America and West Indies: August 1737, 1-15

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 43, 1737. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1963.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'America and West Indies: August 1737, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 43, 1737, (London, 1963) pp. 212-230. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol43/pp212-230 [accessed 25 April 2024]

August 1737, 1-15

August 1 430 Francis Fane to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have no objection in point of law to an Act passed in Virginia in 1736 to dock the entail of certain lands whereof Lewis Burwell is seised and for settling other lands and slaves of greater value to the same uses. Signed. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd. 3 August 1737, Read 24 January 1737 7/8;. [C.O. 5, 1324, fos. 99, 99d, 104, 104d.]
August 3.
Palace Court.
431 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Received, receipts from the bank for 10l. paid in by Dr. Hales and for 10l. paid in by William Belitha. [See No. 423.] Read, an appointment of the town-courts of Savannah and Frederica to be the courts of law for trying offences against the Act for preventing the importation and use of rum in Georgia. The seal was affixed thereto, secretary to countersign. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 687, p. 34.]
August 3.
Georgia Office
432 Benjamin Martyn to Thomas Causton, by Capt. Shubrick. The Trustees have received the packet of letters which you forwarded to Mr. Eveleigh and in this packet your diary, with which they are well pleased and expect you will continue and send it every opportunity, especially since you have received (as they hope) John Pye. They have sent you another clerk, Samuel Hurst, with whom likewise comes Samuel Smallwood to be sent to Frederica for the service of the storekeeper there. The Trustees approve of your care in managing the stores and your striking off the idle persons who have not performed their covenant of cultivating their lands according to the time expressed in their grants; which, had they done, they would by this time have been able to subsist themselves and for want of this ability they have put the Trustees to a very great expense who are determined not to support any longer in idleness those who have so little regard to the Trust and themselves. The Trustees desire that you will see that the arms be kept clean and in good repair and you must tell the constables that they expect this from them. They hope that the officers in Savannah (as they expect any favour from them) will co-operate in their respective stations with friendship and unanimity to maintain the peace of the colony and give good example to the inhabitants. If ever there is any attempt to introduce martial law, the Trustees order you always to oppose it for no martial law can be declared without an express order from the Trustees or some persons authorized by them for that purpose.
In relation to the Moravians taking up arms, the Trustees think you should only have called upon them for two men, that is to say, one for each lot of Mr. Spangenberg's and Mr. Nitschman's, and on their sending two men, whether Moravians or others provided they are not servants, it will be a discharge of them from that duty. As to their request of the Trustees giving them leave to remove from the colony, you must acquaint them that no such application has been made to them from Count Zinzendorff through whom the Trustees have always treated with them. And till they receive such an application from the count they can say nothing to it. But the enclosed articles have been settled with Count Zinzendorff which you must put in execution in the most favourable manner to them you can and treat them on every occasion with a brotherly love and tenderness.
The Trustees have observed with satisfaction that Mr. Jones, the surveyor, has provided himself with hands for carrying on the necessary work of surveying the great lots towards the west and they hope he will go on to finish the surveying and running out the whole that those who have made his neglect of doing it a pretence for their idleness may be left without excuse if they continue in it. Mr. Stephens, who goes over by this ship, is appointed secretary for the affairs of the Trust within the province of Georgia. You must on all occasions give him what assistance you can to enable him to discharge the trust reposed in him. You will see by Mr. Verelst's letter what allowance is to be made him. Entry. PS. The Trustees have ordered that Robert Hows's house be rebuilt (as it was before it was burnt down) out of the fund for religious uses in consideration of his services. 1½ pp. [C.O. 5, 667,fo. 26, 26d]
August 3.
Georgia Office .
433 Same to Thomas Hawkins at Frederica. The Trustees have with great concern heard of some differences at Frederica among the persons in commission. They expect that you inform them as soon as possible how the same began and what has happened thereupon, and they hope you will continue keeping a regular account of all occurrences and send it by every opportunity that offers. As you are sensible the Trustees can govern themselves in their care and provision for the province only by the accounts which they receive from thence you must know that the readiest way to gain and keep their favour is to be punctual and very particular in writing to them. As the people must not depend upon the Trustees subsisting them beyond the time allotted in their grants (unless very good reason shall appear to them for doing otherwise) they must know that they cannot be too early in the cultivation of their lands. You must therefore omit no opportunity to press and solicit them to this and assure them that as industry will prove their greatest happiness so it will be the surest recommendation of them to the Trustees. As the Trustees have passed some laws which have been approved by H.M. in Council and as they are preparing others for the better regulation of the colony, they expect a due obedience be paid to the same and that the magistrates will do their utmost to support them and preserve good order among the people. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 25, 25d.]
August 3.
Georgia Office.
434 Same to Bailiffs and Recorder of Savannah. There being reason to believe that in course of time some neglects may happen in putting in execution the laws that were made here and approved of by H.M. for the peace and welfare of the colony, and as the Trustees are determined to see the same be punctually obeyed, they do hereby repeat their orders that you do in your several stations use your utmost endeavours to make the said laws effectual. And in particular the Trustees expect and require that the constables and tithingmen upon duty do never fail giving their assistance in staving what rum may be brought into the province, and they do farther hope and expect that as you will set an example to the people by a strict obedience to their orders and their laws and by a vigorous maintenance of them, so the people will likewise pay a dutiful regard to the same and that all the inferior officers will be assistant to you in supporting and executing them on every occasion. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667,fo. 25d.]
August 4.
Whitehall.
435 Alured Popple to Francis Fane enclosing three Acts passed in Montserrat and Nevis in February and March 1736/7 for his opinion in point of law, vizt. Acts for further restriction of slaves; for raising a levy or poll-tax; for regulating the militia of Nevis. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 153, 16, fo. 63.]
August 5. 436 Francis Fane to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have no objection in point of law to an Ordinance for asserting and maintaining the rights and privileges of H.M.'s subjects of South Carolina to a free trade with the Creek, Cherokee and other nations of Indians. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd 5 August, Read 10 August 1737. [C.O. 5, 366,fos.5–6d.]
August 8.
Boston
437 Governor Jonathan Belcher to Council of Trade and Plantations. Since last letter of 11 July, a quorum of H.M.'s commissioners for settling Boston. the boundaries betwixt this province and New Hampshire have met at Hampton and adjourned to this day to receive the demands of this province; which adjournment they need not have made had the king's commission been directed to my care, for it arrived some time before the General Court rose at their last session, but neither the governor nor the assembly knowing anything of it the demands of this province were not prepared as they might have been, but they will this day be given in to the commissioners. And to-morrow I set out for New Hampshire to meet that assembly at Hampton, having adjourned the assembly of this province to the town of Salisbury, so the assemblies will be within five miles of each other, the better to facilitate what may be necessary on their parts to bring this long depending controversy to a happy conclusion. Signed. 2½ small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 26 September, Read 5 October 1737. [C.O. 5, 880,fos. 70–71d.]
