|
Jan. 21.
Admiralty Office. |
56. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. By an Order in Council,
Jan. 22, 1707, it was directed that 6 of H.M. shipps of good force
should be sent to Newfoundland that year, for protecting the
fishery and the harbours. The Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty
desire to know from the Lords Commrs. of Trade, whether, upon
their discourse with the persons tradeing to Newfoundland, and
the present circumstances of our affaires there, it may be necessary
to send soe many of H.M. ships thither this year. Signed, J.
Burchett. Endorsed. Recd. Read Jan. 23, 170 9/10. Addressed.
1 p. [C.O. 194. 4. No. 104; and 195, 5. p. 122.] |
Jan. 21.
Whitehall. |
57. Wm. Popple to Isaac Townsend. The Jamaica seal is
not yet finished. You will please deliver those for Barbados and
the Leeward Islands to Capt. Spann, who is to touch there.
[C.O. 29, 12. p. 79.] |
Jan. 21.
Whitehall. |
58. Same to Mr. Burchett. Encloses copy of preceding
and prays that Capt. Spann may have directions accordingly.
[C.O. 29, 12. p. 80.] |
Jan. 21.
Admiralty Office. |
59. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Orders will be given to
Capt. Spann as desired, in preceding, and receipts for the seals
transmitted to you. Signed, J. Burchett. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Jan. 23, 170 9/10. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 12.] |
Jan. 23.
Boston. |
60. Mr. Addington to Mr. Popple. Refers to publick papers
sent by H.M.S. Reserve. Signed, Isc. Addington. Endorsed,
Recd. 3rd, Read April 21, 1710. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 865. No. 40;
and 5, 913. pp. 204, 205.] |
Jan. 24.
Whitehall. |
61. Mr. Secretary Boyle to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following for their consideration and report.
Signed, H. Boyle. Endorsed, Recd. 25th, Read 27th Jan., 170 9/10.
1 p. Enclosed, |
|
61. i. R. Jackson, H.M. Commissary at Stockholm, to Mr.
Secretary Boyle. Reviews the history and conduct of the
Swedish Tar Company, which, by its monopoly of pitch
and tar, and its partiality in supplying France, and refusing
supplies to H.M. Navy, is of dangerous consequence to
Britain. Their excluding wholly all H.M. subjects
out of the trade was so highly resented that it gave
rise to the Act of Parliament pass'd the next Session to
encourage the importation of Naval Stores from America,
which had at first that good effect that the Tar Company
was obliged immediately to fall the prices of their pitch
and tar at London very considerably. By what I have
learnt here, both from themselves and others, their
chief and only aim in selling since that time at any
moderate prices, is to prevent the effects of the advantages the said Act gives to the importers of such stores
from British Plantations … However, I reckon that all
due encouragement continues to be given to the
importers of such stores from thence, and that by the
assistance of some quantity brought that way, the
providing H.M. Fleet is less precarious than formerly,
and not subjected altogether so much as it used to be to
the caprice of a few Swedish merchants, who if at any
time hereafter find their interest in disappointing H.M.,
they will not, I fear, have more regard for Her service
than there are instances of in 1701 and 1702, when
the Tar Company would not deliver any pitch or tar
for the use of H.M. Fleet, tho' they were sufficiently
told how much it was wanted, but first sent themselves
some quantity to France, nor would they load English
ships, tho' they frequently employ Holland's ships, etc.
Urges the turning of the British pitch and tar trade into
other channels and the abolition of the Tar Company
by Treaty, etc. Signed, R. Jackson, Stockholm, Dec.
29, 1709. Copy. 9 pp. [C.O. 388, 12. Nos. 71, 71 i.;
and 389, 21. pp. 27–38; and (copy of enclosure only) 5, 3.
No. 37 ii.] |
Jan. 24.
Whitehall. |
62. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Parke.
Acknowledge letters of Nov. 14 and 19. We are very sorry
to perceive the inhabitants are so remiss in providing for their
own defence, especially at a time when they are threat'ned with
attempts from the enemy. However in case any attempt should
be made, we will not doubt of your exerting yourself for H.M.
service. You say you have received no letter from us since
Aug. 12, and as we find that we writ no letter on that day, we
suppose that must be the day that some of our letters came to
your hand tho' it does not appear of what date those letters
were. However, that you may know what letters we have writ
you since January last, they are as follows etc. We have laid
before H.M. what you write concerning the taking of St. Eustatia.
We are very sorry for the villanous attempt upon your person,
which was not only an injury to yourself (and that of the highest
nature) but an indignity to H.M. by affronting her authority,
and we heartily wish that the actors and contrivers of that design
may be discovered, that they may be prosecuted and punished
with the utmost severity of the Law. As to your desire of
directions in relation to the Assemblies insisting on their Speaker's
having a negative voice in the passing of laws that is, of signing
after you; wee did, Nov. 25, acqt. you with our opinion that you
had done well in supporting the rights of the Crown, and, Nov. 29,
we acquainted you that in relation to the irregularity of the
proceedings of the Assembly of Antigua, and their pretending
to assume privileges which of right do not belong to them, we
could only advise you to pursue your Instructions, etc. This
we thought wou'd have been sufficient for your direction, but
since you desire something further, we have only to add that by
one clause in your Commission which is under the Broad Seal
of this Kingdom, the negative voice is solely lodged in you or the
Commander in Chief for the time being. Clause quoted. So
that the Assemblies insisting on a privilege which H.M. has
reserv'd to herself, and only deputed to you and the Commander
in Chief for the time being is an undutifull attempt upon H.M.
