Journal, November 1708: Journal Book M

Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 1, April 1704 - January 1709. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1920.

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'Journal, November 1708: Journal Book M', in Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 1, April 1704 - January 1709, (London, 1920) pp. 546-558. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol1/pp546-558 [accessed 19 March 2024]

Journal, November 1708

November 8. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton.

New Hampshire.

Representation upon several addresses and memorials.

State of the Province. Mr. Allen's claim &c.

A representation upon the addresses of the Councill and Assembly of New Hampshire [fo. 303, 383], for a supply of small arms and ammunition, and relating to Mr. Allen's claim, and upon two memorials from their agent, Mr. Vaughan [fo. 404], containing an account of the present state of the said province, and of ordnance and stores said to be wanting for the security of the same, was signed.

Virginia.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from the Earl of Sunderland with extracts of letters from Col. Jenings, Col. Parke.

Indian trade in South Carolina.

Trade from Ireland and Barbadoes to Martinico.

A letter from the Earl of Sunderland of the 2nd instant, inclosing the extract of a letter of the 24th of June, from Mr. Jenings, President of the Councill of Virginia [fo. 312], touching the attempts, made by the Government of South Carolina, to disturb their Indian trading with the West Indies &c. Also an extract of a letter from Colonel Park, dated the first of July last [fo. 324], complaining of the trade carried on from Ireland and Barbadoes to Martinico, was read.

Virginia.

Letter from Col. Jenings.

A letter from Colonel Jenings, President of the Councill of Virginia dated the 24th of June, 1708 [fo. 311], was read, and the papers therein referr'd to were laid before the Board, and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers therein referrd to.
A list of the patents of land in Virginia, which have been prepared, and lye for signing.
Abstract of the minutes of Councill of Virginia from the 15th of October, 1706, to the 30th of April, 1708.
Copy of the minutes of Councill of Virginia from the 25th of September, 1680, to the 22nd April, 1707, relating to the bounds between that colony and the province of Carolina.

Extract of the said letter about a murder to be sent the Earl of Sunderland.

Another about goods seized in South Carolina to the Lords Proprietors.

Merchants summon'd.

Whereupon ordered that paragraph L of the said letter, relating to a murder committed in New Kent County [fo. 324], be sent to the Earl of Sunderland, and that at the same time their lordships do acknowledge the aforesaid letter from the Earl of Sunderland; that paragraph M, touching divers goods seized by the Government of South Carolina [fo. 325; N. fo. 212], be sent to the Lords Proprietors of the said province for their information and answer thereto; and that paragraph R of the said letter, relating to Blackwater and Pamunkey Neck Land, be taken into consideration to-morrow morning. Further ordered [fo. 329] that upon paragraph X, concerning the low price of tobacco, and the inhabitants turning their hands to the linnen and woollen manufacture in Virginia, the merchants trading thither have notice to attend the Board on Thursday morning next.

Maryland.

Col. Blakiston about two Acts.

Colonel Blakiston (agent of Maryland) attending [fo. 302], and being asked if he had any instructions from that province for to appear in behalf of the two following laws past in Maryland in 1707, to which the Lord Baltimore had made objections, he said that he had not, and that as to the law giving power to the farmer of his lordship &c., he thought it very unreasonable.

Maryland.

Hearing of the Lord Baltimore's objections against the said Acts.

Representation for repealing one Act.

Letter to Col. Seymour upon the other.

The Lord Baltimore, with his counsell, Sir Simon Harcourt, attending, according to appointment, in relation to the two Acts past in Maryland in 1707 [fo. 302], entituled An Act giving power to farmers of the Lord Baltimore's rents to recover the arrear thereof after expiration of their lease. An Act requiring the agent of the Lord Baltimore to certify into the secretary's office the instructions and conditions of plantations, with the fees by them demanded, and obliging his lordship's deputy surveyors to qualify themselves according to law, the memorial from his lordship containing his objections against the said Acts (mentioned in the minutes of the 20th of February, 1707/8), was again read; with Mr. Solicitor General's report on the same; whereupon Sir Simon Harcourt made divers objections to the said Acts, which in substance were the same as those contained in his lordship's foresaid memorial, concluding that if either of the said Acts should be confirm'd by her Majesty, it would not only be very prejudicial to the interest of the Lord Baltimore, but of ill consequence to the publick, and therefore desired that the said Acts might be repealed; whereupon their lordships gave directions [fo. 339] for preparing the draught of a representation for repealing the first of the said Acts; and also that the draught of a letter to Colonel Seymour be prepared, to transmit to him a copy of his lordship's forementioned objections to the 2nd Act, and to require his observations thereupon, with the reasons that induced the Assembly to pass such a law; and that till their lordships shall receive his answer their lordships intend to defer making any report on the said Act.

