|
| Nov. 22. |
1289. John Bridger's Answer to the observations of the
Navy Board upon his accounts. Aug. 14 and Nov. 22 [see Dec. 9,
1703]. Signed, J. Bridger. 6½ pp. [C.O. 5, 863. No. 61.] |
Nov. 22.
Whitehall. |
1290. Order of the House of Lords to the Council of Trade
and Plantations, to lay before this House an acct. of the state
of Trade, since last Session. Signed, Math. Johnson. Cl. Parl.
[C.O. 412, 549. p. 57; and 389, 18. p. 48.] |
Nov. 22.
Prize Office. |
1291. Commissioners of Prizes to the Lord High Treasurer.
Offering the case of the Neptune [see Nov. 26], now arrived in the
Port of London, to his Lordship's consideration. Signed, Edw.
Brereton, R. Yard, Ant. Duncomb, Alex. Pendarvis, John Anstis,
Wm. Gosselin. Subscribed, Mr. Blathwayt to examine this
matter and report how it may be remedied. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Dec. 2, 1703. 1 p. |
|
1291. i. Case of the Neptune, with the opinion of J. Cooke
and Wm. Oldys that the Commissioners of Prizes should
put an officer on board her, and that a monition be
forthwith taken out of the Admiralty Court against
her. D.D. Commons, Nov. 19, 1703. 2½ pp. [C.O. 323,
5. Nos. 26, 26.i.] |
| [Nov. 22.] |
1292. Memorandum of Memorial from the Pennsylvania
Company relating to Convoys. (Withdrawn Dec. 7 and another
brought Dec. 10, q. v.) ¼ p. [C.O. 5, 1262. No. 57; and 5, 1048.
No. 69.] |
| [Nov. 22.] |
1293. Merchants trading to Virginia and Maryland to the
Council of Trade and Plantations. They having set out a large
fleet this year, which together with those in the country and
Western Ports will make up the valuablest and largest fleet that
hath at any time been in those Plantations. and have only the
Dreadnought and a small fifth-rate frigot for their convoy, which
gives us much concernment. We had two others for Guinia
aided the Fleet outwards for 200 leagues. And whereas there
was usually one or more men of war that lay as Gard ships in the
country to prevent any surprisal, as not long since happened by
a pirate, the country is now left wholly naked by the recalling
the Southampton. We therefore humbly represent to your
Lordships the necessity of three men of war to be sent as soon
as may be to Virginia to be there in March at furthest in order to
convoy the fleet thence in safety home, it being what we had
formerly allowed us for a fleet of lesser consequence, and that
a man of war might be ordered as a gardship to the country
as formerly, and that some crewsers may be sent out to meet our
Fleet howerly expected home. Pray that such additional convoys
may be dispatched in time, and that advices may be given to
Virginia by the Admiralty concerning them, yt. ye fleet yt. depend
on them may accordingly be dispatched without delay. Signed,
Micajah Perry and 22 other signatures. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Nov. 22, 1703. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1313. No. 34; and 5, 1360.
pp. 436, 437.] |
Nov. 22.
Whitehall. |
1294. Wm. Popple to Josiah Burchet. In answer to your
letter of 13th, the Council of Trade and Plantations are
discoursing with the several merchants trading to H.M.
Plantations concerning convoys. Refers to preceding request and
presses for some cruizers to meet the 50 sail, daily expected, in
the Soundings etc. [C.O. 324, 8. pp. 381, 382.] |
Nov. 22.
