majesty's Royal approbation, and that publick notification be made of the parties intention to apply for such Act in the several parish Churches where the premisses in question lye, before the same be brought into the Assembly; which addition your Majesty was graciously pleas'd to approve in the draughts of Instructions for the late Lord Belhaven, etc. The 21st Article of the present draught against the passing of Laws whereby bills of credit may be struck or money paid to the Governor or any of the Council or Assembly, without a clause declairing such Acts not to be in force till approved by your Majesty, is new, and agreeable to the Additional Instruction to Sir N. Lawes, which we laid before the late Lords Justices 11th Aug. 1720, pursuant to your Majesty's Order in Council of 19th May foregoing. The 31st Article relating to the Duke of Portland's appointments for the Governor of Jamaica, and your Majesty's permission to him to receive such addition as the Assembly there shall think fit to his salary, under the restrictions therein mention'd, is prepared conformable to the Instructions to your Majesty's Governors of Barbados, the Leeward Islands and Bermuda, and in obedience to your Majesty's particular commands (11th Oct. last); except that whereas by the Instructions to the said Governors they are permitted to give their assent to any Act or Acts to be pass'd in the first Assembly after their arrival, for such addition to the allowance for the said Governor's support as the Assembly should think fit to make for the whole time of their Govt., we have in the present draught confined the passing of such Act to the space of a year after the Governor's arrival, as conceiving the same more agreable to the intent of the said Instruction, since the sitting of the Assembly in Jamaica is not limited, as in some other Governments, to one year only. The latter part of the 35th Article after the words, particular order for that purpose, is new, and is designed to prevent in Jamaica the same inconveniences and disturbances which have lately happen'd in Barbados from the President of the Council having taken upon him to exercise a very unusual liberty of making as many changes in all offices there, both civil and military, as the Governor himself directly appointed by your Majesty, might have done. The 59th Article, is new, and was prepared at the request of the Commissioners of Customs, upon complaint from their officers in the Plantations, that they are frequently obliged to serve on Jurys and to appear in arms, to the hindrance of the execution of their employments. The 63rd and 66th Articles relating to certificates for clergymen, and licences for schoolmasters; we have altered pursuant to your Majesty's Order in Council, 26th Sept. The 65th Article of the Instructions to the late Governor, relating to the entries to be made in all ports of all goods, is omitted in the present draught, as being provided for in the particular Instructions likewise herewith humbly laid before your Majesty, in pursuance of the several Acts of Trade and Navigation, which are in the usual form, except that conformable to your Majesty's Order in Council, 2nd Oct., we have incorporated a clause for preventing any illegal trade which may be carry'd on by ships coming to your Majesty's Plantations from the East Indies. In the 85th, 86th and 87th Articles relating to the particular incouragement to be given to the Royal African Company, we have included others H.M. subjects trading to Africa, which your Majesty has been pleased to approve for the Govr. of Barbados and others. And whereas pursuant to an Act of Parliament for the more effectual suppression of piracy, your Majesty has been graciously pleas'd to grant a Commission for trying pirates at the Bahamas Islands, which before [your] Majesty's appointing a Governor of those Islands, were to be try'd by virtue of the like Commission granted to Sr. Nicholas Lawes, we have made the necessary alteration etc. We have inserted in the first place of the Council, the name of Charles Du Bourgay Esq. your Majesty's Lt. Governor, as is done in the Leeward Islands, and Wm. Cockburn in the room of James Archbould decd. etc.
744. ii. H.M. Instructions to Henry Duke of Portland, Captain General and Governor in Chief of Jamaica. v. preceding, [C.O. 138, 16. pp. 337–400.]
Dec. 14.
St. James's.
745. Order of King in Council. Referring preceding to the Lords of the Committee for Plantation Affairs for their opinion thereupon. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read 24th April, 1722. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 14. ff. 133, 134v.]
Dec. 14.
St. James's.
746. Order of King in Council. Referring representation of Dec. 1st and draught of Commission for Governor Woresly to the Lords of the Committee for Plantation Affairs for their report. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read 24th April, 1722. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 264, 265v.]
Dec. 14.
Whitehall.
747. Mr. Popple to John Moore. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire to know whether you intend to return again to Jamaica, and how soon, as also how long you have been absent. Similar letter to Samuel Moore. [C.O. 138. 16. p. 400.]
Dec. 17.
Whitehall.
