|
Oct. 4.
Jamaica. |
1,450. Lieutenant Governor Molesworth to William Blathwayt. I omitted to mention that I have heard from Mons. de Cussy, the Governor at Hispaniola, as to the Treaty of Neutrality, and informing me that he has orders to settle the Isle of Ashe, otherwise Isla de Vacas, just opposite their settlement at Hispaniola. He also told me that the French King had made Grammont (whom we took to be lost) his second lieutenant, and Laurens his third major, and therefore desired that no more of our ships might be sent to fish nor hunt on that coast, as it is to be reserved to the settlers. He added that if they continued to do so, the act would be treated as a breach of the treaty. I find that few of our ships do fish there, and then not for the edible turtle but for the tortoise shell, and as to hunting, the thing is unknown. So I issued a proclamation ordering compliance with Mons. de Cussy's request. Recd. 11 Jan. 1687–8. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 61–63.] |
| Oct. 5. |
1,451. Minutes of Council of New England. Petitions received and considered. Dudley Bradstreet was again brought up, and acknowledging his folly and imprudence, was discharged, on giving £1,000 security for his appearance at the next superior court. Samuel Appleton being brought before Council on suspicion of being concerned in the late disorders in Essex, was recommitted to custody. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 149, 150.] |
| Oct. 6. |
1,452. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. On reading the letter from the Lords of Trade respecting the King's house at Port Royal, Charles Boucher was ordered to survey it and report. Mr. John White presented the accounts of the Admiralty. Order for payment of £54 to Captain Spragge for expense of the sloop his tender. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., pp. 171A–173.] |
| Oct. 6. |
1,453. Admiralty accounts passed in the Council of Jamaica for Sir Thomas Lynch. Creditor, £178 14s. 5d.; debtor, £178 4s. 5d. 2 pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 42, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXVI., p. 172.] |
Oct. 7.
Jamaica. |
1,454. Francis Hickman to William Blathwayt. I received a letter from you asking for an abstract of all patents by which land is held in Jamaica. I am told that it has been long in hand, but is only half finished. Mr. Egleton and his whole family are lately dead, so that the records have come to my hands in some confusion. I send the minutes of Council since I have been concerned, and shall hasten the other matters. Signed, F. Hickman. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 11 Jan. 87–8. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 43.] |
| [Oct. 10.] |
1,455. List of Acts of New England received from Sir Edmund Andros on October 10. |
|
Act for regulating the purchase of land from Indians (passed 1 June). |
|
Act for regulating fishing and fishermen (passed 1 June). |
|
Act for probate of wills. |
|
Act for making of barrels and other vessels for beer and cider, and for regulating the assize of staves and boards. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 357.]. |
| Oct. 10. |
1,456. Order of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina for the admeasurement of six hundred acres of land in Jamestown precinct to Joachim Guillard. Signed, Craven, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 119.] |
Oct. 10.
Whitehall. |
1,457. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to [Governor James Colleton]. We have sent your our letters and instructions of 3 March, but have received no account from you how you have executed our orders. You will amend this neglect. Meanwhile we have received yours of 23 December and 26 February, and approve of your having stopped the invasion of St. Augustine. We are pleased with your care for the defence of the province from any future attacks of the Spaniards; and we take notice of the attack of the Spaniards on the Yamasee Indians at Port Royal, which we suppose to have been in revenge for the plundering of Spanish settlements by these Indians, set on, as was reported, by the inhabitants of Port Royal. Such action was unjustifiable in the Scots, and we shall not protect the Indians against the consequences of such aggression. You cannot expect the Spaniards to live peaceably by you if they are thus provoked. You will enquire into the truth of this report, and send a civil letter to the Governor of St. Augustine, asking if the invasion were made by his orders and whether he avows it. Until we hear his answer we cannot well go further in the matter. You do well in your resolution to seize all privateers, and you must not fail to enforce the law against those that correspond with them or supply them with arms and ammunition, for we have hints that such things are done by some in Carolina. We send you
by this conveyance a supply of great shot, granada shells and fuses. |
|
