|
| July 26. |
47. Address of the General Assembly of New York to the
Queen. Being sensible in the highest degree of the many blessings
wee have enjoyed dureing your Majesties most happy and glorious
reign, wee humbly take this occasion to tender your Majestie
our due acknowledgments and hearty thanks for the same and
in particular for your Majesties great grace and favour in the
present Expedition to reduce Canada and Newfoundland
entirely to your Majesties subjection and dominion, which as its
grounded not only on the many wrongs, injuries and losses
sustained by your Majesties good subjects from those French
incroachments but in the vast advantages will acrew to the
Brittish Empire on the success of the undertakeings is an undeniable proof of your Majesties great prudence and inimitable
goodness to and care of all your subjects. Wee do not fail in
useing our utmost endeavors in contributing towards attaineing
the desired end (which with the favour of Allmighty God) seems
indisputable and its our hearty prayers this and many other
conquests may be added to your Majestie with a long and prosperous reign. Signed, W. Nicoll, Speaker. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1091.
No. 40.] |
| July 26. |
48. Address of the General Assembly of New York to the
Queen. Wee your Majesties most dutiful and loyall subjects of
your Colony and Plantation of New York in America in Generall
Assembly convein'd and mett, most humbly crave leave to offer
to your Majesties most royall consideration. That not only during
the whole course of the late and present warr with France this
Colony has been greatly burthen'd with extraordinary levy's
for it's defence against the common enemy, but the charges of
the ordinary support of the Government has been very great
and exorbitant in proportion wth. the Colonys adjacent. That
this your Plantation (tho' one of the least in your Majesties
Dominions in America) has long labour'd under many hardships
and difficulties, by reason whereof our trade is decay'd, the rents
of houses and lands decreased, the little wealth it possest and
the best and most industrious of its inhabitants drein'd into the
neighbouring Colonys, induced by the ease and indulgence of
the Government in those parts. That in the last intended attempt
on Canada, induc'd by the commands of your Majty. and the
solid reason of the design, wee not only chearfully supplied our
proporcon of men allotted, tho' very unequall to our neighbours
(Connecticut having twice as many and New Jersey and equall
number of people) but solely bore the charge of victualling the
five Nations and all other Indians, your Majtie's. standing fforces,
the building and making all the battoes and canoes, and many
other incidentall charges too many to enumerate to your Majesty.
That in the present expedition (to which Almighty God grant
good success) altho' wee are very sencible of the vast disproportion of the men and money required of us compar'd with those
in favour of our neighbours, yet with all alacrity wee are doing
out utmost to obey your Royall commands, tho' our extream
poverty and inability obstructs our inclinations to fulfill them
as wee desire. The disadvantages wee sink under its our apprehension must proceed from the sinister insinuations made to our
prejudice, the misrepresentation of the state and condicon of
this Colony by such who find it their interest to be our enemys,
and the want of a person fitly authorized and enabled to speak
and act for us at your Majty's. Court and upon all occasions to
appear in our behalf and answer to such matters and things as
may concern this Colony. Wee therefore are most humble
suitors to your most sacred Majestie that graciously weighing our
present and past circumstances you will please to accept of our
most hearty endeavours as farr as wee are able, and that wherein
wee are deficient, your Majesties Royall commisseration, clemency
and bounty will supply the defects, and grant us such farther
releif as is agreeable to your Majesties great goodness and justice,
etc. Signed, By order of the Genll. Assembly, W. Nicoll, Speaker.
1 large p. [C.O. 5, 1091. No. 42.] |
July 26.
Whitehal. |
49. Mr. Popple to the Secretaries of the Treasury. The
Council of Trade and Plantations have examined into the matter
of the Robinson frigate. It appears to their Lordships that the
words have been rased as Mr. Spotswood observes. (v. July 17,
and 20th). [C.O. 5, 1363. pp. 329, 330; and (rough draft)
5, 1335. p. 126.] |
July 26.
Whitehall. |
50. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Queen. Representation upon the petition of Lord Baltimore (v. Feb. 7, March 10,
July 21). We have heard his Lordship by his Counsell, as also
Mr. Solicitor Generall in behalf of your Majesty, whereupon we
humbly represent, that it appears that in 1689 severall articles
of complaints were exhibitted by the inhabitants of that Province
against his Lordship and his officers. Quote preamble to Col.
Copley's Commission 1691. v. July 21 supra. Whereupon we
are humbly of oppinion that it will best conduce to the safety of
that Province, and to the alaying the fears and quieting the minds
of the people there, to continue the Government, as now it is,
under a Governor of your Majestye's immediate appointmt., at
leastwise during the present war, and till the dangers and inconveniencies which may arise from any new alteration be more
fully removed. [C.O. 5, 727. pp. 291–293.] |
July 26.
Whitehall. |
51. Mr. Popple to Mr. Attorney General. The Council of
Trade and Plantations concurr with you in your report upon the
petition of Lord Baltimore, (v. July 21) and have this day signed
a representation to H.M. conformable thereto. [C.O. 5, 727.
p. 294.] |
July 27.
Whitehall. |
52. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor Bennet. Enclosed warrant of July 10 relating to Day's house, with
instructions to proceed accordingly. [C.O. 38, 7. p. 20.] |
July 27.
