Journal, June 1755: Volume 62

Journal, June 1755

Tuesday, June 3. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham.

North Carolina.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council with the draught of an additional instruction to Mr. Dobbs, Governor of North Carolina, empowering him to give his assent to any law or laws for establishing counties. townships and precincts in that province under certain regulations having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of the 30th of May, was signed.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into further consideration the several memorials, petitions and other papers relating to the removal of the seat of government in the Island of Jamaica, and the parties attending with their counsel were called in. and several witnesses were examined upon oath in support of the Kingston petition. after which their lordships heard what Mr. Hume Campbell and Mr. Henley had to offer by way of reply to what had been offered by the counsel on the behalf of the petitioners for the town of St. Iago de la Vega and then the counsel withdrew.

Wednesday, June 4. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into consideration that part of the reference from the Lords of the Committee of Council of the 14th of June, 1754, which relates to Governor Knowles's complaint against Mr. Fuller, the Chief Justice of Jamaica, and Mr. Forrester, counsel for Mr. Fuller, and several other gentlemen attending on his behalf, they were called in and the Governor's letter of the 15th of February, 1754, the affidavits transmitted by him in support of the charge, and Mr. Fuller's answer thereto, having been read as also several affidavits and depositions produced by Mr. Forrester in support of the answer, their lordships proceeded to hear what Mr. Forrester and the other gentlemen, who attended in behalf of Mr. Fuller, had to offer in support of his answer to the Governor's complaint against him.

Their lordships then proceeded to take into consideration the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council of the 26th of November, 1754, referring to this Board a petition of several inhabitants of Jamaica complaining of the Governor's having removed the seat of government to Kingston, and praying that it may be restored, untill his Majesty shall have determined upon the several petitions relative to the removal of it, and the petition was read, and also such parts of Mr. Knowles's letters of the 7th of May and 7th of October, 1754, as relate to this matter, and then the counsel was ordered to withdraw, and their lordships agreed further to consider of this affair to-morrow morning.

Thursday, June 5. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into further consideration a petition of several inhabitants of Jamaica, complaining of the Governor having removed the seat of government to Kingston mentioned in the preceding minute, and Mr. Forrester, the counsel, attending with Mr. Richard Beckford and others they were called in, and their lordships having heard what they had to offer thereupon, they were ordered to withdraw.

Newfoundland.

A draught of instructions for Richard Dorrill, Esquire, appointed Governor of Newfoundland, having been prepared pursuant to their lordships' order, were laid before the Board and agreed to, and a representation to the Lords Justices thereupon was signed.

Tuesday, June 10. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald.

Massachusets.

Read a letter from Mr. Bollan, agent for the province of the Massachusets Bay, dated the 9th of June, 1755, acquainting the Board that he is unable to attend their lordships this day upon the Excise Act on account of sickness, praying their lordships to postpone the consideration of it to a further day and inclosing:—
His observations on the laws made in this century to provide that certain commodities produced in the English plantations shall be imported into some other English plantation or into this kingdom, and for that end to put those commodities under the same regulations and restrictions that sugars, tobacco and other goods were subjected to by former statutes.

Mr. Kilby, agent for the town of Boston, Marblehead, etc. attending with his counsel pursuant to the notice given him by their lordships' orders, was called in, and being acquainted with Mr. Bollan's request, it was ordered that the Excise Act should be taken into consideration on this day sen'night and the Secretary was directed to give Mr. Bollan notice thereof.

Their lordships took into consideration Mr. Bollan's observations upon the Acts of Trade and Navigation, and made some progress therein.

Wednesday, June 11. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Fane, Mr. Pelham.

New York.

New Jersey.

The draught of a representation to the Lords Justices proposing the repeal of an Act passed in New York in December, 1754, for submitting the controversy between that province and New Jersey concerning the boundary line to his Majesty having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 28th of May, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Virginia.

Read a letter from Mr. Dinwiddie, Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of Virginia, dated the 17th of March, 1755, acquainting the Board with the arrival of the rest of the transports and of the measures he has taken to forward the expedition against the French.

New York.

Read a letter from James Delancy, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of New York, to the Board, dated the 4th of April, 1755, transmitting several publick papers, viz.:—
Resolutions of the Assembly of New York, dated 27th March, 1755.
Message from the Lieutenant Governor of New York to the Council and Assembly, dated 26th of March, 1755.
Resolutions of the Assembly of New York, dated the 28th of March, 1755.

Ordered, that copys be made of the abovementioned letter and papers to be transmitted to Sir Thomas Robinson, his Majesty's Secretary of State, and the draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson thereupon having been prepared, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Leeward Islands.

Read the following letters from Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, viz.:—
Letter from Mr. Thomas, Governor of the Leeward Islands, to the Board, dated the 18th of March, 1755, acknowledging the receipt of the Board's letter of the 18th of October last, and acquainting the Board with the death of Colonel Gunthorpe, a member of the Council of Antigua.
Letter from Mr. Thomas to the Board, dated the 17th of April, 1755, giving an account of the present state of the Council of St. Christopher's.