August 9. 438 Lieut.-Governor David Dunbar to Alured Popple. I have yet heard nothing of Mr. Wilks but that he and young Mr. Belcher make great rejoicing at my distresses as I am disabled from soliciting my complaints against the governor. I presume now my Lords Commissioners will have new matter against him. I saw yesterday a letter of 7 July from Boston that Frederick's Fort was abandoned, the next news will be that the Indians have razed it and burnt the houses in it, and then the governor and Massachusetts people will have their ends in preventing the settlement of that country because their lands in their new townships would be depreciated thereby; this is the true reason of their opposition. I earnestly beg you will present my humble duty to their lordships and beseech them to make a report upon the dispute between the governor and me and upon the behaviour of the council there in disobeying H.M. and their lordships' orders, of which there are very many proofs, but the two papers herewith sent you are the most flagrant. If their lordships are of opinion that I have a right to a moiety of the salary it would more than pay Mr. Wilks's demand on me, which is for one of Mr. Kingsmill Eyre's notes endorsed by me. I hope their lordships will be moved with compassion at my misfortunes, all which are owing to my too forward zeal in carrying on the new settlements by which I flattered myself I should powerfully be recommended to the favour of H.M. and ministers. I had no other view in it and if I had met with no opposition I should there have done more than ever man did before me in founding and settling a fine colony without any expense to the crown. I beg you will recommend my request to their lordships' consideration. My licence of absence is now expired and I am persuaded my lords would not desire my return to have my commission from H.M. so treated as it has been hitherto by the gentlemen of the council and those in employment there; if they go without resentment for despising H.M.'s orders and their lordships', what may they not be encouraged to do? Signed. 2 small pp. Endorsed, Recd. 10 August, Read 7 September 1737. Enclosed,
438. i. Minutes of Council of New Hampshire, 27 April 1737, recording withdrawal of four members of the council on the discovery that the meeting had not been ordered by Governor Belcher. The remaining members advised that the papers concerning the boundary question should be left with the committee appointed by the general assembly to attend the boundary commissioners. Copy, certified by David Dunbar, 6 May 1737. Signatory, Theodore Atkinson, 2 pp.
438. ii. Minutes of the same, 11 June 1735, recording a resolution taken by 7 votes to 3 that it is not sufficient notice to deliver an attested copy of the king's order disallowing an Act of the province for changing the situation of three of the courts of Quarter Sessions to the judges or justices concerned. The order to be sent to the governor at Boston. Copy, certified by David Dunbar. Signatory, Richard Waldron, Secretary, 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 880, fos. 63–68d.]
August 10.
Palace Court.
439 Minutes of Common Council of Georgia. The accountant acquainted the Common Council that pursuant to order of 6 July last the following six drafts had been made on the Bank of England dated 14 July: Ald. Heathcote to pay outstanding orders, 700l.; Messrs. Samuel and William Baker in full of two certified accounts from Georgia, 997l. 6s. 9d.; Messrs. William Pomeroy and Sons in full of two certified accounts from Georgia, 812l. 19s. 11d.; Simson Levy in full of a certified account from Georgia, 218l. 7s. 5s.; Lawrence Williams in full of three certified accounts from Georgia, 371l. 18s. 11d.Messrs. Peter and I. C. Simond in full of four certified accounts, 330l 13s. 8d.; and for sola bills of the 1500l. sent by Capt. Keat, 1017l. A certified account being brought for payment dated 4 May 1737 whereon Mr. Causton has stated 75l. 9s. 11d. sterling due to Messrs. Minis and Salomons, and Mr. Causton having certified 2 May 1737 to have received 50l. per their account current for 50l. in sola bills, and no other account appearing, so that it is reasonable to conclude the said 50l. were paid them in part of the said 75l. 9s. 11d.; resolved, that 25l. 9l. 11d. be paid to the order of Messrs. Minis and Salomons in full of the said account unless any other account shall be produced for the said 50l.
Resolved, that to each servant out of time before Christmas next 50 acres of land be granted (the land to be set out in villages) on proper certificates of good behaviour; and that a cow and a sow be given to each. Resolved, that Mr. Oglethorpe be desired to issue to Francis Moore now in England 650l. sterling value in sola bills of 5l. each, being the residue of 3150l. value in sola bills made out by order of Common Council 4 August 1736 which remain locked up; and that the said issue be dated on a day in November last before Mr. Oglethorpe and Francis Moore left Georgia; and that the said bills be sent by the Mary Ann, Capt. Thomas Shubrick, to Paul Jenys at Charleston to be forwarded to Mr. Causton as cash for the supply of the colony; and that any five of the Common Council be empowered to draw on the Bank of England from time to time for payment of the said 650l. in sola bills as they shall become payable on their return to England in the same manner as for the payment of the 4000l. sola bills already issued in Georgia. Resolved, that sola bills to the value of 4850l. be made out, whereof 1850l. to be in bills of 1l. each, 1500l. in bills of 5l. each, and 1500l. in bills of 10l. each, making 2300 bills. Resolved, that the plates for printing the said bills be altered in such manner as James Oglethorpe may sign them whether in England or in Georgia, and that the said bills be issued in Georgia by him or his order to defray the established expenses in Georgia to Lady Day 1738. Seal to be affixed to the said bills and the accountant to sign them.
A certified account from Georgia being laid before the Common Council whereon 368l. 5s. 10d. South Carolina currency appears to be due to Jemmet Cobley, and a letter of attorney being produced empowering Thomas Bishop to receive the same; ordered, that 49l. 2s. 1d. be paid to Thomas Bishop in discharge thereof being at the rate of 750l. currency for 100l. sterling. An account being received of delivery of 70 pipes of Madeira wine at Frederica at 13l. sterling a pipe and of 5l.5s. for pilotage amounting to 915l. 5s. demanded by Capt. James Pearse as due to Robert Ellis for the same; but it appearing that 100l. sterling having been paid to Lawrence Williams for a bill drawn on James Oglethorpe 8 December last by Robert Ellis on account of his contract for said wine; ordered, that 815l. 5l. be paid to Capt. Pearse and a draft be made on Bank of England for payment thereof. Signed the sai draft.
The accountant acquainted the Common Council that pursuant to order of Common Council of 29 April last a draft had been made on the Bank for 50l. to David Salomons for payment of sola bills and was signed 20th of last month. Resolved, that as the town of Savannah is very much increased gowns be sent over for the magistrates to wear in court, purple edged with fur for the bailiffs and black tufted for the recorder. Resolved, that 31l. 10s. be paid to William Stephens for his expenses. Ordered that the following certified accounts be paid: 181l. 7s.,3d. for provisions delivered by Thomas Ware; 215l. 18s.5d. for provisions and necessaries delivered by Lawrence Wessels. Ordered that 26l. be paid to Daniel Booth for charges of making silk. Resolved, that 3000l. be paid to Aid. Heathcote for the use of the Trust; signed a draft on the Bank of England for the same.7½ pp. [C.O. 5, 690, pp. 94–101.]
August 10.
Palace Court.
440 Minutes of meeting of Trustees for Georgia. Received by Henry Jewel, 10l. subscription of Viscount Tyrconnel towards building two churches in Georgia and other religious uses. Received, a receipt from the bank for 10l. the subscription of Rev. John Burton towards the same purposes. Read, a memorial to H.M. concerning the defence of Georgia. [See No. 443.] Seal affixed thereto, secretary to countersign, 2 pp. [C.O. 5, 687,pp. 35–36.]
August 10.
savannah .
441 Thomas Causton to James Oglethorpe. I have drawn bills of exchange on you of this date in favour of Messrs. Abraham Minis and Co. or order for 20l. sterling having received of him the like value in cash which with bills dated 10 January, 10 February and 18 May all last past make together the sum of 200l. which you agreed to, the better to enable me to settle my farm. Signed. 1 small p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 392–393d.]
August 10.
