Journal, November 1706: Journal Book K

Journal, November 1706

November 1. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Letter to Mr. Meine for account how the government was managed during the presidentship of Mr. Bond and Mr. Farmer, and how they behaved themselves about elections.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Patrick Meine [fo. 395], desiring him to give the Board in writing a particular account how the Councill of Barbados managed the government of that island during the presidentship of Mr. Bond and Mr. Farmer, as also how they behaved themselves with respect to elections of Assembly men, during their administration.

Barbados.

Plantations General.

Draught of a letter to the Governor, and of circular letter about passing Acts of extraordinary nature, agreed, and inclosed to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

The draught of a letter upon occasion of the late Act for establishing a method of credit &c. to the Governor of Barbados [fo. 388], as also the draught of circular letters [fo. 389, 396] for her Majesty's Royal signature to all the other Governors in America under her Majesty's immediate Government, directing them not to pass any Acts of an extraordinary and unusual nature and importance, without having first received her Majesty's pleasure thereupon, or that the execution of such Acts be suspended till her Majesty's pleasure be known, were agreed; and a letter inclosing the same to Mr. Secretary Hedges, was signed.

Barbados.

Clause added to Mr. Crow's instructions about the Act for paper credit.

A clause was added to the instructions for Mr. Crow [fo. 388, 391, 393] to the same purpose as the forementioned letter to Barbados.

Letter to Mr. Burnaby for the opinion of the Commissioners of Prizes on the clause of Mr. Crow's instructions about prizes.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Burnaby, secretary to the Commissioners for Prizes [fo. 393], desiring that the Board may have the opinion of the said Commissioners upon that clause of Mr. Crow's instructions relating to prizes, which was sent him the 30th of the last month.

November 4. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Plantations General.

Barbados.

Letter from the Commissioners of Prizes approving the clause in Mr. Crow's instructions about prizes, and desiring a list of fees may be added thereto for condemning a prize, &c.

The list return'd to be sign'd authentickly.

A letter from the Commissioners of Prizes, in answer to one writ them the 30th of the last month [fo. 392], with a clause of Mr. Crow's instructions relating to prizes, approving the said clause [fo. 407], and desiring the Board would add to the instructions of all Governors, that the officers of the Admiralty in the Plantations be not permitted to take larger fees for condemning a prize there than is taken in England, which amounts in all to 12l. 10s. 0d., as by the inclosed list, was read; and thereupon ordered that the said list be sent back to the Commissioners of Prizes [fo. 405], with the desire of the Board that it may be signed authentickly, in order to their lordships making the addition desired accordingly.

November 6. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Pennsylvania.

Memorial from Mr. Wilcocks against an Act directing the qualifications of magistrates, &c.

Mr. Wilcocks presented to their lordships a memorial, containing reasons against allowing an Act lately past in Pennsylvania, intituled An Act for directing the qualifications of all magistrates and officers, as also the manner of giving evidence [fo. 354, 355, 425; L. fo. 9], which their lordships resolved to take into consideration so soon as the Act, or an authentick copy thereof, should arrive.

Ireland.

Memorial from Mr. Knox, surveyor of the southern and northern coasts, desiring an augmentation of his salary.

Mr. Knox presented to the Board a memorial setting forth his services as surveyor of the southern and northern coasts of Ireland, and desiring their lordships' recommendation of him to my Lord Treasurer for an augmentation of his salary, which was read; and Mr. Knox was acquainted that, this business being under the direction of the Commissioners of the Revenue in Ireland, it was not in their province to meddle with it, unless it had been referr'd to them.

Barbados.

Mr. Crow's instructions for trade.

A clause to be added about importing linnen from Ireland.

Their lordships went through the draught of instructions for Mr. Crow, relating to the several Acts of trade and navigation, and gave direction for adding a clause for permitting the importing of linnen from Ireland to the Plantations, pursuant to the Act past here in 1704, intituled An Act to permit the exportation of Irish linnen cloth to the Plantations, and to prohibit the importation of Scotch linnen into Ireland.

November 7. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Letter from Mr. Mein about administration of government in Mr. Bond and Farmer's presidentship.

A letter from Mr. Patrick Meine [fo. 391], giving an account of what passed relating to the administration of the government of Barbados during the presidentship of Mr. Bond and Mr. Farmer, was laid before the Board, and their lordships agreed to take the same into consideration at the first opportunity.

Plantations General.

Barbados.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges signifying her Majesty's approbation of the circular letters to the Governors about unusual Acts.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges, signifying that her Majesty had signed the circular letters sent him the 1st instant [fo. 392, 405], and that her Majesty required that provision be made in the instructions of all future Governors against their passing unusual laws, was read.

