Journal, December 1704: Journal Book I

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, December 1704: Journal Book I', in Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 1, April 1704 - January 1709, (London, 1920) pp. 66-77. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol1/pp66-77 [accessed 19 March 2024]

Journal, December 1704

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

Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Hearing in Council put off.

Agents to have notice thereof.

An Order of Councill of the 30th of the last month directing that the hearing [fo. 184, 200] what the agents of Connecticut and Rhode Island have to offer why her Majesty may not appoint Governours for those colonies during the war, be put off till the 14th instant, was read; and thereupon ordered that the said agents have notice thereof accordingly.

Trade.

Mr. Raworth, &c.

Mr. Raworth attending [fo. 175, 197], and being asked some questions, he answered that he was so desirous to gratify those who petition against him, that he left in the Canaries 200 pipes of wine of his own, which he might have brought home had he not gratified the petitioners with that tonnage, and being desired, he promised to bring to their lordships an affidavit upon that matter [fo. 197].

Abstract of Canary merchants' papers.

Representation to be prepared.

Then their lordships read an abstract of all the papers delivered in by Mr. Raworth and the petitioners, and gave directions for preparing a representation [fo. 200] thereupon.

New foundland.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges with copy of depositions from deserters.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges inclosing the copy of a deposition of Jean Le Moine, a deserter from Placentia, inclosed in a letter from Lieutenant Moody, commander of the soldiers at Newfoundland, dated the 10th of October last, was signed [fo. 186].

Plantations General.

Mr. Shippen and Waterhouse proposal about pitch and tar.

Fitch and Hancocks proposal about sail cloth and hemp.

A proposal from Mr. Shippen and Mr. Waterhouse for importing 1,000 lasts of tar and 200 tons of pitch annually for the term of six years from the plantations, as also a proposal from Mr. Fitch and Mr. Hancock for supplying her Majesty with 30,000 bolts of sail cloth and 4,000 tons of hemp annually for the said term, being read, a letter, inclosing the same to Mr. Secretary Hedges, was signed.

December 5. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Connecticut.

Rhode Island.

Letter from Mr. Congreve.

A letter from Mr. Charles Congreve, giving an account of some irregularities in the colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island, with a petition of John Rogers, inhabitant of Connecticut, to the Governour and company of that colony, complaining of hardships he received from them, were read; and thereupon ordered that extracts thereof be sent to Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor General, and that they be acquainted that Mr. Congreve will attend them in that matter.

New Yorke.

Plowman's petition.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of the 1st of November last, refering to this Board an extract of a petition of Matthew Plowman to her Majesty, praying to be reimbursed the value of provisions amounting to 600l. taken from him at New Yorke on the late revolution for the use of the soldiers at Albany, was read; whereupon Mr. Plowman was directed to bring to their lordships what proof [fo. 207] he could make of such provisions having been so taken from him, and of the value thereof.

Proprieties.

Naval stores.

Commissioners of Customs report on Byfield's charter.

A report from the Commissioners of the Customes, as also one from Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor General [fo. 39, 217] upon the draught of a charter desired by Mr. Byfield and others for the importation of pitch and tar from Carolina, was communicated to the Board and copies thereof ordered to be taken.

Barbados.

Complaints.

A minute out of the Councill books of the 30th of November last [fo. 218], whereby it appears that her Majesty had respited the consideration of the report of this Board [fo. 183] of the 24th of the same month upon the petition of several of the Assembly of Barbados till the arrival of the fleet, was communicated to the Board.

Ditto.

Mr. Bernard and Mr. Lillington attending, and desiring their lordships' dispatch of the letter for her Majesty's signature upon the petition of the four suspended counsellors of Barbados [fo. 189, 195], they were acquainted that it was before her Majesty the last Councill day; that her Majesty [fo. 196] had respited all that matter till the arrival of the Barbados fleet; that Mr. Granville, being arrived from Barbados, had brought several papers from Sir Beville, which by reason of indisposition he had not been able to lay before their lordships; and that their lordships would send to hasten him to doe it.

Ireland.

Crook Haven.

A letter from Mr. Penn [fo. 157], dated this day, in favour of Mr. Arnop, who sollicits for the fortifying of Crook Haven, was read.

