America and West Indies: September 1694, 1-13

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1903.

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'America and West Indies: September 1694, 1-13', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 14, 1693-1696, (London, 1903) pp. 341-354. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol14/pp341-354 [accessed 20 April 2024]

September 1694

Sept. 1. 1,275. Minutes of Council of New York. A Committee appointed to contract with Abraham Depeyster for the victualling of all the forces in the province. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 558, 559.]
Sept. 1. 1,276. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Commissioners for exchange of prisoners attended, who were ordered to furnish a list of French and Irish prisoners in their custody. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 336, 337.]
Sept. 2.
Wannegham.
1,277. William Blathwayt to Sir John Trenchard. Your letters and Sir William Beeston's have been read to the King, who is very sensible of the infinite importance of the safety of Jamaica to England and her allies the Spaniards. The situation of the Island is such that, if it be lost to France, all that profitable trade which we enjoy (though underhand) with the Spanish Colonies, as well as the negro-traffic, will be cut off. Besides we shall be cut off from the produce of the Island, and it will be unsafe for our ships to return home by way of the Gulf of Bahama. The Spaniards, if Jamaica be lost, cannot long expect to be masters of the remaining part of Hispaniola or of St. Domingo itself. The French will soon possess themselves of Cuba, with little charge, nor can Havannah hold out against them, so that the flotas and galleons will have no safe rendezvous nor passage to Europe, even though the French should not take, as they easily may, all the Sottovento Islands as they are called, and the towns on the coast from Trinidad to St. Augustine, the loss of which would be more prejudice to our trade than all the French conquests in Europe. Moved by these considerations the King has ordered ships to be sent out to Jamaica with stores of provisions and of warlike material, and not detachments of men (which he thinks too dilatory) but two entire regiments, one of which may perhaps best be shipped at Plymouth. The King doubts not but that proper instructions will be sent out, and measures taken to prevent disagreement between the military and naval commanders, and he recommends that different instructions may be given to answer all events, either of the Islands being taken by the French or of attacking them in Hispaniola. For driving them from thence, the help of the Spaniards will be necessary, and orders have therefore been sent to Mr. Stanhope at Madrid to concert operations and to take care that orders be sent to the Spanish Governors accordingly. The best place for the squadron to stop at on the way will be Nevis and not Barbados; and it is worthy of consideration what offers should be made to detach the buccaneers from the French. Copy. 1½ pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 50.]
Sept. 3. 1,278. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to lay the advice of the Admiralty as to ships for Jamaica before Council, and to move for orders to prepare the victuals and stores for the expedition, and for the march of the two regiments for the expedition to Portsmouth and Plymouth. The Commissioners of Transportation received orders to provide shipping for 2,000 men. The Boards of Ordnance and of Victualling directed to report as to the stores necessary for the expedition. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 337–339.]
Sept. 3. 1,279. Minute of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Agreed to lay before the Council the Admiralty's memorandum (see No. 1,240) and to move that orders may be given for sending ships to Jamaica by the end of this month, and for all preparations to be made for shipping two regiments thither. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 217, 218.]
Sept. 3.
Whitehall.
1,280. John Povey to the Commissioners for Transportation. You will provide shipping for 2,000 men, with what abatement you can of the price asked by the masters of ships, half to be paid before and half at the completion of the service. The masters are to be agreed with for a certain rate per ton per month, and you will report to the Lords of Trade and Plantations on the 6th inst., when the shipping will be ready for the men. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 207.]
Sept. 3. 1,281. John Povey to the Victuallers of the Navy. Ordering their attendance at the meeting of the Committee of Trade and Plantations on the 6th, when they will bring an account of the provisions necessary to be sent with the two regiments of foot to Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 208.]
Sept. 3. 1,282. John Povey to the Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance. Requiring to know by the 6th inst. what ordnance and other stores of war should be sent with the two regiments to Jamaica. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 209.]