Boston. |
53. Brigadier General Hill to Lord Dartmouth. Encloses
and recommends following. Signed, J. Hill. Enclosed, |
|
53. i. Memorial of Col. Whitney, Capt. Bartlett and Ensign
Cocksedge to General Hill. The above were wounded
and taken prisoner in the fighting about Annapolis
Royal. Pray for relief in the matter of ransom etc.
Signed, Willm. Whiting, John Bartlett, John Cocksedge.
The truth of the above testified by Sam. Vetch. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 9. Nos. 7, 8.] |
July 28.
Nevis. |
54. Lt. General Hamilton to the Council of Trade and Plantations. The great hurry and fatague I have had whilst I was
at the head of this Government by frequently pursuing the
enemy, whilst I had the man of war to attend me, has bin the
occasion I could not send home the severall acts past for the
sundry Islands in my time, which as soon as I had any leasure
I sent to the sundry Deputy Secretarys for and now transmit
them to your Lordships for H.M. royal approbation etc. I have
sent the coppy of your letter relateing St. Christophers to the Lt.
Governour of that Island. I am but just arrived at this Island,
so have nothing to ad at present. Signed, W. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd., Sept. 28, Read Nov. 27, 1711. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 9.
No. 90; and 153, 11. pp. 403, 404.] |
July 28.
Virginia. |
55. Lt. Governor Spotswood to Lord Dartmouth. Repeats
concluding portions of July 25 q.v. Upon advice that some
of the chief of Mr. Cary's factions were come into this countrey,
the Council advis'd the issuing a Proclamation for apprehending
them till they should give security for their good behaviour, for
no Governmt. can be safe that has in it such dangerous incendiarys etc. Signed, A. Spotswood. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1337. No. 12.] |
July 30.
Windsor. |
56. Order of Queen in Council. Appointing John Carver to
the Council of Jamaica. Signed, John Povey. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5,
11. No. 67.] |
July 30.
Windsor. |
57. Order of Queen in Council. Approving of Edward Hyde
as Governor of North Carolina, provided he qualify himself and
give security as proposed July 12. Signed, John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 25, Read Oct. 23, 1711. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5,
1264. No. 121; and 5, 1292. pp. 321, 322.] |
July 30.
Windsor. |
58. Order of Queen in Council. Referring enclosed to the
Council of Trade and Plantations for their opinion. Signed,
John Povey. Endorsed, Recd. Aug. 10, Read Sept. 12, 1711.
1½ pp. Enclosed, |
|
58. i. Address of the Minister, Churchwardens and Vestry
of the Church of St. Mary in Bridlington, New Jersey,
to the Queen. Most dread Sovereign, The transcendent
affection to and care of the Protestant Religion and
Church of England that your Majty. hath at all times
and on all occasions given the greatest assurance of and
more especially in your late speech to your Parliamt.
emboldens us your Majty's. dutyfull and loyall subjects
to lay in the most humble manner the following Address
at your Majty's. feet. We have by too fatall experience
found that the admission of Quakers into offices of the
highest trust in the Governmt. such as the Councill and
Assembly hath very much retarded your Majty's. service,
obstructed the peace of the Province, and above all
extreamly dampt the increase and progress of the doctrine and discipline of the best of Churches, the Church
of England. But what can hinder the intire ruin of our
Church and State, if these enemys of both, who never
want the will when they have the opportunity to hurt
us be empowered by a law to destroy our religion,
lives, libertys, reputations and estates at their pleasure.
The danger of wch. has of late been but too apparent
from the cunning address and interest of the Quakers
of this present Assembly, who procured a Bill to be
passed in the house of Representatives (ten of that perswasion being then sitting members there) to enable them
to give evidence in criminall causes, serve on any jurys,
and enjoy places of profit and trust in the Governmt.,
wch. being so contrary to the laws and statutes of your
Majty's. Kingdom of Great Britain, was to the great satisfaction of your Majty's. good and loyall subjects the
members of the Church of England rejected by your
Majty's. Councill here. And tho' we should not presume to intermeddle in the affairs of another Province,
especially in their making of Laws, if they had not too
great an influence on the temper, humour, and inclinations of a great number of the inhabitants of this your
Majty's. Colony, yet our common safety requiring our
utmost opposition to whatsoever may endanger those
things we justly think most dear and valuable to ourselves and our posterity, we further crave leave to
acquaint your Majty that the Quakers have lately past
an Act in our neighbouring Colony of Pensylvania constituting a new form of protestation repugnant to the
afirmation enjoyned them by Act of Parliamt. in Great
Britain in which the name of God is entirely omitted
thereby slighting the indulgence the laws have allowed
them and setting up for themselves, doing whatsoever
seems good in their own eyes. How far such dangerous
and pernicious practices may tend to the destruction
of the very being of our constitution of Government,
and what security we have for the enjoyment of our
undoubted rights and priviledges either ecclesiasticall
or civill we most humbly submitt to your Majty's.
most wise and just determination, not in the least
doubting but the rays of your Royal benignity will
equally shine on us in this distant wilderness with the
rest of your Majt's. subjects to our great satisfaction
and comfort, etc. etc. Signed, Hu. Huddy, Dan. Coxe,
Tho. Revell, J. Bass, John Talbot, Alexander Griffith,
Daniell Leeds, George Willis, John Lammell. Copy.
