America and West Indies: November 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: November 1671', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 7, 1669-1674, (London, 1889) pp. 271-282. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol7/pp271-282 [accessed 25 April 2024]

November 1671

Nov. 1. 649. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Present, the Deputy-Governor and four of the Council. Ordered, that an Assembly be called to meet at the Bridge Town, on Tuesday, the 21st instant, and that writs issue to be published the 12th and 19th instant, the Assembly to be chosen on the 20th. 1/2 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XI., 194.]
Nov. 9.
St. Jago de
la Vega.
650. Minutes of a Council of War. Present :—Sir Thos. Lynch, Governor, 12 of the Council, and Majors John Colebanck, Wm. Beeston, Sam. Barry, and Whitegift Aylemore, and Colonel Cary, Captain of the Fort. Declaration of the Governor that on consideration of the advices come of preparations by the Spaniards to invade the island, and that divers ignorant and malicious persons have refused to obey their military officers on pretence that the Act of Militia is not of force, it is hereby declared that said Act is and shall be of force, and all persons are commanded to take notice thereof at their peril. Ordered, whereas nothing can be more for the safety of the island than that the regiment of horse be well armed and mounted, and for that since the Act of Militia the price of horses is much raised, whatsoever trooper shall appear on an exercising day with a horse under the value of 10l., shall be subject to the penalties the Act mentions, as if the horse were not worth 5l. Order to call a regimental court-martial, and put in execution the Act of Militia, ordain places of rendezvous, and times of exercise, and in case of invasion publish and put in execution all the Articles of War, and in fine order within the precincts of the regiment what shall be for his Majesty's service, and the safety of the island. Ordered, that the appearance of five ships make an alarm, and Colonel Thos. Freeman take care to give it from Windward to the Point; that the chief officer at Port Royal, on pain of death, send it on to Lygonee and St. Jago; and that it be carried from town to Major-General Banister, who is to give it to Major Collier, and he to carry it on to Lieutenant-Colonel Ivey. Ordered, that on the landing of any enemy, the chief officer residing in every quarter, be fully empowered to act at his own discretion till he receive orders from his superior officer. Ordered, that the chief officer residing in Port Royal have, in case of invasion, full power to burn or pull down any house, press ships, and do anything for the preservation of the place, and be indemnified by this order. 4 1/2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., XXXIV., 256–260.]
Nov. 13. 651. Proposal of Robert Mason to the King. That if the King grant to him the importation of 300 tuns of French wine free of all customs, he will sell to the King his patent of New Hampshire in New England. Signed, Robert Mason. The above said wine to be imported in three ships and no more, and before the arrival of the said ships, said Robert Mason will make oath before the Commissioners of the Customs. The quantity laden in such ships to be brought into the Port of London and nowhere else. Read in Council, 13 Nov. 1671. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 43.]
Nov. 16. 652. Minutes of the Council of Plantations. Lord Arlington reported that Mr. Slingsby having been with him to mind him to move his Majesty about sending Commissioners to New England he had done so, and it was thought fit by the King to defer the consideration thereof, the season being past.
Dec. 18. That Mr. Slingsby do speak to the Lord Keeper, the Attorney-General, and others of the King's Council, to know their opinion on the reference formerly made to them about the patents granted to the Massachusetts, the reservations therein to the King, and the boundaries of the colony. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 44.]
Nov. 17. 653. Warrant to Sir John Robinson, Lieutenant of the Tower. Whereas his Majesty understands that Sir Thos. Modyford, Bart., late Governor of Jamaica, is brought pursuant to his Majesty's command into this kingdom, he is to receive and keep him close prisoner of the Tower for several misdemeanours committed during the time of his government. 1/3 p. [Dom. Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXIV., p. 121 đ.]
Nov. 17. 654. Warrant to deliver Sir Thos. Modyford to the Lieutenant of the Tower. Mem. only. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXIV., p. 121 đ.]
(Nov.) 17.
The Jamaica
Merchant.