Royal Prerogative, which is contrary to the constant usage here
in Great Brittain, and what none of H.M. other Plantations in
America have ever pretended to. Their allegation that other
former Governors have done it ought not to weigh with you.
Their neglect of their duty in giving up the rights of the Crown,
is a president we hope you will never follow, and therefore we
have only to advise you to acqt. the Assembly with the forementioned clause, and that their pretending to assume the right
of their Speaker's signing last will never be allowed of here, you
will doe well therefore to continue to assert H.M. right, and to
insist peremtorily upon it. As to your desire of having the
original Articles against you sent to you, we have only to acquaint
you that the original was never with us, what was referred to us
being only a copy. [C.O. 153, 10. pp. 471–475.] |
Jan. 24.
Whitehall. |
63. W. Popple to the Mayors of Bideford, Barnstable, Exeter,
Dartmouth, Bristol, Plymouth, Weymouth, Fowey, Poole, and
to Solomon Merret. The Council of Trade and Plantations
desire you to consult with the merchants of Biddiford, etc. trading
to Newfoundland, and thereupon to let me know as soon as possible
how many ships they intend to send this year upon that Fishery,
as also what convoys they think necessary for the protection of
the several harbours and trade there. [C.O. 195, 5. p. 123.] |
Jan. 24.
Whitehall. |
64. W. Popple to Josiah Burchett. Acknowledges letter of
Jan. 21 and informs him of the enquiries being made in preceding.
[C.O. 195, 5. p. 124.] |
Jan. 26.
Admiralty Office. |
65. Mr. Burchett to Mr. Popple. Encloses following. Signed,
J. Burchett, Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 27, 170 9/10. Addressed.
1 p. Enclosed, |
|
65. i. Receipt for seals for Barbados, Bermudas and the
Leewards Islands. Signed, Jona. Spann. Capt. of
H.M.S. Rupert and C. in C. of the ships going to
Jamaica, etc. ½ p. [C.O. 28, 13. Nos. 13, 13 i.] |
Jan. 26.
St. James's. |
66. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to the
Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 1st, Read 3rd Feb., 170 9/10.
1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
66. i. Petition of George Gordon to the Queen. Prays for
the repeal of the whole Act of Barbados, 1708, appointing
a Committee for settling the public accounts, cf. June 9,
1709. Set out, A.P.C. II. p. 604. q.v. Signed, Geo.
Gordon. Copy. 2 pp. |
|
66. ii. Petition of Merchants and others of Barbados to the
Queen. By the original constitution of the Courts of
Judicature in this Colony, all the process and writts
issued by the said Courts were executed and served
by the Provost Marshall General nominated and
appointed by Letters Patents from your Majesty's
Royal Predecessors or the Proprietors of this Island.
For severall years last past the Cheif Judges of the
respective Courts, have nominated and appointed the
Marshals of the several Courts, whereof they are
respective judges. Since such nominations many and
great inconveniencys have happened to your Majesty's
subjects of this Colony, the said Marshalls being generally
persons indigent and not fit for so great a trust. Pray
that the judges may not for the future be permitted
to nominate the Marshalls, who are generally creatures
and dependants of their own, but that persons of credit
may be nominated by H.M. Signed, Wm. Sharpe,
Saml. Cox, Wm. Cleland, Raynes Bate, Edward Morgan,
Tho. Stewart, A. Skene, Benj. Bullard, Dudley Woodbridge, Tho. Edwards, Jos. Salmon, Edwd. Cordwent,
John Merring, Patrick Thomson, Jos. Salmon jr.,
Chr. Fowler, John Scott. 1½ pp. [C.O. 28, 13. Nos.
14, 14 i., ii.; and 29, 12. pp. 81–85.] |
Jan. 26.
St. James's. |
67. Order of Queen in Council. Affirming the acquittal of
William Walker, and stopping proceedings against him and Norman
Mackaskall in Barbados. (v. following). Endorsed, Recd. 3rd,
Read 15th Feb., 170 9/10. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 28, 13. No. 18; and
29, 12. pp. 88–91.] |
Jan. 26.
St. James's. |
68. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to
the Council of Trade and Plantations, who are to report to
H.M. in Council what they shall judge most requisite and proper
to be done for preventing any irregular proceedings in H.M.
Courts of Justice in Barbados. Signed, Edward Southwell.
Endorsed, Recd. 5th, Read 7th Sept. 1710. ¾ p. Enclosed, |
|
68. i. Copy of Address of the General Assembly of Barbados
to the Queen. George Lillington (cf. C.S.P. Dec. 13,
1705 ff.) was in the time of Sir B. Granville cruelly
persecuted, with a designe to force from him £2,000.
The instrument made use of was William Walker, then
your Majesty's sworn Council at Law, who by money,
menaces and threats compelled Lillington to give him
that sum to save his life and liberty. Which matter
having been fully proved against Walker, and a Bill of
Indictment found against him at the last Court of
Grand Sessions, we did hope that the matter would have
come to a full and final tryal by a petty jury, when
the major part of the justices commissionated to hold
the said Court did in effect vote that it was not a legal
Court to any intent or purpose whatsoever, thereby
keeping Walker from being tryed, whereby Walker has
for the present avoyded his tryal and escaped the justice
of your Majesty's Laws, to the evill example of all others,
and to the great disquiet and terror of your Majesty's
good subjects. The said obstruction of Justice has
happened by the majority of those persons commissionated to hold the said Court, who were the most
forward instruments in the hardships put upon your
Majesty's subjects in the time of Sir B. Granville, and
particularly concerned in the oppression of Lillington.
