America and West Indies: May 1707

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 23, 1706-1708. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1916.

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'America and West Indies: May 1707', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 23, 1706-1708, (London, 1916) pp. 426-442. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol23/pp426-442 [accessed 19 March 2024]

May 1707

May 5. 885. Sir T. Laurence to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays that all his papers (Jan. 28 etc.), may be sent to the Attorney General. Signed, Thomas Laurence. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 8, 1707. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 716. No. 23; and 5, 726. pp. 438–441.]
May 5. 886. Mr Baron to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Nothing has been done upon their letter of March 6, 1704/5. Petitioner renews his application, and hearing that the Lt. Governor of Bermuda has been procuring affidavits to convict him of several "enormous crimes," prays for copies thereof. Signed, Robt. Baron. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 9, 1707. 1¼ pp. Enclosed,
886. i. Duplicate of Mr. Baron's petition, Dec., 1704/5.
886. ii. Certificate by the Lt. Governor and Council of Bermuda that Mr. Baron has diligently fulfilled his office as Minister there for 2¾ years. Feb. 18, 170¾. Signed, B. Bennett, Rich. Peniston, Michaell Barron, Benja. Hinson, Tho. Harford. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 8. Nos. 4, 4.i., ii.]
May 6.
Whitehall.
887. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose extract from letters from Lt. Gov. Hamilton, relating to the want of soldiers etc. upon each of the Leeward Islands. A reasonable number of regular forces will be necessary to the security of the said Islands, and without a supply of the cartridge paper desired, the guns will be useless in case that Island be attacked by the French, and therefore we are of opinion that it will be for H.M. service that a sufficient quantity of such paper be sent by the ships now ready to sail. We take leave to remind your Lordship of the representation of Dec. 11 last, relating to the Lt. Governor of Nevis and St. Kitts, it being for H.M. service that the said Lieut. Governours be forthwith confirmed by H.M. immediate authority. [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 493, 494.]
May 6.
Prize Office.
888. Commissioners of Prizes to the Council of Trade and Plantations. We haveing occasion for the names of persons inhabiteing in H.M. severall Plantations, in the West Indies, well qualifyed to be incerted in a Commission for Enquiry into imbezlements of prizes there, which is design'd to passe under the great Seale of Great Britaine, doe desire you will please to furnish us with the names of such persons. Signed, N. Pollexfen, J. Evelyn, T. Baker, Fleet. Dormer. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 7, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 7. No. 47; and 138, 12. p. 85.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
889. Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and Plantations. It is H.M. pleasure that you send to each of the Governors of Her Plantations in America, a copy of the Act for an Union of the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland, with directions that they take effectual care it be strictly observed in all places under their respective Governments, and that the subjects of either part of the United Kingdoms enjoy the same immunitys and priviledges, and be upon the same foot in point of Trade as the subjects of England have been heretofore. Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 9, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 32; and 324, 9. p. 140.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
890. Same to same. Encloses H.M. Additional Instructions to Governors in America, which you will please to forward. Signed and endorsed as preceding. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 33; and 324, 9. p. 140.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
891. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Seymour. Circular letter as given No. 904, together with Instructions relating to the Act of Union, No. 905. [C.O. 5, 726. pp. 434–438.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
892. Same to Governor Hunter. As preceding. [C.O. 5, 1362. pp. 216–218.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
893. Same to Governor Lord Cornbury. As preceding. [C.O. 5, 1121. pp. 40–44.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
894. Same to Governor Dudley. As preceding. [C.O. 5, 912. pp. 357–360.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
895. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M.
895. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend Samuel Beresford for the Council of Barbados in place of James Colleton decd. [C.O. 29, 10. pp. 468, 469.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
896. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord Cornbury. Circular letter as given No. 904, together with Instruction relating to the Act of Union, No. 905. With additions:—Upon this occasion we must remind your Lordship that there are not in our office any Minutes of Council or Assembly, or accounts of the Revenue, since your Lordship's Government: and therefore we must in a more particular manner desire your Lordship to send us by the very first opportunity exact transcripts of all such Minutes, Journals and Accounts since your Lordship's first taking upon you the care of that Government. … Acknowledge letter of Nov. 18. We have not receiv'd the letter your Lordship has sent us by the way of the West Indies, relating to Mr. Ormston and Mr. Sonmans, which we are in expectation of. When anything of that matter shall come before us, we shall do your Lordship justice in our report to H.M. We are laying before H.M. your desire that Mr Sonmans be admitted into the Council, etc. [C.O. 5, 994.a. pp. 300–305.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
897. Circular letter from the Council of Trade and Plantations to the Governors and Companies of Rhode Island and Connecticut; to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina; and to Mr. Penn. Similar to that given May 9 (omitting directions as to names of Councillors etc.) with Instruction relating to the Act of Union. [C.O. 5, 1291. pp. 462–469.]
May 7.
Whitehall.
898. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose extracts from Governor Handasyd's letter, March 8, relating to the Spanish galleons, and his need of recruits. Capt. Gardner, Agent for that Regiment, informs us that Mr. St. Johns told him that recruits must not be draughted out of other Regiments here, but must be raised as well as he could. Whereupon the Captains of the Regiment that were in town went down into their several Counties to endeavour to raise men if possible, but they had little hopes of doing the same. Whereupon we must observe that the difficulty of raising recruits for Jamaica is no new thing, few people being willing to go to that island by reason of its unhealthyness, so that we fear a great deal of time may be lost without effect in endeavouring to raise the said recruits, and considering the weakness of the Regiment there and the importance that Island is of to England, we pray your Lordship to lay the enclosed extract before H.M. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 85, 86.]
[May 8.] 899. Mr. Noden, Agent for Bermuda, to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays for a month's delay in hearing the complaints against Mr. Jones, he himself "being laid up of the gout," and Mr. Holland, an eminent Divine, who is coming from Bermuda with papers etc., having been left behind at Virginia. Signed, Cha. Noden. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 8, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 3.]
May 8.
Barbadoes.
900. Col. Sharpe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Begins with duplicate of March 24. Continues:—I transmitt what I said to the Assembly with their answer, which we thought so great an affront to H.M. authority now vested in us, that we order'd it to be burnt. The Assembly (by the instigation of some ffactious and restless persons) have acted so disrespectfully to the Government, that we were obliged to give some publick check to their irregularities. The Act for reliefe of the paper credittors met very unaccountable delays in ye Assembly, and at last they would not be prevailed on to give an interest on the Bills, though we plainly showed them the great advantages thereof. But the persons in whose hands they chiefly lay, fearing other delays from the Assembly, desired we would pass it without that encouragement rather than run any further risque. We have just now an allarm which obliges me to break off, in order to see our forces, though I hope 'tis our Governour is coming in, who will be most wellcome to, Signed, Wm. Sharpe. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 15th July, 1707. 4 pp. Enclosed,
900. i. Copy of the President's Speech to the Assembly of Barbados, April 1, and their Reply April 8, 1707. (See Minutes of Counciland Assembly.) The Governor explains that the Government has been much allarmed at the House countenancing Mr. Vaughan in his refusal to attend the Council. The House is in error through the extravagant notion that they are to regulate themselves according to the method of the House of Commons, instead of being only permitted by H.M. to convene for some ends to which they are by her Instructions restrained. The Assembly busies itself rakeing among the ashes of the late Government. Almost 3 months are elapsed since their Election and nothing done in obedience to H.M. Order for reliefe of those who have been obliged to take the late paper money. The crop is now far spent; the Planter suffers, and the merchant can make no returnes. Proposes that they proceed with the Bill, retract their resolve concerning Mr. Vaughan, and that he submit himself to the Board.
The Assembly replies that time is not lost by them, if they can draw "from the ashes of the late Government" about fourscore thousand pounds, which in the three last years was raised from the people, or some acct. how the same was expended. H.M. never denied liberty to the Assembly to review accounts of taxes. Reaffirm their vote, that Members of the General Assembly during the actual sitting of their House are not subject to be commanded thence at the will and pleasure of the Council Board, otherwise than when the whole House is required to attend the Governor in Council etc. etc. Endorsed as preceding. 19 pp. [C.O. 28, 10. pp. 26, 26.i.; and (without enclosure) 29, 11. pp. 79, 80.]
May 8.
Barbados.
901. Col. Sharpe to the Earl of Sunderland. Duplicate of part of preceding and of No. 817.i. [C.O. 28, 38. Nos. 62, 62.i.]
May 8.
Whitehall.
902. W. Popple, jr., to Governor Hunter. Encloses packets for the Governors of Maryland and New York. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 218.]
May 8. 903. The Exports from England to Pennsylvania Dec. 25, 1698—Dec. 25, 1704 exceeds the imports from thence, 34,530l. 5s. 7½d. Besides, the English produce and manufactories imported at Pennsylvania directly from New York, Maryland, New England, Virginia, Jamaica and Barbadoes, amounting to about 4,000l. per annum (24,000l.+ 34,530l. 5s. 7½d.). In which time the imports from Pennsylvania were only 23,043l. 1s. 5d. The whole of the exports thither, of the English manufactories and produce of the said time, being (58,530l. 5s. 7½d. + 23,043l. 1s. 5d. =) 81,573l. 7s. 0½d. Hence it plainly appears how much is circulated (other than what comes directly from thence hither) in the produce of Pennsylvania to the West India Islands etc. and from thence in their enumerated commodities home. Endorsed. Recd. from Mr. Penn. May 8, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1263. No. 42.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
904. Circular letters from the Council of Trade and Plantations to H.M. Governors of Plantations. H.M. having been graciously pleased by her Commission under the Great Seal of England to authorize and constitute us (together with Mr. Stepney) her Commissioners for promoting the Trade of this Kingdom, and for inspecting and improving her Plantations in America and elsewhere, we have thought fit to acquaint you that it is H.M. pleasure and express command that the Governors of all her foreign Plantations do from time to time give unto us frequent and full information of the state and condition of their respective Governments and Plantations as well with regard to the administration of the Government and Justice in those places as in relation to the commerce thereof; and more particularly that the said Governors transmit unto us yearly accounts of their said administration by way of Journal; together with the Acts of the Assemblies in the respective Plantations and exact Accounts of all mony given for publick uses and how the same is from time to time expended or laid out. All which things you are therefore accordingly to observe in relation to the Government committed to your charge.