Trade.

Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Tight about a pass granted the ship Antonio of Bilboa &c.

Mr. Lloyd (coffeeman in Lombard Street) and Mr. Tight, merchant, attending [fo. 309], as they had been appointed, and Mr. Tight being acquainted with the reference from Mr. Secretary Boyle (mentioned in the minutes of the 16th of August), relating to the pass granted the St. Antonia of Bilboa, he said that he did obtain the said pass a year since, and sent the same over to the persons therein concerned, but that, it not arriving in time, the said ship, then designed for England, was loaded with other goods than at first intended, and made her voyage to Holland; that the said ship did belong to Spaniards; that the persons for whom the said pass was obtained were obliged to load their own effects aboard another ship.

Then being asked whether he had known that at any time the subjects of the States of Holland could bring goods of the growth of Spain not prohibited into England on board Spanish ships, he said that he did beleive they might have done it. He added that he would write to his correspondents for a particular account of the said ship, and to know whether the effects put on board did belong to the subjects of Holland or not, and lay the same before their lordships so soon as he should receive an answer. Whereupon their lordships gave directions [fo. 333] for finishing the draught of a report thereupon.

Plantations General.

Vetch.

Their lordships agreed to take the memorial of Captain Vetch into consideration [fo. 275, 334] on Monday, the 15th instant.

November 9. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton.

Leeward Islands.

Col. Jory.

Counsellors for Antigua and St. Christophers.

Counsellors for Antigua and St. Christophers.

Colonel Jory, agent for Nevis, attending according to appointment, and being ask'd the character of Colonel William Byam, sworn a member of her Majesty's Councill in Antego by Colonel Park, and also the character of Mr. Francis Phips, sworn into the Council of St. Christopher's [fo. 306, 336], he said that he was not acquainted with Colonel Byam, that Mr. Francis Phips was a young man about 25 years of age, had a very good character, was in a thriving way, and was related to Counsellor Phips. Whereupon their lordships agreed to propose the said Francis Phips to her Majesty to be of the said Council of St. Christopher's accordingly.

Nevis.

Mr. Duport and other merchants about the Bill relating to the adjusting accounts &c.

Letter and copy of proceedings relating to the said Bill.

Copy of another Bill about proceedings of Courts.

Mr. Duport, Mr. Pindar and other merchants trading to the Leeward Islands, attending, as they had been desired [fo. 305], the Bill transmitted by Colonel Park from Nevis, to oblige the several inhabitants of that island, who shall refuse to adjust and settle their accounts with their creditors for debts contracted before the late invasion of the French in the year 1705/6, was read; whereupon they said that they had received a letter, dated at Nevis the 28th of June, 1708, from several of their correspondents in that island, together with the copy of the said Bill [fo. 339], and other proceedings relating to the opposition that had been made against passing the same; which letter and proceedings they presented to their lordships, as also the copy of another bill from the same island, for the stopping the further proceedings of the Courts of Queen's Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer, and for settling a Court Merchant &c. They added in discourse that there was no distinction made for such as were, or were not, able to pay their debts; that considerable debts had been contracted there since the hurricane, and ought to be paid, and not put upon the same foot with those contracted before, and that the nature of the first mentioned Bill was such, that, if it should be confirmed here, it would prove of dangerous consequence as well to the island of Nevis as to the merchants in general, and that there fore they hoped the said Bill would not be past into a law. Upon which they were acquainted that their lordships would take the said Bill, as also the aforesaid papers left by them, into consideration as soon as possible.

Barbadoes.

Trade.

Mr. Pindar about his petition for passes for four Spanish ships.

The aforesaid Mr. Pindar also attending in relation to his petition [fo. 297, 349], praying for passes for four Spanish ships, the same was again read, as was likewise the clause in the Act of Navigation, whereby it appears, that no goods or commodities whatsoever may be imported into or exported out of any of her Majesty's plantations in Asia, Africa, of America, in any ships or vessells, but such as do truly belong to the subjects of this kingdom or of Ireland &c.; And he was acquainted that it was also the opinion of Mr. Solicitor General that the granting such passes would be illegal, and directly contrary to the said Act of Navigation; whereupon he said he would wave his desire for having the said passes for Spanish ships, and did therefore pray the same might be granted for such other ships as may trade to the plantations, as directed by the Act of Navigation. He was then told that, so soon as their lordships should have spoken with Mr. Gilligan touching these matters, they wou'd proceed to report the same to her Majesty; upon which Mr. Pindar promised to wait on their lordships with the said Gilligan some day next week.

