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| Aug. 3. |
347. Mr. West to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Report on Acts passed in Barbados in 1717 and 1718. Enumerates 18 to which no objection is taken. In the (expired) Act
requiring all persons to bring into the Treasurer's Office a list of
all orders due to them from the publick, it would have been reasonable to allow a longer time than 15 days, a limit which may be
very injurious to persons dwelling out of the Island etc. There
are 4 private Acts not proper to be past into law:—(i) An Act
to dock the intail of a plantation in the parish of St. James's
etc. and to vest the fee simple in William Thorpe, youngest
son of Robert Thorpe decd. Tho' there is a reservation of
the right of Thomas Thorpe who in case he shou'd return
into Barbado's wou'd be intituled unto the estate in fee, yet it
is upon this condition that he shou'd live in the Island. Now
tho' this is in pursueance of the testator's will, yet while it stood
upon the foot of the will, Thomas Thorpe might and perhaps
with success have disputed the validity of that condition but
if it be annext unto his estate by the passing of this Act into
law he is then bound down to the performance of that condition
without remedy and his removall out of the Island to reside
even in England might be construed to be a forfeiture of his
estate. I submitt it to your Lordshipps to determine how farr
conditions of this nature are to be incouraged or not. (ii) An
Act to dock the intail on certain plantations in the parish of St.
Thomas and St. James, and to vest the same in Joseph Gibbs.
The estates are derived from the wills of two different testators
who created the intailes and reserved upon the determination
of the intailes the remainder in fee to their respective right
heirs and yet there is no recitall in this Act (by which it is proposed to dock the said severall intailes) of the severall consents
of the next heirs of either of the said testators which I conceive
to be not only requisite in consequence of the Governours
Instructions but even of naturall justice and equity. (iii) An
Act to dock the intail on two messuages and three peices of land
in the town of St. Michael, and on certain negros slaves and to
vest the fee simple thereof in Martha Lenoir wife of John Lenoir
Esquire and daughter and heir of William Craggs Esq. late of the
town of St. Michael merchant deceas'd. My objection is that it
is impertinent, for Martha Lenoir hath an estate in fee simple
without it, etc. (iv) An Act to dock the intail limitted on certain
lands etc. in the parish of Saint Philip, and to invest the fee
thereof in John Jones Gentleman. Tho' there is in it a reservation of the right of the Crown yet it is not proper to be
confirmed upon the account that a clause is wanting to save
the rights of all bodyes politick and all other persons whatsoever
not mentioned in the Act etc. Signed, Richd. West. Endorsed,
Recd. 6th Aug., 1719, Read 5th July, 1720. 8½ pp. [C.O.
28, 15. No. 92]. |
| Aug. 3. |
348. Mr. Philips to Mr. Popple. Encloses following to be
laid before the Council of Trade etc. Signed, A. Philips.
Endorsed, Recd., Read 4th Aug., 1719. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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348 i. Col. Vetch to Mr. Philips. July 29th, 1719. I have
the favour of yours with relation to the limits betwixt
the province of New York and the French of Canada,
etc. As they have never yet bein determined, so
each party claims what seems most convenient and
advantageous for them, etc. Signed, Sam. Vetch.
1 p. Set out, N.Y. Col. Docs. V. 530. [C.O. 5, 1051.
Nos. 96, 96. i; and 5, 1124. pp. 113–115]. |
| Aug. 4. |
349. Memorial presented to the Council of Trade and
Plantations by the Proprietary of Carolana (Dr. Cox). In
obedience unto your Lordships commands, I thought it expedient
to add unto the Memoriall presented unto King William and
wherewith he was so well satisfyed that he was pleas'd to order
a Council which was very numerous wherein it was read debated
and accepted unanimously with great applause and H.M. often
declared he was so sensible of the English Nations interest in
this affair both for promoting their trade and securing them
from the inconveniences that might accrue unto the English
Plantations upon ye Continent etc. that he was pleas'd to
order me frequently to consult my Lord Sommers then Lord
Chancellor and others who all gave me the greatest encouragement to proceed as did H.M. frequently, with assurances of his
ayd and assistance both of ships, men and money. It pleasd
God to take him to himself and notwithstanding my frequent
aplications afterwards I had many favourable promises though
never yet found any good effects thereof. Other affairs which
seemed to them of greater moment wholy takeing up their
thoughts. Whereupon I have ever since desisted from prosecuting further an affair which could never have succeeded
without aid and countenance from the publick. But since the
Lords Justices and your Lordships have thought fitt to revive
the consideration of this undertaking and your Lordships
have required me to acquaint you with whatsoever of moment
hath come to my knowledge relating unto our just and
due right unto the Province of Carolana or Florida etc. Gives
an account of English and French claims and discoveries. A
version, with variations, of C.S.P. 1699, No. 967. Endorsed,
Recd. 4th, Read 13th Aug., 1719. 13½ pp. [C.O. 5, 1265.
No. 128]. |
| [Aug. 4.] |
350. Mr. Dummer to [? Council of Trade and Plantations].
Memorial upon the boundaries of Nova Scotia. The French
have encroached upon us by erecting fishing stages at Petty
Canso, for even if we should admit, what the French have
lately invented, that the Gut of Canso is the little mouth of the
Bay of St. Lawrence, it would not give them a title to Petty
Canso, this not being in the Gut, but making it etc. Signed,
Jer. Dummer. Endorsed, Recd. Read 4th Aug., 1719. 1 p.
[C.O. 5, 867. No. 43]. |
Aug. 4.
Whitehall. |
351. Mr. Delafaye to the Council of Trade and Plantations.
Encloses following from Col. Stanhope, H.M. Minister now with
the French Army, by command of the Lords Justices, etc.
You are to report how far you find they may have a foundation
for this demand, and how far it may be proper to comply etc.
