|
| Oct. 1. |
1135. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Read,
Colonel Stapleton's letters of 1st and 18th June (ante, Nos. 1013,
1024), the latter complaining of the insolent behaviour of a French
man-of-war. Their Lordships agree to commend Colonel Stapleton
and to encourage him to do the like for the future; and, in view of
other injuries inflicted by the French, to advise demand of satisfaction from the French Ambassador and French Court. They
recommend further that, in compliance with Colonel Stapleton's
suggestion, an able frigate be appointed to attend the government
of the Leeward Isles instead of the Quaker ketch. Also that the
4½ per cent. duty of the Leeward Islands be applied for one year
to the construction of a fort in each of the Islands and that the
Commissioners of the Treasury be directed to adjust the matter with
the present farmers of that revenue. |
|
Lord Culpeper called in, and the new clause of his instructions
referred for consideration by Order in Council of 24th September
(see ante, No. 1127) approved. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. CVI.,
pp. 70–72, and Vol. LXXX., p. 365.] |
| Oct. 4. |
1136. Muster roll of Captain Augustine Gavell's company of
Colonel Thomas Fuller's regiment:—1 captain, 1 lieutenant,
1 ensign, 2 sergeants, 54 privates. Copy. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 131.] |
Oct. 6.
Nevis. |
1137. Governor Stapleton to Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Nothing new since letter of 15th July, but the seizure and condemnation of an English ship, the Edward and William of London,
which did in no manner transgress any known law. She rode at
the great Salt Ponds upon St. Christopher's, which is as much His
Majesty's property as any part of the Island, though not yet
restored, notwithstanding frequent demands for possession. The
seizure was made at sea after she weighed anchor. Her confiscation is contrary to the law of nations, to all articles of peace, and
all ancient and recent agreements between the two nations in these
parts. The judgment is grounded only on an order of the French
King prohibiting all strangers' ships to approach his roads, a copy
of which order was sent to their Lordships in the answer to their
inquiries. Has sent an express to the French General to demand
the vessel and goods, and to desire a meeting with him amicably
to settle that and several other grievances. Would be glad to know
whether, in case of denial, he would be justified in issuing letters
of reprisal to the owners. 1 p. Read, 4 Jan. 1679. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 132, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 404.] |
Oct. 8.
Whitehall. |
1138. Order of the Privy Council. Lord Culpeper informed the
Board that the Oxford frigate is ordered to return from Virginia
immediately after his landing, and is only victualled for that period;
whereas the frigate, if it is to be of any profit to the Colony
according to a promise made by the King, should convoy back the
Virginia fleet in April. Ordered therefore, that the Admiralty be
recommended to victual the Oxford for two months longer, that
she may convoy the Virginia fleet to England. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXX., pp. 366, 367.] |
| [Oct. 8.] |
1139. Memorandum from Lord Culpeper in reference to the
return of the Oxford frigate from Virginia (which sailed from the
Downs 13th February 16 79/80), which it is requested on behalf
of the merchants may convoy home the Virginia fleet by April
at the farthest. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 133.] |
Oct. 9.
