America and West Indies: August 1715, 16-31

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, 16-31', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 28, 1714-1715, (London, 1928) pp. 268-278. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol28/pp268-278 [accessed 19 March 2024]

August 1715, 16-31

Aug. 16.
Whitehall.
570. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Request payment of enclosed account of office expenses and salaries, Lady Day to Midsummer, 1715. [C.O. 389, 37. pp. 93, 94.]
Aug. 16.
London.
571. Col. Nicholson to Mr. Popple. I writ to you ye 13th instant since which I reced a letter from Capt. Christopher Aldridge at Annapolis Royall dated ye 24th of May in which he writes thus vizt. "The French here and at Mineis have built by report 40 or 50 sloops in order to carry them to Cape Bretton. Severall of them slips away daily. Since my last there deserted five men in a canoe. We are informed that they went to Cape Bretton, they carryed two French women with them that had their husbands there before them, and yesterday a gentleman gave me a letter from Joshua Hensha in Boston, date July 5th, 1715, to John Henshaw in London, wherein, is written Mr. Goold is come home but ye Indians has robb'd him of £50 etc. The Indians are very cross and we are afraid they will make warr. They say ye English cheats them," etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. Read 16th Augt., 1715. Addressed. Sealed. 1 p. [C.O. 217, 2. No. 3; and 218, 1. pp. 261, 262.]
Aug. 16.
Whitehall.
572. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Tho' we find by a letter from Brigadier Hunter, that he hath given you or Lord Townshend an account of the situation of affairs in those parts, yet we looke on these advices to be of so great consequence to the preservation of H.M. Plantations in America, that we think it proper to send a copy of the letter to our Secretary, wth. the extract of such other advices as we have received from Col. Nicholson. We must take notice to you on this occasion how necessary it is to give some speedy directions to H.M. Governors to secure the Indian Nations, and take further measures for the preservation of H.M. Plantations, which seem to be in the greatest danger, and we should be glad to have some conversation with you at our Board in relation to these matters. Autograph signatures. 1 p. Enclosed,
572. i. Copy of No. 571. [C.O. 5, 1085. Nos. 21, 21 i.; and (without enclosure) 5, 1123. pp. 316, 317.]
Aug. 17.
Speaker's Chambers.
573. Order of Committee of House of Commons, "to whome the Bill for the better regulateing the Charter and Proprietary Governmts. in America is committed. That Mr. Popple do lay before the Committee all such books and papers as are in the custody of the Council of Trade and Plantations relating to Charter and Proprietary Governmts. in America." Signed, J. Chetwynd. Endorsed, Recd. 17th, Read 18th Aug., 1715. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1265. No. 3; and 5, 1292. pp. 464, 465.]
Aug. 18.
Whitehall.
574. Council of Trade and Plantations to Governor Hunter. Acknowledge letters etc. of May 21st, and July 2nd. Tho' we cannot at present fully answer your forementioned letters, we would not omit the opportunity of a ship which is going hence for New York in a few days, to acquaint you that notwithstanding what you mention of your having writ at large to the Secretary of State about the Indian War, we have laid before Mr. Secretary Stanhope a copy of yours to our Secretary of July 2nd etc., and have represented the ill consequence of your not being enabled to make the usual presents to the five Nations of Indians. Whereupon we doubt not but you will soon receive H.M. pleasure. And in regard it is of great importance that the Missionaries sent into America from hence, be men of good lives and characters, without which it will be impossible to defeat the practise of the French Priests and Jesuits amongst our Indians, we have not been wanting to represent to ye Bishop of London what you writ some time since to our Secrety. relating to that matter, and particularly concerning the character of Mr. Talbot. We have laid the Act of New Jersey to impower Thomas Gordon, Treasurer, to pay £999 13s. 3d. towards the support of the Government, etc. before H.M. for his royal approbation, and so soon as there is any order thereupon, it shall be transmitted to you. The maps we have at present of America, being not so correct or particular as we cou'd wish, we desire you will send us the best maps you can get of New York and New Jersey, and likewise of any of your neighbouring Colonies, or others which you can at any time procure. [C.O. 5, 1123. pp. 317–319; and 5, 1079. No. 88.]