748. Mr. Popple to Horatio Walpole, one of the Secretaries of the Treasury. Pursuant to the desire of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury (v. 4th Dec.) the Lords Commissioners for Trade etc. have considered the case of the Hat-makers and the account of beaver-skins imported and exported Christmas 1715–1720 etc., and have discoursed with several of the said hatters and other dealers in beaver-skins, whereupon their Lordships command me to signify their opinion etc., that the large drawback of 13¼d. for every beaver skin exported (the whole duty on importation being but 15d.) is a great discouragement to our British manufacturers of beaver hats, in regard that foreigners are thereby inabled to buy the said skins so much cheaper, and consequently to undersell us in the markets abroad etc. They conceive the drawback should be intirely taken off and the duty of 15d. on importation be reduced etc. They are of opinion that the evil practice complained of by the petitioners, of carrying beaver skins directly from the British Plantations to foreign parts, ought to be effectually prevented. [C.O. 382, 28. pp. 101, 102.]
Dec. 18.
St. James's.
749. Order of King in Council. Approving draught of Commission for Governor Henry Woresly. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read 24th April, 1722. ½ p. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 262, 263v.; and (duplicate signed, Temple Stanyan) 5, 191. p. 359a.]
Dec. 19.
Whitehall.
750. Mr. Popple to Horatio Walpole. Applies for 40 copies of 4 Acts of Parliament to be distributed to Governors of Plantations etc. Dated (incorrectly) 1722. Ed. [C.O. 324, 10. pp. 441, 442.]
Dec. 20.
Whitehall.
751. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Burnet. Having been desired by Samuel Pytts and his Lady the Countess of Bellomont, to recommend to you to be assisting to them in obtaining the payment of what shall appear to remain due to her as Executrix of ye late Earl of Bellomont on account of his Lordship's sallary or otherwise as Governor of New York; we could not refuse so reasonable a request and therefore hope you will favour them by knowing of Colo. Depeyster, who we are inform'd has the proper warrants in his hands, the state of that affair and by pressing him or moving the Assembly etc. to discharge the debt. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1079. No. 127; and 5, 1124. pp. 272, 273.]
Dec. 20.
St. James's.
752. H.M. Commission to Governor Worsley, revoking that of Lord Belhaven. Countersigned, Carteret. [C.O. 5, 191. pp. 360–373.]
Dec. 20.
Barbados.
753. Samuel Cox to Lord Townshend. Returns thanks for obligations. Is confident that he will be able to justify his conduct to the expected Governor, Lord Belhaven. If he was too hasty in suspending the members of Council, etc., their conduct since they were restored has sufficiently shewn how necessary it was. Continues:—Their refusal to suffer the nomination of any Judg of the Chief Court of Common Pleas, when they knew I could not issue a Commission without their consent, whereby the administration of Justice in that Common Law Court was entirely stopt, and all mercantile affairs in confusion and at a stand; their refusal to let any Court of Grand Sessions be held, in direct defiance of H.M. 42nd Instruction; their frequent attempts to wrest the Prerogative out of my hands, and claiming the right of doing what the Governr. or Commander-in-Chief is by his Commission and Instructions impower'd to do; and their refusall to joyn with me on any other terms, or wth. the Assembly at all, in the publick administration (besides the indignities and insults offer'd my person) do now clearly prove that the administration of the Government and the distribution of justice must have been at a stand if those changes had not been made etc. For the last part of my Government I have been a mere cypher in a maner, my hands having been in many things ty'd up by my Instructions to act in the administration, with those who refused to act with me at all, etc., but I can challenge the most malicious to give one single instance of any person injur'd in his property or his liberty. Justice has been as equally and as impartially distributed as in any country on earth, till the restored Councillors obstructed the administration. No one has had any corporal punishment inflicted, nor been so much as imprison'd for the outragious insults against my person and administration. I have forgiven and pas't over them all etc. Signed, Saml. Cox. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 39. No. 9.]
Dec. 20.
Barbados.