Ditto.

Sir Gilbert Heathcote, Sir Bartholomew Gracedieu, Mr. Alexander Cairnes and Mr. Arnop attending [fo. 190], with some masters of ships, they acquainted their lordships that Crook Haven is a very safe and commodious haven; that it will contain above 50 ships, that by fortifying a point of land at the entrance thereof, it will be of great use to the navigation of England, by securing our homeward bound fleets, when they meet with easterly or north-easterly winds, or are in danger of French privateers; that the last year 35 saile of Jamaica ships with three men of war were saved there by Mr. Arnop's going out to sea to them and giving them notice of several French men of war and privateers lying in wait for them. To which Mr. Arnop added that he was informed by an ingineer, who was sent by the Duke of Ormond to view the place, that it might be fortifyed for about 1,000l. sterling. These gentlemen being withdrawn, their lordships gave directions for preparing a representation thereupon [fo. 196].

Barbados.

Complaints.

Draught of Queen's letter sent to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

The draught of a letter for her Majesty's signature [fo. 194] to Sir Beville Granville upon the petition of the four suspended counsellors of Barbados, not having been signed by her Majesty the last Council day, a letter was writ inclosing the same to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

December 6. Present:—Mr. Cecill, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Letter from Mr. Bridges, &c., desiring that nothing further may be done relating to complaints till arrival of the Milford man of war.

Letter to Mr. Burchet.

A letter from Mr. Bridges, Sir John Stanley and Mr. Holder [fo. 194, 202] desiring their lordships to suspend any further proceeding upon the Barbados complaints till the arrival of the Milford man of war, by which ship Sir Beville Granville had sent all the papers relating to that matter, was read; and thereupon ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Burchet [fo. 198] to desire to be informed where the Milford is, and when she may be expected.

Ireland.

Draught of representation about Crook Haven and letter.

The draught of a representation [fo. 195, 197] upon the petition of Mr. Arnop and several merchants of London relating to the fortifying of Crook Haven in Ireland, as also a letter inclosing the same to the Secretarys of State, were agreed, and ordered to be transcribed.

December 7. Present:—Lord Bishop of London, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Canaries.

Raworth.

A memorial from Mr. Raworth [fo. 191, 200] containing an abstract of the papers formerly presented by him, as also an affidavit of Mr. Henry Fox relating to the quantity of wines belonging to Mr. Raworth and partners, which was left in the Canaries when the transport ships came away, were read.

Barbados.

Order for draught of letter for Queen's signature sent to Mr. Ellis.

Mr. Blathwayt acquainting the Board that Mr. Secretary Hedges had desired a copy of her Majesty's Order in Councill of the 16th November last [fo. 174], directing their lordships to prepare a letter from her Majesty to Sir Beville Granville upon the petition of the four suspended counsellors in Barbados, a copy of the said order was immediately made and delivered to Mr. Ellis.

Ireland.

Representation about fortifying

Crook Haven.

A representation [fo. 196, 209] relating to the fortifying of Crook Haven in Ireland, as also a letter inclosing the same to the Secretaries of State, were signed.

December 8. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Cecill, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Letter from Mr. Burchet about the Milford man of war being expected, &c.

New foundland.

Heads of inquiry.

Letter to Mr. Burchet about duplicate thereof.

Letter from Mr. Burchet of the 7th, in answer to one writ him the 6th instant, signifying that the Milford [fo. 196], one of the Barbados convoys, was dayly expected, and further acquainting their lordships that the heads of inquiry [fo. 184] for the commodore of the Newfoundland convoy having been given to the captain of the Coventry, and that ship taken and carried into France, no answers could be returned to the said inquiries, being read; ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Burchet to desire to know what was done with the duplicate of the foresaid heads of inquiry, which were sent him the 18th of August last.

Mr. Merret with publick papers from Mr. Roop relating to Captain Lloyd.

Mr. Merret attending, presented to their lordships the following papers, viz.:—[fo. 204].

Letter from M. John Roop to the Board relating to the state of the forts &c. in Newfoundland.

Deposition of Mr. John Roop relating to Captain Lloyd's refusing to let his men assist the said Roop in fixing the boom at St. John's harbour.