Pray H.M. protection, that H.M. Courts of Justice may
no more be made use of to punish ye innocent, and to
clear and protect criminals by feigned tryals, etc.
Jan. 6, 1708,(9). Signed, William Grace, Clk. of the
General Assembly. 2 pp. [C.O. 28, 13. Nos. 36,
36 i.; and 29, 12. pp. 260–264.] |
Jan. 26.
St. James's. |
69. Order of Queen in Council. Approving Representation
of Feb. 3, 1709, (q.v.), and the merchants' petition relating to the
Bahamas (Dec. 30, 1708). Orders given accordingly for appointing a Governor and defending the Islands. Signed, Edward
Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 20th, Read 21st Feb., 170 9/10. 1¼
pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. No. 95; and 5, 1292. pp. 214, 215.] |
Jan. 26.
St. James's. |
70. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to
the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read Jan. 31, 170 9/10.
1¾ pp. Enclosed, |
|
70. i. Sir T. Laurence to the Queen. Petitions against
Ordinance of Assembly of Maryland and oppression of
Governor Seymour and his instrument. Wm. Bladen,
etc. v. Acts of Privy Council, II. p 523. Copy.
2 pp. [C.O. 5, 717. Nos. 4, 4 i.; and 5, 727. pp.
167–170.] |
Jan. 26.
St. James's. |
71. H.M. Additional Instruction to Governor Hunter. You
are to take care that the scheme for settling 3000 Palatines
(Dec. 5) be duly put in execution, etc. [C.O. 5, 210. pp. 196,
197.] |
Jan. 26.
St. James's. |
72. Order of Queen in Council. Referring following to the
Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Endorsed. Recd. Jan. 31st, Read Feb. 3,
170 9/10. 1 p. Enclosed, |
|
72. i. Alexander Skeen to the Queen. Petitions against the
Act of Barbados. 1667. directing how the Clerks of
Common Please shall be appointed and paid, which
was never confirmed by H.M., and in disuse for 30 years,
but which has recently been revived, and thereby
encroaches against the privileges of the Secretary.
Signed, in behalf of petitioner, Row. Tryon. Copy.
1 p. |
|
72. ii. Copy of Letters Patent appointing Alexander Skene
Secretary of Barbados. April, 1702. Copy. ½ p. [C.O.
28, 13. Nos. 17, 17 i., ii.; and (without enclosure ii.),
12, 29. pp. 86, 87.] |
| Jan. 27. |
73. Commissioners of H.M. Navy to Mr. Burchett, concerning
the Swedish Tar Company. v. Feb. 14. Endorsed. Recd.
3rd, Read 7th Feb. 170 9/10. Copy. 1½ pp. [C.O. 388, 12.
No. 76.] |
Jan. 28.
Bristol. |
74. Mayor of Bristol to Mr. Popple. Reply to letter of Jan.
24. The number of ships designed this spring to goe to Newfoundland are about 12 sayle, and they desire the convoy to be at
Milford by March 10, etc. As to the number of men of war
requisite to send to the Land, they conceive four fourth-rates
to lye at St. Johns, Ferriland, Carbonere and Trinity for security
of those harbours, and two or three fifth-rates to cruise from
Ferriland to Cape Bonivista to secure the Trade bound thither
to take in fish for a market. Signed, Robert Bound. Endorsed,
Recd. 30th, Read 31st. Jan. 170 9/10. Addressed. Postmarks. ½ p.
[C.O. 194, 4. No. 106.] |
Jan. 28.
Poole. |
75. Mayor of Poole to Mr. Popple. There are 9 ships intended
for Newfoundland this yeare. Three of which are ready to join
the Isle of May convoy as soon as shee shall arrive at Spitthead.
The other 6 are intended to sayle directly for ye Newfoundland
from Spitthead with the convoyes which it's desired may be
at Spithead March 10, and proposes 5 men of war for Newfoundland, etc., in detail. Signed, Wm. Skutt. Endorsed, Recd. 30th,
Read 31st Jan., 170 9/10. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 4. No.
107.] |
Jan. 28.
Bideford. |
76. Mayor of Bideford to Mr. Popple. They are fitting out
from hence 12 or 14 sayle of shipps for Newfoundland. Since
ye warr, the harbours they fish in are generally Ferryland and
Fermoose, wch. will require a 4th rate man of warr at each place
for their protection there; and doe alsoe think it absolutely
necessary that sd. two men of warr bee ready to joyne them at
Milford by ye 24th proximo, haveing found by sad experience
that their haveing convoy soe late the last season, their ffishing
voyages were utterly ruined. All our merchants and traders
agree that a less number then 8 sayle of men of warr will not bee
sufficient for ye protection of all ye severall harbours and the trade
there. Signed, John Clifton. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 3rd
Feb., 170 9/10. Addressed. Sealed. ¾ p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 115.] |
Jan. 29.