Hawk
Frederica River
442 Captain James Gascoigne to [Benjamin Martyn (fn. n3) ]. Since my last of 15 June, letters have been sent by the governor of St. Augustine complaining the Creeks have killed some of their people, desiring all possible means might be used to prevent such things hereafter. The letter was directed to Mr. Horton who wrote a suitable answer. A few days since a letter came directed to me, of which I enclose copy with my answer; the three men were taken on Amelia and delivered to the Spanish officer whose rank was a lieutenant of horse. As I find the occasion of the alarm lately in this colony and Carolina has just reached St. Augustine from Havana, therefore imagine the Spaniards will be frequently sending trifling messages in order to see our improvements and increase in numbers; and as it would be a great disappointment and hindrance to the town of Frederica to have the men always on their guard to receive the Spaniards, or the bad consequences might attend their being surprised, I shall lay here to attend such messages; which will prevent any discourse between the Spaniards and the inhabitants. As to my ship's company they never speak together because I always entertain the officer at my house and the crew belonging to the launch are lodged by themselves; and that they may not put ashore at Cumberland or Amelia in their return I always send my officer to command the boats which conduct them back. Nothing in my power shall be wanting to contribute to the improvement of the place and am sorry the season has been so very dry as to burn up all that has been planted but it has been the fate of the whole continent, corn being sold now in Charleston for 5s. a bushel. I have given my reasons to the Admiralty for continuing here instead of going to Carolina to refit. My ship's company continue in health having lost only one man by sickness in 22 months. Signed. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
442. i. Florida, 11 August (N.S.) 1737. Don Manoel Joseph de Justis to Capt. James Gascoigne. Three transport men have run away from this town and amongst them there is one that is not a Spaniard whose name is Bastandin: he is a man that nobody can trust anything to for he has behaved very vilely all his life, and therefore I advise you to let all your boats and small vessels be on their guard for they will slip no opportunity to take any boat they can make themselves masters of. Copy, certified by James Gascoigne. 1 p.
442. ii. Georgia, 2 August 1737. Capt. James Gascoigne to Don Manoel Joseph de Justis, Governor of St. Augustine and Capt.-General of Florida. I have your letter and assure you no means shall be wanting to discover the men mentioned therein. I believe they are not yet got our length but lest they may have passed by undiscovered I shall this day send a copy of your letter to the governor of Carolina by express. I assure you the men should have been sent back in confinement had they come hither not having your pass, without which no man will be suffered to go through this colony as on the contrary no person shall be detained one moment that produces it. And if they shall be taken you may certainly depend on my immediate returning them to the look-out at St. Juan's. The early example you gave of maintaining a good understanding between the subjects of Spain under your care and this colony will ever meet the strictest endeavours to the same purpose. Copy, certified by James Gascoigne. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 387, 388, 389, 389d.]
August 10.
443 Memorial of Trustees for Georgia to the King. Georgia being very much exposed to the power of the Spaniards and become an object of their envy by having valuable ports upon the homeward passage from the Spanish West Indies and the Spaniards having increased their forces in the neighbourhood thereof, memorialists find themselves obliged to lay before H.M. their inability sufficiently to protect Georgia and therefore pray that the province be protected by a necessary supply of forces. Entry. Signatory, Benjamin Martyn. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 711, p. 67; another entry in C.O. 5, 670,p. 329.]
August 10.
Savannah.
444 Hugh Anderson to Earl of Egmont, acknowledging kindness in procuring credit on the stores of Savannah. It has pleased God at last to land me in safety at this place with 15 of family and servants. The state of the public garden with my opinion of what steps may render it fitter for the intended design I have committed to a memorial which I have enclosed to Mr. Anderson. I have written Mr. Anderson to request some favours of the Trustees in relation to a lot for one of my younger sons. What time can be spared from the necessary affairs of life will be spent in the study of nature; what discoveries I can make I shall communicate to you. Signed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639, fos. 395–396d.]
August 10.
Whitehall.
445 Alured Popple to Francis Fane enclosing two Acts passed in Antigua in April 1737 for his opinion in point of law, vizt. Acts for attainting slaves who abscond and for banishing others concerned in the late conspiracy; for trial of John Coteen and Thomas Winthorp. Entry. 1½ pp. [C.O. 153, 16, fos. 63d, 64.]
August 10. 446 Francis Fane to Council of Trade and Plantations. I have no objection in point of law to an Act passed in Virginia in August 1734 for docking the entail of certain lands in the counties of Gloucester and Elizabeth and vesting the same in Henry Willis in fee simple. Signed. ½ p. Endorsed, Recd., Read 10 August 1737. [C.O. 5, 1324,fos. 57, 57d, 62, 62d.]
August 11.
Whitehall.
447 Council of Trade and Plantations to the King. Neither we nor Mr. Fane have any objection against an Act passed in Virginia in October 1734 for docking the entail of certain lands in the counties of Gloucester and Elizabeth City and vesting the same in Henry Willis in fee simple. Entry. Signatories, Monson, T. Pelham, James Brudenell, R. Plumer. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1366, pp. 146–147.]
August 11.
Northern Neck.
448 Charles Carter, William Fairfax and William Beverley, deputed by Lord Fairfax to be his commissioners agreeable to H.M.'s Order in Council of 29 November 1733, to Duke of Newcastle. In conjunction with a like number of commissioners appointed by the lieut.-governor on the part of H.M., we gave the necessary instructions to qualified surveyors to trace up and measure the river Potomac and the two main branches of Rappahannock river to their respective first heads or springs, which the surveyors performed and delivered in their plots. We have from them caused a correct map of all that tract or territory of land lying and being between the said two rivers of Potomac and Rappahannock, which with our observations we have transmitted to the Lords Commissioners for Trade for H.M.'s information. Memorial enclosed to be presented to H.M. Signed. 1 p. Endorsed, Recd. 7 December. Enclosed,
448. i. 11 August 1737. Memorial of same to the King reporting the conclusion of the survey of the bounds of Lord Fairfax's claim and asking for royal approval of the report sent to the Commissioners for Trade. Signed. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 1337,fos. 191–194d.]
August 11.
Northern Neck.
449 Report of commissioners appointed by Lord Fairfax to survey the boundaries of his grant of land in Virginia, to Council of Trade and Plantations. The chief disputes are whether the south or north branch is the main river of Rappahannock and which is the first head or spring of Potomac. These rivers being surveyed, Lord Fairfax's commissioners and the king's were unable to agree upon a general plan and report. The former employed John Warner, a noted surveyor, to form the map now enclosed. They are of opinion that a line drawn from the first head or spring of the south or main branch of the Rappahannock to the first head or spring of the Potomac, as returned by the said surveyors, is and ought to be the boundary line determining the said tract or territory of land commonly called the Northern Neck. The name Rapidan was first given to the south branch by Col. Spotswood. Lord Fairfax's commissioners have now the report of the surveyors attesting the south branch of the Rappahannock to be more than 21 miles longer than the north.
In H.M.'s order-in-council of 29 November 1733 the lieut.-governor here was strictly enjoined from granting lands within the disputed boundary till settled. For many years past the proprietor's agent has been obliged to enter caveats against such grants; and although actual patents may not have issued since the king's order was delivered to the lieut.-governor, yet very many surveys have been made. Lord Fairfax's commissioners engaged on his behalf to bear equal expenses of the survey with the king's commissioners, but the latter have paid some very extraordinary salaries and allowed several accounts to which objection is made. Signed, Charles Carter, W. Beverley, W. Fairfax. 4½ pp. Endorsed, Recd, from John Sharpe, with a large map and four papers, 16 March, Read 24 March 1737/8. Enclosed,
449. i. Order of Governor Edward Nott and Council of Virginia, 2 May 1706. Robert Carter, agent for the proprietors of the Northern Neck, having objected to a patent pending for a grant of land to Edward Barrow and others, the council are of opinion that as it is not yet known which branch of the Rappahannock river is really the main river, the two branches be therefore viewed by a surveyor on behalf of H.M. and another on behalf of the proprietors and the breadth and courses of the said branches measured that it may appear which is the larger; and in case the difference be so small that no determination can be made, a representation be made to H.M. for directions therein. Meanwhile no patents are to issue either from the crown or the proprietors. Col. William Churchill, Capt. John Taliaferro and Richard Buckner with Henry Beverly, surveyor, are appointed on H.M.'s behalf to meet such persons as shall be appointed by the proprietors, to view the branches of the rivers and to report. Copy, certified by signatories of covering letter. 1 p. Endorsed, as covering letter.