Deposition of John Marshall, relating to Captain Lloyd's threatening to kill him upon his refusing to sign a paper in favour of the said Lloyd.

Copy of a paper drawn by Captain Lloyd to be signed by the company at Newfoundland in his behalf, with certificates of noncommissioned officers relating thereunto.

Petition of the inhabitants of Newfoundland against Captain Lloyd &c.

Captain Lloyd to dispatch his answer to papers already given him.

Thirty Newfoundland ships gone to Portugal.

Number of ships taken on both sides.

Barbados.

Representation to be prepared for leave for Mr. Chilton to be absent.

Which papers their lordships resolved to take into consideration on Wednesday next, and ordered that Captain Lloyd have notice to dispatch his answer to the papers [fo. 186] already given him. After which Mr. Merret acquainted their lordships that 30 of our ships were gone to Portugal from Newfoundland, that we had taken about 14 French ships on the banks, and that the French had taken 7 out of 13 of ours coming into the Channel. Ordered that a representation upon the Order of Council of the 6th of September last [fo. 128 and infra], on the petition of Mr. Chilton, Attorney General of Barbados, for leave to be absent from thence one year for the recovery of his health, be prepared.

Trade.

Draught of representation on Canary merchants' petition.

The draught of a representation [fo. 192, 197, 233] upon the petition of the Canary merchants was read, and some progress made therein.

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

Connecticut.

Rhode Island.

Letter from Mr. Povey about the hearing's being defer'd.

A letter from Mr. Povey signifying that her Majesty had been pleased to put off the hearing [fo. 191, 209] of the Connecticut and Rhode Island agents till Thursday the 4th of January next, was read, and thereupon ordered that the said agents, as also Mr. Attorny and Sollicitor General have notice thereof.

Barbados.

Draught of representation on Mr. Chilton's petition.

The draught of a representation [v. supra fo. 206] upon the petition of Mr. Chilton, Attorny General of Barbados, for leave to be absent from that island for a year for the recovery of his health, was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from the Governour.

A letter from Sir William Matthew, Governour of the Leeward Islands, dated at St. Christopher's the 2nd of October last, was read, as were also the two following Acts therein refer'd to, past at St. Christopher's the 23rd of September last, viz.:—

Acts.

An Act for raising a levy of 5s. per poll on all slaves, to make good the deficiency of a former levy by an Act entituled an Act for raising a levy of 20s. per poll on slaves to defray the publick charges of this island.

An Act for raising the summe of 500l. sterling money for discharging the rent of a convenient house for his Excellency Sir William Matthew's abode during his government in these islands.

Barbados.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to Mr. Burchet about fleets from thence.

Representation to be drawn on the above Acts.

And thereupon ordered that a copy of paragraph B in the foresaid letter relating to the Barbados and Leeward Island fleets be sent to Mr. Burchet to be laid before his royal highness the Lord High Admiral's Council. And further ordered that a representation [fo. 207] be prepared for laying the said Acts before her Majesty for her royal approbation.

Leeward Islands.

Memorial from Mr. Barwick about stores of war, new seal, and ministers.

Letter to Board of Ordnance.

Letter to Mrs. Furnese and memorandum for Bishop of London.

Mr. Samuel Barwick, agent for Sir William Matthew, presented to their lordships a memorial relating to the want of stores of war, a new seal, and ministers for the Leeward Islands, which was read, whereupon ordered that a letter be writ to the Board of Ordnance [fo. 206] to desire to know what stores of war were sent with Sir William Matthew, and what are yet remaining here of those directed to be sent by her Majesty's order of the 23rd of February last. Ordered also that a letter be writ to Mrs. Furnese [fo. 210] to know in what forwardness the seales for the plantations are in, and to desire they may be dispatched with all possible speed. And further ordered that a memorandum [fo. 213] be made for the Lord Bishop of London relating to the want of ministers in the Leeward Islands.

Barbados.

Sir John Stanley, &c., about vindication of the Governour.