Dartmouth. |
77. Mayor of Dartmouth to Mr. Popple. Reply to query as
to convoys for Newfoundland, Jan. 24. Proposes that 4 men of
warr at least proceed from England, vizt. two from the South
Coast and two from the North by March 1st at the furthest,
another from Lisbon at the same time, and another from England
in the summer with the Scots' ships. 2 men of warr lyeing off
St. Johns, one off Ferryland, and one off Trinity will be enough
to guard the Fishery. There are 8 sail of considerable ships
now fitting out here. Signed, Tho. Newman. Endorsed, Recd.
2nd, Read 3rd Feb., 170 9/10. Addressed. Sealed. ¾ p. [C.O.
194, 4. No. 113.] |
Jan. 30.
Weymouth. |
78. Mayor of Weymouth to Mr. Popple. The merchants
trading to Newfoundland will have 4 ships from hence thither,
and they do conceive it necessary to have foure ships of warr as
convoys, vizt. one for the Isle of May, one for St. Johns, one for
Ferryland, and one for Trinity Harbours. Signed, Isaac Hanwy.
Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 3rd Feb., 170 9/10. 1 p. [C.O. 194,
4. No. 14.] |
Jan. 30.
Fowey. |
79. Mayor of Fowey to Mr. Popple. Wee have noe ships in
this porte for maney yeares passed which have traded to Newfoundland, butt are most part taken and lost by this unhappy
warr, soe that wee have noe trade att all. Signed, Stephen
Wenmoth. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 7th Feb., 170 9/10.
Addressed. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 122.] |
Jan. 31.
Barnestaple: |
80. Mayor of Barnstaple to Mr. Popple. The merchants
here that trade to Newfoundland, intend to send 4 ships, this yeare,
to fish there; they humbly conceive 6 convoys will be necessary
for the protection of the severall harbours and trade there, and
desire that convoy may be as timely ready as possible, for that
late going thither hath heretofore prov'd not only a great
hindrance but prejudice to the traders. Signed, Richd. Gread.
Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 7th, 170 9/10. Addressed. Postmark.
¾ p. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 121.] |
Jan. 31.
Boston in New England. |
81. Governor Dudley to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
My last general letters were by Capt. Riddell in H.M.S. the
Falmouth, who being well arrived, I hope your Lordships had
the past years papers and accounts to your Lordships' satisfaction.
This comes by Capt. Teate in the Reserve, who brings home ye
Mast Fleet and other ships from these Provinces, and your
Lordships' packetts now humbly presented. Refers to enclosures,
including accounts of the Revenue and taxes granted to H.M.
for the support of the present war, which is this year grown to
a very great sum. The last year's expence amounted to £30,000
for the ordinary service by sea and land in the defence of ye
Province, and the thousand musquetiers that in obedience to
H.M. commands were raysed in these Provinces with transports
and provisions for them amounts to another £30,000, of which
H.M. good subjects have not been impatient, but readily granted
the payment thereof to the officers. and souldiers and saylors
with all chearfulness, in hopes H.M., if the war continue, will
please to revive that expedcon in the Spring, there being no
manner of doubt, with the favour and blessing of Almighty
God upon H.M. armes, of the reduction of Canada and Nova
Scotia to H.M. obedience, and all the trade of Naval Stores,
enough for all Europe, will be entirely in H.M. disposition,
and if a Peace should intervene, it is humbly prayed that H.M.
will insist upon the rendition of Quebeck, Port Royal, and ye
dependencys. The standing in armes of abt. 3000 men in all
these Northern Provinces during the whole summer, and the
march of the one halfe of them to a place called Wood Creek
(100 miles from Albany) where they raysed a fortification and
dwelt four months, so amused the French that they have stood
in their armes all summer, and not suffered any party's of their
own, or the Indians to march upon the frontiers, as in all times
past, so that I am got into the winter, which is my time to visit
them, if to be found, and my snow shoes are ready to march upon
every intelligence of their motion to their hunting ground, about
200 miles distant from this place, where tho' we do not always
meet them, yet they see our tracks and are sensible so much of
their danger, that in August last 50 familys of the Eastern Rebels,
who have been perswaded by the French to forsake their allegiance
to the Queen, marched from Panobscott in the East to the
Maquas Country, which must needs be 6 or 700 miles, and in the
presence of some Gentlemen from Albany acquainted the Maquas
that they had been drawn into the war by the French missionary's,
that Mr. Voudreuil, the Governor of Quebeck, promis'd to support
them, and march halfe French with them, in their expeditions,
but instead thereof he had neglected them, and they were all
driven from their country these seven years past by the New
Englanders, and had not gotten one bushell of corne in all that
time, and were now come to dwell under the Maqua's feet.
However, the Maqua's told them they were Rebels, and had
murthered their bretheren of New England, and they would not
receive them, and forced them to proceed to the Sinekars, the
furthest of ye Five Nations, where they are setled, and I hope
I shall not have any further trouble with them, so far as their
number will go, because the Sinekar's will be their masters, and
while the Five Nations maintain their friendship with us, we must
be safe of them, but there is danger of the whole body of the
Maquas least they desert us, upon the faylure of this years
expedition, they are an eager, jealous, false people, and are very
hardly steadyed in their dependance upon New York, the French
missionaryes are so constantly amongst them. I hope Col.