449. ii. Report of the commissioners for H.M. and the proprietors, 28 September 1706. Having viewed the branches of the Rappahannock, they were unable to determine which is the larger; both seemed of equal magnitude. Copy, certified as preceding. Signatories, John Taliaferro, Richard Buckner, Francis Taliaferro, Ed. Mountjoy, Thomas Jeas, Hancock Lee, John Waugh, Giles Traverse, Thomas Gregg, surveyor. ⅓ p.
449. iii. Certificate of hunters in the woods above Rappahannock falls that both branches of the river continue fair streams; they can give no account of the comparative sizes. 28 September 1706. Copy, certified as preceding. Signatories, Ed. Mountjoy Giles Traverse, Thomas Jaes. ⅓ p.
449. iv. Certificate of John Taliaferro that about 24 years ago he went up the south and north branches of the Rappahannock river with Col. Cadwallader Jones. Their judgement was that the south river was the bigger and they were so informed by the Indians. 28 September 1706. Copy, certified as preceding. ½ p. Endorsed, as covering letter.
449. v. Affidavit of Francis Thornton. See No. 467. vi. Copy, certified as preceding. ½ p.
449. vi. Affidavit of Thomas Harrison. See No. 467. viii. Copy, certified as preceding. 1 p.
449. vii. Affidavit of John Taliaferro. See No. 467. v. Copy, certified as preceding. ½ p.
449. viii. Affidavit of William Russell. See No. 467. vii. Copy, certified as preceding. ½ p. Endorsed, as covering letter.
449. ix. List of patents for land westward of Sherrando river and in the forks of Rappahannock granted since October 1735. Total: 80 patents, with names of patentees, number of acres of land granted, date of survey and date of patent. Certificate by Matthew Kemp, clerk of the secretary's office, that the preceding is accurate and that no patents have passed the colony's seal for any lands claimed by Lord Fairfax since his lordship's order from the king was produced to the governor, except where the same had been entered for, surveyed, and rights purchased before the producing the said order. Williamsburg, 12 July 1737. Copy, certified as preceding. 2 large pp.
449. x. List of all surveys made in the forks of Rappahannock river, 31 January 1734/5—1 April 1737. Total: 140 surveys, with names of persons for whom the surveys were made and the acreage of land surveyed. Copy, certified as preceding. Signatory, J. Wood, surveyor of Orange County. 2 large pp. Endorsed, as covering letter.
449. xi. W. Fairfax to William Byrd, John Robinson and John Grymes, commissioners for settling the boundary disputes, proposing that a start be made. Williamsburg, 27 April 1736. Copy. 1 p.
449. xii. William Byrd, John Robinson and John Grymes to William Fairfax, stating that the fall is the appropriate time for the survey; 30 April 1736. Copy. 1 p.
449. xiii. Same to Charles Carter, William Beverley and William Fairfax, commissioners for Lord Fairfax; Williamsburg, 16 December 1736. We have received Wood's survey of north branch of Rappahannock; it is absolutely necessary that the north branch of the little fork should be measured up to the head spring, otherwise it will not appear by the general map how far the crown has granted. We have ordered Wood to measure this branch. We are surprised at an artifice which Lord Fairfax's surveyors have used in taking the breadth of the two rivers; we are informed that Thomas the elder insisted upon measuring the south river from bank to bank and his son upon the north river only from the water's edge, thereby to make the south river appear to be the larger. We have ordered Wood to measure the north branch again below the little fork from bank to bank. Copy. 1 p.
449. xiv. Reply to preceding; Northern Neck, 5 February 1736/7. We agree to proposal to survey the north branch of the little fork; we must insist that the south branch of the last fork of the south river, called Conaway river, be surveyed, and have ordered Thomas the elder to measure it. Thomas the elder says that he measured the south river from bank to bank to satisfy himself how much broader the stream could be by any great freshes. Lord Fairfax directs that the Rappahannock be surveyed and measured on the south side to the outermost banks of which he also claims. We propose a meeting of the two sets of commissioners at Rappahannock. Copy. 1½ pp
449. xv. John Robinson to William Beverley; Piscataway, 2 April 1737. The king's commissioners do not object to Conway river being measured. They think it best to meet Lord Fairfax's commissioners at Williamsburg: any time during the court will do. Copy. ½ p.
449. xvi. King's commissioners to Lord Fairfax's commissioners; Williamsburg, 3 May 1737. A survey of the south side of the Rappahannock would be attended with great delay and expense; we hope Lord Fairfax will not insist upon it. We hope the surveys will all be returned by 15 June and will then be glad to meet in Williamsburg. Copy. 1½ pp.
449. xvii. 10 May 1737. Reply to preceding, complaining of withholding assent to survey of south side of Rappahannock. We propose a meeting near the Northern Neck for preparation of fit matter for the general map and report to be finally agreed on. We shall gladly meet you when we can have any assurance that you will proceed with all becoming dispatch as our undivided powers require, which the little you did towards preparing a report when last at Williamsburg gives us cause to mention. Copy. 1½ pp.
449. xviii. King's commissioners to Lord Fairfax's commissioners; 15 June 1737Having been informed that you are all in town we should be glad to see you that you may explain some dark passages in your last letter. Copy. ½ p
449. xix. Same to same; 16 June 1737, repeating objections to survey of south side of Rappahannock, denying charges of injustice and delay, and making countercharges of delay. Copy. 2 pp.
449. xx. Reply to preceding; 16 June 1737. We will not enter into endless disputes but request a time and place of meeting. Copy. ½ p.
449. xxi. Reply to preceding; 16 June 1757. You have used us ill. We shall make the best representation we can without your assistance. Copy. ½ p. Endorsed, as covering letter. [C.O. 5, 1324,fos. 105–121d.]
August11.
Whitehall.
450 Alured Popple to John Basket, requesting 100 copies of each of the following Acts of Parliament: 10 and 11 Wm. III, Act to encourage trade to Newfoundland; 13 Geo. I, Act for importing salt from Europe into Pennsylvania; 3 (fn. n1) Geo. II, Act for importing salt from Europe into New York; 3 Geo. II, Act for granting liberty to carry rice from Carolina to Europe south of Cape Finisterre; 5 Geo. II2 (fn. n2) Act for reviving Act for better securing trade of H.M.'s subjects to and from East Indies; 8 Geo. II, Act for extending to Georgia the liberty of carrying rice to Europe south of Cape Finisterre; 9 Geo. II, Act for further encouraging manufacture of sailcloth. Entry. 1½ pp. [C.O. 324, 12, pp. 231–232.]
August 11.
Whitehall.
451 Same to Governor William Mathew. The Council of Trade and Plantations have received your letters of 17 January, 5 February, 11 and 26 May and the papers therein referred to, and have also seen your letters to me of 1 June, 3 July, 16 September 1736, 17 January, 5 February, 11 and 26 May 1737. As you have sent the bill for attainting of high treason two free negro men named Ben Johnson and William alias Billy Johnson for the Council to represent their opinion thereon to the king, you should have sent at the same time the evidence at large that was given against them, without which the Council cannot advise the king. An exact and authentic copy of all evidence that was before the council and assembly should be sent by the first opportunity. Entry. 1½ pp. [C.O. 153, 16, fo. 64, 64d.]
