|
| Jan-June. |
280. Permits for 24 ships to sail without convoy and not
to be embargoed in the West Indies. [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 126,
127, 131, 132, 134, 142, 152.] |
Jan. 1st.
(N.S.)
Rio Essequebo.
Fort Kykoveral. |
281. P. Vanderheyden Reze to the Directors of the Dutch
West India Company. Signed, Pr. Vanderheyden Reze. Endorsed, Read May 28 (N.S.), 1709. Dutch. 39 pp. Enclosed, |
|
281. i. Same to same. Jan. 17 (N.S.) |
|
281. ii.-lv. Copies of letters, inventories, accounts etc. 1707
ff. Dutch. [C.O. 116, 20. Nos. 15, 15.i.-lv.] |
Jan. 4.
Whitehall. |
282. Mr. Popple to Mr. Thurston. Major Lloyd (Oct. 22,
1708), having transmitted to you an account of the men listed
by him in Newfoundland, the Council of Trade and Plantations
desire a copy as soon as possible. [C.O. 194, 4. p. 70.] |
Jan. 4.
Custom-house, Sandwich. |
283. Custom-house Officers, Sandwich, to Mr. Popple. Enclose following. Signed, Jeff. Haford, Benj. Fisher. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Jan. 19, 1708/9 Addressed. Postmark. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
283. i. Masters of Fishing ships and by-boats trading from
this Port and members to Newfoundland, Dec. 25,
1707—1708,=Nil. Signed as preceding. ¼ p. [C.O.
194, 4. Nos. 81, 81.i.; and (without enclosure) 195,
5. pp. 75, 76.] |
Jan. 5.
Whitehall. |
284. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Quote Mr. Lloyd [Dec. 30, 1708] on illegal trade
between Carolina and Portugal. This trade being contrary to
the Act of Parliament for granting a further subsidy on wines,
etc., by which rice is declared one of the enumerated commodities,
and therefore not to be exported from the Plantations to any
place in Europe but to Great Britain or Ireland, we are of
opinion that H.M. pleasure be signify'd to Col. Dudley that he
make enquiry into this matter, and prosecute the offenders, if
there be sufficient proof, for the merchants at Oporto being
themselves concerned, are unwilling to give the necessary information therein. We are apprehensive such illegal trade will
hardly be prevented unless a power be given to H.M. Consul in
Portugal to examine all ships coming from the Plantations,
and to seize such ships as shall bring any of the prohibited
commodities in breach of the Acts of Trade and Navigation.
[C.O. 5, 1292. pp. 73, 74.] |
Jan. 7.
Whitehall. |
285. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Report upon the Boundary disputes between Carolina and Virginia.
Propose that a Commission be appointed on the part of each
Government, and that the old method of granting lands be
resumed in Virginia, according to the Charter, notwithstanding
the late Instruction (1705, 1707.) Set out, Acts of Privy
Council, II. pp. 584–588. q.v. [C.O. 5, 1362. pp. 329–335.] |
Jan. 8.
Whitehall. |
286. W. Popple to Thomas Pilgrim. The Council of Trade
and Plantations desire to speake with you and Mr. Fullerton.
on Thursday, when they do expect that you should bring with
you such proofs as you may have to make good the allegations
in your petition, etc. [Dec. 30, 1708.] [C.O. 29, 11. p. 370:] |
Jan. 8.
St. James's. |
287. H.M. Warrant for John Frere to be one of the Council
at Barbados.[C.O. 5, 210. p. 136.] |
Jan. 9.
St. James's. |
288. Order of Queen in Council. The Council of Trade and
Plantations are to consider what stores are necessary for Newfoundland etc. Set out, A.P.C. II., No. 1078. q.v. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 13th Jan.,
1708/9 ¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
288. i. Mr. Burchett to the Clerk of the Council in Wayting,
The convoy for Newfoundland being now getting ready,
I acquaint you therewith to the end my Lord High,
Admirall may receive an Order of Councill for sending
provisions, etc. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. Nos.
79, 79.i.; and 195, 5. pp. 70, 71.] |
Jan. 9.
St. James's. |
289. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to
the Council of Trade and Plantations. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 13, 1708/9. Dismist by an
Order of Jan. 27. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
289. i. Petition of Charles, Lord Baltimore to the Queen.
Prays that the Order of Nov. 7, 1685 may be revoked, having been surreptitiously got by William Penn,
falsely suggesting that petitioner by his grant was
to have noe land but what was cultivated by savages.
Prays that the boundaries of Maryland and Pennsylvania may be ascertain'd pursuant to H.M. letter of
April 2, 1681. Signed, C. Baltemore. Copy. 3 pp. |
|
289. ii. Duplicate of H.M. Letter to Lord Baltimore, April
2, 1681. C.S.P. 1681. No. 62. |
|
289. iii. Duplicate of Letter from Wm. Penn to Lord Baltimore, April 2, 1681. C.S.P. Feb. 5, 1708. [C.O.
5, 716. Nos. 59, 59.i.-iii.; and (Order only) 5, 720.
No. 2.] |
Jan. 10.
Maryland. |
290. Governor Seymour to the Council of Trade and Plantations. On Sept. 27 last the Generall Assembly mett and
pursuant to H.M. commands I laid before them H.M. Order
in Councill, expressing her disassent to the two Laws lately
pass'd here concerning tobacco hhds., and H.M. commands to
reenact a Law for the guage of hhds. conformable to those in
Virginia; also H.M. commands in favour of Sir T. Laurence;
and likewise proposed a Law to be made to punish such persons
who should maliciously invent and disperse false news of transactions in Europe tending to the discouraging and dispiritting
H.M. good subjects here, with severall other things H.M. Councill
and myself thought proper for H.M. service and the good of
the countrey; but not being able to win their complyance to
any the least of H.M. just and reasonable commands, and finding
that instead thereof they disputed what they had no cognizance
of, vizt. the legality of a charter I granted to the Citty of
Annapolis (by the advice of H.M. Councill) and ran into heats
and divisions, proceeding so irregularly that notwithstanding a
Commission prepared to swear them, and four Gentm. of the
Councill ready to attend them in order thereto, they had made
severall votes, and adjourn'd their house, resolv'd to acquaint
them they were dissolv'd; and accordingly issued new writts of
election returnable to Nov. 29, hoping the severall Countys
would take better care who they sent to represent them, but
contrary to expectation found the most of the persons, return'd
to the last convention, appear as Delegates of this Assembly,
so that there could be but little hopes, unless a more moderate
Speaker were chosen, which being happily effected, I once
more laid H.M. commands before them, tho' I am sorry to
acquaint your Lordships without any success. But tho' they
would not agree to the Law proposed for the guage of tobacco
hhds., yet have humbly addrest H.M. to give leave to lay their
reasons before her why they could not, which will be transmitted
to your Lordships with the Journalls of the Assembly and
Councill so soon as transcribed; notwithstanding which I am
humbly of opinion it would be to the generall advantage of trade
a small Act of Parliament were made in Great Brittaine to
ascertain the guage of the same size both in Virginia and
Maryland, that the merchants may know how to build their
shipps for stowage suitable to either country. As to H.M.
