America and West Indies: April 1724

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 34, 1724-1725. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1936.

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'America and West Indies: April 1724 ', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 34, 1724-1725, (London, 1936) pp. 76-86. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol34/pp76-86 [accessed 21 April 2024]

April 1724

April 2.
Whitehall.
112. Mr. Popple to John Scrope, Secretary to the Treasury. Encloses for their Lordships' opinion the three Acts of New York relating to the debt due to the Revenue from Gilbert Livingston etc. [C.O. 5, 1124. pp. 333–335.]
April 2.
Whitehall
113. Same to Lt. Governor Hope. Acknowledges letters of 11th Nov., 1723 and 14th Jan. last. Continues:—My Lords Commissioners will in a short time return you their answer to your letters of 4th and 30th July and 11th Nov. etc. Mr. Rayner has been recommended for the Council etc. I have reed, the publick papers you sent me, 14th Jan., together with the tryal of the George and Elizebeth etc., which I have forwarded, as you desired, to the Judge Advocate, but I must observe, that their Lordships will for the future expect to receive not only copies of all proceedings in your Government, but that you should keep a distinct correspondence with the several Offices mentioned in your Instructions, the Clerks of the Board of Trade having too much business to copy papers for other Offices. The Board have lately had under their consideration the Act (1722) for lessening the number of the Assembly and registering the Acts, but can by no means propose the same to H.M. for confirmation, because the present number and manner of paying the Assemblymen, is call'd by the preamble of the said Act, a great hardship and oppression upon the poor inhabitants, and thence one wou'd infer that this Act had been pass'd to ease them. But their Lordships don't think that 6s. a day (the only expence spar'd by this new Act) is reason sufficient to make so material an alteration in the establishment. Besides the change in the manner of paying the Representatives, which at present is done by a tax rais'd upon each parish, but is now proposed to be out of the publick money, where the same can best be spar'd, may be a means of laying that charge upon the Crown, and as great deficiencys often happen in your publick funds, this Act would probably increase them. I am further to take notice to you, that there is a misrecital of the Act for payment of the Assembly, at all future and succeeding Sessions thereof, the summe enacted there to be paid to each Assemblyman being 2/8 pr. diem, but the present Act supposes it to have been only 2/. There is likewise reference had in the new Act to another law for appointing the number of the Assembly and registering of the Acts, and not only this law but likewise the last mention'd for paying the Assembly, is intended to be repeal'd but for want of proper words for that purpose, they would both of them still continue in force, tho' the new Act should be confirm'd. [C.O. 38, 8. pp. 15–18.]
April 2.
Whitehall.
114. Mr. Popple to Lady Stapleton. Enquires for General Hamilton's Commission for trying pirates etc. (?. 21st Feb.) [C.O. 153, 14. p. 127.]
April 2.
St. James's.
115. H.M. Warrant to Mr. Attorney or Solicitor General to prepare a bill for H.M. signature appointing John Anthony Balaguier Secretary of Jamaica and Commissary of the Forces there, and Clerk of the enrollments, upon the death or surrender of William Congreve. Countersigned, Townshend. Copy. [C.O. 324, 35. pp. 61–63.]
April 2.
Whitehall.
116. Duke of Newcastle to Governor the Duke of Portland. H.M. having been pleased to advance my Lord Carteret to be Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and H.M. having at the same time given me the Seals, and allotted me the same department which his Lordp. had; I desire your Grace to address your letters to me, and give me accounts of everything in your Province that relates to H.M. service, etc. Signed, Holies Newcastle. [C.O. 324, 25. p. 67.]
April 2.
Whitehall.
117. Similar letters to Governor Worsley. Hart, Hope, Phenney, Burnet, Drysdale, Nicholson, Shute, Phillips. [C.O. 324, 35. pp. 67, 68.]
April 5.
Charles
Town,
So. Carolina.
118. Governor Nicholson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses duplicate of 29th March etc.; and Naval Officer's list of exports. Is preparing Acts and Journals to be sent by Col. Fenwick etc. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Reed. 8th July, Read 29th Oct., 1724. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 359. ff 185, 186?.; and (abstract) 5, 406. p. 15.]
April 6.
St. James's.
119. Order of King in Council. Appointing Jotham Odiorne to the Council of N. Hampshire etc. ?. 27th Feb. and 5th April. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 21st April, 1724. 1 1/2 pp. [C.O. 5, 869. ff. 11, 11?., 12?.]