Antigua.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to the Lords Justices be prepared proposing that Thomas Jarvis, Esquire, may be appointed of the Council of Antigua in the room of John Gunthorpe, Esquire, deceased.

St. Christopher's.

Ordered, that the Secretary do transmit an extract of so much of Mr. Thomas's letter of the 17th of April as relates to the difficulty he is under for want of a sufficient number of the Council in St. Christopher's to transact business to the several members thereof now resident in England and acquaint them that unless they do forthwith return to that Island, their lordships shall propose that other persons may be appointed in their stead.

Nevis.

Read a letter from Richard Cox, Esquire, one of his Majesty's Council for the Island of Nevis, dated Bristol, the 13th of May, 1755, desiring a further leave of absence as the present ill state of his health and some of his own private affairs make a longer stay in England necessary.

Ordered, that the draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, his Majesty's Secretary of State, be prepared, desiring he would move the Lords Justices to grant their licence to the said Cox to be absent from the Council for twelve months longer.

Trade.

Africa.

Read the following papers received from the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa, viz.:—
Copies of two letters to the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa from Thomas Melvil, Esquire, dated Cape Coast Castle, October 12th, 1754, and January 9th, 1755.
Copy of a letter from the Committee of the Company of Merchants trading to Africa to James Skinner, Esquire, and Council at James Fort, Gambia, of sundry letters which passed on the coast of Africa, relating to a Portuguese ship drove out of Annamaboe Road by several British captains; of a letter from Thomas Melvil, Esquire, Governor of Cape Coast Castle, to the Committee, etc. and of a letter from the Governor of Elmina to Thomas Melvil, Esquire, etc.

Thursday, June 12. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald.

New York.

New Jersey.

The draught of a representation to the Lords Justices upon the Act passed in New York in 1754 for submitting the controversy concerning the boundarys between that province and New Jersey to his Majesty having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was signed.

Antigua.

The draught of a representation to the Lords Justices proposing Thomas Jarvis, Esquire, to be of the Council of Antigua in the room of John Gunthorpe, Esquire, deceased, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Nevis.

The draught of a letter to Sir Thomas Robinson, desiring him to move the Lords Justices for their licence of absence to Richard Cox, Esquire, of the Council of Nevis, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into consideration the several petitions, memorials and other papers relative to the removal of the seat of Government in Jamaica, and made some progress therein.

Tuesday, June 17. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald.

Massachusets.

Their lordships took into consideration an Act passed in the province of the Massachusets Bay in December, 1754, for granting to his Majesty an excise upon spirits distilled and wine, and upon limes, lemons and oranges, referred to their lordships by the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation affairs, and Mr. Bollan, agent for the province, and Mr. Kilby, agent for the towns of Boston, Marblehead and Gloucester, with Mr. Forrester his counsel, attending without, they were called in, and their lordships heard what they had to offer for and against the confirmation of the said Act, and then they withdrew.

Wednesday, June 18. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

Read a letter from Mr. Knowles, Governor of Jamaica, to the Board, dated the 10th of April, 1755, inclosing:—
His speech to the Council and Assembly and their addresses to him.
A list of the members of the present Assembly in Jamaica which met the 8th of April, 1755.

Nevis.

Read a letter from Mr. Amyand, Secretary to the Lords Justices, dated the 17th of June, 1755, acquainting their lordships that their Excellencies have been pleased to comply with Mr. Cox's request to be absent from the Island of Nevis for twelve months, and directing a proper warrant to be accordingly prepared.

The draught of a warrant containing their Excellencies' leave of absence to Richard Cox, Esquire, with the draught of a representation to the Lords Justices thereupon having been prepared, they were agreed to and transcribed, and the representation was signed.

Georgia.

The Secretary having acquainted the Board that Mr. Partridge, agent for New Jersey, had desired him to move their lordships for a copy of such parts of the Governor of Georgia's instructions as relate to the terms and conditions upon which lands are to be granted in that province:

Ordered, that a copy of the said instructions be made and delivered to Mr. Partridge.

Massachusets.

Their lordships took into consideration the Act passed in the province of the Massachusets Bay in December, 1754, for granting an excise to his Majesty, mentioned in the minutes of yesterday and ordered the draught of a report thereupon to the Lords of the Committee of Council to be prepared.

Georgia.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation affairs, dated the 15th of May, 1755, referring to the consideration of this Board the humble remonstrance and representation of the Council and Assembly of Georgia to his Majesty, setting forth the difficulties that all grantees of land lye under by being obliged to clear and cultivate such a proportion of their land within a limited time, and directing the Board to consider and report their opinion what they conceive proper to be done thereupon.

Ordered, that the draught of a report thereupon to the Lords of the Committee of Council be prepared.

Nova Scotia.

