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April 1.
London. |
445. Mr. Dummer to Mr. Popple. 'Tis my duty to acquaint
you what comes to hand touching the interest of trade in the
West Indies; I can only lament our misfortune in this, and I
doubt many other cases of practice, that we so easily runn into
popular laws, quite against the nature of the thing, or at least
against the most publick and honest interest of the Nation, with
the Spanyard in this particular. This copy is from my correspondent at Jamaica, and is of the same tenour that all other
men write which are fair traders and void of rapacious and
violent enterprizes, the mischeifs of which are well enough described to satisfy you or anybody what is likely to come to pass
by that pernicious law, a law that manifestly carries a legion
of evils in the practice of it. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed,
Recd. 2nd, Read 6th April, 1709. Addressed. Postmark. ¾p.
Enclosed, |
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445. i. Wm. Bignall to [? Mr. Dummer] Kingston, Jan.
17, 1708. Trade in generall seems at a stand, and
nothing on foot but privateering. We are promised
a convoy for the coast as soon as the packet or any
advice from England arrives. Gandy and severall have
bought negroes for the trade to help of the woollens
which are now run downe in price so much by the
privateering that we expect no profit, all we hope for is
to sell at low prizes that the goods may not perrish
on our hands. I was in hopes the account you gave
me that the privateers were forbid to cruise on the
coast would have had some good effect; but since yt.,
is come in Morgan in his privateering sloop from the
coast, where he took severall canoes with money under
the shoar, as they were going aboard the traders then
under convoy of the Roebuck, and since that has taken
a Spanish vessell as he says with a good summ of
money on board, but whither Spanish or English vessell is uncertain, for he has brought in nothing either
Spanyard or anybody to condemn the prize, and whither
the vessell was within 5 leagues of the shoar, is never
enquired after; at this rate the privateers may follow
anyone of our own ships out of port, and take away
what he sees good and burn the ship, and we never
the wiser. It is the opinion of every one this cursed
trade will breed so many pirates, that when peace
comes we shall be in more danger from them than wee
are now from the enemy, their captains have no command, every man is allowed a vote, and so most votes
carry the vessell where they please, if the captain was
to have the sole command it would be much better for
keeping the men in subjection, and that might easily
be, if the Governor would so order it, but they have so
much incouragement, I beleive we shall find it very
difficult to get men for the traders when we have a
convoy. Signed, Wm. Bignall. Copy. ¾ p. [C.O. 137,
8. Nos. 35, 35. i.] |
April 2.
St. James's. |
446. H.M. Warrant granting Thomas Hodges, Attorney
General of Barbadoes, leave of absence for 6 months for the
settling some extraordinary affairs, and for the recovery of
his health, on his appointing a Deputy approved by the Governor.
Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p. 142.] |
April 2.
St. James's. |
447. The Queen to Governor Handasyd. You are forthwith
to transmit a true state of Capt. Samuel Jones' case, and stop
proceedings in the mean time. etc. Countersigned, Sunderland. (A.P.C.II. pp. 549, 550. q.v.) [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 143,
144.] |
April 4.
Virginia. |
448. John Crofts to John Graves. The taking of Uxuma,
Providence and ye Isle of Thera is confirmed, and that the
French and Spaniards did most barbarously and unhumanly
treat and abuse ye poor inhabitants, beating them very cruelly,
stripping many stark naked. Read Elding's Misres. they whipt
to death, and severall others they miserably tormented, and are
now setled at the Isle of Thera, Providence, etc., so at present
they are actually in possession of those Islands, and have
already taken about 17 sayl of sloops etc. that were bound to
Jamaica, and coming from thence to Carolina, New York, Bermuda, etc., and doubtless there are many more that know not
yet of. The ill and fatall consequence of ye enemy possessing
these Islands time will manifest. I wish with all my heart
there may be speedy, effectuall care taken to suppress them,
if not there will be no trading from the northern parts, Carolina,
nor Bermuda to Jamaica without running very great hazard
of being taken. I am of opinion that two sixth-rate frigatts
well-man'd will be of sufficient force to repell ye enemy thence,
and if there was but incouragement and notice thereof given,
doubtless severall persons from all parts would venture to go
there to inhabit, and once more settle those Islands, especially
if there was any prospect of living there hereafter in security.
I. must and do beleive, if ye great considerable advantage of our
keeping those Islands was fairly and truly stated, and ye damage
we might reasonably expect to sustein by ye loss of them but
well and fully represented to our most gracious and good Queen,
yt. H.M. would immediately take them under her particular
care and protection, and forthwith send a suitable and necessary
strength to regain them again. Doubtless there are many in
London etc. that will joyn with you to demonstrate the great
importance of so weighty an affair. Certainly the traders to
Jamaica, Carolina, New York, New England, and all the Northern
parts, as also Bermuda, will be very forward to assist you in
a proper Representation, and in the Loyall Johnson of Carolina
the Hon. Coll. Willm. Rhett, with whom) I have often had some
discourse concerning the consequence of the enemys being setled
in ye Bahama Islands, and he seems to be much troubled thereat,
and believes that if they be not speedily repulsed that these
American parts will be very great sufferers thereby, and be
in great want of salt, the French having also taken Turks Islands,
etc. etc. Signed, John Crofts. Endorsed, Recd. 28th, Read 29th
June, 1709. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 71.] |
April 5.
Whitehall. |
449. The Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following for their report. Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read April 6, 1709. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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449. i. Sir Wm. Hodges, Bart., to the Queen. The Marquis
de Preu, a Fleming born, hath served the Crown of
Spain for many years, and being now old, and disgusted, hath bought the Governmt. of Cartagena, etc.