commands in favour of Sir T. Laurence, altho' the Councill and
myself used our utmost endeavours to persuade their complyance, wee could not percieve the least inclination in the Delegates
thereto; but on the contrary have addrest H.M. in opposition
to Sir Thomas's claime, in which I advised the Councill not to
agree with them, so that I have not any reason to alter my
opinion, which I heretofore presumed to offer to your Lordships,
that it would be adviseable Sir T. Laurence should procure
the fines of the ordnary lycences to be setled on his office
by an Act of Parliament or some other legall power in Great
Brittaine; for let me do what I can to enforce H.M. commands
on the Country, he seems to be the last person they are willing
to oblige, for on my proposall they should make an ordnance
to leavy those Fines to lye in the Sherriffs' hands and be
left to H.M. gracious disposall, they would not concurr least
Sir T. Laurence should obtaine her favour therein. The Assembly
have referr'd untill the next Sessions the making a
necessary and reasonable provision to supporte and enable the
four Justices of the Provinciall Court to hold their Courts, and
go the circuits twice yearly; and tho the reduceing the number
of the Provinciall Justices seems to grate on some whose integrity and understanding allow them noe title thereto, and
yet are desireous to be eminently distinguished from their
neighbours, yet in generall and especially the people on the
Eastern shoare, seem to be much obliged with this institution.
The Assembly sate untill Dec. 17, and made severall laws,
amongst the rest, revived those for the supporte of the Government, and being sencible of the continuall desertion of many of
the inhabitants, whose misfortunes with the lowe vallue of
tobacco in Europe, and losses by the enemy this last warr, gave
them great dread of long and tedious imprisonment, have made
an Act of Bankruptcy for the enlargement of the persons of
such debtors who shall deliver up to their creditors all their
estates, reall and personall, and that concealments in such
case shall be Felony. They also made an Act to lessen the
dammage on protested Bills of Exchange, making it only 10
p.c., whereas it was 20. And tho' the merchants may not approove thereof, yet since it is manifest the too much creditt
given the people of this Province, being a careless unthinking
sort of folke, has helpt to bring them into their present ill
circumstances, the methods now propos'd will not only be a
means to encourage the planters to abide on their plantations,
but prevent their having too large a creditt, which is only in
summe but not in intrinsick vallue of the comodity, and generally falls heavy at the last by the many protests of their
bills. On the 17th inst. by way of New Yorke have receiv'd
severall duplicates of letters from your Honoble. Board enumerated, and letters of May 14, July 13, Aug. 4, 1708. There are
not in this Province any stores of arms and ammunition sent
from H.M. Office of Ordnance. As for your Lordships' letter
of March 26, 1707, you referr me to in yours of Sept. 2,
I have neither received the originall or duplicate thereof, so
am wholly at a loss what answer to make thereto. Since my
last another Gentleman of H.M. Councill is dead, vizt. Mr.
Kenchin Cheseldyne, which will lay me under a necessity of
swearing another in his roome, Coll. Jenkins being so aged
and at so remote a distance, and Col. Ennalls so often indisposed that they are seldom able to attend their dutys. When
the Journalls of the Councill and Assembly are transcribed,
I shall endeavour to give your Lordships a true light, how
the Delegates are chosen, and influenced by the Roman Catholique party, whose cheife aime is to make everybody uneasy,
who are willing to serve the Queen and Government, and doubt
not but they will use their utmost efforts to put another gloss
on their actions here, but as I have ever endeavoured to discharge my duty, faithfully, I shall while I have the honour
to be abroade do what in me lyes to serve the Queen like
an honest servant, and to obey your Lordships' commands with
all integrity and dilligence. Signed, Jo. Seymour. Duplicate.
Endorsed, Recd. May 11th, Read Dec. 6, 1709. 6 pp. [C.O.
5, 716. No. 68; and 5, 727. pp. 143–149.] |
Jan. 11.
Whitehall. |
291. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands. Give notice that parties will
be heard on 28th Jan. to the petition of the merchants etc.
for the resumption of the Islands to the Crown. (v. Dec. 30, 1708).
[C.O. 5, 1292. pp. 83, 84.] |
Jan. 12.
Whitehall. |
292. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Dudley. Acknowledge letters of May 27, June 10, July 10, and
Aug. 7, 1708. We are sensible of your care in endeavouring to
promote the production of Naval Stores, and you will do well
to continue to do your utmost therein; when the Act which
you mentioned to be past in New Hampshire shall be transmitted
to us in due form, we will consider the same. In the meantime
we cannot but take notice of the proceedings of the Assembly
of the Massachusetts Bay in refusing to pass a law to the
same purpose. Their assertion that the clause in the Massachusetts Charter relating to masts is not binding to them,
are groundless, for if that Charter do bind, and is as a law
to H.M. in relation to their rights and priviledges, it does also
bind and is as a law to the inhabitants of that Colony; this
you will do well to communicate to the Assembly, and also to
inform them that their refusal to pass such an Act, considering
what priviledges has been allowed them by the Crown, will
be looked upon as a great disrespect to H.M., and a disregard
to the interest and service of this Kingdom. However, we
commend your zeal in this matter, and desire you to continue
your further endeavours therein. We shall lay before H.M.
what you write in relation to Mr. Waldron, Hilton, and Smith,
and propose others to supply their places in the Council of
New Hampshire. We are glad to perceive the enemy has made
so little impression upon your frontiers, and we hope that
your care and diligence will effectually prevent their doing
anything of moment. We have laid before H.M. our opinion
in relation to stores of war etc. wanting for the security of
New Hampshire, and that matter is in a way of being dispatched.
Since the writing of what is above, we have received two letters
of Oct. 1st and 10th, which we shall make use of as there
shall be occasion; We take notice that you say the Assembly
of the Massachusets Bay have, by an Act passed about three
years ago, laid a duty of £4 per head on negroes, you ought
to have acquainted us with the year the said Act was passed
in, and have given us the title of the Act, for we can find
none such among those we have; and therefore we expect that
you transmit it to us by the first opportunity. One of the
reasons you give why negroes are not desired in New England,
is because it being on the Continent, the negroes have thereby
an opportunity of running away: the same reason will hold in
Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, which are also upon the Continent where negroes are so valuable. [C.O. 5, 913. pp. 44–46.] |
| [Jan. 12.] |
293. The case of James, Duke of York, against Lord Balti,
more, relating to the bounds of Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The land claimed by him was purchased and seated by authority
of a sovereign and Christian State of Europe many years before
the date of his patent. Historical summary 1609—1674, when
the King gave all to the Duke, who kept New York and disposed of the Jerseys and Pennsylvania. Endorsed, Recd. Read
Jan. 12, 1708/9. Reced. from Mr. Penn. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264.
No. 56.] |
Jan. 12.