By the enclosed copy of Mr. Muschamp's letter (see No. 1,204) you will see the complaint that he makes. You will enquire into this, and report to us. If any of the Court of Admiralty have used such expressions as he says, you will put them out of their commissions and put honest men in their place. We hope that you have not filled that commission except with men of good reputation, who are unstained by any commerce with privateers or by that foul business of the brigantine. You will send us a list of the Court of Admiralty, and of all the other officers of the Government, civil and military, with your opinion of them, that we may satisfy the King that all ill men are put out of office You will inform us also in what method ships are admitted to trade, and show that they are duly qualified, whether this business is managed by yourself (as is most fitting) or entrusted to some one else, and if so, to whom. You will obtain from the secretary a quarterly list of all ships that have come in, with copies of the masters' certificates; you will note the time of their departure and their destination, and transmit the same to us with copy of the master's bonds, that we may send them to the Commissioners of Customs here. We recommend to you Captain Benjamin Blake as a very honest and faithful servant in such matters. |
|
You have not acknowledged receipt of our instructions as to granting of land. You will report to us fully, and order the secretary, surveyor general, and registrar to bring you lists of all land grants and transmit the same to us. You will also send us a list of the warrants granted by you for running out of land since your assumption of the Government. Captain Quarry had orders to send us these lists, but has not done it. We appoint Mr. Paul Grimball, of whose honesty we are satisfied, to be secretary in his place. We are willing that the inhabitants shall have private wharves before their houses, provided they wharf the part of the end of the streets as well, and keep it in repair. We are also willing to meet the wishes of those who desire to purchase the land that they now rent from us. You will encourage such purchases at our rate of a shilling an acre, and we will allow you ten per cent. on all money that we receive hereby. We cannot permit the Scots to take their county northward, as they have not fulfilled their contract, but we are ready to oblige Lord Card ross when possible. Many people from Carolina complain that justice is not impartially done and that the expense of the law is excessive. We expect you to remedy this. Signed, Craven Bath (for Lord Carteret), P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol XXII., pp. 121–123.] |
| Oct. 10. |
1,458. Commissions to Paul Grimball as secretary and escheator of the Province of Carolina, south and west of Cap Fear. Signed, Craven, Bath 9for Lord Carteret), P. Colleton Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 126 and 128.] |
| Oct. 10. |
1,459. Instructions to Paul Grimball for the offices named in the preceding abstract. Signed as the preceding, [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., pp. 126 and 128.] |
| Oct. 10. |
1,460. Commission to Benjamin Blake to be clerk of the Crown and peace in the province of Carolina to south and west of Cape Fear. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 129.] |
Oct. 11.
Custom
House. |
1,461. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury. On the petition of the merchants for an Act prohibiting the export of tobacco in bulk (see No. 1,397) we see no objection to such a law, but rather that it will be for the advantage of the King's customs. Signed, N. Butler, D. North, Jo. Werden, J. Buckworth, T. Chudleigh. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 44, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 156, 157.] |
| Oct. 12. |
1,462. Commission to Henry Horzdesnell to be Chief Judge of Bermuda during the King's pleasure. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 132, 133.] |
| Oct. 13. |
1,463. Circular. The King to the Duke of Albemarle. Directing the most stringent enforcement of the laws against pirates and their accomplices, a practice having grown up of bringing pirates to trial before the evidence was ready, and of using other evasions to insure their acquittal. Countersigned, Sunderland. Memo. That a copy was sent to the Duke of Albemarle on 15 November. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 44–47.] |
|
To the Lieutenant Governor of Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 436, 437.] |
|
To the Governor of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 277, 278.] |
|
To the Governor of Bermuda. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 137–140.] |
|
To the Governor of New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 120–122.] |
|
To the Governor of New England. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 365, 366.] |
|
To the Governor of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 186, 187.] |
|
To the Proprietors of Carolina. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 131.] |
|
General. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 10–12.] |
Oct. 17.