3½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1264. Nos. 118, 118 i.; and 5, 1292.
pp. 315–319.] |
July 30.
Windsor. |
59. H.M. Warrant, granting to George Clarke, Secretary of
New York, leave of absence for one year, etc. Countersigned,
Dartmouth. [C.O. 324, 32. p. 101.] |
| [? July 31.] |
60. Lt. Governor Spotswood to [? Lord Dartmouth.] Since
my letter of 28th current, I received information that Col. Cary
and some of the principal ringleaders in the late disturbances in
Carolina were come to this place: whereupon not judging it
consistent with the peace of this Governmt. to suffer such incendiarys to remain here, I thought fitt to examine them touching
their intentions in coming into this Government. They alledged
they came hither to gett a passage for England, that they might
justify themselves before the Lords Proprietors for what they had
done; but withall refused to give any security to answer there;
and finding so much shuffling and evasion in all their discourses,
as plainly show'd they intended nothing less than to stand a
tryal; I have thought fitt to send them home by the men of war
of this convoy, that they may be made accountable for their
actions either before the Lords Proprietors of Carolina or in such
other manner as H.M. shal think fitt. I have directed the
Commodore upon his arrival in England to give your Lordp.
immediate notice, and wait your directions for the disposal of the
prisoners. And I must humbly offer my opinion, that if measures
are not taken to discourage such mutinous spirits, especially
when they are so audacious as to take up arms, and even to
confederate with savages, it may prove a dangerous example to
the rest of H.M. Plantations. Signed, A. Spotswood. 2 pp.
[C.O. 5, 1337. No. 13.] |
July 31.
From on board the Windsor at sea. |
61. Brig. General Hill to Lord Dartmouth. Sir Hovenden
Walker having thought fitt to send home the Devonshire and
Humber from this place, I take that occasion to acquaint you
with our safe arrivall in Nantaskett Road June 24th with all the
men of warr and transports, except one which had two companys
of Col. Desneys Regiment and their cloathing on board, that lost
company with the fleet before wee gott the length of Scilly. The
troops landed in much better condition then wee expected, after
a voyage of eight weeks, and those which had been embarqued
the longest were in as good health as the others; I refer you to
the Admirall for a particular account of our passage, and to the
inclosed copy of that part of my Journall which relates to our
transactions with the Government, and inhabitants of Boston,
concerning provisions etc., which have been attended with more
difficultys and disappointments than are proper to transmitt to
you at this distance. It was unlucky that Mr. Nicholson did not
arrive in North America, with notice of the intended Expedition
before June 8th last, which would not only have been a great
advantage in the timely preparation of provisions, but also put
H.M. affairs into such a posture as would have secured them from
the present necessity of being a prey to the marchants of North
America. Refers to Journal. The first offer the marchants of
Boston made was £120 of their country money for £100 sterling,
and in severall dayes distance between whiles, came up, by ten
pounds at a time to £140, after they found nobody would conive
at or share with them in their exorbitant gain on the publick's
necessity; which the Assembly established by regulating the
exchange on that foot, and voting a loane of £40,000 to be struck
in their paper money, to be advanced for subsisting the troops
etc. as there should be occasion; this was the effect of many days
solicitation, and I had the good fortune to carry the point, but
few hours before Col. Hunter informed me from New York, that
the Councill of that Colony would not come up to above 130 p.c.,
which he was obliged to close with, or leave the service undone.
But this 10 p.c. which wee have gained upon the New England
people, more than the exchange settled at New York, wee are
obliged to part with to the troops, in that share of the
loane which goes to the payment of their subsistance, who,
according to the practice at home and in Holland, are payd their
full pay, without discount of tallys or deduction of exchange, so
are obliged to pay them at the rate of £150 p.c., which could in
no wise be avoided, for upon paying their subsistance in English
money, when they landed, before wee could gett paper money from
the country, they found an English shilling, which specie they
had a right to be payd in, went currantly for 18 pence, and I
thought it intirely for the service to reserve the little English
money I brought from England with me for the many necessary
uses we should have for it in a siege, in so distant a country, in
case wee should not be so happy as to be supply'd from home
with specie, or find some expedient to answer the want of coin'd
money at Quebeck. Many letters have pass'd between Col.
Hunter and myself during my stay at Boston touching the
levys and procurement of provisions in his and the neighbouring
Governments, ordered by our Instructions for three months for
the Brittish troops, but I finding that wee must expect the greatest part of the pork from Virginia and Maryland, and only flower,
biskett and butter from New York, all which he could only
bespeak after he had notice of the Expedition, was of opinion it
could not possibly be sent time enough to us at Boston, or before
it would, it would be too late to go to Quebeck, therefore considering this and the many rubbs he mett with and the great
uncertainty of his getting the other species of victualls, made me
resolve to gett all the provision I could in New England, at the
most reasonable price the Government would establish, and to
make the best of my way to Canada, choosing rather to leave
our future supply to Providence and the care of Col. Hunter (who
on all occasions, to do him justice, has shewn an uncommon zeal
and indefatigable application for the service of the expedition)
than to be a day too late in putting to sea. You will agree with
me that this was the only expedient wee could find to retrieve
the misfortune of Mr. Nicholson's late arrivall in these parts,
especially when I tell you that Col. Hunter acquainted me not
many dayes before wee sayled from Boston, which was the 30th
of this month, that the Colony of Maryland had baulked him,
the Councill refusing to order the Receivers to part wth. the
money in their hands, and wee had only eight small sloops loads,
which came from New London two days before wee sayled, of
all the provisions wee expected from Col. Hunter, the rest being
to follow, so if extraordinary means had not been used to find
out hidden provisions at Boston, wee must have stay'd for Col.