Whitehall. |
294. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. There being several Representations which we sent to
your Lordship, upon which we have not yet been informed of
H.M pleasure; and whereas we are in expectation of being
called upon by the Parliamt. for an account of our proceedings
since our last Report, Nov. 1707, and that it will be necessary
that we give an account of what has been done upon our
said Representations, that our Report may be the more perfect,
we desire your Lordship will please to give directions that
we may be informed thereof. Annexed, |
|
294. i. List of Representations referred to in preceding:—Dec. 4 and 19, 1707; June 23, July 19, Oct. 26, Nov.
9, Dec. 3 and 6, 1708. [C.O. 324, 9. pp. 290–292.] |
Jan. 12.
Whitehall. |
295. Council of Trade and Plantations to Col. Jenings.
We have received yours of June 24 and Sept. 20, 1708. We
have transmitted what you write about a guardship to the Lord
High Admiral, and have been informed by his Lordship that the
Garland is appointed for that service and is accordingly preparing to sail to your Government. We likewise acquainted the
merchants with our proceedings therein, that they might sollicit
at the Admiralty the appointing a sloop for the service you
desire. As to the incroachments made by the Government of
Carolina upon the boundaries of Virginia, we have considered
the same and laid before H.M. our opinion thereupon. But
we must acquaint you that you wou'd have done well to have
given us an estimate of the charge and ye method and manner
you propose of settling the boundaries between the two Provinces,
which wou'd have enabled us to have been more exact in what
we have proposed. However we hope this matter is now in a
way of being soon determined. We have laid before H.M.
what you write in relation to the Indian condemned for a
murder in Kent County, and when H.M. pleasure shall be declared, we shall not fail of giving you notice thereof. In
the mean time that Indian's case being as you have stated,
you will do well to suspend his execution till further order.
We have communicated to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina
what you writ in relation to the goods seized by that Government from the Virginia Indian traders, and the said Proprietors
have promised us an answer thereunto, which, when we receive,
we shall communicate unto you. Whatever their answer be,
we shall be glad to know what the Governor of Carolina writes
to you upon that head. We are glad you have received H.M.
Instructions impowering you to act as Lt. Governor during
the absence of a Governor, and we will not doubt but you
will take such care that all things will be managed to the best
advantage of the Colony and for H.M. service. Though the
letters you mention to have received were directed to Col.
Hunter, yet you being in his absence Commander in Cheif,
ought to answer the same, and therefore we shall expect it
from you. We doubt not but the money raised for building
a house for H.M. Governor has been so prudently laid out that
the Assembly will readily comply with your desire of giving a
further supply for the finishing of that work. We have reason to
beleive that the incouragement given by H.M. and the Parliament
here to the tobacco trade (of which you will have received accounts from the merchants) will have a good effect. However,
if anything occurr to your thoughts that may further promote
the said trade, you will do well to communicate the same to
us. Upon this occasion we think it necessary to recommend to
you that you discourage the inhabitants as much as possible
from applying themselvs to the linnen and woollen manufactures,
which we hope they will not need to do, when they come to be
regularly supplyed with those commodities by the merchants
from hence, who have inform'd us that in August, 1707, they
had shipp'd to the value of £200,000 in cloathing and other
necessaries, but that fleet, being detained here till March following, did occasion a great want and scarcity in Virginia. This
evill we hope will be remedyed for the future. The liberty
given for the importation of tobacco from this Kingdom to
France on board neutral vessells, and that H.M. Navy be
supplyed with tobacco bought here are considerable advantages,
and the planters will find the benefit thereof. We are glad the
difference with the Tuscaruro Indians is in a fair way of
accomodation, as also that the nation of Saponees are returned
to your Government. You have done well to grant them lands.
We doubt not but the good treatment they will meet with from
you will incline them to stay and to be of service in case
of need. Notwithstanding the reasons you say the Councill
give for not calling the Assembly, yet whenever the service
of the country does require their meeting, you ought not to
delay the calling of an Assembly in expectation of the Governor's
arrival, which is uncertain, especially in the case of the present
Governor, who is still a prisoner in France. We expect the
account of quit-rents and 2/- per hogshd. you promised us, and
shall do what in us lies that the fleet from hence may arrive
with you in the fall in order to return here in the spring,
but we fear it will be difficult to bring the merchants here to
be of one mind in this matter. However, we shall do on our
part what we think most for H.M. interest and the service of
that Colony. [C.O. 5, 1362. pp. 336–340.] |
Jan. 12.
Whitehall. |
296. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Seymour.
Acknowledge letter of June 23, Aug. 16, and Sept. 7 and 10.
Refer to representation Dec. 20. We are glad to find the
Province in so good a condition, and that the people increase,
and we hope by this time what you write of the inhabitants removing to Pensylvania and Carolina is remedied, by reason
that the Act passed here, for settling the rates of foreign coines,
will have put all the Plantations upon the same foot, in regard
to the value of coine, so that there will not be the same incouragement to remove as formerly. If it be necessary that an Act
of Bankruptcie be past, you will do well to recommend the
passing of such a Law to the Assembly. We hope that the
Act which directs that every servant upon his freedom shall
have gun etc. provided him by his Master, will, if duly observed,
in a little time arm all the inhabitants, so that the Militia
may be in a good condition. Your care in preventing illegal
trade is very commendable, and your proposal for that purpose
has been sent to the Commissioners of H.M. Customs, from
whom you will receive directions. We are glad to find the
inhabitants of Maryland do not apply themselves to manufactures,
which ought to be imported from this Kingdom; and we doubt
not but they will be supply'd therewith from hence, that they
will not need to turn their thoughts to anything but the culture
of tobaccos. We have not received the accounts of publick
arms you mention, and therefore you will do well to send them
by the first opportunity: however we are glad to perceive by
your letters that the stores are in so good a condition. 'Tis well
the country is at last releived from the trouble occasioned by
Clark, and that he has been brought to condign punishment.
We have considered the Law for encouragement of learning etc.
past in Sept. 1694, and find that the last clause, "that no
person having H.M. Commission to execute any office judicial
within this Province, shall be obliged actually to inhabit within
this Province, and exercise the same in his proper person, and
not by any Deputy" etc., is so penned that it cannot be easily
understood, and therefore we think it necessary that the intention
of the Law be better explained in that particular, which may
be by allowing the patentees in express terms a power to execute
their respective offices by their deputy or deputies. Since
the new regulation of the Courts has given such satisfaction,
and since it appears to be of public advantage, the dislike
of a few persons to it, ought not to be regarded. You say
you have not received our letter of March 6, 1707/8, we suppose
you mean our letter of March 26, 1707, and therefore we send
you a copy, for we did not write any of the 6th. As to the
Act past in Carolina for encouraging the settlement of that
Country, whereof you complain; H.M. has been pleased, upon
our Representation, to repeal the same; a copy of H.M. Order
in Council is inclosed. But we must inform you that the
Proprietors here say, no such Act has been transmitted to
them, nor do they know of any such. But if any Act to the
like effect be made, they will take care the same shall be repealed.