Aug. 18.
Whitehall.
575. Council of Trade and Plantations to Lt. Governor Spotswood. Being inform'd of a ship that is going hence in a few days, we wou'd not omit this opportunity of letting you know that since Mr. Popple's letter to you of Jan. 14, 17 13/14, by order of the late Board of Trade, there have come to this office your letters of 29th Dec., 1713, 9th March, 17 13/14, 25th Oct. and 1st Dec., 1714, 27th Jan., 17 14/15, and 28th March and 24th June, 1715, besides your letter to our Secretary of 26th Nov., 1714, and one from the Council of the same date. As the affairs we have been imploy'd in by immediate references from H.M., together with the arrear of business and the want of particular directions in regard to some other Colonies, required a more immediate dispatch; we have not yet been able to consider your aforemention'd. letters as we now shortly intend, and to write to you what may be necessary on each particular subject. At present therefore we shall say little more, than to acquaint you that we have now before us H.M. Order in Council of the 25th of last month referring to us an Address from the Council and Assembly etc., upon which we shall make our report with all convenient speed. We must desire you to continue your punctual correspondence with this Board, and that you will give us from time to time exact and particular informations of such things as you are required by your Instructions. We also further desire you to add whatever else you may in your own prudence think conducive to H.M. service, to the interest of Great Britain, to the advantage of your particular Province, and to our assistence in the discharge of the trust reposed in us. We shou'd be glad, you wou'd endeavour to get as soon as possible, and transmit to us the best maps or draughts of Virginia, or such of your neighbouring Colonies as you can at any time procure. And what we have to add is, that we cannot conclude without commending your vigilance about the Indians, and desiring the continuance of it, to prevent the fatal calamities which have befallen Carolina, and threaten H.M. other Colonies; That matter has been laid before the Parliament, who will assist H.M. in the protection of His remotest subjects as well as those at home, and we doubt not but effectual orders will soon be given for the assistance of such of H.M. Plantations as may be in distress. Upon which occasion, you will do well to encourage them to exert their utmost abilities in their own defence. [C.O. 5, 1364. pp. 236–239; and 5, 1335. No. 192.]
Aug. 19.
St. James's.
576. H.M. Warrant to Governor Hunter for payment of salary for William Vesey, Rector of Trinity Church, New York. Countersigned, James Stanhope. Copy. [C.O. 5, 190. pp. 303, 304.]
Aug. 23.
Whitehal.
577. Bryan Wheelock to Jeremiah Dummer. The Council of Trade and Plantations having expected what you might further offer in relation to the Land Bank in New England, they can no longer delay etc. [C.O. 5, 914. p. 104.]
Aug. 23.
London.
578. Charles Lodwick to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Understanding your Lordships have now under consideration the deplorable condition of Carolina occasioned by the insurrection of the Indians ther and fearing thos Indians also of H.M. more Northern Plantacons may be seduced (if they are not already actually ingaged with thos to the Southward in thos barbarities committed ther) I represent some advices lately received from New York, etc. They all in generall complain of a great decay in their trade with the Indians, and much more lately then has bin formerly, the French by sending preists among them, and greater numbers then before may, if not prevented, in a little time seduce all our Indians wholly to their intrest. And as the French have very lately desired libertie of the 5 Nations of our Indians to build a house (as they call it) in the Onondage Country which is on this side the Lake, if this be allowed, it canot fail not onely of drawing our trade wth. the Indians wholly to themselves, but may also be a means to engage them to become our enemies, when any war shall happen between the French and us, whereby most of our Northern as well as Southern Plantations would be exposed to the dayly insults of both French and Indians, and not be without hazard of being intirely lost to the Crown, etc. Proposes that application be made to the French Court, that their subjects of Canada be forbid to settle among our Five Nations, etc. All Treaties with the Indians have always bin managed with the advice and in the presence of Col. Peter Schuyler who is first of H.M. Council ther, to whom the Indians have given the name of Quedor, and for whom the Indians always had a very great esteem that they would be greatlie displeased should he be left out or not appear. There are reports that the Governour ther has bin pleased to slight this Gentleman, and that the major part of the Council have the unhappiness not to be in this Governour's favour. If Col. Schuyler should not be taken notice of to the Indians it may be of ill consequence especially at this criticall juncture and may induce the Indians to slight us and to believe the report the French give out that England is in a civill war at home, expecting a King from France, and that the English are not in a condition to protect or incourage them as the French are, etc. Mr. Lewis Morris, appointed by the Governour Chief Justice, was never bred to the law however he may be quallified otherways, etc. Signed, Charles Lodwick. Endorsed, Recd. Read 23rd Aug., 1715. 1¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 1051. No. 2.]