Barbados.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges for account of the present state of Barbados.

A letter from Mr. Secertary Hedges of yesterday's date [vide infra], directing the Board to inform themselves of the present state of Barbados, and to lay the same before the Lords of the Committee of Councill to-morrow morning, was read.

Barbados merchants at the Board about state of that island.

Mr. Bromley, Mr. Foulerton, Mr. Tryon and several other Barbados gentlemen attending, and desiring to know of the Board what care was taken for preventing the damage that might happen to such persons as have been obliged to receive the bills appointed to be current by the late Act at Barbados; their lordships read to them the copy of her Majesty's letter upon that subject, with which they were well satisfyed; and being then asked what they knew of the present state of Barbados [vide supra and fo. 398], they said that that island has been for a considerable time in the highest disorder, by reason of the disagreement of the parties there, and were of opinion that nothing would conduce to the re-settlement of that island so much as the presence of a Governor in Chief. They added that there ought to be great care taken in the appointing of the Councill, that none but persons of interest and probity be admitted therein.

Other gentlemen of Barbados at the Board with Triennial Bill and Minutes of Assembly thereupon.

Copies of their petitions to the Queen and House of Lords.

Mr. Heysham, Mr. Lillington, Mr. Ball, with several other Barbados gentlemen also attending, presented to their lordships the copy of an Act intituled An Act for ascertaining the continuance of the General Assemblies of this island, with a copy of the minutes of the Assembly thereupon, which were read; whereupon they acquainted their lordships that their petitions to her Majesty and the House of Lords come over signed by twelve hundred of the inhabitants against the said Act [fo. 402], copies whereof they delivered to their lordships, and therefore they desired to be heard thereupon, that the said Act may not be confirmed. They then acquainted their lordships that the difference between the bills appointed to be current by the late Act and ready money was, at the coming away of the fleet, risen to 40 p. cent., and they communicated to their lordships a copy of one of the said bills, which is in the words following, vizt.:
Copy of one of Mr. Holder's Bank Bills.
No. 1. Bank bill to pass at ten pounds and to continue for one year from the 24th day of June, 1706.
John Holder.
which was read; whereupon these gentlemen were acquainted with what her Majesty has been pleased to write upon that subject, with which they were also well satisfyed. Then being asked what they knew of the present state of Barbados [fo. 396, 399], they said the same as the gentlemen aforementioned, and added that they conceived nothing could allay the heats and divisions there, but the presence of a new Governor, and that the sooner he went over the better; that they thought it necessary that all those in office, who have been active in the late disorders, and in keeping up the divisions there, be set aside, and that this Assembly be dissolved, and a new one called.

Mr. Skene's defence delivered to Mr. Ball for his perusal.

Mr. Ball desiring to have the perusal of the papers transmitted from Barbados in defence of Mr. Skene [fo. 385, 419], the same were delivered to him upon his receipt.

November 8. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Letter from Mr. Bridges with a memorial about the disorders in Barbados.

A letter from Mr. Bridges, agent of Barbados, inclosing a memorial from Mr. Bromley and other Barbados gentlemen [fo. 398, 400, 411], containing their thoughts of the present state of that island, with their proposals for redressing the disorders there, was read.

Mr. Heysham, &c., at the Board with another memorial about the state of Barbados.

They propose removing several of the present Council.

List of others to supply the vacancies.

Characters of the Council and those recommended by Sir Beville Granville.

Mr. Heysham, Mr. Lillington, with several other Barbados gentlemen attending, presented to their lordships a memorial containing their thoughts of the state of Barbados [fo. 398, 400], with their proposals also for redressing the disorders there, which was read; and they added in discourse that, unless several of the present Councill were removed, the island would never be settled in peace and quietness, and till that be done, none of the gentlemen here in England will return to Barbados. Then they gave their lordships a list of the names of several persons of good estates and well qualifyed to fill up the vacancies that may happen in the Councill. They also gave their lordships the particular characters of the present members of the Councill and of those recommended by Sir Beville Granville to fill up vacancies there.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges about present state of Barbados.

Their lordships then drew up a letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges in answer to his of the 6th instant [fo. 396, 399, 411], and signed the same.

Mr. Bromley summon'd.

Ordered that Mr. Bromley have notice to attend the Board on Monday morning next.

November 11. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Order of Council on the petition of Mr. Frere praying to be restored to his place in the Councill.