Whitehall. |
1140. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Carlisle's
letter of 10th June read, reporting the refusal of the Jamaica
Assembly to pass the laws which he took out with him. Agreed,
that the matter rest until the last Orders, of 28th May 1679
(ante, No. 1008), shall have reached Jamaica. Lord Carlisle's
request for stores and munitions of war (ante, No. 1059) read, and
on inquiry for an account of the particular stores required,
Sir Francis Watson produced it. Their Lordships ordered the
information as to the French menace against Havanna to be brought
to the notice of the King in Council. Ordered, that as Lord
Carlisle mentions that he has suddenly called an Assembly (which
he has no power to do without special direction), Mr. Secretary
Coventry be asked if any such power has been transmitted to him
within his knowledge. Mem—. Mr. Secretary, on being asked, said
he knew of no powers entrusted to Lord Carlisle herein beyond
those in his Commission and Instructions. 2½ pp. [Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 73–75.] |
| (Oct. 9 ?) |
1141. Objections made by the Assembly of Jamaica to the laws
transmitted by the King. The Militia Bill ought not to be passed,
because—(1) The word fusees, known to be much more serviceable
arms than muskets, is omitted. (2) The new proviso for settling
satisfaction for losses caused by invasion are illegal. (3) The last
proviso subverts the whole Government. Should it once pass no
further laws need be made, for whatever the King instructs the
Governor to do becomes by this clause lawful. (4) There being 10
companies now at Port Royal the general exercise must be appointed
to be once in 10 weeks. (5) The power of the Court Martial is
too arbitrary, and the power of fining a man is too exorbitant. |
|
The Revenue Bill ought not to pass—(1) Because no money was
ever raised in Jamaica by order of the Governor and Council
except when Councillors were elected and hence representatives of
the people. (2) The impost on Madeira is too high, and will both
diminish the revenue and cause the Island to be ill supplied. (3)
The contingencies to which the impost is appropriated should be
named, or the money may be diverted from its true purpose. (4)
It was never before provided that the Receiver General should take
bond with sureties from merchants. A stranger might not be able
to find securities and be ruined; and the matter is provided for by
other statutes. (6 and 7) Verbal alterations on small points.
(8) The salaries of the Captain General, Lieutenant General, etc.
should be named in the bill. (9) The perpetuity of the Bill is not
according to the practice of this Island and against the interest of
any young Colony. Copy. Inscribed, Recd. from Colonel Watson
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 134.] |
| Oct. 9. |
1142. Address of the Governor and General Assembly of
Connecticut to the King. Acknowledge His Majesty's great
goodness to them in their charter bounds and privileges, which
have been no small engagement and encouragement by their arms
against the enemy to stand in defence of those parts; cannot choose
but reflect upon themselves that in so many halcyon days of great
immunities under his gracious shadow they have not with bended
knees testified their utmost thankfulness; but such have been the
'overtures" by the death of their former Governor, Winthrop, and
of late by the breaking forth of the war with the barbarous Indians,
as hath hitherto retarded them. Have now a hopeful issue of that
war, for although much impoverished in their estates, yet God has
given them their lives for a prey, while many of their neighbours
round about have been made a desolation. Acknowledge themselves
debtors to the King for the greatness of his name and power,
with the aspect thereof towards being a terror to their heathen
adversaries. These troubles have been some hindrance to their
duty of "timeous" acknowledging their thankfulness. Being
summoned by the King's letter of 12th February 167 8/9 to appear
by agents to make good their claim to the Narragansett country,
can say nothing but to beg that they may be admitted humbly
to prostrate themselves at his feet, with earnest beseeching that
they may be continued in the full enjoyment of all their limits and
privileges, and that the messenger whom they have empowered,
Mr. William Harris, may find favour, who can inform fully the
expenses they have been at in the last Indian war, both as to
money and men, and the advantages obtained, which have been
certified to the Earl of Sunderland by the Commissioners of the
United Colonies from Boston August last. Signed William Leete,
Gov., John Allyn, Secy. Endorsed, Recd. from the E. of
Sunderland 27 Nov. 1680. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 135.] |
Oct. 11.
Westminster. |
1143. Heer Du Leyden de Leeuwen, Ambassador Extraordinary
to the United Provinces, to the King. Is charged with an express
command to represent that the English still retain the Islands of
St. Eustatius and Saba, captured from the Dutch, contrary to the
tenor of the 6th Article of the peace concluded 10th February
1674; begs therefore that His Majesty will order the restitution
thereof. Signed Du Leyden de Leeuwen. ¾ p. French. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 136., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI.,
p. 389.] |
|
1144. Translation of the foregoing. Read in Council 17th October,
at the Committee 30th October 1679. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 137, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 389.] |
| [Oct. 13.] |
1145. Memorandum by [Sir Francis Watson]. "The Earl of
Carlisle desires 100 barrels of powder, 30 guns for the new fort,
50 men for recruits of the two companies, and a good fourth-rate
frigate to defend the harbour." Recd. from Sir Francis Watson.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 138.] |
Oct. 16.