Particularly we desire and require you by the first opportunity to send us a compleat list of the names of the present Council, and together with that a further list of the names and characters of such persons as you think proper to supply the vacancies that may happen either in the Council (according to H.M. Instructions) or in any other office wherein they are to be confirmed by H.M. approbation. And further we desire you to inform us what number of inhabitants there are within that whole Government, what of freemen, and what of servants, white and black? To what degree are those numbers increased or decreased since your entrance upon that Government or since the last estimate that you understand to have been made of them? What way do you conceive most proper to prevent the removal of the inhabitants out of that Government into any of your neighbouring Colonies? What is the whole number of the Militia? What commodities are exported to England? What trade is there either by exportation or importation with any other place, and from whence is that Government now furnished with supplies (particularly of any manufactures) that it was wont to be furnished withal from England? How and in what particulars is the trade increased or decayed of late years, and what has been the reason of such increase or decay? What are the present methods used to prevent illegal trade, and what further methods do you think advisable for that purpose? What number of ships or other vessels are there belonging to that Government, and what number of seafaring men? What number and what sorts of those vessels have been built there? What manufactures are settled in that Government of any sort whatsoever? To all which inquiries and all such other matters as are required by your Instructions to be communicated to this Board, we also further desire you to add whatever else you may in your own prudence think conducive to H.M. service, to the int'rest of England, to the advantage of that particular Government, and to our assistance in the discharge of the trust reposed in us. Signed, Stamford, Dartmouth, Herbert, Phil. Meadows, Jno. Pulteney, Rob. Monckton. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 87–90; and 153, 10. pp. 1–5; and 5, 994.A. pp. 300–305; and 5, 912. pp. 357–360; and 5, 726. pp. 434–438; and 5, 1362. pp. 216–218; and 5, 1121. pp. 40–44; and 29, 10. pp. 470–473; and 38, 6. pp. 253–258.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
905. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Handasyd. Begins with Circular Letter as above. Concludes:—We are laying before H.M. what you write (March 8) in relation to recruits. You take notice that you have not sent any letters for our Board inclosed to your Agents, but we must remind you of the latter part of the directions sent you Dec. 13, 1706, viz. that no letters which were not for the Board be sent under the covers of the Board, which we desire you to observe for the future. An Act having been past the last Sessions of Parliament for a perfect and entire union of the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland we send you two of the said Acts that it may be published in the most solemn manner in Jamaica, and that you may take notice that Scotchmen are thereby to be looked upon for the future as Englishmen to all intents and purposes whatsoever.
P.S.—We send you here inclosed H.M. additional Instruction relating to the devolution of Government upon your death or absence, which you are to cause to be entered upon the Council Books that it may be observed according to H.M. directions therein. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 90, 91.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
906. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Parke. Begins with Circular Letter, and repeats Instructions as to the Act of Union, and relating to the devolution of the Government, as preceding. Concludes:—We have laid your letter of Feb. 21st before H.M. for her pleasure thereupon. In the meantime we will not doubt of your care and diligence in defending the Islands under your Government, to the utmost of your power in case they be attacked. Enclose copy of Mr. Attorney General's Report in relation to Capt. Pogson's trial for your guidance. Mr. Baron having often attended the Board since your departure from hence, for an account of what has been done upon H.M. Order of July 9, 1705, we think ourselves obliged to remind you of that affair, and to desire you will send us a particular account thereof by the next conveyance. Lt. Gov. Hamilton acquaints us that he had, by your direction, sworn Messrs. Belman, Brodbelt and Milliken of the Council of Nevis, which we have laid before H.M. for her approbation. But we must observe to you that this is not regular according to your Instructions, for there were six upon the Island when these were put in, so that, by your Instructions you could admit but one into the Councill, and ought to have given us the names of such persons with their characters as you judged most proper for the filling up the said vacancys. We desire you therefore for the future to have a strict regard to your Instructions in this, and indeed in all other matters. There is one thing more which you must observe, vizt., that Col. Hamilton mentions Thomas Minor as one of the Commissioners absent, whereas we have never had any account of his being admitted to that Board, which we take to be very irregular, and not to be allowed of; and therefore we desire to know when and by whom he was put in, and the reason why we had no information thereof. We enclose the Attorney General's report on the Act of Antego to enable R. Freeman etc., and desire that you would examine the severall matters therein mentioned and return to us a particular account thereof as is proposed by the said Report. [C.O. 153, 10. pp. 5–9.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
907. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Crow. Begins as preceding. Concludes:—Mr. Sharp's letters and papers of Feb. 9 are all under consideration, and you will not fail to have notice of H.M. pleasure thereupon. We are glad the Assembly are so unanimous in taking measures for remedying the ill effects of the Act for Paper Money, and for composing the heats and animosities that have too long disturbed the peace and quiet of that Island. We will not doubt of your ready concurrence and assistance in so good a work, which is so highly necessary for H.M. service, and the trade and welfare of H.M. subjects under your Government. The enclosed Instruction, relating to the devolution of the Government, you are to cause to be entred upon the Councill Books. [C.O. 29, 10. pp. 470–475.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
908. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor Bennett. Begins as preceding. Concludes:—Not having received any answer to our letter March 6, 1704/5, relating to Mr. Barron, we expect your particular answer by the first opportunity to his inclosed fresh petition, to the end he may be no further delayed in obtaining what in right and justice shall be found does belong to him. [C.O. 38, 6. pp. 253–259.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
909. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M. in Council.
909. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend the appointment of Peter Sonmans to the Council of New Jersey, in the room of Mr. Jennings resigned. [C.O. 5, 994.A. pp. 306, 307.]
May 9.
Portsmouth.
910. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges receipt of Instructions. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 12, 1707. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 53; and 5, 1362. p. 220.]
May 9.
Whitehall.
911. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M.
911. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommend Messrs. Belman, Brodbelt and Milliken for the Council of Nevis [C.O. 153, 9. pp. 498–500.]
May 10.
Kensington.
912. The Queen to the Attorney or Solicitor General. You are to prepare a warrant for George Gordon to be Provost Marshall of Barbados, and revoking the Letters Patents whereby James Hannay was so constituted. Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 34.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
913. Circular letter from the Council of Trade and Plantations to Governors of Plantations. Encloses H.M. Additional Instructions, April 22. [C.O. 324, 9. pp. 141, 142.]
May 12.
Whitehall.
914. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Penn. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire your particular answer in writing to the following queries, viz. (1) The charges you have been at on account of the settlement of Pennsylvania etc. (2) What are the profits you have made thereof, computing the value of the property remaining to you? (3) How the said charges and profits have arisen ? (4) What advantages the Crown will receive from that Colony, by purchasing the Proprietary, more then it now hath, and how the same may arise ? (5) What is the annual charge of that Government ? (6) What revenue is settled for the support thereof, the yearly value of such revenue, and for what time granted ? (7) The terms of purchase, that is, the quantum demanded and times of payment ? (8) What priviledges and immunities you have granted by charter or otherwise to the citty of Philadelphia, or other Towns or Corporations in the Province of Pensylvania. [C.O. 5, 1291. pp. 472, 473.]
May 13.
Whitehall.
915. W. Popple, jr., to Sir G. Heathcote and Sir B. Gracedieu etc. The Council of Trade and Plantations having under consideration the improvement of the trade to Jamaica, have commanded me to desire you to let them know in writing at what time you would desire a convoy for that Island. and of how many ships that convoy ought to consist. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 91, 92.]
May 13.
Whitehall.
916. W. Popple, jr., to W. Lowndes. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire the opinion of the Commissioners of Customs upon Lt. Governor Bennet's letter, and the remonstrance of the Assembly of Bermuda, relating to the loading and unloading of ships in St. George's or Castle Harbour. They further desire the Lord High Treasurer to direct that the Commissioners of Customs be reminded of the Acts relating to ports in Virginia and Maryland now lying before them for their opinion, [C.O. 38, 6. p. 261.]
May 13. 917. Virginia Merchants to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Protest against an Act of Virginia enacting the measurement of ships, by which they stand to pay above double the tunnage they can load there. The said measurement is also nigh ¼th more than the cubicall measurement by which all ships are built. Parliament made such a Law, but upon the just reasons offered, repealed it the very next Sessions, etc. Signed, Micajah Perry, and 29 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 13, 1707. 1 p. Enclosed,
917. i. Demonstration of above measurements. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1315. Nos. 55, 55.i.; and 5, 1362. pp. 222–224.]
May 13.
Whitehall.
918. W. Popple, jr., to Governor Hunter. Encloses packets for New York and Maryland. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 225.]
May 13.
Whitehall.
919. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord Bishop of London, acquainting him with Mr. Baron's petition etc. See May 5. [C.O. 38, 6. p. 260.]
May 14. 920. E. Jones to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Holland (May 8) will not be in England till Sept., and has nothing against me, for I have a certificate from him in my favour. Prays that a short day may be appointed for the hearing, etc. Signed, Ed. Jones. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 14, 1707. ¾ p. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 6.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
921. Col. Jory, Agent for Nevis, to Thomas Hopkins. Last time I discorsed my Lord Sunderland he promised he would forward the Commissions for Nevis and St. Kitts. The packetboate being now going, I earnestly desire this affaire may not be neglected, etc. Signed, Jos. Jory. 1 p. [C.O. 184, 1. No. 24.]