Mr. Lowther presented to their lordships an Order of Councill of the 7th January, 1705 [fo. 402], upon the petition of Mr. Tobias Frere, of Barbados, praying to be restored to his place in the Councill of that island from which he had been removed, upon a misunderstanding, by Sir Beville Granville, was read; and their lordships agreed to consider the said petition when they should appoint the Councill of that island.

Mr. Bridges, &c., at the Board with an address from the Council and Assembly about application of 4½ per cent.

Regular troops.

Three guard ships.

Convoys.

And duty on white sugar.

Opinion of Mr. Bridges for settling Barbados in peace.

Mr. Bridges, agent for Barbados, and Mr. Tryon attending, presented to the Board an address from the Councill and Assembly of Barbados, desiring their lordships' assistance in procuring the application of the four and half p. cent. towards the discharge of the expence in fortifying that island, in procuring some regular troops for strengthening the militia, three ships of war for the security of their coast, two convoys a year for their trade, and an abatement of the duty upon white sugars, was read. And Mr. Bridges being ask'd several questions in relation to the resettling the island in peace and quiet, he said that his opinion was, that there ought to be no alteration in the Councill till the arrival there of a Governor in Chief, and he promised to write to several gentlemen of estates in Barbados (now in the country) for their opinion hereupon. He added that he thought it would be very much for the advantage of the inhabitants that, during a scarcity of mony, sugar be made the standard of that island at a certain fixt price, which was then three half-pence p. pound.

Barbados.

Mr. Heysham, &c., at the Board.

Original address, &c., against the Triennial Bill.

The Assembly illegally chosen.

They desire the Act may be repealed.

Discount on the new bank bills.

Necessity of reforming the Council.

Mr. Frere's character.

Mr. Heysham, Mr. Lillington, Mr. Chilton, the aforementioned Mr. Tryon, with several other Barbados gentlemen attending, they communicated to the Board the original address from the freeholders of Barbados against the late Triennial Bill, whereof they delivered copies to their lordships the 7th instant [fo. 397, 406]. They added in discourse that this Assembly, which has now continued themselves for three years, was illegally chosen, several of the freeholders being kept in custody till the election was over in other places; there were armed men to influence the freeholders in their voting; and therefore they desired that this Act might be repealed as soon as possible. They said that at the coming away of the fleet the discount upon their new bank bills was risen to 70 or 80 p. cent; that if anyone want[ed] a bill of exchange of 100l. for England he must pay 200l. in their bank bills for it; that, unless there be a reform made in the Councill, the principal inhabitants will come off the island. These gentlemen being thereupon asked the character of the abovementioned Mr. Tobias Frere, they confirmed the allegation set forth in his petition [fo. 400], and said that he had a very good estate, and was every way qualifyed to serve her Majesty in the station of a counsellor.

Mr. Bernard with a petition from Mr. Hodges suspended by Sir Beville Granville from practising as a counsellor at law.

Mr. Bernard presented to their lordships a petition in the name of Mr. Thomas Hodges [fo. 412], setting forth that he had been suspended by the Governor and Councill of Barbados from practising as a Counsel at Law, and praying to be relieved therein. And Mr. Bernard acquainted their lordships that this was only for their information, he having a petition of the same nature to present to her Majesty: whereupon he was told that, if it was referr'd to their lordships, they would do Mr. Hodges all the justice his case required.

November 12. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Mr. St. John relating to soldiers' quarters.

Letter to Col. Parke thereupon.

Answer to Mr. St. John.

A letter from Mr. St. John, by order of his Royal Highness, complaining of great inconveniencies which arise to the officers and soldiers in the Leeward Islands, by reason of the shortness of the time limited for their quarters by former Assemblies, and directing the Board to take such measures for redress thereof as they shall see fit, was read; and a letter drawn up to Colonel Parke, giving him directions therein, was signed; and ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. St. John [fo. 406] to give his notice of what their lordships have done herein.

Barbados.

Mr. Heysham, &c., about perusal of Mr. Bromley's memorial.

Mr. Heysham and Major Lillington's son attending, and desiring the perusal of Mr. Bromley's memorial, which was read the 8th instant [fo. 399] the same was communicated to them accordingly.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Col. Park.

A letter from Colonel Park, Governor of the Leeward Islands, dated the 28th of August last, which, together with an account of the number of men in her Majesty's regiment of foot there, was read; and an answer thereunto drawn up and signed.

Copy thereof sent to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

Ordered that a copy of Colonel Park's letter [fo. 406] be sent to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

Jamaica.

Letter from Col. Handasyd.

