America and West Indies: August 1679

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 10, 1677-1680. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1896.

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'America and West Indies: August 1679', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 10, 1677-1680, (London, 1896) pp. 403-411. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol10/pp403-411 [accessed 25 March 2024]

August 1679

Aug. 1.
Rhode Island.
1082. Governor Cranston to the King. We received your Majesty's letter of 12th February 1678/9 (ante, No. 890) by Captain Randall Holden and Captain Greene, also the letters to the Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Connecticut, which have been delivered to the several Governments. The late war with the Indians began in June 1675 between the Sachem Philip and New Plymouth, and was prosecuted by the three united colonies (as they term themselves). Afterward several other nations of the Indians joined in the war, but this colony was not concerned in the war, except as necessity required, for the defence of our lives and what we could of our estates, and as countrymen and fellow subjects to assist and relieve our neighbours, so that we cannot at present render a full account of those affairs. We will say only that Sachem Philip was slain by an Indian belonging to Rhode Island under the command of a captain who was with a company of volunteers with the Plymouth forces. We humbly beg pardon for our remissness in not giving an account sooner. The contents of Mounthope are about 7,000 acres, a plot whereof we have caused to be taken and herewith present; the soil for the most part fertile, the value esteemed to be 3,000l., as now it is, being uncultivated; it lies on the east of the Narragansett Bay and the greater part of it we conceive comes within our limits, but it was granted by the Commissioners to Plymouth. We beg your Majesty's protection against the confederate Colonies who endeavour to insult over us and forbid us the exercise of government in the King's province, as settled by the Commissioners; and pray that the privileges and liberties of the free and clear enjoyment of the possession of those lands may be granted to us, many of the youth of our Colony having been constrained for want of lands to remove themselves, to the great impoverishing of the Colony, and that such as want lands there may be supplied out of the vacant lands in the King's Province before any others. We return praises to God for your Majesty's wonderful preservation from that late hellish conspiracy against your life and the subversion of the Christian religion. Signed by order of the General Assembly, John Cranston. Endorsed, Recd, from Mr. Colston 23 Dec. 1679 by Mr. Blathwayt and deld. unto Mr. Secy. Coventry from whom it was again received this 2nd Jan. 16 78/80, Read 2nd March 16 79/80. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII, No. 100; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 23–27.]
Aug. 4.
Westminster.
1083. The Dutch Ambassador Van Leyden de Leeuen to the King. Further representations respecting the behaviour of Captain Hampton in seizing the person and ship of John Rodes (see ante, No. 986) in the Dutch possessions in Acadia. The representation of Sieur Van Benningen having remained unanswered, the Ambassador presses for a fair and just end to be put to the matter. Translation. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 101.]
Aug. 6.
Windsor.
1084. Petition of Sir Philip Howard to the King. Prays for His Majesty's interest in the forfeiture of the ship Robert and Richard of Barbadoes and her goods, lately arrived in London, seized as a foreign built ship not made free. With reference to the Lords of the Treasury to report what His Majesty may fitly do for petitioner's gratification. ½ p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. LV., p. 36.]
Aug. 6.
Whitehall.
1085. Order of the Privy Council. That an Act of Assembly begun at James City 25th April last, entitled An Act enabling Major Lawrence Smith and Captain William Bird to seat certain lands at the head of Rappahannock River and James River be forthwith suspended until His Majesty's further pleasure be signified, and that no Assembly be called in Virginia before 1st January next, of all which Secretary Coventry is to give intimation to Sir Henry Chicheley, Deputy Governor of that Colony. Also to signify that His Majesty has received the address concerning the pay of the soldiers (ante, No. 994) there, and the arrears of quit-rents. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., p. 359.]
Aug. 6.
Whitehall.