[May 14.] 922. Col. Blackiston to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have read over the Law for Marriages lately passed in Virginia. (1) They refer to ye Rubrick in ye Common Prayer Book, wch. prescribes ye solemnising of matrimony, wch. is only according to ye custome of England. (2) The County Clarks being impow'red by ye Law to grant licences is because that Government is of a learge extent, and to address ye Governor for a licence some people have to goe above 100 miles. (3) In ye clause wch. seems to restrane persons under age from marying without consent (is possibly) grounded upon theire growing more rich, for in ye minority of times few persons had any considerable estates in ye country and less mony in England. (4) If servants of both sex, I mean covenant servants during ye time of theire servitude, be not strictly enjoyned from matrimony, unless by ye consent of ye master, it would be a means to create great confusion in ye Colony, and noe person would purchase servants upon those termes. (5) Soe that in ye whole, except ye clause restraining persons under age, I doe not conceive there is anything irregular but what ye circumstances of ye place requires. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 14, 1707. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 56; and 5, 1362. pp. 225, 226.]
May 14.
Portsmouth.
923. Governor Hunter to Mr. Popple. Acknowledges packets for Maryland and New York. Signed, Ro. Hunter. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 19, 1707. Holograph. Addressed. Sealed. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 57; and 5, 1362. p. 228.]
May 14.
Whitehall.
924. W. Popple, jr., to Wm. Lowndes. Encloses memorial of Virginia Merchants (May 13) for the opinion of H.M. Commissioners of Customs. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 226.]
May 15.
Whitehall.
925. W. Popple, jr., to Micajah Perry. Acquainst him with the above proceeding. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 227.]
May 15.
Jamaica Coffee-house, London.
926. Sir G. Heathcote and Sir B. Gracedieu and others to Wm. Popple, jr. In reply to letter of May 13. The proper time for our fleete to sail for Jamaica is every year at Christmas, and to have 4 or 5 fourth-rate men of warr for our convoy. If this can be obtained, we shall not doubt of the same good success that we had the two first years of H.M. reigne, when by their sailing at that time our men return'd all in health, and we lost not one ship. On the Contrary, the two following yeares being not able to procure the convoy to saile till Aprill or May, our ships arrived there in the hott, sultry, rainy, sickly season, and our men being fresh out of Europe, it destroy'd allmost halfe of 'em, that our ships came out halfe man'd, and when they gott through the Gulph of Florida, they alwayes mett with such storms (and will alwayes do so after the last of August), that what by ffoundering and what by the enemy (the fleet being seperated from the convoy), we lost each yeare one halfe of our ships. By these disasters, occasion'd by the ill timeing of our convoys, we are quite discouraged and all dependance upon promises lost. And these are the reasons why the Spanish trade has been neglected, the vent of so much of our manufacturs lost, besides the disapointment of much treasure, which we should have received in returne thereof to our owne as well as the Nation's great losse. Signed, Gilbert Heathcote, B. Gracedieu and 24 others. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 16, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 7. No. 49; and 138, 12. pp. 92, 93.]
May 15.
Barbadoes.
927. Governor Crowe to the Council of Trade and Plantations. On May 8 we ariv'd heare, and the next day (with the accustomed siromony) I tooke posestion of the Goverment, which I finde in ye last destracktion, nothing butt corruption and partyes, which your Lordships may depend I shall usse all endeavers to heale and amend, and doubt not but in few dayes to gett such an insight into all affaires as to be able to lay them before your Lordships etc. Signed, M. Crowe. Endorsed, Recd. 28th, Read 29th July, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 10. No. 27; and 29, 11. p. 84.]
May 15.
Barbados.
928. Same to the Earl of Sunderland. Duplicate of preceding. Endorsed, R. Aug. 9. [C.O. 28, 38. No. 63; and 28, 43. No. 20.]
May 16.
Whitehall.
929. W. Popple, jr., to the Attorney General. The Council of Trade and Plantations desire your opinion upon the complaint of Sir T. Lawrence concerning an Act of Maryland etc. Papers enclosed. [C.O. 5, 726. pp. 443–446.]
May 16.
Whitehall.
930. W. Popple, jr., to Charles Nodin. Since my having delivered to you this morning the papers relating to Mr. Jones the Council of Trade and Plantations acquaint you that they positively expect you should forthwith make out Mr. Jones's charge and deliver the same to him without fail on Wednesday and return to me on the same day the said papers. [C.O. 38, 6. p. 263.]
May 16. 931. Bishop of London to W. Popple. I was surprized to find Mr. Baron make a second application, after I had undertaken for ye Governour to give him an answer. If the Council of Trade and Plantations will refer it to me, they shall not need to take further notice of his complaint, etc. Signed, H. London. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 16, 1707. Holograph. Addressed. ½ p. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 7; and 38, 6. p. 262.]