Whitehall. |
1295. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Order
of the House of Lords (Nov. 22) read. Directions given for
preparing a report accordingly. |
|
Virginia and Maryland traders laid memorials about convoys
before the Board. New England and New York traders expressed
their requirements and promised to put them in writing. |
|
Mr. Byfield laid the memorial of the Pennsylvania Company
before the Board. Letter to Mr. Burchet ordered. |
| Nov. 23. |
Agents and traders of Barbados and Leeward Islands offered
their thoughts relating to convoys, but not having concerted ye
same, they promised to advise together and lay before their
Lordships their opinions in writing. |
|
Mr. Borret ordered to attend. |
|
Representation upon foreign coins signed, and what was formerly
under consideration upon the same subject, cancelled. |
|
Letter from Jamaica, relating to Kingston, read. Letter to
Mr. Burchet ordered, to pray an answer from the Prince's Council
upon the Kingston Act, their Lordships being prest to make a
report thereupon to H.M. and to the House of Lords. |
|
Ordered that the Secretary signify to Vice-Admiral Whetstone
to attend on Friday. |
|
Order of Council, Nov. 18, about prizes read, and transmitted
to the Governours of Barbadoes, the Leeward Islands and
Jamaica. |
| Nov. 24. |
Mr. Borrett attending, a list was given him of the Acts in Mr.
Attorney and Solicitor General's hands, upon which he was desired
to attend them and procure the dispatch of their opinion. |
|
Letter from Mr. Burchet (Nov. 23) read, and notice was
immediately given thereof by letter to Mr. Perry that he may
acquaint the other merchants concerned. |
|
Letter from Mr. Burchet (Nov. 23) signifying that the Prince's
Council had appointed to hear Vice-Admiral Graydon and Capt.
Whetston again this morning, in order to report their opinion upon
the Kingston Act, read. |
|
Mr. Broughton desiring a copy of that article in the Lord
Vaughan's Instructions for the Government of Jamaica relating
to Patent Officers, ordered yt. it be given him. |
|
Letter from Capt. Lilly read. Letter to the Board of Ordnance
ordered (Nov. 25). |
|
Upon further consideration of the Order of Council (Nov. 18)
relating to prizes, letter to Mr. Burchet ordered (Nov. 25). |
|
Letters to the Governors of Barbados, Leeward Islands and
Jamaica signed. |
|
Letter to Lt. Governor of Bermuda agreed upon. |
|
Draught of a Commission to Privateers, and Instructions relating
thereunto, laid before the Board. Copies ordered to be made,
to be transmitted to the Governors of Plantations. [C.O. 391,
16. pp. 282–292; and 391, 97. pp. 715–725.] |
| Nov. 22. |
1296. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts
Bay. Proclamation for a General Thanksgiving on Dec. 9, was
read and advised. |
|
New Bill relating to Appeals was read three times, passed and
sent down. |
|
Report of the Committee upon the accompts of John Usher
(March) was again read and anew voted an acceptance, and
sent down for concurrence. |
|
Bill in addition to the Act relating to sureties in mean process
in civil actions, sent up, was read a first time. |
|
The engrossed bill relating to executors, passed in the House
of Representatives, was read and concurr'd to be enacted. |
| Nov. 23. |
Bill relating to Appeals read and passed, and sent with other
Bills passed at this Court to H.E. for his consent. |
|
Bill for supply of the Treasury by emitting 10,000l. of the Bills
of Credit, 5,000l. thereof in new Bills to be imprinted, and 5,000l.
more to issue forth again out of ye Treasury and ye impost and
excise, and the next tax to be granted to be a Fund for the said
Bills, and appointing a new Committee for ye imprinting and
signing the same, read. The Council sent down the following
vote with the Bill: They are of opinion that the supply is
necessary, and that an equivalent sum ought to be granted as a
fund for the same, and that the former Committee be employed in
the further imprinting of them, that the Bills may be all of a sort. |
|
Written message from the Representatives read, for reducing
ye garrison at ye Castle to 30 till March 15, "which they
apprehend a number sufficient, and shall not allow pay or subsistance to any more." |
|
H.E. summoned the House to attend, and observed that he
had seen the resolve of the House for granting a sum to Constantine
Phips, for service done and to assist him in further serving as
Agent; Mr. Phips is a Gentleman he knows very well and has
a respect for, but he cannot be an Agent for this Province, having
had no Commission or Warrant so to be since his arrival with
H.M. Commission for the Government. He is of opinion it is
advisable to have two persons in England to represent this
Province, that if one be absent, the other may attend; the fees
would be the same and the gratifications is discretionary; that
they be appointed by the General Assembly, and have H.E.