Hunter's, and the season being already farr advanced, the consequence might have been fatall. When I came from Boston I
left it in charge with the Governour, to procure a certain quantity
of beef, pork and pease in lieu of that wch. should have been
bought up in Maryland, to send after us in all the month of October
which is the longest time of the year that the River of St. Laurence is open, and I have desired Col. Hunter to correspond with
and assist him in it, I having left an officer to solicite the matter
at Boston. In obedience to the 4th Art. of my Instructions,
I detached the Mary transport, and the Admirall sent the Kingston with her to New York, where she arrived very late, (v. Journal
enclosed), but I hope not too late to supply the New York people
with arms etc., nor the Indians with H.M. presents, the compleat
number of the former being raised, and Col. Hunter having made
up the 4 independent companys with Palatines into a Regiment,
they will be marching from Albany towards the Wood Creek,
much about the time that wee gett to the mouth of the River,
as Col. Nicholson and I have concerted it. Col. Vetch being at
Annapolis when I arrived at Boston, I gott the Admirall to send
the Saphire with two companys of New England men to relieve
the marines, who are reduced to a small number, by reason of
the French and Indians having killed and taken a party of the
garrison lately, and therefore I desired but 100, tho' the 8th
Article of my Instructions enjoyns me not only to take all the
marines, but such other men as may be proper for service, putting
others leveyd in New England to serve in the garrison in their
stead. I desired likewise that such Cahorne mortars and ordnance
stores as could be spared might be sent at the same time; but
Coll. Vetch was come away in the country sloop before the
Saphire arrived at Annapolis, and Sir Charles Hobby, who was
appointed Deputy Governour, has thought fitt to disobey my
orders, in not sending the marines, Cohorne mortars or ordnance
stores, aledging many groundless reasons, which Col. Vetch says
are every one false, for excuse; so I have thought it for the
service to repeat my orders to him, for sending the marines etc.,
by another of the country vessells. Refers to enclosure ii. q.v. I
have for the present consented to this method, till H.M. pleasure
be further known, since the Government can be no loser thereby.
You will also receive a prented declaration by way of manifesto
in favour of the French and Indians in Canada and Nova Scotia,
who shall peaceably submitt to H.M. Wee have lost some men
by death since our landing, and the people of the country by
favouring and concealing the escape of deserters, have, for their
own advantage, in spite of all the care that could be taken,
seduced too many of our men, which could not be recruited
because of the great price of labour in the Colonys: and as for
restraining the men in their dyet according to the 5th Article of
my Instructions, there was no need of it, because their pay was
but just sufficient to afford them common refreshment, meat
being raised to 3d. in the pound, and every thing else in proportion,
for the people of the country could by no perswasion be brought
to settle a markett. I may venture to say one thing more in
relation to that Art., that troops were never guilty of less disorders than these have been in New England, for I heard of none
in prejudice of the country; some negroes indeed listed themselves
voluntarily to serve, which the officers were willing to entertain
in lieu of the men that had been stol'n from them, but upon
application I imediately ordered them to be discharged. Wee
sayl'd yesterday morning with a favourable wind from Nantaskett
Road, towards the River St. Lawrence, where wee hope to be in
a few dayes. I pray leave to referr you to Admirall Walker for
an account of the navigation of that River, and all other matters
relating to his element. And the accounts wee have had of the
strength and scituation of the town of Quebeck, differing so
much from one another, I leave it to Coll. King who can give you
the best information. I have directed the Deputy Paymaster
to draw on the Paymaster of the forreigne troops for £23,889
15s. 1d. sterl. P.S. I fear it will be so late in the year before
Quebeck is over that wee can attempt nothing on Placentia.
Signed, J. Hill. 12 pp. Enclosed, |
|
61. i. General Hill's Journal, June 25—July 29. June 25,
1711. The fleet and transports under command of
Sr. Hovenden Walker having come to an anchor over
night in Nantaskett Bay, within two leagues of Boston,
the Secretary of the Province of New England with a
Committee of the Councill in the absence of ye Governor
came this morning on board the Devonshire, and invited the Brigadier to the town of Boston, were he and
the Admirall we[re] received with the ceremonys usuall
on such occasions, this day no Councill was held but the
Brigadier was informed that Francis Nicholson, Lt.
General of the Forces raising in America arrived here
with the Leopard and Saphire and the Joseph and
Neptune transports ye 8th of this month and that all those
ships were here as yett, and no order given for their sailling to New York, the Leopard being now a cleaning and
the Saphire but just clean'd, was thought to be a great
part of the reason of this unaccountable delay, which was
attended with the ill circumstance of the Brigadr.
hearing nothing from New York of the arrivall of the
Kingston and Mary transport laden with stores etc. for
the use of the forces to be raised in that and the neighbouring Governments, however that no more time might
be lost it was imediately agreed that the Sunderland
should forthwith saile with the two transports to New
York, which transports were to bring back as much of
the provissions furnisht by that Province as they could
carry. The Brigadr. was likewise informed that the
flat-bottom'd boats and other things, mention'd in Col.