Whitehall. |
1,464. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor James Colleton. We hope that you have brought to trial the pirates taken in Carolina, and have made an example of them if convicted. We desire that you will send us depositions as to complaint made by Mr. Muschamp (see No. 1,204). We enclose the form of oath to be taken by you for the execution of the Acts of Trade and Navigation. Then follows the form of oath. Signed Craven, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p, 124.] |
| Oct. 17. |
1,465. The same to Paul Grimball. We have sent you a commission as secretary and escheator of the province south and west of Cape Fear. We expect you to do your utmost to put down pirates, and you will take care that the goods taken from
certain pirates lately found guilty be kept for our use. Signed Craven, P. Colleton, Tho. Amy. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII p. 125.] |
| Oct. 19. |
1,466. Minutes of Council of New England. John Osgood and two others of Essex County, being brought up for refusing to pay rates and for publishing seditious matter, were bound over in £500 to take their trail. Christopher Osgood charged with the same misdemeanour was discharged. Samuel Appleton committed to custody till he give security in £1,000 to appear at the next superior court. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 150, 151.] |
Oct. 19.
Barbados. |
1,467. Lieutenant Governor Stede to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We are most certainly become very poor, our goods yielding nothing in Europe in spite of our short crop and the prospect of short crops, for what the drought did not destroy has been miserably destroyed by caterpillars, locusts and other vermin far beyond any destruction since the island was settled. We have no money in the island and no means of getting it debtors and creditors alike are at their wits' end. What has discouraged us most of all is an imperfect report from London of a project set on foot by some indigent persons to obtain a monopoly of the sale of sugar and other West Indian produce; all produce is to be consigned to them, and they only are to supply us with money, credit and necessaries. As understood by the people here, this report disquiets them so much that but for their trust in the King I could not prevail with any of them to stay to see the event, or if the report were true or false. So terrified are they at the bare relation of it that they would immediately sell wonderful pennyworths of what they own here and seek their fortune elsewhere. But I hope that the King will permit no such project, so fatal alike to his interest and ours, to go forward. About four days since a great ship from the Duke of Courland arrived at Tobago, bringing a Governor for that island named Alten Bockun, and with him a second, Mons. Marreen, sometime the duke's resident in England. The latter arrived here four days since from Tobago, and told me that they have not more than eighty people in the island, all that were formerly sent thither being destroyed by the Indians or dead of starvation or gone from the desolate place where they lived so long without relief from the duke. I expect the same fate for these unfortunate gentlemen, for they have not stores of provisions to last them till fresh supplies arrive from Courland, nor have they money or credit. They hope to be protected and kept by this island, according to some agreement of the late King, of which I am ignorant. I told him so, and also that without instructions I could not violate the Navigation Acts, knowing how much Sir Richard Dutton was blamed for allowing a foreign sloop to come with timber to buy provisions for the sick Governor of Essequibo. Nor could I permit any emigration from here to Tobago. Even had I the King's leave we are not so well peopled now as to let any go whom we can persuade to stay. I assured Mr. Marreen of all the good offices that I could rightfully pay to him, and let him buy provisions
for money, but I could not let his ship bring up timber to pay for it. Signed, Edwyn Stede. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 45.] |
| Oct. 21. |
1,468. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Orders for the publication of the King's Declaration of Indulgence, and for the Commissions of the Peace to be published at the County Courts. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., p. 247.] |
| Oct. 21. |
1,469. Royal instructions for Sir Robert Robinson. The share due to us of treasure from wrecks is not a tenth but a half; you will therefore take care to collect that half, not only from ships that return from the wreck at Hispaniola in future, but also from the two ships that are already come in. We have appointed Henry Horsdesnell to be our Chief Judge in Bermuda, and you will give him all assistance, and send back our share of the treasure in H.M.S. Swan, which we have appointed for the purpose. If you have any difficulty in enforcing our rights, you will give notice to Captain Frederick Frowd of the Swan, and to the commander of our foot soldiers on board that ship. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 128–131.] |
Oct. 22.