warrant. As to the House's motion to desire to see the copys
of his Letters, he made no such promiss, but, if they would
make one step towards complying with H.M. commands referring to
Pemaquid, by granting any sum of money towards that work,
they should see what representation he would make thereof, and
H.M. answer thereto, which might be expected by May, before
one shovel of mortar were laid. As to reducing the garrison at
the Castle, he is Captain General of this Province, and the rayseing
or disbanding of forces, guards and garrisons lay with him, as he
shall judge necessary for H.M. service, but he is and will be as
provident and careful of the country's money as possible. |
|
Message sent up that the House adhered to their Bill referring
to a supply of the Treasury. The Bill was returned, with a
message to move the House to a reconsideration thereof. |
|
Bill sent up, of supplement to ye Acts referring to the Poor,
read a first time. |
| Nov. 24. |
Last-named bill read a second time and concurred to be
engrossed. |
|
Petition of Andrew Belcher read and sent down. [C.O. 5, 789.
pp. 891–893.] |
| Nov. 22. |
1297. Journal of Assembly of New Jersey. Bill to secure
the Proprietors in their rights to the soil of the Province, with
the quit-rents according to the conveyances made by the Duke
of York, read a first time. |
|
The Settling of a Revenue was considered. Resolved, that
a tax be raised for defraying the necessary charge of ye Governmt.
and support of ye dignity thereof. |
|
Bills ordered to be prepared for regulating elections, and for
settling the allowance of Assemblymen. |
| Nov. 23. |
Bills regulating the purchasing of lands from the Indians, and
ascertaining Representatives' fees, read the first time. |
|
1,000l. granted to H.M., her heirs, and successors for defraying
the necessary charge of this Govmt. and supporting the dignity
of it. |
|
Resolved, that 300l. be raised for paying the Representatives'
fees and incidental charges of the House. |
|
Bill for settling the estates of all Proprietors and purchasers
of land within New Jersey read a second time and amended. |
| Nov. 24. |
Motion, that the boundarys of the counties of the Eastern
Division be ascertained this Session, negatived. |
|
Resolved, that the Bill for regulating elections be brought in
this Session. |
|
Bill for regulating the purchasing of lands from the Indians
was read the second time and amended. |
|
Bill for ascertaining the Representatives' fees read a second
time and amended. |
|
Bill for confirming estates etc. read a third time and sent up. |
|
Petition of Richd. Dell, concerning the repair of the highways
and bridges from Amboy Ferry to Burlington, read. [C.O. 5,
1019. pp. 482–484.] |
Nov. 23.
Admiralty Office. |
1298. J. Burchett to Wm. Popple. In answer to yours
of yesterday, there are cruizers ordered out for protecting
the homeward bound trade, not only into the Soundings, but
off of Cape Clear. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Nov. 24, 1703. ½ p. [C.O. 323, 5. No. 30; and 324, 8.
p. 288.] |
Nov. 23.
Whitehall. |
1299. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Having had under consideration the different rates at which
foreign coins do pass in your Majesty's Plantations in America,
with the inconveniences thereof, and more especially a complaint
transmitted to us by Coll. Blakiston at the request of the Assembly
of Maryland, representing that the advancing the rates of coin
in the neighbouring Plantations, and especially in Pennsylvania
(where they are much higher than in other places) is the occasion
of drawing their coin from them; we humbly represent, that
this liberty taken in any of your Majesty's Plantations, to alter
the rates of their coins as often as they think fit, does encourage
an indirect practice of drawing the money from one Plantation
to another, to the undermining of each other's trade; which
cannot be otherwise remedied than by reducing of all foreign
coins to the same rate in all your Majesty's Dominions in America.