The Secretary laid before the Board the two following memorials prepared by Mr. Kilby, agent for Nova Scotia, to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, viz.:—
Memorial of Mr. Kilby praying that £766 18s. may be issued to him to discharge a warrant directed to him for the payment of money due to the contractor for supplying the troops stationed there with provisions.
Nova Scotia.
Memorial of Mr. Kilby desiring their lordships' directions with respect to certain bills drawn upon him by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia to the amount of £12,000 for his Majesty's especial service.

The said memorials having been read, their lordships were pleased to approve them, and to direct Mr. Kilby to present them to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury for their directions thereupon.

Thursday, June 19. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane, Mr. Oswald.

Jamaica.

Their lordships took into further consideration the several memorials, petitions and other papers relating to the removal of the seat of government in the Island of Jamaica, and after some time spent therein ordered the draught of a report thereupon to be prepared.

Nova Scotia.

Read a letter from Mr. Harding, Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, dated the 19th of June, 1755, desiring to know for the information of the Lords of the Treasury what authority Lieutenant Governor Lawrence had to draw bills upon the agent of Nova Scotia for £12,000 on his Majesty's especial service, and how far the same is consistent with an Order of the Lords Justices, directing that no person but General Braddock or the Commander in Chief should be permitted to draw bills or issue warrants for any service to be undertaken in America.

The draught of a letter from the Secretary to Mr. Harding in answer thereto, having been prepared, was agreed to.

Jamaica.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that Mr. Paris, agent for Mr. Delap, Deputy Provost Marshall of Jamaica, had desired him to move their lordships that he may have an extract of such parts of the minutes of Council of the Jamaica as relate to the proceedings against Mr. Delap.

Ordered, that an extract be made of that part of the minutes of Council and delivered to Mr. Paris.

Tuesday, June 24. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Mr. Fane.

Georgia.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon the remonstrance of the Council and Assembly of Georgia relating to the terms and conditions upon which lands are to be granted in that province, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 18th instant, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Massachusets.

The draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council upon the Excise Act passed in the province of the Massachusets Bay in December, 1754, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 18th instant, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

New York.

Read an Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation affairs, dated the 12th of June, 1755, upon a representation from this Board concerning an Act passed at New York in December last, relating to the partition between the colonies of New York and New Jersey, directing that this Board do prepare and lay before the Committee a draught of an additional instruction to the Governor of New York directing him to recommend to the Assembly of that province to make provision for defraying one half of the expence of a Commission for running the boundary between the colonies of New York and New Jersey.

Ordered, that the draught of an additional instruction for the Governor of New York be prepared conformable to the said Order and also the draught of a report to the Lords of the Committee of Council thereupon.

Virginia.

Read Sir Matthew Lamb's report upon an Act passed in the colony of Virginia in November, 1754, entitled:—
An Act for vesting seven hundred acres of land with appurtenances lying on Cheristones Creek in the parish of Hungars and county of Northampton in Littleton Eyre, gentleman, in fee simple. Dated the 17th of June, 1755.

Ordered, that the draught of a representation to the Lords Justices proposing that the said Act may be confirmed.

North Carolina.

Read Sir Matthew Lamb's report upon an Act passed in North Carolina in January, 1755, entitled:—
An Act for securing the payment of quit rents due to his Majesty and Earl Granville, for quieting freeholders in the possession of their lands and for other purposes.

Resolved that the said Act be taken into consideration on Tuesday next, and the Secretary was ordered to give notice thereof to Mr. Abercromby, agent for that province, and to Mr. Child, agent for Earl Granville.

Massachusets.

Read a letter from Mr. Pemberton, naval officer in the Massachusets Bay, dated the 2nd of January, 1755, transmitting:—
Lists of all vessels entered and cleared there, from the 10th of October, 1753, to the 10th of October, 1754.

Nova Scotia.

Read a memorial of Mr. William Jeffray, commissary of ordnance stores in Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated Edinburgh, the 3rd of June, 1755, desiring leave of absence from the said province.

Ordered, that the memorialist or his agent be directed to signify to their lordships for what time the memorialist desires to have leave of absence.

South Carolina.

Read an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 24th of June, 1755, approving a representation of this Board recommending James Michie, Esquire, to be appointed of his Majesty's Council in the province of South Carolina in the room of William Bull, Esquire, deceased, and directing the Board to cause a warrant to be prepared for that purpose, and lay the same before the Lords Justices.

Antigua.

Read an Order of the Lords Justices in Council, dated the 24th June, 1755, approving a representation from this Board, recommending Thomas Jarvis, Esquire, to be appointed of his Majesty's Council in the Island of Antigua in the room of John Gunthorpe, Esquire, deceased, and directing the Board to cause a warrant to be prepared for that purpose and lay the same before the Lords Justices.

Antigua.

And warrants having been prepared accordingly with the draughts of representations inclosing the same to their Excellencies, the Lords Justices, the said draughts were agreed to, transcribed and signed.