Leeward Islands.

Mr. Loggan about absence of officers from the regiment in the Leeward Islands.

Mr. Thurston summon'd.

Mr. Loggan attending [fo. 305], paragraph B of Colonel Park's letter of the 1st of July last, complaining that most of the officers belonging to the regiment there are absent from their posts, and that the said regiment are ill paid, was read; and thereupon being asked if he was agent to the said regiment, he said that he was not, that he did only negotiate matters for the officers and recruits here, and pay them their subsistance. He said that, as to the absence of the officers, Major Aldy had been here a long time, and stayed on a pretence of adjusting the officers of the said regiment's accounts, though the said Loggan had not heard of any step made by the said Aldy therein. That two of the officers who had been here for raising recruits, went lately with twelve recruits from hence to Bristoll, where they are to embark for the Leeward Islands. That there are two more here, Lieutenant Atkins and Mr. Holland, the first of which is ill, having hurt himself by a fall, the other has got twelve recruits more, which with the former are to be made up 30, and are to follow the others as soon as possible. He added that there are two officers more belonging to the said regiment, who are under age, vizt., Mackenzy and Jones; then being asked if he knew who was agent to the said regiment, he said he did not know. Whereupon ordered that Mr. Thurston, who was formerly agent to the said regiment, have notice to attend the Board tomorrow morning.

Trade.

Convoys for Bremen ships.

Then their lordships took into consideration the letter from Mr. Secretary Boyle of the 14th of May, 1708 [fo. 143, 325], relating to convoys being appointed for Bremen ships (mentioned in the minutes of the 18th of the said month), together with the following papers, vizt.:
Papers relating thereto.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Wich, her Majesty's resident at Hamburgh, to Mr. Secretary Boyle, dated May 15th, 1708.
Copy of a letter from the secretary of the English Company at Hamburgh to Mr. Wich, her Majesty's resident there, dated 15th May, 1708.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Secretary Boyle to the Prince's Council, dated 3rd March, 1707/8.
Translation of a letter from the city of Bremen, dated 15th December, 1707.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Secretary Boyle to Baron Schutz, Envoy Extraordinary from the Elector of Hanover, dated 8th April, 1708.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Burchet, secretary to the Lord High Admiral, to Mr. Boyle, dated the 7th April, 1708.
Copy of her Majesty's answer to the city of Bremen, dated the 25th April, 1706.
Letter from Mr. Gore, Treasurer of the Hamburgh Company, in answer to that writ him yesterday, relating to convoys for the ships of Bremen. Dated 18th May, 1708.
Letter to Mr. Gore, Treasurer to the Hamburgh Company, with several queries for their answers, dated the 20th May, 1708.
The answer of the Master and Wardens of the Shippers Company in Hamburgh, to the first and second queries sent the Hamburgh Company. Dated the 20th May last.
Extract of a letter from Captain Riddel of the Falmouth, dated in Ouzley Bay the 16th of June, 1708, together with the copy of a letter sent from Bremen to Hamburgh &c.
And an answer thereto, dated June the 4th, 1708.
The answer of the Hamburgh Company to the queries sent them the 20th of May last, touching their trade and convoys for Bremen ships &c.

And all the said papers were read, except the last, which their lordships agreed to enter upon to-morrow morning.

Virginia.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland with extract of one from Col. Jennings.

Trade.

Col. Parke's complaint of trade from Ireland &c. to Martinico.

A letter to the Earl of Sunderland, inclosing the extract of a letter from Colonel Jennings [fo. 312], relating to the murder committed in Kent County in Virginia; as also the copy of a letter from this Board to his lordship, of the 26th of October last, upon what Colonel Park writes [fo. 312], touching the trade from Ireland to Martinico, as directed in yesterday's minutes, was signed.

November 10. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton.

Virginia.

Carolina.

Letter to the Lords Proprietors upon Col.

Jennings's complaint about trade with the Western Indians.

A letter to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina, upon what Colonel Jennings writes in his letter of the 24th of June last [fo. 313, 367, 424], touching the Government of South Carolina's having seized divers goods which the Indian traders of Virginia were carrying to the Western Indians &c., and desiring to know whether the same has been done by virtue of any orders from their lordships, was signed.

Trade.

Hamburgh Company's answer to queries about their trade and convoys to Bremen.

Representation thereupon.

The answer of the Hamburgh Company to the queries sent them the 20th of May last [fo. 322, 334], touching their trade and convoys for Bremen ships &c., mentioned in yesterday's minutes, was again read, and directions given for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

Leeward Islands.