754. Mr. Cox to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The unexpected stay of my Lord Belhaven having disappointed my expectations, that I should not have another opportunity of addressing your Lordships etc., I now do myself the honour to acquaint you, that since my last, the insolent behaviour of the restored Members of Council towards me, their resolutions to stagnate all affairs and to stop the administration of publick Justice is demonstrated by every fresh oppertunity, as will appear from the Minutes of Council now transmitted, particularly their refuseing to agree to the appointment of any Judg for ye Grand Sessions, in manifest disobedience to my 42nd Instruction then communicated to them, altho' their were criminals for murder, and other crimes to have been tried. Mr. Lascells, Collr. of the Customs here, has after siezure discharged and let saile the Sloop Spy one Burrows Master, altho' he knew she was under prosecution in H.M. Courts here for breach of the Acts of Trade, and had on board her when siezed severall french sugers, which (she having sailed from this Island without any clearance) had taken in at the french Islands, and unloaded great part of, without entry with me, and at the Customhouse. How far this gentleman's conduct deserves censure, is humbly submitted. I have been lately sensibly mortified with a generall account that I have fallen under your Lordships censure, for several facts contain'd in Mr. Sutton's and Mr. Terrils letters, I have however the comfort to know that those facts are the most monstruous etc. the most ridiculous lyes that ever were invented, etc. Regrets delay in sending papers owing to the villainy of Mr. Lenoir etc. Continues: Since I have taken the Council Books into my custody, and at my own private expence made out copies for your Lordships, I have neither been wanting in writeing to your Lordships, nor transmitting ye proper papers etc. I have the further misfortune to find that I have not (ever since I have been President) been favour'd with one single line from yor. Lordships etc. I have been now President of Barbados above a twelvemonth, and notwithstanding that ye parties and divisions (wch. Mr. Lowther left among us and made his faction drink damnation ever to support) have run to so great a higth, yet there is not one single instance of violence, or oppression, or injustice, I challenge the most spitefull, and inveterate of all my enemies to give one single instance of any person injur'd in his property, depriv'd in his liberty, or treated with severity, there has been no imprisonmts., no corporal punishments as in Mr. Lowther's time, nor a fine above five pounds (except one which was £20) for the most dareing and scurrilous insults on the Goverment that can be imagin'd. And yet I have supported ye Prerogative and can with great truth aver that mine has been a just, mild and gentle administration. And however some people may grumble for having been turn'd out of places, which, they neither deserv'd nor were fit for, yet their liberties and properties have never been meddled with. Encloses Minutes of Assembly to 5th Dec. Signed, Saml. Cox. Endorsed, Recd. Read 15th Feb., 172½. Holograph. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 247–248, 250, 250v. (with abstract.)]
Dec. 20.
Barbados.
755. Mr. Cox to the Council of Trade and Plantations. In pursuance of my 29th Instruction, I do myself the honour of acquainting your Lordships that one Mary Haselton of this Island was bound in a recognizance of £100 herself, and £50 each of her securitys, to appear at the then next Quarter Sessions, on pretence of her living incontinently with one John Bently Esq., and she being apprehensive of very violent proceedings intended to be had against her by some malicious persons left the Island, by which means her said recognizance became forfeited. But I am by the same Instruction impowered to suspend the payment of any fines and forfeitures till H.M. pleasure be known; which I have accordingly done by that above-mentioned, as well on the consideration that the sd. sum so forfeited must fall on a Gentleman of known loyalty and avow'd affection to the present Happy Establishment, and who has upon all occasions exerted himself for the interest of H.M. in these parts, as for that I don't find any law to punish incontinency in the manner it has been occasionally practis'd here with the utmost partiality, or that gives the Civil Magistrate any cognizance of that crime, otherwise than by securing the Parish where tis committed from any damage that may ensue thereby; which I say not without presuming to assure your Lordships that I have hitherto, and ever shall discountenance the vice as much as lyes in my power, etc. Signed, Saml. Cox. Endorsed, Recd. Read 15th Feb., 172½. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 17. ff. 245, 245v., 246v.]
Dec. 22.
Whitehall.
756. Lord Carteret to Governor Hart. It having been represented to the King that James Milliken Esqr., Mr. James Gordon and Mr. John Burnet are in possession of that part of the French lands in St. Christophers yeilded to Great Britain by the Treaty of Utrecht by virtue of grants from the Chief Governor there, and have improved the same etc., they are to remain in the quiet enjoyment thereof, till H.M. shall think fit how to dispose of that part etc. In case you have already given any grants to dispossess such persons, you are to recall the same, etc. Signed, Carteret. [C.O. 324, 34. pp. 95, 96.]
Dec. 25. 757. Petty Expenses, Postage and Stationer's Account of the Board of Trade, Michaelmas to Christmas, 1721. The latter account includes £9 for "18 large books of loose papers bound together in vellum att the Office." v. B.T. Journal. [C.O. 388, 78. ff. 8, 9. 16, 17, 20.]
Dec. 26.
Fort Nassau in New Providence.
