America and West Indies: October 1691

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

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'America and West Indies: October 1691', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 13, 1689-1692, (London, 1901) pp. 549-563. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol13/pp549-563 [accessed 23 April 2024]

October 1691

Oct. 1. 1,800. Minutes of Council of New York. A Committee appointed to examine the accounts between Captain Hicks and Colonel Van Cortlandt. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 286.]
Oct. 1. 1,801. Memorial of the Agents for New England. Asking for 200 barrels of powder, 1,000 small arms and cannon for Pemaquid and for an island in Boston Harbour. Signed. Hen. Ashurst, Increase Mather. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 1 Oct., 1691. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 200.]
Oct. 2.
Whitehall.
1,802. Warrant of the Queen granting leave of absence to George Hannay. Countersigned. Nottingham. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 243, 244.]
Oct. 5. 1,803. Minutes of Council of New York. Barent Lewis petitioned for payment for services under commission from Governor Dongan, Leisler, and Governor Sloughter. Order for payment of his arrears as lieutenant of the fusiliers from March last, Colonel Dongan's accounts being still under consideration, and service under Leisler disallowed. Order for part payment of the accounts brought forward by the representation of Albany. Order for the guns at Senectady to be replaced by patararoes, and for Indian corn to be provided for the Skachkook Indians. [Col. Entry Book, Vol. LXXV., pp. 286, 287.]
Oct. 6. 1,804. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir Francis Wheeler's instructions considered. Agreed that they should be addressed to him or to the Commander of the West Indian squadron, that he go first to Barbados and observe the orders of the Council of war there, thence to the Leeward Islands and act by the advice of the Governor and Council of War there, and return home in April convoying the homeward bound fleet.
Agreed to recommend despatch of ammunition to Virginia.
Agree to lay the request of New England, for guns and ammunition for Pemaquid, before the King. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 56, 57.]
Oct. 6. 1,805. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That the Lord President move the King that the men-of-war for New England be of forty guns or thereabout. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 399.]
Oct. 7. 1,806. Charter of Massachusetts. Herein the Council or Assistants are named as in No. 1,772, and Isaac Addington is named Secretary. The Councillors may be removed or replaced by appointment of the General Assembly. The former appoints judges, etc., with advice of the Council. The Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and Secretary are to be appointed by the King. The inhabitants are to enjoy all the liberties of free-born subjects. The Governor is to have a negative voice in all acts of the General Assembly. The King's disallowance of Acts must be signified within three years. The Charter passed the Great Seal on the 7th of October, 1691. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 298–352.]
Oct. 8. 1,807. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of Robert Chaplin read (see next abstract). Agreed to report in his favour. Mr. Mein to be recommended for the Council of Barbados. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 57, 58.]
[Oct. 8.] 1,808. Petition of Robert Chaplin to Lords of Trade and Plantations, on behalf of Samuel Crisp. The said Samuel Crisp was taken prisoner in June last while on his way to Barbados with his wife and family. He has several suits depending in Barbados, which petitioner prays may not be proceeded with pending his arrival. 1 p. Inscribed. Recd. 8 Oct. '91. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 69.]
Oct. 8.
Whitehall.
1,809. Order of the Queen in Council. For two hundred barrels of powder, with other stores in proportion, to be sent to Virginia. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 99.]
[Oct. 8.] 1,810. List of the stores sent, under preceding Order in Council, [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 144, 145.]
Oct. 8. 1,811. Order of the Queen in Council. For the passing of a patent for working mines in New England. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 411.]
Oct. 8.
Whitehall.
1,812. Order of the Queen in Council. For the delivery of ten great guns, 200 barrels of powder and ball in proportion to the New England Agents. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 397, 398.]
Oct. 8. 1,813. William Blathwayt to Lord Baltimore. Asking for a computation of the powder-money included in the bills remitted to Mr. Paggen. Draft. ½ p. Undated, but date given in the schedule to the volume. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 56.]
Oct. 8. 1,814. Petition of Sir Thomas Laurence to Lords of Trade and Plantations. For seals to be appointed for the Secretary's office and the ten County Courts of Maryland. Signed. Thomas Laurence. Holograph. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 2. No. 57.]
Oct. 8. 1,815. Order of the King in Council. For the Admiralty to provide transport for Governor Copley to Maryland. [Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. p. 37.]