A letter from Colonel Handasyd, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 16th of September last, was read; and the papers therein referr'd to laid before the Board, which are as follows, vizt.:
Publick papers.
Copy of Sir William Whetstone's letter to the Governor of Carthagena, dated the 15th of August, 1706.
Minutes of Councill from the 10th of May, 1706, to the 13th of July following.
Minutes of Assembly from the 3rd to the 5th of September, 1706.

Extracts of the said letter to be sent to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

Whereupon ordered that paragraphs B and E of the foresaid letter [fo. 406] be sent to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

Answer to Colonel Handasyd's letter.

A letter to Colonel Handasyd, in answer to the aforementioned letter, was signed.

Plantations General.

Barbados.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges returning circular letters about extraordinary Acts.

Letter to the President and Council with the Queen's letter to them and order.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges, of yesterday's date [fo. 396], returning the circular letters from her Majesty to the several Governors in America, relating to the passing of extraordinary and unusual laws, was read; whereupon a letter was writ by the Board to the President and Councill of Barbados inclosing her Majesty's letter to them, and the letters to Colonel Handasyd and Colonel Parke were inclosed in the letters to them abovementioned.

Plantations General.

List of fees for the condemnation of prizes.

A list of fees in the High Court of Admiralty here for the condemnation of prizes, signed by Richard Crawly, registrar, according to the minutes of ye 4th instant [fo. 393], being now received from the Prize Office, was laid before the Board and read.

November 13. Present:—Lord Bishop of London, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to Mr. St. John with account what the Board writ to Col. Park about quartering soldiers.

A letter to Mr. St. John acquainting him with what the Board had writ to the Governor of the Leeward Islands, relating to the quartering of soldiers there [fo. 404], as directed at the last meeting, was signed.

Leeward Islands.

Jamaica.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges with copy of Col. Park's letter and extract of Col. Handasyd's.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges, inclosing to him the copy of Colonel Park's letter [fo. 404, 405], as also an extract of Colonel Handasyd's letter read at the last meeting, was signed.

Barbados.

Mr. Heysham, &c., communicate five petitions from the inhabitants complaining of hardships.

How the same may be redressed, which has been already represented.

Mr. Robert Heysham and his brother attending [fo. 402, 412], they communicated to their lordships five petitions from the inhabitants of Barbados to the House of Lords, complaining of the hardships they lye under there; and they added in discourse that if the Governor was immediatly dispatch'd, the Councill reform'd (and particularly Colonel Cleland turn'd out, who has been the original author of all the disorders there) and the present Assembly dissolved and a new one called, then there would be no need of presenting the foremention'd petitions; whereupon they were acquainted that the necessity of the Governor's immediate dispatch, the reform of the Councill, and dissolution of the Assembly, had been already represented by the Board to her Majesty, and that they waited her Majesty's directions to proceed further therein.

Barbados.

Mr. Crow at the Board about dispatch of his instructions.

Mr. Crow attending, acquainted their lordships that her Majesty had been pleased to dispense with his going to Spain; and he therefore desired a dispatch of his instructions [fo. 393, 414] for the government of Barbados; whereupon he was told that the instructions were compleatly finished [fo. 410], except the appointing of the Councill, for the doing of which their lordships were expecting her Majesty's directions.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges with extracts of letters from Mr. Stepney &c., about trade with Flanders.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of the 11th instant, transmitting to the Board the extract of letters from Mr. Stepney, with several other papers relating to the trade with Flanders [fo. 410], and directing the Board to consider how far it is in her Majesty's power to open that trade without the assistance of the Parliament, as also to report what they think proper to be laid before the Parliament for the advantage of the English trade, which was read; and their lordships resolved to take the same speedily into consideration. The list of the abovesaid papers is as follows:
Papers referr'd to in the said letter.
A.—The tarif or book of rates in Flanders in the year 1700.
A.—Copy of a circular letter from the President and Chamber of Accounts there to the officers of the several tolls.
B.—Copy of an order of the said Chamber to the Custome House officers at Ostend to permit 17 English vessells laden with cloth to proceed to Bruges.
C.—A declaration from the said Chamber that the prohibition of the English woollen manufactures is taken off.
D.—Copy of a memorial of the deputies of the States General requiring that the tarif of 1680 be renewed.
D.—The tarif of 1680.
E.—The President of the Chamber of Accounts in Flanders, his objections to the tarif of 1680.
F.—Copy of a second memorial of the deputies of the States General, insisting on the tariff of 1680.
G.—Copy of an order of the President and Chamber of Accounts in Flanders, pursuant to the memorials of ye States deputies.
H.—Copy of a new regulation concerning the duties to be paid for woollen manufactures imported into the Spanish Netherlands.
X.—Account of import of goods and merchandizes into the Spanish Netherlands in the year 1681.