Barbadoes. |
1146. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. Received their commands in a letter of 25th July
last (see ante, No. 1079), which came not to his hands till the
12th instant; also another from His Majesty "whereby I find that
in some measure I lie under his displeasure for an Act passed by
me complained of by the farmers of the 4½ per cent. His Majesty's
disfavour is more grievous to me than the deprivation of any
government his Majesty hath to give can be. I will not take upon
me to justify all the actions I have done since I came to this
employment, especially at this distance, although were I nearer to
you I doubt not to give your Lordships such reasons for what I
have done as might at least mitigate those heavy censures if not
fully satisfy you." Answers in detail the particulars of the
farmers' petition with some reflexions upon the reasons inducing
him to pass the Acts complained of. When he found there were
several actions brought against the farmers he reflected upon his
error, and gave order to the judges to stop all proceedings thereon
till he should have His Majesty's commands. "And the truth is I
was sensible of my own weakness, which I was not willing should
appear before your Lordships; and well knowing that the Act
would shortly fall of itself or was otherwise ineffectual I did
forbear to send them to you with the rest." Knows of no other
Acts withheld unless temporary for three or six months, and some
others obsolete and out of use. Hopes to give their Lordships
satisfaction in what they want, although there will be great
difficulties, and it cannot be done in a short time. Finds they are
somewhat offended at some expressions of his, as if intended to
cast reflexions upon their Lordships, which was far from his
thoughts, and he hopes he shall never be guilty of such imprudence.
Explains why he wrote as he did "wherefore I hope those words
upon a favourable interpretation may pass for harmless, since they
were not ill meant." The church is in good order and supplied
with good ministers, the magistrates the same, the courts of justice
regularly prosecuted, the clamour of debts stopped, and a very
ready way to recover them, the island well fortified, no parts of
America better, the militia in very good order and well disciplined,
ammunition of all sorts, arms of several sorts, and this without
charge to the King. "I may fail in my judgment, but I hope
shall never fail in my integrity. My Lords, I must finish with a
request that you will please to consider me as the King's Governor
here; and that you are pleased to put the opinion of merchants or
people that are concerned in this Island in balance with me—'tis
something hard to bear as your letter expresses; they tell you
their own interests, and it may be not the Kings, which, when
'tis required, I shall faithfully do." Will provide an answer to all
their commands the first opportunity. The new Assembly have
repeated that formidable Act as will appear by the copy.
Enclosed, |
|
1146. i. An Act repealing an Act for allowing of a second free
entry of the dead productions of this Island lost or taken
relating to the 4½ per cent., Barbadoes, 1679, 22nd
October. Signed by John Higinbotham, Clerk of the
Assembly. Certified copy by Edwyn Stede, Deputy
Secretary. Together, 4 pp. "Rec. 5 Jan. 1679–80.
Read, 13 Jan. 1679–1680." [Col. Papers, Vol. 139, 139 I.,
Nos. 139, 139 I., and Col. Entry Bk., Col. VI., pp. 293–297.] |
Oct. 17.
Whitehall. |
1147. Order of the King in Council in reference to the
representation of the Dutch Ambassador (see ante, No. 1143).
The Lords of Trade and Plantations to examine the business,
report and advise thereon. Signed John Nicholas. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 140, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 389.] |
Oct. 17.