And whereas peices of Eight, Sevil, Pillar, and Mexico are now
currant in the Massachusets Bay at the rate of 6s. per peice by
virtue of an Act past there, which was confirmed by his late
Majesty, and therefore cannot be altered but by an Act to be
passed in the same manner, we humbly offer that your Majesty
would be pleased to issue your Royall Proclamation to be published
throughout all the Plantations (as well under Proprietors and
Charters as in those governed by your Majesty's immediate
Commission) directing that from and after Sept. 29, 1704, no
Sevill, Pillar, or Mexico peices of Eight, thô' of the full weight
of 17½ pennyweight shall be received taken or paid in any of
your Majesty's said Plantations above the rate of six shillings
per peice, for the discharge of any contracts or bargains to be
made after the said Sept. 29, 1704. The halves, quarters and other
lesser peices of the same coin (of due weight) to be reckoned also
in the same proportion; and that as for the peices of Eight of
Peru, dollars, and all other foreign species of silver coin, whether
of the same or baser alloy, the currency thereof after Sept. 29, 1704,
stand regulated according to their weight and fineness in proportion
to the foresaid rate limited for the peices of Eight of Sevil, Pillar
and Mexico, so that no fforeign silver coin of any sort be permitted
to exceed the same proportion upon any account whatsoever.
Signed, Weymouth, Dartmouth, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt,
John Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 324, 8. pp. 282–284.] |
| Nov. 23. |
1300. Minutes of Council of Barbados. Adjourned, there
being only four members present. |
| Nov. 24. |
Tho. Merrick and Robert Johnstoun were approved as Securities
for C. Thomas, Treasurer, who, with Robert Stillingfleet,
Comptroller of the Excise, took the oaths appointed. |
|
Return ordered to be made of persons neglecting or refusing to
take the oaths in accordance with H.E.'s recent warrants.
[C.O. 31, 8. pp. 150–152.] |
| Nov. 23. |
1301. Journal of Assembly of Barbados. The members
present being but 14 adjourned till to-morrow. |
| Nov. 24. |
The members present being but 13, adjourned till Jan. 4.
[C.O. 31, 7. pp. 142, 143.] |
Nov. 23.
Boston. |
1302. Minutes of Council of the Massachusetts Bay. Com
missioners appointed for a trial at Salem (see Nov. 16). |
|
Ordered that the Treasurer deliver the public stock of salt-peter
to Andrew Belcher and Samuel Legg, and that they agree with
Walter Everden, powder-maker, to repair the decayed powder, and
make so much new as the peter will afford. [C.O. 5, 789. p. 546.] |
| [Nov. 24.] |
1303. Draught of a Commission granted here to Privateers,
and of Instructions relating thereto. Endorsed, Procured from
Doctors Commons, Nov. 24, 1703. 12½ pp. [C.O. 323, 5.
No. 29.] |
| Nov. 24. |
1304. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor
Codrington. We have no letter from you since ours of Oct. 28. |
|
The Packet boat by which you promised us a full account
of all the affairs of your Government being arrived, as likewise Col. Thomas, with the Act of Assembly and your
Deputation, impowering him to set forth the state of the
Leeward Islands, wee are surprized that wee have not received the promised account by either of these conveyances,
and are the more concerned thereat for that we have been
commanded to lay the affair of Guardaloupe before H.M. As
wee told you in our last that we had already represented how
much the Leeward Islands are infested by French privateers
to the end that ships may be appointed for their protection, we
are now doing it more fully, and shall in due time acquaint you
with the success. Wee send you here inclosed the copy of an
Order of Councill relating to shares of prizes taken in the
Plantations. To which that we may be able to give a satisfactory
answer wee desire you to send us an account of the number lading
and value of the prizes that have been brought into your
Government, what methods have been observed in the tryall
and distribution of such prizes, and what care has already or
may further be taken for securing to H.M. and H.R.H. their
respective parts and shares thereof. Signed, Weymouth,
Dartmouth, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen,
Mat. Prior. [C.O. 153, 8. pp. 223–225.] |
Nov. 24.
