Journal, January 1715: Journal Book Q

Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 2, February 1709 - March 1715. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1925.

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'Journal, January 1715: Journal Book Q', in Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 2, February 1709 - March 1715, (London, 1925) pp. 582-595. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol2/pp582-595 [accessed 19 March 2024]

Journal, January 1715

1714–15.

January 3, 1714/15. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Nova Scotia.

Colonel Vetch.

His case referr'd by Lord Townshend.

Proof and explanation of articles.

Colonel Vetch attending, a letter from my Lord Townshend of the 20th of the last month [Nova Scotia, Entry A, 113], referring to the Board the case of the said Colonel Vetch [fo. 392], for their lordships’ report thereupon [Entry A, 115], was read; and in proof of the 1st article of the said case, wherein it is alledged that the said Vetch had form'd the scheme for the reduction of Canada, he produced to their lordships her late Majesty's instructions to him of the 28th February, 1708/9 [Nova Scotia, Entry A, 126], part of which were read.

Letters to Mr. Pringle and Mr. Pulteney about Colonel Vetch's letters.

As to the 2nd article, which relates to what he did in pursuance of the said instructions, he said that was known in all the offices here, by the returns from the several Governors on the Continent of America.

As to the reduction of Port Royal, now Annapolis Royal, mention'd in the 3rd article, he said that was a fact which needed no proof. And as to his sending letters and representations to the late ministry, during the time of his government there, and to his having receiv'd no orders thereupon, he said he doubted not but the original letters and representations were in the Secretarie's office, and in the War Office, most or all of them having been deliver'd by Mr. James Douglas, his agent here. However, he had the copies of them enter'd in a book which he promised to lay before their lordships, upon which he was directed to bring the said Mr. Douglas to their lordships to-morrow morning [fo. 367], as also Mr. Boreland, mention'd by him as a person privy to, and concern'd in, several allegations in the remaining part of the said memorial. And further order'd that letters be writ to Mr. Pringle (under secretary to Mr. Stanhope) and to the War Office, to desire copies of such letters as are there from the said Colonel Vetch, between October, 1710, and October, 1713, with an account of what has been done thereupon.

Barbadoes.

Letter from Lord Townshend.

Mr. Lowther's petition about appointing his own secretary.

Papers under the seal.

A letter from the Lord Viscount Townshend, of the 28th of the last month, referring to the Board the petition of Mr. Lowther, Governor of Barbadoes, relating to his appointing his own secretary [fo. 371, 374], for the said government, and to the allowances to be made for that imploy, was read; and Mr. Lowther attending, acquainted their lordships that he had in his custody several papers under the seal of that island, to prove several of the allegations in his said petition. Whereupon he was desir'd to bring the said papers to the Board to-morrow morning.

Trade.

Inspector General summond.

Order'd that a letter be writ to Mr. Martyn, Inspector General of his Majesty's Customs [fo. 366], to acquaint him with the Board's desire of speaking with him to-morrow morning.

Letter to Mr. Vernon about Spanish licence.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Vernon to repeat their lordships’ desire, signify'd to him by the secretary the 24th of the last month, that he wou'd please to send them as soon as possible the Spanish licence in his hands, which was lent the Board by Sir Joseph Hodges.

Miscellanies.

Letter to Mr. Moore for papers.

Order'd that a letter be writ to Mr. Moore to desire he will return to the Board as soon as possible the following papers which are in his hands, vizt.:
A letter to Mr. Lowndes, of 29th March, 1711, and the report of the 15th February, 170 9/10, relating to the tobacco trade by the Isle of Man.
A letter from Mr. Archibald Cumminge, dated the 11th December, 1713.
A letter from Colonel Vetch, dated the 12th December, 1713. Berkeley.

January 4. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Trade.

Mr. Martin, Inspector General of Customs.

Imports and exports for ten years, particularly 1714.

Account of Spanish trade.

Mr. Martyn, Inspector General of the Customs, attending [fo. 365, 409], as order'd yesterday, their lordships acquainted him with their desire that he wou'd give them an account of our imports and exports to all parts of the world we trade to, for ten years last past, but particularly for the year 1714, which he promised to do accordingly; but said it wou'd be a work of time, because the accounts from the out ports are not made up till Lady Day. Besides which, Dr. Davenant having put no valuation of goods in his books for the time past, it wou'd be very difficult for him to make the said account compleat; and therefore he said he wou'd leave blanks in the account which might be filled up hereafter. In the mean time he promised to send their lordships within four or five days an account of the Spanish trade.