Sept. 3. 1,283. John Povey to the Secretary at War. Requesting that the two regiments under orders for Jamaica be quartered at Portsmouth and Plymouth, ready for embarkation, and the independent company for Jamaica also at Portsmouth. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 210.]
Sept. 4. 1,284. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Report of the judges and law-officers received. Orders issued that the law of 4 August, 1691, is still in force, and that the elections will be held under it. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 465, 466; and Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 4, 5.]
Sept. 4. 1,285. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Further evidence was received as to the charges against the Governor. Order for payment of £24 to Bartholemew Gidney. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., p. 273.]
Sept. 4. 1,286. Minutes of Council of New York. The Governor proposed that the Assembly be moved to grant 4d. a day additional to the troops coming from England, their pay being eightpence a day, of which twopence is stopped in England for clothing, and 5½d., New York money, for provisions paid here, and that the neighbouring Colonies be called upon to provide 200 men more, or contribute to the pay of the English. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 559, 560.]
Sept. 5. 1,287. Copy of agreement made between the Commissioners of Transportation and Christopher Lyell, master mariner, for transport of 250 soldiers to Jamaica. The terms are £4 a head for every man, and 2s. 6d. additional per man for medical attendance and medicines; the King to find victuals and bedding. 2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 6 Sept. 1694. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 51; and 53. pp. 235–238.]
Sept. 5. 1,288. Minutes of General Assembly of Massachusetts. The Governor recommended the state of the Treasury to the Representatives. Committee appointed to enquire if there be any objections to the erection of a meeting house at the west end of Watertown. Bartholemew Gidney, Elisha Hutchinson and John Walley appointed a Committee to consider how the war may be vigorously prosecuted and the friendly Indians kept within certain lines.
Sept. 6. The War Committee brought up its suggestions, which were ordered to be drawn into a bill. A letter of the Lords of Trade as to supply of Naval stores was read. Special Commissioners appointed to take charge of the Indians in Bristol and Barnstable Counties. Proclamation for seizure of several Indians who have fled from justice in Barnstable.
Sept. 7. Bill to repress hostile and preserve friendly Indians read twice.
Sept. 8. The same bill was again read and debated. Report of the Committee for taking in the claims of the soldiers and the disbursements in Sir E. Andros's time brought up. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 449–452.]
Sept. 6. 1,289. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Estimates from the Boards of Ordnance and of Victualling read. The Victualling Board was directed to provide four months' provisions for 1,700 men. The Commissioners of Transport presented a draft agreement for shipping, and were ordered to give an estimate for bedding, etc. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 340–342.]
Sept. 6.
Whitehall.
1,290. John Povey to Henry Guy. Forwarding abstract of the proceedings of the Assembly of Virginia in relation to the Ports' Act, and the bill for prohibiting export of bulk-tobacco. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 36. p. 271.]
Sept. 6. 1,291. John Povey to the Commissioners for Transportation. Directing them to hire shipping for the transport of men and stores to Jamaica, and to send in an estimate of the expense of their necessaries excepting victuals. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 239.]
Sept. 6. 1,292. John Povey to Henry Guy. Forwarding estimate of ordnance stores for the expedition to Jamaica for consideration of the Treasury. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 228.]
Sept. 6. 1,293. John Povey to William Bridgeman. Desiring the Admiralty to order the Victualling Board to prepare four months' provisions on whole allowance for 1,700 men and to report when the said provisions will be ready to be shipped. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 233.]
Sept. 6.
Whitehall.
1,294. Order of the Queen in Council. For preparation of stores, shipping and all other necessaries for the despatch of ships of war and two regiments to Jamaica; the Admiralty and Ordnance office to take note hereof. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. p. 234.]
Sept. 6. 1,295. The Victuallers of the Navy to Lords of Trade and Plantations. As to the proportion of victuals necessary to be sent with two regiments to Jamaica, two months' provisions on short allowance was sent with the soldiers to the West Indies in 1692, costing £4,865 besides freight; and we are of opinion that less should not be sent now. In 1692 provisions for 2,000 men to make up the two months' to nine months' victuals on full allowance was sent out, of which the estimated cost is £12,429. Whether such quantity is now necessary it is for you to decide. Signed. Tho. Papillon, John Agar, Hum. Ayles. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. same day. Annexed,
1,295. I. Detailed estimate of two months' victuals for 2,000 men on short allowance. Total, £4,865. 1 p. Signed and endorsed as the preceding.