Oct. 8. 1,816. Sir Peter Rich to William Blathwayt. Pray inform me, are the 420 soldiers for Bolton's regiment to be taken from the town of Portsmouth or elsewhere ? As to the 150 men sailing in the men-of-war, to whom is the tobacco and brandy for them to be recommended? To the land officer, or to the Captain, or to both? The merchant vessel's masters should each have a letter of advice to the Governor of Antigua to discharge them of their soldiers; for the ships may get separated; and any delay in landing the men after ten days' arrival costs the King sixpence per head of them per day. Signed. Pr. Rich. Holograph. 1 p. Endorsed. [America and West Indies. 551. No. 47.]
[Oct. 12.] 1,817. Petition of Thomas Gardner to the Queen. For payment of a reward of £200 offered by Governor Berkeley for the capture of Nathaniel Bacon in the rebellion of 1676. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 87.]
Oct. 12. 1,818. Order of the Queen to the Council. Referring Thomas Gardner's petition to Lord Howard of Effingham for report. Signed. John Nicholas. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 88.]
[Oct.] 1,819. Report of Lord Howard of Effingham on Thomas Gardner's petition. The petitioner and some others applied to me for the reward offered by Governor Berkeley, some time after my arrival. I answered that it was strange that they had not claimed it from Sir William Berkeley himself or from his successor Lord Culpeper; but in time I gave £25 to Gardner and a proportionate sum to the rest, with which they seemed very well content. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 88, 89.]
Oct. 12. 1,820. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Colonel Copley's petition read. Agreed to recommend the grant of £600 from the tobacco duty towards his salary. Agreed to recommend the despatch of warlike stores to Maryland.
Draft instructions to Sir Francis Wheeler read and approved. Mr. Duncombe to be added to the Council of Antigua.
Lieutenant Governor Nicholson's letter of 10 June read (see No. 1,583). Order for copies of the Acts appointing ports and for advancement of manufactures to be sent to the Treasury for their report. Agreed to recommend Christopher Robinson for the Council of Virginia, and that Pennsylvania be taken under the King's immediate Government and annexed to some adjoining province. Address of the Assembly of Virginia read, and an extract as to the first rents in the Northern Neck sent to Lord Culpeper's executors for their report. Agreed to recommend that Lieutenant Governor Nicholson have leave to accept a present from the Assembly.
Letter from the Committee of Maryland of 25 April read (see No. 1,427). [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 61–65.]
Oct. 12. 1,821. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Referring the petitions of the two companies at New York for their arrears to Lords of the Treasury. Draft. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 60.]
[Oct.] 1,822. Memorial of the two New York Companies. Due to them from 1 Jan., 1690/1, to 1 Jan. 1691/2;, £1,747 14s. 0d. Signed. Wm. Whitehurst. 1 p.
Duplicate of the foregoing. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. Nos. 61, 62.]
Oct. 12. 1,823. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Referring the petition of James Graham for arrears of salary to the Lords of the Treasury. Draft. ½p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 63.]
Oct. 12. 1,824. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Recommending grant of money to Governor Copley as in Order in Council of 15 October. (see No. 1,839.) [Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. pp. 46, 47.]
Oct. 12.
Whitehall.
1,825. Order of the Privy Council. Referring Lord Baltimore's petition, for instructions to masters of ships to pay the import on tobacco and port dues, to Lords of Trade and Plantations for report. Copy. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 556. No. 12; and Board of Trade. Maryland, 8. p. 45.]
Oct. 12. 1,826. Order of the Privy Council. That John Usher's security be changed for that now approved by the New England Agents, and that his accounts be referred to the New England Government who shall pay him any balance that is due to him. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., pp. 408, 409.]
Oct. 12. 1,827. Order of the Privy Council. That Sir E. Andros's accounts be referred to the Government of New England, who will cause any sums due to him to be paid. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXII., p. 412.]
Oct. 12. 1,828. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for the arrest of Jonathan Morrell for seditious language. The Secretary appointed Registrar in Chancery and David Jamison one of the Clerks. Order for payment of Judge Dudley's salary. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol LXXV., p. 287.]
Oct. 13. 1,829. William Blathwayt to Mr. Sotherne. Desiring the earliest possible notice as to when the victualling ships will join the convoy in the Downs. Draft. ½p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. No. 7.]
Oct. 13. 1,830. Petition of Edward Randolph to Lords of Trade and Plantations. For employment in surveying, marking and registering the timber fit for the Royal Navy in North America. 1 p.
Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations referring the above to the Admiralty. Annexed,
1,830. I. An account of the chief places in North America where timber is to be found. Copy 1 p. [Board of Trade. Plantations General, 2. Nos. 8, 8 I. and (without enclosure), Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., pp. 255, 256.]
Oct. 14. 1,831. Minutes of Council of New York. Abraham De Peyster sworn Mayor of New York, and Thomas Codrington, Sheriff. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., p. 288.]
Oct. 14. 1,832. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Merchants trading to Virginia and Maryland attended. Agreed to report that the number of seamen allowed to their ships may be increased for 800 to 1,000 with one fourth part of foreigners added. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 59, 60.]
Oct. 14. 1,833. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Referring Edward Randolph's petition of 13 October (see No. 1,830) to the Admiralty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. C., p. 257.]
Oct. 15. 1,834. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. That warrants be prepared for the appointment of Edmund Jennings, Charles Scarborough, and Christopher Robinson to the Council of Virginia. 1 p. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 56.]
Oct. 15.
Virginia.
1,835. Secretary of Virginia to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Forwarding Minutes of Council, Journals of Assembly and Acts for the session of 1691. Signed. William Cole. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 13 Jan. 1691–2. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 57.]
Oct. 15. 1,836. Duplicate of the preceding. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 58.]
Oct. 15.
Whitehall.
1,837. Order of the Privy Council. That all legal proceedings pending in respect of Samuel Crisp at Barbados be suspended. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., p. 216.]
Oct. 15. 1,838. Order of the Privy Council. For 100 barrels of powder and 200 muskets to be sent to Maryland, the cost to be defrayed from the revenue of the shilling per hogshead duty of last year. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., p. 223.]
Oct. 15. 1,839. Order of the Privy Council. That £600, and the fourth part of the shilling per hogshead duty allowed for arms be granted to Governor Copley in satisfaction for his expenses and for his salary till Michaelmas. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LII., pp. 224, 225.]
Oct. 15.
Hague.
1,840. Memorial of William van Breen and others of the occurrences in New York in 1690–1691. On the news of the Revolution the people seeing the neglect of Captain Francis Nicholson and suspecting his loyalty, rose and nominated Jacob Leisler provisionally to be commander of the fortress and head of the Government, giving him a Commission, of which copy is enclosed. Leisler had a good understanding with the Mayor and burghers, and on the arrival of the King's commission to Captain Nicholson or to those in charge of the province the people thought it best to continue Leisler in his office. On the 28th of January, 1691, Major Ingoldsby arrived with two companies of the King's troops, but people could not tell whether they were enemies or neutrals, as he would not publish his commission. Ingoldsby called upon Leisler to surrender the fort to him but Leisler refused and called the people of Long Island to his assistance. When Governor Sloughter arrived, Leisler sent two persons, Milborne and de la Noy, to welcome him, but the Governor immediately threw them into prison. On the surrender of the fort the Governor would not look at Leisler's commissions but imprisoned him. He also imprisoned several other honest men. He then tried Leisler and Milborne before members of Council who were his enemies, and they were condemned and ignominiously executed. Many persons made effort to stay judgment, and a petition of more than eighteen hundred men was presented by a minister of religion, but the Governor answered by imprisoning him. The Governor has since cancelled various acts of the late government, whereby we are great sufferers. We beg for the King's order to stay all proceedings against the prisoners untill their side be heard by him. Signed. Willem van Breen, Joh. Provoost. Jacob Mauritz, Jacob Willems, John Thomas. French. 10½pp. Translated in New York Documents III., 809. [America and West Indies. 579. No. 16.]
Oct. 15. 1,841. Duplicate of the foregoing. [America and West Indies. 579. No. 17.]
Oct. 16.
Rotterdam.
1,842. Memorial to Lord Sidney respecting the troubles in New York. On the 24th and 25th of August, 1691, David Staffmaker and others just arrived from New York made a declaration before me. There is no doubt of the loyalty of the Province to King William and Queen Mary. In January, 1691, Major Ingoldsby and the King's soldiers arrived, and demanded possession of the fort, which was refused by Leisler, as he could show no sufficient authority. But he gave Ingoldsby possession of the City Hall, which concession Ingoldsby abused, so that Leisler was compelled to call in fresh men and declare Ingoldsby to be the enemy of God, which he has proved himself to be. On the arrival of Governor Sloughter, Ingoldsby traduced Leisler to him, and the Governor imprisoned Leisler's messengers, and on the surrender of the fort imprisoned Leisler, not heeding his Commissioners, tried him before a Court of his enemies and hanged him. "This has been the end and reward of that illustrious personage." A long rambling statement to the same effect as No. 1,840, and very bad translation from the Dutch. 23 pp. Endorsed in French. [America and West Indies. 579. No. 18.]