Dudley's Instructions necessary for disembarking the
troops and carrying on a seige we[re] getting ready at
Boston, etc., and he ordered the Coll. of ye Train, Mr.
King, to take upon him ye direction of that work.
This above-mentioned Comittee told the Brigadr. that
they had received an account, that a considerable number
of the Garrison of Annopolis Royall was lately killed, and
taken prisoners by the French and Indians, and that of
two sloops lately sent thither with letters and provissions one was return'd for want of convoy, upon wch.
the Comittee who in the afternoon attended the Brigadr.,
desired that a man of war might be imediately sent, with
such of the New England forces as were design'd to
relieve the marines of that Garrison, which forces they
say'd would be ready to parade on Satturday next, the
Brigadr. agreed thereto, and the Admirall being present
say'd he would order the Saphire being a clean ship to
perform this service, and when shee had taken the
marines on board, her Capt. should be directed to meet
the Fleet off Cape Brittain in its way to the River of
St. Lawrence. The Brigadr. was told that one Monsr.
Larone, being sent from Placentia with a flagg of Truce
to this Government, was confin'd a close prisoner to the
Castle on the Island. June 26. The Secretary of the Province and a Comittee of Councill attended the Brigadr. this
morning, who told him it was absolutely necessary that
Col. Vetch and Col. Whiten now at Annopolis should be
forthwith sent for, they being very much wanted here,
and they having no other way to bring them but by
a man of warr, they desired one might be sent. Accordingly the Brigadr. writt to ye Admirall on that subject,
they also represented the danger that Annapolis was
in, by reason a French man of war had lately gon into
an adjacent port to clean, and that one of our men of
warr would on that occasion give great countenance to
the Garrison, which they apprehended had not as yett
any account of the arrivall of the fleet and land forces
in America. June 27. Governor Dudley attended the
Brigr. this day with the Minutes of the Councill of Warr
lately held at New London in pursuance of H.M. Instructions, and the troops were this afternoon landed
and encamped on Nodles Island. June 28. The
Brigr. and the Admill. were present at a Councill called
by Coll. Dudley to whom it was represented that the
Brittish troops being landed, they would be in want of
fresh provissions, as well for their refreshment, as to save
the salt provissions, which was found at present very
scarce in these provinces, and the Brigadr. having spoke
to some merchants to furnish ready money for carrying
on this service, had found them so unreasonable in their
demands that he was obliged to have recourse to the
Government for redress; after some debate it was agreed
that £3000 should be lent for the use of the forces out
of the Treasury of the Province, to suply the present
necessity, till such time as proper measures could be
taken, either to bring the merchants to reason, or to
suply the troops, by such methods as the Genll. Assembly could fall upon, they being sumoned to sett in a
few days. June 29. This day the Brigadeer din'd with
the Governour at his house at Roxborough, and he
presented to him one Mr. Harman, a Lieutenant in
the American troops, who was just come from Canada,
and gave a pretty distinct account of the scituation and
strength of Quebeck, where he had been a prisoner
for— months. June 30. This morning the Governour
visited the Brigadr., who represented to him the fatall
consequence that might attend the delay wee meet with
here, and if some sudden course was not taken to curbe
the avarice and underhand practices of some perticular
persons who had since our arrivall clogg'd the procurement of provissions and money, which should have been
taken care of before, he had reason to apprehend the
troops would not gett away from hence before it was too
late to put H.M. comands in execution at Quebeck.
This day the merchants of the town, who ever since our
arrivall had insisted upon the hard terms of giving but
£120 of this country money for £100 sterl., sent a
message to the Brigadier, that they would give £130.
July 1. The Governour attended the Brigadier and
told him that the forces to be raised in this Province were
drawing toward their radezvous at this place, upon
wch. the Coll. of the train and Comissary of the stores
and provissions were severally dirrected to issue ye
arms, accoutrements, and cloathing for the officers and
soldiers, as of H.M. free gift, but that no person might
share of the Queen's bounty, that was not quallified for
it, all the arms and cloathing were to be delivered to the
Governour, or such person as he should direct to receive
them, and not to be deliver'd to the forces but upon
producing certificate from Col. Twiszleton of each Capts.
effective men after a strickt review, and if any of the
arm, accoutremt. and cloathing remained after the forces
were equipped, they were to be accounted for by ye
Governour. This day Major Livingston, who was
recomanded to the Brigadier by Coll. Hunter for a very
usefull person, attended, and Coll. King being sent for
with a map of the River St. Lawrence and Quebeck, the
said Livingston was asked severall questions about the
scituation and works of Quebeck, and was thought to
give a very good account of it. July 2. The Brigadr.
ordered Col. King and Mr. Gordon to acquaint the
Councill that he had information given him, that some
merchants and others had provissions in store, which they
concealled for the present to put him under a necessity
of takeing them off their hands at any rate, that he
was very uneasy under so many disappointments, and
that no care was taken neither for supplying the troops
upon Nodles Island with fresh provissions, nor making
any provission for their future subsistance, and it was
now high time to tell them plainly, that if any thing
miscarryd for want of their assistance which they in their
repeated memorialls had offered to the Queen, and wch.