August 11.
Hampton Court.
452 Commission to Edward Trelawny to be major of all H.M.'s forces in Jamaica. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 324, 37, p. 77.]
August 11.
Georgia Office.
453 Harman Verelst to Thomas Causton, by Mr. Stephens per Capt. Shubrick, copy by Capt. Reid. Your letter with the accounts of the remain of stores at 22 November 1736, your receipts of stores since that time to 31 December following, your general issues thereof for the same time with your particular issues from 22 November 1736 to 31 January following, and the several persons' accounts taken from the ledger from February 1735/6 to 23 November 1736, were received by the Trustees. It would have been more satisfactory had your general issues shown what part thereof went to the southward, you having been directed by Mr. Oglethorpe to supply the people there according to the quantities stated 5 November 1736 which would be wanting to complete their establishment of provisions for a year and a quarter from November 1736 to February 1737/8, and a copy of the said establishment and quantities of provisions was left with you for that purpose. The Trustees desire you will continue the copies of your day-books of receipts and issues of stores, and they direct you that at the end of every month a copy of the day-book of your receipts during the said month and a copy of the day-book of your issues in such month be made out and that you will send such copies enclosed to them by every opportunity, taking receipts from the boatmen for the delivering them to the merchant at Charleston you send them to, to be forwarded to England, that the Trustees may know what merchant they are to ask after their letters if not received.
In your letter of 24 February last you mention that the queries on your accounts before February 1735/6 should be answered as soon as possible. To be sure, your want of proper assistance was the real occasion of those defects; but as a re-examination will set everything right I hope from your answers to state the expenses of the colony abroad under their proper heads. I have enclosed you the accounts current of persons abroad taken from the Trustees' ledger here to compare with their accounts in the ledger you keep in order that such accounts may be balanced (except Mr. Bradley's whose account at present is to be kept open) or what is due thereon when it is a proper time to demand the same may be received; and if any of the persons are dead or have left the colony please examine if they accounted for or discharged their balances at all. But the Trustees would have no hardships put upon industrious men by oppressing them for their debts, for they direct you to be kind to the industrious, at the same time that you take care that the idle do not impose upon the Trust. Mr. Cookesey's account is come to hand and the Trustees are willing to give him 12 months' time for payment of the balance due from him and they would not have you lay any hardship on him no more than on other industrious men nor to take away such men's effects to be an hindrance to their improvements.
The expenses of the colony being by establishments limited, the one made up by Mr. Oglethorpe and yourself for the northern division (a copy of which has been formerly sent you and another now) and the other for the southern division herewith sent, the Trustees hope that no exceeding has been made and they direct that no exceeding shall be of the said establishments. They have extracted from that made up at Savannah the enclosed annual expense of the northward, and the southern establishment is the annual expense of the southward which at those rates are to be continued from the receipt of this letter to Lady Day 1738; and there is no addition or exceeding to be made on any account whatsoever. But as unforeseen accidents may happen by which whole families may be ruined for want of some small assistance or that strange Indians may come in and require a welcome or strangers or other unforeseen incidental charges may arise, the Trustees therefore confiding in you, you may expend in such contingencies not mentioned in the establishments a sum not exceeding 20l. sterling a month in the northern division of the province; but they recommend you not to exceed 5l. a month in such contingencies unless in cases of very urgent necessity as above, and you must take care to give a particular account of such contingencies and in your diary which you send the Trustees (and which they desire you will continue to do monthly) you are to give your reasons for such contingent expenses. And you are to furnish as far as 20l. sterling a month to Mr. Horton for contingencies in the southern division upon his certifying to you the occasions. The Trustees are resolved to bring the expenses of the colony to a certainty and to send over cash in sola bills sufficient to pay those expenses. If that certainty is exceeded there will always be a want which they can make no provision for and it must end in the destruction of the whole. To prevent which they have pursued Mr. Oglethorpe's method of the before-mentioned establishments. But if these are not perfect, as nothing can be expected to be so at first, you may apprise the Trustees of such articles as there may be savings upon and of such other expenses if any shall be as you shall see necessary. Yet you must not make any expenses or alteration in the establishments until the Trustees return you an answer to such proposals as you shall make. But you must go on until those answers are received upon the rules of the establishments; for should expenses arise in Georgia larger than what the Trustees expect and what they have calculated for, it will create the greatest confusion since it may exceed what they have appropriated for that purpose.
In the northern establishment there is a provision of 300l. sterling to be advanced in provisions on credit to freeholders for clearing their lands, but not exceeding 4l. sterling to any one freeholder, which you are to use in the application thereof in such manner as to keep the industrious people from dispersing, and you are to have a particular regard to those who cultivate lands in the villages. The Trustees think it is better not to advance above the value of 20s. sterling per acre fenced and planted in corn, which credit is to be repaid in corn in two years after.
The Trustees have sent you 650l. sterling in sola bills, C. 201–330 of 5l. each, which are to be applied for three months' pay to the persons in the enclosed list if so much is due to them at the receipt of this letter; and what is more than due will be cash in your hands for the service of the colony. The said sola bills are in the box hereafter mentioned which contains also a seal for the town-court of Savannah, and the Trustees will send by the next ship more sola bills to supply the colony with according to the expenses they have allowed to be made by the establishments before-mentioned. And they direct you to encourage those inhabitants who raise Indian corn, pease or potatoes, by buying from them for supplying the colony to Lady Day 1738 and to allow them the premium of 1s. a bushel if they have raised sufficient before you buy of others. The Trustees desire to know whether you took from Mr. Stirling's and Mr. Baillie at the Ogeechee the corn that grew there, and if you did not the reasons for not doing it.
The Trustees desire to know whether the house is built at Cooanoochi Ferry and the boat bought for it, whether Thomas Mouses's house is built, and how much has been advanced to Andrew Duche and whether Walter Augustine and his assistants have been supplied with provisions while repairing the sawmill and to what value. They desire you will send them an account of persons on the store pursuant to former orders whose year or time for being supplied is not expired and who are not provided for by the establishments, with the times when they will be off the store; and they direct that the maintenance of such persons should be continued until their time of maintenance is expired or until such account is received and the Trustees' orders thereupon. I have enclosed you a copy of Mr. Bradley's agreement with the Trustees, and they desire you to keep his account open; for at Mr. Oglethorpe's instance they intend to take into consideration the damage that may have arisen by his not having the 30 servants to cultivate the land according to their agreement, and I have written to him a letter to that purpose. The credits to John Brown and the other families who want such credits, though sent at their friends' expenses whereof the widow Polhill's is one, must be further carried on by subsisting them at the freeholder's allowance per whole head and their servants at the servant's allowance; and their accounts must be made up and signed by each master or mistress of the family to produce to their friends here that they have been so supplied with subsistence and to be a demand upon them if exceeding the money they have already contributed.
When Capt. Thomson arrives from Scotland the servants (over and above the 40 for the Trust) which he shall bring and dispose of to masters in Georgia may be supplied on credit to the masters of such servants who shall really want it with a bushel of corn per month for each servant for the first year, the servants' indentures to be security for the repayment thereof in corn in two years; and you must send the Trustees an account thereof. Capt. Thomson will bring you a bale of tartan for plaids and short coats and short hose and will bring you 150 pairs of Highland shoes, and each of the servants which remain to the Trust and are to be sent to Lieut. Moore Mackintosh at the Darien (as mentioned in my letter by Capt. Thomson) are to be furnished with a plaid, a short coat and short hose, two shirts and two pairs of shoes a year, which must be sent to Lieut. Moore Mackintosh for that purpose, and the same for the other Highland servants belonging to the Trust under Mr. Hugh Mackay. Please acquaint Lieut. Mackintosh that one of the 40 servants sent at the expense of the Trust whose indenture will be particularly assigned is to be delivered to John Mackintosh of Leniwilg in lieu of a servant he lost in the Trustees' service. You are to supply Tomo Chachi and his Indians and the Savannah Indians and the Indian school with provisions, which the Trustees cannot now bring to a certainty for want of sufficient information; but they desire that you would bring it to a monthly certainty in such manner as the Indians may be entirely satisfied and the Trustees know their expense and that you would by the next ship give them an account thereof. You are to give the Indians that come to Savannah, when sent for and not otherwise, while they stay, such wine and beer as shall be absolutely necessary but not exceeding a pint of wine or a quart of beer a day to each person, and the same proportion you may send to Tomo Chachi in case he should send for it upon account of sickness among his Indians.