Plantations General.

Letter to Mr. Savage for an account of naval stores imported.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Savage, Secretary of the Customes [fo. 420] for an account of the quantity of pitch and tar, and other naval stores imported from the Plantations since the 25th of December, 1705.

November 14. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Col. Scot at the Board about his return to Barbados, which he promises shall be in six months.

Characters of some of the Council.

Colonel Scot attending, and being acquainted that it was necessary he should return to Barbados to take his place at the Councill there, he said that he doubted not but that in five or six months' time he should finish the business which detained him here in England, and then he intended positively to return to that island; whereupon their lordships agreed to allow him six months' time and no longer; and being ask'd several questions relating to the characters of the persons that have been recommended to the Board for filling up vacancies in the Councill of Barbados, he gave their lordships his thoughts upon some of them, but desired to be excused from giving of particular characters.

The Board agree upon some persons to be of the Councill.

Then their lordships agreed upon several persons to be of the Councill of Barbados [fo. 407, 411], and resolved to proceed further thereupon to-morrow morning.

November 15. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Papers about trade with Flanders under consideration.

Letter to Mr. Attorney General thereupon.

Their lordships now took into consideration the papers relating to the trade of Flanders [fo. 407] (mentioned in the minutes of the 13th instant), and read the same; and thereupon ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Attorney General for his opinion [fo. 413] upon the following question, vizt.:
Whether the Act of the 11th and 12th of King William for repealing An Act made in the 9th year of his Majesty's reign, intituled &c., repeals only the Act of the 9th and 10th of King William for rendering the laws more effectual &c., or also repeals the Act of the 13th and 14th of King Charles the Second for prohibiting the importation of foreign bone lace.

Sir H. Furnese and other Flanders merchants summon'd.

And further ordered that a letter be writ to Sir Henry Furnese [fo. 415], as also a summons sent to the Flanders merchants to desire them to attend the Board on Tuesday morning next in reference to that trade.

Barbados.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges about reform of the Councill and desiring to attend the great officers thereupon.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges, acquainting him that the Board having the state of Barbados under consideration [fo. 399, 400], and particularly the reform of the Councill [fo. 410, 414], and desiring leave to attend the Lords and other great officers nominated in this Commission, in reference thereunto at such time and place as they should think fit, was signed.

November 18. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Order of Councill on the petition of Mr. Hodges suspended by the Governor from practising the law.

Papers relating thereunto.

Mr. Bernard attending, presented to their lordships an Order of Councill of the 14th instant [fo. 403], referring to the Board a petition of Thomas Hodges, esq., counsellor at law at Barbardos, setting forth that he was suspended by Sir Beville Granville and Councill from the practice of the law in that island without any proofs made against him of misbehaviour in his said profession, or so much as being heard, and praying that the said suspension may be taken off, was read. Mr. Bernard further delivered to their lordships five papers in proof of the allegation set forth in the said petition; whereupon their lordships [fo. 415] resolved to take that matter into consideration on Wednesday morning next.

Order of Council referring five petitions of the gentlemen, &c., of Barbados to the Board against the Triennial Bill.

Another order on the representation of the Barbados gentlemen against the said Bill.

Letter to the agents for the copy of the above mention'd Bill under the seal.

Mr. Heysham, with several Barbados gentlemen, attending, presented to their lordships an Order of Council of the 4th instant [fo. 406], referring to the Board five petitions of the gentlemen, merchants, planters, freeholders and other inhabitants of the island of Barbados; as also another Order of Councill of the same date, referring to the Board a representation of several gentlemen, merchants and planters of Barbados, all which petitions being against An Act lately past there [fo. 416] for ascertaining the continuance of the General Assembly of that island, were read: and their lordships not being in possession of an authentick copy of the said Act under the seal of the said island, and being acquainted by the gentlemen present that they had reason to believe the agents have received the same, ordered [fo. 414] that a letter be writ to them to desire them to transmit the said Act to the Board as soon as possible.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Attorney General in answer to the quære relating to Acts about bone lace, &c.

A letter from Mr. Attorney General, in answer to the quære in the minutes of the 15th instant [fo. 411, 415], giving his opinion that the Act of the 11th and 12th of King William only repeals the Act of the 9th of his said Majesty's reign for rendring the laws more effectual, and for preventing the importation of foreign, bone lace &c., but doth not affect the Act of the 13th and 14th of King Charles the Second upon the same subject, was read.

