America and West Indies: January 1637

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

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'America and West Indies: January 1637', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660, (London, 1860) pp. 243-245. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol1/pp243-245 [accessed 23 April 2024]

January 1637

Jan. 5.
Hampton Court.
33. The King to the Governor and Council of Virginia. When the colonies of Virginia were governed by a Company, a yearly rent of 12d. at least, was reserved to the King upon every grant of land of 50 acres. These rents, by the dissolution of the Company, have become due to the King, with those upon all grants since made, and there has been as yet no Treasurer to take charge of them. The King, resolving not to lose these rights and royalties, appoints Jerome Hawley, one of the gentlemen sewers to Queen Henrietta Maria, Treasurer of Virginia, with powers, privileges, fees, and allowances belonging to that office, and require them to administer to him the oaths of Treasurer and of Councillor there, and to give him precedence according to his office. Annexed,
33. I.Instructions concerning the revenue of Virginia, to be observed by the Governor and Council and all the King's officers and subjects respectively. All persons claiming lands to produce their titles before Michaelmas next, to the Treasurer, who will have them entered, and certify what lands and estates are already granted and the rents and other duties belonging to the King. Future grants to be first surveyed by the King's Surveyor General, who will certify to the Treasurer the fines and rents to be paid. Rents, fines, and other duties to be paid to the Treasurer, who is authorized to appoint collectors. Fines and amercements to be certified every Quarter Court to the Treasurer, with power to the Governor, Treasurer, and two of the Council to mitigate them. The Treasurer to produce his accounts to the Governor and Council annually before the end of March, to be certified and transmitted to the Lord Treasurer of England. Hampton Court, 1637, Jan. 5.
Jan. 10. 34. Sec. Windebank to Sir John Harvey, Governor of Virginia. Upon petition of Jerome Hawley, representing the loss of revenue to the King in those parts, His Majesty has appointed Hawley Treasurer of Virginia, and desires that he be forthwith admitted a Councillor, upon his taking the oath of allegiance, but not otherwise. Doubts not that he will admit Hawley to both places, and assist him in advancing the King's revenue there.
Jan. 14. 35. Jerome Hawley to Ed. Nicholas. Is to carry over some toils to Virginia, and send some deer from thence to the King. Desires that he will move the Lords of the Admiralty for warrant to press a ship, between 100 and 200 tons burden, for this service.
Jan.? 36. "Remembrance for Sec. Windebank." The Gov. and Sec. of Virginia having made choice of Lieut. Robt. Evelin, for Surveyor of the Colony, vice Gabriel Hawley, deceased, they desire the King's confirmation. Sec. Windebank is requested to procure His Majesty's letters to that effect, and also to signify to Jerome Hawley, appointed Treasurer of Virginia, that he shall not, by virtue of that office, abridge any of the profits or perquisites heretofore received by the Governor.
Jan.? 37. "Brief note concerning Councillors of State, to be nominated by the King for Virginia." That Robt. Evelin, Capt. Christ. Wormeley, Rich. Townsend, and John Sybsye may be forthwith sworn of his Council, and Evelin continue to enjoy the favours granted to him by the King's letters of 18 April 1634.
Jan. 20.
Warwick Castle.
Minutes of a Meeting for Providence Island. The James, ready to put to sea for Association, having sprung a leak and put back to Plymouth, the Mary Hope to be prepared instead. The design for Association given up, upon intelligence that the inhabitants had quitted it and removed to Hispaniola. Complaints against Capt. Wil. Rudyerd for selling the Company's goods, and unnecessary waste of powder, are examined, but it is resolved that he shall have command of the Mary Hope. Heads of letters and instructions are agreed upon. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. III., p. 289.]
Jan. 20. Commission from the Company of Providence Island to Capt. Wil. Rudyerd, for command of the Mary Hope and passengers. [Minute, with this addition, "according to the form of the commission for command of the James, as in the Book of Association." This book is not in the State Paper Office.]
Jan. 20. Instructions from the Company of Providence Island to Wil. Rudyerd, capt. of the Mary Hope, bound to divers parts of the West Indies. To take letters, goods, and passengers to Providence, and there fit the vessel "for our further designs." Not to intermeddle, in case of mutiny in the island, unless requested by the Governor and Council. To seize Spanish vessels when past the islands to the southward. Concerning prizes and freight home-wards. Preparation of Camock's flax. Distribution of negroes if a prize be taken. Trading without licence. Search for commodities fit to grow in Providence. Power to consort with any Dutch or English ship ton for ton and man for man. [Colonial Entry Bk., Vol. IV., pp. 112–14.]
Jan. 28.
James City.
38. Governor Harvey to Sec. Windebank. Sends account of his proceedings since the short time of his arrival. Has not time to "fall into particulars." Endorsed "Rec. 13 March." Incloses,
38. I. Governor Harvey to the Lords Commissioners for Plantations. After having found by dangerous experience, the insufficiency of the Black George, he and some few of his company shipped themselves for Virginia, where they arrived on the 18th inst.; summoned the Council and read his commission and instructions at the church of Elizabeth City. The King's proclamation of pardon to all except those specially exempted, who had been aiding and abetting in the late practices against the Governor has been published. Has appointed Commissioners and Sheriffs for the lower counties and Accomack, and summoned an Assembly to meet on 20th February. James City, 1637, Jan. 27. Endorsed by Windebank, "Rec. 13 March."
Jan. 39. Petition of the owners of the Hector, of London, to the Admiralty. Have contracted for a voyage to New England for a plantation there, and from thence to divers parts in the streights. Most of the passengers had engaged their whole estates, and all was ready for the voyage, when the ship was pressed for the King's service. Prays for release of their vessel in consideration of their great charges, and that on her return, His Majesty will receive 3,000l., at least upon the goods imported.