758. Governor Phenney to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to enclosures. Continues:—The Fort has only two thin stone walls and the interspace fill'd with earth, the bastions are all deformed and falling, the parapets being of plank are most part decay'd, so that it is thought necessary here to have the whole rebuilt, to which purpose the Council and Inhabitants have addrest H.M. to grant them leave to elect an Assembly in order to raise monys for that and other publick works. The whole people here pray your Lordsps. assistance that they may have an Assembly which will soon encrease the number of inhabitants and make the Colony flourish. Under the Proprietary Government the Assembly consisted of twenty, but we hope your Lordsps. will think it proper to have that number enlarg'd. I am now going to work on a platform for the twenty-four 18 pounders (that came over with me) extending from the Fort to the westward which will make the harbour very secure till we can get the Fort in better order. I am about to form the Militia of which I will do myself the honour to give your Lordsps. an account by my next. I am getting a general draft of these Islands which as soon as finish'd I will also forward to your Lordships. Samuel Pitt (late Mate of the Hamilton a Bristol ship Joseph Smith Commander) with six of the crew came in their longboat from the Havana having the Governor's pass. They were taken the 22d. June last by the Good Fortune brigantine Thomas Anstead Commander and Pirate having 18 guns, 60 white men and 19 negroes, 14 leagues west of Jamaica. The sd. pirates forct the second mate and 12 of Smith's men to proceed with them etc. Signed, G. Phenney. Endorsed, Recd. 26th April, Read 1st May, 1722. 1¾ pp. Enclosed,
758. i. (a) List of Council of Bahama Islands:—James Gohier, William Fairfax, Thomas Walker senr., Charles Wainwright Carrington, Pedro Galfrido Parabow Skynner, Richard Thompson senr., Nathaniel Taylor, William Spatchers senr., Peter Courant, Joseph Cookes, Thomas Wood, Samuel Watkins.
(b) Persons recommended to supply vacancies in Council:—William Jones, John Cockrem, Thomas Barnett, Joseph Hall, Francis Besey, Benjamin Bullock, Richard Thompson junr., Thomas Walker junr., Thomas Spencer, Benjamin Saunders, Thomas Saunders, John Thompson. Endorsed as preceding. 2 pp.
758. ii. Minutes of Council of the Bahama Islands, 24th Dec., 1721. Mr. Carrington was suspended from the Council upon the information of Mr. Gohier, that when in England he was in the interest of the Pretender etc. Endorsed as preceding. Copy. 4 pp.
758. iii. Minutes of Council of Bahama Islands, 18th–29th Dec., 1721. John Howell, Lt. of the Independant Company, cleared himself of the charge of having been a pirate brought against him by James Gohier and Thomas Walker etc. Same endorsement. Copy. 13 pp.
758. iv. Minutes of Council of Bahama Islands, Dec. 1721. Mr. Gohier, one of the co-partners and sole Agent to the rest, exhibited articles against William Fairfax, Judge of the Vice-Admiralty, Collector, and Deputy Secretary, charging him with maladministration as Deputy Governor (i) Governor Rogers, departing without leave, appointed Fairfax Lt. Governor, tho' he had no power to do so, and Gohier was President of the Council. By Fairfax's orders troops boarded the Duck sloop, belonging to the Bahama Co., and seized 12 barrels of flower. (ii) To disable the Company from recovering their goods, Fairfax by proclamation declared Gohier and the Chief Justice (Walker) enemies to the welfare of this Government. (iii) By Fairfax's orders, soldiers shot and killed stock belonging to Gohier, grazing on the common near the fort. (iv) He forbade the inhabitants to pay the tenth of spermaceti oil and fifth of ambergrease to Gohier as agent to the lessees and took them to maintain the soldiers, as he says; and protecteth himself in these proceedings by force of arms, ever since the 10th of June. He put a stop to the established Courts of Justice, and forbade the publication of the Chief Justice's announcement of their being continued, so that several debtors have gone off the Island in debt to the Company etc. v–xi. Other charges, including that of baptizing children. Reply of William Fairfax. Refers to Minutes of Council in answer to Nos. i, ii. Denies No. iii. Mr. Gohier and Walker, Factors, denied all relief to the Garrison from the Factory. Fairfax therefore received ambergrease and sperma, as stated, in order to purchase the necessaries for them, etc. Same endorsement. 46¾ pp.
758. v. Copy of proceedings in case James Gohier v. Thomas Petty, relating to a demand by the former for a tenth of all oil made from seal, since seal fish was ever esteemed a royal fish within the Bahama Islands. Referred, at the request of the Chief Justice, Thomas Walker, the plaintiff and defendant to the Council of Trade and Plantations, for their judgment thereupon. Same endorsement. 7 pp.