Nova Scotia.

Colonel Vetch.

Mr. Douglas.

Mr. Boreland.

Copies of two of Colonel Vetch's letters to the ministry.

Thirteen other papers.

Colonel Vetch, Mr. Douglas, and Mr. Boreland attending [fo. 364], as directed yesterday, and being asked several questions in relation to Colonel Vetch's case, mention'd in yesterday's minutes, they answer'd in substance as follows, vizt.:
Colonel Vetch's case.
Mr. Douglas said that by every ship that came from New England during Colonel Vetch's stay in Nova Scotia, he received letters from him, with letters inclosed for the late Lord Treasurer and Secretary of State (whereof he kept copies), most of which letters he deliver'd with his own hand, and some by Mr. Lewis, under secretary to the Earl of Dartmouth; but that he did receive no answers to any of the said letters; that upon his speaking to Mr. Auditor Harley upon that subject, he told him the Lord Treasurer had received no such letters, though Mr. Douglas acquainted him he had deliver'd them himself, as aforesaid; that upon his receiving part of some of the bills drawn by Colonel Vetch at Mr. How's office, Mr. Merril shew'd him two of the said original letters, the one of the 8th August, 1712, to the then Lord Treasurer, the other of the 12th of the same month to the Lord Dartmouth, copies of which he now delivered in to their lordships, as also thirteen other papers containing copies of several other letters to the Lord Treasurer, Secretarys of State, Board of Ordnance, &c., and Colonel Vetch's journal of the expedition to Canada. Mr. Douglas added that at last he had found such difficulties in delivering of letters, that he got Colonel Nicholson to deliver one to the Lord Treasurer, who upon openning of it, and seeing Colonel Vetch's name, put it in his pocket without reading [it]; that he had been forced to leave some letters in the Treasury Office, finding none there that wou'd receive them; that after he had delivered to the Lord Treasurer one letter from Colonel Vetch, in which was his journal of the Canada expedition, he found that the Lord Treasurer would never hear of anything more from Colonel Vetch.

Mr. Douglas to give account of his applications for Colonel Vetch.

Then Mr. Douglas was desired to give their lordships an account in writing of the several times when he had apply'd for money in behalf of Colonel Vetch and the garrison at Annapolis, and of what sums he had received, and for what uses, which he promised to do accordingly.

Mr. Boreland's answers about Nova Scotia.

Lands for disbanded soldiers.

Cloathing sent with General Nicholson.

Mr. Boreland being then asked several questions in relation to Nova Scotia, the lands petition'd for by the disbanded soldiers, and to the cloathing sent over with Colonel Nicholson, he said, as to the cloaths, they were the worst that ever were seen in that country, being without lining, and made of what is call'd halfthicks, which might be fit for the West Indies, but not for their climate; that those which were not disposed of to the garrisons at New York, Annapolis and Placentia, were sold by publick sale in New England for eighteen shillings the coat and breeches, their money, which is about thirteen shillings sterling; that the garrison at Annapolis receiv'd no cloathing all the time they were there, till those Colonel Nicholson carry'd over, which was in November last was twelve months; that when Colonel Nicholson arrived in New England, and he, the said Boreland, acquainted him with the hardships the said garrison had suffer'd, and that it (as well as Nova Scotia) would have been lost, had he not furnish'd money for their support, Colonel Nicholson answer'd that it would have been better if it had been so; that in relation to the lands between Sagadehoc and St. Croix, several parcels of them had been patented out, and when he came away from New England, they were about settling the same; that the fishery on that coast is very inconsiderable, the best places not continuing above two months in a year; that the New England people never fish there, but on the coast of Nova Scotia, where they can fish all the year long.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Lowther.

Papers about his dispute with Mr. Skene, secretary of the island.

Mr. Lowther attending, presented to their lordships several papers under the seal of the island of Barbadoes, relating to the dispute between him and Mr. Skene [fo. 365], which their lordships agreed to take into consideration the first opportunity.

Trade.

Letter from Lord Townshend with extract of one from Lisbon.

Treaty of Commerce.

Portugal.

A letter from the Lord Viscount Townshend, dated the 20th of December last, referring to the Board the extract of a letter from his Majesty's minister at Lisbon, relating to a Treaty of Commerce with Portugal [fo. 220, 439], was read. Whereupon order'd that the several papers in this office relating to the trade between Great Britain and Portugal be look'd out, to be laid before the Board. Berkeley.