Mr. Thurston about the pay and recruits for the regiment there.

Mr. Thurston, formerly agent for the regiment in the Leeward Islands, attending in relation to the pay of the said regiment, and being asked to what time all the officers and soldiers had been paid, he said till Michaelmas, 1707, and no further; that it was not a neglect in the agent, the said regiment was not more regularly paid, but proceeded rather from the quarrels and divisions among the officers, who neglect to send over muster rolls, and that, when they do send any, they are so imperfect that the pay master of the forces here will not take any notice of them.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland thereupon and on Col. Park's complaint.

He further said that 300 men had been sent to the Leeward Islands from Ireland, that 148 of Colonel Whetham's men in the said islands had been added to those 300, that 51 recruits had been sent some time since, and that with the recruits now about to go thither, he did beleive the said regiment would be compleat; whereupon their lordships gave directions for preparing the draught of a letter to the Earl of Sunderland [fo. 334], to acquaint his lordship with the complaints made by Colonel Park, relating to the officers being absent from their posts in the Leeward Islands, and to the ill payment of the soldiers there &c., together with what had been said by Mr. Loggan and Mr. Thurston thereupon.

Maryland.

Letter from Col. Seymour.

Extract about preventing illegal trade to be sent Mr. Savage.

Act for the encouragement of learning.

A letter from Colonel Seymour, Governor of Maryland, dated the 23rd of June, 1708, was read, and thereupon ordered that paragraph M of the said letter, proposing a method for preventing illegal trade in that province, be sent to Mr. Savage, for the information of the Commissioners of her Majesty's Customes, and that the Act for the encouragement of learning [fo. 328], mentioned in paragraph W of the said letter be laid before the Board to-morrow morning.

Extracts of the said letter about ordinary licences given Sir T. Lawrence.

Their lordships being acquainted that Sir Thomas Lawrence desired to have copies of such paragraphs in the aforesaid letter, as might concern him in relation to the ordinary licences &c., their lordships gave directions that copies of paragraphs Y and Ee be accordingly given him.

New England.

Letter from Col. Dudley.

New Hampshire.

Persons to supply vacancies in the Council of New Hampshire.

A letter from Colonel Dudley, Governor of New England, dated the 27th May, 1708 [N. fo. 45], together with a list of counsellors' names to supply vacancies in the Council of New Hampshire, were read.

Letter from Col. Dudley to the secretary.

Act for preserving mast trees &c.

A second letter from Colonel Dudley to the secretary, dated the 10th of June, 1708, was read, and the copy of an Act past in New Hampshire the 14th of June, 1708, referr'd to in the said letter, was laid before the Board, the title whereof is as follows: An Act for the better preservation of all mast trees, or white pine trees, within her Majesty's province of New Hampshire.

New England.

Letter from Col.

Dudley.

A third letter from Colonel Dudley, of the 7th of August, 1708, acknowledging the receipt of the Board's letter of the 7th of May, 1707, about the Union, as also the receipt of two other letters, the one relating to the President's taking upon him the Government on the death or absence of the Governour, the other dated in November, 1707, about attendance of counsellors, was read.

November 11. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton.

Maryland.

Act for incouragement of learning.

Directions to Col. Seymour thereupon.

An Act past in Maryland in 1694, entituled An Act for the incouragement of learning and the advancement of the natives of this province [fo. 326], mentioned in yesterday's minutes, was read; and directions given that, in the next letter to Colonel Seymour, he be acquainted that their lordships having considered the same did not think fit to propose the confirmation thereof to her Majesty, by reason of the mistake in the last clause of the said Act; and that therefore he do move the Assembly to pass another Act of the like tenour, taking care to rectify the error in the said clause, and that he do transmit the same hither, by the first conveyance, for her Majesty's approbation.

New Hampshire.

Letter from Mr. Usher.

Minutes of Council.

A letter from Mr. Usher, Lieutenant Governor of New Hampshire, of the 16th of June, 1708, relating to Colonel Dudley's having put the fort in a posture of defence, and to the Assembly's having appointed Mr. Vaughan their agent to represent the affairs of that province to her Majesty [fo. 278], with minutes of Council relating thereto, was read.

Virginia.

Merchants relating to the tobacco trade and the advance of woollen manufactures &c. in that colony.

