America and West Indies: August 1715, 1-13

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1928.

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'America and West Indies: August 1715, 1-13', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715, (London, 1928) pp. 254-268. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol28/pp254-268 [accessed 19 March 2024]

August 1715, 1-13

Aug. 1.
Char. Cross.
543. Mr. Dummer to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have your Lordpps'. commands by a letter from Mr. Popple of the 28th instant, etc. The reason I have not given in my thoughts in writing in relation with the Bank that has bin lately projected in N. England, is that I have not yet been able to procure a sight of the scheme, etc. In the mean time I have had leisure to peruse my instructions on this head, and find that I have no power to enter into the argument, but am commanded by the Governour, Council and Assembly of the Province to pray that a copy of any such scheme may be sent to them, and they have time to answer before anything be done in it. The words of my Instruction are "We are every day more and more perswaded of the great mischeif that will happen to the Province by any and by every such projection, and accordingly direct you to use your utmost application to prevent the people being brought into the service and dependance upon any persons whatsoever, other than His most sacred Majesty, and his Government of this Province, and that you may have copys of any application made by the sd. projectors or any others, and time given to transmit them hither for an answer; for that we are humbly of opinion, H.M. Governour, Council, and Representatives are most capable to put that matter in a true light for H.M. service, and the benefit of all H.M. subjects in this his Province." Prays that the Governour, who is just upon his voyage, may be charg'd with this matter, and that all proceedings may be suspended, till he shall transmit from thence a full and particular state of the case, which the present Government there would have done without order, had they known that the Gentlemen of the Bank would have made any application here. Signed, Jer. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 4th Aug, 1715. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 55; and 5, 914. pp. 89–92.]
Aug. 2. 544. Affidavit of Mr. Bridger that he never received £50 from Mr. Mico in consideration of his cutting H.M. masts, etc. He acknowledges he had the loan of his boat and horse several times, etc. Signed, J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. Read 2nd Aug., 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 54.]
Aug. 2. 545. Sir Nathanael Lloyd to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Reply to 29th July. I am of opinion, that. the methods used, doe not make the 2nd agreement null and void. For I observe that the 2nd agreement is not a new convention, butt is founded upon the first capitulation mutually agreed to, 4th April, 1706. For the Articles (C.S.P. 1706, No. 357 iii., a. 7 and 12), provide that all the negroes and 4 hostages should be delivered up. Now the negroes being to bee delivered up, and itt appearing by the paper of April 6th (v. C.S.P. 1706, No. 357 v.) that 6,023 negroes were then on the Island; and D'Iberville finding, that many of the slaves were fled to the woods and mountains, I conceive that D'Iberville's confinement of their masters, till they shou'd enter into such 2nd Agreemt., to deliver up the negroes in kind, or value, and to give hostages as well to perform this, as the first agreement, is butt a provisionall enforcement of the articles of the first Capitulation agreed to. (ii.) I am of opinion that the inhabitants are not acquitted from all manner of obligations to perform their part. For they enjoy the cession of the Island by vertue of the paper dated 19th April (C.S.P. 1706, No. 257 iii. (b)); now the damages and wast comitted after the date thereof, and the carrying off some negroes, cannot stand in discharge of all manner of obligations to perform their parts, the cession of the Island being a valuable consideration for the agreement, butt the damages, and taking of negroes, subsequent to the date thereof may bee computed, and sett off, in part of satisfaction of such their obligations. (iii.) I am of opinion that if there was that difficulty, in setling the hostages, as Dunbarr mentions (June 27) in his deposition, there was little hope of having their own or the inhabitants' consent, soe that there was a necessity putt upon d'Iberville to take them. Now hostages being to bee given by compact, they come by way of accession to the principal Capitulation, and itt cannot bee said to bee a taking by force butt as under such precedent agreemt.; and I concieve they are not prisoners of warr, mutually stipulated to bee discharged, by the XXIII. Art. of the Treaty of Peace. I beg leave to observe that the XIth Art. of that Treaty, provides for the quieting of such like disputes in an equitable way on both sides, not vacating any capitulations butt by adjustment, and compensation. Signed, Nath. Lloyd. Endorsed, Recd. Read 2nd Aug., 1715. 4 pp. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 63; and 153, 12. pp. 219–222.]
Aug. 3.
Whitehall.
546. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Reply to April 8, upon the necessity of continuing a Surveyor of the Woods in New England. The woods in New York, New England, Nova Scotia, abound with such plenty of trees fit for producing tar and pitch, fit for masts and all other ship timber, that there is no doubt but all Europe might be furnish'd with Naval Stores from thence, were there proper measures taken to prevent the spoil committed in the woods, particularly in New England, to wch. place we shall confine ourselves in this letter. By all the accounts we find in our books, and by the information, we have had from many persons here, well knowing in those parts; New England and particularly Piscataqua in New Hampshire is well stor'd with trees of the largest size for masts; but we find that there are such vast numbers of sawmills in that Province (many of them being double) that in a few years time all the trees fit for the Royal Navy will be destroy'd and cut into boards by the said mills, especially such as grow near navigable rivers, unless a Surveyor well skill'd, diligent and faithfull, be appointed to prevent the same, by marking all trees from 24 in. diameter and upwards, at 12 inches from the ground, and preventing the inhabitants cutting them down, according to the directions in the Acts for incouraging ye importation of Naval Stores, etc., and for the preservation of white and other pine trees etc. This service is more necessary in time of peace than war; For that during the war the inhabitants dare not venture far into the woods for fear of the Indians, insomuch that the Surveyor, whenever he went upon that service, was oblig'd to have a guard from the Government there; whereas in time of peace, the inhabitants inlarge their plantations or farms, and extend their settlements, whereby great tracts of wood are destroy'd and no regard had to the size of trees for the use of the Royal Navy: Besides great quantitys as aforesaid are cut down for loggs (as they call'd it) that is, to be sawn into boards, with wch. and other ship timber, they have carry'd on a considerable trade to Cadiz and Portugal. If there were therefore a Surveyor appointed (as there was during the late wars) the woods might be preserv'd, and H.M. Navy furnish'd with masts, pitch and tar, and other Naval Stores, without being dependent on the Northern Crowns for such supplies. And whereas it is also absolutely necessary for H.M. service, that the persons appointed for offices in the Plantations shou'd be well qualify'd for the execution of their respective posts, we take leave to design what qualifications a Surveyor of the Woods in those parts ought to have. He ought to be well acquainted in the woods there, and know the proper places for producing tar, hemp and masts. He ought at first view to know all species of pine, what are fit for masts, and what for tar. He ought to be vers'd in building of ships, whereby he will be enabled to know what lumber trees will be proper for that work, in case H.M. shou'd think fit to build store or other ships there, or have the timber transported hither. He ought to understand the true method of preparing trees for the production of tar and turpentine, that he may be able to instruct the inhabitants, so as to make that commodity (if possible) the staple of that Province; and thereby divert their thoughts from the woollen manufactures, in wch. they have already made too great a proficiency. Lastly, he shou'd be well vers'd in the method of sowing and curing of hemp, wch. may be rais'd in very great plenty there. Upon this occasion, we have had some complaints against Mr. Bridger, the late Surveyor of the Woods, laid before us by Col. Burges and others; which upon the strictest examination, they could not make good; and as he has been already many years imploy'd in those parts in that service, and has acquir'd good experience and skill in those matters, and being now recommended to us by ye principal merchants and other persons concern'd in that Province, who were witnesses to his former services, we submit it whether it may not be proper that his Commission be renew'd, so that he may be able to get there before the season be over. Autograph signatures. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 752. No. 11; and 5, 914. pp. 79–84.]
Aug. 3.
Whitehall.
547. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. By our letter to you of 14th April last, we desired the favour of being appriz'd of the nomination of any Governors or Lt. Governors for the Plantations, before their Commissions do pass, etc. But since that, finding by the Gazette, that Mr. George Vaughan is appointed Lt. Governor of New Hampshire, who with his father, is concern'd in several saw-mills in that Province, we take leave, for your information, to lay before you what the late Earl of Bellomont writ, upon occasion of Mr. Partridge's being Lt. Governor of that Province. "Mr. Partridge is a mil-wright by trade, wch. is a sort of carpenter, and to set a carpenter to preserve woods, is like setting a wolf to keep sheep; I say, to preserve woods, for I take it to be the chiefest part of the trust and business of a Lt. Governor of that Province, to preserve the woods for the King's use. Besides he is of the country, and the interest of England is neither in his head or heart. If it be not presumption in me to give advice, I wish, some few things were observ'd in the management of the Plantations for the time to come. First, that there be great care taken in the choice of the persons imploy'd by the King, from the Govr. to the meanest Officer; I mean, that they be men of undoubted probity, and well born. Secondly, that they be not men of the country, but English men. Thirdly, that they be men of some fortune in England, to be a tye upon them to behave themselves honourably in their respective trusts." We perfectly agree in opinion with the Earl of Bellomont, and though Mr. Vaughan be not a millwright, yet being concern'd in sevl. saw-mills wch. have occasion'd great destruction in the woods (v. preceding) besides that he is also one of that country we submit it to you whether he be a proper person to take care of the woods, and prevent the cutting down of such trees as may be fit for ye Royal Navy. Autograph signatures. 2¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 931. No. 11; and 5, 914. pp. 85–87.]
Aug. 4.
Whitehall.
548. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lowther. Having been inform'd that notwithstanding considerable sums are or shou'd be annually rais'd for the publick service of Barbados, yet the country is very much in debt and not in a good state of defence, we therefore expect from you, according to your Instructions an account of the Revenue of your Government, what may be necessary for the annual publick expences both for the civil Government and the security of the Island; how the same dos arise, or may be most conveniently rais'd for the future; and how the accts. thereof are audited there, and that you give us your particular opinion thereof; In the mean time we think that the publick accounts shou'd not only be inspected by a Committee of the Council and Assembly, but shou'd also be laid before both houses, with liberty for any member to peruse the same, and that with the copys thereof you transmit to us such observations as are made upon them. We likewise expect from you an account of the number of white men able to bear arms within your Govt., and what you can propose for the better peopling and settling that Island. As it is proper we shou'd be constantly inform'd of the strength of H.M. Plantations, we desire you will send us an account of the several species of stores of war in the magazines within your Government, how you have been furnish'd from time to time with the said stores and how the same has been expended. We take this opportunity of assuring you of our attention and best endeavour to assist you in promoting the good and advantage of H.M. subjects in your Government, and of supporting you in the due execution of your office, etc.
549. Mem. The like letter, mutatis mutandis, was writ to the Governors of Jamaica, Lewd. Islands, Bermuda; and of Virginia, New England, N. York and New Jersey, with this Art. after the word expended:—We must further desire from you with all expedition, an account how ye Indians within your Government, or in your neighbourhood stand affected to the British interest at this conjuncture, and what you think the best methods for preserving those Indians who are already in friendship with us or gaining such who have given or are like to give any of H.M. Plantations disturbance. [C.O. 324, 10. pp. 81–83.]
[Aug. 4.] 550. Governor Burges to Mr. Popple. Encloses following, to be laid before the Board. Signed, E. Burges. Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read 18th Augt., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed,
550. i. Governor Burges to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I have read over ye proposals laid before your Lordships for setling a Bank of Credit on land security in New England, but do not see that ye gentlemen do anywhere set forth ye necessity of such a project, or pretend that ye Government there has not sufficiently provided for ye wants of ye People, etc. There has for many years been a scarcity of mony in that Country, occasion'd by their over-trading themselves here at home, but that want has allways been supply'd by ye care of ye Government, which has at several times issued out Bills for very great sums, and during ye war allowed an interest of 5 p.c. upon 'em, but now that is ended they call 'em in again by degrees to ease ye People of that burden, and have made out others which they lend at 5 p.c., in ye same manner ye Bank proposes to do, and ye interest arising from 'em is apply'd to ye service of ye Publick. Now it seems to me that ye project before your Lordships proceeds from a spirit of opposition to ye Government in some, and the narrow views of others, who would defraud ye Publick of that advantage, and divide it among themselves; and it's probable the late Governor, the Council, and Generall Assembly all look'd on it with this eye, and condemn'd it for this reason, when it was brought before 'em etc. The whole Government of that Country, my Lords, do rise up against this project, and beg they may have copies of all schemes offer'd your Lordships, etc., as Aug. 1st. Signed, Elizeus Burges. 2 pp. [C.O. 194, 5. Nos. 60, 60 i.; and 5, 914. pp. 101–103.]
Aug. 4.
Whitehall.
551. Mr. Popple to John Taylour. In reply to June 9th, encloses copy of Representation of Aug. 3, on Mr. Bridger, etc. [C.O. 5, 914. p. 88.]
Aug. 4.
Whitehall.
552. Mr. Popple to Jeremiah Dummer. Reply to Aug. 1st. The Council of Trade and Plantations command me to acquaint you that when you were at their Board, you seem'd very well acquainted with the proposal (for a Land Bank), and that, if you had desir'd it, a copy thereof wou'd have been immediately given you; which you have now here inclos'd, that if you think fit to add to, or alter what you have already written, you may do it as soon as possible. [C.O. 5, 914. pp. 92, 93.]
Aug. 4.
Speaker's Chambers.
553. Order of Committee of House of Commons, that the Council of Trade and Plantations do, to morrow morning at 8 of the clock, lay before them all papers they have received in relation to the present circumstances of Carolina. Signed, Tho. Liddell. Endorsed, Recd. 4th, Read 5th Aug., 1715. ¾ p. [C.O. 5, 1265. No. 1; and 5, 1292. p. 460.]
Aug. 5. 554. List of papers laid before the Committee of the House of Commons relating to Carolina, etc. [C.O. 5, 1292. pp. 461–464.]
Aug. 5.
St. James's.
555. Samuel Molyneux, Secretary to the Prince of Wales, to Mr. Popple. Mr. Coram and others having made application to me concerning a new Colony which they have proposed to establish in North America, and to the settlement of which they are very desirous to obtain the protection of H.R.H. the Prince, I pray the sight of the reports of the Council of Trade and Plantations on this affair 7th Dec., and 17th March, before mentioning it to H.R.H. etc. Signed, S. Molyneux. Endorsed, Recd. 8th, Read 9th Aug., 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 2. No. 1.]