January 5. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Barbadoes.

Merchants about characters of persons to be of the Council.

Their lordships, taking into consideration the Lord Townshend's letter of the 9th of the last month [fo. 358], relating to the characters of Mr. John Colleton, Mr. Thomas Maycock and Mr. Guy Ball, recomended to be of the Council of Barbadoes, and Mr. Robert Heysham, Mr. Hodges, late Attorney General there, Colonel Cleland, Mr. Tryon, Mr. Salter, one of the Council of the island, and Mr. Robert Chester attending [fo. 359], as they had been desired the 29th of the last month, and being separately ask'd the characters of the aforesaid three gentlemen, their answers were as follows:—

Mr. Heysham. Mr. Colleton.
He has a very good estate, none there has a better interest, well qualify'd for a councillor. The suit depending against him no objection.
Mr. Maycock.
He has a good estate and has been Speaker of the Assembly.
Mr. Ball.
He has a very good estate and is fit to be of the Council.
Mr. Hodges. He has a good estate, and is a man of sense. The suit between him and Sir John Colleton here has been depending about 13 years. He has been Judge and Tresurer of the island. He does not know whether his accounts are past. If they are not, his being, of the Coucil may have an influence in the doing thereof. He has a good estate.
Colonel Cleland. Mr. Colleton.
He has a good estate, was educated at Oxford and is otherways well qualifyd.
Mr. Maycock.
He is a man of experience and estate. There were some complaints against him for his proceedings whilst Treasurer. But he thinks he has pass'd his accounts.
Mr. Ball.
Colonel Cleland had nothing to say to him.
Mr. Tryon. He has a good estate and good character. As to the suit depending against him it might have been determin'd if Sir John Colleton would have come to any agreement. He has a good estate. Mr. Tryon had nothing to say of him.
Mr. Salter. He has a good estate, has had good education, and is a worthy, ingenuous man. If the suit against him were an objection few of the Council wou'd be qualify'd to sit there. He has a good estate, and has made up his accounts. There were complaints against him. Mr. Salter is not acquainted with him, but has heard he has a good estate.
Mr. Chester. Gave the same character of Mr. Colleton as Mr. Salter did. He only knew him when here. There is a dispute depending between him and the Collector of the Customs at Barbadoes. He has a good estate.

Barbadoes.

Persons recomended by Mr. Salter and Chester.

Mr. Salter recomended to their lordships, Reyner Allen, Colonel Pierce, Abel Allen and Colonel Rouse, as persons fit to be of the Council, and Mr. Chester recomended the forementiond two Allens.

Mr. Mills of the Council in debt.

Then their lordships inquiring the character of Mr. Mills, one of the Council, Mr. Hodges said that he was in debt, and had always three or four suits depending; that if he had not been of the Council, he cou'd not have held out so long. Mr. Salter said that Mr. Mills was very much in debt, and had sat at the Council Board, when there were special writs out against him, and Mr. Chester said that he was his correspondent, and he thought him an honest man.

Mr. Tryon for Mr. Skene.

Mr. Lowther.

His petition about appointing his secretary.

Hearing appointed.

After these gentlemen were withdrawn, Mr. Tryon was called in again, and their lordships communicated to him Mr. Lowther's petition [fo. 365], mentioned in the minutes of the 3rd instant, relating to the appointing his own secretary and to the allowances for that imployment. And Mr. Lowther attending at the same time, they both agreed to be heard by Council, and their lordships appointed Wednesday next for that purpose [fo. 376], and desir'd both sides to confine themselves to the matters abovemention'd, and ordered that in case Mr. Tryon have not all the papers necessary for Mr. Skene's defence, he may have copies of such of those deliver'd by Mr. Lowther as he shall think necessary.

Trade.

Letter to Sir James Dolliffe.

Queries.

Spanish merchants.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Sir James Dolliffe, to acquaint him and the other Spanish merchants with the Board's adjournment to Fryday morning next [fo. 360, v. infra], at which time their lordships desire what they have to offer upon the queries sent them the 24th of the last month. Berkeley.

January 7. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Trade.

Letter from Sir James Dolliffe.

Spanish merchants’ answers to queries.

Letter to Sir James.