Mr. Micajah Perry, Mr. Milner, and other Virginia merchants attending, paragraph X [fo. 313] of Colonel Jennings, the President of Virginia's letter of the 24th of June, 1708 (mentioned in the minutes of the 8th instant), touching the low price of tobacco there, and the necessity of the merchants continuing to supply that colony from hence with cloathing as the only effectual means for taking off the inhabitants from going on with the linnen and woollen manufacture, was read; whereupon they said that these evils were chiefly owing to the delay and obstruction the Virginia fleet had met with in August, 1707, when the said fleet should have sailed, having near 200,000l. value in cloathing and other necessary's of our manufactures for those parts; which, however, did not depart from hence till March, 1707/8, whereby the same did not arrive at Virginia before May or June following, so that the inhabitants and planters, for want of being timely supplied with these necessaries, were in a starving condition, and forced to turn their hands to the woollen manufacture, and that, so long as the high duty of 6⅓d. on tobacco here continued, they did not see how any stop could well be put to the people's further proceedings in that work.

Then being asked if they had not benefitted by her Majesty's Order in Councill, upon the representation of this Board, made in July, 1707 [L. fo. 288], relating to the tobacco trade, these gentlemen said that indeed as yet they had not been any great gainers by it, for that the Dutch had taken the advantage of the foremention'd delay, and had made agreements with foreign markets to furnish them with tobacco much cheaper than the English cou'd do; that we shall not be able to retrieve in many years the inconveniencies brought on the tobacco trade for want of fix'd and yearly convoys, and until the foreign markets shall be made sensible that we can furnish them with that commodity at as cheap rates as our neighbours. These gentlemen being further asked if they had not sold tobacco to her Majesty's Navy, since the making the late Act of Parliament, they said that they had sold some, and should, when the Navy wanted again, supply them therewith. Being then asked when they would send more goods &c. to Virginia, they said they did intend to do it at the return of the next fleet thither; but they feared that it wou'd be a long time before another would go. Whereupon ordered that, in the next letter to Colonel Jennings, he be acquainted with the substance of what the said merchants have said hereupon.

New York.

Letter from the Lord Cornbury.

List of the Council and persons to supply vacancies.

A letter from the Lord Cornbury, Governor of New York, dated the first of July, 1708, in answer to the Board's letter of the 7th of May, 1707, was read, and the list of the present Councill of that province, and of persons recommended to supply vacancies therein, was laid before the Board.

New Jersey.

Letter from the Lord Cornbury.

List of the Council and persons to supply vacancies.

Another letter from the Lord Cornbury, dated at New Jersey, the first of July, 1708, in answer to the Board's foresaid letter of the 7th of May, was read, and the list of the present Councill of that province, and of persons' names to supply vacancies in the said Councill, was laid before the Board.

Whereupon their lordships, expecting to hear from the Lord Lovelace (successor to the Lord Cornbury) upon his arrival in New York, did not think it needfull to give any directions upon the said letters.

November 12. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton.

Bermuda.

Mr. Jones's petition and articles against Col. Bennet.

To be communicated to Sir John Bennet.

The petition of Mr. Jones, secretary and provost marshall of Bermuda [fo. 368], together with 87 articles of complaint against Colonel Bennet, Lieutenant Governor of the said island [fo. 306, 339] (mentioned in the minutes of the 27 of October last), were read; whereupon ordered that Sir John Bennet have copies of the said petition and articles, if he desire the same, for his answers thereunto.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Boyle with representation on Monsieur Vryberg's memorial.

Pass to the ship San Antonio.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Boyle, together with a representation upon the memorial of Monsieur Vriberg, Envoy Extraordinary from the States General [fo. 316, 405], complaining of a pass granted by her Majesty to the ship San Antonia of Bilboa, were signed.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to the Earl of Sunderland about the regiment there.

A letter to the Earl of Sunderland upon the complaint made by Colonel Park [fo. 326], relating to the officers being absent from their respective posts in the Leeward Islands, and to the ill payment of the soldiers there, as directed the 10th instant, was signed.

November 15. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton.

New England.

Plantations General.

Capt. Vetch's memorial.

Supplement thereto.

Their lordships took into consideration the memorial from Captain Vetch [fo. 316], mentioned in the minutes of the 8th instant, and made some progress therein, and Captain Vetch attending, he was called in, and after some discourse on the subject of his said memorial, he was desired to bring a supplement thereto [fo. 336], which he promised to do, and lay the same before their lordships on Wednesday morning next.

Trade.

Convoys for Bremen ships.

The draught of a representation upon the reference from Mr. Secretary Boyle of the 14th of May, 1708 [fo. 325, 335], relating to convoys being appointed for Bremen ships, as directed the 10th instant, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

November 17. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Trade.

Convoys to Bremen.

Representation.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Boyle [fo. 334, 405], together with a representation relating to convoys for Bremen ships, agreed at the last meeting, were signed.

