America and West Indies: September 1671

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 7, 1669-1674. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.

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'America and West Indies: September 1671', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 7, 1669-1674, (London, 1889) pp. 255-262. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol7/pp255-262 [accessed 19 April 2024]

September 1671

Sept. 1.
Charles Town.
Ashley River.
Shaftesbury
Papers.
612. Governor Joseph West to Anthony Lord Ashley, Chancellor of the Exchequer, at Exeter House, Strand, London. Safe arrival of the Blessing on 14 August last, and of his letter. Perceives the plantation which he manages is to be upon the public account of the Lords Proprietors, and will use his utmost endeavour to answer their expectations. Will send in his next, account of goods and provisions and how disposed of, and now encloses various accounts for sums received to procure servants in Ireland, &c. Promises to discharge his trust faithfully, and to be just and free from any rancour or malice. There have always been some differences in the Colony. Within two or three days of the arrival of Sir John Yeamans he retired to his country house disgusted that the people did not incline to salute him Governor. As more people arrived, on 8th July he summoned all the freemen and required them to elect 20 persons to be of the Parliament, which in three days was performed. Sir John Yeamans was chosen Speaker, but a dispute arose about choosing a clerk and whether West was made Governor according to the Lords Proprietors directions, which dissatisfied many of the Parliament, who broke up and came to West. Sir John declared there must be three Deputies besides West, and that it would be in vain for them to proceed unless West would surrender his power as Governor and make the third Deputy. But he resolved to the contrary and dissolved the Parliament, when Sir John and his party went hastily away much dissatisfied. This distraction much resented by the people, who began to murmur, saying Sir John intended to make this a Cape Fear settlement. Wherefore he summoned them five days after to elect five Councillors, upon which Sir John preached this doctrine, that in all elections those who will stand at the greatest distance from the Governor should be chosen. Sir John has privately sent Dr. Woodward away to Virginia, at which the Governor is much concerned, for they want an interpreter. Account of a very ill office (a murder) done by an Irishman upon an Indian between Sir John's and Thos. Gray's. Hopes to be able to send a full account of the transaction by the next. Wishes Sir John Yeamans may be clear of it. The Irishman is on his bail. The Colony in a very good state and condition. 2 pp. Endorsed by Locke. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 76.]
Sept. 7.
Jamaica.
613. Sir James Modyford to Joseph Williamson. Wished his cousin Charles long since to acquaint him that the business of Providence was at a stand, the reasons for which his brother, who departed a prisoner 16 days hence, will inform him. Is likely to suffer much for his good intentions, being out of pocket 1,000l., which he must look upon as lost without Williamson's assistance, now that the Lord General is gone, who promised him a good part thereof, but in the interim died. Will be out through this last attempt at least 200l., and would accept some favourable employment in lieu thereof, but doubts that is as hard to be found as money. Hopes the prisoner will be found innocent, and all mis-understandings cleared at home ere this arrives, and is confident at least of Williamson's faithful aid. 1p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 26.]
Sept. 7.
Jamaica.
614. Copy of preceding. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVI., No. 64. ]
Sept. 7.
London.
615. The Committee of Gentlemen Planters in London to the Assembly of Barbadoes. Have received theirs of 16th June and 4th July, with the Acts therein mentioned. Have not yet found a fit opportunity for prosecuting their addresses by reason of the King's uncertain abode here this summer, but have taken care to make way for them and prevent misconstructions. Desire Capt. Gorges may have their thanks for generously leaving the employment to Lt. Col. Thornburgh. Have received the 30 butts of sugar sent by the Unity, Marmaduke Wolters, Commander, well conditioned; 30 more by the Aleppo Merchant, Francis Coleman Commander, have come to hand, but 2 are quite washed out and 6 more damaged, and 10 more by the Golden Phcenix, Richard Pidgeon Commander, have arrived but not yet landed; return thanks, also for putting themselves in a posture of defence, the French still increasing their naval forces, some of which are coming their way. Are glad they have their packets by Capt. Collier, whereby they will perceive with how much malice some men have pursued their ruin. Their order in behalf of Mr. Champante shall be observed, though could wish some compensation had been allowed him for his pains besides his bare disbursements. Signed by Sir Peter Colleton and ten others. Received by the Assembly of Barbadoes, 23 January 1672. 1 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XIII., 94–96.]