In my letter by Capt. Dymond you were desired to supply the southward with gunpowder and were acquainted that 49 kegs were on board consigned to Johnny Brownfield. If you have not bought and supplied the southward with that quantity, you are again desired to send so many kegs to them. The Trustees hope that all demands of expenses abroad to Lady Day 1737 are come to hand and by the certified accounts received since that time they observe that you and Mr. White have received in store as follows, vizt. provisions and necessaries bought at Savannah of Lawrence Wessells, 17 April 1737, 215l. 18l. 5l.; 70 pipes of wine bought of Robert Ellis and delivered at Frederica, 21 April 1737, 915l. 5s.; orders due from Dr. Nuness and Adrian Loyer certified at Savannah to Messrs. Minis and Salomons, 4 May 1737, 6l. 19s. 9d.; provisions bought of Thomas Ware at Savannah, 27 May 1737, 181l. 7s. 3d. Total, 1319l. 10l.5d. And the Trustees now know you have received the sola bills they sent in March last by Capt. Dymond to the amount of 1000l. (two of them having come back). Total, 2319l. 10s. 5d.
I have by the Trustees' orders written to Mr. White at Frederica, that if he has not sent 40 of the 70 pipes of Madeira wine to you at Savannah for the store there, that he would send so many, and have acquainted him as I now acquaint you that the said 70 pipes were not designed for the daily consumption of the inhabitants on the store but were intended and must be given out as pay due or to grow due to the officers, soldiers and labourers in the Trustees' service and therefore as money, and to be at prime cost which is at the rate of 13l. 1s. 6d. sterling a pipe, or given out as an allowance of a pint a day to those that work for the Trust when there is no strong beer. But the lying-in women are to be supplied with the usual allowance of wine out of this wine and also the sick persons with what shall be prescribed by the doctor.
All the 1500l. sola bills are come back and paid except the 40l. you paid Capt. Barnes, and several certified accounts have been received and paid after deducting of errors in computation. Those now under reference for payment which have errors in them are as follows: Jemmet Cobley's account certified 28 March 1737 to be 369l. 15s. l0d. currency due to balance is but 368l. 5l. l0d. which in sterling at 750l. per cent, is 49l. 2s. 1d. to be paid his attorney here, the difference in currency is 1l. 10s.; the 4th May 1737 you certified 75l. 9s. 11d. sterling due to Messrs. Minis and Salomons on their account current, and two days before you certified your receiving 50l. of them in their account current for 50l. in sola bills and, no other account current being produced, the said 50l. will be deducted from the 75l. 9s. 11 d, and will reduce the same to 25l. 9s. 11d. which should have been taken notice of in the said certified account that on the payment of the said 50l. bills no more than 25l. 9s. 11d. was due to them, without there is any other account current for the said 50l. not yet arrived; Thomas Ware's certified account of provisions you bought 27 May 1737 amounting to 181l. 7s 3d. sterling is overcomputed 30s. and thereby reduced to 179l 17l. 3d., but the other copy come to hand is right and therefore the whole will be paid; and Lawrence Wessells's account of provisions and necessaries you bought 17 April 1737 amounting to 216l. 11s 5d. sterling is over-computed 13s. and thereby reduced to 215l. 18s.5d
The Trustees are apprehensive that the expenses which have been run into upon account of the fort will exceed their establishments, and as such the people were very much in the wrong for thinking of putting them to expenses which they think improper. You were in the wrong to comply at all in the beginning but what makes it something excusable in you was the terror the people might have been under; and you were much in the right to insist upon not going farther in it. The cutting down the wood was a great folly, for that wood was a better defence than any fort that they could erect by the garden. Such a fort would be of no use but by commanding the river which might have been better defended from the guardhouse, battery and guns in the wood. The town would be as open to an enemy overland as if no such fort had been. The real defence of the town is the woods and the swamps, and a few men who know the country assisted by the Indians might have made a much better defence in the woods than in the fort, since thereby they could have prevented an enemy from coming to the town which they could not by defending the fort. And Savannah is as strong by the swamps and river which surround it as any town in America though fortified. For fortifications without a garrison are no defence and the same garrison as would defend a fort can keep the passes of the swamps. Capt. Macpherson judged extremely right; and the whole scheme of the fort seems more to be a design to draw money from the public store than any defence against an enemy. For the cutting down the wood which commanded the river and where cannon and men under the shelter of the trees might have been conveniently posted is a real weakening of the place. The Trustees therefore find themselves obliged to give you positive orders not to make any expense beyond the establishments nor to be ruled by other people to expend the Trust money contrary to their orders; and they direct you not to suffer any trees to be cut down by the spring.
The town of Savannah being now grown considerable and having withstood the attempts of their open and private enemies, the Trustees have thought proper that in order to give more weight and distinction to the court and to show their favour to the town to send gowns for the magistrates and recorder to wear in court, and the same are to be kept in a proper press locked up in the court; and they have sent a seal for the town-court of Savannah to authenticate the proceedings of the court sent over to England and all affidavits, certificates and other material papers which require a testimony to them; and they have sent an engine for the seal which affixes to the wooden table sent for its use and fastens with a bar of iron underneath, the nut on the top of the engine unscrews to let in the fly and then must be screwed on again. The four screws at the bottom of the table are to screw the table to the floor whereon the seal is used to keep it firm. The seal is put into a small bag being first covered with mutton-suet to keep it from rust, and before it is used it must be wiped with a cloth very clean before a fire or in the sun, and after it is used must be covered with the like suet or sweet oil to prevent its rusting. The seal will put into the socket of the engine either way for being affixed either at the top or bottom of papers as occasion shall be, and there is a small pin which goes through the socket and neck of the seal to keep it tight and there are proper wafers sent to put under square pieces of paper to impress the seal upon; but before impressed a quire of brown paper or something of a plying substance must be laid upon the plate the engine falls on and under the paper to be sealed to strengthen the impression. If at any time you have papers to annex to what the seal is affixed to, some green ribband (of which the Trustees have sent you a piece and a needle to use it) will be proper to annex such papers with, and the ribband which goes through the papers so to be annexed being also put through the paper to be sealed the two ends of that ribband must be put between two of the wafers and then covered with a square piece of paper, whereon the seal being impressed will authenticate the papers annexed as well as the papers sealed; and as a specimen you have enclosed an impression on the top and at the bottom of a sheet of paper.