Oct. 16.
Bermuda.
1,843. Governor Richier to Lords of Trade and Plantations. I am now able to give you an account of this Colony with fuller knowledge. There is a steady defection in loyalty or rather a steadfast adherence to their old principles among these people. I cannot perceive that they have any sense of duty to the King or of respect for his Governor: all Kings and all Governors are alike to them. The reasons for their irregularities are such as must be remedied by you. The people are made to believe by one Richard Trott, brother-in-law to Sir Robert Clayton, that Sir Robert orders and disposes of everything here, even to the putting in and turning out of Governors, so my people conclude that the Government is wholly lodged in him. This Trott came here about three years ago and immediately set up for a patriot, making bonfires and public treats to call people together to drink Sir Robert Clayton's health. After Sir Robert's promotion to the Custom-House he told the people of Sir Robert's sense of their sufferings, and that they might depend on him for relief, with promises of mighty matters that he would do for the good of the common men if they would rely on him and his relatives, but that on the contrary not the Governor himself could escape if Sir Robert were offended, such were his riches and his interest. Since my arrival he tells the people that Sir Robert turned out the late Governor for using his relatives ill, and suffered the present one to come out at the instance of a special friend, else he would have sent a Commission to Perient Trott, another of the brothers, to be Governor. Innumerable insolent and ridiculous stories are told by this Trott with success, for the people believe that Sir Robert has power to do them great injury and therefore dread him. Trott, as I understand, says that he acts by Sir Robert's directions, which agrees with what Sir Robert told me himself soon after my appointment. He spoke himself patron and disposer of Bermuda and without any preamble asked to see my instructions. I asked him why I was obliged to shew him the Royal instructions. "If," he said, "they are the same as your predecessor's I will have them altered, for he had unlimited power, and I will not allow arbitrary rule over the Bermudians, whom I have taken under my care." His speech surprised me much. It was in the morning and I could not perceive his brain to be distempered when he spoke of other matters. I told him my sense of his talk, but he was so well pleased with it that I find he has written it to his brother Nicholas Trott to trumpet the good tidings among the Bermudians. Sir Robert Clayton sent the King's letter for me to Samuel and Nicholas Trott, who kept it three weeks, shewed it to several persons and had it publicly read in the Assembly, nor was it delivered to me till five days after. The purport was to suffer Samuel Trott to be Collector, which was denied him by the late Governor. On my arrival I at once gave him the oaths and immediate possession. Next sitting of Council I questioned the Trotts for the insolent liberty they had taken in exposing the King's letter. Nicholas Trott said he would justify the reading of the letter to the Assembly and others as of public concern, and for refusing it when demanded; as it was left to them to deliver it me or show it the country first, and they had chosen the letter. He told me he would answer it either here or at Whitehall, pretending in an audacious manner that his interest would bear him out in in either place. I did not punish him, but cautioned him against such liberties in future.
The Council and Assembly addressed me for relief from Samuel Trott's exactions and other irregularities in his office, such as charging one shilling for every small parcel going or coming from England obliging people to give bond when their sloops were laden with unenumerated commodities. The Council, especially Green, Jones and Outerbridge plainly shewed him the meaning of the Navigation Acts in this sense, but he remained obstinate, being assured by his brother that Sir Robert Clayton would support him. The whole country denounced Trott, several telling me that they would be forced to sell their vessels unless they were relieved from his impositions. An Act was therefore passed for Shipping, and John Grove appointed Naval Officer to execute the Acts of Navigation for me. The Trotts acquiesced and seemed convinced of their error, but underhand sent to several parts of the West Indies to seize all vessels not cleared by Samuel Trott, whether customed goods were on board or not. The Governor of the Bahamas wrote to me that he had received such a letter and a copy of the King's letter, and that he would act accordingly. Some time ago Nicholas Trott loaded a hired barque with tobacco for England, requiring the master to give bond to his brother and not to the Governor, or he would load no goods on board. The vessel was long in loading, in which time, Nicholas Trott having ignored the Act as to giving bond, the Sherift and Naval Officer seized the vessel. On hearing of it Nicholas Trott said slightingly that he knew she would be seized six weeks before, and threatened the Governor and all concerned with ruin, told him he held his office at his pleasure only, and that he would turn him out in two years. I made Green and Jones judges for the trial of the matter, as they were the greatest opposers of Samuel Trott in Council and seemed to know the law best. When the trial came on the defendants refused to join issue till they heard the judges' opinions as to the legality of the case. Green gave it for them and Jones agreed. I reminded them of their former opinions and their oath. They answered that they decided according to their consciences, and not only they but the rest of the Council, except three, and the inhabitants declare for the Trotts and against their former opinions; so much has he scared them with the power of Sir Robert Clayton, who is much concerned in their cargoes. At the Council before these proceedings I was urged to sit as judge in all Courts, Green in particular urging that it was the practice here and in Virginia and that it was above all things necessary now; in fact they made a formal request of it. Accordingly I sat among them as judge, which was objected to by Trott and the master of the vessel. I gave my reasons, when Green denied that any such request had been made, but Jones owned it, as it was recorded in the minutes. I forgot at the time the King's instructions to the contrary, though I believe the conclusion of my instructions does authorise it. However I annulled all my proceedings and appointed two other judges.