Whitehall. |
1305. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir B.
Granville. Since ours of Oct. 28, we have received letters from
you dated Aug. 8 and Sep. 3. Upon the receipt of the first of
them relating to the pay of the gunners and your ingagement
to Mr. Cox, we immediately transmitted a copy thereof to the
Treasury for the Lord Treasurer's effectual directions therein.
We have also transmitted an extract of that part of your second
letter, which relates to Captain Hayes, to the Board of Ordnance
from whom you will receive directions therein. What you have
done in relation to flags of truce, and your watchfulness to prevent
the inconveniences which may arise thereby, and by illegal trade
with St. Thomas, gives us great satisfaction: and we doubt not
of your continuance to exert your endeavours in those and all
other matters for H.M. service. What you write of the many
losses by French Privateers that have happen'd in the neighborhood
of the Leeward Islands, is confirmed to us from other hands,
and more particularly by an Agent sent from thence on purpose.
We have already represented something of that matter to H.M.,
and are now doing it more fully in such a manner as we hope may
be effectual for their relief. We are still in expectation of the
particular Report which you promise us, relating to the
fortifications, stores of warr, Militia etc, which since the sickness
is abated, we hope you will speedily finish. We send you here
inclosed the copy of an Order of Councill relating to H.M., the
Lord High Admiral's, and the captors' share of prizes, to which
that we may be inabled to give a satisfactory answer, we desire
you to send us an account of the number, lading and value of the
prizes that have been brought into your Government, what
methods have been observed in the tryall and distribution of
such prizes, and what care has already or may further be taken
for securing to H.M. and to H.R.H. their respective parts and
shares thereof. Signed, Weymouth, Dartmouth, Ph. Meadows,
Wm. Blathwayt, Jno. Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 29, 8. pp.
349–351.] |
Nov. 24.
Whitehall. |
1306. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt.-Gov.
Handasyd. Since our letter of Oct. 28, whereof you have a
duplicate here inclosed, we have received yours of Oct. 5th and
6th. It is with great concern the (that) we find the heats in the
Assembly continue so high as you represent them; and are more
particularly apprehensive lest the Revenue Bill which you have
given us to expect would be past for 21 years should be thereby
clog'd or made not fitt to receive H.M. approbation. We desire
you to use your endeavours with the Assembly that the Acts
may be separate; for what we find in their minutes of Sept. 15
and 16 about inserting a clause for confirming their former Laws,
gives us some suspicion of irregularity. We must therefore
repeat to you that it is directly contrary to your Instructions
to permit different matters to be joyned together in one and the
same Bill. And you ought to have explained in your letter
what you conceive to be intended by them in an affair of so great
consequence. We wish your prorogueing of them as you write,
for two days, may tend to bring them to a better temper when
they meet next. We have received a letter from Captain Lilly,
wherein he writes that he has transmitted a survey and plan
of the channel and avenues between Port Royal and Kingston
to the Master General of the Ordnance, in which he has performed
his duty; but we expected that you should also have transmitted
the same to us; the Acts relating to Port Royal and Kingston
being under our consideration. This we have told you already
as a standing rule in all things under your conduct, and we desire
you accordingly to observe it. The Report upon those Acts
has taken up a considerable part of our time; and we hope
speedily to send you H.M. resolution upon them. We are laying
before the Admiralty your complaint of the want of sailors in the
Men of War that attended that Island. We desire you will not
fail to send us the accounts you promise of the tryal and
condemnation of the ships which you mention to have been taken
on the Spanish coast, and to have been brought in by a Privateer:
the rather because of an Order of Council, whereof we send you
here inclosed a copy relating to shares of prizes, to which that
we may be enabled to give a satisfactory answer, we desire you to
send us an account of the number, lading, and value of the prizes,
that have bin brought into your Government, what methods
have been observed in the tryal and distribution of such prizes;
and what care has already or may further be taken for securing
to H.M. and H.R.H. their respective parts and shares thereof.