1086. Order of the Privy Council on letter from Sir Henry Chicheley of 20th May last, and address of the Assembly of Virginia enclosed (ante, No. 994), that a letter be prepared for the King's signature to Lord Culpeper, to acquaint the Assembly on his arrival that His Majesty, before the receipt of their address, had taken care for payment of the arrears due to the soldiers and for the continuance of the same for the future; and that as to the quit-rents His Majesty had long had that matter under consideration, and will shortly give orders therein for his own service and the ease of the people. Also that he has sent some laws to them to which he expects a cheerful and ready compliance, assuring them of his particular care and kindness for his Colony. That an instruction to Lord Culpeper be prepared, to forbear the publication of his additional Commission for six months after his arrival if he think fit. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp. 363, 364.]
Aug. 7. 1087. Pass for Edward Randolph to go to New England as Collector, &c., of Customs. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Vol. LI., p. 284.]
Aug. 9.
Whitehall.
1088. Secretary Coventry to Sir Henry Chicheley, Deputy Governor of Virginia. Has received his letter of 20th May last, wherein he enlarges upon the matter of the Address from himself and the Assembly concerning the pay of the soldiers there and the arrears of the quit-rents, to which His Majesty has ordered his answer. Will endeavour to deserve his good opinion by showing his hearty inclinations for the welfare of Virginia, and also to his own particular. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 307.]
Aug. 9.
Wurinam.
1089. Muster roll of Lieutenant-Colonel Scot's company in Colonel Thomas Fuller's regiment:—1 lieutenant-colonel and captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 2 sergeants, 3 corporals, 1 drummer, 67 privates, "the gentleman at arms included." "Mustered at Lacovia, 9th August 1679." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 102.]
Aug. 9. 1090. Muster roll of Captain John Gale's company:—Captain, lieutenant, ensign, 2 sergeants, "an esquire—a clerk," 3 corporals, 1 drummer, 30 privates. "Taken at the Burnt Savanna, 9th August." (The captain cannot sign his name, but attests the muster by his mark.) [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 103.]
Aug. 9.
Whitehall.
1091. Secretary Coventry to Sir Henry Chicheley, Deputy Governor of Virginia. Is commanded by the King to signify to him that an Act enabling Major Lawrence Smith and Captain William Bird to seal certain lands at the head of Rappahanock River and James River be forthwith suspended, so that no proceedings may be had thereupon until His Majesty shall signify his further pleasure. That no Assembly be called or held in Virginia before 1st January next, and that, having been received an Address concerning the pay of the soldiers there and the arrears of quitrents, such order will be taken therein upon the arrival of Lord Culpeper as shall be for the good of His Majesty's subjects there. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 307.]
Aug. 10.
St. John's, Newfoundland.
1092. Extract of letter from Captain Lawrence Wright, H.M.S. Reserve. Has already sent some copies of the Orders in Council touching the commanders of the merchant ships keeping close to their convoys, to some of the fishing ports distant from St. John's, and will send more. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 104.]
Aug. 12. 1093. Muster roll of Major Vassall's company in Colonel Thomas Fuller's regiment:—1 major and captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 3 sergeants, 2 corporals, 2 drums, 60 privates, "mustered at Surinam." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 105.]
Aug. 13.
St Jago de la Vega.
1094. Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Coventry. On the 8th instant acquainted the Council with the King's Order of 29th March, and the Committee's Order of same date (ante, No. 950), prohibiting further cutting of logwood, inviting all privateers home by offering them a double proportion of land if they would plant, and continuing Lord Vaughan's laws that expire in September next. Has prolonged martial law from the 10th instant to the Assembly's meeting on the 19th, to ensure completion of the new battery at the Point; and ordered for the benefit of the planters, who have met this year with many disappointments, that the Supreme Court be put off to November. No letters from Coventry since 4th April. As soon as H.M.S. Hunter returns from her cruise round the coast in search of privateers, proposes to send her to Carthagens, where several masters of sloops belonging to Port Royal are said to be detained as prisoners, which much exasperates the people's heart against the Spaniard. The Spaniards seize our ships for cacao as well as logwood. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 324.]
Aug. 19.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1095. Journal of the Assembly of Jamaica. Assembly summoned to the Council Chamber, and having taken oaths of supremacy and allegiance chose William Beeston their speaker, Charles Boucher, clerk, and George Redworth, messenger.