Green caused the late Assembly to question the King's power to dispose of glebes to orthodox ministers, alleging that the donors destined them for nonconformists, or to name a treasurer apart from the Sheriff. He brought them also to question whether the King's name should be mentioned in an Act for a liquor tax, as, not being Customs the King has no title to it; and he declared that the King had no right to the goods of a felo de se until his debts were paid (Green I believe was a creditor of the suicide). Whatever Green says as law the people believe implicitly. Where the King is concerned I have always found him an inveterate opposer of the royal interest and prerogative; so I have suspended him the Council. Trott had never arrived at this pitch of insolence (for he is very ignorant and mean-spirited), but that Sir Robert Clayton in England, and Green, Jones, Walker and Outerbridge here encouraged him. The three last are as dishonest and disloyal as Green; so are four more of the Council. I should have suspended them all, but that my instructions require good proof to be adduced, which is not to be found here against those who oppose the King. Nicholas Trott is now aware that he is accountable for being accessory to two felonies palpably sworn against him; but he is defiant, trusting that no jury will dare find against him. I have sent a declaration which was published here last August, that you may see what measures the Council have taken since my arrival. I submit that it is necessary to reduce this people to a sense of their duty, which cannot be done unless you satisfy them that Sir Robert Clayton has nothing to do with his government nor any great power to injure them at Whitehall, as they have been led to believe, and that they must depend on the King alone. Also I must beg for the Council to be altered, for so long as Green, Thomas, Outerbridge, Walker, Jones, Dill, Peniston, Pitt and Samuel Trott are in office, the King's affairs will suffer. I recommend the following as fittest for the place, Evan Jenkins, John Hubbard, Joseph Stowe, William Outerbridge, Henry Fifield, Thomas Walmsley, Patrick Downing, Stephen Righton, John Tucker, Daniel Johnson, Thomas Jenour and Samuel Sherlock. If you permit this alteration and disclaim Sir Robert Clayton I am confident that the people will return to their allegiance. I am told by the aged and moderate that disloyalty and refractoriness were unknown in the Island until turbulent fanatics and seditious preachers came among them.
Among the Acts passed last Assembly three were mischievous, especially that which allows vessels to load or unload at any port. Having information of malpractices I sent for the master and three mariners of a vessel, which was said to have landed goods without entry, and examined them separately on oath. All swore to different stories, but they think it no harm to perjure themselves when it is against the King. A second mischievous Act is that which allows plaintiffs and defendants to choose others to plead for them without the Court's permission, which has led to the pleading of ignorant persons and great disorder. The third Act is that which fixes the numbers of the Assembly at thirty-six, which is too large. Jamaica has but thirty-two. I must mention that there is a constant trade carried on between the merchants of Cadiz and New England. Some time since we took a vessel on this trade. I now hear that Nicholas Trott has fled from justice, at the instigation of Green, Outerbridge and Walker, who finding his guilt too manifest have advised him to fly. I hear he has signatures and oaths against me to Sir Robert Clayton, which does not affect me since I know you will judge the the case. I have therefore continued to do my duty and have begun proceedings against Trott, which will be finished if he does not appear. As Governor I depend entirely on the King's pay. My annual perquisites do not amount to £50. Signed. I. Richier. 4 closely written pp. Endorsed. Recd. 13 April, 1692. Read 19 Aug., 1692. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 43, and Board of Trade. Bermuda, 28. pp. 1–11.]