Prays for a pass for a Spanish ship from Cadiz,
to carry the Governor and Dep. Governor with Spanish
goods thither, and to return by way of the Havana,
laden with products of the Spanish West Indies. Such
a voyage would turn to the advantage of trade to H.M.
subjects, for not a French man is to be concerned in
ship nor cargo. 1 p. [C.O. 388, 12. Nos. 2, 2. i.:
and 389, 20. pp. 347, 348.] |
April 6.
[6. currtt.] |
450. Wm. Penn to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Honorable Friends, I presume to beg the favour of a coppy
of all orders since 1685 from the respective Committes of
Trade and Plantations for settling boundarys between the Province
and Territorys of Pennsylvania, and the Province of Maryland,
especially that 1699, or 1700, and any since sent to those Provinces (if any were) and it will very much engage, Your respectfll. Friend, Signed, Wm. Penn. Endorsed, Recd. Read April
6, 1709. Holograph. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 64; and
5, 1292. p. 134.] |
April 6.
Jamaica. |
451. Governor Handasyd to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I here enclose a duplicate of my last, which I hope
is before this come into your hands, and shall likewise give
your Lops. an account of what has offer'd since, that is come
to my knowledge. The Assembly is still sitting, and I
hope will have finished in less than 14 days, most of the
Bills being read twice. Things seem to go much smoother with
me and them, than have done since I have been in the Government, which I think does all proceed from my passing the
two first Bills; They have voted to reimburse the Treasury
£2,500, and renew the Quartering Act, the Additionall Duty
Bill, and severall other private Acts, which I hope to have
ready by the first man of war that sails or packett boat, with
the Minutes of the Councill and Assembly, which I dare not
send by any of these private ships for fear of miscarrying.
I writt to your Lops. in mine by the last packett boat, to
desire the relief of me and my Regiment since wee have been
here these 8 years, and our constitutions are quite worn out,
but if it is to the disadvantage of H.M. service, I had rather
we should all have our graves here, than insist on anything that
is not for the good of the service, but must further begg of
your Lops. that if a peace should be made, neither me nor
my Regiment may suffer by being absent, since it is of so
old a Corps. Our trading vessells are not yet returned from
the coast, trade there being very indifferent. H.M.S. Portland,
Captain Hutchins Commander, has lately been engaged with 2
French ships off Porto Bell, one of 50 guns, formerly an
English man of war called the Coventry, the other a larger ship,
but had but between 30 and 40 guns, the former of which he
took after a dispute with them both of about 8 hours; they
say she has a considerable quantity of mony aboard, having
sold her cargo not long before at Porto Bell, being ships from
Guinea. The Portland took in her 270 men, besides the wounded,
which he put a shore. The first Captain of the French ship
was killed, and the second mortally wounded. I had on board
the Portland 50 soldiers of H.M. Regiment, of which I am apprehensive I have lost a share in this engagement. There are in
the whole squadron under Mr. Wager 300 and odd soldiers of
my Regiment, which makes the duty hard on those that remain
ashore. The other men of war have taken since the last account
I gave your Lops. a snow and 3 sloops, and one of our privateers
has taken a French privateer, one Spanish trading sloop, and
retaken an English sloop which they burnt. Both our men of
war and privateers have lately been very successfull, and done
considerable damages to the enemy in these parts. The Almirantte Fleet is still at La Vera Cruz, as is the Vice-Admirall
of galleons that escaped the last year at Carthagene, and neither
dare venture to Havanna for fear of our men of war and privateers, that are very diligent, but they daily expect a French
convoy. They are very rich, and if they should escape us
here, I hope care will be taken to intercept them before they
get home. The Island is very healthy and likewise the men of
war, but are in great want of men. I send your Lops. herewith
the state of a case signed by the Attorney Generall and the
other Councill for the Queen, Mr. Totterdale, in relation to a
judgment that passed our last Grand Court, against the Navall
Officer, upon his seizing a Spanish brigantine that was brought
in here by one Scrivener, who had no commission, nor has
had any since he was some time ago complained of for committing roguish tricks upon the Spanish coast, such a judgement
so opposite to the rules of reason I have never known given
before, and is an encouragement to all privateers and other
vessells to turn pirates. The Jury brought in the damages to
the captors to amount to about £170 more than the goods were
sold for, of which £100 odd was for the vessell, tho' she sunk
in the harbour. And I have since disbursed to the Navall
Officer that £170 out of my own pockett, that he may not suffer
who acted by my order and the advice of the Attorney Genll.
Therefore desire your Lops. will recommend it to the Lord
High Admirall, that I may have his directions how I shall act
in the like cases for the future. I am now to request your
Lops.' favour in the behalf of a poor man a Serjeant in H.M.
Regiment under my command, that now lies under the sentence
of death: His Father came out of Holland with me, and was
a Serjeant in my Company, when King William landed in the
West of England, his brother and himself carried arms, the
father and brother were killed in the wars of Ireland against
the French and Irish, this man has been in this Regiment ever
since he was a child, and has always behaved himself well in
every respect: but it was his misfortune that a drunken Fellow,
coming into company where he was, told him neither he nor
any of his cloth dare fight one of his country, upon which
the Serjeant answered that he wore the Queen's cloth, and was
not to be affronted in that manner; this fellow then fetch'd
a hanger and told the Serjeant he dared not to draw a sword
against him, and upon that they both went out without the
door, where after some blows given the Serjeant by this fellow,
the Serjeant gave him a wound of which he immediatly died:
and notwithstanding all that could be said by the Bench upon
the triall in the behalf of the Serjeant, the Jury being managed
by the prosecutors according to their desire, the Serjeant was
brought in guilty of murther; but upon the request of the Chief
Justice and the rest of the Judges, as your Lops. will see
by the enclosed signed by them, I have given him a reprieve,
and hope through your Lops.' interest he may have H.M.
gracious pardon; I have desired the same favour of the Secretary
of State, and I hope he will assist your Lops. in the saving
this poor man's life since his father and brother as well as
himself have been such faithfull servants to their country.