Sir John Stanley, Mr. Bridges, Mr. Holder and Mr. Cleland [fo. 196, 214] (which last is lately arrived from Barbados) acquainted their lordships that they were appointed agents of that island by the Assembly there, and had received directions from them to appear in vindication of the Governour, and to present to her Majesty an address from the Assembly to her Majesty in that behalf. Then Colonel Cleland acquainted the Board that Sir Beville Granville had writ at large to their lordships by the Milford upon the late disorders in Barbados, and that he had sent by the said ship his reasons for suspending the four counsellors, with their answer and his reply thereunto; as also his reasons for not admitting Mr. Downes into the Councill, pursuant to her Majesty's mandamus in that behalf, which he doubted not would give their lordships full satisfaction in that matter so soon as the Milford shall arrive, which ship having been disabled at sea was supposed to be gone to Lisbon to re-fit and might be expected here in a short time. And being asked how the quorum of the Assembly there came to be 15, he said it was by a standing order of that house, which the present Assembly had altered, reducing that number to 13; and being desired he promised to draw up in writing what he knew relating to the late disorders there [fo. 242].

Bermuda.

Petition of Mr. Baron, late minister, about hardships.

A petition of Mr. Robert Baron [fo. 213], late minister at Bermuda, relating to some hardships he indured there, was read; whereupon their lordships resolved to take that matter into consideration the next time the Lord Bishop of London shall be at the Board.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Roop. Papers.

Copies given to Captain Lloyd.

The letter from Mr. Roop with the other papers relating to Newfoundland [fo. 198 et infra] mentioned in the last minutes to have been received from Mr. Merret, were read; and thereupon ordered that Captain Lloyd have copies of all the said papers but Mr. Roop's letter, that not having any relation to him.

Certificate from Captain Bridge relating to Captain Lloyd's usage of John Adams.

Captain Lloyd presented to their lordships a certificate from Captain Bridge, late commodore of the Newfoundland convoy, in favour of the said Lloyd against the complaints of John Adams, which was read; and thereupon ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Burchet to desire that Captain Bridge [fo. 205] may have directions to attend the Board to-morrow in the afternoon.

December 13. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Prior.

Newfoundland.

Captain Lloyd with answer to complaints.

Captain Lloyd attending [v. supra, fo. 211, 212] and acquainting their lordships that he had several papers which would serve as answers to the complaints delivered him by order of the Board yesterday, he was directed to put those papers in a method and to draw up in writing what he had further to add thereunto, and present it to their lordships on Friday morning next.

Letter to Mr. Burchet about Captain Bridge's attendance.

Captain Bridge [fo. 204, 206], commodore of the Newfoundland convoy not attending, as had been desired; ordered that another letter be writ to Mr. Burchet to desire that Captain Bridge may have orders from his royal highness the Lord High Admiral's Council to attend on Friday morning next.

Trade.

Foreign gold and silver exported.

Mr. Blathwayt communicated to the Board an account of all the bullion and coyn entred for exportation for three years ending at Michaelmas, 1704, which was read.

Copies of Scotch Acts about trade to Africa and the Indies.

Mr. Blathwayt also communicated to the Board the copy of an Act past in Scotland 16th September, 1703, entituled Act in favours of the company trading to. Africa and the Indies.

Importation of wines, and exportation of wooll from Scotland.

The copy of an Act allowing the importation of wines and other foreign liquors into Scotland, past there 16th September, 1703, as also the copy of an Act allowing the exportation of wooll from Scotland, past there the 25th August, 1704, were read.

Letter to Mr. Baker thereupon.

Ordered that Captain Baker be desired to attend the Board on Fryday morning next.

Barbados.

Representation for leave for Mr. Chilton to be absent.

A representation [fo. 200, 249] upon the petition of Mr. Chilton, Attorny General of Barbados, for leave to be absent from that island for the recovery of his health, was signed.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges about stores of war.

Letter to Board of Ordnance.

thereon.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of the 9th instant [fo. 163] upon an extract of a letter from Sir William Matthew, relating to the want of ordnance in the Leeward Islands, was read; and thereupon the letter [fo. 202, 215] directed the last meeting to the Board of Ordnance, inquiring what stores of war were sent with Sir William Matthew, and what are yet remaining of those directed to be sent, by her Majesty's Order in Council of the 23rd of February last, was signed.

December 14. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Burchet about Captain Bridge and duplicate of inquiries.