Whitehall. |
1,470. Circular. The King to the Duke of Albemarle. Ordering that one full half of the treasure recovered from wrecks be recovered for the Royal use, without admission of any excuse, such as payment of tenths or grant by patent. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 47–49.] |
|
To the Lieutenant Governor of Barbados. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., pp. 437, 438.] |
|
To the Governor of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVII., pp. 284, 285.] |
|
To the Governor of New York. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 123, 124.] |
|
To the Governor of New England (dated 20 Oct.). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., p. 367.] |
|
To the Governor of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 184, 185.] |
|
To the Proprietors of Carolina. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 132.] |
|
General. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 13, 14.] |
| Oct. 22. |
1,471. Affidavit of the mariners of the sloop Anne, which was sent to the wreck at Hispaniola, as to profits gained therefrom. Sworn before Lieutenant Governor Stede. 2½ pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 46.] |
| Oct. 22. |
1,472. Duplicate of the foregoing. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 47.] |
| Oct. 22. |
1,473. Minutes of Council of New England. The Governor reported the royal order for annexation of Connecticut. Resolved that he go in person, with such of the Council as he thinks fit, to take over the Government. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 151, 152.] |
| Oct. 23. |
1,474. Instructions to Henry Horsdesnell, Chief Judge of Bermuda. To repair to Bermuda in H.M.S. Swan and take up his duties. Particular instructions as to the recovery of the moiety of treasure due to the King from wrecks. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVIII., pp. 134–137.] |
| Oct. 24. |
1,475. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for the Justices of the Peace to take account at next County Court of the persons best qualified in body and estate to be listed in the troop of horse and in the foot, as a better method for ordering the militia. Order that Commissions of Administration shall all be drawn according to the prescribed form and be duly returned. The Governor acquainted the Council with the discovery of a negro plot at the Northern Neck. Order for the conspirators to be kept in custody till the General Court, unless it be found safer to try them at once, and for a proclamation requiring observance of the laws touching negroes. The Governor answered that he had received the report of the gentlemen appointed to revise the laws of Virginia. Consideration thereof deferred. The Attorney General gave an account of the fines returned to him. Order for the Sheriffs to take care that they be daily returned. Order for payment of the public expenses out of the threepence per gallon duty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 249–259.] |
Oct. 24.
Jamaica. |
1,476. Lieutenant Governor Molesworth to William Blathwayt. Yankey and Jacob could not digest my conditions that their vessels should be broken up, though the majority of his people were for it. I hear that he was led away by a few that had been concerned with the Trompeuse and Banister. So they made away to leeward, their vessels being much in want of repair and most of their men having deserted, so that they have but forty between them. Last night I had news of Captain Talbot's death from fever, so that the command of the Falcon devolves on Smith, the first lieutenant. Recd. 16 March, 1687–8. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 67–68.] |
| [Oct. 24.] |
1,477. Enclosures to the foregoing despatch. |
|
Captains John Williams (Yankey) and Jacob Everson (Jacob) to Lieutenant Governor Molesworth. We have suffered much from calms and storms, and have only arrived after much distress off Point Negril. We beg you to consider that if our ships are broken up we shall be left destitute of all livelihood in present and future, and to allow us the use of them. We have neither of us money to purchase an estate ashore. I shall work into Bluefields and thence to Port Royal, but we are deserted by most of our men, and have none but raw hands left, so are afraid to stand close inshore for land winds. Signed, John Williams, Jacob Everson. Copy. 1 p. On the following page, |
|
Lieutenant Governor Molesworth to Captains Williams and Everson, St. Jago de la Vega, 9 October 1687. I told you in my last that your ships, being foreign-built, could not trade in the British Colonies, and I shall not receive you except you break them up. If you will accept the condition, make the best of
your way to Port Royal, if not, leave the coast at once, for I shall consider the treaty to be at an end. ½ p. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 48.] |
Oct. 24.
New York. |
1,478. Governor Dongan to the King. Since Judge Palmer's departure I have heard from Lord Tyrconnell that I am to go home. I beg that if the quarrel with the French here can be ended at home, and if you think me better fitted for your service there than here, that you will send me orders. I beg you to see the state of this province, which I have sent to the Lords of the Treasury, which will shew you that I am much in debt to the people and your Majesty to me. This will continue and grow worse, unless Connecticut be annexed to this Colony, though the dishonesty of Mr. Santen is to be held accountable for much. If I am to come home I beg that £3,500 may be given to Sir Benjamin Bathurst to be remitted here. This will satisfy all the debts that I have contracted here. Signed, Tho. Dongan. 1½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 22 Jan. 1687–8. Printed in New York Documents III., 492. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 49.] |
Oct. 24.