I have order'd Capt. Gardner to wait on your Lops. and receive
your directions in this matter. Signed, Tho. Handasyd. Endorsed,
Recd. June 14th, Read July 11th, 1709. 5¾ pp. Enclosed, |
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451. i. Address from the Chief Justice and Judges of Jamaica
to Governor Handasyd, for the reprieve of serjeant
Thomas Bradshaw (see supra) March 3, 1708/9. Signed,
Peter Heywood, Jo. Bonner, William Careless, James
Archbould, Samuel Vassall, Ed. Pennant. 1 p. |
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451. ii. Proceedings in the case against William Norris the
Naval Officer of Jamaica, upon his seizing a Spanish
brigantine, taken by Benjamin Serivener without any
Commission from H.M. etc. Signed, Ro. Hotchkyn,
Hugh Totterdell. Endorsed as letter. 2 pp. [C.O.
137, 8. Nos. 43, 43. i., ii.; and (without enclosures)
138, 12. pp. 409–415.] |
April 6.
Whitehall. |
452. Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses Governor Handasyd's recommendation of
Messrs. Broderick and Oldfield to be of the Council of Jamaica.
I must add to what the Governor writes in Mr. Broderick's
behalf, that I have received a very good character both of his
capacity and zeal for H.M. service, and that he is of a family
distinguishable by their loyalty and good affection to the Government, and for which have a particular regard, so that I hope
you will have so much for him as to let him be the first
you shall recommend as usual for that employment. Signed,
Sunderland. Endorsed. Recd. 13th, Recd 14th April, 1709.
1 p. Enclosed, |
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452. i. Governor Handasyd to the Earl of Sunderland, Jamaica, Aug. 6, 1708. Concludes:—I understand that
Sir Bartholomew Gracedieu and others are endeavouring to put in one Peter Beckford, who as well as the
whole family of them has been constantly a disturbance
of the tranquility of H.M. subjects ever since I have
been in the Government; but what most sticks with me
is an old gentleman of 60 years of age was murther'd
by him, who was found dead with his sword in his
scabbard, and by the interest that was made he was
brought in not guilty. His brother has likewise killed
a man, and came off too without damage. This I think
fit to acquaint your Lordship of, that such hardships
may not be done, so much to the disadvantage of H.M.
service. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 137, 8. Nos. 36, 36.i.;
and 138, 12. pp. 389–391.] |
April 8.
Whitehall. |
453. The Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen.
In reply to Order in Council, March 31, represent that by a
letter from Governor Handasyd, Oct. 27, 1708, we were
informed that severall Members of the Councill being Factors
for the African Company, and thereby disabled from sitting as
Judges in any of these Courts, there wanted a sufficient number
of Counsellors duly quallifyed to make a Councill for hearing
Appeals. We forthwith writ to the Governor to admonish such
Members to forbear to act any longer as Factors or Agents for
the said Company, and if they refused to comply therewith, that
then he should return to us the names of the persons so refusing in order to our laying that matter before your Majesty
for your pleasure to which letter we have yet received no
answer. Therefore in obedience to your Majesty's forementioned
order in Councill we do most humbly offer that your royal
pleasure be signifyed to the said Governor to require all such
Members of the Councill there as are Factors or Agents for the
said African Company or for any other person or persons, for
the sale or disposal of Negroes, that they forthwith quit or
resign such Factorage or Agency, and if they shall refuse or
neglect so to do, that in such case he forthwith remove the
person or persons for refusing or neglecting from the said
Councill; and whereas the number of Counsellors who are Factors
or Agents for the said Company does not, as wee are informed,
exceed three persons (nor do we know that any others of the
Councill are otherwise employed as Factors or Agents to any
other persons for the sale or disposal of Negroes) we therefore
further humbly propose that the said Governor be at the same
time impowered by your Majesty's royall letters mandatory to
swear into the said Councill, in the room of such person or
persons who shall be removed, Francis Oldfeild, John Cossly
and John Carver Esqs., or so many of them as shall compleat
the full number of 12 Counsellors, they being persons now
resident within that Island, having good estates there, and as
wee have been credibly informed, duly qualifyed for that trust.
This we humbly apprehend to be agreeable to the true intent
and meaning of the Act of the 9th and 10th of his late Majesty
for settling the trade to Africa, it being thereby enacted that no
Judge of any Court in any of your Majesties Colonies or Plantations in America, shall be a Factor or Agent for the said
African Company, or any other person or persons for the sale
or disposal of any Negroes. And by this method as any failure
of Justice in such case will for the future be prevented there,
so will the present constitution of the Councill, as to the number
of 12 Counsellors be preserv'd, which regulation or restriction
of the number of 12 having severall years past been settled
throughout your Majesties said Colonies and Plantations, we
are humbly of opinion it will be for your Majesty's service
that the same be still punctually observed. And if your Majesty
shall be graciously pleased to approve what we have herein
before proposed to the end the said African Company may not
receive any prejudice from a want of their having Factors or
Agents there to perform the services of the said Company in
the room of such of their present Factors or Agents as shall
so quit or resign that trust as aforesaid, we do further humbly
offer that notice may be given hereof to the said Company that
they may take care to constitute and appoint any other person
or persons not disqualifyed by the said Act to be their Factors
or Agents in the room of such persons as shall so quit and resign
as aforesaid. [C.O. 138, 12. pp. 384–388.] |
April 9.