Sept. 9.
On board of
H.M.S. Mary
Rose in the
Bay of Bulls.
616. (Capt. Davis) to (M. Wren). Arrived 3rd August with the Success, and sent word to the West and South that the first convoy would be ready to sail 15th August, and that the writer should sail 20th September. It was 20th August before any ships arrived, and on 28th the first convoy sailed with 23 vessels. The fishers generally have not made above 140 kintalls per boat, unless in the Bay of Consumption [? Conception], where they have made over 200. Has now 15 vessels, and waits for the rest, and will not miss any opportunity of following his orders. Great complaint by the inhabitants against the West Countrymen's petition for removing them into the woods; but it is only the West Countrymen that are in fault, for he sees the stages for fuel broken down, and the transportation of men to New England is done by the masters of the fishing ships, who employ them to the end of the year, and then to save provisions and freight pack them away to New England. Is sorry to see how many have gone this year, and fears that most of the inhabitants, being so affrighted with this order for their removing, if not speedily prevented, will repair to the French, who fortify two places, keeping in one fort 50 soldiers in continual pay, and are very kind to the English who come to them, the King of France if they require it sending them a protection and giving them a year's salary. Encloses the report of a French merchant, who affirms it on his oath. "By Mr. Parker and Mr. Herneman of Dartmouth" 1 1/2 pp. Endorsed, "Capt. Davis to Mr. Wren . . . . . Recd on the 8th December 1676." [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII No. 27.]
Sept. 13. 617. Minutes of Council of Antigua. Present, Col. Philip Warner, Govr., Lt.-Col. Nath. Clerke, Majr. Rowland Williams, Capts. Richd. Ayres, Paul Lee, Jno. Cade and Wm. Thomas, and Jno. Parry. The Governor's Commission from his Excellency Sir Chas. Wheeler read; Jno. Parry and Capt. Renatus Ennis, sworn Secretary and Provost Marshall; commissions for gentlemen of the Council to be Justices of the Peace. Ordered, that the churches of Falmouth and St. John's be speedily set forward; that the Monthly Courts, a Court of Chancery, the General Sessions of the Peace, and the Courts of Common Pleas, be held as formerly; that a special Court be held and a jury empannelled in behalf of the King on the first Tuesday in January next at the town of Falmouth, to try the titles and forfeitures of land not settled according to the Act, and that a strong prison be built at Falmouth at the public charge. 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXV., No. 55*.]
Sept. 14.
The Tower.
618. Chas. Modyford to Joseph Williamson. The vessel from Jamaica has run aground near the Isle of Sheppey, which has hindered his letters from coming, but is informed that Sir Thos. Lynch is arrived, and had received the government from his father, Sir Thos. Modyford, with all respect due to his Majesty's commission, and had proclaimed the Peace. For the truth of which dare forfeit his life; however has despatched an express for his letters, and if they arrive to-morrow will enclose them to Lord Arlington; but if not will petition, if his Lordship think fit, his Majesty and Council for his liberty to-morrow, for his grandmother is very ill, and her affairs cannot be settled without his presence, but to his great disadvantage; and understands that his Lordship goes on Saturday into the country. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 28.]
619. List of such officers as were at the first raising and still remain in Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment. Col. Sir Tobias Bridge; Capt.-Lieutenant John Painter, now a captain; Ensign Oliver Franklin, now a lieutenant; Lieut.-Col. William Stapleton; Major Edm. Andros; Lieut. John Rodney, now a captain; Capt. James Cotter, Lieut. Abednego Mathews, now a captain; Capt. Edw. Talbott; Lieut. Peter Fenwick, now a captain-lieutenant; Ensign Henry Crofts, now a lieutenant; Capt. Morley's Ensign, Tho. Morgan, now a lieutenant; Capt. James Barett; Lieut. Rupert Billingsley, now a captain; Capt. Abraham Langford, adjutant; Leolin Floyd, Chirurgeon. Endorsed, "1671, Barbadoes Regiment." 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 29.]
620. List in Sec. Williamson's handwriting of the Lieutenants and Ensigns of the Barbadoes [Sir Tobias Bridge's] Regiment. Mallet and Morgan, Lieutenant and Ensign to Andros; Billingsley and Whitacre to Cotter; Langford and Strode to Barrett; and Fenwicke and Rodney to Talbott. 1/2 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 30.]