Whitehall. |
1148. Memorandum of Council. Upon hearing the pretensions
of Mr. Ayleway to be admitted Auditor of Virginia, together with
the allegations of Lord Culpeper to the contrary, petition of said
Ayleway was dismissed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 75, and
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., p. 367.] |
| (Oct. 17.) |
1149. Petition of Réné Petit, the King's Agent at Rouen, and
Jacob Guérard, Gentleman, of Normandy. Pray that a certain
number of the Protestant families which have already arrived in
England may be shipped on board the Richmond frigate, said to be
bound to Barbadoes in a few weeks, and that the said frigate may
sail first to Carolina with the emigrants, and thence to Barbadoes;
also that a warrant may be prepared for the grant to the petitioners
of 2,000l., whereof one moiety to be received on arrival of the
first batch of emigrants, and the remaining moiety on arrival of the
rest. Annexed. |
|
1149. i. Copy of Order in Council of 28th May 1679 (see
ante, No. 1006.) |
1149. ii. "Copy of the Subscription List for the advancing of
money." After a brief preamble setting forth the object,
"We whose names are underwritten do hereby promise
and engage every one for himself to advance and lend
until the said Réné Petit and Jacob Guérard the sums
hereinafter mentioned, amounting in all to the said 1,400l.,
in case the said 2,000l. be wholly made over unto us,
and the payment thereof secured by a Privy Seal or such
other way as lays in His Majesty's power to grant to be
received as it is expressed in the order aforesaid,—
"I will lend 400 pounds, Albermarle.
"I will lend 200 pounds, P. Colleton.
"I will lend 50 pounds, Francis Tysson.
"I will lend 50 pounds, P. Ward.
"I will lend 100 pounds, John Ward." |
|
[The total is thus only 800l.] |
|
Endorsed, Recd. 17 Oct. 79. Read in Council the 22nd
and to be read again when His Majesty shall be present.
Read in Council 24 Oct. 1679. Together, 4 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. LXIII., Nos. 141, 141, i., ii.] |
Oct. 18.
Jamaica. |
1150. [Letter of Intelligence ?] "There has been lately taken
from the Spaniards by Coxon, Batharpe, Bothing, and Hawkins,
with their crew, 500 chests of indigo, a great quantity of cacao,
cochineal, tortoiseshell, money, and plate. Much is brought into
this country already, and the rest expected. Those that pay
custom for their goods land it at noonday and share it. And
besides those before mentioned Captain Cook, on the coast of
Cuba, perceiving some Spaniards, left his vessel, and he and his
men went on shore there in their boats, where in a small time
came a Spanish bark with cacao and money, on which they seized
and brought her away, and the cacao was brought in by shallops
and paid custom, and was landed and shared. This I write, not
out of any prejudice I have to anyone, but believing, as most others
do, that these things will be laid on the back of the country, as
most miscarriages are, when in truth they are exceedingly against
it, knowing that His Majesty had commanded a peace with the
Spaniards; and besides it hinders and discourages the manufacture
of this place, for those that can buy privateer goods cheap will not
lay out their money on such unless they can have them much under
the usual price. The Success arrived here the next day after
Captain Swan (see ante, No. 1129) and in five days the Commander,
Captain Tyte, died, and his Lieutenant, Johnson, is Captain. She
is now sent out to seize on all the goods they can find which do
not appear to be intended hither for the payment of duty.
Hawkins was not with those that took the indigo, but at Santa
Martha, which he and other privateers took not long since and
plundered. So long as they see they can bring in their goods, paying
custom, they will daily increase, and great depredations will be
made on the Spaniards.—Don Pedro." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 142.] |
Oct. 18.
Whitehall. |
1151. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Conference
on the Treaty of Neutrality with the French in the West Indies.
The French ambassador, replying to Secretary Coventry on the
project delivered to him on 25th July last, said he had received
that project perhaps too hastily from them, his first orders being to
adjust the ratification of the Treaty concluded by the two Governors,
with the inclusion of Jamaica and Barbadoes. He had had no
answer from the Ministers in France, except that there being
peace between the two Crowns there was no occasion for a new
treaty. His Master did not, therefore, think it convenient to enter
into it, though willing to ratify the first treaty with the inclusion
of Jamaica and Barbadoes. |
|
Their Lordships replied that the treaty was begun at the
solicitation of the French Governor and altered according to his
Excellency's desires; a ratification could but settle and confirm what
had been first agreed; but the ambassador repeating in substance
what he had already said, their Lordships say they would take
this for an answer. And so they parted. 1½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. CVI., pp. 75, 76.] |
| Oct. 20. |
1152. Colonel Francis Moryson to Mrs. Jeffreys. According to
her wish, writes all that he knows of what passed between Sir W.