655. Sir Thos. Modyford to (Sec. Lord Arlington). Begs his Lordship to represent to his Majesty that on 25th June he received his Majesty's despatch of 28th February last, commanding the delivery up of the government to Sir Thos. Lynch, with a letter from Lynch from on board the Assistance frigate. Whereupon he immediately sent orders to Major Banister and his son to deliver to him the town and castle of Port Royal, observe his orders and publish his power; and next day he brought him his wife and his family, with a troop of horse and five coaches, to his own house in St. Jago, and published his power and the revocation of his own. From that time to the 12th August Sir Thos. Lynch and his family lived under his roof, and received all the assistance he could give. About 10 days after his arrival Sir Thos. told him his Majesty expected him in England, but he might chose his ship; whereupon, being part owner of this vessel, he resolved to embark on her on the 22nd August, to which Sir Thos. Lynch consented. On 12th August Lynch invited him on board the Assistance, and showed him his Majesty's order to send him home a prisoner; to which he submitted, desiring only to have his passage in this vessel, which Sir Thos. Lynch consented to, ordering a guard of 12 to secure him there. Must confess that Sir Thos. Lynch executed these orders with as much civility as the nature of them would bear, though with more caution than he needed, and he assured Modyford that his Lordship bid him tell him that the proceeding was formal only to give satisfaction to the Spanish interest, and there was no intention to prejudice his person or estate, which he publicly repeated to his great consolation. Finds in a book lately printed his Lordship's general promise of protection to the late Duke of Albemarle's domestics, and is willing to promise himself (the same ?) on account of the great kindness the Duke had for him. This lieutenant and the bearer with their whole party have been very civil to him according to Sir Thos. Lynch's orders. Endorsed, 17th Nov., &c. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 45.]
Nov. 20.
Jamaica.
656. Warrant to Sir John Robinson to discharge Charles Modyford [from the Tower]. Mem. only. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas II., Vol. XXXIV., p. 122.]
Nov. 24. 657. Order of the Council for Plantations. That the Earl of Lauderdale be desired forthwith to report to his Majesty their opinion upon Sir Chas. Wheler's proclamation concerning St. Christopher's, and to acquaint his Majesty with the way that Sir Chas.'s letter and proclamation came to the Council, as also that within 10 days there will be a ship ready to go to the Leeward Islands, that his Majesty may with speed make his pleasure known therein; and that Mr. Slingesby be desired to deliver to the Earl of Lauderdale copies of Sir Chas. Wheler's letter and proclamation, with the opinion of the Council to be presented to his Majesty. Mem. to mention the 4 1/2 per cent. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIV., 108, 109.]
[Nov. 24.] 658. Report of the Council for Plantations to the King, on the proclamation lately published by Sir Chas. Wheler in the West Indies, and proposed by him to be published here. To the 1st article, That what devastation the French have made on the English lands [in St. Christopher's] since the first demand of restitution ought to have been insisted upon by Sir Chas., at least so far as to have been laid against any pretences of melioration; besides it will be impossible for the Proprietors to provide and pay their money "forthwith." To the 2nd, Do not find he has power to impose any such conditions, and apprehend it repugnant to common reason that the planters who by the war were rendered indigent should lose their plantations on that very account, nor is it possible for them to stock their plantations till growing profits enable them to purchase negroes. To the 3rd, As concerns the French, no payments to be made but such as are personal and ought not to be charged by a public levy, which would much discourage the planters' return; the second part of that article is well known, and is no way fit to be part of a Proclamation, which should be intended to invite the planters. To the 4th, He has no power to make any such distinctions. To the 5th, He has no power to impose any quitrent on the old planters, much less to increase or decrease it according to his judgment of their merits. To the 6th, Though latitude is left him to shorten the year and a day agreed on between the two Crowns for the return of the English, yet it was not to be done unless without much inconvenience to the old planters, which they must necessarily incur by the short time of three months. On the whole apprehend these articles tend apparently to the discouragement of the planters' return, and are directly repugnant to the 8th Article of his instructions, which enjoins that no man's freehold shall be taken away or harmed but by established laws not repugnant to those of England. Signed by Sandwich, President, Lauderdaill, Arlington, Rich. Gorges, Tho. Grey, H. Brouncker, W. Alington, John Finch, Hum. Winche, S. Titus, and H. Slingesby, Secretary. Annexed,