Nicholson and Capt. Moody are arrived long before this date,
who came hither Voluntiers in H.M. service for the expedcon. to
Canada, and who I am well assured will justly represent the readiness and obedience of these Provinces to H.M. commands for the
Expedition to Canada, and humbly to represent the great cost of
that preparation, and to pray H.M. most gracious consideration
and assistance in the past charges as well as the further proceeding in that expedition, for the removal of the French Colony's
of Quebeck and Nova Scotia, without which it will be impossible
for us to proceed either in our trade at sea or our inland settlements, which the industrious people of these Provinces are
very capable of, and ready to proceed in to the advantage of
Great Britain, as well as the quiet and repose of the inhabitants
here. I have since my last letters by Capt. Riddell, the honour
of three of your Lordships' letters, the first is dated Jan. 12,
170 8/9, the first clause whereof refers to Naval Stores, etc. I most
humbly acknowledge your Lordships' favour to me in acceptance
of my service therein. I shall continue it with utmost diligence,
as your Lordships sees in the New Hampshire Act referring to
the paymt. of tarr into the Treasury in all publick taxes sent
home with Capt. Riddell, and the other Law in the same Province,
putting the penalty of £100 for any breach upon ye dimensions
of mast trees. I have not yet made any further process in the
Assembly of the Massachusetts to obtayn it to be enacted there,
because at the same time that I represented that matter to your
Lordships, I also gave my Lord Sunderland account thereof, as
was my duty, and his Lordship in his answer, Aug. 4, 1709,
after his very favourable acceptance of my service to H.M. in
the business of Naval Stores, seems to be of opinion that I had
better have omitted the offer to the Assembly of the Massachusetts,
and let it have rested upon the provision in the Charter, as being
sufficient agreeable with what your Lordships have written,
which I humbly confess I had better have done, if I had expected
the least doubt or delay in the Assembly's obedience to the very
words of the Charter, which I keep strictly unto for fear of any
demur, but my reasons why I offered it, I shall humbly submit
to your Lordships' censure, and do therein further as your
Lordships shall command me. Upon an action and presentment
of a trespass by Mr. Bridger, H.M. Surveyour, brought against
certain tresspassers, the partys pleaded that there was no Law
of the Province enacted and published whereby they were made
breachers, and secondly that Mr. Surveyour was not in Law the
prosecutor so established and declared, both which exceptions,
tho there be nothing in Law of weight in them, prevailed with the
Court, and therefore I thought to obviate and remove them by
this Act, which was also Mr. Bridger's earnest desire, that he
might proceed with the less difficulty. I humbly refer the matter
to your Lordships' consideration, and shall do therein as your
Lordships command. The buisness of Councellours for New
Hampshire mentioned in that letter labours still. I have but
seven in that list, two of them near four-score, and Waldron,
Hilton and Smith have not yet taken out their warrants, if Mr.
George Vaughan, who lately attended your Lordships, and
George Jaffryes were admitted, or all five of them, it would be
a service to the Province, they are men of the best estates and
loyalty in the Province, and without some of them, in case of the
death of Mr. Coffin and Mr. Ware of the great age I mentioned
above, I shall with difficulty get a quorum of the Council for ye
necessary service of the Province. The Act referring to a duty
upon negroes, imported, is a clause in an Act to prevent a spurious
issue, brought in upon several complaints that several negroes
had lain with white women, and has been since transmitted in
1706 by Capt. Matthews, and in 1707 by Capt. Stucley, and Mr.
Secretary Pople acknowledges the receipt thereof in his letters
on file, and tho' the reason that I formerly assigned of negroes
running from us seems to be equal with Carolina and other
Colony's, the force of it continues because they will always run
to the Southward for warme weather, and as the cold is disagreeable to them, so it demands of ye master much more cloathing,
and gives him much less service for 6 months in the year. |
|
Your Lordships' next letter is of Feb. 11, 170 8/9, referring to
H.M. bounty in the supply of ordnance and stores for ye Province
of New Hampshire, wch. are all since well arrived and disposed
by a Committee, Major Vaughan of H.M. Councill, Mr. Penhallow
Treasurer and Commissary General, and Capt. Hunkins Speaker
of the Assembly. The Ordnance in the fort, and the powder
in two places for fear of danger. Refers to enclosed accounts
etc. also sent to the Board of Ordnance. Your Lordships' last letter
is of March 28, 1709, referring to the further encouragemt.