Berkeley and her late husband about his salary. Sir W. Berkeley,
on receiving his orders of recall from Colonel Jeffreys and the other
Commissioners, told Jeffreys in Moryson's hearing that he should
have his 100l. per month from the date of his arrival, and that for
the time while Berkeley stayed he would give him bills of exchange,
but warned him that at the year's end he would find the place so
"expenseful" that 100l. a month would not give him salt to his
bread. Jeffreys asked Berkeley how he should come to his salary,
who answered "Before God, you must look to that as I have done."
Not many days before his departure Sir William sent Colonel
Jeffreys bills of exchange for a considerable sum, but these were
returned by Jeffreys, for Sir William told him that he must owe
the money to his (Berkeley's) kindness and not to any right of
his own, which expressions Jeffreys did not relish. Endorsed with
a certificate from Sir John Berry that he was present at the
conversation between Jeffreys and Berkeley about the salary,
knows the contents of the letter to be true, and can give further
instances if need be. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 143.] |
| Oct. 21. |
1153. [William Blathwayt] to the Commissary of the Musters.
Lord Carlisle having signified to the Lords of Trade and Plantations
the want of recruits for the two Jamaica Companies under his
command, their Lordships, not having received any particular
account of the state of those companies, are desirous that you, who
have doubtless full particulars from your deputy in that Island,
will acquaint them, by to-morrow morning at nine, with the state of
the muster rolls and any further information respecting the said
companies. 1 p. Draft. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 144.] |
Oct. 21.
Whitehall. |
1154. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The business
of the Bermuda Company. Minutes of 30th July read and
approved. Both parties argued again on the first article, and the
complainants produced an order of Court showing the intention of
the Company to give sentence in the case of Mr. Sands and
Mr. Righton; but their Lordships seeing no reason to alter their
previous opinion on the subject, the parties proceeded to the second
article. The Company at length confessing that they levied
shipping dues of 12d. per ton, their Lordships think that some
such dues are reasonable, but will think further if 12d. a ton be
too burdensome. On the fifth article of complaint their Lordships
agree to report that all the King's subjects should have absolute
liberty to present their petitions to His Majesty. On the seventh
article of complaint the complainants produce copy of a warrant
(see below), signed by the Governor of Bermuda to levy distress on
those who should refuse to pay taxes for support of Government.
The Company allege that any imposition of taxation without
the consent of the inhabitants by the Governor, is against their
order. The eighth charge was ruled frivolous, and two material
points alone remaining undecided were adjourned till the 23rd
instant. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 77–80.] |
| [Oct. 21.] |
1155. Warrant of Sir John Heydon, Governor of Bermuda,
addressed to the "Constable or Hedborrough of Hamilton tribe,"
authorising him to collect the general levy for defraying the public
charge in the Islands and to distrain upon the goods and chattels
of any person who should refuse to pay his assessment in tobacco
according to the value of 7½ lbs. of tobacco per share (25 acres).
"Given under my hand at St. George's, 8th November 1677."
True copy certified by Stephen Righton, constable, and attested by
James Farmer, witness, and Thomas Ontorbrid (?), the latter adding
"I heard Stephen Righton say that this is a true copy of the
Governor's warrant." Endorsed, Read at the Committee 21st
October 1679. [Col Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 145]. |
| Oct. 21. |
1156. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. The Members of
the Assembly elected by virtue of the new writs were presented as
follow, viz.:—
For St. Michael's—Colonel William Bate, Colonel Richard Guy,
returned by Richard Howell.
For St. John's—Colonel Christopher Codrington, Colonel Thomas
Colleton, returned by Henry Walrond.
For St. Joseph's—William Sharpe, Edward Binney, returned by
Thomas Wardall.
For St. Phillip's—William Goodall, Richard Pocock, returned by
John Witham.
For St. James'—Edward Littleton, James Walwyn, returned by
John Stanfast.
For St. George's—Major Rowland Bulkley, Samuel Husband,
returned by William Bulkley.
For St. Lucy's—Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Tidcomb, Captain
Thomas Maycock, returned by Symon Lambert.