658. I. Sir Chas. Wheler to Col. Strode, Governor of Dover Castle, at his house in the Piazzo in Common Garden [sic]. Encloses a publication to be published on the Exchange, and at Bristol if his Majesty sees fit in All respects. Nevis, St. Bartholomew's Day (24th August) 1671. Whereas his Majesty's sovereignty in the island of St. Christopher's was on 5/15th July last restored by M. De 'Baas, Lt.-Gen. to the King of France, to Sir Chas. Wheler, and Articles interchangeably signed pursuant to the Treaty of Breda; Sir Chas. Wheler, by the advice of his Council, has erected a court of claims to be held the first Monday in October next, on St. Christopher's, to receive the claims of all his Majesty's subjects having any right, title, interest, or propriety to any estate in the island, and to restore to all their just rights under the Articles of Peace at Breda, and on such considerations as shall tend most to his Majesty's honour and interest and the future security of his sovereignty in the said island. To the intent therefore that his Majesty's subjects who have returned for England or transported themselves elsewhere may not return to meet with conditions that may disappoint them: 1. That all who have sold their interests to the French must forthwith repay the purchase money, otherwise any other of the English may repurchase, or the French be confirmed in their estates. 2. All who shall repurchase or be restored must sit down on their estates with proportionable stock, otherwise the same will be permitted to others of his Majesty's subjects who can put on sufficient stock, because it will be impossible to preserve his Majesty's sovereignty without hands. 3. An equal levy must be made for satisfying the French demands on any Article of the Peace at Breda, and for all other public expenses. 4. Those counselling or acting in the rendering of the King's subjects and sovereignty to the French must not expect the like advantages with those who did their duty. 5. Every one shall hold his estate to which he shall be restored by a quitrent to his Majesty, according to his merit or demerit, as a recognition of his Majesty's grace in their pardon and restoring them to their estates, which by the high misdemeanour of some, and cowardice and folly of many others, they have forfeited. 6. To those in England, Europe, Virginia, Jamaica, Carolina, Bermudas, or New England three months shall be allowed to put in their claims, and for Barbadoes and the Caribbee Islands one month after the publication hereof. Together, 4 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., Nos. 46, 46 I.]
Nov. 24. 659. Copy of the above letter and Proclamation which were delivered by Col. Strode to Mr. Slingesby, 10th November 1671, and by him communicated, on 13th November, to the Council, who after several days' consideration agreed to the Report to the King of 24th November. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XCIV., 91–94.]
Nov. 25. 660. The King to all Admirals and other officers, &c. Whereas Capt Hubbert has seized the ship James of Belfast at Nevis, which by virtue of the Act of Navigation has been there condemned and is in the hands of Sir Chas. Wheeler, Bart., Governor of the Leeward Isles; and whereas his Majesty has granted to Louis Marquis of Blandford, Sir Chas. Wheeler, Col. John Strode and Col. Stapleton (see ante, No. 631) his share of said ship, and they have besought him to make the said ship English; his Majesty by these presents naturalizes said ship and wills that it be registered by the Commissioners of Customs and a certificate thereof granted accordingly. 2 pp. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XXXIV., pp. 127 and 127 đ.]
Nov. 27. 661. Report of the Earl of Lauderdale to the Council of Plantations. On presenting their opinion on Sir Chas, Wheler's Procla- mation to his Majesty at the Foreign Committee on the 26th inst., it was resolved :—That the Proclamation be wholly disowned, and that the Council for Plantations forthwith consider and prepare what may be fit to be done for undoing what Sir Chas. Wheler has done, and preventing the ill consequence it may have to the settlement of St. Christopher's. And that another Governor be forthwith found out and instructions prepared for him. 1/2 p. [Col. Bk., No. XCIV.,94, 95.]