Craven House. |
454. Instructions for Edward Hyrne, Naval Officer of S.
Carolina. Signed, Craven, Palatine; Beaufort, M. Ashley, J.
Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 289. pp. 194, 195.] |
April 9.
Craven House. |
455. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to the Deputies and
Council of South Carolina. We being very unwilling to let any
opportunity slip whereby we might signify to you the earnest
desire we have of your welfare, and the general good and
prosperity of our Province of Carolina, we now acquaint you
that we have sent you a Governor and some new commissioned
officers, etc., and earnestly recommend them to your care and
friendship etc. We have been informed of your unwillingness
to admit a Deputy who was nominated for Mr. Blake by his
mother, his guardian, wch. we do assure you is very irregular,
and is in some measure openly declaring yourselves against the
Laws of this H.M. Kingdom, for by the Law here every mother
has a right precedent to all others to have the guardianship of
her son, and is thereby impowered to do all acts that can
anyways tend to his benefit. As therefore Mrs. Blake has
appointed one of our number here to sign such instruments,
rules and orders as we at this Board shall think proper for
the better government of our Province, so she has an undoubted
and legall right to appoint such Deputy as she shall think convenient to represent the person of her son during his minority
in your Councils and Assemblies in Carolina. We therefore
strictly require of you Gentlemen, that you constantly for the
future admit of such Deputy for Mr. Blake as shall be constituted by Mrs. Blake his guardian under her hand and seal. |
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And whereas the Proprietorship that Col. Trott lays claim
to is contested, several persons pretending a right to the same
upon which account a cause is now depending in H.M. Court
of Chancery here, least you should fall into any error or mistake
by not duly and carefully considering the Laws that are now
in force, and to which all H.M. subjects are obliged to pay
obedience, we think it necessary to inform you that, whatsoever
Acts are done by any persons that are parties to the suit
during the continuance of the said suits, are illegal, void and of
no effect, and are highly liable to censure here. We therefore
command you not to receive or countenance any person whatsoever claiming a right to that Proprietorship, nor any Deputy
for ye same, until you shall receive information from us, that
all suits and controversies relating thereunto are ceased and in
a judicial way decided and determined. We earnestly desire your
endeavours that such Laws and usages of our Province as are
for the advantage of the Goverment thereof be put in execution,
and in a particular manner we recommend to you the due
observation of that Law, wherein it is enacted that no Law
either already passed, or that shall hereafter be passed, shall
be in force for any longer term than two years, unless such
Law is within that time confirmed under the hands and seals
of ye Palatine and 4 more of the Lords Proprietors. You are
also to take care that no Deputies, Commrs., or any other person
whatsoever make or sign any grant or sale of lands exceeding
the number of 640 acres, without a warrant or licence under our
hands and seals first obtained in that behalf. We think it
necessary the Surveyors of our said Province should give good
security to us, or to our Governor and Council for the performance of their trust and the due execution of their Office, and
that they shall follow such directions only in admeasuring,
surveying and setting out of land, as we shall think fit and
proper to give to our Governor and Council from time to time,
or such as we shall appoint by warrant, or any other instrument
under our hands and seal. We think it highly expedient for
the good of our Province that in the General Assemblies you
would seriously consider of the best and most proper methods
for improving all the products and manufactures of our Province
(particularly that of rice and silk), and as we have always had
a good opinion of your fidelity and inclination to our service,
so we hope you will every day improve the same by your continual endeavours the good of our Province, and doing us all
the friendly offices, which may be within your power, etc.
Signed, Craven, Palatine; Beaufort, M. Ashley, J. Colleton,
J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 289. pp. 196–198.] |
April 9.
Craven House. |
456. Same to the Governor, Deputies and Assembly of South
Carolina. We having taken into our consideration the present
condition of our Province of Carolina, as well in regard to the
administration of ye Government and Justice there, as in relation
to the commerce thereof, and being fully perswaded that nothing
can more effectually contribute to ye quiet and welfare of our
said Province, than the appointing knowing and fitt persons to
enquire into the state and condition of ye same and administer
Justice accordingly, have appointed Col. Edwd. Tynte Governor
and other officers whose commissions are given in this volume.
We do earnestly require of you Gentlemen that you would constantly in your General Assemblies inspect into the trade of our
Province, and prepare laws for our confirmation, whereby all
profitable and advantageous trade may be more improved and
extended, and such as are hurtfull and prejudicial may be
rectifyed or discouraged, and by these means we shall no way
doubt but our endeavours seconded by your care and prudence,
will effectually establish the good of our Province and the peace
and satisfaction of all the inhabitants under our care. We do
assure you of our friendship and bid you heartily farewell, etc.
Signed as preceding. [C.O. 5, 289. pp. 199, 200.] |
April 9.
St. James's. |
457. H.M. Warrant for Timothy Salter to be of the Council
in Barbados. Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. p.
145.] |
April 12.
Portsmouth in New England. |
458. Mr. Plaisted to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
The present warr with the French and Indians from Port
Royall doth very affect these Provinces, and the more for that
H.M. subjects of New York have constantly held a neutralitie
with those her enemies, while wee are dayly subject to theire
barbarous insults, and were it not for the extraordinary care
our Governor, Col. Dudley, and his particular regard to H.M.
service herein, by sending out scouts into the woods, and a
sufficient force to cover my workmen and repell the enemy, I
could never make that provision for ye yearly loading of the
ships which I have done this thirteen or forteen years. etc.