New York. |
1,479. Governor Dongan to the Earl of Sunderland. Macgregory is just returned from Canada, after being detained six months, and their goods taken from them. Four of his party are still kept there. Several of our Indians peacefully trading have been seized by the French, and a great many of them sent to France. It would be a great thing if they could be regained and sent back hither. The truth is that unless some steps be taken, the beaver trade and the right to the country will be lost. The French will encroach on other Governments as well as this. The fort that they have built by the side of the lake must be removed and we must build forts to secure our trade and our rights and our Indian allies. By hard words, fair words and a little bribery I have hitherto kept the Indians to us indifferent well, but that will not do always, for the French are very industrious, both by fair means and foul, to induce them to join them, and where I spend a shilling they are proud to spend ten pound. I hear the French are making great preparations in Canada to invade our Indians this winter, and the Governor is full of threats. To shew you our weakness, the tenth part of the militia is but three hundred men, though we have frontiers both to the French and Indians. These, with the garrison and some Indians, are all I can find to make head against the French. There are fifteen hundred Indians gone to Canada, which I hope will divert them, but in the spring I doubt not that they will come, for they have three thousand men there already, and expect many more from France. They swear to ruin the Five Nations for opening up a way for us to the beaver trade. The Governor of Canada told Macgregory so himself. The revenue is fallen off nearly one half, owing to the diminution of the beaver trade; and if we lay many more taxes on the people here they will leave us for some other Colony, so that the King must be at great expense to maintain this Colony, unless Connecticut be annexed. Six men can be raised in Connecticut for one here. Boston can bring five or
six thousand men into the field already, and pay them besides. You are not so well acquainted with these parts of America as the French. They have great advantages by the last treaty but are not content, for they have taken five forts in the North West passage this summer, besides invading us. Six hundred thousand livres have been sent from France to Canada for making fortifications and paying their army. On our frontier they have fortified already, and they will never live easily with their neighbours here till they have one good blow given them, which may easily be done, for if all the English were joined together they would be twenty to one of the French. It can be effected now by sending four or five hundred men from Europe to help the Indians, and ordering all the American Governments to help with money and men. Now that the Governor of Canada has found that he could not surprise our Indians, and that he has built his fort at Oniagra, he fancies he has done his business. He finds our Indians troublesome, too, in Canada, and believing that my preparations are ten times greater than I am able to make he has written me a much milder letter than the last that I sent you. He has also sent me copy of a letter from the King of France, whether feigned or not I cannot say, though I was certainly informed that he intended to ruin our Indians. Perhaps he is content with the destruction of our trade. The constant expense inclines me towards a peace until the matters in dispute can be settled at home, If the Governor of Canada will quit his fort at Oniagra and leave things as they were. If he does not consent to that, I must ask for men and money from the neighbouring Colonies, though I have little hope of getting them without the King's own orders. If the King add Connecticut to Boston, as I heard he intends, it will be convenient to add this Colony also, for we cannot maintain ourselves as we are. I beg for instructions how I am to act, but I must say that no settlement of boundaries can be made until the country is well discovered. Signed, Tho. Dongan. 4½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 22 Jan. 1687–8. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 50.] |
| Oct. 25. |
1,480. Governor Dongan to Governor de Denonville. I have received yours of 2 October from Quebec, with copy of a letter from the French King. The contents of this letter were in your instructions when you came out, or the King my master has been deceived. If they were, you were very wrong to invade our territory without provocation. I hope you have a better opinion of me than to think I cannot see as far as another man. I know what you aim at as well as you yourself, and you shall not obtain it, for I shall stand by our Indian subjects. Both your letters are full of complaints that I and my officers at Albany have violated the Treaty of Neutrality. We have not done so, but, on the contrary, have repeatedly told you that any injuries done to French subjects by our Indians should be speedily redressed on application to me. You tell me I have hired sixty Indians to devastate New France. I did not hire them, but I could not in justice hinder them from revenging themselves for your unjust proceedings towards them, first in taking sixty or more of them