Aug. 6.
Whitehall.
556. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses following for their report, and reminds them of his letter of June 15th, etc. Signed, James Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 6th, Read 9th Aug., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed,
556. i. Duplicate of scheme for a land bank in New England, No. 488. [C.O. 5, 866. Nos. 57, 57 i.; and 5, 914. pp. 94–96.]
Aug. 9.
Whitehall.
557. Mr. Popple to Samuel Molyneux. Reply to 5th Aug. Encloses representations relating to proposed settlement by disbanded soldiers. "There was none of 7th Dec." etc. [C.O. 218, 1. pp. 255, 256.]
Aug. 9.
Virginia.
558. Lt. Governor Spotswood to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to letter of July 15. Continues: Since which, I have received proposals from two of the most powerfull Nations engaged in the war (and who by meer accident were drawn into it) for reestablishing a peace by my mediation. These overtures were brought me by the King of the Saraws (a nation in their neighbourhood) who assured me that upon my orders, they would immediately cease all hostilitys against Carolina, and with all convenient speed send in some of their great men to treat of their accomodation, if by this means I can only prevail with them to stand neuter, the people of Carolina will I doubt not, be able with the succours sent from hence, to subdue all the other Southern Indians who are their enemys. This change in the face of affairs is the more agreable in regard of the unaccountable disposition of the people of this countrey, who notwithstanding their threaten'd danger, have generally chosen for their Representatives in the present General Assembly, persons of the meanest capacitys, and most indifferent circumstances, and whose chief recommendation to that post, is their declared resolution to raise no taxes on the people for any occasion whatever. I send your Lordships a copy of my Speech at the opening of this Session; but I find yet no hopes of their doing anything to purpose upon it. The laws which have been lately made for restraining dishonest and fraudulent practices in the general dealings of the country are the object of their envy, and the contriving to repeal them the sole subject of their consultations hitherto; and as if the House of Burgesses were resolved to follow entirely the example of their Electors, of the few gentlemen that are among them, they have expell'd two, for having the generosity to serve their county for nothing, which they term bribery. Your Lordps. will judge, what good is to be expected from such beginnings. So that I must look upon the overtures of accomodation made by the Indians as a particular favour of Providence which putts into my hands an occasion of relieving our neighbours and securing this H.M. Colony, when I'm like to be so little assisted by other means. Signed, A. Spotswood. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 17th Nov., 1715. 2 pp. Enclosed,
559. Copy of Lt. Governor Spotswood's Speech to the Assembly of Virginia, Aug. 4, 1715. Endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. Nos. 13, 13 i.; and (without enclosure) 5, 1364. pp. 256–258.]
Aug. 10.
Whitehall.
560. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend for H.M. confirmation Act of New Jersey to enable Thomas Gordon, Treasurer, to pay £999 13s. 3d. towards the support of the Govt., etc. [C.O. 5, 995. p. 306.]
Aug. 11.
Whitehall.
561. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to the Council of Trade and Plantations. H.M. having been pleased to continue Mr. John Bridger in his office of Surveyor General of the Woods in all the Plantations on the Continent of America, you are to prepare a draught of a Commission and Instructions for him, etc. Signed, James Stanhope. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 18th Augt., 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 866. No. 59; and 5, 914. p. 100.]
[Aug. 11.] 562. Memorial concerning the quit-rents of Virginia. Incorporated in Representation of Sept. 2, q.v. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Byrd), Read 11th Aug., 1715. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No. 4.]
[Aug. 11.] 563. Copy of order from the Lords of the Treasury concerning the quit-rents surrendered by the Lord Colepepper. July 25, 1684. v. Calendar of Treasury Books under date. Endorsed as preceding. 1¾ pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No. 5.]
[Aug. 11.] 564. Copy of William Blathwayt's report to the Lords of the Treasury upon William Byrd's petition following. Oct. 20, 1698. Endorsed as preceding. 3 pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No. 6.]
[Aug. 11.] 565. Copy of William Byrd's petition to the Lords of the Treasury for the payment out of the quit-rents of £2,955 9s. 8½d. advanced by his father, Auditor General of Virginia, to supply the deficiency of the Revenue. Referred to William Blathwayt, Auditor General, for his report. Sept. 28, 1698. Endorsed as preceding. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No. 7.]
[Aug. 11.] 566. Copy of Lords Justices' warrant ordering payment of preceding. Nov. 15, 1698. Endorsed as preceding. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No. 8.]
[Aug. 12.] 567. A general account of H.M. Revenue of 2s. per hhd. arising within the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, Aug. 20, 1705—Oct. 25, 1712. Endorsed, Recd. (from Mr. Byrd) Read 12th Aug., 1715. 10 pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No. 19.]