April 6.
St. James's.
120. Order of King in Council. Referring to Committee of Council Act of Barbados for the solemn affirmation of Quakers, with representation thereon of 31st March. Signed, Edward Southwell. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 21st April, 1724. 1 p. [C.O. 28, 18. ff. 54, 55v.]
April 6.
Portsmo.,
New
England.
121. Lt. Governor Wentworth to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Refers to letter of 30th Dec. Continues:—In the Massachusets Governmt. about two months past there is a large ship set up and building of about one thousand tuns. The dementions is 130 ft. long, 35ft. beam, to mount 20 guns etc., and designes to load wth. timber and plank etc. and then for Lisbon or Cadiz: The management of this affair is under the care of Capt. Stirling an Irish gentleman. The ship being so much bigger then what has been ever built in the Country, I tho't it my duty to acquaint your Lordships. Inclos'd is Mr. Collector's accts. from 25th Sept.–25th March 1724 etc. We have had a verry moderate winter, no snow, and the swamps not frozen (this winter), so that there has been but few logs cutt. I have taken care that no spoyle has been made this winter; (there hapning no snow) the trouble has not been so much as in other winters etc. Signed, Jno. Wentworth. Endorsed, Recd. 2nd, Read 5th June, 1724. 1 3/4 pp. [C.O. 5, 869. ff. 15, 15?., 16?.]
April 9.
Treasury Chambers.
122. Mr. Scrope to Mr. Popple. Reply to 2nd April. The Lords Commrs. of H.M. Treasury have no objection etc. Signed, J. Scrope. Endorsed, Recd. 10th, Read 14th April, 1724. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1053. ff. 175, 176?.]
April 10.
Treasury
Chambers.
123. Mr. Scrope to Mr. Popple. My Lords desire that the Commissioners of Trade will examine and report upon enclosed etc. Signed, J. Scrope. Endorsed, Recd. 14th, Read 21st April, 1724. Addressed. 1 p. Enclosed,
123. i. Petition of Samuel Cox to Robert Walpole and the rest of the Commissioners of the Treasury. Prays for 9 months salary due to him. As President of the Council of Barbados, petitioner has obtained orders for £1500 for 18 months salary, 12th Oct., 1720–12th April, 1722. The present Governor did not arrive till 17th Jan., 1722(3). Signed, Charles Cox for Samuel Cox. 3/4 p. [C.O. 28, 18. ff. 56, 57, 59?.]
April 10.
St.
Christophers.
124. Governor Hart to Lord Carteret. Reply to C.S.P., 15th May, 1723. q.?. Mr. Lucas has replied to Mr. Hoskins in a letter to me, with a stated account etc. Prays that said letter may be ordered to be sent to Mr. Hoskins. Concludes: Mr. Lucas is a gentleman of a very worthy character and heir to one of the best estates in Antegoa etc. No doubt he will very honourably discharge Mr. Hoskins' just demands etc. Signed, Jo. Hart. Endorsed, Rd. June 23, 1724. 1 3/4 pp. [C.O. 152, 42. No. 131.]
April 11. 125. Memorial of Elisha Cooke and Anthony Sanderson, Agents for the Assembly of the Massachusets Bay, to the Duke of Newcastle. Col. Shute's second Memorial (?. 5th March) is presented with a view to deferring the consideration of the first memorial, the Assembly's answer confuting the whole charges therein. As the matter in the second memorial is altogether new, pray that the reference of the first may proceed, and that Mr. Attorney and Solicitor General may be directed to suspend all proceedings on the second (it having been likewise referred to them) until an answer to it be received from the Assembly etc. Signed, Elisha Cooke, Antho. Sanderson. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 752. No. 24.]
April 13. 126. Lady Stapleton to Mr. Popple. "as soon as I received your letter I went into the country to look over the papers that came home: where I fond the patens I now send" (Commission for trying and pardoning pirates ?. 15th May), "which to be shour was sent home by a misstake." Signed, F. Stapleton. Endorsed, Reed. 17th, Read 28th April, 1724 Addressed. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 14. ff. 254, 255?.]
April 14.
Whitehall.
127. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Presses for report upon Act of Barbados for raising a levy etc. [C.O. 29, 14. p. 394.]
April 15.
Charles
Town,
So. Carolina.