Signed, Ichabod Plaisted. Endorsed, Recd. June 20, Read Dec.
9, 1709. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 865. No. 25.] |
April 12.
Whitehall. |
459. The Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following, which should have been laid
before H.M. at the same time with the rest. Signed, Sunderland.
Endorsed, Recd. Read April 13, 1709. ½ p. Enclosed, |
|
459. i. Additional Articles of complaint against Governor Parke
[see March 31 supra]. (23) He did offer to Anthony
Hodges, Lt. Governor of Montserat, £300 sterling to
cancell and destroy Letters Patents which had been
granted of a certain Plantation in that Island to Sir
Michael Cole, and were in the custody of Hodges, to
the end that Parke might escheat the said Plantation.
Hodges refusing, Parke did the day after threaten to
turn him out of his Government. (24) After the departure of Mr. Neavin from Antego with the Petition
to H.M. against him, Sept. 18, 1708, Parke between
8 and 9 p.m. did with his sword drawn enter the house
of Edwd. Chester, senr., of St. Johns, attended with
Capt. Newell with his sword drawn, and 8 Granadiers
with their musketts cock'd. Parke as he came to the
door of Chester's house, commanded the Granadiers to
fire, but as the door opened he forbad them. He
commanded the Granadiers to secure all the company
then in Chester's house, and the Provost Marshall to
carry them all to gaol, and did himself throw down
and strike one Peter Scheurman, calling him Rascall.
Four of the company were forthwith carryed to gaol,
vizt. Capt. Bastian Otto Bayer, Capt. Francis Carlisle,
Richard Smith, and Peter Scheurman, and in a little
time after Thomas Gatewood a J.P., came to Chester's
house, and with Thomas Morris, J.P., did by the direction of Parke order the Provost Marshall to carry
other 5 persons of the company to goal, which was
done, vizt. Major John Tomlinson, Capt. Charles Kallahan, John Swettenham, merchant, Wm. Hamilton, and
Wm. Dikes. Thomas Morris, Thomas Gatewood, and
Michael Ayon, the Provost Marshall have signed and
sealed a writing, dated Sept. 18, 1708, importing a
conviction as their view of the said 9 persons of a
riotous Assembly, and that they have caused them to
be committed to goal untill they should pay the undermentioned sumes opposite to their names, which amount
to £2900. Morris and Gatewood have signed and sealed
another paper of the same date, commanding the Provost
Marshall to apprehend the said 9 persons and to convey
them to goal, and detaine them till they shall have
payd the said fines. The said record of conviction and
warrant of commitment were not fram'd till the day
after the said pretended riotous Assembly, and the
4 first mentioned of the said 9 persons were sent to
goal before Justice Gatewood came to the house of
Chester. Scheurman is by profession a taylor, and
not worth one half the sume imposed on him as a fine.
The said 9 persons during the whole time demeaned
themselves in a very quiett and peaceable manner,
without offering the least disturbance or offence to any
person whatsoever. They were confin'd 13 days in
a hot loathsome goal, were denyed the common favour of
confinement in a cooler apartment at their own expence,
and of being admitted to bayle on any security whatsoever, to the great indangering of their lives. Tho'
now at liberty by permission or connivance, they are
in dayly fears of being again imprisoned, and of having
their estates seized on account of the aforesaid fines
etc. (25) Parke hath threaten'd to cause whip the
best man's wife in Antego at the cart's a— that
should trouble herself with him, and hath declared his
resolution to cause whip publickly even men of substance, if they should speak any disrespectfull words
of his Friend, and by such usage bring them to rebell
and then seize on their estates. List of fines referred
to supra. 1½ pp. [C.O. 152, 8. Nos. 13, 13.i.; and
153, 10. pp. 344–349.] |
April 13.
Admiralty Office. |
460. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Asks if there are any
Heads of Enquiry for Newfoundland. Signed, J. Burchett.
Endorsed, Recd. Read April 14, 1709. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O.
194, 4. No. 89; and 195, 5. p. 85.] |
April 14.
Whitehall. |
461. Mr. Popple to Mr. Burchett. Reply to preceding.
While we were in possession of St. Johns, the Council of Trade
and Plantations thought it necessary that several enquiries relating to the Trade and Fishery shou'd be yearly given to the
Commodore of the Convoy, but now their Lordps. not knowing
in what condition or circumstances our settlements there may
be in, in regard to the accounts received of St. Johns having
been surprised by the French, they do not see what proper
queries can be framed. However, they think it will be of
service that the Commodore do transmit to their Lordps. the
best accounts he can get of the Trade of this year, and of the
state he shall find and leave the Island in; which you will please
to lay before my Lord High Admiral for his Lordp's. directions
therein. [C.O. 195, 5. pp. 85, 86.] |
| April 14. |
462. Copy of Patent of Landgrave Edward Jukes (Carolina).
Signed, Craven, Palatine; Craven, for Lord Carteret, M. Ashley,
M. Ashley for Jos. Blake, J. Colleton, J. Danson. Latin. [C.O.
5, 289. pp. 202, 203.] |
April 14.
Whitehall. |
463. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Earl of Sunderland. Reply to April 5. Recommend that a pass be given
to the Spanish Governor and ship to Cartagena only, for reasons
given Journal of Council, April 11, q.v. [C.O. 389, 20. pp.