of the production of Naval Stores, and to have consultation
thereupon, in obedience where unto I have had several meetings
of the principal merchants and traders in those commodities, and
inclosed is what they have humbly to propose. I shall not
fayle to use all possible endeavours to better those commodity's,
and encrease the trade of them, but while the war lasts, it will
not rise so fast, the tarr burners are forc't to straggle in ye woods,
and are often in danger of the enemy where they work, as well as
that they are necessarily taken off from their labour into the
service of the war, to guard the frontiers, and this year especially
to that degree that every fifth man in the Province was obliged
to serve, there being 2000 of this Province in armes, and our lists
of the whole in ordinary make but 10,000. I hope Mr. Bridger
does me right to acquaint your Lordships that in all his visitations
he has as often as he desires, guards of musquetiers and troopers
to secure him (as I have myselfe) and wa[rrants] to all Sheriffs,
Constables, etc. to assist him in seizing and discovering any
trespass, and securing the trespassers, [there] is yet some misunderstanding between him and Mr. Collins' Agents, whose warrants
to provide masts for [H.M.] service are come to hand, but
there is yet but one ship of three arrived to take up the masts,
which [if] kept too long in the posture they are here in, will
suffer damage, how the delay of the ships happens, we [have]
here no account, unless that they are otherwise diverted, and if
so, other ships must be gotten, least [the masts] be hurt by the
Indians, or suffer wth. being undrest, or by lying part in and part
out of ye water, I am [sensible] the bringing home of masts at
this time is a great service to H.M., and therefore have [thought
it] my duty to cover the labourers in the woods, wth. good
guards, these seven years past, without [which they] must have
been left to the enemy, every day they used an axe in the woods,
and I should [be sorry], after all that labour, any of them should be
lost. I am informed there is before H.M., I suppose at your
Lordships' Board, a complaint [from] the Government of Connecticutt, referring to the line parting the two Provinces. The
General Assembly here have earnestly desired that they may be
heard thereupon, and doubt not to sett that matter [in a] true
light to H.M. satisfaction. The question is 70 year old, and
nothing [new since my] arrival, nor am I any otherwise concerned
in it then to know H.M. pleasure and see it [obeyed]. I shall
trouble your Lordships but with one short article or two more,
the first is ref[erring to the] supply of H.M. ships of war with
men, which notwithstanding the late Act of Parlia[ment] forbideing the takeing of any men out of privateers or ships tradeing
in the Plantations, and notwithstanding the heavy war upon these
Provinces by the French and Indians, as well upon the frontiers
inland as upon the coast by sea, which the last year imployed
so many, H.M. Commanders of the men of war, particularly
Capt. Teate now returning thinks himselfe hardly dealt with that
he has no men supplyed to him from hence, which is impossible
for me to do, unless I take the Planters from the plough or tradesmen from their stalls, notwithstanding I have allowed him to
beat up his drums for voluntiers, and encouraged him to see his
Fleet [well] man'd, and to borrow in case of necessity a man or
two out of each ship, it being for their own [defence], and to restore
them again at his first port in Great Britain, which is all that is
in my [power] since the Act of Parliamt. has otherwise provided
for his supply. I should be wanting to my duty if I should not
here subjoine that Capt. Teate, for the three [years] last past has
behaved himselfe with all diligence and to my satisfaction in his
at[tendance] upon the coast. The other Article is referring to
1000 small armes that H.M. of [her great] bounty and favour
sent hither for the expedition to Canada, and with which 1000
effec[tive men] were armed for that service, and are now taken
and secured by the officers, that they may [if that] service do not
proceed, be taken in and kept at H.M. Castle of this place, for the
d[efence of] the Province in any future expedition, which will be
a great strengthning of the Country, and [always] ready for ye
service, and if otherwise absolutely given to the soldiers, as by
some is expected, [will be] soon lost or disposed, beyond any
power of the Governmt. to bring them into the service [again].
I humbly submit this Article to your Lordships' consideration,
to move H.M. there[in if it] be agreeable to your Lordships' better
judgment therein. My Lords, in the defence of this Country
these seven years past, I have done the utmost to defend [the]
Province, and have had good success therein, and have
endeavoured to put forward the rayseing of Naval Stores, and
in this last summer have had my quota of men superiour to any
H.M. Governmts., my neighbours, and shall not faile, if I may
have H.M. commands for the revival of that expedition, and
I humbly pray that my service may be acceptable to your
Lordships, and that your Lordships will please to represent me
well to H.M. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read
20th April, 1710. 3 large closely written pp. Edges rubbed.
Enclosed, |
|
81. i. Principal Merchants of the Massachusetts Bay to
Governor Dudley. Proposals for the further encouragement of Naval Stores from New England. The premium
to be paid in a short set time. Convoys to sail in April.
Fixed prices to be paid for stores delivered in the
Thames and such stores to be certified by the Surveyor
General before shipping, as fit for H.M. service, and
accepted as such in H.M. Stores. Endorsed as preceding.
2 pp. |
|
81. ii. List of causes and judgments in the Inferior Courts in
New England, 1708, 1709. Endorsed, Recd. April 3rd,
1710. 22 pp. |
|
81. iii. Account of charges accruing to the Massachusetts
Bay, from the intended expedition to Canada:— |
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To wages and subsistence of 973 officers
and souldiers, May 18—Oct. 14 |
12927 |
18 |
8 |
|
To wages and subsistence of 3 Ministers
19 weeks |
70 |
6 |
0 |
|
3 doctors and assistants etc. 5 months. |
403 |
11 |
1 |
|
To an acct. of coats, given by ye Generall
Assembly to the souldiers, each of
them one, further to encourage ym.