Your reason for sending the list of Roman Catholicks in your
Government is good, and we commend your care therein. We
have sent to the Lord High Admiral what you write in relation
to Commodore Huntington's not giving you timely notice of the
sailing of the Fleet: that matter will be inquired into, and we
doubt not otherwise regulated for the future. We send you
here inclosed some objections that have been made to the Act
requiring the Agents of the Lord Baltimore to certify into
the Secretary's Office the Instructions and conditions of Plantations, with the fees by them demanded, and obliging his
Lordship's Deputy Surveyors to qualify themselves according
to law, and desire you to communicate the same to the Councill,
that we may have your and their observations thereupon, and
that you inform us by the first opportunity of the reasons for
passing that Law. As to the Act giving power to the farmers
of the Lord Baltimore's rents to recover the arrear thereof
after expiration of their lease, H.M. has thought fit to repeal
the same, it being grounded upon two mistakes in law quoted.
(Cf. Feb. 20, June 7, Nov. 23, 1708). We have communicated to
Sir T. Laurence what you write in relation to his affair, as
also the account you have transmitted of the Ordinary licences;
and Sir Thomas having thereupon made some remarks, we
transmit to you copies thereof, for your observation thereon,
which you are to dispatch to us by the first conveyance. [C.O. 5,
727. pp. 110–117.] |
Jan. 13.
St. James's. |
297. Order of Queen in Council. The Council of Trade and
Plantations are to propose to the Proprietors of Carolina a Boundary Commission etc., as suggested Jan. 7. q.v. Lands to be
granted in Virginia as then proposed. Set out, A.P.C.,II.,
p. 588. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 21st,
Read 24th Jan., 1708/9. 6½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1316. No. 11; and
5, 1362. pp. 341–349.] |
Jan. 13.
Whitehall. |
298. Wm. Popple to Wm. Penn. The Council of Trade and
Plantations desire to speak with you concerning Lord Baltemore's petition at 10 of the clock on Monday morning next.
[C.O. 5, 1292. p. 85.] |
Jan. 17.
St. James's. |
299. H.M. Warrant for John Pilgrim to be one of the
Council of Barbadoes. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 126.] |
| [Jan. 17.] |
300. Mr. Thurston to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Estimate of necessaries for the Company at Newfoundland,
1709. etc. Cf. Jan. 19, 27. Signed, J. Thurston. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Jan. 17, 1708/9. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 80; and
195, 5. p. 72.] |
Jan. 17.
London. |
301. Mr. Dummer to Mr. Popple. Gives sailings of the
Frankland packet-boat. Out and Home 112 days. She was
stopt at some of the Islands longer than her stated time by
order of the Governours. The Cotton packet-boat, which should
have been here the middle of December, has met with desertion
of her men, and great sickness among the rest, and north winds
between the Capes, by which meanes she lost her passage thro'
the Bahamas and put back to Jamaica, after having been supplied with 4 French seamen by Governor Handaside proceeded
again; but was overtaken by the Frankland on this side the
Windward Passage within hopes of her being at home in a
few days. Great complaints come from those parts against
the late Act of Parliament for privateers, which tends to ye
ruine of all trade with the Spanish West Indies, disabling the
men of warr and merchant ships of seamen now; and when
Peace shall come, leave to the world a brood of pyrates to
infest it, etc. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. 17th,
Read 19th Jan., 1708/9. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 6. No.74.] |
| Jan. 18. |
302. Sir John Cooke and Wm. Farmer to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. I beg the favour of the first vacancy
that happens in Barbadoes, that you will make Francis Bond
one of the Councill there, etc. P.S. He has a very good estate
in the Island. Signed, J. Cooke, Wm. Farmer. Endorsed, Recd.
18th Jan., Read 2nd March, 1708/9. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
302. i. Certificate of Merchants trading to Barbados in favour
of Francis Bond, a native of Barbados. Jan. 16,
1708/9. 8 signatures. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 12. Nos. 16,
16.i.] |
| Jan. 18. |
303. Petty Expenses of the Board of Trade, Michaelmas
to Christmas, 1708. See Journal of Council under date. 3½
pp. [C.O. 388, 76. Nos. 45–47.] |
Jan. 18.
Whitehall. |
304. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lord High
Treasurer. Enclose above accounts, and request for payment
of a quarter's salaries due to the Secretary and under-officers.
[C.O. 389, 36. pp. 374–376.] |
| [Jan. 18.] |
305. Peter Diharce, Merchant of London, to the Queen,
Prays, in behalf of Gabriel Bouvy, of Bilboa, permission to
load beef in Ireland in a Spanish ship, for the Spanish Plantations in the West Indies, and to return thence to Spain with
goods not contraband. Signed, P. Diharce. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Jan. 24, 1708/9. 1 p. Annexed, |
|
305. i. H.M. refers above to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Jan. 18, Whitehall. Signed,
Sunderland. [C.O. 388, 11. No. 105; and 389, 20.
p. 273.] |
Jan. 18.
Office of Ordnance. |
306. Board of Ordnance to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Desire a copy of Col. Romer's report upon Ordnance
stores remaining in Fort William and Mary, New Hampshire,
1707. Signed, C. Musgrave, Wm. Bridges, Robt. Lowther, Tho.
Erle. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 18, 1708/9. 1 p. [C.O. 5,
865. No. 10; and 5, 913. p. 47.] |
Jan. 19.
Whitehall. |
307. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Board of
Ordnance. Enclose copy of report desired in preceding. [C.O.
5, 913. p. 48.] |
Jan. 19.
Whitehall. |
308. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
Thomas Pilgrim has not made good the allegations of his
petition [Dec. 30, 1708], it appearing that the Marshall of
Barbadoes only levyed on the estate in question by virtue of
a decree obtained in the Court of Chandery for the arrears of
the jointure of the Lady Chamberlain, now wife of the Governour.
[C.O. 29, 11. pp. 372, 373.] |
Jan. 19.
Whitehall. |
309. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Recommendation of necessaries etc. for Newfoundland, as ordered
Jan. 27. Cf. A.P.C.,II. No. 1078. [C.O. 195, 5. pp. 72–75.] |
Jan. 19.
Whitehall. |
310. Wm. Popple to Wm. Lowndes. Encloses draught of
a bond for sureties on behalf of Major Tynt. (Dec. 30, 1708)
for the Lord High Treasurer's approval. Enclosed, |
|
310. i. Draught of a bond in £2000 for sureties proposed
by Major Tynt for his observing the Acts of Trade
etc. in the Government of Carolina. [C.O. 5, 1292.
pp. 85–89.] |
Jan. 19.
Whitehall. |
311. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Parke.
Since our letter of Dec. 24, we have received none from you,
and have therefore only to acquaint you that H.M. has been
pleased to repeal the Acts for establishing Courts etc. (Order
of Dec. 30), which you are to cause to be published and entred
in the Councill books as usual, and that you may get a law
passed that shall not be lyable to the like objections, as those
for which these Acts have been repealed. Enclose Representation.