Members of the Assembly,—
Robert Whitefield St. Thomas.
Edward Stanton
Thomas Ryves St. David's.
Eleazar Wignall
Samuel Barry St. Andrew's.
William Parker
William Beeston Port Royal.
Samuel Bach
Reginald Wilson
John Burdon St. Katharine's.
Samuel Bernard
Edmund Duck
John Colebeck St. Dorothy's.
Theodore Cary
Thomas Ayscough St. John's.
Francis Price
Robert Alewyt St. Thomas in the Vale.
Fulke Rose
Peter Beckford Clarendon.
Jonathan Ashurst
George Fawcett Vere.
Andrew Knight
John Borrow St. Elizabeth's.
Thomas Raby
Richard Guy St. James'.
Augustine Gavell
John Gauden St. Anne's.
Benjamin Smith
John Bathurst St. Mary's.
John Fountain
Andrew Orgill St. George's
Edward Broughton
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII., pp. 215, 216.]
Aug. 20. 1096. Heads of Lord Carlisle's speech to the Legislature of Jamaica. He had hoped to do more for them, but for the delay of advices from England; so far he had only received a letter saying that the Committee of Plantations was still of opinion that the model of Ireland was best for Jamaica, and was preparing reasons to convince the Assembly. The Governor proposed that the Act of Revenue should be continued for 18 months, for he had sent Sir Francis Watson to England to negotiate the ancient system of making laws, and intended if Sir Francis failed, to go himself next March, so that there would be no occasion for an Assembly in, his absence. He also recommended the building of a fort. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII., p. 216.]
Aug. 21.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1097. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. The whole House waited on his Excellency by its own request to hear what he could tell them of an alarm of the French fleet; whereof he knew nothing excepting from a letter written to Sir Thomas Modyford that the French designed to attack Jamaica, but he believed it to be probable and thought the Island not safe. A committee appointed to examine the accounts of Mr. Martin (Receiver General). Debate on the Act of Revenue. Voted that it be continued for six months from the 1st September, that the House appoint a collector, and that an account of the money be rendered to the House when demanded.
Forty-five barrels of powder to be brought and distributed to the Captains of horse and foot. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII., pp. 215–218.]
Aug. 22. 1098. Extract from the Journals of the Assembly of Jamaica. The Committee appointed to examine Mr. Martin's accounts, reported that Mr. Martin appearing before them said Lord Carlisle had ordered him to tell them, both from the King and himself, that he was not obliged to shew his accounts to the Assembly, and that he had given the accounts to his Excellency, who had told him that if any of the Assembly desired to see them they would see them there. The House considering the return of the Committee resumed the debate and thereupon did vote, that notwithstanding my Lord's (Carlisle) answer by Mr. Martin to that Committee it was and is their undoubted and inherent right, that as all bills for money ought and do arise in their House, so they ought to appoint the disposal of it, and to receive and examine all the accounts concerning the same. Reed, from Mr. Secretary Coventry, 11 Dec. 1679. Read 20 Dec. 1679. Certified true copy. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 106, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 341.]
Aug. 22.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1099. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. The Committee appointed to inspect Mr. Martin's accounts reported that he had received the Speaker's warrant to appear before them with his books and papers, but that he had been with the Governor, who had ordered him to tell the Committee, both from the King and from his Excellency, that he was not obliged to show his accounts to the Assembly. He had given the said accounts to the Governor, who had told him that if any of the Assembly desired to see them they might see them there.
An Order of the Council desiring the Assembly to appoint a committee to join with its own committee to consider what fortification was necessary for the Island. Committee of nine appointed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII., pp. 215–218.]
Aug. 22.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1100. Order of Council of Jamaica. Present, the Earl of Carlisle and nine members. Mr. Speaker moving his Excellency in Council, by desire of the Assembly, to adjourn the next November Grand Court on behalf of the Planters in general of this Island, owing to the great suffering under the long and present drought, which will not permit them to work before March next: After debate unanimously agreed, That all the Courts in the Island be put off until the last Tuesday in February next, excepting the Court of Port Royal, and that no process be granted there but in a certain specified case. Signed, Rowland Powell, Cl. Council. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 107.]