363–365.] |
April 14.
Craven House. |
464. Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Tynte. Warrant to dispose of the barony with several thousand acres of
land adjacent to Cowper River to purchasers from Peter Colleton,
who is inclined to dispose thereof. Signed, Craven, Palatine;
Beaufort, M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 289.
p. 201.] |
April 15.
Whitehall. |
465. The Earl of Sunderland to the Council of Trade and
Plantations. Encloses following to be added to the other papers
now under consideration [March 31, April 12.] Signed, Sunderland. Endorsed, Recd. Read April 18, 1708. [sic] 1 p.
Enclosed, |
|
465. i. Merchants of Bristol trading to Antigua to the Queen.
Complain of the tyranny of Governor Parke, support
articles of March 31, and pray for redress. 39 signatures. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 8. Nos. 14, 14.i.; and 153,
10. pp. 349–351.] |
April 16.
St. James's. |
466. Order of Queen in Council. In pursuance of Representation of March 31, q.v., Messrs. Oldfield, Cossley and Carver
are to be appointed to the Council of Jamaica if the 3 members
referred to refuse to resign their agencies for the African Company etc. Set out, A.P.C.,II., No. 1067. Signed, John Povey.
Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read 27th June, 1709. 3 pp. [C.O. 137,
8. No. 42; and 138, 12. pp. 406–409.] |
April 18.
Whitehall. |
467. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Governor Crowe's treatment of Alexander Skene is an encroachment of H.M. Patent, etc. Set out, A.P.C., II., No. 1082. q.v.
[C.O. 29, 11. pp. 444–447.] |
April 19.
Craven House. |
468. Warrant of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Thomas
Broughton, Surveyor General of South Carolina, to admeasure
out 3000 acres of land for Governor Tynte at a yearly quit-rent
of 30/s. Signed, Craven, Palatine; Beaufort, M. Ashley, J.
Colleton, J. Danson. [C.O. 5, 289. p. 206.] |
April 19.
Craven House. |
469. Warrant of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina to Governor Tynte, to cause grants of 2000 acres to be issued to
Edward Jukes at a quit-rent of 20/-s., he intending to carry over
with him into our said Province a considerable number of
Planters, Handicrafts, Artificers, and other persons at his own
proper cost, etc. Signed as preceding. [C.O. 5, 289. p. 207.] |
April 19.
Whitehall. |
470. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary
Boyle. Melchior Gilles, one of the poor Lutherans (see C.S.P.,
1708) having had leave to stay behind on account of his wife's
illness, who being now dead, he is desirous to proceed with his
children on board of a merchant ship now ready to sail for
New York. Pray for an Order to the Navy Board accordingly.
[C.O. 5, 1084. No. 41; and 5, 1121. p. 366.] |
April 20.
St. James's. |
471. The Queen to the Governor of Jamaica. Directions as
to Councillors in accordance with Representation of March 31.
q.v. Countersigned, Sunderland. [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 146–148.] |
April 20.
Bermuda. |
472. Deposition of Capt. Edward Holmes. Late an inhabitant of the Bahama Islands and one of the Lords' Deputies there,
he did about Aug. 27 last arrive with his own sloop in Harbor
Island under that Government with his wife and some of his
family, when a vessell under French colours fired a valley of
small armes upon him, and at the same time another valley
was fired from the shore, and imediately the captain of the
said vessell, whose name was Martell (a Frenchman) with a
canoe and armed men and his Lieutenant in another canoe like
wise came on board in a violent manner, and took hold of
deponent's wife and stript her, and the Quarter-Master presented
a loaded pistoll att her breast, thereby to force her to discover
deponent's wealth, and searcht her very haire of her head, and
threatned to fling her overboard. Then Capt. Martell ordered
them to bee carried on shore and there tyed deponent's wife
fast to a tree, and one of his men struck her with a sword,
deponent being then bound on shore. Next morning hee was
carryed on board his own vessell and his hands seized to the
mast, and the quarter-master belonging to Capt. Martell with
his naked cutlass beat him on his back, as was guessed, 500
blows, untill all thought him dead, the quarter-master still continueing to push the deponent in the face with, the point of
his sword upon every groane hee made. And then deponent
comeing to himself Capt. Martell's gang lighted eight peeces of
match about 3 inches long and tyed them betweene his fingers and
burnt them about half an hour by the glass, to force him to confess
his wealth, and afterwards they tyed him with his back to the
scuppers and brought lighted matches to tye to his toes, and
swore they would burne his privy members, and so they cruelly
extorted deponent's discovery of what he had and took itt from
him, and so turned him and his wife and child on shore, striped,
about 8 leagues from their habitation in great necessity, and
many other cruelties and barbarities Capt. Martell and his
gang did then and there comitt. Signed, Edwd. Holmes. Endorsed, Recd. 12th, Read 15th Sept., 1709. Recd. with duplicate
of Col. Bennet's letter of March 1st, 1708/9. 1 p. [C.O. 5,
1264. No. 74.] |
April 21.
Whitehall. |
473. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Handasyd. Since our letter of March 10 (a duplicate whereof is
here inclosed) we have received yours of Aug. 21 and Feb. 1.
When the two Laws you mention for quieting possessions and
for settling fees, together with the Minutes of Councill relating
thereto, shall arrive, we will take the same into consideration
and lay them before H.M. etc. We have received the account
of prizes taken by H.M. ships of war, and should have been
glad to have known the respective value of each of the said
prizes, for without that the names of the prizes only is of
little information to us. You will do well therefore to give
us as good an account as you can of the value of all prizes
that shall be taken and brought into Jamaica for the future.