A letter from Mr. Burchet of the 12th instant [fo. 205, 211], signifying that Captain Bridge is not yet come to town, and that the duplicate of the inquiries did not reach him before he sailed for Newfoundland, was read.

St. Christophers.

Representation on two Acts.

A representation [fo. 201, 229] upon the two St. Christopher's Acts mentioned in the minutes of the 12th instant, was signed.

Barbados.

Copy of an Order of Council on representation for Mr. Mills to be a counsellor.

Copy of an Order of Council of the 16th of November last upon a representation [fo. 170] of the same date, proposing Mr. Mills to be of the Councill of Barbados in the room of Mr. Frere, who had refused to serve any longer in the Councill, approving the same, was read.

Antegoa.

Attorny General's report on two Acts.

Mr. Attorney General's report [fo. 20] upon An Act past at Antegoa in February last for establishing Courts and settling due methods for the administration of Justice in that island, as also the Act itself, were read; and their lordships thereupon agreed to report their opinion that the said Act be repealed for the reasons expressed in Mr. Attorney's said report.

New Yorke.

Extract of Mr. Plowman's petition relating to provisions taken from him to be sent to Lord Cornbury.

Mr. Plowman attending [fo. 193, 216] with Mr. Lodwick and Mr. Livingston [M. fo. 81], the two last acquainted the Board that Mr. Plowman had above 100 barrells of pork and beef in the Jersies, besides 8 chests of candles, which were taken from him by order of Captain Leisler, when he assumed the government of New Yorke, for the use of the people the said Leisler had put into garrison at Albany. Whereupon their lordships gave directions for preparing a letter to the Lord Cornbury, transmitting the extract of Mr. Plowman's petition, mentioned in the minutes of the 5th instant, and directing him and the Council to report their opinion thereupon, as had been done formerly to the Earle of Bellomont.

Mr. Lodwick about Act relating to Bayard and Hutchins.

Representation to be drawn thereupon.

Then Mr. Lodwick [fo. 143] desiring their lordships to take into consideration his memorial relating to An Act past at New Yorke declaring the illegality of the proceedings against Colonel Bayard and Alderman Hutchins &c. null and voyd, the said memorial was read; and their lordships gave directions (notwithstanding the minute of the 12th of September last upon that subject) for preparing a report to her Majesty [fo. 209] with their opinion that her Majesty be pleased to confirm the said Act so soon as the said Bayard and Hutchins shall have given security, singly and joyntly, in the summe of 5,000l. not to prosecute any persons concerned in the proceedings against them, according to Mr. Attorny General's report, or that otherwise a new Act be passed for the like effect, with proper clauses to indemnify persons whom it may concern.

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

Ireland.

Crook Haven.

Letter from Secretary Hedges to know what the merchants who petition will contribute.

Merchants summoned thereupon.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of the 14th upon a representation of this Board of the 7th instant relating to Crook Haven [fo. 197], requiring their lordships to discourse the merchants of London who had signed the petition upon that subject, to see what part they would contribute towards the making that harbour defensible, was read; and thereupon ordered that the said merchants [fo. 212] be summon'd to attend the Board on Tuesday next.

Connecticut.

Rhode Island.

Hearing of the agents in Council put off till February next.

An Order of Councill of the 14th instant, directing the Board to signify to the agents of Connecticut and Rhode Island that her Majesty had been pleased to put off the hearing [fo. 200, 247] appointed for the 4th of January next to Thursday the first of February next, was read; and thereupon ordered that the said agents have notice thereof.

New Yorke.

Representation on Act for reversing the attainder of Bayard and Hutchins.

A representation [fo. 208, 323] as directed in yesterday's minutes, upon an Act past at New Yorke for declaring the illegality of the proceedings against Colonel Bayard and Alderman Hutchins null and voyd, was signed.

Trade.

Captain Baker about preventing exportation of wooll into Scotland.

Captain Baker attending, and being asked what he had to offer for preventing the exportation of wooll into Scotland, he said the best method he could think of would be by having a good guard upon the borders, and by having all the wooll within a certain distance of Scotland, registred.

Plantations General.

Letter from Mrs. Furnese about seales.

Answer returned.