A letter from Sir James Dolliffe, of the 7th instant, signifying that the Spanish merchants have apply'd themselves with all possible endeavours to finish their answer to the queries relating to the Spanish trade [v. supra, 379], but that their doing it is necessarily retarded till Monday next, was read. Whereupon ordered that Sir James be acquainted with their lordships’ desire, that the merchants’ said answer be not deferr'd longer than that time.

Barbadoes.

Hearing between Lowther and Skene put off.

Mr. Weston, sollicitor for Mr. Tryon, in behalf of Mr. Skene, secretary of Barbadoes, attending, and praying that the hearing appointed for Wednesday next upon the petition of Mr. Lowther, Governor of that island, mention'd in the minutes of the 5th instant [fo. 374, 396], may be put off for some time longer, by reason they cannot be so soon prepar'd for the said hearing, their lordships were pleased to appoint the same for Tuesday, the 18th instant, and Mr. Lowther coming to the office, the secretary acquainted him therewith.

Jamaica.

Barbadoes.

Leeward Islands.

Letter to Mr. Pringle about bills for patents to the secretaries.

Nova Scotia.

Colonel Vetch's letters to the late ministry.

Ordered that a letter be writ to Mr. Pringle [fo. 392], to desire he will move the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Stanhope that this Board may have a sight of the bills for the patents to be granted to the secretaries of Jamaica, Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, and that leave be likewise desir'd for a clerk to compare the copy of letters from Colonel Vetch (which Mr. Douglas presented to the Board), with the originals in the Secretary's office, as also to know whether any and what orders were sent to Colonel Vetch in answer to the said letters.

Barbadoes.

Memorial.

Blackman recommended to be of the Council.

A memorial from Mr. Rowland Tryon and Mr. Nathaniel Carpenter, recommending Mr. John Lucie Blackman to be of the Council of Barbadoes, was read.

Trade.

Letters from Mr. Harris &c. about trade to the South Seas and Spanish West Indies.

Mr. Harris summond.

Two letters from Mr. Harris [fo. 378], the one dated the 27th of December last, with several papers about preventing a trade being carry'd on from France to the South Seas, and for preserving our trade to the Spanish West Indies; the other, without date, relating also to the British trade with the Spanish West Indies, licensed ships, the Assiento, &c., were read; and thereupon ordered that Mr. Harris be acquainted with the Board's desire of speaking with him on Monday morning next.

Nova Scotia.

Mr. Douglas.

Abstract of Colonel Vetch's bills of exchange.

Mr. James Douglas attending, presented to their lordships an abstract of the bills of exchange drawn by Colonel Vetch since the reduction of Annapolis Royal, to the order of, and endorsed by, him, which was read. Berkeley.

January 10. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Trade.

Mr. Harris.

Trade with the Spaniards in America.

Logwood.

Mr. Harris attending [fo. 377], upon occasion of his letters, mention'd in the last minutes, their lordships had some discourse with him thereupon, and among other things, he said that, besides the clandestine trade carry'd on from Jamaica to the Spanish coast, there was also a considerable share of that trade manag'd from Barbadoes and Curacoa and St. Thomas; that in relation to the logwood trade, the cutting of that wood is chiefly done by New England people, who are settled in Campeche to the number of 1,000 or 1,500 men, who move their habitations (lying mostly in hamocks) according as the wet or dry seasons are; that if there was a sloop of force to protect the said cutters of logwood, or the settlements they wou'd make on the islands of Triest, they were in no apprehensions of being dislodged by the Spaniards; for the men there were capable of defending themselves, if they were countenanced by authority from the King.

Sir James Dolliffe &c.

Spanish merchants.

Answers to queries.

Spanish duty of 10 per cent. explain'd.

Then Sir James Dolliffe, Sir William Chapman, Mr. Haynes [fo. 375] and several other Spanish merchants attending, they presented to their lordships their answers to the queries sent them the 24th of the last month, which were read, together with the said queries, and their lordships had a long conference with them upon each article, and particularly upon the 6th query, the merchants explained themselves as follows, vizt.: That the duty of 10 per cent., upon our exports of the product of Spain, was in reality of no great consequence to them, but if the same was exacted upon the products of the Spanish West Indies, particularly on cochineal and indico, it would be a very great grievance and burthen upon our trade, and that duty upon cochineal alone wou'd raise our scarlet cloths at least 3 per cent.

Duty on wooll.