128. Governor Nicholson to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Duplicate of No. 106. Signed, Fr. Nicholson. Endorsed, Recd. 15th June, Read 29th Oct., 1724. 1 p. Enclosed,
128. i. Duplicate of No. 118.
128. ii. List of Exports from S. Carolina, 30th May, 1721–25th March, 1724. Totals: Barrels of, pitch, 12720; tar, 7083; rice, 13,980. Of which 1476, 1642 and 3200 respectively were exported to the Plantations (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Virginia, Piscataway, Rhode Island, Jamaica, Barbados, Bermudas, Providence, St. Kitts, Antegoa). The rest to Great Britain.
Imports of iron made in N.E. since 30th May, 1721. Totals, 521 axes, 203 cart, boxes, 11 bars etc. Same endorsement. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 359. ff. 187, 188–189?.]
April 15.
Whitehall.
129. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend for confirmation the three Acts of New York relating to Mr. Livingston's debt. "As there is a composition intended to be made by the said Acts for a debt due to the Revenue of New York, we have consulted the Lords Commissioners of your Majesty's Treasury, who have no objection" etc. [C.O. 5, 1124. pp. 336, 337; and (rough draft) 5, 1079. No. 136.]
[April 15.] 130. Proceedings of Court of Chancery, Barbados, Jan. 22–April 15, 1724. 12 pp. [C.O. 33, 27. No. 2.]
April 17.
Whitehall.
131. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Ask for H.M. orders upon the difficulty of the Council of Antigua as to provision being made for the Governor by a new Assembly (11th March). [C.O. 153, 14. pp. 130–132.]
April 17.
Whitehall.
132. Order of Committee of Council. Upon representation of 4th Sept. 1723, direct the Council of Trade and Plantations to report what conditions, restrictions and limitations are proper to be contained in a grant of the lands desired by Col. Vetch etc. Endorsed, Recd. 28th April, Read 13th May, 1724. 3 3/4 pp. [C.O. 217, 4. ff. 241–244?.]
April 17.
Whitehall.
133. Order of Committee of Council. Referring to the Council of Trade and Plantations the petition of William West, Peter Longueville and others for a grant of land for a settlement between Nova Scotia and Maine, ?. A.P.C. II. No. 1300. Signed, Ja. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. Read 12th May, 1724. 1 1/2 pp. Enclosed,
133. i. Petition of William West, and Peter Longueville etc. to the King. March 2, 1716. ?. preceding. Copy. 4 pp.
133. ii. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Copy of. C.S.P. May 21st, 1718.
133. iii. Extract from Charter of the Massachusetts Bay. 2 pp.
133. iv. Petition of William West, etc. to the King. Dec. 17, 1718. ?. A.P.C. II. No. 1300. Copy. 4 pp.
133. v. Report of Committee of Council, upon preceding, 17th Dec, 1720. ?. A.P.C. II. p. 746. Copy. 2 1/2 pp.
133. vi. Petition of William West etc. to the King, 21st Feb., 1723/4, referred to in covering order. Copy. 3 pp. [C.O. 217, 4. ff. 209–218, 219–220, 230?.]
April 20.
Whitehall.
134. Duke of Newcastle to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Encloses, for their report, following complaint, put into his hands by Monsr. Chammorel, the French Secretary etc. Signed, Holles Newcastle. Endorsed, Recd., Read 21st April, 1724. 1 p. Enclosed,
134. i. Receipt for £10 S. Carolina money, reckoned equal to £1 10s. sterl., received from M. Courturier. Signed, Wm. Timley. 1/4 p.
134. ii. Governor Nicholson's warrant to the Provost Marshal of S. Carolina, 8th Feb. 1723, directing that M. Couturier, now in custody, sell the two Indian slaves by him brought into the Province by Wednesday next to such purchasers as will enter into bond in £100 to transport them to the West Indies. No person is to speak to the prisoner etc. Copy. 1 p.
134. iii. M. Couturier to M. Chammorel. Obliged to return from Louisiana to Europe, and being assured by several Englishmen that he could pass through Carolina, petitioner went to Charleston, where the Governor threw him into prison as a spy, together with two young Frenchmen and two native slaves he had with him. After three weeks, the Governor informed him that he must sell his two slaves and that he would then give him a pass for Europe. Petitioner replied that he could not abandon one of the slaves, who had twice saved his life. The Council and Assembly did their utmost to obtain petitioner's release, but the Governor refused and ordered the sale of said slaves (?. No. ii). The Governor compelled petitioner to sail before he was paid what was owed to him. Just before he sailed, the Provost Marshal and the Secretary of the Province compelled him to pay heavy fees to them (?. No. i). Prays for an Order from the English Court that he be reimbursed etc. French. 2 1/2 pp. [C.O. 5, 359. ff. 12, 13, 14, 15–16?.]