A letter from Mrs. Furnese [fo. 146, 202] signifying that the seales of New Hampshire and Maryland were finished, and desiring to know whether she is to deliver them as finished, or keep them till all be done, was read; ordered that she be acquainted that she may deliver them to the secretary as they are dispatched, taking his receipt for the same.

December 19. Present:—Lord Bishop of London, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Jamaica.

Captain Jones, late commander of the Seahorse with a letter from the Governour.

Letter to Mr. Burchet.

Captain Jones [fo. 110], late commander of her Majesty's ship Sea Horse at Jamaica, presented to their lordships a letter from Colonel Handasyd, dated the 19th June last, relating to the loss of the said ship and to the conduct of the said Captain Jones, which was read; and thereupon ordered that a copy of the said letter be sent to Mr. Burchet, to be laid before his royal highness the Lord High Admiral's Councill.

Newfoundland.

Captain Bridge about state of Newfoundland.

Boom near finished.

Captain Lloyd.

Strength of the garrison.

Captain Bridge [fo. 206], late commander of the Newfoundland convoy, attending, and being asked several questions, he answered in substance as follows: That the boom was near finished when he came away, that it is extraordinarily well done, and he believes one of the best in Europe [fo. 204, 212]; that he had not suspended Captain Lloyd, but brought him home, by the advice of other captains of ships and most of the considerable inhabitants there, upon a petition from the soldiers who had threatened to desert if the said Lloyd commanded them any longer; that the soldiers hired themselves to fishermen, during the fishing season, and that the officers had half of what the soldiers earned in that work; and that the garrison consists but of 48 effective men. Whereupon a paper of queries [fo. 243], relating to the state of Newfoundland, was delivered to Captain Bridge, and he desired to bring his answer thereunto on Fryday the 29th instant, which he promised to do accordingly.

Newfoundland.

Captain Lloyd, Captain Richards and Mr. Merret.

The two last in favour of the former.

Lloyd promises his answer.

Then Captain Lloyd, Captain Richards and Mr. Merret attending, [fo. 204] Mr. Merret declared to their lordships that he had nothing to offer against Captain Lloyd, but had heard a very good character of him, and Captain Lloyd being asked whether he had prepared his answer to the complaints against him, he said that it was not yet perfected. Whereupon their lordships directed him to bring it on Fryday the 29th instant [fo. 221].

Ireland.

Merchants about Crook Haven.

Sir Gilbert Heathcote [fo. 209], Mr. Way, Mr. Richard Carey and Mr. Galdie and other merchants attending, and being acquainted with the purport of Mr. Secretary Hedges's letter of the 14th instant relating to their contributing towards the making Crook Haven defensible; they said that not only all the merchants trading to the plantations, but also those trading to Portugal, Italy and other parts of the world, were equally concerned with them in the benefit that would accrue by fortifying Crook Haven, and that it was not to be expected that such a vast number of merchants should ever agree to proportion any contribution of that kind; that the Customes were given for securing the merchants in their trade, and that therefore such a proposition would not be well understood to the general body of traders; that the Customes of any one ship from the plantations, especially from Virginia, will more than bear the charge of fortifying that place; that the duties already laid upon all commodities, with the additional increase lately voted by the Parliament are so great that the Queen and the publick is more concerned in interest for the security of merchant ships than even the merchants themselves; and they would be glad to let her Majesty have half of the lading of all their ships, on condition they paid no duty. Upon which these gentlemen being withdrawn, their lordships gave directions for preparing a letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 214] upon the foregoing heads.

Bermuda.

Mr. Baron, late minister, to draw his desire in writing.

Mr. Baron, late minister of Bermuda, attending in relation to his petition [fo. 203, 231] read the 12th instant, he was desired to draw up in writing what it was he desired their lordships should do for him.

Leeward Islands.

Extract of Mr. Barwick's memorial relating to ministers given to Bishop of London.

An extract of Mr. Barwick's memorial presented to the Board the 12th instant [fo. 202], relating to the want of ministers in the Leeward Islands, was recommended to the Lord Bishop of London.

Plantations General.

Letter from Secretary Hedges about draught of a Bill for importing naval stores.