[Oct. 16.] 1,844. Abstract of the foregoing letter. 3 pp. [America and West Indies. 477. No. 44.]
Oct. 16. 1,845. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The order in Council as to the ship Society read, and the Council adjourned owing to small attendance of members. The Captain of H.M.S. Henry summoned to attend next meeting. The question of quit-rents deferred for a fuller attendance.
Oct. 17. William Syre's appointment as pilot of York River considered. Order for all bonds in the hands of Richard Lee, late Collector for Potomac, and of Nicholas Spencer's executors to be delivered to their successors. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 591, 593, 596, 600, 601.]
Oct. 18.
Boston.
1,846. John Usher to John Povey. I have heard of a petition to the King from sundry people here for a charter. Their manner of getting signatures was as follows. First they went up and down to such persons as they think are for the charter, and since they could not get enough that way they ordered a training day on the 12th inst. and read the petition at the head of each company and got it signed on the drum by as many as they could persuade. Several refused and many signed because they would be marked for "publicans," as the unknown author of Cum multis aliis is pleased to call those who address their Majesties for a settlement. The Indians have killed and taken twenty persons between Hampton and Great Island and five at Newichewanock. They have since been seen to go by Wells. I shall gladly wait on you or Mr. Blathwayt. Signed. Jno. Usher. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New England, 5. No. 201.]
Oct. 19. 1,847. Minutes of Council of New York. Joseph Dudley informed the Council that some time ago he advanced Governor Sloughter £1,120 for payment of the two foot companies from England. Order for the money to be stopped from the salary, and that other money due to him from the Government be stopped by the Commander in Chief for payment of the officers and men. Warrant for payment of £24 10s. 0d. to Mr. George Farwell, one of the counsel in the late trial of Leisler and his accomplices. Order for rigid collection of the revenue. Jonathan Morrell brought up, and sent back to his county for trial. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 288, 289.]
Oct. 20. 1,848. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Order for £300 to be remitted to William Blathwayt. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 77. pp. 109, 110.]
Oct. 20. 1,849. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for instructions to the Sheriff of Norfolk County to obtain evidence as to the ship Society of Bristol and the records of her trial (p. 591). Resolved that the only way to advance the quit rents is to dispose of them by public outcry on Friday next (p. 596). Resolved to represent to the Lords of Trade the dissatisfaction in Virginia owing to the encroachments of Carolina, and the loss to the quit rents through the same. Order for the demarcation of the boundary to be postponed until the arrival of the fleet (pp. 598–600). Edward Chilton sworn Attorney General (p. 602.)
Oct. 21. Order for the production of all grants of land from the Northern Neck from 1669 to 1690 (pp. 603, 604).
Oct. 22. Captain Richard Finch's commission and instructions. On his application for money to build a sloop as a tender, it was resolved that such a sloop was necessary but that the Colony could not supply the money. Resolved that the best anchorage for H.M.S. Henry is at the mouth of York River. Order that no sick seamen be put ashore in future without an agreement made before a justice of the peace, and that the merchant vessels impress no men without leave (pp. 593–596). Thomas Milner promised to send his notes of the boundary of North Carolina to the Lieutenant Governor (pp. 597, 598). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. as cited.]
Oct. 21. 1,850. Lords Proprietors of the Bahamas to Colonel Cadwallader Jones. You will apply all our perquisites to the fortification of the Islands. We do not understand the people's petition that they may hold their land always at the same rate, for we disclaim all power to raise rents when land is once granted. We see that factious people have told the people of Providence that we have done injustice to the people of Carolina, by changing their constitutions. They were altered for the people's advantage only. We have appointed Colonel Philip Ludwell to be Governor there. Signed. Craven, Ashley, P. Colleton. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXII., p. 200.]
Oct. 22. 1,851. The Admiralty's orders of 16 June, 1691, to Captain Richard Finch of H.M.S. Henry, prize, to attend the service of Virginia. ½p. The orders of the Council of Virginia of 22 October, for Captain Finch to take up his station in York River. The whole. 2 pp. Endorsed. Recd. 13 Jan., 1691–2. [America and West Indies. 637. No. 59.]