Aug. 13.
London.
568. Col. Nicholson to Mr. Popple. Encloses following etc., and recommends Capt. Mears and Major Mascarene. Continues: What ye project of ye port at Pejebscot is I don't know but in my humble oppinion if that affair is not very cautiously mannaged it may make ye Eastern Indians jealous, and if they find too that we are either afraid of, or want them they will be very haughty and insolent and is commonly ye forerunner of mischief, and ye French will not fail of taking all opportunitys to infuse strange notions into their heads and endeavour by all ways and means to make them break from ye English. Mr. Latour is a French Officer (I think) at Cape Bretton and came last winter to Boston pretending to gett a passage from thence to Annapolis Royall to look after some estate he had there and applyed himself to me for leave to goe thither which I refused him and spoke to Govr. Dudley severall times about him and two or three others that were at Boston and I left there concerning whom I also writt to Govr. Dudley a letter with my opinion (enclosed) etc. Refers to enclosures. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. Read 16th Aug., 1715. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
568. i. (a) Extract of letter from David Jeffries and Charles Shepreve, merchts. in Boston, to Capt. Robt. Mears, 6th July, 1715. The Cape Sable Indians have taken severall of our fishing vessells, the[y] kept one vessell and some men as hostages (and have sent home ye others) until they return with £30. The Indians say ye lands are theirs and they can make warr and peace when they please it's feared they are animated by ye French at Cape Bretton an unhappy settlement, can't they be removed, We hope it will be endeavoured which if done will be a happy day for this country.
(b) Extract of letter from Major Paul Mascarine [? to Capt. Mears] Boston, July 2, 1715. Repeats first part of preceding. Continues:— I wish Mr. L'tour's going from hence may not be ye occasion of it. The station shipe (Rose) is ordered to cruise to Cape Sable. Endorsed as preceding. 1 p.
568. ii. Minute of Council of the Massachusets Bay, Boston, June 28, 1715. Advised, that Major Paul Mascarene be imployed as an engineer to view and report what may be done toward the reparation of the Fort at Pejebscot. etc. Same endorsement. Copy. 1 p.
568. iii. (a) Governor Nicholson to Governor Dudley, Boston, N.E., Dec. 25, 1714. When I came from Annapolis Royall, I acquainted your Excellcy. of two or three vessells which went from your Governmt. and traded at Cape Bretton etc. I am apprehensive that severall vessells will be sent early in ye spring from both your Governmts. to that place, and I suppose upon ye designe mentioned in the inclosed extract, one reason for my supposition is that there is in this place three French officers vizt. Monsr. Latour and his wife who I do conjecture was sent by Monsr. Vaudriel upon some such account or upon a worse if he designed for Annapolis Royall. Monsr. Bonaventure I think came directly from Cape Bretton and I think he is come hither upon the same accot. The last is Monsr. D' Autevil who I take to be ye most dangerous man of ye three because he is ye most capeable etc. It was and is very strange to me his pretending to leave Canada privatly wch. I think it was almost impossible for him to do and bring with him such a great equipage etc. I think your Excellcy. would do well to know ye truth thereof. Mr. Nelson tells me that he know his father, that he was Attorney General in Canada, he is brother in law to Monsr. D'Iberville etc. He has served in the Marines, etc. If any one Brittish Officer or more should go to Canada without a public charracter they would be very strictly examined etc., and not allowed to goe abroad without some person with them. I desire your Excellency to take effectuall care that none of these three French officers goe to Annapolis Royall or any place in Nova Scotia or Newfoundland, etc. I was very sorry to hear that your Excy. had an accot from Capt. Moody at Casco Bay of disturbance there with ye Indians on accot. of some people selling them rumm, and that some accident had happened thereupon. Your son likewise told me that Capt. Moody had sent your Excy. a letter from ye French Jesuit who is among ye Indians. I cautioned Capt. Moody and I think before your Excy. of holding any correspondence with ye French Jesuit etc., but I am afraid that gain is his godliness, both in this affair and that of ye wreck of Casco Bay, which I think is now gone too farr to be smothered. The correspondence and trading with that Jesuit in my humble opinion is or may be of very pernicious consequence for by his so doing he may confirm ye Indians in ye opinion that they can do nothing with ye English but by him and so must depend on him and then it may be in his power to sett ye Indians upon ye English when he pleases. I know no buisness a French Jesuit has with English subjects. Your Excy. may see in the Conference which Govr. Hunter had with the Five Nations what he spoke to them concerning French priests amongst them. The unfortunate affair of H.M. sloop Hazard I hope your Excy. will take effectuall care to have it strictly examined into for 'tis supposed that severall things and some of value were imbezelled by ye people of those parts. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Subscribed.