For St. Peter's—Colonel Richard Bayley, Major William Foster.
returned by Alexander Riddock.
For St. Thomas'—Lieutenant-Colonel James Carter, John
Davies, returned by said Davies.
For Christchurch—Richard Seawell, Major Richard Williams,
returned by Samuel Newton.
For St. Andrew's—Captain John Merricke, Captain John Gibbs,
returned by said Gibbs. |
|
The Assembly presented Colonel Richard Guy for their Speaker.
Ordered, that Colonel Henry Walrond, John Witham, and Richard
Howell meet some members of the Assembly to prepare a letter in
answer to one from Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Henry Drax
against the next meeting of this Board. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI.,
p. 303–304.] |
| Oct. 21. |
1157. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. Returns of the
election for the several parishes. Being met at the Roebuck in
St. Michael's Town, Colonel Richard Guy was elected Speaker,
John Higinbotham their Clerk, and John Forbes Marshal. |
| Oct. 22. |
Edwyn Stede, of the Council, administered the oaths to their
Clerk and Marshal. Rules and Orders for governing the proceedings of the Assembly passed unanimously; also an Act to
revive and continue the several Acts of the militia. Letter read
from Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel Henry Drax to the Council
and Assembly dated London, 19th July 1679, in answer to theirs
of 16th April (see ante, No. 969). Upon Lord Carlisle's going to
Jamaica the late Council thought fit to make alterations in
the powers and instructions granted to the Governors of the
English plantations, which are described. That the farmers of the
4½ per cent. have made a complaint against the law of Barbadoes
to ship in case of loss the same quantity of sugars free of duty,
Were summoned before Lords of Trade and Plantations on 4th
July and recite what took place (see ante, No. 1048). While
discussing these laws, the Lord President said he wished he could
see a proposition from the Island for taking the duty of 4½ per
cent. from the King; to which they replied the Island was willing
to farm it from the King, and Joseph Crispe, who was present,
said he was also prepared to treat for the Leeward Islands, but the
discussion was postponed. Hitherto have received no sugar or
advice from their Treasurer. Committee appointed to prepare an
answer to the above letter. Then was communicated by his
Excellency a letter from His Majesty to him of 27th July 1679,
with Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations against the Act to
ship in case of loss the same quantity of sugars free of duty,
declaring His Majesty's disapprobation and disallowance of said
Act, and that it be forth with repealed and declared void. Whereupon an Act was passed unanimously "in obedience to His
Majesty's royal pleasure," repealing said Act. Adjourned to
25th November. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 354–367.] |
Oct. 22.
Whitehall. |
1158. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King.
On the subject of the behaviour of the French man-of-war commanded by the Comte de Sourdis (see ante, No. 1024), the violent
and unjust seizure of sugars passing from one English district to
another, and the demand of an entry on all English goods (see
ante, No. 963). Recommend that complaint be made by the
King's Minister in France and to the French Ambassador in England
of the wrong suffered by His Majesty's subjects, in order that,
besides satisfaction for past injuries, they may have liberty to use
the high roads in St. Christopher's without disturbance or making
any entry; and that friendly correspondence may be maintained
between the two nations. Recommend also that in accordance with
Governor Stapleton's past suggestions, a frigate is necessary to
carry him from place to place and generally encourage His Majesty's
subjects. The strong squadrons, efficient companies of soldiers and
strong fortifications maintained by the French in the Leeward
Islands at the expense of the French King, greatly harass English
subjects, and His Majesty is therefore advised to encourage them
by allowing the expense of a small fort in each of the Islands, the
more for that the British have shewn every disposition to help
themselves, and to comply with the King's commands. Again, the
4½ per cent. duty levied on export of dead commodities from the
Leeward Islands for the expenses of Government is farmed in
England for 700l. annually. The King has derived little advantage
from it, while the inconvenience and detriment to the planters far
exceeds that sum. Both this duty and that of Barbadoes are included
in the farm, and since both are considerably decreased from their
true valuation and agreement, it is recommended for the preservaof these Islands and the safety of the plantations at large, that the
Governor be permitted to levy this duty, and that the proceeds be
applied to the finishing of one good fort in each of the Leeward