Signed, Ch. Delafaye. Footnote refers to Representation,
"transmitted to Mr. Secretary Stanhope, 21st March, 1715,
but nothing more done on it." Endorsed, Recd., Read 5th
Aug., 1719. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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351 i. Extract of letter from Col. Stanhope to Mr. Secretary
Craggs. Enclosing following etc. Aug. 4th (N.S.),
1719. 1 p. |
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351 ii. Extract of Memorial presented by the States of
Guipuscoa to the Duke of Berwick at the camp before
St. Sebastian. 5th Aug. (N.S.), 1719. Refer to Treaty
of Utrecht, and request to be confirmed in freedom
of fishing in the ports of Placentia and Newfoundland,
"of which the ancestors of the Province were the first
discoverers," etc. Spanish. 1 p. [C.O. 194, 6. Nos.
66, 66 i., ii; and (without enclosures) 195, 6. p. 509]. |
| [Aug. 4]. |
352. (a) M. de Pontchartrain to M. de Costebelle. Order
to evacuate Placentia. Sept. 29, 1713. Copy. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. Read 4th Aug., 1719. 1 p. |
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(b) Order by the French King for the surrender of Placentia
etc. Sept. 29, 1713. Copy. ½ p. [C.O. 194, 6. Nos. 64, 65;
and 195, 6. p. 508]. |
Aug. 4.
Whitehall. |
353. Mr. Popple to Mr. Richd. Harris, mercht. Besides
what my Lords Commissrs. have desired of you to-day, you
would do a considerable service if you could give them any
certain information that we were the first discoverers of Newfoundland, and particularly whether Sir Sebastian Cabot was
not there before the Spaniards. [C.O. 195, 6. p. 510]. |
Aug. 7.
Whitehall. |
354. Circular letter from the Council of Trade and Plantations to Governors of Plantations on the Continent of
America. It being necessary for H. M. Service and for
the benefit of the Plantations, that the limits or boundaries
of the British Colonies on the Continent of America, should
be distinctly known and marked out, more particularly so
far as they may border on the settlements made by the
French or any Foreign Nation, we desire you to send us, as
soon as you possibly can, the best informations you can
get upon this subject, with respect to the boundaries of
H.M. Province/Colony under your Government, together with a chart or
map, and the best accounts and vouchers you can obtain to
support the same, more particularly with relation to any
settlements that may have been made by the English on the
frontiers towards the Lakes and mountains: You will at
the same time inform us, whether the subjects of any foreign
Prince have made any encroachment on the Province/Colony under your
Government, etc. [C.O. 324, 10. pp. 264, 265]. |
| [Aug. 7]. |
355. Petition of William Gerrish of Mountserratt Esqr.,
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses list of
sufferers and their losses by the invasion of Montserrat under
M. Cassart, which he received from the President of the Council
etc. "Mountseratt has ever since been in a very ruinous and
sinking condition." Prays for their Lordships' good offices
etc. Endorsed, Recd. Read 7th Aug., 1719. 1 p. Enclosed, |
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355 i. Account of losses of the several inhabitants of
Montserrat from the invasion of 1712, sworn to by
them. Total, £209,794 10s. 1d. 272 individual
claims. Same endorsement. 6½ pp. [C.O. 152, 12.
Nos. 147, 147 i.] |
Aug. 7.
Barbadoes. |
356. Governor Lowther to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses list of papers sent 30th May. Continues:—As I hope most of 'em have fallen under your Lordship's consideration before now, so I persuade myself you'l be of opinion
that I've given no just cause of complaint either to Francis
Sansa [=Lansa. v. 8th Jan., 1720. Ed.] the Portugueze (if
any such person there be) or to the Society for the propagation
of the Gospel etc. Refers to Minutes of Council. Continues:
As the charges contained in Sansa's petition are only supported
by the deposition of Jean Demoraçin a Portugueze Jew who
was late master of the said ship St. Louis, and as Mr. Lascelles
and I have (by our several depositions) denied those which
relate to us, so I humbly conceive that the first thing considerable in this point is the character and quallity of the accuser
and accused etc. As to those facts in the Jew's deposition
which are capable of being refuted by other evidences, it is
done so substantially as to leave no room to doubt of his being
perjur'd, if not suborn'd, etc. He possitively swears that I
tooke from him the licence that he obtain'd from Mr. Sharp
to land his cargo and refit his ship, and that I tore the same in
pieces. Now these facts I've not only deny'd upon oath, but
Mr. Lassels to whom the said licence was directed did not only
produce it before the Court of Errors on 14th April but also
deposed that he received it from Demoracin on 9th May, 1715,
and kept it in his own custody ever since etc. Nicholas Hope,
Attorney at law, who was private secretary to William Sharpe,
says the petition and order so produced is of his handwriting
etc. and that the name Jean Demoracin is the handwriting of
Demoraçin, and the name William Sharp subscribed to the
order is the handwriting of Sharp etc. Confirmed by Robert
Warren, Attorney at law, and Blunt Sadler etc. He is also
proved to be perjured in swearing that he was obliged by the
Collector to consent to the shifting of a great part of his sugar
from chests to hogsheads and that a great quantity was taken
from him under colour of the shifting, for it is fully proved by the
depositions of the Collector, John Hinton Landwaiter, and Blunt
Sadler that none of the said Demoracin's sugars were shifted but
by his own voluntary consent and orders, and it was all redelivered
to him etc. It is above 40 months before any complaint was
made of the pretended injuries etc. Notwithstanding all the
noise and rant which William Walker, Priest Gordon, William
Sharpe, the Trions, some of the Propagators of the Gospel,
and other of there crew have made of it, yet neither the complainant nor any of the plotters against my reputation and
fortune have yet served me with the preparitory order to bring
the said complaint to a judicial determination made 12th March
last by the Committee for hearing Appeals etc., tho the execution
and return of the said order is limited to six months from the
date thereof. As I've great reason to believe that Priest Gordon
and William Walker were the chief agents in contriving both
Sansa's petition and Demoracin's affidavit against me, as also
ye Society's most malicious and frivolous complaint, so I thought
it proper to take notice in my defence of the scandalous and
wicked attempt which Walker made some years ago against
the father of Mr. Lillington the bearer hereof: Your Lordships
will see by ye Grand Jury's last Address to the King (inclosed)
that I'm not singular in my opinion of Mr. Walker. Sansa's
petition is false and scandalous and contrived to git me recalled
before I could make my defence, etc. Demoracin is a wretched
perjured fool, etc. As to the mighty grievances contained in
the Society's petition to H.M., etc., they amount to no more
than my ordering their Attorney here to deposit their plantation bookes in the hands of the Deputy Secretary for the
inspection of Mr. Cunningham, the Council and myself, etc.