[C.O. 153, 10. pp. 266, 267.] |
Jan. 19.
London. |
312. Mr. Dummer to Mr. Popple. Gives sailings of the
Cotton packet-boat (See Jan. 17). out and home, 162 days.
Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 20, 170 8/9
¾ p. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 75.] |
Jan. 20.
Whitehall. |
313. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose Address from St. Kitts in favour of Col.
Parke. [C.O. 153, 10. pp. 273, 274.] |
Jan. 20.
Whitehall. |
314. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Enclose copy of Major Lloyd's letter, Nov. 15, 1708,
with account of the French force at Placentia. [C.O. 195, 5.
p. 78.] |
Jan. 20.
St. James's. |
315. H.M. Warrant for Philip Lynes to be of the Council in
Maryland. Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 129.] |
| Jan. 20. |
316. Order of House of Commons. The Commrs. of Trade
are to lay before this House a state of the African trade,
and their observations thereupon. Signed, Paul Jodrell. Cl.
Dom. Com. [C.O. 388, 11. No. 104.] |
Jan. 21.
Whitehall. |
317. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Refer to Representation of Dec. 3, 1708, as to the
suspension of Messrs. Sharpe, Walker and Beresford, and to
letter of Major Jno. Pilgrim, Nov. 2, 1708, relating to Governor Crowe's having sworn Messrs. Berwick and Aynsworth
into the Council of Barbados. By our list it appears there were
at least 6 Counsellors residing in that Island at the time of
the said suspension; so that Mr. Crow was improwred to have
sworn in but one person at most, for by his Commission, which
authorises him to fill up vacancies that may happen in Council,
he is allowed to fill up such vacancies to the number of
seven and no more, which Councillors are to continue till H.M.
pleasure be known. And we must further observe to your
Lordship, that we have not yet received any account from
the Governor of his having suspended the foresaid Councillors,
notwithstanding he is directed by his Instructions, upon his
suspending of any Counsillors to cause his reasons for so doing,
together with the charges and proofs against the said persons
and their answers thereunto (unless he had some extraordinary
reason to the contrary) to be duly entred upon the Councill
Books, and to transmit the same to us by the first conveyance.
[C.O. 29, 11. pp. 381–383.] |
| Jan. 22. |
318. Deposition of Dudley Woodbridge, one of the Justices
of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, Barbados, 1705, that A.
Skeen was then farely and legally acquitted. Signed, Dudley
Woodbridge. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 14, 1708/9. 1 p. [C.O.
28, 12. No. 6.] |
Jan. 22.
St. James's. |
319. H.M. Warrants for Joseph Estridge, John Willet, and
John Peters to be of the Council of St. Kitts. [C.O. 5, 210.
p. 130.] |
Jan. 22.
St. James's. |
320. The Queen to Governor Crowe. You are to give an
immediate answer to the complaints of Messrs. Sharpe, Walker
and Beresford, etc. as Dec. 30, 1708. q.v. Countersigned, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 23, 1708/9. 2. pp. [C.O.
28, 12. No. 9;. and 29, 11. pp. 416–418; and 5, 210. pp.
127–129.] |
Jan. 24.
London. |
321. Deposition of Owners of estates of Barbados in favour
of A. Skene. Signed, Rober[t] Havers, J. Bromley, John
Walter, Benj. Alleyne, Richd. Steele, Pat. Mein, Ro. Stewart,
Rowld. Tryon, Dudley Woodbridge, Robt. Moore, Robt. Chester,
Tho. Forster, Will Tryon, Thomas Pindar, Edwd. Lascelles.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 14, 1708/9. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 12.
No. 7.] |
Jan. 24.
Admiralty Office. |
322. J. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Encloses Capt. Huntin[g]ton's reply (Cf. Dec. 18, 1708). Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read 27th Jan., 1708/9. Addressed. 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
322. i. Capt. Huntinton to Mr. Burchett. H.M.S. Guernsey
in the Downs, Jan. 21, 1708/9. I wrote to the Governor
of Maryland, July 20 and Aug. 24, and should have writ
to him sooner, had I had the benefitt of a tender
allowed by the country, as Capt. Stewart had, which
I could hardly be allowed to take my powder in for 8
or 10 days, while I shifted my foremast, the old one
being made unserviceable by a clap of thunder, and
although the time limited by H.R.H. was not longer
than Sept. 2, by there request and to oblidge the
Trade, stay'd till Oct. 4. Signed, Jno. Huntinton.
Copy. 1 p. |
|
322. ii. Capt. Huntinton to Governor Seymour. July 20, 1708.
My time will be expired Sept. 2, and do design to
saile Sept. 5. I desire all masters of ships now in the
Bay would be in readyness, etc. Signed, Jno. Huntinton. Copy. 1 p. |
|
322. iii. Same to same. Aug. 24, 1708. I am sorry that
through any mistake I should be thought to forgett
my friends, etc. I assure you that this is my third,
the first dated a month since, the last inclosed in a
letter to the Captain of the Bristoll, which without
doubt must have come to hand were not the messengers
in those parts very negligent, etc. I was in hopes
the President of Virginia had given you an earlier
account than this, resolving to saile Sept. 15. etc.
Signed, Jno. Huntinton. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 716.
Nos. 61, 61.i.–iii.; and (without enclosures) 5, 727,
p. 119.] |
Jan. 24.
New London. |
323. Governor and Council of Connecticut to the Council of
Trade and Plantations. Your Lordships' letter of May 7th,
1707, we recd. not till July 8th last, immediately upon wch.
H.M pleasure for proclaiming that Union was duely attended;
and such farther steps taken as were necessary for our rendring
ye account required. (1). As to the method used in ye administration of Government and Justice, there is no considerable
variation from ye account we formerly gave, July 15, 1680.
We have two Genell. Courts, wch. are held on ye 2nd Thursdays
of May and October, according to ye time fixed for them in
our Charter, consisting of our Governor, D. Govt., Assistants
and Representatives from ye severall towns in ye Colony; in
wch. Courts such locall Laws as are found needfull are made,
and such taxes as are necessary for defraying ye publique
charges are granted. There are 2 Superiour Courts held annually
for the triall of capital offenders, and for the hearing of appealls.
There are also 2 Inferiour Courts held annually in the severall
counties in this Colony, which are four in number, in wch.
are tried actions in debt, trespass, and of the case, and criminall
causses, wch. are not capitall, with liberty of appealls from
these to the Superiour Courts. The method observed in the
proceedings of these Courts is, (a). The Plaintiff takes out a
writt, wherein he makes a declaration of his case, and shews
the cause he has of action agt. the Defendt., wch. writt bears
the test of the sworn officers, that are appointed to grant
them, as the Clerks of the Court where the action is brought.