1,295. II. Detailed estimate of nine months' provisions for 2,000 men at full allowance; total, £12,429, with a note showing how £400 may be saved. 1 p. Signed and endorsed as the preceding. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. Nos. 52, 52I., II.; and 53. pp. 229–232.]
Sept. 6.
Rhode Island.
1,296. The Governor of Rhode Island to Lords of Trade and Plantations. We thank you for your letter of 18 September, 1693, whereby we understand that you have been informed that the Acts of Trade and Navigation have been greatly violated in Rhode Island. I have communicated the letter to the General Assembly, and if there have been any failing among us it shall be amended. Mr. Jahleel Brenton will explain to you that we need better fortification to compel shipping to yield obedience. Signed. John Easton. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 9 Mar. Read 22 May, 1695. [Board of Trade. New England, 7. No. 39; and 35. pp. 181, 182.]
Sept. 6. 1,297. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Certain masters of ships producing duplicate of an Order in Council for disallowance of the act to limit freights, the Order was admitted as valid. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 466, 467; and Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 5, 6.]
[Sept. 7.] 1,298. Copy of Sir William Phips's accounts. The items include £500 "taken by force from Captain Brenton," £1,500 "received from pirates, he giving them liberty to come to Boston," £2,000 "by monopolising the trade to Eastward in his own hands." The total gains ascribed to him are £8,900. 2 pp. Endorsed, Recd. 7 Sept. 1694. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 38.]
Sept. 8.
Whitehall.
1,299. Order of the Queen in Council. That ships be forthwith fitted out for the service of Jamaica with all speed, that four months' provisions at short allowance for 1,700 men be forthwith provided by the Victualling Board, who will report when they are prepared to ship the same; and that the companies for New York be victualled likewise. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 53. pp. 218–220.]
Sept. 8. 1,300. Minutes of Council of New York. Patent for land granted to Claus Luyter. Orders for sundry payments.
Sept. 9. Letters from Albany read reporting that Count Frontenac was about to leave Montreal with a large number of French and Indians, as was supposed, with the design of attacking Albany, but in Governor Fletcher's opinion more probably with the intention of rebuilding Cadaraqui. Resolved that it is impossible to reach Cadaraqui in time; but that the neighbouring Colonies be informed, and asked to contribute men or money. The Council was against the Governor's offer to go in person to Albany. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 560, 561.]
Sept. 10.
Transport
Office.
1,301. Commissioners of Transport to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Submitting estimate of cost of freight and other necessaries (except provisions) for transporting 1,700 soldiers and 230 tons of ordnance stores to Jamaica. Total, £11,739. 1 p. Endorsed, Read 11 Sept. '94. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 53; and 53. p. 241.]
Sept. 10. 1,302. Extract of a letter from the Navy Board forwarding the following extract from the Victualling Commissioners.
Commissioners of Victualling to the Navy Board. We have received your orders to provide four months' provisions for 1,700 men. The Lords of the Council told us of but 1,600 men, which were to be ready to sail in six weeks. They then told us that the provisions were to be reckoned for two months at short allowance on the voyage, in which 12½ ton of water cask was allowed to every hundred men, and two months' necessary-money, or 2s. 4d. per man. The rest of the provisions to make up the four months was to be without beer, without water-cask and without necessary-money. Instead of oil, usually laden for supply of butter and cheese, we purpose to send cheese packed in barrels, allowing 1 lb. of cheese for 1 lb. of butter, and 2 lbs. of Cheshire for 3 lbs. of Suffolk. Pray inform us if these proportions are to be altered. 1½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 19 Sept. '94. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 54; and 53. pp. 244, 245.]