621. Report to the King, by Sec. Lord Arlington's order of the officers of Sir Tobias Bridge's late regiment, now pretending to lieutenants' and ensigns' commissions. Capt. Thos. Mallett went over a captain, was wounded on St. Christopher's, and in April 1668 quitted the regiment, and desires a lieutenant's place. Capt.-Lieutenant John Painter went in that capacity, continued with the regiment, and stays in Barbadoes. Capt. John Rodney, went over lieutenant, was made captain in 1668, left those parts 11th June same year, and desires a lieutenant's place. Lieut. Peter Fenwick went over lieutenant, and so continued. Lieut. Rupert Billingslie, went over lieutenant, so continued, and desires a lieutenant's place; as does also Capt. Abraham Langford, who went out adjutant and muster master, was on St. Christopher's, and came twice to England for the regiment. Abednego Mathews went ensign, so continued, and now stays behind. Henry Crofts, went ensign, was cashiered by court-martial, but by intercession of the Deputy Governor restored. Thos. Morgan went ensign, continued still so, and now desires to be continued. George Stroud, went sergeant, was made lieutenant, came home chief conductor of the 200 soldiers on board the Noble Catherine, and desires to be ensign. See Memorandum of Commissions, 30 March 1672. Endorsed by Williamson, Barbadoes Regiment, the Officers, "1671." 1 1/2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX VII., No. 31.]
622. Memorandum of the case of Capt. John Rodney, of the Barbadoes Regiment. In 1666 his Majesty sent forces to Barbadoes under Sir Tobias Bridge, when Capt. Rodney quitted the Guards, where he had served seven years under Sir P. Howard, to go lieutenant to Major Andros; but 15 months after had a commission for a company of foot, which he kept till the regiment was disbanded in July 1671. The truth of this will appear by the muster rolls and commissions. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 32.]
1671 ? 623. Warrant for the establishment of four companies of foot. Each company to consist of 80 men, besides officers, to be taken from the regiment raised for the service of Barbadoes in the late war with the Dutch, and now on their return to England, and for the grant of 5s. per day to Edmond Andros, late major of the regiment, to commence from the day of their landing. Draft, with corrections, by Williamson. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 33.]
624. Warrant for an establishment of four companies of foot. Not to exceed fourscore men in each, besides officers, out of the regiment of Barbadoes lately disbanded, about 340 men of which are shipped and on their way home, in expectation of his Majesty's declaration that they might be entertained in his service. Each company to consist of one captain at 8s. per diem, a lieutenant 4s., ensign 3s., two sergeants 1s. 6d. each, three corporals and a drummer 1s. each, and 80 men 8d. each, total charge for one company 3l. 15s. 4d. per diem, and for four companies 11l. 6s. per diem. Edmond Andros as major to be allowed 5s. per diem, total, 15l. 6s. 4d. per diem for the four companies or 5,575l. 5s. 4d. per annum. See Memorandum of Commissions, 30 March 1672. Signed by the King and countersigned by Lords Arlington and Ashley and Sir T. Clifford. 2pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XX VII., No. 34.]
Sept. 14. 625. The King to Major Andros. Whereas the regiment of foot raised in the time of the late war with the Dutch and transported to Barbadoes has been lately disbanded, with a declaration that so many as desired it might be transported into England at his Majesty's charge and entertained in his service, his Majesty being pleased as a particular mark of acceptance of the good service performed by the said regiment to re-establish it, constitutes him major of the said regiment. See Memorandum of Commissions, 30 March 1672. 1/2p. [Dom. Entry Blk., Chas. II., Vol. XXX V. A, p. 28đ.]
Sept. 14. 626. Mem. of commissions to Capts. Talbot, Cotter, and Barret to be captains of the Barbadoes Regiment. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II, Vol. XXXV. A, p. 29.]
Sept. 14.
Barbadoes.
627. Mem. of commissions to Thomas Mallet to be Lieut. to Major [Andros], Rupert Billingsley Lieut. to Capt. Cotter, Peter Fenwicke Lieut. to Capt. Talbot, and Abraham Langford Lieut. to Capt. Barret (in the Barbadoes Regiment). [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXV. A, p. 29.]