that were trading with your people and thought you friends, and next in coming with such a power of men against the Senecas, killing and wounding them, cutting down the growing corn, carrying off the other corn, and building a fort at Oniagara, and several other matters, all in time of peace and without cause. I have, however, sufficient charity for the poor people of Canada, who are not to blame, to prevail with the Indians not to torture their prisoners, but to exchange them. I pass by for the present your capture of Christian prisoners and confiscation of their goods, not doubting that I shall obtain satisfaction. But why should not English subjects travel in the woods as freely as French? You will say it is your country, but that I deny. Could you not have sent them back and prohibited them to trade there? It is very hard that all the country which a Frenchman walks on must belong to Canada. I am glad you think you ought to have a good understanding with the English, and wish that you had thought of it before. I have made as fair steps to a good understanding as I could, and had you kept within the bounds that you prescribe to me there would have been no dispute between us. You say that we should do nothing without our masters' orders; then what does he deserve who goes contrary to them? I have answered your letter. I do not know what right you had to take the prisoners which you are keeping, and I do not solicit for their return. I have done nothing contrary to the treaty, but I shall be at Albany all this winter if you wish to explain to me why you have done so. I however beg you, to save bloodshed and disputes, to send some one to me, when, if your demands be not unreasonable, I doubt not that matters may be composed. Pemaquid does not now belong to this Government, so I know nothing of what has happened there; but I cannot refuse to sell the Maquas ammunition, for they are English subjects. Signed, Tho. Dongan. Copy. 2½ pp. Printed in New York Documents III., p. 513. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 51.] |
| Oct. 25. |
1,481. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Answer of the Proprietors of Carolina to Mr. Muschamp's letter (see No. 1,204). Copy to be sent to the Lords of the Treasury. |
|
Letter from Sir Nathaniel Johnson of 10 August read (see No. 1,387). Agreed to lay it before the King, together with the papers relating to the two companies and the Acts of Donations. |
|
Sir Timothy Thornhill's appeal read. Agreed that he may prosecute his appeal within three months' time. Colonel Stede's letter of 29 July read. The Lords agree to advise that he be allowed to accept the gift. |
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Report from the Commissioners of Customs as to bulk tobacco read (see No. 1,461). Agreed to advise instructions to the Governors of Maryland and Virginia to procure legislation as desired. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 104–107.] |
| Oct. 25. |
1,482. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. On the petition for prohibition of the exportation of tobacco in bulk, we advise that the Governors of Virginia and Maryland be instructed to do their best to pass a law to this end. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 157, 158.] |
Oct. 25.
Council
Chamber. |
1,483. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommending that the grant of £1,000 to Lieutenant Governor Stede by the Council and Assembly of Barbados may be allowed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VII., p. 432.] |
Oct. 25.
Whitehall. |
1,484. Order of the King in Council. Approving of the foregoing report and ordering accordingly. Signed, John Nicholas. [Col. Entry Bk. Vol. VII., p. 433.] |
| Oct. 25. |
1,485. William Blathwayt to Henry Guy. Forwarding the answer of the Proprietors of Carolina to the complaint of George Muschamp (see No. 1,417). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C. p. 8.] |
| Oct. 25. |
1,486. Minutes of Council of New England. Order for prosecution of a French ship seized; and for payment of the Governor's expenses to Connecticut. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 152, 153.] |
| Oct. 26. |
1,487. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. Act to continue expiring Acts read and passed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., p. 173.] |
| Oct. 28. |
1,488. Petition of Mary, wife of James Smailes, to the King. For the release of her husband, imprisoned by Governor Cony, and the restitution of his ship, confiscated by the same. ½ p. Endorsed. Recd. 28 October 1687. Read in Council 4 Nov. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 52.] |
| Oct. 28. |
1,489. Order of the King in Council. That the Lords Proprietors order the Governors of Maryland to do their best to pass a law prohibiting the exportation of tobacco in bulk. Signed, Wm. Bridgeman (see No. 1,397). [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 53, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIII., pp. 159, 160.] |
Oct. 28.