November 19. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Sir John Stanley about his not having yet found any publick papers among Sir Beville Granville's.

The secretary acquainted the Board that Sir John Stanley had been with him upon the letter writ him yesterday [fo. 413], and said that he had not as yet found amongst Sir Beville Granville's papers any that related to the publick, but that, if any such were found, he would immediately transmit them to the Board.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges desiring Mr. Crow's instructions may be laid before the Queen.

The Board agree upon 12 persons to fill up vacancies in Council.

Their names.

Representation thereupon.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of yesterday's date, directing the Board to transmit such instructions as they have prepared for Mr. Crow for the government of Barbados [fo. 407] to the Council Office, in order to their being laid before her Majesty this evening in Councill, was read; whereupon their lordships took into consideration the names of the several persons before them for filling up of vacancies in the Councill [fo. 411; L. fo. 24], and agreed upon the following twelve as the fittest persons to serve her Majesty in that station, vizt., George Lillington, who was suspended by Sir Beville Granville for opposing him in some practices which he thought illegal, and continues at present under the said suspension, but otherwise recommended under a good character; Tobias Frere, Richard Scot, Thomas Merrick, William Wheeler, John Hallet, John Lesley, John Wiltshire, Thomas Alleyne, John Pilgrim, Simon Lambert and William Cole; and signed a representation to her Majesty [L. fo. 42] accompanying the said instructions.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges acquainting him therewith.

Their lordships further signed a letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges, acquainting him with what they had done herein.

Trade.

Flanders merchants at the Board.

Mr. Lambert, Mr. Beck and other Flanders merchants attending [fo. 411, 413, 416], they were acquainted with the substance of Mr. Stepney's papers mentioned in the minutes of the 13th instant, and desired to give their lordships an account in writing of what they conceive to be for the advantage of the trade of England in the regulation of the trade with Flanders, which they promised to do as soon as possible.

Barbados.

Letter to Mr. Attorney Generall about power of suspending a barrister at law.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Attorney General for his opinion [fo. 418] whether the Queen or any of her judges have power to suspend a barrister at law from the practice of the law [fo. 412].

November 20. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Letter to be writ to Mr. Crow to inquire into the neglect of the publick papers not being duly transmitted, &c.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Crow, upon his going away, to signify to him the neglect that has been in Barbados in transmitting to their lordships copies of the Acts, Minutes of Councill, Journals of the Assembly and Accounts of the revenue of Barbados; and to desire him to inquire where has been the failure, and who has been the cause thereof; and that during his government he take care to comply with that article of his instructions, directing him to transmit to this Board copies of the said papers every three months or oft'ner.

Trade.

Flanders merchants summon'd.

Ordered that another letter be writ to Sir Henry Furnese [fo. 415, 417], to desire him, with such other English merchants as are concerned in the trade of Flanders, to attend the Board on Fryday morning next in relation to that trade.

Barbados.

Triennial Bill under consideration.

Representation to be prepared thereon.

Their lordships took into consideration the Act lately pass'd in Barbados [fo. 413] for ascertaining the continuance of the General Assemblies of that island, and gave directions [fo. 417] for preparing a representation thereupon.

November 21. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Sir Henry Furnese at the Board about trade to Flanders.

Sir Henry Furnese attending [fo. 416, 427], and being acquainted with the substance of Mr. Stepney's papers mentioned in the minutes of the 15th instant relating to the trade of Flanders; he said that in his opinion that trade ought to be incouraged, it being as advantagious to England as any other; that the prohibition of the importation of Flanders lace ought to be intirely taken off, and a small duty ad valorem not exceeding 8 p. cent. be laid upon importation of lace from Flanders; that the duty upon their linnens being in proportion to that on the linnens of Germany needs no regulation.

Barbados.

Draught of representation on the Triennial Bill.

The draught of a representation [fo. 416, 418] for repealing An Act lately past in Barbados for ascertaining the continuance of the General Assembly of that island, was read and ordered to be transcribed.

Barbados.

Order of Council on the petition of Mr. Hodges, &c.

Mr. Attorney General's answer about power of suspending a barrister at law.

Mr. Bernard told the Board would report to take off Mr. Hodges's suspension.

Representation thereon agreed.