May 16.
Whitehall.
932. Earl of Sunderland to Governor Handasyd. Commends to his favour Lewis Galdy, a merchant in Jamaica. Signed, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 18.]
May 17.
Whitehall.
933. The Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Popple, your Secretary, having by reason of his age and indisposition desired leave to resigne his place to his son, H.M. in consideration of his faithfull services has ordered accordingly. Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 19, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 76. No. 20; and 389, 36. pp. 326, 327.]
May 19.
Whitehall.
934. W. Popple, jr., to Mr. Solicitor General. Encloses, for his opinion in point of law, Acts of Virginia, 1705 (1) for naturalization, (2) establishing the General Court. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 227.]
May 19. 935. Mr. Jones to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Prays for the perusal of the papers in the office against him, and that the case be heard according to their last order, on June 9 peremtoryly, etc. Signed, Ed. Jones. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 19, 1707. 2 pp. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 8; and 38, 6. pp. 264–266.]
May 19.
Whitehall.
936. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Col. Handasyd having in several of his late letters given us an account of the dulness of trade between Jamaica and the Spanish coast by reason of the want of wollen manufactures and other goods from England, we summoned the Agents of Jamaica and the merchants concern'd in that trade, and discoursed them thereupon. Quote memorial, May 15, and the substance of their conversations. See Journal of Council of Trade. We desire your Lordship to represent to H.M. our humble opinion that the trade to Jamaica is of the highest importance to England, by the great quantity of bullion and other commodities of considerable value imported from thence, in return of our manufactures and other merchandizes; that it is absolutely necessary that Trade be effectually secured, and improved as much as possible, and therefore, that there be a convoy of 4 or 5 fourth-rate ships of war ordered to sail by the latter end of Dec. next, and that the merchants be satisfied that the convoy shall not be delayed to a longer time, which will incourage the merchants to ship their goods, and enable them to carry on this beneficial trade. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 94, 95.]
May 20.
St. James's.
937. Order of Queen in Council. T. Belman is to be admitted to the Council of Nevis. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read June 17, 1707. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 7. No. 10; and 153, 10. pp. 18, 19.]
May 20.
St. James's.
938. Order of Queen in Council. Peter Sonmans is to be admitted into the Council of New Jersey (May 9). Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Read June 17, 1707. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 970. No. 48; and 5, 994.A. pp. 308, 309.]
May 20.
St. James's.
939. Lords Proprietors of the Bahamas to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Pray for H.M. approbation of Robert Holden as Governor of the Bahama Islands, his presence there being of absolute necessity for the preservation of our said Islands, and the ships bound thither goe within a fortnight. Signed, Granville, Palatine, Craven, Berkeley, Carteret, M. Ashley, J. Colleton. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 21, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 1; and 5, 1292. p. 1.]
May 21. 940. R. Holden to the Lords Proprietors of the Bahamas etc. Report upon the present state and products of the Bahamas and Carolina. Cf. Reports of Graves and Killigrew, 1706. The inhabitants of the Bahamas, scattered on the several islands, may amount to 500 men fit for service, etc. The Bahamas rival "St. Helena and Bermoodas Islands, ye famed places of ye world for health." North Carolina has barr'd inletts, which spoyles ye trade: none but small vessells from New England and Bermoodas trades there; ye soyle is more lusty yn South Carolina, which has good inletts, as Port Royal. Produce, rice, silk, tobacco, skins, pork and beefe in a bundance, insomuch as H.M. ships are victualled wth. it, at Jamaica and in ye Caribbee Islands etc. The great growth of the Colony due to the timely supplies the Lord Proprietors sent thither upon the first settlement, to above 30,000l.; now reckoned one of ye best plantations belonging to ye Empire of Great Britton etc. Prays for dispatch of H.M. approbation. Signed, Robt. Holden. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 23, 1707. Holograph. 3¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 2.]
May 21.
Westminster.
941. H.M. Letters Patent to George Gordon, Provost Marshal in Barbados. Countersigned, Cocks. I declare my allowance of preceding. Dec. 4, 1707. Signed, M. Crowe. [C.O. 319, 1. pp. 86, 87.]
May 22. 942. Mr. Baron to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I waited upon the Bishop of London (of. May 16) who acquaints me that there are several affidavits in the hands of Sir John Bennett charging me with several crimes and indecencys. Prays that they may be laid before the Board and that he may have copies and time to make his defence, etc. Signed, Robt. Baron. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 22, 1707. 1½ pp. [C.O. 37, 8. No. 9; and 38, 6. pp. 266, 267.]
May 23.
Whitehall.
943. W. Popple. jr., to Mr. Solicitor General. Encloses, for his opinion in point of law, Acts passed in the Massachusetts Bay, 1701—1706 (enumerated). [C.O. 5, 912. pp. 361–372.]