Treasury
Chamber. |
1,490. Lords of the Treasury to the Duke of Albemarle. The King's circular of 22 October as to wrecks means no derogation from the particular covenants that have passed between him and you, the King having reserved the determination of all such matters in dispute to himself. Signed, Bellasys, Dover, Godolphin, S. Fox, J. Ernle. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXII., pp. 50–51.] |
| Oct. 28./Nov. 7. |
1,491. Memorial of the French Commissioners to the King. We are instructed to represent to you that Colonel Dongan continues to thwart the French Colonies in America with all his power; he has supplied arms to the Iroquois and made them presents to encourage them to war. We beg you to send new orders to Colonel Dongan and also to the Governor of Boston forbidding him to encroach on Acadia. Experience shows that those in command of Colonies frequently act rather for their own interest than for the good of the Colonies, and to remedy this evil we propose that the boundaries between the lands of the two nations shall be properly laid down, and the English and French Governments held responsible for any violation thereof. Signed, Barillon, Dusson de Bonrepaux. French. Translated in New York Documents III., 506. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIX., pp. 167–169.] |
| [Oct. 30.] |
1,492. Memorial of the French Ambassador and Envoy to the King. Mr. Philippe Siveret, of the ship Jeanne, recently sailed with wine consigned to merchants at Pentagouet in Acadia, which were seized by the English judge at Pemaquid as contraband, under the pretence that Pentagouet belongs to your Majesty. It is expressly declared by articles 10 and 11 of the Treaty of Breda that Acadia is the French King's, and orders were given by the late King in August 1669 to restore it and Pentagouet with it. This was done, and a receipt was taken from the French commander for the restoration. We doubt not that you will disavow the action of the judge at Pemaquid, cause the ship and cargo to be restored, with compensation, and forbid such proceedings in future. Signed, Barillon, Dusson de Bonrepaux. French. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 30 Oct. 87. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 54.] |
| [Oct.?] |
1,493. Answer of the French Ambassador and Envoy to the English memorial of 15 June 1687 respecting St. Lucia. (1.) The English took possession in 1605. Answer. The French possession is older. (2.) Governor Thomas Warner took possession in 1626. (3.) Francis Lord Willoughby bought the island in 1665, and in the following year the French residents, who had been there since 1643, were deported to Martinique. Answer. The English could not have bought the island from the Caribs if the French were in possession in 1643. (4.) The alleged surrender of the island by six English deputies sent to Martinique for the purpose in 1664 is baseless. The English went to Martinique to get provisions, for they were starving, and the French took the opportunity to extort from them a recognition of the French sovereignty. Answer. The abandonment of the island by the English is proved by authentic records. Lord Willoughby wrote disclaiming all share in the descent on St. Lucia. (5.) The island is named in the commission of an English Governor. Answer. So it is in the commission of a French Governor. (6.) The Treaty of Breda has no bearing on the question. Answer. This is a question of facts. The island was in the hands of the French in 1643, and was taken by the English in 1664. It therefore reverted to the French by the 12th article of the Treaty of Breda. The arguments are ranged in parallel columns. 7 pp. Endorsed. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 55.] |
Oct. 31.