We are glad to hear that Commodore Wager is again going out
in quest of some ships coming from Old France to Hispaniola,
etc. and we are in good hopes he will meet with success. We
cannot but commend as well your having given Instructions
to all the privateers of Jamaica to cruize between La Vera
Cruz and the Havanna, etc. as Feb. 1, as your readiness and
care in supplying H.M. ships of war with men. You will see
by the copy of Mr. Burchet's letter which we sent you Feb.
24, that care is taken for supplying the ships of war with men
for the future. We are likewise glad to understand that the
Jersy man of war has made a recapture of the Guinea ship etc.,
(Feb. 1). The Lord High Admiral having had the opinion of
the Judge of the Admiralty here in relation to the briganteen
which was seized by a vessell without a commission, you will
undoubtedly receive his Lordship's directions therein. We ob
serve what you write in relation to privateers, but as we writ
fully to you upon that subject Aug. 23, 1708 (a copy whereof is
here inclosed) wee refer you thereunto, and have only to add
that if the Captains of privateers were to have the sole command
of the ships, it might be one means in our opinion to prevent
the ill practices too frequently committed by them, whereas,
as we have been informed, every seaman on board a privateer
having a vote, it is not in the Captain's power to prevent
their committing irregularities when the majority is against
him. And therefore you will do well in all commissions to
privateers to insert a clause giving the Captain the sole power
of the ship, and restraining the seamen from having anything to
do in the command thereof. You will receive from the Earl of
Sunderland H.M. pleasure in relation to Counsellors that are
Factors to the African Company and others concerned in the
Negroe trade, etc. We shall expect the account of the affairs
of the Island you promise us by the packet. [C.O. 138, 12.
pp. 394–396.] |
April 28.
St. James's. |
474. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to the
Council of Trade and Plantations, for their report. Signed,
Chris. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 6th May, 1709.
¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
474. i. Richard Lloyd to the Queen. Your petitioner is seized
of a Plantation in Jamaica. One of his negroe slaves
(by name Sherry) was in June, 1708, accused upon
suspicion of poysoning a Negro child belonging to a
neighbour's Plantation. Although the proofs against
him were but light and barely presumptive, yet the
two Justices and three freeholders who are Judges
in such cases, ordered him to be transported. Sherry
is a wheel wright and carpenter, and of very great
use in petitioner's Plantation. Prays H.M. pardon
for Sherry. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 137, 8. Nos. 39,
39.i.; and 138, 12. pp. 397–399.] |
April 28.
Whitehall. |
475. The Earl of Sunderland to Governor Lord Lovelace.
H.M. designing to fitt out an expedition for the reduction of
Canada and Newfoundland, according to some proposals made by
Coll. Vetch, to whom H.M. has given Instructions at length,
with orders to communicate them to your Lordp., as also to
deliver a letter from her Majesty, enjoining you to assist in
the said expedition after the manner prescribed, etc. I send you
by another ship the inclosed copy of Col. Vetch's Instructions, to
which H.M. expects that you should show a ready and punctual
complyance so farr forth as they relate to you etc. In case you
should receive the inclosed Instructions before the arrival of
Col. Vetch, it is H.M. pleasure that immediately upon receipt
of them you dispatch an expresse to the severall Governours of
Pensilvania and Connecticut to meet you with all expedition
at New York, and that you consult with them on the most
proper and effectuall methods for executing the inclosed In
structions. And because it may be necessary to inform you of
severall particulars, which Coll. Vetch will give you an account
of, if he arrive soon enough, H.M. is pleased that I should
give you a further light into the intended expedition, than what
you receive from the inclosed Instructions, and which will
be unnecessary, if Col. Vetch arrive soon enough to transact
this affair with you; and I must signify to you H.M. pleasure
that you pay the same obedience to any directions hereafter
mentioned as if they were a part of the aforesaid Instructions. |
|
It is resolved to attack at the same time both Quebeck and
Montreal, the first by sea and the second over the lake from
Albany, with a body of 1500 men, who are to be raised and
armed as you will see in the inclosed Instructions. H.M. is
now fitting out her Commander in cheif of the said expedition
with a squadron of ships, and five regiments of the regular
troops, who are to be at Boston by the middle of May, and
there to be joined with 1200 of the best men of New England
and Road Island; they are then to sail with all expedition to
attack Quebeck, being provided with Enginiers, bomb-vessels,
and all sorts of artillery for such an enterprise. At the same
time the 1500 men from Albany, under the command of one
whom you shall appoint, are to make the best of their way
to Montreal, which place they are to attack, and if possible reduce
to H.M. obedience. |
|
You are to concert with the Governors of Pennsylvania and
Connecticut the most easy and expeditious way of providing
at Albany by the middle of May, or sooner, 3 months provisions
for your respective Quotas of men, which provisions you are
to lodge in a large wooden storehouse, as you will see in the
aforesaid Instructions, to which I must add that you are immediately to order one half of the regular Companys with as many
of the country troops as you shall think sufficient to cover the
workmen that shall be employed on the said storehouse, and to
guard the stores that are to be laid in it. In your negotiations
with the Five Nations and River Indians you are to employ
such as you think have the most influence on them, and in
particular Col. Schyler, unlesse you have any objections against
him, who as H.M. has been informed, is very well qualifyed
for her service, and particularly known in these parts, for
which reason he is likewise thought a very proper person to be
employed in the expedition, and to be consulted with on the
best methods of corresponding by Indian messengers overland
with the expedition which is to go by sea to Quebeck, with
which methods you are to acquaint H.M. Commander in cheif
by letters as soon as he arrives at Boston. You are likewise
to find out some of the most sensible Indians that you can confide
in, whom you are immediately to send both to Quebeck and
Montreal to bring the best accounts they can get of the numbers,
fortifications, stores and provisions that are in the said places,
for which you are to reward them as they deserve, and transmit
to the Commander in cheif of the expeditions such, informations
as they or any other persons shall be able to give you of the
said places. You are also to acquaint the Commander of the
troops which are to march from Albany, that he is to obey
all such orders as he shall receive from time to time from H.M.