in the service |
888 |
0 |
3 |
|
To the hire of transports, etc. 5¼ months |
5272 |
10 |
9 |
|
To an acct. of beer and water with cask,
etc., put on board the transports. |
669 |
4 |
10 |
|
To an acct. of fitting transports, etc |
467 |
7 |
1 |
|
To 16 whaleboats etc. |
160 |
0 |
0 |
|
To a sloop equipp'd for warr improved
in convoying provisions for the
expedition, taken by the enemy, her
value wth. wages and subsistence |
815 |
10 |
0 |
|
To 2 vessels equipt to guard the coast,
H.M. having ordered the Province
galley to attend ye expedition, their
wages etc. |
1701 |
17 |
0 |
|
To provisions (wth. utensils etc.) on
board the transports |
5301 |
6 |
8 |
|
To 38 drums with cases |
83 |
12 |
0 |
|
To building of barracks to entertain the
forces |
106 |
5 |
8 |
|
To charge upon 6 Maquas that came
down to see the fleet |
109 |
0 |
0 |
|
To an acct. of clothing shipp'd for the
expedition |
1715 |
2 |
6 |
|
To ammunition |
120 |
0 |
0 |
|
£30, 811 |
12 |
6 |
|
Dated at the Commissaries Office, Boston, Oct. 12,
1709. Signed, Andr. Belcher. Endorsed as preceding,
1 p. |
|
81. iv. Account of Ordnance Stores and of powder spent,
Fort Anne, Salem, June 24, 1709. Signed, Stephen
Sewall, Capt. Same endorsement. 1½ pp. |
|
81. v., vi. Account of Ordnance stores and of powder spent
at H.M. Fort at Marblehead, June 24, 1708–1709.
Signed, Edward Brattle, Capt. Same endorsement.
1½ pp. |
|
81. vii.–ix. Account of Ordnance Stores and of powder spent
at Fort William and Mary, Newcastle, New Hampshire,
June 24, 1708–1709. Signed, Shadrach Walton. Same
endorsement. 3 pp. (including duplicate). |
|
81. x., xi. Account of Ordnance Stores and powder spent at
H.M. Castle William, Boston, June 24, 1708–1709.
Signed, Adam Winthrop, Capt. Same endorsement
1 p. (including duplicate). |
|
81. xii. Proclamation for a General Fast, Sept. 15, in the
Massachusetts Bay upon occasion of the scorching
drought and the losses and delay of the Expedition
against Canada. Signed, J. Dudley. Boston, Aug.
27, 1709. Printed. 1 p. |
|
81. xiii. Proclamation for the recovery of deserters from
H.M. ships. 20s. reward offered for each. Signed,
J. Dudley, Boston, Oct. 20, 1709. Printed. 1 p. |
|
81. xiv. Proclamation for a General Thanksgiving in the
Massachusetts Bay, for the great measure of health
vouchsafed, a more plentiful harvest than could reasonably be hoped for by reason of the sore scorching
drought, and protection of open towns from the
insults of the enemy, etc. Signed, J. Dudley, Boston,
Nov. 5, 1709. Printed. 1 p. |
|
81. xv. Duplicate of No. 81 i. |
|
81. xvi. Address of the Governor, Council and Assembly of
New Hampshire to the Queen. Portsmouth, Dec. 6,
1709. Return thanks for the stores of war sent them,
and the dismissal of Mr. Allen's claim to the soils
Continues: And whereas your Majesty out of a gracious
reguard to this and other your Provinces in these parts
of America, was pleased to forme a designe against
the French settlements at Canada and Nova Scotia,
but a more important service in Europe requireing
your Majesty's forces, which were intended hither,
whereby that designe is laid aside for the present, wee
most humbly pray your Majestie that it may consist
with your Royal pleasure to revive the said designe,
and that the expedition lately intended may be prosecuted seasonably the next spring, and that your
Majesties armes in America may have a like glorious
successe as in Europe, to the utter confusion of your
enemies and lasting repose of all your Majesties good
subjects inhabiting this Continent, etc., etc. Signed,
Cha. Story, Secretary; Mark Hunkin, Speaker.
Endorsed, Recd. April 3, 1710. Copy. 2½ pp. |
|
81. xvii. Address of the Governor, Council and Assembly
of New Hampshire to the Queen. Portsmouth, May
12, 1709. Your Majesties most loyal and dutiful
subjects of this poor Province are deeply sensible of
your Majesties ffavour and justice in the dispatch and
decision in the tryal between Mr. Allen and Mr. Waldron
referring to the estate of land of the said Waldron,
wherein all the proprietors of this your Majesties
poor province are equally concerned, and which has been
in the challenge of Mr. Mason and Mr. Allen for 30
years last past, tho' the same was long before that
planted and subdued by your Majesties good subjects
now here inhabiting, and by themselves and their
fathers and predecessors defended with their lives and
estates for more than 60 years past and to this day.
Return thanks for powder, feild peices and stores. And
above all wee are unspeakably indebted to your Majesties'
great care and concerne for the preservation and defence
of your Majesties good subjects, the inhabitants of
these parts of America in formeing the present designe
against the French settlements at Canada, etc., of which
wee are advised by Col. Nicholson and Col. Vetch, to
the promoteing whereof wee hold ourselves in duty bound
to contribute our utmost endeavours, being well satisfied
the successe of this undertakeing will produce a lasting
quiett and repose of all your Majesties' Provinces in
New England. And further wee with all admiration
adore the Divine power in the glorious successe of your
Majesties' armes in Europe, and pray to Almighty
God the same may attend them in America, etc. Signed,
Cha. Story, Secretary, John Pickerin, Speaker. Same
endorsement. Copy. 1¾ pp. |
|
81. xviii. Governor Dudley to Wm. Vaughan, Saml. Penhallow and Mark Hunkin. Gives instructions as to the
proportion of Ordnance, ammunition etc. to be issued
for New Hampshire, and the disposition thereof. Signed,
J. Dudley, Boston, Oct. 15, 1709. Same endorsement.
Copy. 3 pp. |
|
81. xix. Duplicate of preceding letter, without details.