April 22.
Whitehall.
135. [?Duke of Newcastle?] to the Lords of the Treasury. Encloses, for their opinion thereon, Address of the Council and Assembly of St. Kitts proposing that 500 acres of the late French lands may be allotted towards the Governor's subsistance etc. Without signature. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 40. No. 13.]
April 23.
Whitehall.
136. Mr. Popple to Richard Shelton. My Lords Commissioners desire to know as soon as possibly may be, the opinion of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina upon the Act passed in 1721 for vesting the fee simple of a certain plantation and house commonly called the Governor's house in the Honourable Robert Johnson Esq. [C.O. 5, 400. pp. 180, 181.]
April 23.
Whitehall.
137. Council of Trade and Plantations to the Duke of Newcastle. Reply to 20th April. We have as yet received no account [of M. Couturier's complaints] from the Governor of S. Carolina, nor doth the Agent of that Province know anything of the matter; we have therefore order'd our Secry. to transmit the said complaints to Genl. Nicholson for his answer etc. Autograph signatures. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 382. No. 37; and 5, 400. pp. 181, 182.]
April 24.
Whitehall.
138. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Lay before H.M. Acts of Montserrat and St. Christophers' passed since H.M. accession, (a) List of temporary Acts and Acts to which they have no objection, (b) List of Acts "concerning the usefulness and effect wherof we are doubtfull, and therefore humbly propose they may lye by probationary, till further experience thereof shall incline your Majesty to confirm or repeal them." Acts of St. Christophers. (1) 1716, for regulating fees of officers and Courts; (2) 1719, for raising an impost upon liquors imported and collecting arrears etc. (3) 1719, for laying a tax on retailers of strong liquors and lessening the numbers of distillers etc. (4) 1719, for settling a salary on Wm. Nivine, Agent for the Island etc. (5) 1722 & 1723. to regulate the Militia. (6) for raising gunpowder and small arms upon the tonnage of vessels trading to this Island etc. (7) for the good government of servants etc. (8) for attainting several negroes and preventing negroes running away etc. (9) for regulating vestries etc. (10) for enjoying a quarantine etc. Acts of Montserrat. (i) 1715. Repealing the Six Pound Act. (ii) 1718, reducing interest from 10 to 6 p.c. (iii) 1718, prohibiting levying of executions from 31st Aug. to 1st March, (iv) 1719, for punishing persons detaining other persons' slaves or servants, (v) 1719, Exempting members of Council, Assembly etc. from arrests on public days. (vi) 1721. Repealing Act granting the duties on liquors to Thomas Tolmash, etc. [C.O. 153, 14. pp. 132–144.]
April 24.
Whitehall.
139. Mr. Popple to Governor Nicholson. Encloses complaint of M. Couturier etc. (?. 20th April) for his reply as soon as possibly may be etc. Concludes:—Upon this occasion, I am to remind you of your 96th Instruction, whereby you are oblig'd upon all occasions to send unto H.M. and to his Commissioners for Trade and Plantations a particular accot. of all your proceedings, and of the condition of affairs within your Government. [C.O. 5, 400. pp. 183, 184.]
April 25.
St. James's.
140. The King to Governor Phenney. With this you will receive a great silver Seal etc. described. The leaden Seal (March 30, 1723) is to be defaced before you in Council and transmitted to the Council of Trade to be laid before us in Council as usual. Countersigned, Holles Newcastle. [C.O. 324, 35. pp. 68, 69.]
April 28.
Custom ho.,
London.