The occasion of my giving those orders was from a letter I
received from one David Humpheryes Secretary to the
Society, vizt.: The S.P.G. received a letter lately from
Barbados, a copy of which they now communicate to you: the
person who subscribed the letter is the Reverend Mr. Cuningham Incumbent of St. John's, etc. The letter contains a
very high arraignment of the Society's proceedings and therefore
they could not in honour and justice to themselves but acquaint
you with this charge and beg the favour of you to cause such
matters of fact as concern persons or things in Barbadoes to
be examined in the proper method, etc. On the 7th April,
1718 their Attorney's made application to me to examine the
said allegations etc. From hence I conceive it was natural to
suppose that the Society intended I should make a strict and
impartial enquiry into the matters of fact etc. Now as this
enquirey could not be impartially made with regard to Mr.
Cunningham and the Society without the inspection of their
books I could not discharge the duty of an honest man and
the trust they had imposed upon me, being Mr. Cunninghame
could not possibly make his defence without such an inspection,
nor could their manager, agent, and Attorney's have been otherwise detected of the mismanagments, frauds and abuses which
they now plainly appear to be guilty off. But this the Society
in their petition to the King are pleased to call an oppression,
and do alledge that the delivery of their books to the Deputy
Secretary was very prejudicial and ruinous to their affairs and
interest, in regard their Attorneys here had daily occasion to
use the sd. books papers and accounts; and that there Attorneys were thereby deprived of the rules, orders and directions
they had received from the Society for the management of
their affairs. In answer to these honest, wise and weighty
alligations, I affirm (i) that their was not one order, rule or
direction from the Society entered in the sd. bookes which
were delivered to Mr. Lenoir etc. (ii) As to the prejudice sustained, I must confess it was very considerable, being their
agents etc. could not proceed in keeping their accountes whilst
their day-book, journal, ledger, and invoyce remained in the
hands of Lenoir without being at the expence of purchasing a
whole quire of paper to make a new day-booke for the interim
etc. (iii) As to their desireing the King to give them such
redress as may effectually secure 'em from such oppressions
of me, or any other Governour for the future, I chearfully and
heartily submit to it, if for the future they'l give the world
no just occasion to arraign their conduct, and enter into sufficient
security, for the honest and faithfull discharge of their trust
to the publick. On 12th March the Committee for hearing
Appeals etc. made the same order on the Society's complaint
as they did Sansa's complaint, but neither the agents or attorneys
of Sansa or the Society have yet served them upon me etc.
Encloses resolution of Council and Assembly in relation to
parson Gordon. I have a great deal to say upon this head,
and of the ill usage I have received from the Bishop of London,
but as I've been already so very troublesome, I shall reserve
it to another occasion. I also forbear to acquaint your Lordship's of the transactions of the French at St. Lucia, being
Mr. Lillington knows the whole story of it, and can give you as
good an account thereof as I can pretend to do etc. Signed,
Rob. Lowther. Endorsed, Recd. 19th, Read 21st Oct., 1719.
4 large pp. Enclosed, |
|
356 i. Address of the Council and Assembly of Barbados
to the Council of Trade and Plantations. 21st July,
1719. Return thanks for their just and candid report
on their petition against the erecting a spirituall
Court in that Island. "Innumerable are ye ills wee
must suffer should that Court be ever established"
etc. Signed, John Colleton, Jno. Frere, Tho. Maxwell,
Tho. Maycock, Guy Ball, John Lucie Blackman, Will.
Carter, Fra. Bond, Edmund Sutton, Speaker. Same
endorsement. 1 p. |
|
356 ii. Proceedings of the Court of Grand Sessions of
Barbados, June, 1719. pp. 1–13. Bills of indictment
and sentences in several cases recorded. pp. 14 ff.
Addresses and presentments of the Grand Jury:—(a) Address of the Grand Jury of Barbados to the King.
9th and 10th June, 1719. Express abhorrence and
detestation of Pretender's design to invade England,
and in conjunction with the bigotted Spaniard to
destroy the best and most beautiful Constitution in
the world etc. Numberless are the blessings we have
reced. from your Majesty's goodness. Tis to that we
owe the continuance to us of our excellent Governour
who upon all occations has shewn his inviolable zeal
and attachment to your Majesty's service and by his
prudent and just government here has endeared
himselfe to us. Have heard with sorrow of the false
insinuations of his enemies against him, intended to
deprive them of his wise and gentle administration,
etc. Continue: We have just cause to believe that
Mr. Walker late of our Island has been a chief
Agent in the raiseing, contriving and carrying on
the late scandalls against our Governour and in framing
and prosecuting the petition of one Sansa etc. Walker
hath formerly been guilty of the like scandalous
practices in this Island, and hath hitherto escaped
the hands of justice, notwithstanding addresses by
two successive General Assemblys etc., upon wch.
he went off for Great Britain and there obtained
her late Majesty's order for a noli prosequi; But
wee hope from your Majesty's goodness and justice
he will at last have the reward due to his crimes, etc.
Signed, John Nurse, Richard Eaton, Pingston Murphey,
Christopher Bryan, Robert Ayshford, John Carleton,
Thomas Blunt, John Walke, Samuel Nusum, Lewis
Cutting, John Dotin, John Terrill, John Earle, Stepn.
Gibbes, John Martindale. |
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(b) (c) Copies of Addresses of Assembly, 6th Jan.,
1708, and 11th April, 1709, referred to in preceding. |
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(d) Address of the Grand Jury to Governor Lowther,
9 and 10th June, 1719. Return thanks for his wise
and just administration. Earnestly press H. E. to
continue to protect them against the establishment of
an Ecclesiastical Court, the very name of wch. is as
odious, as the constitution of it would be pernicious
to the inhabitants. Denounce malice of enemies
who have brought false accusations against him for
opposing the erecting that Court. Return thanks for
making that most just and necessary enquiry into
the abuses committed by the Agent here in the noble
and munificent donation of General Codrington etc.