Nov. 28. 662. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. Whereas his Majesty has adjusted a Peace with his Catholic Majesty in America, and strictly commanded the Governor to release all prisoners; and whereas abundance of suits and disputes have arisen about freeing Indians, negroes and mulattos, the Governor and Council having considered how advantageous it would be to have those useless and dangerous persons sold, which will bring money to the island to buy better of our own merchants, and Major Beeston and Capt. Read having, per order, treated with the Governor of Cartagena for 80 pieces of 8 for each Spanish negro, said Governor promising to send hither for them, but since it appears he expects them to be sent to him; Ordered, that all persons give account of all Spanish negroes they have and of what age, sex, and country they are, on pain of being sent prisoners to the Council for contempt. And all persons interested are hereby assured it is not intended that one of said negroes shall be commanded out of their hands without securing to be paid within two months for every sound negro above 12 years 80 pieces of 8 or 20 doubloons, and under 12 years the moiety. And it is ordered, that Major-Genl. Banister, Lt.- Col. Ivey, Major Ant. Collier, and Capt. Wm. Parker take account of the parishes of Clarendon and St. Elizabeth; Lt.-Col. Coape, Lt.-Col. Fuller, and Major Almore of St. John's; Major Jno. Colbeck of St. George's, St. Mary's, St. Ann's and St. James's; Col. Ballard, Lt.-Col. Byndlosse and Col. Molesworth of St. Katherine's; Col. Modyford, Lt.-Col. Freeman, Lt.-Col. Byndlosse, Capt. Molesworth, and Major Beeston of Port Royal; Lt.-Col. Whitfeild, Major Barry and Capt. Brayne of Lygonee; and Col. Thos. Freeman and Capt. Ryves of St. Thomas's and St. David's. Ordered that writs be issued for choosing an Assembly to meet at St. Jago 1st February next, and that three be chosen for St. Katherine's parish. 2 1/2pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XXXIV., 260–262.]
Nov. 29.
Jamaica.
663. Sir Thos. Lynch to Sec. Lord Arlington. Refers to his last to Williamson. Again earnestly begs for directions how to live by these French; endeavours to keep a good correspondence with them. Has pressed the Governor of Tortuga to send down Thurstone and Diego, "two of our men-of-war," and has sent the Welcome after the latter to the Isla de Vaca, with order if possible also to intimate the Peace to the Governors on the Main. The Assistance is to Leeward after a pirate that has been robbing them all. Has sent for both of them, for by merchants' letters from Spain, Holland, and London they are advised that the Church and Grandees of Spain have undertaken to reduce this island with 36 sail and 5,000 men. Only fear the port; the island, in probability, is as safe as England. Has had a general council of war, and resolved to defend that place to the last man, and on his own credit, the King or public having no money, is fitting the fort the best they can. Has bought stores of rosin, oil, &c. for fireships, and hired a frigate of Bristol at 90l. per mensem to go to Carthagena with prisoners, and discover what they are doing. This noise of war makes him more strict in observing the Peace, people being too apt to wish for a rupture to satisfy their own particular designs, and cannot think it is for the Spaniards' interest to break it, lest we should bring the war again into their quarters. Will never do this without positive directions, "for I had rather sustain the charge of the whole nation in Jamaica than of one ambassador in the Tower," though he is told it will check these people mightily to know they must only fight like baited beasts within the length of their chain. Supposes there is no danger, because no one from Court has written a syllable of it, but will be glad to know whether such an invasion would not give them liberty to offend the enemy, without further order from his Lordship. Has answered all Mr. Secretary Slingesby's inquiries at large, and remitted to the Master of the Ordnance and to him the account of all arms, ammunition, &c.; as also, to the Lords Treasurers, Sir Thos. Modyford's accounts with some little remarks, for here they think he has placed to the account of this revenue many thousands of pounds he ought not. Has likewise sent Mr. Slingesby the rolls of the militia, and numbers of Port Royal, with a petition against the Jews; but only troubles his Lordship with the President of Panama's relation of "that fatal business." His wife was brought to bed of a son (Charles) five weeks ago: "she has not been able to govern Daniel, but he is in my family still with an ingenious gent that serves me as secretary, and will, if possible, teach the boy to write better." 2 1/2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVII., No. 47.]
Nov.
Shaftesbury
Papers.
664. Extracts of letters from Carolina in Locke's handwriting, viz. :—
Owen to Sir Peter Colleton. Ashley River not so large as at first imagined; good land about it; abounds in salmon trout, very big flounders, tench, and sturgeon. Very tall cypress trees on the banks. Wando thought to be the better river; likelihoods of a plentiful harvest notwithstanding drought. Want clothing for half the people. Winter begins end of October and spring in February. But four sick in a year of ague or fever, and all recovered.
Mathews to Sir P. Colleton. Same news as in his letter to Lord Ashley [see ante, No. 610].
Coming to Sir P. Colleton. Two hundred families ready to remove from New York to Ashley River, will give one third of their cattle to transport the rest. Want a fly boat of 300 tons to transport people and cattle and carry pipe staves to Barbadoes, which will clear herself. The Blessing like to be laded back with people and cattle, a ship of 100 tons going with them from New York to Carolina. Mr. Foster has bought a sloop of 30 tons to load cattle at Virginia for Ashley River. The Barbadians endeavour to rule all. Want sails and a suit of colours.