[Aug. 24.] 579. Mr. Dummer to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I humbly beg pardon for my long delay in giving yor. Lordpps. my reasons against the Bank. I expected instructions by the last ships, but was disappointed. It seems the Governour prorogu'd the Assembly for a month, and that was the occasion of it. What I have therefore now writ is a private paper, and I humbly pray it may be so us'd. Signed, Jer. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. Read 24th Aug., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed,
579. i. Reasons against the Land Bank for New England. The Publik Banck, or Province Bills have bin found to be good by above 20 years experience, etc. They will answer all the necessities of money, which the private will not, which will not be receiv'd by the Treasurer for taxes. There will be much inconvenience and many law suits occasion'd by two sorts of money of different value passing at one time in the province, as we have found by former experience, etc. The profit should go to the public to discharge the great debts contracted by the French and Indian war, and not to private persons. If the private bank be incorporated, the onely money in the Province will be made by private bankers, which will make the public dependant on them, and enable them to make a monopoly of all the trade of the country, etc. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 866. Nos. 61, 61 i.; and 5, 914. pp. 105–107.]
Aug. 24.
Whitehall.
580. Mr. Secretary Stanhope to Governor Lord A. Hamilton. Mr. Congreve Secretary for the Island of Jamaica has represented that having, conform to the powers he has by his Letters Patent, appointed a Deputy for executing the said office is also ready to find sufficient security for discharging that trust, your Lopp. has refused hitherto to admit him, to the prejudice of the publick service as well as of Mr. Congreve's right; This having been laid before the King I am to signifie to your Lordship H.M. pleasure that you do admit in due form the Deputy appointed by Mr. Congreve for executing the offices specified in his Patent. Countersigned, James Stanhope. [C.O. 5, 190. p. 305.]
Aug. 24.
Whitehall.
581. Mr. Popple to John Taylour. Requests copies of papers in the Treasury relating to the surrender of Pensylvania and Maryland. [C.O. 5, 1292. p. 465.]
Aug. 26.
Whitehall.
582. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Reply to June 15 and Aug. 6. We find that there is a great want of money in New England for the carrying on of their trade, and other necessary occasions; But that has been in some measure supplied from time to time by Acts of Assembly for issuing out Bills of Credit for considerable sums. Whether this method, or a private Bank as propos'd, will be of most service is difficult to determine, without first hearing what the Government of the Massachusets Bay have to offer thereupon; and as the said Govr. and the Agent have both desir'd, that a copy of the proposals shou'd be sent to be laid before the Council and Assembly of that Province for their observations thereupon, we agree with them in opinion, and think the Govmt. there ought to be consulted before such a Charter as the proposers desire, be granted by H.M. However we think it absolutely necessary that something of this kind be set on foot as soon as possible, to furnish a sufficient medium for carrying on of trade in those parts, the want of which is found to be a great obstruction to Navigation and the improvemt. of Naval Stores. Upon which we must observe that the Gentlemen who propos'd this private Bank, consented that one half of the net profits arising from the said Bank, shou'd be appropriated to the public service for raising of Naval Stores in New England. Autograph signatures. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 752. No. 9; and 5, 914. pp. 107–109.]
Aug. 26. 583. Mr. Bridger to Mr. Popple. Encloses following, to be laid before the Board, etc. Signed, J. Bridger. Endorsed, Recd. 26th, Read 31st Aug., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed,
584. Proposals for the better regulating and preserving H.M. interest in North America, relateing to Naval Stores. Signed, J. Bridger. 2¼ pp. [C.O. 5, 866. Nos. 62, 62 i.; and 5, 914. pp. 110–114.]