Beg H. E. to use his interest at home to prevent any
further imposts upon the produce of the country.
Conclude: Your Excellency found us unhappily
divided among ourselves, and full of heart burnings
rancour, and resentments, you have heal'd our
divisions, and brought back peace, concord and
mutual benev'lence among us. Tis to your Excellency
that we owe that the odious names of faction and party
are no more, that Justice flows in a free and constant
course etc. By these honest arts you are become dear
to us and a necessary part of our happyness etc.
Signed as (a). |
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(e) Address of the Grand Jury to George Lillington,
C.J. Commend his prudence, justice and knowledge
etc. Refer to the patriotism of his persecuted father
etc. Same signatures. |
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(f) Presentments of the Grand Jury, 9th and 10th
June, 1719. (i) Pray that all laws against immorality
and prophaneness may be strictly put in execution.
(ii) Several donations for erecting publick schools
etc. have been scandalously ill managed and misapplyed. Pray that diligent inquiry may be made
into all publick charitys, and that they may be applyed
to the ends for which they were intended by the
donors, the want of publick schools for the education
of youths being in great measure the cause of the
present corruption of manners. (iii) The badness of
the roads, highways and bridges throughout this
Island, and the ill condition of the streets, alleys
and wharfs in Bridge Towne, often complayned of by
former Grand Jury's have not as yett been remedied.
(iv) The Judges of the respective Courts of Common
Pleas had by an ancient law of this Island the nomination of their own Marshalls, but that law was repealed
(v. 1709), and the marshalls of all the Courts vested
in the Provost Marshall, in consideration that he was
obliged to keep a good goal. Pray that he may
putt and keep the publick goal in good repair. (v) A
clandestine and illegall trade has of late been carryed
on by severall ill disposed persons, between this
Island Martinico and St. Lucia and negroes and other
slaves have of late been frequently stolen and shipt
of this Island. Pray that such trade may be stopped
and application made to H.M. that the ships of war
attending this station may be put under such regulations
that they may become serviceable thereto, and that
proper punishmts. may be inflicted upon the stealors
of negroes. (vi) That the laws against forestallers,
ingrossers and regrators be put in due execution.
(vii) That the exportation of provisions from the
Island when in demand, and the importers can gain
a reasonable proffit may be prevented. (viii) That the
granting of petty licences by two Justices of the Peace,
may be regulated and restrained, the number of
hucksters and punchhouses being very much increased
of late to the great damage of the inhabitants and to
the encouragment of vice and immorality, etc. Same
signatures. The whole endorsed as covering letter.
30¼ pp. |
|
356 iii. List of papers following. Certified as true copies.
Signed, Rob. Lowther, John Lenoir, Dep. Sec. 4½ pp. |
|
356 iv. Minutes of Council of Barbados, 21st July, 1719.
Minutes of Assembly, 17th July, were sent up and read
including unanimous resolutions that the character
of Mr. Gordon given by H.E. is just and true;
that he erected a spiritual Court without any legal
authority or precedent, and that such Court will
clash with the municipal laws, embarass the Government, vex and torment the gentry, depauperate the
substantial freeholders, and ruin the common people
etc., etc. Addresses voted etc. Copy. 14½ pp. |
|
356 v. Letters from the Agents of Barbados (? to the Committee of Correspondence) relating to Mr. Gordon's
petitions etc. Whitehall, 24th March, 1718/19. Signed,
Jo. Micklethwait, John Lloyd, Geo. Bamfeild. Copy.
2 pp. |
|
356 vi. Petition of Agents of Barbados to the King,
against the erection of an ecclesiastical Court by Mr.
Gordon, with H.M. reference of same, 3rd Sept., 1717.
Copy. 2 pp. |
|
356 vii. Governor Lowther to the Bishop of London,
26th April, 1717. Relating to Mr. Gordon. Copy.
3 pp. |
|
356 viii. Representation of Council of Trade and Plantations, 17th Oct., 1718. Copy. |
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356 ix. Petition of Rev. W. Gordon to the King that
some short day be appointed for hearing the complaint
preferred against him by the Agents for Barbados etc.
Copy. 1 p. |
|
356 x. Order of Committee for hearing appeals, 12th
March, 1718. Above petition dismissed, the complaint
referred to not being before the Board. Signed,
Edward Southwell. Copy. ½ p. |
|
356 xi. Petition of Rev. W. Gordon to the King. Duplicate
of enclosure, 15th March, 1719. |
|
356 xii. Rev. W. Gordon to Governor Lowther. Encloses
copy of licence from Bp. of London for his coming
to England. April 24, 1718. Signed, W. Gordon.
Copy. ½ p. |
|
356 xiii. Bishop of London to Rev. W. Gordon. Grants
permission to come to London—" The reasons you
have given me … are such as I cannot but
approve" etc. Somerset House, Feb. 11, 1717/18.
Signed, Joh. London. Copy. ½ p. |
|
356 xiv. Deposition of John Lenoir, Deputy Secretary
of Barbados. 21st July, 1718. About 3rd inst., at
the Barbados coffee house door, deponent, by the
Governor's instructions, informed Mr. Gordon that,
contrary to the publick report, he did not intend to
hinder him from going off the Island, if he should
obtain a ticket as the law directs. Gordon said he
would do so and desired deponent to put up his name
in the Secretary's office etc. Signed, John Lenoir.
Copy. 1¼ pp. |
|
356 xv. Minutes of Council of Barbados, 15th July, 1718.
Upon information received, H.E. issued a notification
denying the report that the Rev. W. Gordon had been
refused a ticket to sail except under a bond of £10,000;
and that H.E. had ordered his sloop not to sail etc.
Copy. 1½ pp. |
|
356 xvi. Deposition of Dr. Thomas Stokes. 5th Dec., 1716.