Letter from Mr. Attorney General.

Irish ship's carrying barley from Rochelle to Lisbon.

A letter from Mr. Attorney General, in answer to one writ him the 26th of October last [fo. 299, 353] upon the extract of a letter from the Earl of Galway, touching an Irish ship's carrying barley from Rochelle to Lisbonne &c., was read.

Antigua.

Mr. Cary.

Character of Col.

Byam to be of the Council.

St. Christopher's.

Mr. Phips to be of the Council.

Mr. Richard Cary, agent for the Island of Antego, attending, as he had been desired, and being asked the character of Colonel William Byam, put into the Councill of the said island by Colonel Park, he said that he had no personal knowledge of the said Byam, but however he had heard that he was an ingenious man of a good estate, and well qualified to serve her Majesty in the said Councill. Whereupon ordered that the draught of a representation be prepared, proposing the said Byam to be of the said Council, and Mr. Philps, mentioned in the minutes of the 9th instant [fo. 317, 337], to be of the Council of St. Christopher's.

Plantations General.

New England.

Capt. Vetch's memorial.

Supplement thereto.

Representation thereupon.

Their lordships proceeded in the consideration of Captain Vetche's memorial (mentioned in the minutes of the 15th instant), and made a further progress therein, and Captain Vetch attending, he presented to their lordships a supplement to the foresaid memorial [fo. 334], which was read, and directions given [fo. 342] for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

November 19. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Barbadoes.

Letter from Mr. Crow.

A letter from Mr. Crow, Governor of Barbadoes, dated the 6th of September last, was read.

Letter from Mr. Sharpe, Walker and Beresford.

Complaints against Mr. Crow.

Representation thereupon.

A letter from Colonel Sharp, Mr. Alexander Walker, and Mr. Samuel Beresford, three of the members of her Majesty's Council of Barbadoes, dated the 3rd of September, 1708, together with their representation to Mr. Crow, complaining of his male administration &c., were read, and directions given [fo. 352] for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

Leeward Islands.

Representation.

counsellors for St. Christopher's and Antigua.

The draught of a representation [fo. 336, 338], proposing two new counsellors, one for St. Christopher's and one for Antigua, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Leeward Islands.

Order on representation for four Counsellors for St. Christopher's.

Copy of an Order of Councill of the 11th of July, 1708, upon a representation of the first ditto [fo. 228], proposing four new counsellors for St. Christopher's, approving the same, and directing the Earl of Sunderland to prepare a warrant for her Majesty's signature, for constituting and appointing them members of the said Council accordingly, was read.

Order on representation for four counsellors for Nevis.

Copy of another Order of Council of the same date, upon the same representation [fo. 228], proposing four counsellors for the Island of Nevis, approving the said representation, and directing the Earl of Sunderland to prepare a warrant for her Majesty's signature, for constituting and appointing them members of the said Councill accordingly, was read.

November 22. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Sir Charles Turner.

Leeward Islands.

Representation.

Counsellors for Antigua and St. Christopher's.

A representation [fo. 337, 401], proposing William Byam, esq., to be of the Council of Antigua, and Francis Phips, esq., to be of the Council of St. Christopher's, as agreed at the last meeting, was signed.

Letter from merchants of Nevis.

Bill about adjusting accounts.

Their lordships taking into consideration the letter from several merchants at Nevis, to their correspondents in London, dated the 28th of June, relating to the proceedings of the Councill and Assembly there, on a Bill to oblige the inhabitants to adjust their accounts [fo. 318] (mentioned in the minutes of the 9th instant), the same was read, and directions given [Leeward Islands, E. fo. 226], for writing to Colonel Park thereupon.

Maryland.

Representation on an Act impowering the farmers of Lord Baltimore's rents &c.

The draught of a representation for repealing an Act past in Maryland, 1707 [fo. 315, 341], entituled An Act giving power to the farmers of the Lord Baltimore's rents, to recover the arrear thereof after expiration of their lease, as directed the 8th instant, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Bermuda.

Sir John Bennet to peruse papers presented by Mr. Jones against the Lieutenant Governor.

Sir John Bennet and Mr. Nodin attending, Sir John Bennet presented to their lordships a paper [fo. 333], praying that he may be permitted to peruse several papers in this office, in order to his brother's vindication, against Mr. Jones's complaint, which was read; whereupon their lordships agreed [fo. 367] that he might have the perusal of such of the said papers, as related to the said charge.

November 23. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton, Sir Charles Turner.

Leeward Islands.

Mr. Perry with two papers from Col. Parke answering Mrs. Bowden's complaint.