Dalton to Sir P. Colleton. A sloop of 150 tons going from Barbadoes to Ashley River with passengers. The place healthy and begets a good stomach. Rainy season March and July, moderate showers at other times once a week; a crop of peas and corn from the same ground in a year. In want of provisions of tools and clothes and seeds of all sorts and books of husbandry.
O'Sullyvan to Sir P. Colleton. Complaints of Governor West and disorders about the Surveyor-General's place. Sir John questioning the goodness of those titles whose lots are not set out by the Surveyor-General. Another malapert expostulatory letter about his surveyorship.
Coming to Lord Ashley. H. Wentworth will accept the Government if the Lords Proprietors admit of his proposals. Sir John Yeamans hath bought in Virginia 100 head of cattle for Carolina. Bermudians likely to remove to Ashley River if they could have passage when their tobacco and provisions are out of the ground.
Halstead to Lord Ashley. Desires to know what to do with three letters directed to Col. Sayle from his Lordship and one from Sir P. Colleton. West is a person faithful and stout, but no good Governor. Col. Kingsland or Col. Morris recommended to be Governor. Sir J. Yeamans disaffected as too selfish; intends to discover the rivers of Carolina; suspects Ashley River to be only an arm of the sea. Woodward sent by Sir John Yeamans to Virginia by land. Wants a deputation for himself. The Spaniards at the Havannah intend to disturb the settlement next summer. In want of a fly boat strong and well fitted for a close fight.
Godfrey to Lord Ashley. Has been sole manager of the Lords Proprietors' plantation since 1st March 1671. Twenty acres of provisions planted; ginger and indigo planted destroyed by drought and the seed lost. The Indians say such droughts not usual Gagging one of their enacted punishments. Great stirs about calling a Parliament. O'Sullyvan no Surveyor. Desires to be Surveyor-General. A divine and physician. Cattle and horses would turn to great profit. Sir J. Yeamans intends to stay all the winter; hath brought negroes and expects more. The number of Deputies to be kept up and their power not to determine in two years.
Sir J. Yeamans to Lord Ashley. West proud and peevish; denied a Parliament for fear his election or actions should be questioned. Sir P. C. writ the Proprietors were sending 300 people. Tobacco seven years custom free will draw the Virginians. Sent word to Virginia that from Carolina they could carry their goods whither they would. Many rich men like to remove from Barbadoes. Gray, an active man, hath brought a good stock. He and the Barbadians at Carolina intend to have a ship of their own. Queries: 1. Surveyor-General to be chosen by Governor and Council. 2nd. Also Deputy and all other officers. And 3rd, How those shall be employed that sell their land.
J. West to Lord Ashley. Calendared, see ante, No. 612.
Mrs. Sayle to Lord Ashley. Desires some consideration for her husband's service, something being promised by Sir J. Yeamans.
Godfrey to Sir P. C. Has received eight servants on Sir P. C.'s account and 16 on the Proprietors'. Has planted 25 acres of corn, some potatoes, and peas. The new comers all sick of the bloody flux, occasioned by the green corn. Indigo, ginger, tobacco, cotton, potatoes, yams, and peas grow well. Sir J. Yeamans, Owen, Gray, Matthews, and O'Sullyvan are the contrary party to the Governor West. Want of drums, spear heads, cords, snares, braces, and colours.
West to Sir P. C. The place very healthy, some of the last servants sick of the flux through eating green corn. Want of a set of smiths' tools, drums, field colours, carpenters, sawyers, and a cooper, a stock of cattle from New York, horses, and a plough. Indigo as good as grows. Commends Godfrey for a good planter and honest man, who intends to go higher up the river, and they two not to part this year.
Halstead to Lords Proprietors. Rectifies his former accounts about the servants. Escaped the poll money at Gravesend by his commission. All the passengers gave bond for 6l. in three years except Ed. Mathews, who refused till arrived at Carolina. Three servants dead. Received by Sir J. Heydon kindly. Patent and commission delivered to H. Wentworth. Intends to be at Barbadoes January next. Capt. J. Darell and Capt. F. Tucker in Bermudas very civil. Capt. Darell's proposals for victualling. Refused to pay port duties at Bermudas because of his commission.