Oct. 22. 1,852. Minutes of Council of New York. Order for the Counties to contribute men as follows, to make up a company of 150 fusiliers: New York City and County, 35 men; King's County, 8; Queen's County, 12; Suffolk, 35; Westchester and Ulster each 25; Richmond, 10. Augustine Grassett, farmer of the weighmaster's office, petitioned that the customary fees might be paid him by the people. The case was adjourned for further consideration. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 289–291.]
Oct. 23. 1,853. The King to Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson. Authorising him to accept a present of £300 from the Assembly of Virginia. Countersigned. Nottingham. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 76.]
Oct. 23. 1,854. The King to Governor Kendall. Ordering that all legal proceedings pending in respect of Samuel Crisp at Barbados be suspended. Signed. Nottingham. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VIII., pp. 217–218.]
Oct. 24. 1,855. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for all persons to have their rights to land proved at next General Court, on pain of disallowance; and that County Courts be careful how they issue certificates, as there have been great abuses. Order for a fresh proclamation to prevent desertion of seamen. Order for instructions to Sheriffs when collecting quit rents to prepare a perfect rent roll and the names of such persons as do not live on their land nor keep tenants thereon. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 604–606.]
Oct. 24. 1,856. Record of an information laid before the General Court of Virginia against Luke Lopdell for illegal importation of brandy. Copy. 3 pp. Endorsed. Read Aug. 9, 1692. Annexed,
1,856. I. Copy of Luke Lopdell's bond to abide by the decision of the Lords of Trade as to the condemnation of his ship. ½p. [America and West Indies. 637. Nos. 60, 61 I.]
Oct. 26.
Boston.
1,857. Francis Foxcroft to Francis Nicholson. About three months since twenty-two persons formed a company with liberty from our Governor to trade with Port Royal at discretion. Their pretence was to garrison the place with twenty centinels under Colonel Edward Tyng, and though this number was no ways competent, they carried no more to guard their traffic. These members of this sham company well arrived at Port Royal, where they dealt for £1,200 but did nothing for the King. They then went on to St. John's, where they were surprised by a man-of-war of thirty guns and 150 men, who, just as our people went away, arrived at Port Royal with seventy soldiers and a Governor, one Villebonne, whom you remember among us here in our time. John Nelson one of the company, he sent to Quebec, the rest of the men he sent back, on some unknown conditions, and Tyng and another are kept as hostages. Two men-of-war and ten or a dozen ships are arrived at Canada from France. It was Frontenac's intention that they should cruise between Port Royal and Virginia, but the late expedition from Albany has so alarmed them that two out of three men-of-war are countermanded. The force at Port Royal threatens Piscataqua, and I am afraid that unless the Governor arm they will succeed. The Indians have lately killed and captured about thirty persons. We generally expect either Colonel Kirke or Sir Edmund Andros, or at least some unwelcome method of Government. Cotton Mather, the great pulpit buffoon, is said to be bound over, also some other leaders of the late rebellion. Our paper-money has ruined us. We cannot with all our rating get it into the Treasury, and till then not a penny can be had; so no one will stir a foot, even on so great an exigency. Signed. Fra. Foxcroft. Certified copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 64.]
Oct. 26. 1,858. Another copy of the preceding. Endorsed. Recd. March 19, 1691–2, from Colonel Nicholson. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 3.]
Oct. 26. 1,859. Warrant for the appointment of Colonel John Page to the Council of Virginia, with his former precedence therein. Countersigned. Nottingham.
Warrants for the appointment of Edmund Jennings and Christopher Robinson to the Council of Virginia. Countersigned. Nottingham. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. pp. 77, 78.]
Oct. 27. 1,860. Minutes of Council of Virginia. The Collectors of the King's revenue gave in their security and were approved (pp. 601, 602). Order for the sheriffs to return the names of all persons who keep Indians without a licence. Commissions for new justices prepared, many of those formerly commissioned having scruples about taking the oath. Names of officers of militia approved. Order for discharge of the rangers, in consequence of severe weather, until 1st March, and for the officers to send in their accounts and journals after paying the men. Ordered that the inhabitants of the frontier counties be instructed to be very vigilant. (pp. 606–609.) [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. as cited.]
Oct. 27. 1,861. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Colonel Hallett suspended. Orders for sundry payments. The Commissioners for repair of the fortifications reported that they had contracted with Symon Cooper to do part of the work for £250 a year for seven years. Contract approved. A Committee appointed to make a like contract for the remaining defences of the Island. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 216–219.]