141. Commissioners of Customs to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Mr. Lechmere, Surveyor General of the Northern Continent of America, having, 24th Jan., transmitted to us the memorial of Wm. Lambert, Comptr. of the Customs at Boston setting forth that Dec. last he received an information that W. Whipple Master of the William and Mary brigantine who some time before entred at Boston from Lisbon with salt only had stop[ped] at Piscataqua and landed there 3 casks of wine and oyl without making any report thereof and that on his arrival at Boston he had clandestinely run some red skins of leather and some jarrs of oyl the produce of Spain, he obtained a warrant from the Lt. Governor and on search found 18 skins of leather and 12 jarrs of oyle etc. He exhibited a libell in the Court of Vice Admiralty against said vessell and goods and summoned the whole crew to appear, where two wittnesses only appeared and gave evidence in behalfe of H.M. who were so grossly affronted by some merchants and others in a riotous manner that Lambert was obliged to apply to the Court for their protection during the sitting of the Court which was granted and the Court was adjourned to another day when there was a publick tryall and the two evidences again appeared and on their examination they were scuriously treated by many that appeared in the Court and as soon as the Judge had left the Court some merchants and masters of ships with a great number of other persons in a violent and mobbish manner assaulted the said evidences kicked and pushed them downstairs and beat one of them so unmercifully dragging him thro' the streets that it is not yet known what may be the consequence and if the Sheriff had not come to his assistance and taken him into his house it is generally beleived he would have been murdered, and they even threatened to use the Judge of the Court and the Officers of the Customs in the same manner in case sentence was given against them all which appears more fully by several affidavits sent home to Governor Shute remaining in his hands. And the Officers of the Customs in New England having at other times been insulted and abused in the execution of their duty, we humbly pray your Lordps. will please to be a means that our Officers and their assistants may be protected in the execution of their duty. Signed, Walter Yonge, T. Walker, J. Evelyn, Ja. Campbell. Endorsed, The Governor to advise the proper methods, 2 1/2 pp. [C.O. 5, 898. No. 32.]
April 29.
Whitehall.
142. Mr. Popple to Mr. West. Again presses for report on Act of Barbados for raising a levy etc. [C.O. 29, 14. p. 395.]
April 30.
St. James's.
143. Order of King in Council. Repealing Act of New York, 1720, for laying a duty on European goods etc., and directing that a general Instruction be sent to Governors of Plantations not to give their assent to any such Act etc. Set out, N.Y. Col. Doc. V. 706. Signed, Jas. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. Read 13th May, 1724. 2 1/4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1053. ff. 177–178?.; and 181, 181?., 182?.]
April 30.
St. James's.
144. Order of King in Council. Confirming three Acts of New York relating to Gilbert Livingston. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 3/4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1053. ff. 179, 179?., 180?.]
April 30.
St. James's.
145. Order of King in Council. Referring following to the Council of Trade and Plantations for their report. Signed, Jas. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. 19th., Read 21st May, 1724. 1 p. Enclosed,
145. i. Petition of Merchants of London trading to New York to the King. By an Act of New York, 1720, for the encouragement of the Indian trade etc., all trade whatsoever is prohibited in the strictest manner and under the severest penalties between the inhabitants of New York Government and the French of Canada or any subjects of the French King, or any person on their behalf etc., which Act was to continue in force for three years etc. It has not been confirmed by H.M., but, petitioners conceive, was suffered to lay by probationary. The Government of New York are about passing an Act to continue it. Though the Act, in the first intention of itt, might be well designed, yet in it's effects, it hath proved very pernitious to the British trade in generall and to the interest of New York in particular. For besides the Nations of Indians that are in the English interest, there are very many Nations of Indians who are at present in the interest of the French, and who lie between New Yorke and the Nations of Indians in the English interest; and this Act prohibiting all trade between Yorke and the French, etc., the French and their Indians would not permitt the English Indians to pass over by their forts, so as to carry on free trade with New Yorke, but prevented their passages as much as possible, whereby that most considerable, and only valluable branch of trade from New Yorke, hath been very much lessened, etc., and all the Indian goods have by this Act been raised in their price 25 to 30 p. cent. Whereas on the other hand this branch of the New Yorke trade, by the discouragement brought upon it by this Act, is almost wholly ingrossed by the French, who have already by it been encouraged to send proper European goods to Canada to carry on this trade, so that should this Act be continued the New Yorke trade, which is very considerable, must be wholly lost to us, and center in the French, which may estrange the Five Nations etc. and prevent the English interest being improved among the French Indians etc. Pray that the Governor of New York may be directed not to pass any such reviving Act etc. Signed, Samll. Baker and 19 others. Copy. 6 pp. [C.O. 5, 1053. ff. 183, 184–186?., 188?.]
April 30.