(b) Circular letter from Governor Nicholson to all Governors, Custom House officers etc. All lawful ways and means ought to be used to prevent ye French's setling of Cape Bretton, for I find they will not be able to make any considerable settlements there unless they be assisted from some of H.M. Provinces with lumber, provisions, tobacco etc. Directs them to send home a full account of what is done in the matter of trading there, etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. The whole endorsed as preceding. Copy. 3¼ pp.
568. iv. Deposition of Denis and Bernard Godet, Annapolis Royall, 13th Sept. N.S., 1714. Describe a fishing voyage along the coast from Annapolis to Cape Breton and their stay at Louisburg 22nd May, 1714— Aug., 1715. Two English sloops one from Boston and one from Cascoe Bay, loaden with boards, salt, cattle and other goods, were trading there etc. Signed, Denis Godet, Bernard Godet (their marks). Same endorsement. 2¼ pp.
568. v. Deposition of Peter Arceneau, Annapolis Royal, 24th Sept. (N.S.), 1714. Describes voyage in a birch canoe from Baubassin to Cape Gaspe, 28th May, 1714. Confirms preceding as to English sloops trading at Cape Breton, etc. Signed, Peter Arceneau (his mark). Same endorsement. 2¼ pp.
568. vi. (a) John Netmaker to Lt. Governor Moody. Portsmouth, 6th May, 1714 (sic ?=1713). Genl. Nicholson desires you to make all the dispatch possibly you can in those affairs you are to sollicitt at the Victualling Office, Board of Ordnance etc. Signed, John Netmaker.
(b) General Nicholson to Lt. Governor Moody. Cork, July 3, 1713. I am very sorry you have mett with so many delays etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Copy. The whole, 1¼ pp.
568. vii. General Nicholson to Lt. Governor Moody. Cork, Aug. 3rd, 1713. I leave Major Robert Haudy in charge of the detachment at Kingsail till you arrive etc., and have taken care for their subsistance till then etc. I think ye most equal and just way of forming ye four companys will be by drawing lotts for them etc. Encloses copies of H.M. Orders and Instructions. I have given Mr. Netmaker directions to leave with the Governor of Kingsail cloths for ye garrison of Placentia etc. Urges his speedy arrival etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Copy. 3½ pp.
568. viii. (a) List of papers for Lt. Governor Moody.
(b) Major Robert Haudy's receipt for preceding. Copy. ¼ p.
(c) General Nicholson to Lt. Governor Moody. Cork, Aug. 10, 1713. Refers to preceding letter and enclosures. Signed, Fr. Nicholson.
(d) General Nicholson to Lt. Governor Moody, Boston, June 15, 1711 (sic ?=1714). I was very glad to hear of your arrival at Newfoundland etc. H.M. service requires that so much of ye clothing as can possibly be disposed of to your four companys and ye people belonging to ye train be distributed to them, the rest you may dispose of as you shall find most for the service and interest of H.M., and I hope you'l meet with a good markett etc. Col. Samuel Vetch who is Capt. of one of your Companys hath behaved himself very arbitrarily and illegally in severall respects and hath also cheated H.M. very notoriously in many accots. of which I have sufficient proof under his own hand and by ye oaths of severall persons and instead of making up his accots. with me hath scandalously run away. Therefore I do in H.M. name require you not to pay any money to him or his order upon accot. of his company, untill H.M. pleasure be further known, etc. I hope you have brought with you ye chest of medicines for H.M. Garrison of Annapolis Royall and send them thither or this place ye garrison being in great necessity as Lt. Governor Caulfeild writes me. I think you have ye folio works of ye author of the Whole Duty of Man given by Mr. Francis Lynn for the Garrison of Annapolis Royall wch. I also hope you either have or will send as likewise my globe lanthorns, etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Copy. 3 pp.
(e) John Bulkley's receipt for above letter to be delivered. ¼ p.
568. ix. General Nicholson to Lt. Governor Moody. Boston, N. England, 20th Dec., 1714. This is designed by Major Paul Mascarene and other officers whom he recommends for employment in the garrison of Placentia, etc. I am very much concerned that I could not be with you in the Fall but ye season of the year being so farr advanced before I could leave H.M. Garrison of Annapolis Royall the pilott of H.M.S. ye Phoenix would not undertake to carry her to Placentia. I hope you have and will take effectual care for ye preservation of H.M. Forts and soldiers and not trust ye French no more than you are under an absolute necessity to do, for I found them of the same principles wch. I always thought they had that is of tricking but this is of ye French who are Roman Catholicks and who are under the dominion of ye Jesuits and Priests and who are for ye glory of their own Nation etc. Encloses letters etc. I recommend to you to enquire about ye affair of Capt. Thomas Jamesee and that you will have as little concern with ye French who have declared for their king as possible and that you'l do what in you lyes to encourage lawfull trade and to discourage illegall and to do what you can possibly for to prevent of ye French's settling of Cape Bretton and to endeavour by all lawfull ways and means to discourage them from making any considerable fortifications and settlements there, and to find out if any of H.M. subjects either from Great Brittain West Indies [or] these parts on ye Continent trades there, what comoditys they sell them and what they have in exchange and send home full accots. of all your affairs etc. I am now (God willing) bound for Great Brittain and shall endeavour to have the affairs of ye Garrison etc. settled, etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Copy. 3¼ pp.