Aug. 23. 1101. Report of Committees of Council and Assembly for defence of Jamaica to Governor Lord Carlisle. Seven specific recommendations, for strengthening the breastwork, arming the new works, providing four fire-ships. Signed, Hen. Morgan, Tho. Freeman, Charles Whitfeld, Sam. Long, Hender Molesworth, John Colbeck, Raphe Whitfeld, Sam. Barry, Sam. Bach, Thomas Ryves, Pe. Beckford, Reginald Wilson, Edward Broughton, The. Cary. Certified true copy. Recd. 11 Dec. 1679. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 108.]
Aug. 25.
Boston.
1102. The Commissioners of the United Colonies to the Earl of Sunderland, in answer to the King's letter of 12th February 167 8/9 about Mounthope and the Narragansett country. "Emit" the causes and the printed narrative of the war, which, though by a private hand, truly sets forth the same; have ground to conclude, without breach of the rules of charity, that those malicious designers, the Jesuits, have had their influence in the contrivement of the war, as they are credibly informed both by Indians and English. The lands of Mounthope, though possessed by Philip and his Indians, are not so properly to be called conquered lands, but such whose Indian claim and title thereto are forfeited into the hands of the English by breach of covenant, for these reasons:—(1) That the lands are indubitably within the limits of New Plymouth as contained in their charter, and within the bounds of an English town in that Colony planted by them near 40 years since, called Seacouck and Swansea; (2) Philip and his Indians were orderly subjected to the government there settled; (3) The necessity and justice of the war for the preservation of the lives and estates of the King's subjects there settled will appear from the printed narrative. The contents of Mounthope have been estimated at 7,000 acres, but on survey appear to be of less quantity, and for value its advance is the more considerable, because of its situation near the sea, and so may be some accommodation to that Colony for a place of trade, otherwise the improvement and benefit would be very inconsiderable and an "invaluable" sum towards New Plymouth's part of disbursement, which in the whole has been more than 100,000l. As for the proposal made on behalf of William Crown, neither his former losses, which were rather imaginary than real, nor his present demeanour seem such as should highly deserve of His Majesty, he being rather a burden and disservice than otherwise, and particularly to one of their plantations settled before the war. As for the Narragansett lands, they are included in the Charter granted to Connecticut, and so regularly under its government, and before the war peaceably settled in several parts in right of purchase from the Indians. They were likely to have been a flourishing plantation, but since the war those parts are disturbed by those who do intrude themselves upon them by alleged countenance of Rhode Island, and are an ungoverned people, utterly incapable to advance His Majesty's interest or their neighbours' peace and happiness. As for the acts of His Majesty's Commissioners in 1664, hope that none of their conclusions were intended to contradict the charters granted them, especially considering Colonel Nicholls' absence, which by their commission invalidated their conclusions. Humbly propose that it will be most difficult for the claimers of right in that country to defend their interest in England, the whole estate of many of them not being sufficient to transport them over seas or supply the management of an easy defence at such a distance. The English of these Colonies, having by His Majesty's good leave under security of letters patent removed themselves into this remote wilderness near 50 years past, have confidence that their adversaries' malice, by their private insinuation and unjust reproaches, shall not now prevail to disturb them in their so orderly a settlement. Ask these brief intimations to be laid before the King; will refer a more full and particular answer to their General Courts. Signed, Thos. Danforth, Presidt., Joseph Dudley, John Allyn, Josiah Winslow, James Richards, Thos. Hinckley. Endorsed, Recd. from Mr. Bridgman, 14 Jan. 16 79/80. Read 2 March 16 79/80. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 109, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 30–34.]
Aug. 25.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1103. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. Bill of Revenue read first time. Report of the Committee of Fortification, with seven recommendations, brought up, and the scheme voted.
Debate on the Report of the Committee of Accounts; voted nemine contradicente that notwithstanding his Excellency's answer by Mr. Martin, it is and was the undoubted inherent right of the Assembly, that as all bills for money ought to arise in that House, so they ought to appoint the disposal of it, and receive and examine all the accounts concerning the same.