Islands for the space of one year, and such time longer as the
Islanders may need and deserve the King's bounty herein. This is
the easiest and most reasonable method for the support of the King's
interest in the West Indies; it can easily be made agreeable to the
contract for the farm and will make but a small increase of charge,
very disproportionate to the extraordinary outlay of the French
King in the Leeward Islands. The Lords would press the King the
more strongly on this point, inasmuch as those of them that were
appointed to negotiate a treaty of neutrality with France in the
West Indies, plainly find that the French Ambassador refuses to
agree to the project placed in his hands in July last. Looking to
the apprehension that will be caused in the Leeward Islands by this
refusal, and to the former suspicions set forth to His Majesty in
the Report of 25th April 1678 (ante, No. 679), wherein also a
suggestion was made as to the force, naval and military, that was
thought necessary, and estimates prepared to lie by till further
occasion, the Lords now consider the present to be a fitting occasion
for presenting those estimates for the expense of 1,000 soldiers
and six frigates (see ante, No. 862). Pending decision on this
matter, the Lords insist again on the necessity of applying the
4½ per cent. duty to the construction of forts. Signed Finch,
Worcester, Bridgewater, J. Ernle, H. Powle, H. Coventry. 6 pp.
Read 24th Oct., and referred by His Majesty's order to the
Commissioners of the Treasury for their opinion thereon. Signed,
Robert Southwell. Annexed, |
|
1158. i. Report of Commissioners of the Treasury on the above.
Do not see how, in view of the contract made with the
farmers of the 4½ per cent. duty, that of Barbadoes can be
separated from that of the Leeward Islands. The farmers,
however, are willing to allow the sums of money collected
in the Islands on account of the rent payable by them to
the King to be applied to such purposes as the King shall
think fit, on condition that such sums be allowed them as
if they had been paid into the Exchequer according to the
reservation in their lease. Signed Essex, L. Hyde,
J. Ernle, Ed. Dering, S. Godolphin. Dated, Whitehall,
Treasury Chamber, 10 Nov. 1679. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 146, 146 I., and Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XLVI., pp. 372–379 and 395.] |
Oct. 23.
Whitehall. |
1159. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The business
of the Bermuda Company. Argued on both sides whether the
Company have any right to receive Appeals for the Court of
Judicature within the Islands, and whether the Company have
power to raise taxes except by consent of the inhabitants, and
both points at length waved by the complainants. Their Lordships
determine to report the minutes of their first meeting of 30th July,
and on the right of every subject to present petition to the King.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 81.] |
Oct. 24.
Whitehall. |
1160. Memorandum of Committee of Plantations. That on this
day Lord Radnor was appointed Lord President of the Council.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 81.] |
Oct. 24.
Whitehall. |
1161. Order of the King in Council referring to the Lords
of Trade and Plantations for their report the petition of
Bartholomew Price, administrator to Colonel Herbert Jeffreys, late
Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 147, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., p. 369.] Annexed, |
|
1161. i. Petition of Bartholomew Price, administrator to Colonel
Herbert Jeffreys, Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, to the
King. That, by His Majesty's instructions of 11th November 1676, said Jeffreys was allowed the duties
formerly paid to Sir William Berkeley for support of
the Government. That by His Majesty's letters of
27th December 1677 he was appointed the yearly salary
of 1,200l. until 25th March 1678, after which time it was
to be paid in England. That on said 25th March 1678
there remained three months' salary due (being the sum
now in dispute between Lady Berkeley and the relict of
Colonel Jeffreys), and 900l. from said 25th March to
17th December 1678, when the Colonel died. Prays, in
consideration of the premises and of the calamitous
condition of said Colonel's wife and child, for speedy
payment of said arrears. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 147 i.] |
| Oct. 28. |
1162. Sir Stephen Fox, Paymaster-General, to the King.
That there remains due to Thomas Lord Culpeper, for his pay as
Governor of Virginia, and to the Lieutenant-Governor, MajorGeneral, and the Commissary of the Musters in said Colony, for
one year and two months, from 30th April 1678 to 1st July 1679,
the sum of 3,024l. 7s., whereof 1,600l. hath been paid to Lord
Culpeper. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. L., p. 45.] |
Oct. 28.