Sept. 14. 628. Mem. of commissions to Thomas Morgan to be Ensign to Major [Andros], Charles Whitacre Ensign to Capt. Cotter, John Rodney Ensign to Capt. Talbot, and George Stroud Ensign to Capt. Barret (in the Barbadoes Regiment. See 30 March 1672, where are alterations in Major Andros' and Capt. Talbot's Lieut. and Ensign. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXV. A, p. 29.]
Sept. 18.
London.
Shaftesbury
Papers.
629. Lord Ashley to Sir John Heyden. Has sent by this conveyance a small chest with three locks directed to Sir Jo. Yeamans, marked C. A.,which his Lordship wishes sent to Ashley River in Carolina by the first opportunity. Gives him many thanks for all former favours. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 55, p.]
Sept. 18.
London.
Shaftesbury
Papers.
630. Lord Ashley to Sir John Yeamans. Is very glad he is at Carolina. Shall expect good success to their new settlement when it shall be countenanced and conducted by so judicious and worthy a person. Has therefore sent him a commission for Governor, and relies upon his being firm and industrious in settling the government established. Recommends him to make a port town upon Ashley River; directions to choose the ground; the place now planted in is so moorish it must needs be unhealthy and bring great disrepute upon their new settlement, whereas a town in a healthy place will give more reputation, security, and advantage to the Lords Proprietors than ten times that number of people scattered about the country. When he has chosen a place for the town he must lay out six colonies about it to make a precinct, and none of the Proprietors' seignories or of the nobility's baronies must be intermixed It is necessary he lay out the great port town into regular streets, for, be the buildings never so mean and thin at first, yet as the town increases in riches and people the void places will be filled up and the buildings will grow more beautiful. if he design six score squares of 300 foot each, to be divided one from the other by streets and alleys, it will be a good proportion of a town, and let no man have above one of those squares to one house, and to each of those squares let there be allotted four score acres in the same colony and four hundred in some of the other five colonies of the same precinct. Those that build first to choose their lots and shares first. Their great street cannot be less than one hundred or six score foot broad, their lesser streets none under sixty, their alleys eight or ten foot. A pallisado round the town, with a small ditch, is a sufficient satisfaction against the Indians. There is a necessity to leave a common round the town, so that no enclosure may come nearer than the third part of a mile to the pallisado. This will add conveniency, beauty, and security to the place and will afford room to enlarge or better fortify the town hereafter. He may for the present, when he has designed and measured both the town and the common and men's shares, give leave to the inhabitants to make use of this common to plant, sow corn (sic), or make gardens, for the better clearing of the place if it be encumbered with wood. Not to grant any man a lease for longer than 7 years, so it may all at the end of that term be a common for the cattle of the town, every square of which is to have its proportionable part for feeding. By the Fundamental Constitutions there is to be one port town upon every navigable river, where all people are bound to lade and unlade, and the Proprietors have obliged themselves to grant only one port town upon a river for 31 years. Recommends him to take care of the lesser townships in the several colonies, and that the houses be placed both orderly and conveniently together, so as their nearness to each other may be a security. Find by the experience of both Virginia and Maryland that men will expose themselves to the inconvenience and barbarism of scattered dwellings in unknown countries. If any man has taken land found convenient for a town he must of necessity give way and be provided with another place. The Lords Proprietors trust him with this, and measure all their future expectations from him by this, that in settling this their first port town he seek only the public interest and let no private design engross the land which is likely to hinder the speedy building and increase of the place. Desires to hear from him as often as he can. 3 pp. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 55, pp. 94–97.]
Sept. 20.
Whitehall.
631. Warrant to the Attorney-General. Whereas Capt. Hubbart has seized the ship James of Belfast at Nevis, which ought to be condemned under the Act of Navigation as not being a free ship, his Majesty's pleasure is that he prepare a Bill to pass the Privy Seal containing a grant to Louis, Marquis Blandford, Sir Charles Wheeler, Bart., Governor of the Leeward Isles, Col. John Strode, Farmer of the Customs in the Leeward Isles, and Col. Stapleton, Governor of Montserat, of all his Majesty's part of the tackle, apparel, furniture, and lading of the said ship for their own proper use. 1/2 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXIV., p. 117.]