Sept. 10. 1,303. Minutes of Council of Massachusetts. Further evidence was received as to the charge against the Governor. The like also on the 17th September. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 273, 274.]
Sept. 10. 1,304. Minutes of General Assembly of Massachusetts. Additional Bills for support of ministers and regulating houses of public entertainment read a first time.
Sept. 11. Bill as to ministers again read and debated. Bill for repressing hostile Indians, etc., read and amended. A committee appointed to fix boundaries about Concord and Chelmsford. Bill for regulating wages of soldiers and seamen read.
Sept. 12. The last named bill again read and debated. Bill to give succour to neighbouring provinces read. Bill for repressing hostile Indians, etc., passed.
Sept. 13. Bill for an additional supply of money read and debated. Bill to give succour to neighbouring provinces passed.
Sept. 14. Bill for erecting the township of Harwich passed. Voted that the prize-ship St. Jacob, with all her goods, be discharged free of all duties. Bill for an additional supply passed.
Sept. 15. Bill for regulation of soldiers' wages again read and debated. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXIV., pp. 452–456.]
Sept. 11.
Boston.
1,305. Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Advising despatch of an account of his proceedings as to the Indian invasion. Signed. John Usher. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 12 Nov. Read 26 Nov. 1694. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. No. 39; and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., p. 252.]
Sept. 1,306. Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Lords of Trade and Plantations. In July I gave you an account of an outbreak of war with the Indians, who had murdered about 100 souls. I now give a more ample account. On 18 July about 10 in the morning I received news that the Indians had beset Oyster River and burnt all they came near. I at once ordered all the captains to take out one third of their commands to the relief of Oyster River. They went and buried the dead and ranged the woods but found no enemy. At 11 o'clock I wrote to Sir William Phips for 200 men, which letter was delivered at his house at midnight. On 19 July I called a Council for the 20th, which decided that there was no need for it to apply to Sir William Phips for 100 men, but on my showing my instructions it was decided after my words that letters should be sent. After the letter had been despatched I received one from Sir William Phips of 19 July, saying that under the charter he could not impress or detach men for service outside the Colony. We ordered 20 men to be impressed to garrison Oyster River, and I then proposed to issue warrants for all persons to repair to their garrisons, to which I was answered that there was no need, as the law sufficed. Thus they rather obstruct than forward the business of the Colony, and all because the King appoints the Governor. On the 21 July came news that the enemy had attacked the Bank and carried off Madam Cutts. Though the Major was there and the militia in arms they were too much amazed by fear to pursue the enemy, who marched away having killed three persons. I at once wrote to Sir William Phips, saying that two of the chief actors in the murder were persons who had submitted to his Government, and I asked for 200 men. In reply I received a letter from Mr. Stoughton that the Governor was gone eastward; but on receiving mine of 21st he at once returned to Boston and ordered 200 men to march to relief of our province and theirs; but none have ever come to us. On 23 July I wrote to Sir William Phips that under the King's Commission apart from the charter he could do much for our relief, and sent him my own instructions to help any other province in time of need, and asked for 100 men, but obtained none. Mr. Stoughton on 26 July wrote to me telling me of the failure of his orders for our relief, but that he had issued fresh orders for 60 men to march to Kittery. On 30 July I wrote to Sir William Phips complaining that after repeated assistance given to Massachusetts in the last three or four years none was now given to us, and that the very Indians that they had taken under their government were now attacking us. I therefore asked that at least the ringleaders should be pursued and brought to justice. I had hopes for relief, but still none is come. If New Hampshire is lost, it will be a greater loss than Massachusetts, for the fishery and the supply of Naval stores is all from this place.