Albany. |
1,494. Governor Dongan to the Earl of Sunderland. I have come here, and have from three to four hundred men, which makes as much noise as if we had six times as many. It is believed in Canada that we have many more. The French Governor's last letter is milder, being inclined for peace, and all this as he pretends for the augmentation of the Christian faith; but I know to the contrary, for he has built a fort or two where our people must pass to go beaver hunting, intending thereof to secure our Indians and our beaver trade to himself. He will succeed unless the forts be demolished, as in justice they ought to be, for the Five Nations have traded with this town ever since its foundation, now about sixty years ago, and they are really subjects of the King of England. Three years ago Governor de
la Barre made the same attempt as this Governor, on which, at the complaint of the Indians, I fixed the royal arms on all their castles. He speaks of the Treaty of Neutrality which he has violated by attacking the Senecas. I will not hear of peace until he leaves things as he found them when he assumed the Government, demolishes the forts, restores goods taken from the English, and returns his Indian prisoners. I hear that he has sent some of the last to France. It is very important that they should be returned; the Indians have specially asked me to request it. If done, it will be such a tie to them that they will never forsake us. There are now fourteen or fifteen hundred of them up and down Canada who will do a great deal of mischief, for they are a dangerous enemy in these woody countries. If the King has any regard for the beaver trade or for any part of America besides that which is at our doors, now is the time to act, for what is concluded now will hold for ever. Boundaries should not be decided till a full description of the country is before him, but the beaver trade should be opened to both nations, and things left as they were until 1685 or 1686. Whatever happens, forts must be built and men must be sent from Europe. We can carry on the war with Connecticut, the Jerseys and four or five hundred men from England to help us, and with some men and money from the other Colonies. The Governor of Canada brags that I am recalled for helping the Indians. I have given you a true account of everything. Signed, Tho. Dongan. 2 pp. Endorsed. 22 Jan. 87–8. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 56.] |
| Oct. 31. |
1,495. Governor Dongan to Governor de Denonville. I have received your letter, and can only reply that your charging me with beginning the war is a poor pretence, for a man of ordinary capacity can see your true intentions. As to my style, I cannot alter it towards one who accuses me of matters which would cost me my head if I were guilty. You say that the fixing of boundaries should be left to our masters. I am not conscious of having made any alteration in the Government since my arrival. On the contrary, I told Mr. de la Barre that on application to me he should have satisfaction for any injuries, and I told you the very same. I do not take our right to the Five Nations from Mons. de la Barre but from our own records, which prove that they have been in friendship with us ever since this town was founded. They submitted themselves to the Dutch first and to us afterwards. The King has granted part of the conquest-lands to Mr. Penn, and the Indians have met the Governor of Virginia and given him two deerskins to be sent to England and sealed, in order that that part of the Susquehanna river might be annexed to this Colony. What doubt can there be that they are English subjects? It is you, not I, who have broken the treaty. I cannot do less than provide our subjects with the means of defence. You did well to send back Major Macgregory, for you had no right to take him. I have joined the Five Nations because it was my duty, and yet you tell me of breaking the treaty; but when you attacked the Senecas you might as well have attacked New York. If you had any ground of complaint against the Senecas you
should have referred it to me. Your civil treatment of Major Macgregory at Quebec shall be reciprocated by me to your people. It is not in my nation to rail, nor can I endure to be threatened. My cause carries justice in its face and will support itself without such language as you charge me with. Pray read your first letter to me. If the King your master knew the situation of the Five Nations, and of those to south and north-west of the lakes, he would adjudge it to the King of England. I am sure you will find that the best way to maintain good relations between us is to keep the Indians in their obedience, that being the only pretence for what you have done; but the only way of beginning the good work is to restore things to the same state as when you took over the Government. (1.) To give satisfaction for the goods taken from our traders. (2.) To demolish the forts at Oniagara and elsewhere, which you built this summer. (3.) To return your prisoners taken from the Five Nations, and remit the question of boundaries to our masters. If they find the Five Nations to be dependent on France I shall wish you happiness in governing them. Disobedience to my King's commands has never been pleasing to me. I have done my best to live on good terms with you; and if the Indians continue hostile to you it is for their own defence, and cannot be prevented till the disputes between us be settled. I have ordered the Indians to bring all prisoners taken from you to me, and I am ready to exchange them. They have sent three, and I have asked for some more that they have in their castles, a gentlewoman taken from Cadaraqui and four children taken from Chambly. It is difficult to get any prisoners from them, it being their custom to torture them. I desire nothing prejudicial to you in this exchange of prisoners. There is a great difference between them and Christian blood, which you will save by the exchange. As for the Senecas, they are obedient to this Government, and will keep any peace concluded between you and me. I will have no concern with treaties made without me. Copy. 5½ pp. Endorsed. Recd. 22 Jan. 1687–8. Printed in New York Documents III., 515. [Col. Papers, Vol. LXI., No. 57.] |
| Oct. 31. |
1,496. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir Edmund Andros's letter of 31 August read (see No. 1,414). Agreed to lay the proposals as to revenue before the King. The reports on the Narragansett County and Pojebscot were referred to the Attorney General. Memorandum of documents sent and received. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., pp. 108–111.] |