H.M. now expected, it must be layd to their charge that
had not exerted themselves in their stations, upon this
extraordinary occasion the Councill not sitting they
deliver'd this message to the Secretary of the Province,
who said he would get them sumon'd as soon as possible.
It was proposed yt. Proclamation should be made for
all persons to bring in their fresh provissions and that
a strict search should be made throughout the Province
for salt provissions; especially pork, with a penalty
on all persons that should directly or indirectly conceall
what provissions they had in store; accordingly the
Governr. issued a Proclamation next day, directing
Wm. Clark and Francis Clark, two merchants of Boston,
with such officers as the Brigadier should think fitt,
to make search for provissions, but there was no penalty
for any person endeavouring to make a monopoly, as
was proposed. July 3. The Brigadier ordered Mr.
Nutmaker, the Comissary of the Stores, and Major
Allen to accompany the two Mr. Clarks, and accordingly
they found the severall quantity and species afloat and
ashore mentioned in the account annexed to ye Brigadier's Memoriall to the Governour and Councill of the
6th inst., and that they should from time to time make
report to Mr. Gordon, who had the direction of what
quantity of provissions could be gott together ashore or
afloat and the care of getting it into one great magazin,
in order to its being shipt off with all possible expedition
for the use of the ships of warr, land forces and New
England troops all under one, and upon shipping off
the distribution to be made of the whole aboard the
transports, ships of warr etc., according to the proposition
allowed for each service. July 4. The Brigadier was
invited to a Commencement at the College at Cambridge,
near Boston, where he assisted for no other reason than
to put the people of the Colony in humour to comply
with the present necessary demands of the troops, and
they seemed to show a generall satisfaction, for in spite
of the false reports that were spread of the small-pox
being in the camp, it was observed they brought in
sufficient quantitys of all sorts of provissions after this,
which in some measure put a stop to so many soldiers
coming to Boston to by provissions as had done formerly,
and consequently they had not so many opportunitys
of drinking rhum to excess, which had thrown severall
of them into violent feavours, that were now the only
distempers which appeared to be in the hospitall.
July 5. This day Coll. Twizelton review'd Capt. Lyon
and Capt. Brown's Companyes of New England men of
50 each and they were cloathed, and arm'd in order to
be sent in the Saphire to relieve the marines in Annapolis,
and Coll. Dudley, who had receiv'd the cloaths accoutrements and arms for the New England forces, gave the
charge of them to Coll. Townsend and Mr. —, and the
officers' cloaths were given to Mr. Mines to make,
the Brigadier haveing order'd one of the remaining suitts
to be delivered to Major Livingston. Mr. Nutmaker,
and Major Allen reported to Mr. Gordon that they had
found severall quantitys of provissions concealed in
town, and had been on board some ships lately come from
the other Collonys wth. corn etc., and Mr. Gordon
desired a perticular accot. in whose custody it was and
the quantity, that application might be made to the
Government to secure it for ye Queen's use. July 6.
This day the Brigadier and the Admirall presented a
joynt memoriall annexing the account of provissions
found on shore and afloat, the entry of both is made in
the Brigadier's books. Whereupon the Governour in
Councill order'd that the exchange should be regulated
at 40 per cent and settled the price of severall species
of provissions as appears by their Minute. July 7.
Mr. Nutmaker and Major Allen reported to Mr. Gordon
that severall of the townspeople were so enraged at
the order of the Governour and Councill for settling the
price of provissions that they threatned to stave it and
that they had of themselves layd 3d. per gallon more
on rhum than the said order directed, etc. However
they had made such a disposition as they hoped with
the assistance of packers and coopers they could gett
it on board in a few days. This day Mr. Gordon waited
on the Governour in Councill and it was agreed, since
no price could be putt upon wine, that sworn teasters
might be employed to come as near as they could to the
present value of the quantity, which the Queen should
have occasion for, and that Mr. Lilly's warehouse
should be the generall magazine for the provissions after
they were visited and repacked. And whereas considerable quantitys of each specie would be still wanting
it was thought adviseable to buy three vessells loaden
with corn and carry them with us, the said vessells to
be prized by some masters of ships and the boatswain
of the Edgar whom the Admirall had made Master
Attendant, with their hulls, apparell, and furniture and
cargos, according to the settled price upon corn. July 8.