After two years in this government I have received not a penny for support of government, though I have spent some hundreds of pounds yearly. With submission I say that for me to spend my own estate among a lying crooked people who set themselves as one man to run down the Governor and trample on the Royal authority is a burden greater than I can bear; and since I have no bread to eat, nor any to stand by me, I judge it better for me to leave the place than that the King's commission should be thus abused. No one with the King's commission will ever be obeyed unless officers are sent from England to execute writs, and fifty soldiers to guard the fort and the Governor. A General Governor is greatly wanted. The war is now charged to the blame of this province, that we would not make peace, that the Indians were injured by taking furs and canoes from them, and that satisfaction for the same was denied them. I believe God's scourging of this land is for lying and disaffection. On the 6th instant the militia officers came to a decision to send half the militia in pursuit of the Indians on intelligence of their attacking any place. The fort is so far completed that 100 men could defend it against 1,000 Indians. Signed. John Usher. 3½ pp. Endorsed, Rec. 12 Nov. 1694. Recd. 22 May 1695. Enclosed,
1,306. I. Orders in Council of New Hampshire of 12 and 14 April, 1694, for rebuilding and repairing the garrisons, and order of 14 July, 1694, to Major William Vaughan to inspect the different garrisons and report on their condition.
Report of Major Vaughan, 19 July, 1694. Hampton wants but little repair; the militia is making good defects. At Exeter, Dover and Oyster River some of the defences are quite down, but rebuilding, and several in good repair.
Thomas Parker to Lieutenant-Governor Usher, 18 July, 1694. News is just come of the destruction of Oyster River by the Indians. Some have escaped; all our frontiers are beset.
Order of Lieutenant-Governor Usher to the Captains of Militia. 18 July, 1694. To march one third of their men at once to the relief of Oyster River.
Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Sir William Phips. 18 July, 1694. I have just received the enclosed. The whole province is in arms, and we fear several out towns are beset. Two men have escaped wounded, but I judge that the whole of Oyster River has been cut off. I doubt not of your ready assistance.
William Redford to Sir William Phips. Since the Lieutenant-Governor's of the 18th we have heard that the Indians are very numerous, at least 300. Dony, who signed the peace was there and said, when he was drunk, that he expected 600 Indians more and that the Maquas had joined them. Two friars are with the Indians, who after victory said mass twice. The Indians spread six or seven miles, and engaged all at once. Not above twenty houses in Oyster River are left standing, and without help from you it must be deserted, which will give the enemy an inlet into the whole country. Pray send us 100 men, with ammunition and provisions, to protect these out-places. We are sending men according to our ability to our outward garrisons. We sent a third of the militia to Oyster River, but they found no enemy. It is judged that 80 persons are killed or taken, and abundance of cattle is killed. Three Indians were seen last night and several shots fired, so we judge the enemy to be still near us. We want assistance and count upon yours, as you may count upon ours if you be invaded.
Sir William Phips to Lieutenant-Governor Usher. 19 July, 1694. Your sad news as to Oyster River reached me this morning. The Council are ready to help you but the Charter forbids me to send men outside the Colony without their consent, or the consent of the Assembly. Meanwhile I shall give orders to strengthen our frontier adjoining and to call for volunteers, and shall try to find out if any Eastern Indians are concerned. I go to those parts to-morrow. I doubt not that you will do your best for your own defence. Copies. 4 pp. Endorsed, Read 12 Nov. 1694.
Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Sir William Phips. 21 July, 1694. News is just come that the Indians are killing and destroying at the Bank. Mrs. Cutts is captured, her house burning, many others beset. This is the third express for help. If the country is lost for want of it, it will be ill resented at home. God knows what this night may bring forth. At Oyster River 93 souls were killed or taken. 300 Indians are here, 600 more are expected, Robert and John Dony are the chief actors. It is hard for us to be murdered by Indians who submitted to your Government, so I hope for speedy help. I judge that in a little time all the out-towns will be laid waste, and only Great Island preserved. 200 men is the least that we need. This letter, inserted here to preserve sequence, will be found in Enclosure No II.
Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Sir William Phips. 23 July, 1694. I am sorry that my letter of 18th only reached you next morning, for it was delivered at your house about midnight. As to the objections of the Council, does not your commission give you power over the militia apart from the charter, and your instructions like mine bid you help neighbouring Colonies in time of need? The Indians, who have murdered about 100 souls, are all subjects of your Government; and I leave it to your judgment if it is fair that you should not help to secure this province against them. We want not less than 100 men with provisions and ammunition. If this place be lost, all subjects in these Colonies will suffer. My first express was much delayed and obstructed by heavy charges for ferryage and horses.