Signed, Weymouth, Dartmouth, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt,
Jno. Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. P.S. As to your delivering of arms
to the Militia, as they desire of you, we think it very necessary
that they be armed, and hope you will be able to prevail with
them to pay for them. [C.O. 138, 11. pp. 79–82.] |
Nov. 25.
St. James's. |
1307. Order of Queen in Council. The Lords of the whole
Council are hereby appointed a Committee to meet on Nov. 29
to examine the proceedings of Vice-Admiral Graydon in his
passage to the West Indies and for his pressing men there; at
which time one of the Council of H.R.H. is to attend and bring
with him a copy of the Orders given to Vice-Admirall Graydon,
and the Council of Trade and Plantations are to transmit all
papers relating to pressing at Jamaica, one or more of them being
then to attend the Committee. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Nov. 29, 1703. ¾ p. [C.O. 137, 6. No. 20; and
138, 11. p. 88.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
1308. Wm. Popple to Josiah Burchet. Refers to Order of
Nov. 18. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire you to
inform them what the extent of the Lord High Admiral's dues
and share of prizes are, and how the same are to be answered,
or what else may relate to the better recovery of them. [C.O. 324,
8. p. 287.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
1309. Wm. Popple to the Commissioners of Prizes. Similar
enquiry as to the extent of H.M. dues upon prizes taken in the
Plantations. [C.O. 324, 8. pp. 288, 289.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
1310. William Popple to Alexander Skene. Yours of Aug. 9
has been laid before the Council of Trade and Plantations, and
a sample of the ruled paper you desire has been given to Mr.
Holder, one of the Agents, that they may procure and send you
such quantities as may be necessary. [C.O. 29, 8. p. 353.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
1311. William Popple to Governor Sir Bevill Granville.
Acknowledges letter of Sept. 3, and refers to enclosure for the
Lt. Gov. of Bermuda. [C.O. 29, 8. p. 352.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
1312. Wm. Popple to Lt. Gov. Bennet. Refers to following,
and assures him of his respects. [C.O. 38, 5. p. 452.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
1313. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Gov. Bennet.
Duplicates having been regularly sent you of all our letters, we
have now only to acknowledge the receipt of yours of Aug. 9
last, together with your answer to Mr. Larkin's letter of Aug. 19,
1702. Upon which we at present observe to you, that tho' in
the Commission you send us the date of the day and month be
left blank, yet the year vizt. 1701 is expressed, and the reign,
vizt. that of King William; so that such Commissions must
have been given in time of peace; which we take to be contrary
to your Instructions, and without example, unless in the time
of your predecessor Mr. Day, whose irregularities we well hoped
you would not have imitated. The next remark we are obliged
to make is, that your Commissions ought not to have been given
in an undetermined sence against pirates and the Queen's enemies
at large, but upon information of some especiall occasion that
required them. All Commissions of War ought to express the
particular enemies against whom they are designed. The clause
also of visiting suspected ships, may give to Privateers an
oportunity of committing great irregularities, and even of turning
pirates themselves instead of pursuing others. The number
of Commissions which you have given out seems ill proportioned
to the smallness of the Islands under your Government, you will
think yourself obliged therefore to send us an authentick list of
such Commissions as you have given out, with the day and year
in which, and the persons to whom, each Commission was given.
We further send you here inclosed the copy of an Order of Councill
relating to H.M., the Lord High Admiral's, and the captor's
shares of prizes, to which that we may be enabled to give a
satisfactory answer, we desire you to send us a particular account
of the number, lading and value of the prizes that have been
brought into your Government, what methods have been observed
in the tryal and distribution of such prizes, and what care has
already or may further be taken for securing to H.M. and H.R.H.