Mr. Micajah Perry attending, presented to their lordships two papers he had received from Colonel Park [fo. 129, 361], as an answer to the letter writ him by the Board the 30th of April last, upon a complaint of Mrs. Bowden, vizt.:
An agreement made between Colonel Park and Mrs. Mary Bowden for several negroes, oxen, cows, sheep and horses belonging to the said Bowden in St. Christopher's, to the value of 575l., together with her receipt to Colonel Park for the same, and also the affidavits of Mr. Michael Lambert, James Rawleigh and Caleb Rawleigh, relating thereto.

Maryland.

Representation repealing an Act.

A representation for repealing the Maryland Act [fo. 339, 402], mentioned in yesterday's minutes, was signed.

Barbadoes.

Letter from Mr. Crow relating to negroes.

A letter from Mr. Crow, Governor of Barbadoes, dated the 17th of August, 1708, in answer to one from the Board of the 15th of April last, relating to negroes, was read, and the papers therein referr'd to, were laid before the Board and are as follows, vizt.:
Papers therein referr'd to.
Account of negroes imported by private traders, from 1698; also an account of what negroes have been imported by the Company &c. mark't—A.
Account of negroes imported to Barbadoes from the 24th of June, 1698, to December, 1707, taken out of the naval officers' books, mark'd—B.
Account of the ten per cent. duty on negroes imported to Barbadoes, mark'd—C.

Leeward Islands.

Jamaica.

Letters to the Governors.

The draught of letters to Colonel Park and Brigadier Handasyd [fo. 342], were agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

November 24. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton.

Barbadoes.

Letter to Mr. Crow.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Crow, Governor of Barbadoes [vide infra], was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

New England.

Plantations General.

Representation on Capt. Vetch's memorial.

Their lordships took into consideration the draught of a representation upon the memorial of Captain Vetch [fo. 336, 343], mentioned in the minutes of the 17th instant, and made a progress therein.

November 25. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton, Sir Charles Turner.

Jamaica.

Barbadoes.

Leeward Islands.

Letters to the Governors.

Letters to the Governors of Jamaica, Barbadoes, and the Leeward Islands, were signed [fo. 341, vide supra].

Plantations General.

Representation on Capt. Vetch's memorial.

Col. Nicholson and Capt. Vetch summon'd.

Their lordships again took into consideration the draught of a representation upon the memorial of Captain Vetch, mentioned in yesterday's minutes [fo. 342], and made a further progress therein; and agreed to reconsider the same on Monday morning next. Whereupon ordered [fo. 346] that Colonel Nicholson and Captain Vetch have notice to attend the Board at the same time.

November 26. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Lord Herbert of Cherbury, Mr. Monckton, Sir Charles Turner.

New Hampshire.

Memorial from Mr. Armstrong desiring to peruse papers relating to Mr. Allen's and Mason's title to New Hampshire.

Mr. Armstrong, solicitor for Mr. Allin, attending, presented to the Board a memorial praying the perusal of several grants from the Council of Plymouth, and other papers lodged in this office, relating to Mr. Mason's title as proprietor to the province of New Hampshire [which] was read; whereupon ordered that he have the perusal of the said grants accordingly.

Jamaica.

Letter from Brigadier Handasyd.

Extract sent to Mr. Burchet about a squadron to meet the fleet.

A letter from Brigadier Handasyd, Governor of Jamaica, dated the 24th of September, 1708, was read; where[upon] ordered that paragraph T of the said letter, desiring that a squadron from hence may meet the Jamaica fleet in the Soundings, be sent to Mr. Burchet [vide infra], for the information of the Lord High Admiral, and their lordships agreed to reconsider the said letter at their next meeting.

November 29. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton, Sir Charles Turner.

Jamaica.

Letter from Mr. Burchet.

Squadron to meet the Jamaica fleet.

A letter from Mr. Burchet of the 27th instant, in answer to one of the 26th [vide supra] upon the extract of a letter from Brigadier Handasyd, desiring a squadron of men-of-war may meet the Jamaica fleet in the Soundings, signifying that the Lord Dursley has directions to look out carefully for them, and that there is a squadron preparing to relieve Commodore Wager &c. was read.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Patrick Meine of the Council designs not to return.

His opinion about convoys and the heats and animosities of the Island.

