Entry Book: January 1688 | British History Online

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 8, 1685-1689. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1923.

Citation:

'Entry Book: January 1688', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 8, 1685-1689, ed. William A Shaw( London, 1923), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol8/pp2168-2170 [accessed 24 November 2024].

January 1688



1687–8.
Jan. 28.	H. Hordesnell to the Treasury Lords, dated from Bermuda; marked " received 22 May, 1688." My last letter of the 19th inst. by way of Nevis was in haste, I being but newly arrived. I herewith enclose another copy [missing] of the account which I received from the Governor and his son. Some small sloops have since arrived [at or from the Hispaniola wreck] but ineffectual, Sir John Narbrough being there before them. I find it impossible ever to obtain all his Majesty's dues of what is brought in, by reason that Sir Robert Robinson took only a tenth (besides what he exacted for himself), the commanders and masters [of the vessels] believing they had [thereby] fully paid his Majesty's dues [and therefore] shared the rest amongst themselves and the seamen. So that the money is dispersed by their expenses and buying of necessaries for their wives and children all over the country and now [lies] by way of trade in the hands of those that were never concerned in the getting of it. I have examined several of them and this is all the account I can get as yet from them. I also enclose an abstract out of the account so that you may see how much his Majesty is defrauded. I will not leave a stone unturned to find out the truth.	Out Letters (Plantations Auditor) I, pp. 305–6.
	Here are 12 brass or copper guns which Sir Robert has taken in part of the King's tenths [of the wreck money], one or more of them broken at the muzzle and some others I fear not serviceable. I am in dispute about them, they being [previously] wholly the king's and not to be allowed for. Every day I have some or other in examination, but am at some charge in employing a stranger as messenger to summon them, none of the inhabitants being to be trusted (of which I have had experience). I have met only one whom I can have any belief of being just, one Robinson, a Quaker, who would not give Sir Robert his tenths nor be forced (unless he would seize all) to give him as others did, but gave security to pay his Majesty's due. He has now paid on board the Swan 400l. (according to the rate of money here) as a full moiety of what he brought, and this he did freely and cheerfully, nor would he break bulk till I sent for him: and as yet I can find no one who can charge him more, only one whom Sir Robert examined, who I sent for, but he refuseth as yet to appear. This poor Quaker is hated by all the rest for his being so honest.
	Mr. Constable has discharged three or four [shipmasters] and given a receipt that he has taken the King's dues, but never mentions how much, only 10l. of one Middleton. The masters will not tell: so that I find cause to believe a combination against his Majesty's profit, it being here a maxim that a man can never get an estate by being honest. Capt. Frowde assists me daily to the utmost and sees what I relate, but knows not how to help it.
	Provisions are at this time very dear and rather dearer than at London: and want of trade will quickly ruin the place. " If your Lordships should think fit to encourage the inhabitants by granting them a free trade with their own vessels both to England and all other his Majesty's Plantations it would much encourage them and increase his Majesty's Customs."
	Here is very little of law matters of concern (except Mr. Smailes, whom I found at liberty), most others being brabbling and quarrelsome matters not worth the trouble of a judge or his Majesty's charge; and without a considerable salary he is not able to support himself with due respect. After one Assizes, which will be in the beginning of March, I question not but to put them in a method of ending all their controversies among themselves and [so am ready] to return when you shall direct me.
	" Atherly declares that the tunn and half of silver Capt. Phipps took from him at the wreck. Phipps declared it was for his Majesty's particular duty, therefore should not be shared with the other adventurers: upon which Atherly refuseth to pay any more than his tenths; and if that had not been paid thinks he ought not to have paid it, he hath had great losses, and that Sir William Phipps had never found this wreck but by him, as he says: he is yet poor, having given away so many shares and before this worse than naught."