(b). This writt is served upon the Defendt. 6 days before the
Session of the Court, where the action is to be tried, and a
copy of it given him by the Sheriff or Constable, who are
sworn officers appointed for the serving of such writts. (c). The
Defendt. appearing is first heard in his pleas for abating ye
writt, or in barr of the action, wch. if found insufficient, he
then pleads to an issue. The Jury summoned to attend ye
Court are sworn; both Plaintiff and Defendt. are heard on their
severall pleas, and what they bring in evidence received; and
the cause committed to the Jury. (d). The Jury being agreed
upon a verdict, give it in to the Court, which being entred, the
Court proceeds to give judg [h]ment accordingly. (e). Either
party, aggrieved with the judg[h]ment, may review to the same
Court, at the next session, or appeall to the Superiour Court,
giving in bond to prosecute. (f). Either party aggrieved with
ye sentence or judg[h]ment of the Superiour Court, upon such
appeall brought, may bring ye action by review to ye next
Sessions of such Superiour Court, where it is again heard and
determined in the foregoing method. (g). Upon the finall hearing and determining any cause, execution is granted by the
Clerk of the Court, according to the judg[h]ment. In all
capitall causes we have a Grand Jury. And if they find the
bill, a Petty Jury is improved, as in other cases. (2). We are
preparing an exact Body of our Laws to send yr. Lordships.
The low circumstances of the Colony has kept us without a
Press, so that we have been necessitated to make use of Manuscripts for a considerable number of our Laws; but are now
endeavouring to put them all in print, which we hope will be
accomplish'd in a short time; and shall take the most speedy
care to transmitt them. (3). The number of our inhabitants
according to the exactest computation we can make of it, is
about 4000. And of them, those that upon their desire have
been admitted Freemen are about 2000. For servants, we have
but few, either white or black, and we judge not above 100.
(4). As for the increase for 5 years last past; it has not
been much, especially of our servants, some blacks are brought
from the West Indies hither, but very rarely. And we have none
that trade to Affrica, or bring any white servants to us from
Europe. (5). The Militia of the Colony, which consists of all
above 16 that are capable to bear arms, amount to 3,500. (6).
The commodities exported to Great Brittain are chiefly turpentine, pitch and tarr. But there is little of these wch. go directly
from hence; the last fall there was one briganteen, mostly belonging to inhabitants in this Colony, which sailed from hence
to Great Brittain laden with such stores. And there was at
the same time another briganteen, of Boston, which took in
the same kind of loading here, for Great Brittain; but most of
these stores were of the growth and production of Massathusetts
Bay. These 2 are ye only vessells wch. we know of that took
in their lading here for Great Brittain. Those small quantities
of such commodities made in this Colony, are sent directly to
Boston or New York, for the procuring of such European goods
as are consumed in this Government. (7). Our trade with other
places is chiefly with Boston, New York, and ye West Indies;
to Boston and New York we ship the principall produce of
this Colony, which is grain, as wheat and peas, rie, barly and
Indian corn; and pork and beef; some small quantities of
turpentine and tarr. And it is by this way we are furnished
with cloathing and other manufactures brought from England.
To the West Indies we send horses, staves, hoops, and some
small quantities of pork and beef; and bring in return sugar,
malasses and rum, cotton wooll, and these in such small quantities that very seldom any of those commodities, so brought
into this Government, are exported. |
|
Your Lordships will see that the trade of this Colony, wch.
lies principally in what is produced by the labour of the inhabitants in their tillage of land, is not likely to admitt of any
great increase, especially during the warr, wch. takes off many
of our labourers from their tillage; European and other commodities being also by reason of the warr sold at so great rates,
that all we can raise upon our lands, to procure them with,
will afford us but a very slender supply. Nor are there any
persons among us of estate sufficient to import such stores of
European goods, as produce of the West Indies, into this Colony,
as might increase trade here, by inviting the inhabitants of
the neighbouring Provinces to supply themselves from hence.
(8). There is a carefull inspection had upon the Navall Officers
in the severall ports within the Government, that at no time any
vessels that trade unlawfully may escape. And tho it is not
possible for the best care wholly to prevent such evill practises,
yet we believe there is as little of it at any time, practised
by any vessels trading into this Government, as can be thought.
For our supplies of European goods are from the neighbouring
Provinces. No vessels having any trade from Europe, Asia
or Affrica directly to this Colony, (excepting a sloop sometimes
from Fiall and ye Maderas), nor any ennumerated commodities
exported out of the Colony but very rarely. (9). Ships we
have none, briganteens 2, and sloops 17; about 100 seamen; all
which vessels were built in this Government. (10). The Manufactures in the Colony are but few; there is but one clothier
in the Government. So that our people are necessitated to
wear the cloth they can make in their own families, without
anything more than fulling of it (for ye most part) after it
comes out of the loom. All we make is not enough to serve
the occasions of the poorer sort. Nor are those few tradesmen
we have of other sorts capable to supply the necessities of
our inhabitants, who are obliged to buy for their use in ye
neighbouring Provinces. We rejoyced in this opportunity to
lay the present state of this Colony before yr. Lordships,
whose great concerns for the good of the Plantations in generall,
and this in particular, expressed in your letter, does both assure
us of yr. Lordships' favour, and confirm us in the hope of
our future prosperity, to which nothing can contribute more
than yr. Lordships' counsel and directions, etc. Signed, by
order, Eleazar Kimberly, Secy. Endorsed, Recd. 9th June,
Read 12th Dec., 1709. 7 pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 88; and
5, 1292. pp. 178–185.] |
Jan 24.
Whitehall. |
324. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Since our letter of Jan. 21, we have received a letter
from Governor Crow, wherein he acquaints us that upon his
suspending Col. Sharp, Mr. Walker and Mr. Beresford, there
were then but five of the Council resident, for which reason he
had sworn in Messrs. Berwick and Aynsworth, so that in that
respect he has pursued his Instructions. By the same packet
we have received the Governor's reasons for his suspending the
3 Councillors, which we shall consider. [C.O. 29, 11. p. 391.] |
Jan. 25.
Whitehall. |
325. W. Popple to Richard Savage. Communicates Governor
Crowe's complaints (Nov. 2, 1708) against the Custom House
Officers at Barbados. [C.O. 29, 11. p. 392.] |
| Jan. 25. |
326. George Gordon to the Queen. Petitioner was appointed
by H.M. Provost Marshal of Barbados, 1707. The Provost
Marshal formerly appointed a deputy as Marshal to attend the
General Assembly, and has also by himself or Deputy been
accustomed to serve all processes and execute all executions
arising out of the Courts, etc. But the Government of the
Island in several new laws have empowered several Committees
and Commissioners to make their own Marshals, which they
have done. Refers to Act to ascertain the payment of bills,
1707, and the Supplemental Act, 1708, and the Act for settling
the public accounts. The Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas
and the Judge of the Court of Admiralty have of late taken
upon them to appoint their own Marshals, and have refus'd
to admit Petitioner's Deputy to execute the duty of Marshal for
the said Courts as has been usual. Which proceedings are
manifest encroachments on your Majesty's grant, and thereby
Petitioner is deprived of the greatest part of the perquisites of
his office, and several great complaints are made of the partial
and slow execution of Justice, occasioned by the great dependance that these Marshals now have upon the inhabitants,
many of which are obnoxious to the law, and new offices are
erected to the increasing of the disputes and contentions of
the people. Prays to be restored to the due execution of his
office. Subscribed, |
|
326. i. Jan. 25, Whitehall. Referred by H.M. to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 1, 1708/9. 3½ pp. [C.O. 28,
12. No. 3; and 29, 11. pp. 393–396.] |
Jan. 26.