This being Sunday, nobody would do any work, tho'
the troops were in want of bread. July 9. Major
Allen and Mr. Nutmaker acquainted Mr. Gordon that
the Admirall had appointed Mr. Horton and Mr. Watson,
two pursers, his agent-victuallers to contract for the
3 months' provissions for the land forces as well as an
equall proportion for the sea, that those Agents were
going on in the method formerly prescribed, and bills
were to be drawn on the Commrs. for Victualling the
Navy in England, but since all species of provissions
could not be compleated, the Brigadier gave orders for
buying up the 3 small ships loaden with wheat, rye,
Indian corn, and flower to make up what should be
wanting. July 10. This day the Brittish troops were
review'd on Nodles Island and the Brigadier found them
in good order and pretty healthy, there not being above
100 in the hospitall, who were most of them in a good
way of recovery. The Colonells of some of the regiments
began to complain that the people of the country had
debauched severall of their soldiers and favoured their
disertion, and therefore to make up their loss they were
obliged to list their negroes who had volluntarely entered
themselves to serve the Queen. July 11. This day
nothing matteriall hapened, only the Brigadier pickt
on the 3 ships laden with wheat etc., which were to be
bought (viz.) the Adventure of 90 tun, Barbadoes of
93, and Content of 90, but the Boatswain of the men of
warr could not be found, so we lost three or four days,
Mr. Gordon not being able to gett all the Apprizers
together till 13th inst. in order to take an oath before a
magistrate after a survey to do justice in the sale of
these ships and their cargos between the Queen and
the owners and merchants, which was the only expedient
that could be found to bring them to reasonable terms.
July 12. This day little or nothing was done, except
removing some difficultys in relation to the dispatch of
our provissions. July 13. This day the 3 ships with
their cargos were agreed for at £4872 1s. 2d., and Mr.
Gordon writt to the Admirall to put a trusty midshipman
into each of them for a master, and to allow them men
out of the Queen's ships, to saile them to Quebeck, for
saveing ye charge of hireing others, but he could not
obtain this request, so others were hyred, some part of
the cargo of provissions aboard the Prince Eugene was
ordered to be bought up and put on board the Content,
our men continued to desart by the help of the people
of the Country, and the Governour could not as yett
agree on a remedy, in the mean time the Brigadier gave
order for discharging all the negroes that had been
listed since our coming, tho' they had taken party
volluntarily, in hopes to bring the country to some
reasonable measures concerning our own deserters. The
96 hhds. of salt wh. Mr. Gordon bought of Mr. Prout
was now payd for, amounting to £162 15s. 4d. July 14.
This day two regiments of the New England forces were
review'd by the Brigadier and the Governour. Lt. Genll.
Nicholson arriv'd this night at Boston from New York
and Col. Vetch from Annopolis, the former being asked
why the Leopard and Saphire or either of them had not
been imediately sent away to New York, with the
Joseph and Neptune storeships which were so much
wanted, he sayd he had no directions over ye Capts. of
those ships, and they had prevailed with the Governour and Councill to clean here, the Admirall
being present, sayd he would make inquiry into this
matter when Capt. Cockburn of the Saphire return'd
from Annopolis. This day the wells on ye Island of
Nodles were all dry'd up, and the Brigadier ordered the
transports to go up the River to fetch water for the
troops. Severall men deserted this day. July 15.
Mr. Gordon being informed by the Admirall's Agents,
that he had procured the Government's direction for
the packers etc. to work this day on our provissions, they
possitively refused to doe it; upon which Lt. Genl.
Nicholson and he procured warrants from a J.P. for
takeing severall of them up, and then they went heartily
to work, and we got most of the wine which was bought
for the use of the troops aboard the transports that tyde.
July 16 and 17. Nothing matteriall hapned. July 18.
This day a Sachem of the New York Indians came to
Boston to inform himself of the certainty of the arrivall
of the Brittish troops and ships of warr, he attended the
Brigadier, and received his present of cloaths etc., he
said by his Interpreter that he had allways been true
to the English, and was glad the Queen had taken so
much care of them, to send a fleet and army against the
French, the Brigadr. ordered him to be carryed over to
Nodles Island to see the troops and to be very well
entertained. The Windsor, Capt. Arris, Comndr., being
the ship appointed to receive ye Brigadr. and his retinue
was this day order'd to be hove down, but some of the
careening geer broke, and we were apprehensive that
she and a transport which was fitting in lieu of another
that proved leaky for 300 of Coll. Kirk's regimt. would
prove a hindrance to our sayling now our provissions
were on board. This night Capt. Harrison, the Brigadier's aid du camp, who was detatched with the Kingston
and the Mary transports for New York arriv'd at
Boston with ye wellcom news that those ships were
got safe to New York, but they had had a very tedious
and troublesome passage by reason of foggs, calms and
currents. Coll. Hunter sent a letter by Mr. Harrison
acquainting the Brigadier that the Province galley
with the Joseph and Neptune transports were likewise
arrived at New York, and that he was in hopes to
overcome some difficultys (in relation to provissions)
which had stood in his way, that the Sachams had
received the news of this Expedition with great joy and
sung the Warr-song, which lasted all night long, and
some French Indians in league with us had promiss'd
upon approach of our troops to retire, and by no persuation, be induced to joyn ye French. July 19.
Major Allen and Mr. Nuttmaker brought in the accounts
of the Adventure, Barbadoes, and Content, with the
cargoes and the cost of 96 hhds. of salt and the charge
of manning the said ships, for which the Brigadier
ordered payment to be made since it was for ye use of
the land forces ashore, and could not properly be
supplyed from the Navy or Victualling the soldiers
being to pay for the same. This day Tho. Henley a
diserter from Major Culliford's Company in Col. Kirk's
regiment was try'd and condemn'd by a Generall Court
Martiall to be hanged on Nodles Island in sight of all
the troops, and the case of Joseph Bennett, a soldier in
the same Regiment accused of mutiny was referred to
the examination of a Regimentall Court Martiall.