Mr. Bridger to bring what he has to offer on that subject in writing.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Hedges of the 18th instant, signifying her Majesty's pleasure that this Board do prepare the draught of a Bill for incouraging the importation of naval stores from the plantations, was read; and Mr. Bridger [fo. 217] attending, their lordships desired him to give them in writing what he had to offer on that subject, which he promis'd to do on Thursday morning next.

December 20. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Prior.

Barbados.

Sir John Stanly about copies of minutes of the Councill.

Their lordships being acquainted with Sir John Stanley's desire [fo. 202, 219] of taking copies of the minutes of Councill and Assembly of Barbados for the last year, several things therein contained being of use to him towards the defence of the Governour, ordered that Sir John be acquainted that if he will name what part of the said minutes he thinks necessary to that end, he may have copies thereof.

Ireland.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges about merchants contributing to fortify Crook Haven.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 213, 217], in answer to his of the 14th instant relating to the merchants contributing towards the making Crook Haven defensible (as mentioned in yesterday's minutes), was agreed and ordered to be transcribed.

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Board of Ordnance about stores.

Letter from the Board of Ordnance of 16th, in answer to one writ them the 13th instant [fo. 206], with an account of the stores of war sent with Sir William Matthew for the Leeward Islands, and of those yet remaining to be sent thither, was read; and thereupon ordered that Mr. Berwick [fo. 221], agent for Sir William Matthew, be desired to attend the Board on Fryday the 29th instant.

New Yorke.

Order of Councill on petition of Mr. Livingston about his suspension.

An Order of Councill of the 14th instant upon the petition of Robert Livingston, secretary of the Indian affaires at New York, praying that his suspension from the said office in the time of Colonel Fletcher may be taken off, refering the same to this Board, was read, and Mr. Livingston attending, was directed to lay before their lordships a memorial of what he desires [fo. 223].

Leeward Islands.

Letter from Martinico with papers relating to state of English prisoners there.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges thereupon.

A letter from Mr. Lambert, a prisoner at Martinico, to Mr. Clayton, dated the 27th of June last, with several papers therein refer'd to, relating to the strength of the French ships, and prisoners taken since the war, and the manner of the French's carrying the silver from thence to Europe &c. being communicated to the Board by Mr. Blathwayt, was read; and their lordships gave directions for preparing a letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 217], inclosing copies of the said letter and papers, as also a copy of paragraph K in Sir William Matthew's letter of 31st August last [fo. 187] concerning a cartel with the French.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes for an account of pitch and tar imported.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Lowndes [fo. 220] for an account of what quantities of pitch, tar, rozin and hemp has been imported to England, with the names of the several places from whence the same is so imported, from Christmas, 1702, to this time.

New York.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges in favour of Plowman.

Mr. Secretary Hedges's letter of the 1st of November last, upon Mr. Plowman's petition relating to provisions taken from him by Captain Leisler when he assumed the government of New Yorke, was again read; and (notwithstanding the minute of the 14th instant) [fo. 207], ordered that a letter be prepared to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 218] in favour of the said Plowman.

December 21. Present:—Lord Dartmouth, Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Ireland.

Crook Haven.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 214], in answer to his of the 14th instant, relating to Crook Haven, was signed.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges about English prisoners at Martinico.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 216] inclosing the papers received from Mr. Clayton mentioned in yesterday's minutes, as also an extract of Sir William Matthew's letter of the 31st of August, relating to a cartel, was signed.

Plantations General.

Naval stores.

Bridger.

Mr. Bridger attending [fo. 214, 220] acquainted their lordships that he had not yet been able to finish what he had to offer for incouraging the importation of naval stores from the plantations, but that he would do it in a few days. He was desired to make what dispatch he could.

Proprieties.

Copy of an Order of Council upon Mr. Attorny and Mr. Sollicitor General's report on Byfield's charter.

Copy of an Order of Councill of the 14th instant upon a report from the Lords of a committee, to whom her Majesty has referred the consideration of a report [fo. 193] from Mr. Attorney and Mr. Sollicitor General upon the draught of a charter desired by Mr. Byfield and others for the importation of naval stores, was read.

Barbados.

Copy of an Order of Council on petition of four suspended counsellors.