About 24th Sept., 1706, as deponent sat at dinner at
the house of Mrs. Sarah Quintyne, Mr. Gordon,
Minister of ye Parish of St. James, came in and sat
down at the table. After a little while he called two
or three negroes about him, and whispered to them,
and then sent them away. After this, he said that
the goune and cassock were a troublesome wear,
and so threw his goune by, and I taking notice of the
indecencey told him if they were so he ought to put
on another garb. After this his deportment seemed
civill toward me shaking me by the hand and drinking
my health etc. But waiting at the door for me afterwards, he shewed me a paper, and asked whether
that was my hand. I told him it was. He desired
me to walk along with him. I told him I would where
he pleased, and talking with him in relation to the
challenge he sent Mr. Slingesby, I told him I could
not in honour treat with him on what he might charge
me with till he had first returned the blows that Mr.
Slingesby gave him at ye hole for not giving him a
meeting according to his own challenge, and then I
would be at his service etc. He urged me further,
and I told him 'twas better for him to throw off his
cassock and put on a red coate, and looking behind
me I saw many negroes following and spectators.
I asked Mr. Gordon what he meant by talking so loud,
and by making such gestures wth. his arms for that he
would raise a tumult about us, and being comd to ye
waterside at ye back of ye Councel house, he appeared
to be convinced by what I had offered him on what
he had charged me with, and gave me several friendly
expressions, then he whipt out a pocket pistoll and
instantly cockt it and clapt it hard to my breast, wth.
this expression, Damn yee, I'le shout you through ye
breast. I called him villain and asked him whether
he designed to murder a naked man, and claped my
hand upon ye barrel, wch. being short and smooth
he slipt it out of my hand and nimbly retreated about
five paces and presented the pistol a second time
swearing as before etc. He called for his sword which
his negroe delivered into his hand, and bid me draw
and struck me with his cane, wch. I returned with
my cane, and about this time we were parted, etc.
Next day, deponent met him in the street tossing
bullets to and fro in his hand threatening he would
shout Mr. Slingesby through the head wherever he
met him, etc. Signed, Thos. Stokes. Copy. 1½
closely written pp. |
|
356 xvii. Deposition of Francis Eginton, 26th Oct. 1706.
Standing at the door of Mr. Irish's house in the Hole
Town, deponent saw Arthur Slingsby come to Mr.
Gordon and ask him to speak with him. Gordon
answered yes, and walked with him a little, and then
Slingsby caned him, etc. Afterwards Gordon put up
a paper on Irish's door. Slingsby took it down and
caned him again. Signed, Francis Eginton. Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xviii. Deposition of Capt. Kingston Townesend, 26th
Oct. 1706. Arthur Slingsby told deponent he had
beaten Parson Gordon once, and would beat him again.
Deponent said you had better let him alone, for yt.
he carryed pistolls in his cassock, etc. Signed, King
Townesend. Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xix. Deposition of Rev. Wm. Gordon, 26th Oct.
1706. On 16th Sept. he met Slingsby at Saml. Irish's
house (v. No. xvii), who said, "Have you considered
the impudent letter you sent me, to which deponent
answered, Why did you not meet me; Slingsby
answered, importing that he did: and thereupon
said Damn you, you are a rascall, and immediately
struck him over his head wth. a large cane. Deponent
endeavoured to close in wth. him, Slingsby clapt his
hand to his sword, upon which deponent retired
and stoopt down to look for a stone. Slingsby advanced
and struck him again with his cane, upon which
deponent was forced to retire into Irish's house.
Signed, Willm. Gordon. Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xx. Bishop of London to Rev. Mr. Ramsay in Barbados.
Fulham, Feb. 20, 1706. Instructs him to enquire into
an account he has seen of Mr. Gordon assaulting a
gentleman there in a brutish and lewd manner, etc.
If the matter appears notorious, I would desire you
would git some Justice of the Peace take ye affidavits
of witnesses and meantime to admonish him to stand
suspended till he shall hear further. Indeed, if the
matter of fact be so bad, as it is related, it would be
very well, if the Island could be made too hott for
him, etc. Signed, H. London. Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xxi. Address of Council of Barbados to Governor
Lowther. Congratulate his return and complain of
Mr. Sharpe's displacing magistrates and packing the
Assembly in his absence. Propose that a new Assembly
be elected, etc. 9 signatures. Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xxii. Charge to the Grand Jury by Thomas Maxwell,
Chief Judge of the Court of Grand Sessions, June, 1715.
Directs them to enquire whether prevalence of offences
is not due to ill examples of some of the clergy, etc.
Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xxiii. Address of the Grand Jury to Thomas Maxwell,
in his praise. 14–16th June, 1715. Signed, Francis
Wilse, Fras. White, William Wilcox, Robt. Ayshford,
John Parks, Edward Chiles, Hill. Rowe, William
Jeeves, William Arnoll, Jno. Chase, Haba. Sear, Richd.
Dowell, John Carleton, Saml. Gittens, John Milles
junr. Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xxiv. Address of the Same to the King. We esteem
it the highest instance of your Majesty's favour to us
that you have appointed Robert Lowther to be once
more our governour, etc., and Mr. Micklethwaite
Secretary etc. Express inviolable loyalty, etc.
Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xxv. Address of Same to Governor Lowther. Congratulate him on his restoration to the Government.
The happyness and tranquillity we formerly enjoy'd
under your Excellency's wise and impartial administration, had sufficiently endeared your Excellency
to ye inhabitants of this Island, but the many grievances
and oppressions wch. we have since labour'd under
during ye laste presidencye of Mr. Sharpe have more
sensibly convinced us of ye value and esteem wch.
we ought to entertain for your Excellcey., etc.
Complain of Mr. Sharpe as in No. xxi. Copy. 1 p. |
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356 xxvi. Presentments of the Grand Jury of Barbados,
to C. J. Thomas Maxwell, 14th–16th June, 1715:
(i) We pray that the laws made against immorality
and prophaness be strictly put in force and that all
incouragement be given for ye education of youth in
learning and religion. (ii) That the concourse of
negroes in the several towns on the Sabboth day be
suppress'd, that watches be regularly kept, etc.