Whitehall. |
1163. The King's warrant to Sir Stephen Fox to pay to Lord
Culpeper and others as above the sum of 1,424l. 7s. out of moneys
for the pay of His Majesty's guards and garrisons. [Dom. Entry
Bk., Chas. II., Vol. L., p. 44.] |
Oct. 28.
Whitehall. |
1164. Warrant to Sir Stephen Fox, Paymaster-General of the
King's Guards and Garrisons, to pay to Thomas Lord Culpeper the
sum of 92l. 5s. due to the officers of his company in Virginia from
30th April to 31st August 1678, with the certificate annexed.
[Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. LIX., p. 5.] |
Oct. 28.
Whitehall. |
1165. Similar warrant for payment of 1,684l. 3s. due to a
company of foot in Virginia, under the command of Lord Culpeper,
from 3rd August 1678 to 1st July 1679. [Dom. Entry Bk.,
Chas. II., Vol. LIX., p. 6.] |
Oct. 28.
Whitehall. |
1166. Warrant for payment of 2,320l. 9s. to Captain Herbert
Jeffreys', now Sir Henry Chicheley's, company of foot in Virginia,
from 30th April to 1st July 1678, with certificate annexed. [Dom.
Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. LIX., p. 8.] |
| Oct. 29. |
1167. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Minute
granting the petition of Réné Petit (ante, No. 1149) for the transport
of several Protestant families to Carolina on board the Richmond
frigate. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 82.] |
Oct. 30.
Whitehall. |
1168. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Read,
pursuant to Order in Council of 24th October, the petition of
Colonel Herbert Jeffreys, late Governor of Virginia, for the arrears
of salary due to him as Commander-in-Chief of Virginia, three
hundred pounds whereof is said to be payable out of the fund of 2s.
a hogshead in Virginia and the remainder out of the Exchequer in
England. No one appearing on behalf of Lady Berkeley who
claims the 300l. in right of her husband, ordered that her attorney
be summoned to appear next Thursday. |
|
Report concerning the Bermuda Company ordered on the
23rd October approved and signed. Ordered, that the Company be
required to furnish the Committee with all their laws and constitutions and the commission and instructions of their governor in
the Somers Islands. |
|
A letter from the general Court of New Plymouth, touching
Mounthope and the Narragansett country, lying before the Committee, the petition of Mr. John Crown for the lands of Mounthope
in compensation for his losses in Nova Scotia was considered. The
answer of the Agents of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, together
with the report of the Committee and the King's letter of 12th
February last to the four Colonies of New England, as also the
answer of New Plymouth, were read. Resolved to recommend that
in consideration of the Colony's sufferings during its late wars with
the Indians, the lands of Mounthope be continued in its possession. |
|
Read, the Memorial of the Dutch Ambassador of 11/21 October
(see ante, No. 1143) for restoration of St. Eustatius and Saba.
Resolved to recommend that full report be made by Colonel
Stapleton as to the condition of the Islands when he took them
over, and that the Ambassador be informed that the King on
receiving the said report will forthwith order restitution of the
Islands. 3 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 81–85.] |
| Oct. |
1169. List of all ships that have laden any of the enumerated
plantation commodities in the Island of Barbadoes from 14th April
1678 to 14th October 1679. Total 51 ships, 39 English built, and
12 foreign built, with names of the masters. Endorsed, "Rec,
3 June 1680." [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. IX., No. 1.] |
| Oct. ? |
1170. Petition of the Council and Assembly of Jamaica to the
Duke of York. Begging him to intercede with the Royal African
Company, to furnish the Island annually with a plentiful supply of
negroes at moderate rates, whereby His Majesty's Customs will be
increased and the country accordingly strengthened and improved.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 148.] |