May 23. 944. Mr. Thurston to Wm. Popple. Prays for letter to Mr. Burchett for an order to the Commander of the Convoy to convey the money and clothing of the Newfoundland Garrison. Signed, J. Thurston. Addressed. Sealed. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 23, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 26; and 195, 4. p. 381.]
May 23. 945. Wm. Popple to Josiah Burchett. Moves as desired in preceding. [C.O. 195, 4. p. 382.]
May 23.
Admiralty Office.
946. J. Burchett to Wm. Popple, jr. Encloses an Order to the Advice, as desired above. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 26, 1707. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 27; and 195, 4. p. 382.]
May 26.
Boston.
947. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. I am glad the last year's accounts and papers arrived well in the Dover; I have no conveyance for any thing of value till the mast shipps shal arrive and return again, which I hope will be after Michaelmas, but take this opportunity round Scotland to kiss your hand with one line, praying you will please to present my duty to their Lordships at the Board, and I humbly by your hand offer them the present state of the Council of Piscataqua. There are three dead and two removed since I came hither, and two more of a very great age, that there is great necessity of a supply, for which I have set down the name's of the best men of estate and loyalty, and in the order I think best they should enter. Mr. Waldron is not yet sworn because the warrant is not yet come to hand; the Gentlemen tell me in all times past there was no warrant for any Councellor brought in, other than the letter from the Lords governing the Plantations, but I don't presume to enter him at the Board, because their Lordships have directed me to expect H.M. warrant for Waldron's admission etc. I have passed the winter very well with the Indians and French from Quebeck. They have been disappointed and discouraged, finding me every where in the frontiers ready, and my people have kept them from their winter fishing and almost starved them, and twice fell upon two little parties of them and kill'd above 20 of them and some of the chief. And I have now abroad 20 brigantines and sloops with 1,000 musqueteers ravaging all along the coast of L'Acadie and Nova Scotia to destroy the French Settlements and make room for a Colony of North Brittans if H.M. shal so please, which will be much more worth than any thing in Scotland; if the ship stays a week I hope to add the account of their proceedings, they advanced May 13 from home, since which I have not heard of them; the inhabitants of these Provinces are greatly charged with the expence of the warr, but under no discouragement, but in their Generall Assembly and everywhere say they are well defended and supported, and are easy under the Goverment, which makes me very easy, tho' in a constant hurry with my ill neighbours, who are not enemys but wolves and bears towards me in their management. I have no commands from their Lordships since my last. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 24th, Read July 28th, 1707. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
947. i. List of Councillors of New Hampshire. Nathaniel Fryer, George Jaffray and Henry Dow are dead; Col. Partridge and John Hilton gone out of the Province; Peter Coffin and Nathl. Ware are between 70 and 80 years. William Vaughan, Robert Eliot, John Gerrish, John Plaisthead. The following are nominated by Col. Dudley:— Winthrop Hilton, Joseph Smith, Mark Hunting, George Vaughan, Thomas Phipps, Theodore Atkinson. Signed, J. Dudley. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 864. Nos. 188, 189; and 5, 912. pp. 379–381.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
948. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose following to be laid before H.M.
948. i. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report on petition of Wm. Cleland etc. against Col. Sharpe. See March 27, 1707. Recite the substance of their complaints and of the evidence heard before the Board, for which see Journal of Council of Trade, and documents abstracted supra. Whereupon we humbly represent, that as to the Articles wherein the President is charged with having dissolved the Assembly and called a new one, without the advice and consent of the Council, such powers ought not to have been exerted but with the advice and consent of the Councill, as your Majesty's Commission and Instructions do direct. Yet in regard the dissolution of the old Assembly and the calling a new one was thought necessary upon the Addresses of the Inhabitants, that it was purely to quiet the minds and for the general good of your Majesty's subjects of that Island, by applying a proper remedy to the inconveniencies arisen by the Paper Act, as directed by your Majesty Nov. 8, 1706, and since therein the President acted by and with the advice and consent of such of the Councill as would then be present (the petitioners wilfully absenting themselvs though often summoned) and that it was done upon the opinion as well of your Majesty's Attorney General, as of the other Councill at Law then likewise present (as by the Minutes of Councill does appear), for these reasons we cannot think he has been guilty of such mal-administration or misbehaviour in respect to those proceedings as to incur your Majesty's displeasure; and we are the rather of this opinion since your Majesty, by your late Additional Instruction [see April 22] has thought fit in the absence of a Governor etc. to vest in the President the full powers of a Cheif Governor, whereby the like disputes and mischiefs will be effectually prevented for the future. As to the other matters wherewith the President is charged in the said Petition, and to which no proofs were produced by the petitioners, we humbly submit it to your Majesty, whether a further time should be allowed them to be heard thereunto; but we observe that the Order of Reference upon the said Petition bears date March 27, 1707, that the hearing of it was brought on May 20 by the agent for the petitioners, and the day settled by consent of both parties, so that we conceive the petitioners or their agent cannot with any reason pretend a want of sufficient time to make good all the obligations therein contained; besides that two of the said Articles viz., 1 and 3, have been disproved. Lastly we beg leave to observe on this occasion, that if effectual care were taken by the several Governors to oblige the Members of your Majesty's Councill in this and other your Majesty's Plantations, to a due attendance in Councill on pain of your Majesty's high displeasure, it may greatly conduce to the strengthning the administration of those Governments, and prevent such like causes of complaint for ye future. [C.O. 29, 11. pp. 1–24.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
949. Wm. Popple, jr., to the Bishop of London. The Council of Trade and Plantations having under consideration the Acts passed in Virginia in 1706, send you the Act for the effectual suppression of vice and restraint and punishment of Blasphemous, Wicked and Dissolute persons, together with the Council and Assembly's reasons for altering the said Act contrary to the amendments formerly made by this Board (see Minutes of Council of Virginia, June 20, 1706). Their Lordships conceive that the age of the persons punishable for not coming to Church ought not to be limited to 21 years, but rather to 15, because tho' such persons having nothing to pay, yet their parents, if they were punishable for their children's absence from Church, wou'd take more care of their education. However, they desire your Lordp's. opinion upon the said Act. [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 228.]