(b) Major Mascarene's receipt for preceding letter to be delivered. Copy. ¼ p.
568. x. General Nicholson to Lt. Governor Caulfeild. Boston, July 5, 1714. Refers to enclosures, etc. I find that the articles of provisions charged to H.M. are very considerable. I must recommend you to be watchfull what that person, Mr. Capon does therein etc. Tho' you have been so long without your pay, I hope it will be for your advantage, for I have drawn for no money upon accot. of the garrison, only for the provisions sent to you, etc. I have endeavoured to buy ye pork and mollasses as good and cheap as possible, etc. Copy. 2¼ pp.
568. xi. (a) Genl. Nicholson to Lt. Governor Caulfeild. Boston, Nov. 6, 1714. Encloses papers relating to the death of Queen Anne and the Proclamation of King George etc. You must as soon as possible have ye same done at Annapolis Royall etc., and send orders to have it done in parts adjacent, vizt. at Mains, Chicanecto etc. The inhabitants up the river you will summon down to you and if you think proper to suffer them to be in the Fort when H.M. is proclaimed you must take care that no evil accident happen thereby for I do with all ye earnestness imaginable recommend you to see those orders etc., which we agreed upon to be duely putt in execution etc. I hope Messrs. Lafosse and Martin are gone and all others that are not inhabitants in your parts and that you will take effectual care to secure H.M. Garrison from any surprize or otherwise and that no person whatsoever lodge in or frequent the Garrison but those that belong to it and upon this account I cannot but again caution you about Mr. Willm. Winett's doing either of them he having marryed a French woman who is a Papist as likewise all her relations. I also again caution you about yor. servt. Sherriff. Refers to enclosures and 8 hhds. of molasses and 20 barrels of pork sent for the Garrison, etc., and urges him to be careful with the provisions etc. Gives instructions as to disposal of surplus clothing etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Copy. 4½ pp.
568. xi. (b) General Nicholson to Lt. Governor Caulfeild. Boston, 20th Nov., 1714. Encloses duplicates of enclosures sent with preceding, with instructions for administering oaths of allegiance etc. Continues:—I hope in God before this you have gott some proper person to read ye Common Prayer etc. on Sunday. Sends 28 barrels of beef and 8 hhds. of molasses, for the use of the garrison only. The salt and barrels to be sold on H.M. account. Hopes that all will be very zealous and active in promoting King George's interest. William Winnett is not to be employed upon any account, or suffered to come within the garrison. Recommends that a just and full account of all affairs be kept as a Journall, "I having left with you proper paper books, and now send another" etc. Continues: I am in hopes with good management that ye provisions for each man will not come to more than 7d. of this country money and yt. at 60 p.c. exchange will make it pretty cheap etc. You must do what in you lyes to prevent any French officers or others coming into your Governmt. either from hence Canada or Cape Bretton, and if you hear of any you must send an order to them to leave ye country imediately and if any of them should bring letters from ye Govr. of Canada or Cape Bretton for yourselfe or me you must dispatch them as soon as possible and have some proper person to observe what they doe and you must order them not to deliver any letter or speak with any person but when you are present etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Copy. 6 pp.
568. xi. (c) Governor Nicholson to Lt. Governor Caulfeild. Boston, 20th Dec., 1714. I hope the provisions sent with those Mr. Andrew Belcher will send you will be sufficient to victuall H.M. Garrison to ye latter end of July etc. Repeats part of preceding etc. I shall endeavour to do you all the service that in me lyes etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Copy. 1½ pp. Encloses copies of his letters to Lt. Governor Moody and correspondence with Andrew Belcher. Copies. 2½ pp.
568. xii. Minutes of Council of War, Annapolis Royal, Sept. 29, 1714. General Nicholson recommended the observance of certain dispositions and regulations by the Garrison. Copy. 3 pp.
568. xiii. Officers of the Train to General Nicholson. Report upon the magazines, etc. The store rooms are only mud walls and ought to be clapp boarded. There are no lodgements for the Train etc. Signed, G. Vane, Humphrey Hutchinson, John Burges. Oct. 8 and 9, 1714. Copy. 2 pp.