their respective shares thereof. We further observe to you,
that you need not spend the publick powder in salutes to
Privateers, or upon any such slight occasions; that honour
being to be reserved to H.M. ships of war. Your papers as they
relate particularly to Mr. Larkin's behaviour to you, are under
our examination and shall be judged impartially. Signed,
Weymouth, Ph. Meadows, Wm. Blathwayt, John Pollexfen,
Mat. Prior. [C.O. 38, 5. pp. 453–456.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
1314. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Board of
Ordnance. Having understood from Captain Lilly, the Engineer
now at Jamaica, that he had sent to your office a plan of the
channel and avenues, with the exact soundings between Kingston
and Port Royal in Jamaica, and having now under our
consideration the Acts of the Assembly of that Island, relating
to the settling of the seat of trade at one of those places, we
desire you to communicate the same to us for our information.
And having likewise understood from the Lieutenant Governour
that the smiths and other artificers which ought to take care of
their arms are most of them dead or sick, and that the Militia
of the Island are almost without arms fitt for service, we desire
you to inform us what stores of ordnance and arms have been
sent thither these 18 months last past, and what directions have
been given for the disposal of them. Signed, Weymouth, Ph.
Meadows, Jno. Pollexfen, Mat. Prior. [C.O. 138, 11. pp. 82, 83.] |
Nov. 25.
Whitehall. |
1315. Journal of Council of Trade and Plantations. Letter
to Mr. Perry ordered, for an account of the tobacco imported, and
to Mr. Sansom for an account of tobacco and sugar imported in
12 months last past. |
|
Mr. Merret, accompanied with several other Newfoundland
merchants, acquainted the Board that their Fishery in
Newfoundland this year had been but smal, not above 40 ships
nor above 300 by boats imployed in that whole trade, and but 19
ships arrived at Lisbon. They promised to lay their proposals
relating to convoys before the Board in writing. |
|
Ordered that the Secretary write to the Commissioners for
Prizes (Nov. 25). |
|
Letter to the Ordnance Office (Nov. 25) signed and sent. |
|
Letter from Mr. Roop, Oct. 10, read. |
|
Letter to Lt. Gov. Bennet signed, and ordered to be enclosed
as formerly to the Governor of Barbados. |
| Nov. 26. |
Traders with the Leeward Islands laid before the Board a
Memorial relating to convoys which was read. |
|
Vice-Admiral Whetston attending, said that Port Royal is
more fit for business than Kingston, and men of war may careen
there more easily, and all things be done there with greater
expedition and less charge. More work may be done there in
4 hours than at Kingstone in a day, the sea-breezes making the
Harbour of Kingstone very rough. It would require at least
24 hours to get up thither. Kingston is more subject to rains
by reason of the nearness of the mountains that lye behind it.
Port Royal indeed is not so secure at present as Kingston may
be made to be. It is not difficult for 4 or 5 men of war to go
into that harbour. If an enemy had it, they might easily cut
it off from any communication with the rest of the Island, and
deprive them both of wood and water. The Fort is not well
built, the South Point especially, which may be annoyed by an
enemy from among the Keys, and cannot bring any guns to bear
upon them. But this may be easily remedied by rebuilding that
Angle, and turning it into a half-moon, so that it may be made
more secure than Kingston can. One of the Keys may be secured
by a Fort, taking in the whole ground, and make a security to the
whole Island. The French, if they had it, would quickly make
it impregnable. If a ship were sunk in the Channell between
Port Royal and Kingston, whatsoever ships were in Kingston
Harbour wou'd be blocked up. At Musketo Point, there is no
foundation for building upon without piles. The properest
place for a fortification for the further security of Kingston would
be upon the Coral Rock opposite to ye Salt Ponds. The Western
Channel is not good, and he does not believe an enemy will ever
attack ye country, either through that or the South Channel.
Notwithstanding the Act, the people were very much inclined
to settle at Port Royal, many having died at Kingston, whereupon
others were come back to Port Royal and had set up divers
sheds on the sides of the old walls, which were yet standing, but
had not built any regular houses, when he came from thence.