William Stoughton to Lieutenant-Governor Usher. 22 July, 1694. Yours of 21st was brought to me, the Governor being gone to Eastward. After consulting as many of the Council as could be collected, I have sent expresses to Colonels Appleton and Pierce, ordering them away to your relief, their regiments being nearest to you. I hope they will make haste, and I thoroughly condole with you in this calamity.
Lieutenant-Governor Usher to William Stoughton. 25 July, 1694. Yours of 22nd received. I have ordered 100 of our men to join yours in ranging the woods on the heads of our frontier towns.
William Stoughton to Lieutenant-Governor Usher. 26 July, 1694. My orders have unfortunately failed in the execution; but I have issued fresh orders for 60 men to be despatched to Kittery on the 27th. It is difficult to take men from the business of husbandry at this season, but the common safety is to be preferred, and nothing in my power shall be wanting thereto.
Lieutenant-Governor Usher to William Stoughton. 28 July, 1694. Yours of 19th received. How far your sending of men to your own frontier and none to ours is in accord with your instructions I leave you to judge. I am sure had you been in our place, we should not have refused your immediate help. Your orders as to relief of distressed places shall be carried out towards you in a like spirit, on application from yourself or the Governor, which my instructions require. God is scourging this land for lying and overturning the Government, and I hope that it may repent. I am told that your province rings with our taking canoes and furs from the Indians, and refusing satisfaction for the same. The enclosed order in Council will show you that the guilty parties were told to give satisfaction. Lying and uneasiness will I fear provoke God to destroy the peace for the Indians to subject themselves in your Government to the crown and laws of England. I desire that the laws may be enforced against John and Robert Dony. One hundred souls have been murdered by them under the notion of a peace, only to carry on an Indian trade. Eight canoes were seen off Wells yesterday bound eastward, which are judged to be the persons who did the mischief.
Orders in Council of 11 October, 1693, and 12 April, 1694, for the restoration of canoes taken from the Indians and for payment of compensation to them for the same.
Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Sir William Phips. 30 July, 1694. As to the Lieutenant-Governor's letter of 26 July, we think the King in your commission expects other assistance than you have given us. For the war to last three or four years, for our people to be killed, for this province to relieve Wells, York and Newichewanock when in distress, and now for us to obtain no relief, is hard. You took these Indians under the Crown and laws of England without consulting us; they come and murder 100 of our people and then fly into your Government; and still you deny us relief. I cannot do less than demand that John and Robert Dony and others concerned in these murders be brought to justice. I am sorry the country continues in the way of lying about our ill-treatment of the Indians in the matter of their canoes. I send a copy of the proceedings in Council in our vindication. I believe that God is scourging this country for its lying in the Revolution time, and that He will continue to scourge it unless it repent. He is known by His judgments. It is time to be plain. The King is not likely to approve that a country should be cut off, and no relief sent. I still desire you to send us 100 men, for to talk of uniting against a common enemy and then send no men to unite with us is a paradox.
Memorandum of 1 August, 1694. Major Francis Hooke of Kittery having received men from Massachusetts offered Lieutenant-Governor Usher assistance for relief of New Hampshire, but being asked to send men to Oyster River refused to comply.
Order of Lieutenant-Governor Usher to Major Vaughan. For impressment of 190 men with arms, ammunition and four days' provisions to be ready to march against the Indians at half an hour's notice. Copies. The whole, 12½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. 12 Nov. 1694.
1,306. II. Copies of the letters of 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26 and 30 July abstracted above. 3¼ pp. Endorsed as No. I.