Sept. 21. 632. Pardon to George Robinson, gentleman, convicted of perjury in the Court of King's Bench, upon his answers in the Court of Chancery, to a Bill of Complaint exhibited against him and others by one John Annand concerning a plantation called Hilcotts in Barbadoes, and of all pains, forfeitures and other proceedings. [Dom., Chas. II., Docquet.]
Sept. 21.
St. Jago de la
Vega.
633. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. Ordered, that the Marshal go on board every vessel on coming into harbour, and receive all letters from the masters and passengers which they are not willing to deliver themselves, or if no body else that is known be there to demand them, and having drawn them all into a list to give a receipt for them; and distinguish what are received from the master and what from the passengers, set it up at the Post House in town, and at the Market Place at the point; and to receive 3d. every superscription, and give in his own bond for 500l. Ordered, that Gabriel Martin, on his petition, have the sole privilege to hire horses from Passage Fort to town and back, and have horses always ready for all persons from sunrising till 8 at night, upon any extraordinary occasion to receive 2s. for every horse left at town or Passage Fort, and 3s. if the person rides back, and 4s. for a side saddle or a double horse, and to give in good security. Petition of George Holmes, gentleman, to the Governor and Council. That petitioner put in one Humphrey Thurston, commander of his ship the Port Royal, of 30 tons, to sail to the Bay of Campeachy for logwood, but Thurston, contrary to his instructions, made of the ship a man-of-war, took a Spanish ship of 40 tons, laden with silk, wine, new Spanish cloth, and other goods, fitted her out of the said man-of-war, and having laid the latter up as a wreck which was really worth 300l., in January last carried the ship in the fleet for Panama, and being entertained by Admiral Henry Morgan, sailed with the fleet to Changra, where following the Admiral into the river, Thurston was forced into the breakers, and compelled to run ashore; but though the Admiral received 1,000l. for his ship, and promised to indemnify all others that had lost ships, according to articles signed by consent of the Admiral, Captain Edw. Collier, Captain Lawrence Prince, Captain Thos. Haines, and others. Petitioner received no satisfaction; prays that said Admiral may appear before their Honours to answer the premises. Ordered, that Admiral Morgan appear before the next Council to answer Dr. Holmes in the premises, that such order may be made as shall be agreeable to law and equity. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXXIV, 231–235.]
[Sept. 22.] 634. Petition of Edwyn Stede, Provost Marshal-General of Barbadoes, to the King and Council. Has lately by petition set forth the ruinous condition of the common prison in Barbadoes, with his great expense for a year and a half in maintaining a guard to watch the prisoners, beseeching his Majesty's order for rebuilding the same, and his Majesty referred his said petition to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to examine and report. The last ships of this season will be ready to sail for that island by the end of October next, and petitioner with them; so that it will be impossible for the Lords Commissioners to examine petition and report to his Majesty, so as to have the same confirmed before the ships are gone; nor will any more ships arrive at that island till about Lady Day next. Prays therefore that the whole matter may be referred to the final determination of the Lords Commissioners. In margin, "Recd and read Sept 22, 71." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 35."]
Sept. 30.
Barbadoes.
635. Lewis Morris to the Lord Arlington.
MY FRIND,
FOR so in truth I Can Call thee being maed so by a Pouar Devin and not by Merrit or seking. For I was as a Strangar in a strang land opprest by a weked and unjost Man who had hoeps of enriching himselfe by my Ruing undar the pretene of Riet and layed that to my Charg I was not guilti of and becaus I could not swear and break the comands of Christ he hoeped to facilitat his weked desines undar the pretene of Justis but the Great God that knue my Enosenti gave me favor in thy Eyes by which in shortar time then usall I obtaind a Dismetion acording to the Justis of my Caues the expediting therof I holy attribut to the Enfluenc of thy favor for which as in Dutie bound I retorne Prayes to God and thankes to thee as the Enstrument by which I was Delivared from unResnable men I doe not troble thee with this to Bag Moer but Gratfully to thanke thee for what is past For though it May prove a hindrance from thy Moer waity affaires yet Cannot but Lat thee knoe my thankeffulnes a Mesuar wherof will Rest in me waching an opartuniti to Manifest it self whilest I Remain LEWIS MORRIS.
Barbados the last of the 7th, 1671.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 36.]