That night order was given for reinbarquing all the
troops the next day. July 20. All the troops were
reinbarqued on board their proper transportts, except
300 of Coll. Kirk's regiment, whose transport was exchanged, being leaky, for one call'd the Queen Ann,
which was not yett fitted, but the Brigadier had thought
of putting those men on board the men. of war, that
nothing relating to him might stop our sayling, since
Mr. Gorden had assured him all the provissions were
aboard except the Windsor's, which ship was not ready,
but the provissions were. Coll. Kirk readily agreed to
the distribution of his men on board the men of war, to
save time, as the Admirall did after some debate. This
day the Genll. Court or Assembly passed an additionall
act against harbouring diserters, which could not be
obtained before the troops were reinbarked. July 21.
Nothing happen'd of moment, only the Brigadier and
Sr. Hovenden Walker made publication of pardon to
every deserter, seaman or soldier or marine that would
return to the service. July 22. The Governour brought
severall Mohagues, which, he said were heads of the Five
Nations, to attend the Brigadier, who received them well
and encouraged them to joyn our troops at the Wood
Creek etc. This day the troops were victualled with
fresh provissions on board the transports. July 23. Six
soldiers of Lt. Generall Seamour's regiment were tryed
at a Court Martiall for mutiny, two were condemned to
be shott, three to be whipt, and one acquitted. This
day ye Mohagues made their speeches, presented their
wampum etc. to the Brigadier, and he gave order to
shew them the troops and men of warr, and being well
entertained, and satisfied with their presents, after
4 or 5 days stay they returned to New York. July 24.
The ship with the troops from Rhode Island arrived at
Nantaskett, the said troops had been furnished with
cloaths and musketts but wanted byonetts swords and
cartouch boxes, which we had not in store for them
because there was no provission made for them in England, either because that Island was not mention'd or
not thought to be a distinct Government, when the
Expedition was first thought of, however since cloaths
and musketts were order'd for them out of the Queen's
Magazine the Brigadier order'd them to accompany
the fleet to Canada. This day we were told the Windsor
has gott almost all her provisions on board, and most
of the Brigadrs. equipage and provissions were gott on
board her and his tender. An additionall loane of
£10,000 New England money was voted in case the
service shall require more than the £40,000 formerly
struck in ye country bills. July 25. The Brigadier
being inform'd that the Chester had taken a prize going
in company with 3 other merchant ships to Quebeck
from France, sent Capt. Harrison to the Admirall to
know upon perusall of the papers which might be on
board her, whether there were any intelligence that was
proper for his knowledge. Capt. Harrison returned
with a list of ships mentioned in the margin which he
said came from France and parted with the prize off
of Cape Finistere as also a newspaper between —1710
and—1711. July 26. This day being sett apart for a
day of fasting in pursuance of H.M. Instructions it was
religiou[s]ly observed by the Brigadier himself, and the
officers and soldiers; the Province galley arrived with
severall victuallers from New York, and Mr. Gorden delivered the severall bills of lading and invoyces of their
cargoes to Mr. Nutmaker the proper officer, giving it in
charge to Capt. Forster Agent of the transports to be
assisting to him in getting the provissions shifted into such
of the transports as could best stow it and if there should
not be room enough in the transports to apply to the
Admirall to order the men of warr to receive what
remained. July 27. All the Brigadiers retinue and bagage
haveing been shipt for some days on board his tender,
he went this day himself on board the Windsor in hopes
to saile the next morning, but severall transports having
lost men by disertion could not saile without being
supply'd with others. The men of warr had a great
loss likewise which made it hard to supply them, and
this last and worst difficulty was in a manner without
remedy since both the Governour and Admirall thought
themselves so restrained by the late Act of Parliament
against pressing in the Plantations that they could not
by any means think they could justifie pressing seamen
for recruiting the Brittish ships of warr or transports
while that Act was in being. July 28. The Brigadier
dined ashore and imediately went on board the Windsor
againe. July 29. The Province galley being unman'd
for supply of the transports and some other matters
adjusted, the wind coming up fair, the signall for unmooring was made this afternoon but it was not thought
fitt to saile till next morning. Endorsed, Br. Hill's
Journal, Rd. at Windsor Sept. 17, 1711. 19 pp. |
|
61. ii. Officers of Regiments to General Hill. Proposals as
to payment of subsistance according to the monthly
muster-rolls, there having always been great confusion
in the accounts in former expeditions. July 25, 1711.
6 signatures. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 9. Nos. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11;
and (duplicate of enclosure i.) 5, 898. No. 12; and
(duplicate of enclosure ii.) 43, 13. No. 12.] |
| [July ?] |
62. Proclamation by General Hill. The Queen of England is
about to re-assert her incontestable right over all North America.
French inhabitants of Canada and its neighbourhood, who remain
peaceably in their homes and wish to place themselves under H.M.
protection, will be favourably treated and allowed to remain in
peaceable possession of their property, and share the liberty
enjoyed by H.M. other subjects, with the free exercise of their
religion. Those who do not resist, but prefer to return to France,
will be allowed to do so and transport etc. will be provided, etc.
Printed by Green, Boston, 1711. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 868. No. 13.] |