St. James's
146. Order of King in Council. Repealing Act of Virginia for laying a duty on liquors and slaves, and ordering that "the Governor do not on any pretence whatever presume for the future to give his assent to any Act of this kind without inserting a clause therein suspending the execution thereof till H.M. pleasure shall be known concerning the same." Signed, Jas. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. Read 13th May, 1724. 1 3/4 pp. [C.O. 5, 1319. ff. 165, 165?., 166?.]
April 30.
Whitehall.
147. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend for confirmation Act of S. Carolina for vesting the fee simple of the Governor's house in R. Johnson, etc. [C.O. 5, 400. pp. 184, 185.]
April 30.
Whitehall.
148. Same to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. Reply to April 10th. By H.M. Instructions to the Governor of Barbados, the Presidents of the Council there, acting as Commanders in Chief during the absence of the Governor are entitled to the moiety of his salary. It appears by the papers in this Office that Mr. Cox did not begin to act as President till 5th Dec., 1720, and that Mr. Worsley arrived in that Island, 19th Jan., 1723, yet Mr. Cox carries his demand backwards as far as 12th Oct., 1720, because the Order in Council appointing him President bears date on that day; But the moyety of the Governor's pay given by the aforesaid Instructions, during the Governor's absence, to the President of the Council, being annex'd to his actual service as such; we do not see how Mr. Cox can justly claim any pay whilst another person actually discharg'd the Office. [C.O. 29, 14. pp. 395, 396.]
April 30.
Whitehall.
149. Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Recommend Major Peter Soulegre for the Council of St. Kitts instead of Mr. Wilward, decd. [C.O. 153, 14. p. 145.]
April 30.
Whitehall.
150. Same to the Duke of Newcastle. Enclose Address from the Council and Assembly of St. Christophers, to be laid before H.M. Autograph signatures. 1 p. [C.O. 152, 40. No. 12; and 153, 14. p. 146.]
April 30.
St. James's.
151. Order of King in Council. Approving report of Committee on Excise Act of Barbados, that it expires on Aug. 8 and it is not advisable to repeal it, but that directions be sent to the Governor about his passing Acts of this kind for the future etc. Orders to Governor as set out A.P.C. III. No. 58, under date 20th April. Signed, Jas. Vernon. Endorsed, Recd. Read 13th May, 1724. 2 1/4 pp. [C.O. 28, 18. ff. 74–75?.]
April 30.
St. James's.
152. Order of King in Council. Confirming Act of Barbados for the solemn affirmation of Quakers etc. Signed and endorsed as preceding. 1 1/2 pp. [C.O. 28, 18. ff. 76, 76?., 77?.]
April 30.
(2nd mo.
or April
ye 30th.)
153. Richard Partridge to the Council of Trade and Plantations. Understanding that the other law relating to the provincial tax for 1723 is come over from the Massachusets, which affects our Friends, whose cause before the Lords Committee of Councill is not like to be heard till that law be also lodged at the Council Office etc., prays that it may be sent up accordingly. Signed, Richard Partridge, in behalf of the sufferers the petitioners. Endorsed, Recd. Read 30th April, 1724. Addressed. 1/2 p. [C.O. 5, 869. ff. 13, 14?.]
April 30.
London.
154. Mr. Yonge to the Council of Trade and Plantations. I am informed that Governor Nicholson confined M. Couturier (?. 20th April), because he left the French settlements against the consent of the Governor of Moville, and came without a pass; the want of which gave just reason to suspect he came to tempt away the slaves from the inhabitants, or on some other ill design etc. Prays that copy of complaint be sent to Governor Nicholson etc. Endorsed, Reed. 11th May, Read 22nd July, 1724. 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 359. ff. 27, 27?., 28?.]
April [ ]. 155. Petition of the Lessees of the Bahama Islands to the King. Petitioners are still willing to continue their endeavours to settle above islands etc., if they can have your Majesty's further encouragement. About 15 years of their lease are yet unexpired. They are altogether unable to recover their debts or to call to account their officers and servants, without being invested with powers of acting as a corporate body. Pray H.M. to send another independent company with stores of war, to allow a salary to the Governor with needful expenses for supporting the civil Government, and to grant petitioners a royal charter of incorporation according to annext proposal. (Cf. C.S.P., 1st Nov., 1723.) 1 p. Enclosed,
155. i. Heads proposed for Charter referred to in preceding. 2 1/4 pp. [C.O. 23, 12. Nos. 85, 85.i]