[C.O. 391, 16. pp. 292–297; and 391, 97. pp. 727–733.] |
| Nov. 25. |
1316. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. The Governor
communicated a letter from Governor Sit B. Granville giving an
acct. of a fleet arrived at Martineco. The Board unanimously
advised that the best way to know the motions of ye Enemy
was to get a prisoner from Hispaniola. Ordered that Capt.
Coleby, a privateer who was going out, goe with all expedition
to that coast, and there use his utmost endeavour to take a French
prisoner and deliver him to some magistrate in this Island in
order to his being sent with all speed to this town to be examined. |
|
The Govr. communicated to the Board a letter from the Lord
Nottingham, Sept. 14, 1703 (q.v.). The Board thereupon
unanimously advised that a sloop should be hired, and that the
Governor should send his order to the Comodore to cause all
the Spanish prisoners in H.M. ships to be sent to Port Charles,
in order to their being sent away with a Flag of Truce to demand
our prisoners; and that Letters pursuant to his Lordship's
directions be sent to ye Governors of St. Domingo, Carthagena,
Porto Bello, and the Havana. Ordered accordingly. |
|
Ordered that H.M. stores of Ordnance and ye store house att
Kingston be delivered to Thos. Bell pursuant to an Order from
the Board of Ordnance. |
|
194l. 5s. 6d. paid to the officers and gunners of H.M. Fortifications,
and 19l. 15s. 4½d. paid to Major Hen. Peirs for petty expences
there; also 3l. 10s. 7½d. [C.O. 140, 6. pp. 183–188; and
194–198.] |
| Nov. 25. |
1317. Minutes of Council in Assembly of the Massachusetts
Bay. Bill relating to appeals read with amendments, and voted
to be anew drawn accordingly. |
|
On the petition of Andrew Belcher, on behalf of the owners
of the John of Exon., lately cast away on the rocks lying of
Pemberton Island and her lading lost, all but 14 pipes of wine,
duties remitted as recommended by the Representatives. |
| Nov. 26. |
Bill in addition to the Act for punishing mutiny or desertion
was read twice and passed to be engrossed and sent down. |
|
Resolve of the Representatives sent up was read:—Whereas
this Court at their Session in March granted 500l. for fortifying
Castle Island, to be improved for finishing those works which
are most necessary to be done for the present defence of the
same, particularly the platforms and carriages to be done in the
first place; and, in July, 700l. for discharging the debts already
contracted in fortifying the said Island, and for the finishing the
works, according to the computation of Col. Romer; and whereas
both sums are almost expended, the platforms and carriages are
not yet made, particularly the South East platform on the hill
slighted and almost broken up, which seems to be of great
consequence, and the platform in the south-east bastion of the
old works not laid, altho' we were promised the first 500l. should
be improved for that end, noe necessary lodgings provided for the
souldiers; but instead, a new boat and a house for entertaining
it are built to the expense of many pounds, being none of those
things enumerated in the computation foresaid, but very unnecessary, the Castle being before sufficiently provided with boats;
Resolved, that the neglect of the finishing the works aforesaid,
and the application of the money to other and unnecessary uses
is a grievance. |
|
Resolve of the Representatives sent up and concurred:
Considering the extraordinary impoverishing circumstances the
Town of Brookfield is under by means of the present war, Resolved
that 20l. be paid out of ye publick Treasury towards ye support
of ye Ministry there for ye year currt. |
|
Bill relating to Appeals with amendments sent down, was
returned with a message that the House adhered to their engrossed
Bill. |
|
Resolve of the Representatives for more Bills of Credit, sent
down with the proposal, to alter the word levied to granted, and
that three of the former Committee might be continued to sign
the new Bills, as also to ascertain the pay of H.E. the Governor
as Commander of ye Castle. |
|
Message sent up to inquire after the Bill for establishing of officers
and souldiers pay. H.E. intimated to the Messengers, it was an
imperfect establishment, but so far as it extended it should be
observed as a rule. |
|
Bill directing how Debentures shall be granted for souldiers' and
seamen's pay, passed by the Representatives, was read. |