[C.O. 5, 865. Nos. 36, 36 i.–xix.; and (without enclosures)
5, 913. pp. 169–192.] |
Jan. 31.
Boston in New England. |
82. Governor Dudley to Mr. Popple. Refers to preceding.
I must be pardoned for my long letter because I can write but
once a year. there being no other safe conveyance for our great
bundles of papers. I had your letters in the spring, dated July
23, 1709, with my own packets, and those for York, Maryland
and Virginia, which I carefully and speedily dispatcht. It has
been a very hurrying year, besides my standing forces, to keep
1200 men in arms for 6 months, tho' I hope for the same to be
repeated next month, etc. Signed, J. Dudley. Endorsed, Recd.
3rd, Read 20th April, 1710. Addressed. Sealed. 1 p. [C.O.
5, 865. No. 37; and 5, 913. pp. 192, 193.] |
| [Jan. 31.] |
83. Samuel Brise to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Further memorial giving details of illegal trading with St. Thomas
and Curaçoa. of. Jan. 19. Signed, Samuel Brise. Endorsed, Recd.
Read Jan. 31, 170 9/10. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 388, 12. No. 72]. |
Jan. 31.
London. |
84. Mr. Dummer to Mr. Popple. Gives sailings of the
Sophia packet, out and home, 110 days. What of publique matters
occurs in the West Indies by this packett boate, wholely concernes
the multitude of privateers upon and about the Leeward Islands,
by whome they fear every day to be plundrd, as Estatia has
been. And from Jamaica they say their trade with the Spanyards
is nearly ruined by our owne privateers, for under that licence
all Nations, French, Dutch, Spanish and English consort together,
and have settled upon some of the Sambola Islands to above 500
strong, and are comanded by one Capt. Mitchell, a privateering
fellow from the Canaryes. Brigadier Handasyd has sent out
proclamations to pardon all that will come in to little effect.
The Governor of Carolina gives commisions to ye same purpose,
who come and man at Jamaica as a small vessell lately did,
and carryed away 100 stout fellows upon the same adventure,
which tends to the ruine of all our trade, and breeding a nest of
pyrates. Signed, E. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd, Read 9th,
170 9/10. Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 323, 6. No. 96.] |
| Jan. 31. |
85. Mr. Campbell to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Reply to enquiry as to convoys needed for the Newfoundland
Fishery. I believe that protection by sea only hath never been
sufficient either to encourage or secure that Fishery, especially
since the French posess't themselves of Placentia, and the warr
broke out. For I look upon the advantage that merchants
reap by a consumption which the inhabitants of that Colony make
of manufacturs and other goods imported thither from £50
to 100,000 annually. And the dependance they have on the
industry of these inhabitants who provyde at least one half,
if not two thirds of all the fish and train oyle throughout the year,
to be very main and solid encouragements of that Fishery.
Those inhabitants when duely protected make not only from 70
to 80 quintalls of fish per boat even in ye winter season, and then
cutt and prepare timber for stages, boats, flakes, oares etc.,
and go a furring, but early in the spring they make much greater
quantityes of fish and train before the merchant-ships and men of
warr can adventure on that coast, all which they find ready
when they come in barter for the provisions and comoditys
they bring. Refers to French raids from Placentia in the winter,
and in summer too, burning the settlements and carrying away
the fishermen in the hight of the fishing season, even when the
men of warr and merchant ships are there. The present condition
of the inhabitants is very deplorable. The people, besides their
former sufferings, are much impoverished by the insults and
exactions of the French last year, and lye now exposed to ye
mercy of the enemy without Forts, arms or ammunition, and
very little provisions, while the enemy is growen stronger. The
stone wall round Placentia is finished, severall new fortifications
added and furnished with ye arms, ammunition and provisions
of St. Johns Fort and Castle, the garrison increased with 200
men from old France, who designed to posess themselves of the
English setlements last spring, and may not improbably now
accomplish it, or at least bring the people under new contributions
for the ensuing fishing. A regular strength and force at land
summer and winter is [therefore] absolutly requisit to maintain
that Fishery. My opinion is, that a regular Fort be built in ye
most convenient place and established with a garison of 150
men at least, from whence the other harbours may receve
assistance in ye summer, and to which ye inhabitants may all
safely retire with their effects in the winter. And I have been
informed by a great many competent judges, such as Sr. John
Gibson, Capt. Moody, Dr. Fleming, Mr. Archibald Cuming,
my brother, and severall masters of ships, that Ferryland is the
most proper place, and all these gentlemen together with Col.
Nicholson have told me that a fort at St. Johns is not capable of
answering these ends. The present precarious state of that
Colony, and the ignorance and uncertainty that merchants remain
under about the security thereof for the futur will discourage
them from sending any considerable number of ships thither
this year, either to make or purchase fish, however some will no
doubt run all hazards and go, and therefore the usual compliment of convoys, at least, should proceed thither, two whereof
to saile from Plymouth by the beginning of Aprill at furthest,
for ye early reliefe and incouragement of the inhabitants. More
frequent occasions of correspondence between England and
Newfoundland would be a very great advantage to that trade
and Fishery, which may be performed by ye New York pacquet
boats without any great expence of time or money. Signed,
Ja. Campbell. Endorsed, Recd. Jan. 31st, Read Feb 3, 170 9/10.
3 large pp. [C.O. 194, 4. No. 116.] |