(iii) That an Act may speedily pass for ye efectual
repairs of ye publick highways and warfs, for paving
the streets of ye town of St. Michaels, and for the
rebuilding the Indian bridge etc. (iv) That the publick
goal may be render'd more firme and substantial
etc. (v) Regulation of the Militia and inspection of
magazines and fortifications. (vi) A settlement of
the Court of Exchequer. (vii) Ascertainment of
fees, and efectual provision made against the great
abuses committed by the Marshalls of the several
Courts. (viii) That a review be taken of the Acts
relating to the detinue of negroes and forcible possessions, and for conveying of estates, the many
deficiencies therein having given great disquiet etc.
(ix) That a law be made to oblige such persons who
have sons or daughters and not sufficient estates to
maintane them reputably, to put them out apprentices
to handycraft trades, and other honest imployments,
and that where the parents are not able to do it, ye
respective parrishes where such children inhabit
may be obliged to put them out apprentices in a
proper and decent manner within some limited time,
wch. may be of great service in preventing idleness,
etc. (x) That an Act be speedily pass'd to incourage
ye bringing in of white servants for ye better strengthening the forces, and manureing ye waste lands, and
also that proper means be taken to incourage ye
settlement of tennants on Militia, for that they having
generaly familys are the more likely to be zealous
in defence of the Island. (xi) That a strict examination be taken of all publick donations and a report
thereof made to the Government, in order to ye
redressing such abuses as have been committed
therein, so much to the dishonour of our country and
to ye obstruction of charity. (xii) Many years experience having convinc'd us of ye great advantages
we have reaped by the printing our laws, but
some of them being now repeal'd others alter'd and
several additions made to them, and also many new
laws having been since enacted, we humbly offer
that a judicious review be taken of all our laws,
and that a compleat collection of them be carefully
made, in order to a new impression of them for ye
publick good. (xiii) Whereas there has been oftentimes and very lately great numbers of horses and
asses sent off this Island to Martineco and other
French Collonys, we do therefore present this as highly
injurious and destructive to ye inhabitants of this
Island in ye culture of there lands; and of the greatest
benefit and advantage to ye French: and do pray
that some speedy remedy be found to putt a stopp
to this pernicious trade by severely punishing ye
offenders. Lastly, we intirely agree wth. yr Honour,
that the ill examples of some of the Clergy have in
great measure contributed to the vices and offences
wch. of late have been practic'd among us. We do
therefore humbly represent it as the most efectual
means to amend the morals of the people that proper
methods be taken to prevent the misbehaviours of
the Clergy, and particularly that they may be restrained
from intermedling in matters of politicks and trade,
which are so foreign to ye designes of their holy
function. Signed as No. xxiii. Copy. 2 pp. |
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356 xxvii. Governor Lowther's speech to the Assembly.
Copy. 1½ p. |
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356 xxviii. Address of the Council and Assembly of
Barbadoes to the King. 5th July, 1715. Congratulate
his happy accession to the Crown etc., and return thanks
for delivering them from the intollerable government
of the president and for sending Governor Lowther
etc. Signed, Isaac Lenoir, Clerk of the Council;
William Grace, Clerk of the Assembly. 1 p. |
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356 xxix. Address of the Assembly of Barbados to
Governor Lowther. 28th June, 1715. Express grateful
sense of benefits formerly received by his wise and just
administration and join in welcoming H.M. accession
and H.E.'s return. Will endeavour to restore the
credit of the Island and enquire into the debts contracted under Mr. Sharpe. Agree with Grand Jury
as to evil example of some of the Clergy. Mr. Gordon
leaves his benefice several weekes together, and from
time to time goes to Martinique, a popish country
and there trades, and brings from thence great
quantities of contraband goods, such as brandy and
French wines, and in a publick store in St. Michaels
town sells the same, this with his playing at dice in
publick tavrons, and in publick company till midnight,
and seranading with fiddles from house to house the
greatest part of a night together, with his being a
principal promoter of our late unhappy differences
and divisions, we think no small scandal to the Church
and Religion we profess. Pray H.E. to take such
measures as may prevent the Ministers of the Island
from meddleing with matters of politicks etc. Signed
as preceding. 1¾ closely written pp. |
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356 xxx. (a) Rev. W. Gordon to Governor Lowther. Replies
to Nos. xxii., xxvi. and xxix. 14th July, 1715. In
1701 I was sent by the late Bishop of London to
supply a vacant parish in this Island etc. The Act
which I procured under Sir B. Granville for the better
encouragement of the clergy, providing each rector with
an annuity of £150, rescued them from servile
dependance upon the Vestries and provoked the malice
and revenge of those who had, till then, so lorded
it over them etc. My soliciting that law has ever
since been called a meddleing with politicks, and my
friendship for the Church's benefactors a siding with
a party, and the minister who exerted his liberty
traduced as proud and insolent. This resentment
sculked in private till 1712 when the clergy were
publickly attacked. Col. Cleland going to London
was applied to by the clergy to interpose to procure
houses and glebes for such as wanted them. Thereupon Mr. Maxwell, then a member of the Assembly,
prevailed with that house to agree to some resolves
highly reflecting upon us. At the same time a rumor
that the clergy had imploy'd Col. Cleland to sollicit for
ye tythes of every man's estate was so industriously
spread abroad that it was firmly believed in spite
of our most solemn protestations, and occasioned
indignation which has not yet been got over etc. Mr.
Maxwell (v. xxii) made choice of a Grand Jury, many
of them mean persons and mechanicks, and one of
them a few weeks before punished for living in open
adultry, who made a presentment in accordance
with his charge (Nos. xxii, xxvi). I protested in
the pulpit against such false accusations, and was
threatened that some would waylay and beat and
distroy me. Mr. Maxwell was so farr inrag'd that
at the next sitting of the Assembly he procured the
addition of a clause to their Address to H. E. repeating the sd. accusation of the Grand Jury and
decending to some particular aspersions against me
(No. xxix). If these charges were true, as they are
not, in the invidious manner represented, yet not
one of them is essentially vicious or immoral etc.
I have been 14 years Minister in this Island and
challenge any man to prove that I have been guilty
of vice, immorality or profaneness etc. It is a real
encomium that so little has been found to find fault
with. Has been the mediator and composer of many
quarrels etc. Signed, W. Gordon. Subscribed, |
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(b) Certificate by the Vestrymen of St. Michael's
that Mr. Gordon is a gentleman of sober life and conversation, an excellent preacher and universally
beloved and esteemed by all his parishioners etc.