Copy of an Order of Councill of the 14th instant [fo. 194] upon a petition of the four suspended counsellors of Barbados, praying to have her Majesty's letter to inable them to take examinations and to transmit depositions in their behalf, signifying her Majesty's pleasure that the whole matter be respited till the papers transmitted by Sir Beville Granville in the Milford shall arrive, was read.

New York.

Letter to Secretary Hedges about Plowman.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Hedges [fo. 216], in answer to his of the 1st of November last, upon the petition of Mr. Plowman, was signed.

December 22. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Maryland.

New Hampshire.

Seals.

The secretary acquainted their lordships that Mrs. Furnese had delivered to him two silver seales, viz., one for Maryland and one for New Hampshire, and that she promised to finish the rest in a very short time.

Barbados.

Agents desire copies of minutes of Council, &c.

Refused,but extracts granted.

Sir John Stanley, Mr. Holder and Mr. Cleland [fo. 214, 241], agents for Barbados, attending and desiring they might have copies of all the minutes of Councill and Assembly of Barbados for the last year, they were acquainted that it is against the rule of the Board to give copies of the minutes of Councill and Assembly or books of this Commission to any persons but to the Secretaries of State or the Councill; that the Board has perused the minutes and will make the proper use of them, as they have already done in their reports to her Majesty; and in case any persons, as agents to Sir Beville Granville or to the Island of Barbados, shall desire any particulars out of the said minutes or books for the vindication of the Governour, they may have extracts, which will be likewise granted to the other side, if demanded.

Mr. Heysham, &c., about Mr. Downes, &c.

Mr. Robert Heysham with his brother and some gentlemen lately arrived from Barbados attending, desired to know whether their lordships had received any particular complaints against Mr. Richard Downes of Barbados, for there were several reports spread about town to his disadvantage, particularly that he was between 7 and 8,000l. in debt and unable to pay it, which was not true, for to their knowledge all but 1,500l. was cleared, which he was ready also to pay on demand. Whereupon these gentlemen were acquainted that their lordships had as yet received no particular complaints against Mr. Downes, but that, so soon as any came, they should have copies of them.

December 29. Present:—Sir Philip Meadows, Mr. Blathwayt, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Prior.

Trade.

Letter from Mr. Davenant. Account of naval stores.

A letter from Mr. Davenant of the 23rd instant [fo. 216], with an account of naval stores imported into England from Christmas, 1701, to Christmas, 1703, was read.

Plantations General.

Naval stores.

Bridger.

Mr. Bridger attending [fo. 217, 222], acquainted their lordships that he had made same progress in the proposals he had to offer in order to the preparing a Bill for the incouraging the importation of naval stores, and would present them to their lordships on Tuesday next.

Trade.

Letter to Mr. Lowndes for account of bounty mony on exportation of corn.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Lowndes to desire him to move the Lord Treasurer that the Board may be informed what the bounty mony upon the exportation of corn has amounted to in any one year since her Majesty's accession to the throne.

New foundland.

Captain Lloyd's answer to complaints

Captain Lloyd [fo. 212, 227, 283] presented to their lordships his answer to the complaints against him, with 14 papers therein refer'd to; and thereupon ordered that an abstract be made of the said complaints and answers. Captain Lloyd taking notice of the badness of the provisions, especially of the bisquet, sent this year to Newfoundland, he was desired to draw up a state of the matter in writing and present to it their lordships, which he promised to do accordingly.

Leeward Islands.

Copy of account of stores of war, &c., given to Berwick.

Mr. Berwick attending [fo. 215, 227] was acquainted with the letter from the Board of Ordnance and the accounts of the stores of war sent by Sir William Matthew to the Leeward Islands (mentioned in the minutes of the 20th instant), and a copy of the said account ordered to be given him.

Pennsylvania.

Mr. Penn about a surrender of his government of Pennsylvania, &c.

Mr. Penn attending, acquainted their lordships that he was desirous to enter into a treaty [H. fo. 170] [fo. 223] for the surrendering of the government of Pennsylvania to her Majesty, and that in order thereunto he was willing to depart from what he had formerly demanded, viz. the nominating three persons to her Majesty of which her Majesty was to choose one to be Governour. Whereupon he was desired to draw up his proposals in writing, which he promised to do accordingly.