Darell's proposals. Beef, 1l. per cwt. Fish, 8s. per cwt. Butter, 6d. per lb. Candles, 7d. per lb., to be delivered at Bermudas. Freight to Carolina, 40 s. per ton. Live cattle of one year's growth at 3 l. per head, to be delivered at Charles Town.
Halstead to Lords Proprietors. An Indian killed by Fitzpatrick, about whom Sir J. Yeamans and West had a hot contest. Suspects both Sir John and Gray to have a hand in the Indian's death. To be paid by the colony 52l. a month for his voyage to New Jersey in pipe staves at three farthings apiece. Coming a good and careful seaman, ready and active to give direction, for this coast. Pipe staves should be set at a low rate to draw customers and trade. Intends to shift mates for the increase of pilots. For a sea mark a buoy is wanted and constant sounding at the charge of the colony, a fishing town, and a look-out to pilot in ships. Has sold 80 bushels of peas at prime cost for pipe staves at 1/2d. apiece, having no instructions to deliver them to the Governor, to get intelligence, and to raise a stock. Requests that orders be given to the Governor and Council to assist him in the discovery of the country, and Coming and Culpeper to attend him. In want of paper books, paper, ink, quills, small arms, ironwork, clothing, &c. Will be at Barbadoes in February. The Governor and others at New York troubled at the inclination of the people to Carolina. Ten per cent. customs and a hard winter makes them weary where they are. Desires his commission from the Duke may be continued, which is of great use to him. Also answer to Berry and Morris' letter, and copies of the laws and concessions to be dispersed in New England and Virginia. A fly boat will give reputation to the port, carry 120 cows and 50 passengers, sail with 18 hands, and carry 100,000 pipe staves, which will people the country and stock it and get in the debts in pipe staves without charge. The fly boat to be at Barbadoes the middle of June. In barter for cottons, serges, &c. there is to be had at New York beef and pork at less than 1d. per lb., bread at 8s. per cwt., peas at 20d. per bushel. H. Wentworth dead at Barbadoes, where Halstead intends to be the end of February, from thence to Carolina with passengers, and at Barbadoes again middle of June, thence to Carolina with passengers, rum, and molasses, and thence to New York, and so on. A considerable quantity of ginger, indigo, and tobacco fit for the market of England to be expected in three years in Carolina. Expects the Lords' orders in Barbadoes. Ninety-six passengers delivered at Ashley River. From New York they will carry 14 cows and mares, all the Blessing can carry, and 30 passengers; another ship with them carries 50 cows and mares and 20 passengers. Two hundred families ready to remove from New York if they had convenient transportation. Shall be necessitated to draw bills in April. Desires letters to Morris, Sanford, and Berry to be directed to Mr. J. N. Tollife in Boston, and a copy of the butcher's bill to be sent to him.
Governor and Council to the Lords Proprietors. The stores have been well disposed of, and care shall be taken for repayment. The town surrounded with a creek, the banks bold that ships ride by it, the farthest house from the town two miles off, the ground about it 3,000 acres. They will search for a convenient seat for a town. Charles Town seated high and healthy. What sickness hath been amongst them hath been occasioned by want of other conveniences. An Indian after divers insolencies slain; satisfaction made to the Indians about it. The Blessing sent to New Jersey for provisions, to be paid for at 52l. 13s. per mensem in pipe staves at three farthings. The present Council: Gov. West, Sir Jno. Yeamans, Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Bull, Owen, Gray, Mathews, Portman, Hughes, and Marshal. Will follow instructions, and think next years they will have an overplus of provisions. Want of two or three ships to carry goods and passengers, negroes, New York cattle, stores of peas, corn and flour, Irish frieze, bandel linen and broges, nails of all sorts, stock locks, hoofs and hinges, drums, colours, small arms and fine powder, draft of arms for the judicature, a bill of 100 lbs. weight. For Indian trade hats and beads, blue and white, some great ones. Carpenters, and boats of 20 feet in the keel. A piece of Vitry canvas, a coil of inch rope, 12 hand lines, fishing hooks and lines, and a set of gunsmith's tools. 4 pp., very small and closely written. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 77.]
Nov.
Shaftesbury
Papers.