Mr. Patrick Meine, one of the members of her Majesty's Councill in Barbadoes, attending, acquainted their lordships that he was newly arrived from thence, and that he did not design to return any more thither; and being asked some questions, he said that it would be very advantageous to the trade in those parts that there should be two convoys appointed yearly for that island, to bring off the crop, but that if the same could not be obtain'd, it was absolutely necessary that the annual convoy should sail in April at the latest, so as to be back again by Michaelmas following. He added in discourse that the three chief reasons of all the heats and animosities in the said island were the disputes that happen'd there about the choice of the Treasurer, who is annually appointed by their Money Bills; the difference between the Council and Assembly about naming the agents for negotiating the affairs of that island; and the Governor placing and displacing the militia officers, as to (sic) the several parties in the island prevailed; and therefore he was of opinion that if her Majesty appointed a Treasurer by patent, it would put an end to the disputes on that head.

Trade.

Virginia.

Memorial from merchants. Exportation of tobacco to France and of wine thence.

A memorial from the merchants of Virginia [fo. 374], containing reasons for incouraging the exportation of tobacco to France, and re-exporting wine from thence, was read.

Plantations General.

New England.

Memorial from Capt.

Vetch about number of inhabitants at Canada.

Representation on Capt. Vetche's memorial.

Captain Vetch and Colonel Nicholson attending [fo. 343, 351], Captain Vetch presented to their lordships a memorial relating to the number of the inhabitants at Canada, as well French as Indians, which was read; and their lordships proceeded further in the consideration of the draught of a representation (mentioned in the minutes of the 25th instant), agreed the same, and ordered it to be transcribed.

November 30. Present:—Earl of Stamford, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Monckton, Sir Charles Turner.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Heysham and Mr. Royle with addresses, minutes and other papers from that Island.

Mr. William Heysham and Mr. Royle attending, presented to their lordships the thirteen following papers, vizt.:
1. Address from the General Assembly of Barbadoes to her Majesty, complaining of their ill circumstances, and the misapplication of the duty of 4½ per cent.
2. An address from the Assembly of Barbadoes to her Majesty, praying leave to make a settlement on the Governor for house rent, and other conveniencies.
3. Address from the General Assembly and several other inhabitants of Barbadoes, acknowledging her Majesty's favour in dismissing Colonel Cleland and Colonel Holder from their imployments, as instruments of the oppression of that island.
4. Address from the General Assembly of Barbadoes [fo. 351], thanking her Majesty for the protection of the trade to America, complaining of the decay of that of Barbadoes, and praying for two convoys yearly for the fleets to be sent thither. (fn. 1)
5. Copy of an Act for the incouragement of the importation of money.
6. Minutes of the Assembly of Barbadoes in June and July, 1707, relating to provision to be made of house rent &c. for Mr. Crow.
7. Minutes of the Assembly of Barbadoes of the 31st of August, 1708, relating to presents to be disposed of by Mr. William Heysham and Mr. Royle, and appointing a Committee to correspond with them.
8. Minutes of the Assembly of Barbadoes of the 4th September, 1708, upon the extract of a paper presented Mr. Crow by Mr. Sharp, Mr. Walker and Mr. Beresford, reflecting on Mr. Crow and the Assembly.
9. Copy of an address from the Assembly of Barbadoes to Mr. Crow, answering the extract of a paper presented to him by Mr. Sharp, Mr. Walker and Mr. Beresford.
10. Copy of an address from the Assembly of Barbadoes to Mr. Crow [fo. 350], relating to Mr. Walker's promoting the Act for paper credit &c.
11. Copy of Mr. Townsend's certificate, relating to a letter writ by Mr. Skene to Colonel Peers about commissions for his and Colonel Rouse's regiments, which the said Skene had denied.
12. Some positions relating to the General Assemblies appointing agents for managing affairs in Great Britain (exclusive of the Governor and Councill).
13. Minutes of the Assembly of Barbadoes in July and August, 1706, relating to money to be advanced to the Governor, to endeavour to procure an abatement of the duty on sugars, and to defray his voyage to England.

All which their lordships agreed to take into consideration at the first opportunity.

Barbadoes.

Trade.

Mr. Pindar and Gilligan.

Mr. Solicitor General's report about passes for four Spanish ships.

Representation thereupon.

Mr. Pindar and Mr. Gilligan attending, the report of Mr. Solicitor General upon the petition of the said Pindar, praying her Majesty's passes for four Spanish ships &c. [fo. 319], mentioned in the minutes of the 9th instant, was read, and they were acquainted that their lordships were of the same opinion, and therefore could not offer anything to her Majesty so contrary to the Act of Navigation; after these gentlemen were withdrawn, their lordships gave directions [fo. 352] for preparing the draught of a representation thereupon.

Footnotes

  • 1. [Note in right hand margin]:—The foregoing addresses were returned. Vide the minutes of the 1st December, 1708.