African House. |
327. Royal African Company to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Request for copies of any complaints from the
Plantations against them. Signed, John Pery, Secy. Endorsed,
Recd. Read Jan. 27, 1708/9. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 11.
No. 107.] |
Jan. 26.
New London. |
328. Governor and Council of Connecticut to the Council
of Trade and Plantations. Your Lordships' letter of April 15,
1708, came not to our hand till Dec. 22, in obedience to which
wee have made strickt enquiry what number of negroes have
been imported June 1698—Dec. 1707, and find that their hath
not been one vessell either of the Royall Affrican Company's,
or of seperate traders, that hath imported any negroes hither in
that space of time, nor any since or before, that wee can
heare of. Their are but few negroes in this Government, and
those wee are supplied with from the neighbouring provinces
for the most part, except that sometimes half a dozen in a
year may be imported from the West Indies. As to the half
yearly accounts of negroes imported from Dec. 25, 1707, their
is now a year from that time run out and none imported,
nor any like to be in vessells from this Colony, their being
none employed in that trade. And for the future wee shall
be carefull to transmit the half yearly accounts your Lordships
send for, as wee shall to observe what other directions your
Lordships may give us. Signed by order, Eleazar Kimberly,
Secry. Endorsed, Recd. June 9th, Read Dec. 12, 1709. Addressed. Sealed. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 87; and 5, 1292.
pp. 176, 177.] |
Jan. 27.
St. James's. |
329. Four Orders of Queen in Council, relating to supplies
for Newfoundland etc. Set out, A.P.C.,II, No. 1078. q.v.
Each signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 9, Read 15,
1708/9. 4¼ pp. [C.O. 194, 4. Nos. 84–87; and 195, 5. pp.
81–84.] |
Jan. 27.
Whitehall. |
330. W. Popple to John Pery. In reply to letter of 26th.
The Council of Trade and Plantations have consider'd the observations made by the Royal African Company on their Representation of Feb. 3, 1707/8, and have thereupon made such alterations in their report to the House of Commons as appears
necessary. They have receiv'd from some of the Plantations
lists of negroes imported into the said Plantations, which they
have inserted in their report, and they have not receiv'd any
complaints, as you intimate in your letter. [C.O. 389, 20.
pp 274, 275.] |
Jan. 27.
Whitehall. |
331. Council of Trade and Plantations to the House of
Commons. Report upon the African Trade. Cf. Jan. 20, 1708/9.
In 1672 the liberty of trading to Africa was by K. Charles II.
granted to the present Company exclusive of all others, etc.
Several complaints against the Company, and a general dissatisfaction that so profitable a trade should be confined to an
exclusive joynt-stock, soon brought on an interloping trade.
During that time several private ships with their cargoes were
seiz'd on the coast of Africa, and in the Plantations for trading
contrary to the Company's Charter, whereby such private trade
was in a manner crushed; but upon the late Revolution it revived again, and was carry'd on for some years to a much
greater degree than formerly. In 1697 an Act was passed for
settling that trade, whereby liberty is given for the term of
13 years (and to the end of the then next session of Parliament)
from June 24, 1698, to any of H.M. subjects to trade within the
limits of the Company, paying duties of 10 p.c. ad valorem on
all exports and imports for trade between Cape Blanco and
Cape Mount, and 10 p.c. upon exports only between Cape
Mount and the Cape of Good Hope, with an exemption of duties
on negroes, and paying 5 p.c. only on redwood, all which
duties are payable to the Company, and (together with the
⅓rd part of all forfeitures) are by them to be wholly apply'd
to the maintaining their Forts. Since the passing of that Act,
we receiv'd no complaints from the Plantations, either as to
the scarcity or excessive prices of negroes, otherwise than as
occasioned by the present war till those which have lately been
sent from some of the Plantations. The prices of negroes sold
by the Company and separate traders have been much the same,
and have advanc'd or lessen'd according to the demand, and to
the rise and fall of the commodities produced in the several
Plantations. The Company does say, that being willing to try
if they could carry on the trade under this new regulation, they
rais'd an additional stock, but after an experience of so
many years have found it attended with insupportable inconveniences, under which they can no longer subsist. For
they say that the 10 p.c. amounting to £53, 731 does not near
answer the charge of the Forts etc., and show a deficit of
£185,707 for the years 1698—1707. The separate traders accuse the Company of extravagance and bad management. Argued
in detail with the Company's replies. The separate traders say
the Company has raised the price of negroes, which is more than
double what it was before the Trade was laid open, in order to
outdo and ruin them. The Company further complain that the
natives grow insolent, and are encouraged by other traders to
insult the Company's Forts, and bring them under difficulties
on purpose to obtain bribes to compose differences of their
own creating; and particularly, that one of the separate traders
having made a bargain for some negroes, carry'd them to Barbadoes without paying for the same, but that the Company, in
order to secure peace and a friendly correspondence with the
negro Kings, sent to Barbadoes and bought the said negroes and
returned them to the King from whom they were so taken. The
traders say the Company's differences with the natives were
due to their bad treatment of them in trade. The Company
desire of Joint-Stock exclusive of all others, or, in case that
shall not be thought proper, they would be content to be limited
in their trade from Cape Blanco to Cape Lopez, if the separate
traders be restrained from coming there. The separate traders
propose, on the contrary, that the trade be laid open (like that
to Turkey) under a just regulation. Arguments on this point
and the financial position of the Company, and their work in
Africa. Negroes imported into the Plantations by the Company
1698—1707, Total,=17,760. 'Tis computed that the number of
negroes necessary for a yearly supply of the Plantations is
(Virginia and Maryland, 4000; Carolina and New York, 1000;
Barbadoes, 4000; Leeward Islands, 4000; Jamaica, and what
are carry'd by H.M. subjects to the Spanish West Indies,
12000)=25,000. The separate traders add that the greatest
part of the negroes furnished to Virginia, Maryland, Carolina
and New York has been by the separate traders, and that not
above 200 have been carry'd to those parts by the Company
since their establishment, which not having been contradicted
by the Company, we must observe upon it that those Plantations,
so profitable to this Kingdom, ought not to be neglected, for
without such a supply by the separate traders, near one half of
the tobacco could not have been produced and brought hither;
and how much that would have lessen'd H.M. Customs, and the
navigation of this Kingdom, we need not mention. Quote returns
from the Plantations in reply to letter of April 15, 1708. Upon
all which we observe that the number of negroes furnish'd to
Jamaica, Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands (which are the
principal Plantations) either by the Company or separate traders
since the opening the trade, is much less than what were wanting
for their necessary supply, and the carrying on the Assiento
trade, according to the foregoing computation made on that
head; nevertheless we are sensible that in this case an allowance
is to be made for losses and other accidents of war, and we