758. vi. Inventory of Stores of War in Fort Nassau on New Providence, 12th Nov., 1721. Signed, John Allen, gunner, Jno. Pennell, Storekeeper. Same endorsement. 3 pp. [C.O. 23, 1. Nos. 42, 42. i–vi.]
Dec. 28.
St. James's.
759. Order of King in Council. Referring to Committee of Privy Council, the report of the Board of Trade of 1st Sept. upon the petition of Capt. Gookin (v. 8th Jan. 1720). Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 23rd, Read 24th April, 1722. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1266. ff. 31, 32v.]
[?1721] 760. Address of the Governor, Council and Assembly and Inhabitants of South Carolina to Governor Nicholson. Truly sensible of and deeply affected with H.M. great grace and goodness towards us, in sending your Excy. as His Representative among us, etc., next to our grateful sense of the King's goodness in taking us under his own immediate protection that of his wisdom in sending your Excellency for our Governor takes place. We rejoyce at the extensive latitude of the powers H.M. has honoured you with because they convince us of the great repose and confidence H.M. has in you, and your Excys. wise conduct since your arrival very strongly shows us how much your Excy. will improve those powers for the honour of the King and the advantage of his subjects in this Province. The King by taking us under his protection makes it incumbent upon us ever most gratefully to acknowledge His grace and favour, But H.M. by appointing so wise and experienced a person as your Excy. (who has acquired such considerable conquests to the Crown of Great Britain in America from the great employments and commands you have heretofore had in every Province thereof) to settle the safety trade and tranquillity of this Infant Colony demonstrates that no distant of place lessens his fatherly tenderness for his people. These blessings will naturally induce us to live in Love, Peace, Unity and Friendship with one another and to have no other strife among ourselves, but who shall approve himself the best subject to the King and most sincerely and affectionately attach'd to your Excy. etc. Undated. 2½ pp. [C.O. 5, 382. No. 24.]
[1721] 761. Memorial to Henry, Lord Carleton, President of H.M. Privy Council. Proposal from "an intended Company of Trustees" to settle all the half-pay officers upon the land lyeing between Nova Scotia and the Province of Maine, if H.M. will remit the quit-rent of the Province for 99 years. It has been proposed to settle the said land for raising hemp, flax and naval stores, with a quit-rent of 28 lb. of hemp per 100 acres etc. No date or signature. [C.O. 5, 752. No. 17.]
[1721] 762. Similar Memorial to Charles Lord Viscount Townshend, Principal Secretary of State. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 752. No. 18.]
[?1721] 763. Michael Ayon to Lord Carteret, Secretary of State. Prays for relief out of H.M. Royal bounty in compensation for his great losses, services and sufferings at the time of the rebellion in Antegoa in which H.M. Capt. Generall was murder'd etc. Signed, Michael Ayon. No date. 1 p. [C.O. 7, 1. No. 23.]
[1721] 764. Major George Thomas to [?Lord Carteret]. Prays to be appointed to the Council of Antegoa upon the first vacancy. Has a very plentiful estate in that island etc. Was lately introduc'd by my Lord Carteret to H.M. with an Address from said Island, etc. No date or signature. ¾ p. [C.O. 7, 1. No. 24].
[1721] 765. Petition of Col. Ekines to the King. In return for services done and money disbursed at Scilly etc. in the service of his country, asks to be appointed Governor of North Carolina. Signed, Tho. Ekines. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 306. No. 6.]
[?1721] 766. Petition of Lessees of the Bahama Islands to the Lords Justices. The Lords Proprietors granted the said Islands to Woods Rogers, who assigned the same to several of petitioners. They have expended great sums in settling and fortifying them. Finding it a work too great for a few private persons, these first assignees of the lease have agreed with the rest of petitioners and others to let them into particular parts and interests in the Islands on their contributing proportionable sums for carrying on the undertaking etc. Pray for letters patent of incorporation etc. cf. April 19, 1721. Without date or signature. 2¼ pp. Dated by a reference to attack by Spaniards "in March last." Ed. On back, in later hand, (? 1728),
766. i. Members of the Bahama Company. Ld. Londonderry, Sr. Cha. Wager, Wm. Chetwynd, Paul Docminique, Govr. Harrison, Govr. Hunter. [C.O. 23, 12. No. 80.]
1721–1735. 767. Naval Officer's Returns, Carolina. [C.O. 5, 509.]
1720–1721. 768. Correspondence of Commandants of Essequibo with the Directors of the Dutch West India Company. Dutch. [C.O. 116, 22 and 23.]