665. Extracts of letters from Carolina in the handwriting of John Locke, viz. :—
Gray to Lord Ashley. Intends to discover Cooper River, which he thinks the better, but Edisto River best, which is fresh 12 miles up, and is 15 feet deep at low water. In want of boats for discovery. Ashley River navigable for sloops of 20 tons 60 miles from the mouth. Better land and better timber up the river. The sides and bottom of the river rock of sandstone. Pleasant hills and valleys, and large dry Savanas, with very good grass. He chose land for himself, but was denied it by the Governor. West accused for commanding Scrivener and Mathews out of the Council, and for declaring he cared not what became of the Government. The want of a good Governor. The country very good.
Mathews to Lord Ashley. Calendared, see ante, No. 610.
Culpepper to Lord Ashley. Promises a draught of the rivers thereabouts and description of the land [see Nos. 666–668]. The draught he hath sent of Ashley River no more for want of a boat and men [see No. 667 ]. Stone River runs into Edisto River, which has a better entrance than Ashley River. The land high and fruitful, and the water fresh.
Jos. West to Lord Ashley. Calendared, see ante, No. 612.
Jos. West to Lords Proprietors. Has received the Blessing's cargo. Most want of clothes. All comers depend upon the Proprietors' supply, and expect five years for payment for which concessions were produced under Sir P. C's hand; the people refused to give bonds, but by order of Council gave receipts in the book and are to pay 10 per cent., but as yet hath received nothing. It was Col. Sayle's fault that the Carolina went away without the timber, which was then ready. Desires instructions concerning those that die in debt to the Lords Proprietors as to their lands and goods. Godfrey and West cannot part till the crop is in, which is much more than they expected. Halstead disposed of above 100 bushels of peas to the old Standers, who had less need of them to the Proprietors' disadvantage. Promises an account of stores. The pines being pitch pines and ponderous not good for masts. Want boats for discovery. Complains of Woodward being sent away by Sir John Yeamans.
Culpeper to the Lords Proprietors. Sent a draught of Ashley River and promises a perfecter. No place that he hath yet seen on Ashley River fit for a town. Wando River he thinks hath, which is reported to run up broad a great way.
Berry, Morris, and Sansford to Lords Proprietors. Intending to remove from Virginia to Carolina. Propose a fly boat drawing 12 feet water and at least 5 feet between decks. To carry cattle at one-third, the owners providing meat and water for them and their persons carried free, they providing their own victuals. Many inclined to remove from Virginia to Carolina.
Manning to T. Colleton. Proposes to furnish provisions and cattle to be delivered at New York. A cow under five years 40 gallons of rum, a cow of three years 30 gallons, a mare to breed or draw 50 gallons. Bread and flour per cwt. 10 gallons, sheep, goats and hogs 10 gallons, 19 ewes and a ram 80 gallons, and a yoke of oxen 70 gallons of rum.
Brigs to Halstead. Many ready to remove out of Virginia, but want transportation. Some are frightened with the remembrance of Cape Fear. 1 1/2 pp. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No 77. ]
Shaftesbury
Papers.
666. Map or plan in colours showing the course of Ashley, Cooper and Colleton Rivers, also Charles Town, Waping and Comings Point, with a scale of 10 miles. Parchment. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle, 48, No. 73.]
Shaftesbury
Papers.
667. Culpeper's draught of Ashley River. This map or plan shows the situation and size of the plots of land abutting on Ashley River, each one of which is lettered, with a key to same thus, A, Sir John Yeaman's land 70 acres. Also the situation of Charles Town, and the names of the several points and creeks, and where they run to. Size 24 inches by 18 inches on a scale of five English miles. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 71.]
Shaftesbury
Papers.
668. "Culpeper's draught of the Lords Proprietors' Plantation. Corolina, 1671." This plot represents the shape and form, the larger of 340 acres of land which, by warrant from Gov. Jos. West and his Council, John Culpeper, Surveyor-General, measured and laid out for Anthony Lord Ashley, Sir Geo. Carteret, and Sir Peter Colleton, three of the Lords Proprietors; the smaller draught for Sir Peter Colleton and partners containing 60 acres or thereabouts. The first warrant dated 5 May 1671; the second warrant dated 5 Dec. 1671; said parcels of land abutting and bounding on each other and on other men's plots whose names are mentioned and as is herein represented. Certified by John Culpeper. Endorsed by Locke as above. Size, 30 inches by 18 inches. [Shaftesbury Papers, Section IX., Bundle 48, No. 79.]