believe that the scarcity as well as great rates of negroes
at Barbadoes have proceeded from the imposition of their papermoney in payment for negroes, instead of silver or other goods
since 1706, tho' it must be allow'd that between 1698—1708,
the separate traders have imported into that Island about four
times as many, and into Jamaica twice as many, as have during
the same time been imported into those Islands by the Company;
and that the losses lately sustain'd at Nevis and St. Christophers,
when invaded by the French, have occasion'd a like scarcity
and excess of price in those last mentioned Islands, where the
Planters have little money or effects to buy negroes. It's hard
to make a true value of imports either by the Company or
separate traders, in regard such imports consist mostly of gold
as well as of elephants' teeth and redwood; and it's yet the
more difficult to come near the truth thereof on the part of the
separate traders, for that most of the masters of their vessels
bring home their private adventures in gold. It cannot be
doubted but that a trade so very profitable in itself, and so
absolutely necessary for the support of the Plantations, ought
to be preserv'd and put on such a foot, that it may be carry'd
on and improv'd to its full extent. It may reasonably be apprehended, should this trade be confined to a Company by a
joynt-stock exclusive of all others, that such a Company will
contract the trade within the Gold coast, or such narrow limits
in Africa as may best turn to their own profit, without regard
to the good of the Plantations, or of the Publick, which may
be presum'd from the way of their having carry'd it on for
the time past. It will of consequence very much lessen the
number of ships now employ'd in the Trade, to the great discouragement of our Navigation; for since there has been an open
trade, the separate traders have sent out three ships for one
employ'd by the Company. Should so extensive a trade be confined by an exclusive joynt-stock, the Plantations may suffer
for want of a sufficient number of able negroes at reasonable
rates, those markets being always best supply'd, where there
are most sellers; and on this head we observe that by the
Company's own accounts of the negro-trade from 1680 to 1688,
in 9 years (and in a time of peace) there were but 46, 396 negroes
deliver'd in the Plantations; whereas 'tis computed by the separate traders, that, since the opening of the trade, within the
like term of years (notwithstanding the present war, there have
been imported by the separate traders into those parts, 160950
negroes.) Lastly, we cannot but be sensible how prejudicial
it must be to trade in general to have but one buyer of all such
woollen and other goods as are annually exported for this trade;
but one freighter of so many ships at home, and but one buyer
of the Plantation commodities abroad. 'Tis true, that the French,
Dutch and Danes, Hamburghers and other nations trade to Africa
in a joynt-stock; their trade being not very considerable; whereas
had they the benefit of so large and so many improveable Plantations as belong to Great Britain in America, 'tis presum'd
they would soon enlarge that profitable trade to a greater extent
by laying the same open, and the separate traders do say that
the Portuguese never had any except the Cacho Company, which
lasted but 5 years, but that the trade remain'd open to all
people of that nation, and that they usually carry'd off more
negroes yearly (before our trade was open'd by the said Act)
than all other nations in Europe; and they say likewise, it can
be proved, that there have been about 100 sail of Portuguese
vessels in one part of the coast of Africa in one year, when
there hath been but one Company's ship (while the trade
was exclusive) in 15 months at one of the Company's chief
places of trade. Tho' the carrying on of this trade in the way
now settled by the Act, is much more advantageous to the publick
than that of an exclusive Joynt-stock, yet we find that great
inconveniencies have arisen, and will unavoidably arise from
it's being carry'd on upon such different and contending interests as those of a Joynt-Stock, and of a separate trade, for
while they strive to beat each other out of the trade, the value
of our commodities is greatly lessen'd, and those of Africa as
much increas'd, and it is reasonable to believe that from such
a struggle in trade the disputes and quarrels between the
Company and the natives, and the losses of which the Company
complains, have in some measure proceeded; for tho' the Company
do impute the great lessening of their stock to the extraordinary charges in maintaining the Forts and castles over and
above the produce of the 10 p.c., yet if the said 10 p.c. had
been well invested in goods, and prudently managed, it might
have answer'd that service. In the valuation of the Company's
quick-stock (as given by them) all the debts due to the Company,
of what kind soever being included, unless we were able to
distinguish the good debts from the bad, we cannot positively
affirm in what condition the Company now is, with regard to
their real stock in trade, but do believe it is reduced so very
low that it will be impossible (upon the foot they now stand)
for them to carry on that trade, which if duly extended will
employ a much greater stock than the Company have hitherto
at any time had. Their forts and castles and other their dead
stock, the Company did last year value at £141, 450, tho' the
separate traders say that (at the time of passing the Act) all
their forts and castles then in their possession were valued
by some separate traders (well acquainted with their affairs)
at no more than £4,100, and if they are of greater value now,
by any additional fortifications made to any of them since
that time, the separate traders hope it will be thought reasonable
that such improvement should be look'd upon as owing to the
10 p.c. by them paid (pursuant to the said Act) in proportion
to their duties. [C.O. 389, 20. pp. 275–313.] |
Jan. 27.
St. James's. |
332. Order of Queen in Council. Stores of war for New
Hampshire ordered as Nov. 25, 1708 etc. The Governor to
return an account to the Board of Ordnance, etc. See A.P.C.
II. pp 571–574. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd.
7th, Read 9th Feb., 1708/9. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 865. No. 11; and
5, 913. pp. 49, 50.] |
Jan. 27.
Whitehall. |
333. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. We desire to know your resolution, as
soon as may be, concerning the Boundary Commission, etc.
(See Jan. 7, and 13, 1709). [C.O. 5, 1292. p. 91; and 5,
289. p. 154.] |
Jan. 27.
St. James's. |
334. Order of Queen in Council. Order of Jan. 9 relating
to petition of Lord Baltimore revoked, upon petition of William
Penn, setting forth that the case had been heard and settled
Nov. 7, 1685. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd.
3rd, Read 4th Feb., 1708/9. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 59; and
5, 1292. pp. 97, 98; and 5, 720. No. 3.] |
Jan. 28.
St. James's. |
335. H.M. Warrant for Robert Eleis to be of the Council in
Nevis. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 130.] |
Jan. 29.
St. James's. |
336. H.M. Warrant for Wm. Byam to be of the Council in
Antegoa, in the room of Barry Tankard, etc. [C.O. 5, 210.
p. 130.] |
| Jan. 29. |
337. H.M. Warrant for Wm. Whittington to be of the
Council in Maryland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 130.] |
Jan. 29.
Admiralty Office. |
338. J. Burchett to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Recommends to their Lordships Mr. Gordon (cf. Jan. 25), who
has been many years in this office, etc. Signed, J. Burchett.
Endorsed, Recd. Read Feb. 1, 1708/9. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O.
28, 12. No. 4; and 29, 11. p. 397.] |
