America and West Indies: January 1636 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1860.

'America and West Indies: January 1636', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660, (London, 1860) pp. 219-220. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol1/pp219-220 [accessed 20 April 2024]

January 1636



Jan. 22. London.	1. Sir David Kirke, Will. Berkeley, and John Kirke, to Sec. Coke Jas. Kirke having had conference with the English Ambassador, concerning restitution from the French for wrongs committed in Canada, a letter from the King to the Ambassador is requested, to prosecute their just demand, and in case of denial, letters of marque to right themselves. If Sec. Coke thinks they should not have the King's letters, it is desired that he will write on their behalf. Are resolved to send away the bearer, so as not to lose the opportunity of restitution before the French ships sail for Canada next month. [On 15/25 Jan. Lord Ambas. Scudamore writes from Paris that a petition against De Caen for the Canada business had been delivered to the Council of State, who will report upon it at their first sitting. See Corresp. FRANCE.]
Jan.?	2. Memorandum of a proposed instrument to be signed by the King for the Canada merchants. The grant of 11 May 1633 to be first recited. Then to be added that, restitution having been demanded in France for wrongs done to British subjects, and answer returned that the Kings should not fall out for that cause, "let them right themselves and the strongest carry it," the King has thought fit to give power to his subjects for three years, "to surprise and take, &c., &c., to eject, &c., and after such taking to enjoy and possess, &c." The grant to pass no further than the Privy Signet, that it may not be so publicly known. [Draft, endorsed by Sec. Coke, "Canada merchants."]
Jan.?	3. Relation by the Canada merchants concerning an agreement made with Sir Kenelm Digby and company, by virtue of their patent for sole trade to Canada, for a voyage to those parts. That Digby and his company have reserved to themselves 200 wt. of beavers, of the value of 200l., which were taken from Beverton's [Brewerton?] widow, who was master of the ship [see ante, p. 128, No. 4], and killed on the voyage, and are kept from the Canada merchants. [This document appears to have been annexed to the preceding, and is similarly endorsed.]
Janu. 29.	Minutes of a Court for Providence Island. The Treasurer informs the Company that upon arrival of the Expectation, a declaration concerning the state of the island, was addressed to the Earl of Holland [see p. 216 No. 81], who having acquainted the King therewith, liberty was given to the Company to right themselves; and that whatever they should take in the West Indies by way of reprisal, should be adjudged lawful. The Sec. is directed to send letters to the absent adventurers, to give notice of the ship's arrival, of the necessity of a speedy supply, and of the encouragement received from the State. The proportion of charge to pay off debts and to carry on the work is computed at 10,000l. Several propositions are made as to whether the Company should carry on the plantation by themselves, deliver it over to the State, or otherwise. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., pp. 239–41.]