Aug. 26. Bill of Revenue read a second time. Message to the Governor requesting him, now that all the field officers are in town, to call a council of war, to which his Excellency consented. The Bill of Revenue read a third time and carried to the Governor, who returned it to the House with a request that a clause for the continuation of the Act of Fees might be expunged. It was voted after debate that the clause be put in and that the House adhere to their Bill; which being told to his Excellency he said he was sorry for it, and would consider the matter till to-morrow morning.
The new orders from the King as to the making of the laws communicated to the House at its own request by his Excellency. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVII, pp. 218–220.]
Aug. 28.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1104. Journal of Assembly of Jamaica. Address to the Governor, informing him that the House judged the new orders from the King in Council to deserve the weightiest consideration, for which the present apprehensions of danger from the French gave insufficient time, and therefore begged either for prorogation or for leave to adjourn for two months or other suitable period. For this purpose the House would renew the Revenue Bill for four or six months, as his Excellency might judge best. His Excellency, after taking advice of his Council, informed the House that he accepted their address, and desired them to despatch the passing of the Bill of Impost for six months, after which he would prorogue them according to their wish.
Voted that the following message be sent to his Excellency: That the Militia Bill is plain and needs not any construction, and that the House sees no need of a fund till there be an expense.
Aug. 29. The House prorogued until the 28th October next. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVIII., p. 22.]
Aug. 28.
Jamaica.
1105. Address of the General Assembly of Jamaica to Governor Lord Carlisle. The General Assembly, having entered into some discourse about the orders communicated to them yesterday by your Lordship from His Majesty, think they require great consideration, and finding the present juncture of time insufficient to debate so great a business, being under apprehension of danger from the French fleet, beg either to be prorogued or to be permitted to adjourn for two months or such time as the Governor shall think fit, and meanwhile are ready to renew the existing Revenue Bill for four or six months according to the Governor's choice. Certified true copy. Inscribed, "Recd. in a letter from the Earl of Carlisle, dated 15 Sept., 1679. Read 11 Dec. 1679." [Col. Papers, Vol XLIII., No. 110. Duplicates.]
Aug. 29.
Whitehall.
1106. Commission to Sir Henry Chicheley appointing him Captain of a company of foot raised and to be raised for His Majesty's service in Virginia consisting of one hundred men besides officers. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXIX., p. 324.]
Aug. 30.
St. Jago de la Vega.
1107. Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Coventry. The King's letter of 31st May, Order in Council of 28th May, with animadeversions of the Council of 22nd May, and two letters from yourself, were received on 26th instant. I read them in Council next morning and the Order in Council and King's letter to the Assembly. I send you copy of their address (ante, No. 1105); and finding them nettled and warm, I thought it discretion to let them take time to digest their thoughts, so having passed the Revenue Bill prorogued them to the 28th October. The apprehension of the Island from the French fleet is very great, and hence the Assembly desired not only the putting off all the grand courts, as you will perceive by enclosed Order in Council (see ante, No. 1100), but that a council of war should be called and martial law constituted, for putting the Island into a posture of defence, which is now our present purpose and business. I returned late last night from viewing the several parts where it may be most proper to strengthen old works or erect new for the safety of Port Royal. I doubt not of our success, to the great contentment of the inhabitants here who are very angry with the Spaniards and not less jealous of the French. Pray send me copies of all treaties that I am likely to want, also of Colonel Doyley's instructions, and a commission under the Great Seal of England for the trial of pirates. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 111, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 382.]
Aug. ? 1108. A list of the sack ships in St. John's and the other ports of Newfoundland. With a paper summarizing the same, as follows:—Total of ships, 138; total of tons 200 to 40, 10,017; total of men, about 1 man to 5 tons, 1,595; total of guns, 569; total of quintals, from 4,000 to 500, 159,059; value at 12s. a quintal, 94,435l. 8s.; dead freight, 1,960 quintals. The return is a large parchment sheet. Signed Law. Wright. [Col Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 112.]