Mr. Stephens who brings you this comes over to settle in Georgia and is appointed by the Trustees secretary for the affairs of the Trust within the province of Georgia. His constitution and instructions he will show you. Himself and two others including his third son are to be supplied for the first year with 6 lbs. of beef a week each, 2 lbs. of rice, 2 lbs. of pease and 2 quarts of flour a week each, a pint of strong beer a day each, a quart of molasses a week each, 4 lbs. of cheese, 2 lbs. of butter, 2 02. of spice, 2 lbs. of sugar, a gallon of vinegar, 6 lbs. of salt, 3 quarts of lamp oil and 3 lbs. of soap a quarter each, and 1 lb. of spun cotton each. His woman servant and each of his ten menservants are to be supplied for the first year with 200 lbs. of meat and 342 lbs. of rice, pease or Indian corn, together with contingent food for the said eleven servants to the value of Ss. sterling each. You are to supply Mr. Stephens with 50/. sterling in the first year after his arrival in Georgia at such times and in such manner as he shall find occasion for it with part of the sola bills that will be sent you by the next ship. Mr. Stephens comes over in the Mary Ann, Capt. Thomas Shubrick, for Charleston and brings with him one woman servant and four menservants. Mr. Jenys is written to to defray the charge of sending him and the passengers and goods with him from Charleston to Georgia, and Mr. Jenys is to draw upon the Trustees for that expense. The passengers which come with him besides his own servants are: Mary Smallwood, wife of Samuel Smallwood, sent on Two Brothers to be a clerk at Frederica, the agreement with him is enclosed, his wife must be provided with a year's provision as a first settler; Samuel Lander, indenture sent herewith, and another manservant, indenture with Mr. Stephens, both to be sent to Cooper, the millwright, to be employed in the Trustees' service under him; Richard and Elizabeth Warrin, two orphan children, to be maintained out of the rents and profits of their late father's house and 50-acre lot; five recruits, and the wives of two of them, for the independent company now under Mr. Oglethorpe's command who must be sent to the southward with the other things hereafter mentioned; Mr. Woolley and a manservant who at his father's expense is going to settle at Frederica.
The parcels shipped are consigned to Paul Jenys at Charleston to be forwarded to you and consist of the following: case containing engine for town seal and parts; case containing table and frame for the same; box containing the three purple gowns for the three bailiffs and a black gown for the recorder of Savannah; die Daily Advertisers, 13 September 1736–17 June 1737, both inclusive; 50 of the printed Act for maintaining the peace with the Indians, 50 of the printed Act for preventing the use of rum, and 50 of the printed Act for preventing the use of negroes, some of which Acts are to be sent to Frederica; a small case directed for Tomo Chachi containing a piece of red doth which the Trustees have sent him a present of, and you must acquaint him it was made at Mr. Oglethorpe's order for him at Godalming in Surrey; a box directed to yourself containing the town seal, 400 wafers for sealing, green ribband, needle, 650/. in sterling sola bills and several letters for persons in Georgia; a box with caper plants and herewith you receive directions how the gardener is to manage them; a trunk directed to Richard White at Frederica; a box directed to John Welch at Frederica; 14 half-barrels of gunpowder whereof eight are for cannon and six for small arms, the cannon powder and two of the half-barrels for small arms are for the independent company and must be sent with the recruits, and the other four half-barrels must be put into the Trustees' store for small arms; two bundles and a scane containing 1 cwt. of match, half for the independent company, half for the store; cask containing union flag for the independent company; 100 cannon balls of 2 pounds each and 50 cannon balls of 3 pounds each, for the independent company; five pigs of lead containing about 6 cwt. whereof 2 cwt. must be sent to the independent company to make bullets with and the rest must lie in the store at Savannah; and three casks containing about 5 cwt. of Cheshire cheese whereof 1 cwt. must be sent to Lieut. Moore Mackintosh at the Darien to be divided by him among the people there, 1 cwt. to Frederica to be divided by Mr. Horton's order among the people there, 2 cwt. to be equally divided among the magistrates, constables and tithingmen at Savannah, and the other 1 cwt. to be sent to the store at Frederica to be disposed of according to Mr. Horton's orders for the boat's crew's company's service.
The Trustees observing in your diary that John Vanderplank, John Penrose and John Lyndall had endeavoured to convict sailors of selling rum, to encourage them for such endeavours they have directed you to pay them the moiety of the penalty by the Act provided as if the sailors had been convicted, to be divided equally between them. The Trustees, having taken into consideration that menservants who serve faithfully in the colony all the time of their several indentures deserve encouragement at the end of their service on proof that they behaved well, have agreed to grant to each of such menservants who are or shall be out of their time before Christmas 1737, 50 acres of land instead of the 20 first agreed for, and to give him a cow and a sow, and that their land be set out in the villages as soon as they are out of their service and proof given of their behaviour. If Rosse the surveyor has not surveyed at Ebenezer, you must vacate his demands and put his agreement in force. I am to exhort you to take all the care you can to manage the Trust store with the greatest frugality and to have at the same time a care not to discourage the industrious and not to be imposed upon by the idle who are drones eating upon the public and at the same time evil mouthed even to their benefactors. There are great numbers of very honest and industrious people in the colony who are silent and easily contented and these the Trustees hear little of; these should meet with the greatest countenance and not to stretch anything so as to make them uneasy but rather to interpret all orders in their favour as far as the words will bear it. You are farther to encourage the villages. Those who live upon their lands and raise corn and provisions will be useful members to the colony and also serviceable to themselves. Consider how much money has been laid out in provisions, and if there was raised within the colony so much as to sell to the store what was wanted, what an advantage it would be to the whole and to the particular man who had produce to sell, since that besides the Trustees' bounty of is. per bushel he would have the advantage of carriage over strangers. I must conclude by recommending to you to be careful and tender of the poor and sick and to take care that the clerks of the store behave with decency and submission to the people who come for their allowances, for they are paid by the Trustees for attending upon the people; and as they are not to injure the public by giving petulant people above their allowances, they are to give with civility and dispatch that which is allowed.
The Board of Trade have consulted the Attorney-General upon the Act for maintaining the peace with the Indians in Georgia and his opinion is entirely in favour of the proceedings of Georgia under that Act, and the determination of that matter will be in their favour. The Trustees desire you will send over some acorns of the evergreen oak from Georgia and let them know what soil is best for them. You are desired to send a certificate of the life of Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Smith in the new ward and first tithing thereof at Savannah, lot 202, in case her maiden name was Parker, it being necessary here to prove her living on account of some estate held for her life. Mr. Stephens has seen the contents of this letter and will explain any article you may want any enquiry upon. Entry. 11 pp. Enclosed,
453. i. The Annual Expense of the Northern Division of Georgia. Capt. Macpherson and 25 rangers at Fort Argyll, 629l. 14J. 4d. (Note: If a supply has been voted at Charleston for Macpherson's rangers, there will be a saving on this article); John Cuthbert and 6 rangers, 168.; Mr. Willy and 3 rangers, 96l.; the storekeeper at Savannah, 50l.; 3 clerks, 120l. (Note: This by the 2 clerks sent will be reduced lower and will answer for the advanced pay of Cuthbert and Willy above that of the rangers); provisions for 4 magistrates, 4 constables, 15 tithingmen at Savannah, constable and 6 tithingmen at Ebenezer, 7 peace-officers at Hampstead, Highgate, Skidoway, Tybee, Abercorn, Thunderbolt and Fort Argyll, 277l. 10s.; Capt. Mackintosh and 10 men at Fort Prince George, 241l. js.; capt., lieutenant and 15 men at the fort at Augusta, 324l.; the Italian silkwinders, 78l. 19s. 11d.; hire of 10 men making the western road, 162l.; other items [particularsgiven], 803l. is. 10d. Total, 2950l. 12s. id. sterling. Additional items not included in total: provisions on credit to freeholders, 300/.; Mr. Stephens's extraordinary expenses, 50/. The cost of other items concerning Indians, Mr. Stephens, etc. is not given. Entry. 2 pp.