An Order of Councill of the 14th instant [fo. 412, 415] upon the petition of Mr. Hodges, counsellor at law in Barbados, setting forth his having been suspended by Sir Beville Granville, Governor of that island, the 6th of August last, from all practice of the law there without any proof made against the said Hodges of misbehaviour in the said profession, and praying that the said suspension may be taken off, was again read, as also Mr. Attorney General's answer to the query sent him the 19th instant thereupon [fo. 415], and Mr. Bernard attending, the Board acquainted him that they would report to her Majesty that she be pleased to take off the said suspension accordingly, and the draught of a representation [fo. 419] for that purpose was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

November 22. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Representation for repealing the Triennial Act.

A representation for repealing An Act lately past in Barbados [fo. 417; L. fo. 43], for ascertaining the continuance of the General Assemblies of that island, was signed.

Representation for taking off the suspension of Mr. Hodges.

A representation upon the petition of Mr. Hodges [fo. 418; L. fo. 43], proposing that his suspension from the practice of the law in Barbados be taken off, was signed.

Reply of Mr. Guy Ball, &c., to Mr. Skene's answer to the complaints against him.

Mr. Guy Ball, Mr. Heysham and several other Barbados gentlemen presented to their lordships a reply to Mr. Skene's answer to the complaints against him [fo. 398; L. 13], which was read; and those gentlemen were desired to procure if possible the original order of Sir Beville Granville for stopping the fleet mentioned in the said reply, which they said they would endeavour to do.

Petition of Mr. Lyon against Mr. Mein's being of the Councill.

A petition of Mr. John Lyon, of Barbados [L. fo. 26], praying that Mr. Patrick Meine may not be continued in the Councill of Barbados, for reasons set forth in the said petition, was read.

November 25. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Bermuda.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges with one from Captain (sic) Bennet.

Answer.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of the 22nd instant, inclosing one to him from Colonel Bennet, Lieutenant Governor of Bermuda, was read, and an answer thereto drawn up and signed.

Plantations Generall.

New England.

Letter from Mr. Savage in answer to one writ him about naval stores.

A letter from Mr. Savage, secretary to the Commissioners of her Majesty's Customes, of the 16th instant, in answer to one writ him the 14th ditto [fo. 409], giving an account of naval stores imported from the Plantations since the 25th December, 1705, was read.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Commadore Underdown with answers to heads of inquiry.

A letter from Captain Underdown, Commadore of the Newfoundland convoy, of the 11th instant, and the papers therein referr'd to were laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers referr'd to therein.
Letter from the inhabitants of St. John's, in Newfoundland, to the Commadore, and giving their reasons for not paying the quantity of fish due from them to Doctor Jackson.
Account of the inhabitants, boats, stages, fishing ships, fish caught &c. in Newfoundland.
Answer to Captain Underdown, Commadore of the Newfoundland convoy, to the heads of inquiry sent to Mr. Burchet the 19th of March last.
Answer of Captain Underdown, Commadore of the Newfoundland convoy, to the additional instructions sent to Mr. Burchet the 19th of March last.

Notes taken for alterations in the heads of inquiry.

And thereupon notes were taken for alterations to be made in the heads of inquiry to be given to the Commadore of the next year's convoy.

Maryland.

Letter from the Governor to the secretary with the old seal, &c.

Col Blakiston summon'd.

A letter from Colonel Seymour, Governor of Maryland, to the secretary [Answer. L. 98], transmitting the old seal of that province, dated the 15th of August last, was read; and thereupon ordered that Colonel Blakiston have notice to attend the Board to-morrow morning.

Plantations General.

Governors to send their letters directly to the Board.

Further ordered that, in the next letters from the Board to the several Governors in America, a clause be inserted, requiring them not to send any letters which are for their lordships under cover to their respective agents, but to transmit the same directly to this Board.

November 26. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Virginia.

Letter from the President and Councill about death of Col. Nott.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges thereupon.

A letter from the President and Councill of Virginia, dated the 29th of August last, signifying the death of Colonel Nott, the Governor of that colony, was read; and a letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges thereupon was signed.

A second letter from the said President and Council relating to convoys.

Virginia merchants summon'd.

Another letter from the said President and Councill, of the same date, relating chiefly to the convoys for the Virginia trade, was read; and thereupon ordered [fo. 425] that the Virginia merchants have notice to attend the Board on Thursday morning next.

A third letter from the President and Councill.