May 28.
Whitehall.
950. W. Popple, jr., to Sir James Montague (Solicitor General). Encloses Act of Virginia, 1706, concerning Juries, for his opinion in point of Law [C.O. 5, 1362. p. 229.]
[May 28.] 951. Attorney General to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Report on Laws of Virginia, Dec. 1700–Aug. 1702, enumerated. Some are expired and one repealed. The rest are agreeable to law and justice, and do not contain anything prejudicial to H.M. prerogative, save in such points only as are hereinafter mentioned:—(1) The Act exempting the French Refugees from publick and county levies for 7 years, I have no objection to, provided the levies are taken to be such as were in force at the time of making that Act. (2) As to the Act for ye revisal of ye Laws, I having not seen the powers given by ye Act of 1699 referred to by this Act, I cannot judge whether this be proper to be confirmed. If the powers thereby given be to make laws, it is not (I conceive) fitt to be confirmed; if onely to prepare to lay before the Assembly, it will need no confirmation. (3) The Act for apprehending an outlying negroe who has committed diverse roberries and offences, attaints a negroe slave alledged to be a robber, without giving him a day to render himself, which I think is not reasonable. (4) As to the Act for strengthening the frontiers etc., I have no objection to it, if your Lordps. be of opinion the quantity of land allow'd to ye settlemt. on the ffrontiers be not too much. (5) The Act to prevent masters of ships running away after embargoes are laid is not fitt to be confirmed absolutely, but for a certain time and till H.M., her Heirs etc. shall in Council order otherwise, ffor it may happen that an ill use may be made by laying imbargoes there for private ends to ye prejudice of trade. Signed, Edw. Northey. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 4, 1704, Read May 28, 1707. 3½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 58; and 5, 1362. pp. 229–232.]
[May 28.] 952. Copy of Act of Virginia for ascertaining the current rates of foreign coins, etc. Endorsed, Recd. Oct. 8., 1705, Read May 28, 1707. Referred to in Col. Nicholson's letter, July 25, 1705. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 58.a.]
May 30. 953. Mr. Thurston to Mr. Popple. I have got the cloathing on board. By Mr. How's putting the last year's demands upon his paper for the Treasury, the same is ordered. But as to the mony for this year, there is nothing done. How great the discouragement will be to the Garrison, to be again a whole year without mony, wch. always till the last year was payd in advance to them, as a matter absolutely necessary for the service, and so thought by the Council of Trade, I submit to your consideration. I have no means left me to get payment time enough for the Fleet, unless the Lords will signify to Mr. How the necessity of it etc. Signed, J. Thurston. Endorsed, Recd. Read May 30, 1707. 1½ pp. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 28; and 195, 4. p. 383.]
May 30.
Whitehall.
954. W. Popple, jr., to Wm. Lowndes. The Council of Trade and Plantations being sensible of the hardships the soldiers at Newfoundland undergo in that country desire you to lay preceding letter before my Lord High Treasurer, and to move his Lordship for one year's advance for their subsistance, which will be great encouragement to them, and prevent their deserting to the French, and will very much tend to H.M. service in that place. [C.O. 195, 4. pp. 383, 384.]
May 31.
Portsmouth.
955. Mr. Mellish to Thomas Corbin. I have despatched all your letters etc. Ye Virginia fleett is now under sayle. Signed, J. Mellish. Postmark. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1315. No. 57. a.]
May 31.
London.
956. Mr. Dummer to W. Popple. Sailings of the Antegoa packet-boat. Out and home, 104 days. The fears they had of a squadron of French at the Leeward Islands is vanished, for if any has come into those seas, they are gone to Leeward, and all is quiet at Jamaica. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 5th June, 1707. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 35.]