Signed, Saml. Cox, Wm. Kirkham, J. Durousseau,
H. Hall, Hen. Peers, Alex. Cuningham, A. Skene,
Thos. Dinning, Edwin Carter, Wm. Charnley, Wm.
Cogan, Patrick Thomsone, Jno. Lane. 5 pp. |
|
356 xxxi. Thomas Maxwell to Governor Lowther. Reply
to preceding. My charge was directed against some
of the clergy. The Rev. Gilbert Ramsay, Minister
of my parish, will prove that I am a steadfast member
of the Church of England etc. If the Bishop of London
were to see Mr. Gordon, after hearing him preach in
the forenoon upon the Lord's day, spend the remaining
part of that day in climbinge trees, swinging from one
limb to another and useing such postures and actions
as I have seen him guilty of not long since, his lordship
would think it a very unseemly and unbecoming sight
in a clergyman, further if his lordship was to see
him make it his business to be at publick cockfightings
where generally the most profane oaths and curses
are made use of, and there spend his time in laying
wagers on ye cocks etc., and after this to appear in
a publick tavern and there play at dice untill midnight
(which is his common practice), and find him throw
off his ministerial habit and take upon him a layman's
dress, and both marry and baptize in the same, and
leave his parish for many weeks together even in lent
time, to go trading to Martinique amongst the Jesuits
and popish priests and merchants there, contrary to
the laws of England, no doubt he would judge these
things to be ill examples, and if he was to hear the
report spread over the Island of Mr. Gordon's frequent
going to mass in the mass houses in Martineco, and
find how little notice he has taken to clear himself
of such an aspersion, his lordship no doubt would
think he gives the world reason to believe him guilty
and that if he stirr'd he would stink worse. He did
not first come to Barbados with an affidavit by the
Bishop of London as he suggests. He was first brought
to this Island as a covenanted servant, then became
Usher to the school kept by Rev. Mr. Callow. During
that time he was taken eavesdropping at the house
of Major Christopher Webbs and tossed in a blanket for
such his crime. He then went to London with a letter
of recommendation to the late Bishop of London etc.
and returned with the recommendation the Bishop
usually gives to all Ministers coming to the Plantations.
I do not believe he's had any part in the law for encouragement of clergy except as scrivener. There was a
law passed before he was born regulating a convenient
maintenance for the clergy, and hardly any minister
who behaved tolerably well but generally had upwards
of £150 from their parishes before the making of that
law, etc. What designes he had in serving the Church
and his benefactors when he left his parents and went
down to Antegua and there broke open ye goal door
and let out several gentlemen confined by General
Parke is beyond my finding out; but I am very well
assured that his closeing ye powle against Coll. Maycock and Coll. Terrill when he acted as Sherife in ye
parish of St. Lucies before he tooke one half of there
legall votes, and declaring after he had so done that
he had shewn ye said Maycock and Terrill a trick
they little dream'd of, and his bringing a seditious
paper from ye late Coll. Christopher Codderington
and laying ye same before ye General Assembly wch.
was in Mr. Crows Government, and allso his dilligence
and industry in procuring votes upon all elections of
Representatives and especially upon the late election
in President Sharp's government plainly shews how
busie he has been in premoting our unhappy differences.
His taking upon him to marry Capt. Peter Mascoll
to his late wife's own sister's daughter, after Dr.
Ramsay the Minister of their parrish had refused a
considerable sume of money to do the same, plainly
makes him appear to be a man that will stick at
nothing, etc. Refers to the ill language uttered by
Mr. Gordon against himself and the Grand Jury in his
pulpit. Continues:—I understand he has denyed to
your Excellcy., notwithstanding some hundreds of
persons that heard him can prove it etc. I took it for
granted the Jury were all fitly qualified etc. If one of
them has been guilty of loving another man's wife, it is
what I did not know, but the world has done Mr.
Gordon a great deal of injustice if he hath not been
guilty of the same thing etc. Signed, Tho. Maxwell.
Copy. 5½ closely written pp. |
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356. xxxii. Mr. Gordon to Samuel Husbands, 8th July, 1715.
Protests against his having signed the Address of the
Assembly (No. xxix.) etc. Signed, W. Gordon. Copy.
1¼ pp. |
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356. xxxiii. Proceedings of the Vestry of St. George's parish,
12th Oct., 1713, protesting against the frequent
absence of Mr. Gordon, whereby infants have died
without baptism and the dead been buried without
any minister etc. Copy. 1 p. |
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356. xxxiv. Deposition of Capt. Thomas Carew. 4th July,
1715. Deponent heard Mr. Gordon betting at a cockfight in the Fort at Oistin's towne, and on two occasions
saw him win money at dice in a public tavern. Signed,
Thos. Carew. Copy. 1 p. |
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356. xxxv. Deposition of Capt. Richard Callender. 4th
July, 1715. Corroborates preceding. Signed, Richd.
Callender. Copy. ¾ p. |
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356. xxxvi. Deposition of Capt. Hillary Rowe. 14th Sept.
1715. Deponent saw Mr. Gordon very drunk at
Madam Mary Lambart's house etc. Signed, Hill. Rowe.
Copy. ½ p. |
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356. xxxvii. Deposition of John Roberts, sexton, Christ
Church. 8th July, 1715. Last Feb. Mr. Gordon
preached in the absence of Mr. Gilbert Ramsay. After
the sermon he rode away, without administering the
sacrament to those who were waiting to receive it etc.
Signed, John Roberts. Copy. 1 p. |
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356. xxxviii. Deposition of Stephen Prince, Clerk to the
parish of Christ Church. Corroborates preceding.
Signed, Stepn. Prince. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. xxxix. Deposition of Christopher Webb. 3rd March,
1718. Mr. Gordon was usher to Mr. Callow's school
etc. Signed, Christo, Webb. Copy. 1 p. |
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356. xl. Deposition of John Clarke. 3rd March, 1717.