1,306. III. William Stoughton to John Usher. 3 August, 1694. I think it would be unreasonable to interpret the provision of the Charter against sending men out of the Colony without their consent as applicable to your case. I am pretty sure that the Governor has such an instruction as you mention. I told my mind to the Council and urged what I could, nor were they of themselves unwilling, but nothing more could be obtained than we have done, which is a great trouble to me. To say truth, our militia government signifies but little because of the refractoriness of the people and for want of brisk commanders. God's hand is out against us, and I believe, among other causes, for those which you touch upon. The Governor has returned and I hope that you will soon be relieved by the arrival of Governor Allen.
Note by Lieutenant-Governor Usher. Mr. Stoughton always tried to be of service to the King and country, but the militia officers and those who had a hand in the revolution will be as ready to overthrow the present King's Government. 1 p. Endorsed as No. I.
1,306. IV. Minutes of a meeting of the militia officers at Newcastle, 6 August, 1694. It was resolved that 100 men be told off to pursue and the rest to head the enemy. 1 p.
1,306. V. Lieutenant-Governor Usher to the Governor and Council of Massachusetts. 14 August, 1694. I send a copy of my last to Sir William Phips a fortnight ago; and having received no answer I am requested by the Council to renew our request for 100 men. If your Government made peace with the Indians without including us, then no peace was made, and the fault is in you for not sending to us to join you. Not an Indian has been seen here to be spoken with as to making the peace, so New Hampshire cannot be blamed for the outbreak of war. As to canoes and furs taken from the Indians, enquiry has been made of those at Rickman's Island, who deny that the English have done them harm. When I left New Hampshire Oyster River was still threatened, and the crops and cattle round it being destroyed. I conceive that Sir William Phips has instructions to give assistance, so I repeat my request for 100 men. 1 p. Endorsed as No. I.
1,306. VI. Copies of sundry military orders given by Lieutenant-Governor Usher in July, 1694. Copy of a warrant to Major Vaughan 9 August, 1694, ordering him to provide a guard for the Lieutenant-Governor; with a note to mention that the guard was not furnished as ordered.
Copy of the Orders in Council respecting the restoration of canoes to the Indians, abstracted in No. I.
Speech of the Lieutenant-Governor to the Council, 10 August, 1694. Captains John Long and John West have arrived with two ships from England, but have not made their entry. I have ordered the ships to be seized and expect you to see that the order is executed. I have been with you for two years, have spent £300 of my private estate, and received not a penny. My orders have constantly been disobeyed, myself slighted and contemptuously treated, and horrible lies have been uttered about me. I am now going to Boston and shall not return until I have such as will stand by me and maintain the Royal authority. Captain Fryer will be Commander-in-Chief in my absence. Let me commend to your consideration Luke XIX., 12, 14, 27, and XX., 15, 16; and now you are dismissed.
I subsequently acquainted the Council that my saddle had been pressed by a constable, though he had been told that it was mine, and so badly treated as to be spoiled. I was afterwards grossly insulted by a man, who was not even checked by the Council. 4 pp. [Board of Trade. New Hampshire, 1. Nos. 40, 40 I.–VI.; and (without enclosures) Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVII., pp. 261–267.]
Sept. 11. 1,307. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Writs for the Assembly returned. List of members. The Assembly having been sworn presented James Colleton as Speaker, who was approved. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XII., pp. 468–470; and Board of Trade. Barbados, 65. pp. 6–9.]
Sept. 11. 1,308. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. List of the members elected at last election:—
St. Michael George Peers.
St. Michael John Pilgrim.
St. Lucy John Broome.
St. Lucy Thomas Maycock.
St. Thomas Nicholas Prideaux.
St. Thomas William Allonby.
St. John James Colleton.
St. John John Leslie.
Christchurch Robert Bishop.
Christchurch Thomas Maxwell.
St. Peters John Berringer.
St. Peters Thomas Meyrick.
St. James Abel Alleyne.
St. James William Allonby.
St. Philip William Fortescue.
St. Philip Edward Bishop.
St. Andrew John Mills.
St. Andrew Charles Sandiford.
St. George Charles Buttalls.
St. George Miles Toppin.
St. Joseph John Holder.