Another letter from the said President and Councill upon several heads, was also read, and the papers therein referr'd to laid before the Board, and are as follows:
Papers of publick proceedings.
A. Account of the manner of taking up and patenting land in Virginia, with reasons for continuance thereof.
B. Depositions taken before the Commissioners for tryal of pirates upon a complaint against Thomas Pitton, master of the Factor of Biddiford.
No. 1. Minutes of Councill from the 20th of December, 1700, to the 30th of August, 1706.
No. 2. Minutes of the Councill in Assembly from the 24th of Aprill to the 22nd of June, 1706.
No. 3. Journal of the House of Burgesses from the 24th of Aprill to the 22nd of June, 1706.
No. 4. A book containing 58 laws past at a General Assembly in Virginia in 1706.
No. 5. Copy of the Act for establishing the County Courts &c. and relating to wills and administrations, as it was prepared by the Councill and Burgesses.
No. 6. Copy of the Act repealing part of an Act past at a General Assembly begun the 8th of June, 1680, intituled an Act of free and general pardon, indemnity and oblivion.
No. 7. List of patents signed in Aprill, 1706.
No. 8. Copies of eight proclamations issued since August, 1705.
No. 9. List of ships entred and cleared in Virginia from the 24th of June, 1705, to the 22nd of August, 1706.

Virginia.

Letter from the President of the Councill.

Another letter from the President of the Councill of Virginia to the Board, dated the 2nd of September last, was read.

Letter from the President to the secretary with the old seal and copy of a Bill about County Court clerks, secretary, &c., their fees.

A letter from Mr. Jennings to the secretary of this Board, transmitting the old broken seal, as also the copy of a Bill for prescribing the method of appointing County Court clerks, and for ascertaining the fees of the secretary, County Court clerks, sheriffs and constables, was read.

November 27. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Prior.

New England.

Two letters from Mr. Bridger with account of progress made in producing naval stores.

Quantities thereof now sent.

Letter to the Lord Treasurer thereupon.

Two letters from Mr. Bridger, dated in New England the 18th and 24th of the last month, giving an account of the progress made there in the production of naval stores, as also an account of the quantities of each sort now sent over, were read; whereupon a letter to the Lord Treasurer with the opinion of the Board that the premium directed by Act of Parliament be allowed upon the importation of the said stores into England, was signed.

Virginia.

Letter from Col. Quary.

Pennsylvania.

Memorial from Mr. Wilcocks against some Acts.

Mr. Wilcocks attending, presented to their lordships a letter from Colonel Quary, as also a memorial from himself against some Acts lately passed in Pennsylvania [fo. 394; L. fo. 9], which were read.

November 28. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Virginia.

Merchants at the Board about tobacco trade and convoys.

Mr. Perry, Captain Hyde and Mr. Corbin, with several other Virginia merchants attending [fo. 422], and being ask'd several questions in relation to that trade and the convoys [L. 20] for the next year, they said that there came out of the Capes of Virginia 208 ships with the convoy and 29 two days afterwards; that there are not above half of the said ships yet arrived, which is occasioned by the coming home so late in the year; that their ships were ready to come away in Aprill last had the convoy been there for them; that it is impossible to send their ships to Virginia in January next, because they cannot be unloaded before the later end of February, so that they can not be ready for that voyage before the later end of March, which will bring them again to the same inconveniency which has happen'd this year; and therefore they were of opinion it would be best for them that a convoy should be ready precisely to sail from hence the later end of August or the beginning of September next, and come from thence the later end of Aprill.

Mr. Baily, with other Virginia merchants, attending, acquainted their lordships that August or September is the proper time for the departure of the convoy annually, but that they did not doubt to have thirty ships ready to sail from London (with what others there may be from the out ports) by the middle of February next; and therefore they desire they may have two or three men-of-war as a convoy for that time, else they shall be obliged to send their ships without convoy. They further desire that such ships as have a mind to run without convoy may be permitted.

Trade

of Flanders under consideration.

Letter to Mr. Slaney.

Their lordships took into consideration the trade with Flanders [fo. 417; L. fo. 1], and ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Slaney for his opinion of what may be desired by the merchants for the improvement of that trade.

November 29. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Plantations General.

Proposal about consumption of English manufactures in the Plantations consider'd.

Draught of a representation thereupon.

Their lordships took into consideration the proposal of Mr. Butler, Mr. Ashton and others [fo. 350], referr'd to them by her Majesty's Order in Councill of the 10th of July last, for an annual consumption of the English woollen manufactures in the Plantations, and came to several resolutions thereupon, and the draught of a representation in pursuance thereto was agreed [L. fo. 2].

Virginia.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes with copy of the Act about Ports &c. for the opinion of the Commissioners of the Customes.

Ordered that the copy of An Act for the settling of ports and towns in Virginia (received with the last packet from thence) be sent to Mr. Lowndes, for the opinion of the Commissioners of the Customes thereupon [L. 157].