Corroborates preceding and that Gordon was tossed
in a hammock for eavesdropping (No. xxxi.) Signed,
Jno. Clarke. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. xli. Deposition of Joshua Graves. 15th Sept. 1715.
Released from imprisonment at Martinique, he endeavoured to purchase a parcel of brandy there, but
was informed that it was laid by for Mr. Gordon,
whom he saw there, etc. Signed, Joshua Graves.
Copy. ¾ p. |
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356. xlii. Deposition of Major Christopher Webb. 20th
July, 1715. When his daughter was dying, he sent
for Charles Irvine, minister of St. Phillips, to pray
with her. He did not come till about 9 p.m., and then
refused to see her, though he stay'd in the house
the drinking a cupp of punch, and the smooking two
or three pipes of tobacco. Signed, Christo. Webb.
Copy. ¾ p. |
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356. xliii. Deposition of Christopher Bryan. 20th July,
1715. On Sept. 26th, 1714, after waiting all day for
the Rev. Charles Irvine to officiate and preach a
funeral sermon, he was obliged to bury his mother-inlaw, Elinor Poor, without any ceremony according to
the rights of the Church of England. Signed, Christopher Bryan. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. xliv. Deposition of Capt. William Hart. 20th July,
1715. When Mr. Sharpe, the President, had dissolved
the Assembly, Mr. Irvine told deponent he would
prevent him having a new one, for the writ would
come to his hands and he would put it in oblivion.
Signed, Wm. Hart. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. xlv. Deposition of Capt. Thomas Mapp. 20th July, 1715.
In Jan., 1712 at an election for the vestry of St.
Phillips, the Rev. Charles Irvine inserted the name
of Robert Hilliar in the poll. Hilliar declared he did
not vote. Irvine said it was better one man's name
should be entered then there should be no vestry, etc.
Signed, Thos. Mapp. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. xlvi. Deposition of Lt. Col. John Price. 20th July, 1715.
Has often seen Mr. Irvine drink bumpers of Madera
wine and punch, press others to do the same, drunk
and very much in liquor, etc. Signed, John Price.
Copy. ½ p. |
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356. xlvii. Deposition of Robert Hilliar. 20th July, 1715.
Corroborates xlv. Signed, Robert Hilliar, his mark.
Copy. ½ p. |
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356. xlviii. Deposition of John Leighten. 22nd July, 1715.
Deponent lived with the Rev. Charles Irvine and John
Cowley for 12 months. Cowley ordered him to drive
several beasts into his house, and several negroes
which used to work in common between Irvine and
Cowley to go into the sd. house. Soon after Irvine
came to the plantation with John Heywood, marshall
to the bank, with an execution to be levied. Irvine,
Heywood and Cowley dined together under a tree
some small distance from the dwelling house in wch.
the negroes and cattle were locked up. Signed, John
Leighten. Copy. ¾ p. |
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356. xlix. Deposition of William Grace. 8th April, 1718.
Mr. Gordon informed deponent of his commission
from the Bishop of London to act as Commissary.
About two days before he held his Court, he asked
him to act as Apparitor, and Nicholas Hope, his
Register, gave deponent several writs requiring him
to cite the persons therein named before Mr. Gordon
as Commissary at the usual Court House on Egginton's Green. Several appeared on 25th Oct., 1716,
when Mr. Gordon's commission was published etc.
Signed, William Grace. Copy. 1¼ p. |
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356. l. Parson Gordon's lease to Thomas Carney for glebe
land in St. Michaels, 5th March, 1717. Signed,
W. Gordon. Copy. 2 pp. |
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356. li. Proceedings of the Vestry of St. Michaels, 1st May,
1712—31st Jan. 1717. Copy. 1 p. |
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356. lii. Bishop of London to Governor Lowther. 3rd March,
1714. Recommends the bearer, Mr. Langton, for one
of the vacant parishes in Barbados. Signed, Joh.
London. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. liii. Same to Same. Somerset House. 15th Nov. 1715.
Recommends Mr. Langton for the Parish of St. Joseph,
which, since preceding was written, he learns that Mr.
Wharton is willing to resign, he having another living
there, etc. Signed as preceding. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. liv. Same to Same. Somerset House. 21st Jan. 1715/16.
The bearer Mr. Accourt is recovered of the disorder
he was under, and therefore I have sent him again
with a licence to supply any living you shall please
to assign him etc. I recommend him to your favour
and protection etc. Signed as preceding. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. lv. Same to Same. Somerset House. Feb. 14, 1716/7.
Requests him not in any way to obstruct Mr. Gordon
in the execution of the office of his commissary, "to
which he is appointed with such restrained powers
as your instructions require, and is not a new officer
but succeeds Mr. Beresford. My next request is, that
your preferr to ecclesiastical liveings such ministers
as have my licence and testimonials and none else,
as allso that you do the same in respect of school
masters, and in case you find cause to reject any
such, to give me notice thereof," etc. Signed as
preceding. Copy. ¾ p. |
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356. lvi. Same to Same. Fulham. 7th Nov. 1717. On the
appointment of a commissary, etc. Signed as
preceding. Copy. 1½ pp. |
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356. lvii. Same to Same Fulham. Sept. 25, 1717. The
bearer Mr. Napleton comes to be assistant to Mr.
Gordon, etc. Recommends him to his protection
and favour, etc. Signed as preceding. Copy. ½ p. |
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356. lviii. Same to Same. Somerset House. Jan. 18, 1717/18.
The bearer Mr. Deucher returns to Barbados in
order to supply any vacancy that shall happen in
the Church and brings with him my licence for that
purpose, etc. Recommends him to his favour and
protection. Signed as preceding. Copy. ¾ p. |
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356. lix. Deposition of Jane Addison, formerly wife of Joseph
Curtis. 15th March, 1717/18. She heard her husband
say that his brother Nathaniel Curtys did contract
with William Gordon in England to come to Barbados
to be a tutor to him, and that he was so mean a person
both in body and habit that he utterly despised him,
and would not be tuter'd by him. Signed, Jane
Addison. Copy. ½ p. [C.O. 28, 15. Nos. 54, 54
i.–lix.; and (without enclosures) 29, 14. pp. 23–35]. |