568. xiv. G. Vane to General Nicholson. Proposals for regulations to be observed in issuing stores at Annapolis Royal. Oct. 8, 1714. Signed, G. Vane. 1¼ pp.
568. xv. Minutes of Council of War, Annapolis Royall, 10th Oct., 1714. Dispositions of the Train ordered in case of alarm. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. 3 pp. [C.O. 217, 2. Nos. 2, 2 i.–xv.; and (without enclosures), 218, 1. pp. 256–261; and (copy of No. i. only) 5, 752. No. 10.]
Aug. 13.
New York.
569. Governor Hunter to the Council of Trade and Plantations. By this conveyance (the brigantine John and Mary, etc.) Your Lordps. will receive all the Acts past in this last Session of Assembly, etc. I know of none that require any particular observations besides those upon which I have already observed, if it be not ye Act constituteing the Agent etc. (v. July 25). I formerly sent to your Board a copy of ye extravagant Act for that purpose, which they soe long and strenuously insisted upon, excludeing the Governour and Councill from haveing anything to doe with the Agent. They pass'd and sent up ye same verbatim as formerly. I frankly acquainted the majority of ye house who were in earnest about an Agency at this time in order to ye solliciting the Bills for publick debts and naturalization, that I cold not assent to't, soe they were satisfy'd to take back their Bill and new garble it as it now stands. Not that I conceiv'd that there was anything very materiall in the point of who should instruct their Agent, but there is something of moment in giveing way to ye indeavours of encroachment on ye powers of Governor and Councill in these remote parts, of which I believe your Lordpps. are sufficiently convinc'd. What made me labour this point with some industry and application, besides ye necessity of such an officer, was the choice of ye man whom yor. Lordpps. will find every way well qualify'd for that office. In two days I begin my journey to Albany to have an interview with ye Five Nations. I have strong hopes of perswadeing them to interpose in ye Carolina Warr. If that Government will send terms of accommodation with their Indian enemys, I am confident that our Indians will offer and inforce them. I have w[rote to] ye Governor to that purpose and there is noe other way devisable to putt an end to that warr and restore that Colony to it's former tranquility. I have sent them also some arms and ammunition from H.M. store here. I have lately receiv'd my patents for ye Government of these Provinces. I am amaz'd to heare of ye opposition some men made to their passing, and the more soe because there is not one man found out hitherto in either Province who does not in terms renounce and denye haveing any hand directly or indirectly in instructing or encourageing these men who have given themselves and my friends all this trouble. I know nothing at all of Samuell and Daniel Cox Citizens. But as to Mr. Sonmans I have formerly inform'd your Lordps. that he had fled from prosecution for haveing cary'd out of ye Province of Jersey and imbezel'd all ye publick Records which were seiz'd by an accident at Burlington in their passage from York to Philladelphia under a permitt as a chest of goods. He is indeed one of the most infamous men in these parts, and his life and conduct too foul to be the subject of any letter which your Lordps. are to read. The other person, the Reverend Mr. Vesey had labour'd hard for a prosecution ever since I had ye honour to govern here but to noe purpose, soe at an interview betweene him and a very great man then at Boston it was resolv'd that he should goe for England and cry out Fire, and Church at all hazards, and accordingly he went in ye manner your Lordps. have heard, but that plott in all other of its parts soe well concerted happen'd to be deficient in ye point of time and season, and the rage of a dissapointed politician prompted him to joyn in these impotent and unchristian efforts against mee. He has wrote to his freinds here that he is to returne with the character of Comissary to ye Bishop of London. I have wrote to his Lordpp. that I can hardly beleive it. Since there is a happy issue put to ye confusion at home, it is to little purpose to propagate what was by the meanes of that man rais'd here, which cannot be his Lordps. intention tho' it may have that effect. There are wanting three Counsellors in ye Jerseys in ye room of Mr. Quarry Mr. Mompesson and Mr. Hall deceased. I humbly recommend in their rooms, David Jamison, the Cheife Justice of that Province, David Lyell a proprietor there, and John Bambridge another substantial proprietor of ye Western Division. I have recommended George Clarke Esq. in my former to ye place vacant in ye Councill of New York by ye death of Mr. Mompesson. I have not as yet receiv'd my new Instructions. Your Lordships may depend upon it that I shall not step aside in one single point from what shall be there injoyn'd me, whatsoever these ill men may have represented or may hereafter represent. P.S. By this yor. Lordps. will receive ye Minutes of ye Councill but those of ye Assembly being not yet copy'd out yor. Lordps. will receive them by ye next conveyance. Signed, R[o. Hunter]. Endorsed, Recd. 17th Oct., Read 10th Nov., 1715. 3 pp. Edges torn. Enclosed,
569. i. List of Acts assented to this Session (v. July 25). Same endorsement. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1051. Nos. 11, 11 i.; and (without enclosure) 5, 1123. pp. 361–367.]