Aug. 29.
Whitehall.
585. Order of Lords of Council. Referring following to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed, Christo. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 6th Oct., 1715, Read 16th Aug., 1716. 1 p. Enclosed,
585. i. Petition of Stephen Duport, in behalf of Capt. Andrew Thanvett [=Thauvett, Ed.], to the King. Prays for the confirmation of a grant of land in St. Kitts made to Capt. Thanvett, a French Protestant refugee etc. Set out, A.P.C. II. No. 1235. Copy. 1½ pp.
585. ii. Certificate by Nicholas Hayward, Notary and Tabellion publick, London, 20th July, 1696, that he has seen Letters patents of denization granted to Andrew Thauvett by King William III. Signed, Nicas. Hayward. Copy. 1 p.
585. iii. Copy of grant of lands in St. Christophers for ever by Governor Christopher Codrington, 24th Dec., 1696, to Andrew Thauvett and Gabriell Papine. Signed, Chr. Codrington. 3 large pp. Torn.
585. iv. Copy of Governor Codrington's Declaration, St. Christophers, 12th Aug., 1691, inviting all strangers and particularly the French Protestants of New York to St. Kitts. They shall have lands sett out to them of the French part of the Island proportionable to the effects they bring, etc. Recommends Capt. Tauvet, intrusted with this declaration, as one who hath served their Majesties with great honor and justice, and able to give a past and true account of St. Kitts. Signed, Chr. Codrington. Copy certified by Governor W. Hamilton. Seal. 2 pp. Cf. C.S.P. 1691. No. 1756 i. [C.O. 152, 11. Nos. 19, 19 i.–iv.; and (Order and Petition only) 153, 12. pp. 441–444.]
[Aug. 30.] 586. Capt. Walton to the Council of Trade and Plantations. (v. 17th June). Description of the Virgin Islands ("much superior to ye Leeward Islands"), with reasons for their being made a separate Governmt. ("the inhabitants of the Leeward Islands have always been against ye setling of ye Virgin Islands, not knowing what they are, but fearing for their private interest, if they are cultivated," etc.). Petitioner cou'd never yett meet with any person, that could give a true account of them, besides himself. Endorsed, Recd. Read 30th Aug., 1715. 2½ pp. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 65.]
[Aug. 30.] 587. Capt. Walton to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Duplicates of former communications relating to the Virgin Islands 1710, 1711, etc. Endorsed as preceding. 18½ pp. [C.O. 152, 10. No. 66.]
Aug. 30.
Jamaica.
588. Governor Lord A. Hamilton to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Acknowledges letter of April 25th, the confirmation of the Acts for regulating fees and quieting possessions, and H.M. letter of May 13th etc. Continues:—All which are such extraordinary marks of H.M. most gracious condescention, and tender regard for the quiet, advantage, and prosperity of His subjects of this Colony, as wee were altogether unworthy of, should not every one in his respective station, to the utmost of his ability endeavour to make the most dutifull and sutable returns we are capable of. On my part nothing shall be wanting that the most assiduous application can effect, animated by that hearty zeal for H.M. service that the duty of my station requires. It is a particular incouragement and satisfaction to me, that in the great trouble your Lopps. have had in perusing all the letters and papers transmitted by me to the Council of Trade since my comeing here, you are pleas'd not to disapprove of my conduct etc. In my future correspondance I shall carefully observe the alterations your Lopps. propose. I took the first oppertunity of communicating to the Council the dispatches I had receiv'd from your Lopps. The letter from H.M. I conceive proper to remain secret, till the meeting of the Assembly, to the end it may have then the greater impression. I labour dayly to show how much has been done of late for the advantage and interest of the Island, and of the good disposition at home still to doe more and particularly the part your Lopps. take in whatever may be for the prosperity of the Island, so that the blame must ly with ourselves if wee are not only made easy, but even as happy and secure as we can reasonably expect. The proceedings of the Courts of Law having been stoped by Her late Majesty's decease for three severall terms, I have with the advice of the Council, that the merchts. may not be prejudiced by a longer recess, delay'd calling an Assembly till after the holding of the Supreme Court, that one may no ways interfere with the freedom and necessary attendance on the other; so that it will be towards the letter end of October before the Assembly will meet. I shall take particular care strictly to comply with the Instruction