Oct. 27. 1,862. Extract from Minutes of Council of Barbados. The Governor informed the Council that he had several charges against John Hallett. 1. Violating his oath as Councillor. 2. Resisting the Governor by word and action. 3. Refusal to submit to a law of the Island. Colonel Hallett denied the charges, but confessed that he had opposed the destruction of his property, conceiving it to be against Magna Charta that this should be done without compensation. The Governor rejoined that no application for compensation had been made, nor had any provision been made for the same in the Act, to which Colonel Hallett himself had agreed. Colonel Hallett was thereupon suspended from the Council and from all public employment. Copy. 2 pp. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 70.]
Oct. 27. 1,863. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Orders as to the convoys to the Colonies and the men to be allotted to them. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 66, 67.]
Oct. 27.
Fort William
Henry.
1,864. Major Richard Ingoldsby to the Governor and Council of Connecticut. Thank you for your offer that we may raise men in Connecticut. We accept it on your terms (see No. 1,735) and send blank commissions for the officers, to be filled up by you. Pray appoint a captain who is forward for the service and may give you content, otherwise I give you discretion to nominate whom you please. Pray appoint two lieutenants instead of lieutenant and ensign, for the company will be fusiliers. The season of the year and the Act of Assembly press for their speedy despatch to Albany. Pray therefore hasten the levy, and let me know by bearer when they will march. Ammunition and provisions shall be ready for them at Albany. You could not have done the King a better service at this juncture. Signed. Rich. Ingoldsby. Inscribed. "No answer, nor one man to be had in all Connecticut." Copy. 1 p. Endorsed. Recd. 6 Sept. 1692. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 65.]
Oct. 29. 1,865. Minutes of Council of New York. The inhabitants of Plunderneck complained that, their land lying between Flatbush and Newtown, they were claimed for service and fined by the Captains of Militia in both places. Ordered that Christian Schuydacker be under the Captain of Flatbush, and Joris Kemball under the Captain of Newtown, till further order. The petition of Barent Vempe, Sanders Glenn and John Glenn for a grant of the lands of their parents-in-law, who were killed by the French at Senectady, was referred to the justices of Albany County. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 291, 292.]
Oct. 29. 1,866. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Referring the Virginian Acts for Ports and for encouragement of manufactures to Commissioners of Customs for report. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 160.]
Oct. 29. 1,867. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Lord Culpeper's patent for the Northern Neck examined and found to correspond with the record in the Secretary's office (p. 604). Miles Cary appointed Secretary of the General Court in place of William Edwards resigned (pp. 610, 611).
Oct. 30. The case of Robert Caufield, agent for the owners of the ship Society, postponed (pp. 592, 593). Order for all the quit-rent tobacco of Accomack County to be brought to them or from landings in the bay, as they cannot otherwise be disposed of, and the cost therefore defrayed from the proceeds. Major Arthur Allen gave evidence as to the boundaries of Carolina (p. 597). Collectors of Revenue warned to enforce diligently the Acts of Trade and the Colonial law as to furs, and to ascertain the true quality of tobacco exported (p. 602). The Commissions of the Indian interpreters read and approved (p. 609). Order for writs for meeting of the Assembly (p. 611). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. as cited.]
Oct. 30.
Admiralty.
1,868. J. Sotherne to William Blathwayt. Orders have been issued to the West Indian convoys in the Downs to sail to St. Helen's to take in the soldiers and then to proceed on their voyage. Four merchant vessels, one a transport and three laden with ordnancestores, had not reached the Downs yesterday, but we hope may arrive by the time the orders get thither. Signed. J. Sotherne. 1 p. [Board of Trade. Barbados, 4. No. 71.]
Oct. 31.
New York.
1,869. James Graham to William Markham, Secretary at Pennsylvania. We are detaching men to Albany; 150 go next week. We have advice that the French have had fifteen ships arrive with 300 men and great quantity of provisions. At the last battle 300 French were killed and 70 Indians. They had everything ready to invade us with 500 Christians besides Indians. The Indian who informed us came from France with the fleet, and was delivered up to the Ottawas to be sacrificed for the loss they sustained. He killed three Frenchmen, his guards, when they were asleep, escaped and brought their scalps to Albany, with some clothes which they were carrying as a present to the Indians. The Senecas are due with 500 men and we expect an account of them every day. Certified copy. 1 p. [Board of Trade. New York, 4. No. 66.]
Oct. 31. 1,870. Another copy of the preceding. Endorsed. Recd. 19 March, 1691–2, from Colonel Nicholson. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 4.]