453. ii. Expense of the Southern Division of Georgia. Establishment at Frederica, 74l 17s. sterling and 1375l. Carolina currency per annum plus provisions for year and a quarter: meat 30,670¼ lbs.; rice, 23,289! lbs.; corn, 928 bushels; flour, 2554½ lbs.; beer, 3666 pints; molasses, 3608 quarts; cheese, 391 lbs.; spice, 585 oz.; sugar, 292½ lbs.; vinegar, 390 quarts; salt, 585 lbs.; oil, 214 quarts; soap, 292½ lbs.; butter, 292½ lbs. Establishment of St. Andrew, 52/. 10 sterling and 1632/. Carolina currency per annum plus provisions for year and a quarter: meat, 10,296 lbs.; rice, 5148 lbs.; corn, 103 bushels; flour, 400 lbs.; beer, 1600 pints; molasses, 320 quarts; cheese, 200 lbs.; spice, 64 oz.; sugar, 150 lbs.; butter, 200 lbs. Establishment of Darien, 26/. a year plus provisions for year and a quarter: meat, 4678 lbs.; corn, 282 bushels; cheese, 129 lbs.; butter, 2672 lbs.; plus provisions for as many of the 40 servants by the Two Brothers as remain to the Trust. Carolina and Georgia scoutboats establishment, 2880/. currency a year, plus provisions for year and a quarter. Entry. 1½ pp.
453. iii. List of persons to be paid 3 months pay with the sola bills sent by the Mary Ann, Capt. Shubrick, 11 August 1737. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fos. 26d-34.]
August 12.
Georgia Office.
454 Harman Verelst to Lieut. Moore Mackintosh. The Trustees have by the Two Brothers sent over 40 menservants to be sent to the Darien. rgia ce. One john Macintosh at Leniwilg in lieu of a servant he lost in the Trustees' service, the others for freeholders at the Darien upon credit, one to each who shall desire it. Those that remain to the Trust you are to employ in sawing boards for the public use. Mr. Causton will send you clothing and shoes for each of them and for the other Highland servants under Hugh Mackay. He will also send you 1 cwt. Cheshire cheese to divide among the people at the Darien. The muskets ordered to be sent you for the Darien could not be finished in time but by the next ship they will be sent, which is expected to sail next month. But Mr. Causton will send you some guns that went by the Two Brothers. Entry. ½p. [C.O. 5, 667,fo 34d]
August 12.
Georgia Office.
455 Same to Paul Jenys. The Trustees received your letter of 20 May and August 12. also one from Robert Ellis with his account of the delivery of 70 pipes Georgia Office of Madeira wine charge of pilotage amounting to 915 l. 5 s., whereof 100l. was paid by the discharge of a draft from him on Mr. Oglethorpe 8 December last and the residue the Trustees have paid to Capt. Pearce. The Trustees are very much obliged to you for supplying Mr. Ellis with the South Carolina currency he stood in need of upon the credit of their storekeeper's certificate, which is a fresh instance of your friendship to Georgia and the Trustees. And to prevent any distress happening in that colony the Trustees sent Mr. Causton in March last 1000l. sterling in their sola bills which arrived safe the beginning of June; and they will continue to send their sola bills sufficient to supply the colony under the limited expenses they have directed should be made. Your kind concern for the late disputes between South Carolina and Georgia and your zeal to effect a reconciliation was very obliging and agreeable to that behaviour you have always shown both in public and private capacity.
Mr. Stephens the bearer is going to settle in Georgia with his servants. The Trustees desire you will send them and the others by this ship, 18 in all, to Georgia as soon as possible; Mr. Woolley and his manservant may go with them. Draw on the Trustees for transport and other charges. Entry. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 667, fo. 34, 34d.]
August 12.
Georgia Office.
456 Same to William Horton at Frederica. The Trustees have sent Mr. August 12. Causton establishments for the expenses of the northern and southern Georgia Office divisions of Georgia which he cannot exceed. But on your certificate he will furnish you with ability to defray contingent expenses up to 20/. sterling a month. He has directions to send to the southward 2 cwt. of Cheshire cheese, 1 cwt. to be divided at Frederica, the other to remain in store at Frederica for the boat-crew's company. The Trustees are much obliged to you for your good services. Entry. ½ p. [C.O. 5, 667, fos. 344 35.]
August 12.
Georgia Office.
457 Same to Richard White at Frederica. The Trustees not having had any August 12. account from you of the issuing the remain of stores under your care Georgia Office for the southern division of the province which was settled 5 November 1736, nor of your receipts and issues since that time, they desire you will by the first opportunity send them such accounts; and by the Two Brothers they have sent Samuel Smallwood to be employed as a clerk in the store. Your receipt for the 70 pipes of Madeira wine is arrived and the Trustees direct you will send 40 pipes of it to Mr. Causton at Savannah for the store there; the said wine was not designed for the daily consumption of the inhabitants on the store but was intended and must be given out as pay due or to grow due to the officers, soldiers and labourers in the Trustees' service and therefore as money, and to be at prime cost which is 13l. 1s". 6d. sterling a pipe, or must be given out as an allowance of a pint a day to those that work for the Trust when there is not strong beer. But the lying-in women are to be supplied with the usual allowance of wine out of this wine, and also the sick persons with what shall be prescribed by the doctor. Mr. Oglethorpe desires you will deliver to Lieut. Delegal a hogshead of Madeira wine containing 60 gallons which he is to distribute to the independent company according to the directions Mr. Oglethorpe has sent him, it being Mr. Oglethorpe's gift to drink H.M.'s health upon his having the command of that company. Entry. PS. Mr. Causton will send 2 cwt. of Cheshire cheese. 1 p. [CO. 5, 667, fo. 35, 35d.]
August 12.
Austin Fryars.
458Francis Wilks to Duke of Newcastle enclosing the following. It is evidence they consider themselves an easy and happy people. I have been informed some complaints have been lately made for the removal of the governor. I have not seen them but in general I am persuaded they will on examination prove groundless. Nothing could more sensibly afflict the province than having their present governor taken from them. Signed. 1½ pp. Enclosed,
458. i. Address of congratulation by the governor, council and representatives of Massachusetts to the King on the preservation of his person when in such danger by the furious tempest in his late return to Britain and on his restoration to health. 25 May 1737. Signed, Jonathan Belcher, Governor, Josiah Willard, Secretary, John Quincy, Speaker. 1 large p. Endorsed, Recd. August 1737. [C.O. 5, 10, fos. 334–336d.]
August 13.
on mary Anne
at Grevesend
459 William Stephens to Harman Verelst, enclosing the following list. We are now preparing to sail, the ship being unmoored. Signed. 1 small p.Enclosed
459. i. Passengers on board Mary Ann, Capt. Thomas Shubrick, shipped by order of Mr. Verelst: Mr. William Stephens in the cabin; Elizabeth Gilbert, his woman servant; Timothy Randolph aged 19, Anthony Binks aged 22, Robert Fox aged 31, Thomas Lucas aged 21, his four menservants; Mary, wife of Samuel Smallwood; Richard Warrin aged 9, Elizabeth Warrin aged 8, children of late John Warrin; Samuel Lander aged 25, John Ewing aged 34, two menservants of the Trust; Alexander Macdonald, John Grimshaw, Andrew Robertson, James Hodgkin, William Dodds, five recruits for the independent company; Mary, wife of above Alexander Macdonald, Judith, wife of John Grimshaw; John Woolly at his own expense; and James Wigmore aged 21, his manservant. In all 20 persons making 19 heads. Signed, William Stephens, 13 August 1737. 1 p. [C.O. 5, 639,fos.. 325–327]

Footnotes

  • n1. MS:'13'.
  • n2. MS; blank,
  • n3. See No. 625.