relating to escheats, and shall in the best manner I am able, from the Instructions and other heads transmitted to me on that subject, recommend to the Assembly the enacting such laws as may most conduce to the better and speedyer peopleing of the Island, many of which heads have allready been often inculcate and recommended to them without success, from a want of that publick spirit and due regard to future advantage and posterity, so necessary for the good of the whole, which in some measure I conceive may be attributed to the general inclination of the inhabitants, natives as well as others, sooner or later to go home, as their fraise is, most people with that thought, their present interest is cheefly consider'd the better to enable the prosecution of that design. I am not able at present to give your Lopps. any particular accot. of the strength of our neighbouring Colony the French on Hispaniola, or of their settlements and Government. I shall endeavour in some time to give the best accot. I can procure on these heads, but I conceive few of their maxims applicable with us, their Government in the Colonys being after the model of the same despotick power as is used in France. As to the lands ungranted in Jamaica it is a very difficult matter to made a computation of them without a general survey, which would be work of much time, labour, and cost, nor can I now be particular as to the quantitys of lands possessed by the several planters, but certain it is many have considerable tracts of which great part is uncultivated; notwithstanding which I have dayly applications for further grants, which upon surveys taken thereof not exceeding 500 acres in one grant is by custom esteem'd as of right. Thô indeed there is little intention of settling the same; but rather to form to themselves a sort of barrier against an approching neighbour. This I have thought a great abuse and have upon the occasion I have mention'd, refused giving the warrant of survey, and I shall still be more cautious for the future in giving grants of land but upon very good grounds, that there may be a sufficient quantity remaining ungranted to be disposed of in the best manner for the good of the publick. But the greatest part of the valuable lands unsettled has been long since patented and now in hands who neither cultivate nor care to dispose of it. I shall endeavour all I can to procure proper remedys for preventing such inconveniencys, which I'm affraid will meet the greatest opposition. I am glad your Lopps. approve of my admitting of appeals from Chancery; But in regard the Instructions I have in relation to appeals, are calculate only for those from Courts at Law, where by the said Instructions, execution is not to be stoped by such appeals, it has from thence in a late instance been urged very strenuously that having no particular Instruction relating to appeals from Chancery but allowing appeals from thence as I have done that they ought to stop all further proceedings here, as they wou'd have done from Courts at Law, without such speciall direction in the Instruction that they shall not. However after endeavouring to inform my judgement in the best manner I am able, I have been of a different opinion, being cheefly induced thereto from the parity of reason in the one case as well as the other. Indeed it appearing to me much stronger against stopping proceedings upon appeals from a Court of Equity then from those at Law, because delays in the first may be of much more fatall consequence then in the later, and I thought it unreasonable to incourage appeals so much more in the one case then the other. I must therefore humbly pray that I may be more fully instructed in this matter for my future guidance therein. Refers to case of Peter Beckford and his deputy Mr. Page, v. April 26th. I have since been prevail'd upon to admitt of the later, hopeing no inconveniency may arise thereby, and upon consideration of the great disapointment of that gentleman and family removing hither solely on that expectation. This I thought necessary to acquaint your Lopps. of; and at the same time to observe the many inconveniencys that frequently happen by the non residence of pattentees, etc. Signed, A. Hamilton. Endorsed, Recd. 3rd Nov., 1715, Read 17th April, 1716. 8 pp. [C.O. 137, 11. No. 9; and 138, 14. pp. 381–388.]
Aug. 31.
St. James's.
589. Order of King in Council. Confirming Act of New Jersey, 1713, to enable Thomas Gordon to pay £999 13s. 3d. towards the support of the Government, etc. Signed, Christo. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 17th Nov., 1715. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 971. No. 8; and 5, 995. pp. 308, 309.]
Aug. 31.
Whitehall.
590. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Enclose following draught of Instructions of Genl. Hamilton. Continue:— As several vacancies have happened in the respective Councils of the Leeward Islands, by the death of several Councillors, we have named William Matthew, Lt. General of all the Leeward Islands, as a Councillor in each Island; John Choppin, Charles Bridgwater and John Pinney for Nevis. For Antegoa, we have omitted John Yeamans late Lieut. Governor, not thinking it proper to continue a person in the Council whom H.M. has dismissed from the post of Lieut. Govr., so that there will want four Councillors there, for which we humbly propose, Barry Tankard, Valentine Morris, Nathaniel Crump and John Fray. For Mountserrat we have inserted the names of —Talmash, Lt. Govr. of the said Island, Daniel Ravell, William White, John Bramble, Anthony Fox and William Barzey. For St. Christophers, William Mathew, Lt. Govr., Ralph Willett, John Helden and John Duport. Annexed,
590. i. Draught of H.M. Instructions for Walter Hamilton, Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Leeward Islands. [C.O. 153, 12. pp. 226–331.]
Aug. 31.
St. James's.
591. Order of King in Council. Repealing Act of Virginia, declaring who shall not bear office etc. The Council of Trade and Plantations to signify to the Governor that a new Act to the same effect may be passed, so it be not lyable to the same defects, etc. Signed, Christo. Musgrave. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 17th Nov., 1715. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1317. No. 12; and 5, 1364. pp. 253–255.]
Aug. 31.
Whitehall.
592. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. We have just now receiv'd a letter from Brigadier Hunter Governor of New York (July 25th), wherein he acquaints us that he has at last after many years struggle for bread, and suffering other hardships, got the Assembly to settle a Revenue upon H.M. for five years; that this was in a great measure owing to the labours and industry of Mr. Lewis Morris in the Assembly, and for that and other services of the said Morris's, he had appointed him Chief Justice of New York in the room of Mr. Mompesson deceased etc. (v. July 25). We agree in opinion with Brigadier Hunter, that the said Morris so long as he shall behave himself well be not dismiss'd from that imployment, and we must take leave to observe, that it is for H.M. service that persons in the Plantations who shall distinguish themselves in H.M. interest, and for the good of the Government, be rewarded with such places as are in the disposal of the Governors there; If this method were observ'd, it wou'd be an encouragement to Gentlemen to exert themselves for the publick good, and wou'd strengthen the Governors in the execution of the trust reposed in them; Whereas we apprehend the contrary method will not fail of producing a contrary effect. Autograph signatures. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 1085. No. 22; and 5, 1123. pp. 333, 334; and 5, 1079. No. 90.]
Aug. 31.
Whitehall.
593. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Stanhope. Recommend George Clarke for the Council of New York in place of Roger Mompesson decd. [C.O. 5, 1123. p. 335; and 5, 1079. No. 89.]
Aug. 31.
St. James's.
594. Order of King in Council. Referring following to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. Read 30th Nov., 1715. 1 p. Enclosed,
594. i. Lords Proprietors of the Bahama Islands to the King. St. James's, 20th Aug., 1715. Pray H.M. approbation of Roger Mostyn, appointed by them Governour of the Bahama Islands, etc. Signed, Carteret, Tulvar Skipwith for Ld. Craven, M. Ashley, J. Colleton, Ja. Bertie for Duke of Beaufort. Copy. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1265. Nos. 10, 10 i.; and 5, 1292. pp. 475–477.]
Aug. [—].
Charlestown.
595. Address of the Commons House of Assembly, South Carolina to the King. Refer to former Address asking for assistance against the Indians. Continue:—Since which time the war increasing mightily upon us and the enemy laying wast and destroying a great part of the Province have reduced us to a narrow compass, and fearing if they thus proceed they will in a very short time utterly extirpate all the inhabitants, and being perswaded that the Honble. the Lords Proprietors are not capable of supporting us in a war of this nature, we the Commons House of Assembly unanimously throw ourselves under your Majesty's immediate protection, under whose wing alone we can be preserved, and cherished, and therefore fervently begg your most Serene Majesty to grant our humble request; that this once flourishing Province may be absolutely under your Majestie's care and Governmt., which we are assured will be of great use and consequence for the preservation of the adjacent Colonies, and the encrease of your Majesties Revenues, etc. Signed, By order of the House, Wm. Rhett, Speaker. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 382. No. 14.]