aforesaid Commander in cheif of the expedition. And in case
the abovementioned 1500 men cannot make themselves masters
of Montreal for any want of force or artillery, they shall endeavour to block that up, so as to cutt off all communication
between that place and Quebeck, and if H.M. troops can make
themselves masters of Quebeck, the Commander in cheif will
with all possible expedition send a reinforcement of the troops
with him to assist in the reduction of Montreal. The pacquet
in which this goes being directed in absence of Col. Vetch to
your Lordship, as soon as it comes to your hands, you are to
forward with all diligence the dispatches for the other Governours. Signed, Sunderland. 6¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1091. No. 15.] |
| April 28. |
476. Same to Governor Dudley. H.M. having resolved to
putt in execution severall proposals laid before her by Col.
Vetch for driving the French out of the North Continent of
America and Newfoundland did some time since dispatch Col.
Vetch in the ship Dragon, with full Instructions to her Governours in those parts, in all things relating to the said expedition,
as also with some officers and stores for the assistance of the
troops to be raised in their respective Governments. But H.M.
not judging it safe to trust the successe of the whole expedition
to the uncertainty that may attend a single ship in so long a
voyage, and considering that the success of the whole enterprise will in a great measure depend upon the readiness of the
abovementioned troops to perform their part in the intended
expedition, to the end that her Governours above-mentioned may
not fail of timely notice to make such preparations as are
enjoined them in their respective Governments, H.M. has thought
fitt to dispatch another vessell with enclosed Instructions etc.,
as in preceding, paragraph 2. You are therefore as soon as
this comes to your hands to send to the Governour of Rhode
Island to meet you at Boston, that you may together concert the
methods you shall judge most proper for executing H.M. Orders
for having in readinesse the 1200 men to be furnished out
of your Government and that of Rhode Island according to
your usuall proportions, and to be at Boston by the middle
of May with 3 months provisions and ships to transport them
with able pilots (of which Capt. Southweck in the country
galley to be one), and H.M. expects yt. these troops shall be
ready with all necessarys to embark on two days warning, as
soon as the forces and fleet from hence shall arrive. It is
also H.M. pleasure that you cause to be built 10 large flatbottom boats, such as may carry 60 men each, and which are
to be ready for the service of the expedition against the middle
of May and because it may be of the greatest importance to
the success of this Expedition, that persons be employed who
know the Country and places to be attacked by H.M. forces.
You are therefore to take all possible pains to find out such
persons as have been prisoners formerly at Quebeck or Montreal, and also such of the Indians, to the number of 30 or
40, who you shall judge best acquainted with the country, and
who may be made use of by the Commanders of H.M. forces in
this Expedition, as they shall find occasion for them, and you
are to inform yourself in as particular a manner as you can
of the state of St. Johns and Placentia in Newfoundland, in
reference to their strength, situation, the number of their garrisons and quantity of provisions, and nature of the ground
about them, that you may be able upon the arrival of the expedition to give the Commander in Chief of H.M. forces such
advice and information of the state of these places, as may
be of use to him in the execution of H.M. Orders. Signed,
Sunderland. 5¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 898. No. 1.] |
| [April 28.] |
477. Abstract of H.M. Instructions (above) to the Governors
of New York and Boston. 4 pp. [C.O. 5, 9. No. 79.] |
April 28.
Whitehall. |
478. The Earl of Sunderland to the Governor of Rhode
Island. H.M. designing an expedition for the reducing of Canada, and having sent the necessary orders about the part you
are to act to the Governour of New England, I am ordered
by H.M. to signify to you her pleasure, that as soon as this
comes to your hands, you repair to Boston, there to concert with
the aforesaid Govr. of New England, the proper methods for
performing the service H.M. expects, and requires of you on
that occasion, not doubting of your ready complyance with this.
Signed, Sunderland. 1 p. |
|
Mem. Similar letters to the Governors of Pensilvania and
Connecticut. [C.O. 5, 10. No. 222.] |
April 28.
Craven House. |
479. Commission from the Lords Proprietors of Carolina
to John Lawson to be Surveyor General for North Carolina.
Signed, Craven, Palatine; Beaufort, Craven for the Lord Carteret, M. Ashley, J. Colleton, J. Danson, M. Ashley for Jos.
Blake. [C.O. 5, 289. p. 210.] |
April 28.
Craven House. |
480. Instructions for John Lawson (supra). Signed as
preceding. [C.O. 5, 289. pp. 211, 212.] |
April 28.
St. James's. |
481. Order of Queen in Council. Referring Acts of Pennsylvania, 1705, to the Council of Trade and Plantations to examine and report upon. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed,
Recd. Read May 5, 1709. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 67; and
5, 1292. pp. 135, 136.] |
April 28.
St. James's. |
482. Order of Queen in Council. Alexander Skene is to
be restored to his offices and fees etc. Cf. April 18, and A.P.C.,
II. No. 1082. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. 15th,
Read 25th Oct., 1709. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 12. No. 40; and 29,
12. p. 28.] |