St. Joseph Henry Gallop.
James Colleton chosen Speaker; George Payne, clerk; William Burnett, marshal. The Assembly was sworn and adjourned to 2 October. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIV., pp. 369, 370.]
Sept. 11. 1,309. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The petition of Jane May and others was read and orders given thereon. Mr. Lowndes's letter and an estimate of the Commissioners of Transportation were read. Agreed to recommend Mr. John Murrey to be Commissary General, and that a medical staff be attached to the expedition. [Board of Trade. Journal, 7. pp. 342–345.]
Sept. 11.
Treasury
Chambers.
1,310. William Lowndes to John Povey. The Lords of the Treasury have adjusted with the Officers of Ordnance the payment of the money necessary for transport of Ordnance stores to Jamaica. Signed. Wm. Lowndes. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 55; and 53. p. 240.]
Sept. 11. 1,311. Minutes of Council of Virginia. Order for an embargo on all ships after departure of next convoy. Order for prosecution of James Howard for wrongful possession of an estate, and for a return of all intestate estates to be sent in to the Secretary.
Sept. 12. Order for the sheriff and justices of Nancymond Court to attend and answer to the complaint of James Jossey. With the Council's advice the Governor accepted the invitation of the governing body of the College to join that body. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXIV., pp. 883, 884.]
Sept. 12.
Virginia.
1,312. Ralph Wormeley to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Advising despatch of the Orders of Council and of duplicates. ¼ p. Endorsed, Recd. 5 Nov. 1694. [Board of Trade. Virginia, 5. No. 58.]
Sept. 12. 1,313. John Povey to William Lowndes. I forward copy of an estimate of the cost of transporting 1,700 men to Jamaica for approval of the Lords of the Treasury, upon whom the Commissioners of Transport have been ordered to attend. My Lords have appointed Mr. Murrey, late Commissary at Hounslow Heath, to act as Paymaster, Commissary of the Musters and Judge Advocate of the force, and suggest £500 a year as the rate of his salary, with £120 per annum for his clerk. They suggest also salaries at the rate of £365 a year for a physician, of £200 a year for an apothecary and of £50 a year for an apothecary's mate, for the present expedition. Draft with corrections. 1¼ pp. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 56; and 53. pp. 242, 243.]
Sept. 13. 1,314. William Bridgeman to John Povey. Forwarding extracts from letters of the Navy Board and Victualling Commissioners of 10 September (see No. 1,302). Signed. William Bridgeman. ½ p. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. No. 57; and 53. p. 243.]
Sept. 13.
Victualling
Office.
1,315. Commissioners of Victualling to John Povey. Forwarding a revised estimate for transport of 1,700 men to Jamaica. Signed. Tho. Papillon, John Agar. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 13 Sept. Read 19 Sept. '94. Enclosed,
1,315. I. Estimate of cost of victualling 1,700 men at full allowance for four months, £7,088. Dated. 7 September, 1694. 1 p. Endorsed as the covering letter. [Board of Trade. Jamaica, 7. Nos. 58, 58 I.; and 53. pp. 245–247.]
Sept. 13. 1,316. Minutes of Council of Nevis. Acts for easing of tenants and for levying executions for security of debts read and recorded, as also the Acts of the General Assembly of the Leeward Islands. The Assembly's time having expired, it could proceed to no business. Letter from Governor Codrington requesting the Council's concurrence in a patent for grant of land, which was conceded accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVIII., p. 291.]
Sept. 13. 1,317. Minutes of Council of New York. Colonel Heathcote authorised to find some person who will contract for 250 cattle for victualling the troops on the frontier. The Committee appointed to consider the quotas to be furnished by the various Colonies presented their report. Patent for land granted to Sanders Glenn. Orders for sundry payments. James Graham, Recorder, appeared to answer a complaint of Dann Vienvos against the city. Warrants issued to summon the Indians in Suffolk and King's County to meet the Governor. The land-dispute between John van Comp and Gertrude Bruyn settled. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXV., pp. 561–564.]