In relation to the duty on wooll, they said it wou'd be no detriment to this kingdom if the same were continued high, provided all other nations, and particularly the French, paid the same as we, for that the French export chiefly the coarse and we the fine wooll.

Trade.

Patents to British consuls.

They further took notice that since his Majesty's accession to the throne the King of Spain had not confirm'd any of the patents to the British consuls there.

Instructions for Mr. Methuen.

After these gentlemen were withdrawn, their lordships agreed to proceed to-morrow morning on the instructions for Mr. Methuen. Berkeley.

January 11. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Leeward Islands.

Debentures.

Travers.

Mr. Samuel Travers attending, and the powers of attorney from James Smith and Elizabeth Lawrence, two of the sufferers by the French invasion at Nevis, being examin'd at the Board, Mr. Travers signed receipts for two debentures numbered 516 and 590, which their lordships were pleased to order the secretary to deliver to Mr. John Travers, who is equally impowerd by the two sufferers abovemention'd to receive the said debentures, when he shall likewise sign receipts for the same.

Mills.

Mr. Mills attending in behalf of several other sufferers at Nevis, and his powers of attorney being examin'd, the five debentures numberd 359, 474, 558, 576 and 580 were deliver'd to him.

Gideon.

Mr. Rowland Gideon attending, in behalf of several other sufferers at the said island of Nevis, and his powers of attorney being examin'd, the four debentures number'd 477, 514, 535, 541 were deliver'd to him.

Streater and Smith.

Mr. Streater and Mr. Smith attending in behalf of John Thornton and Thomas Smith, two of the sufferers of Nevis, and their powers of attorney being examin'd, the debenture number'd 391, in the name of the said Thornton and Smith, was deliver'd to him.

List of all the debentures made out.

Letter to Lords of the Treasury therewith.

Then a list of the debentures made out for the sufferers at Nevis and St. Christopher's, pursuant to the Acts of Parliament of the 9th and 10th years of her late Majesty's reign, being prepared and laid before the Board, a letter for inclosing the same to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury [fo. 360], according to their lordships’ desire signify'd by Mr. Lowndes's letter, mention'd in the minutes of the 30th of the last month, was sign'd.

Trade.

Spain.

Instructions for Mr. Methuen.

After which, their lordships took into consideration the draught of instructions to be prepar'd for Mr. Methuen [fo. 360, v. infra], appointed his Majesty's Ambassador to Spain, and went through the four first articles thereof. Berkeley.

January 12. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Trade.

Spain.

Instructions for Mr. Methuen.

Their lordships made a further progress in considering the draught of instructions to be given to Mr. Methuen [v. supra, fo. 384], appointed his Majesty's Ambassador to Spain. Berkeley.

January 13. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Trade.

Spain.

Mr. Haynes.

Priviledges by Treaty of Comerce of 1667 evaded by new laws.

Mr. Haynes attending, and being asked what he thought of the words in the last clause of the 4th article of the treaty of 1667 with Spain, vizt., saving to either side the laws and ordinances of their country, he said that every province and even every town had their by-laws, and particularly the town of Bilboa, whereby the privileges granted us by the said treaty of 1667 are avoided. For the Spaniards always insist upon the said saving, whenever we claim any of the said priviledges. He added that since the making of that treaty, the Spaniards in several of their towns have made new laws and ordinances, which they likewise insist upon by virtue of the foresaid clause.

Mr. Roe.

Memorial about grievances at Bilboa.

Priviledges stipulated at St. Ander.

Mr. Roe attending, presented to their lordships a memorial relating to the grievances the British merchants have suffer'd at Bilboa, and to the settlement of a factory at St. Ander. He further communicated to their lordships the copy of a treaty of priviledges executed in the year 1700 by the British merchants, and the magistrates and inhabitants of St. Ander, in order to the said merchants removing thither, which was also read.

Additional instructions for Mr. Methuen.

Then their lordships enterd into the consideration of some heads of additional instructions for Mr. Methuen [fo. 360, v. infra], and made a progress therein. Berkeley.

January 14. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Trade.

Spain.

Instructions for Mr. Methuen.

Obscrvations.

Additional instructions.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Their lordships went through the consideration of the draught of instructions for Mr. Methuen [v. supra, fo. 392], appointed his Majesty's Ambassador to the Court of Spain, and agreed several observations thereupon, as also several heads, which their lordships propose be given to Mr. Methuen as additional instructions, and order'd the same to be transcribed, with a letter for transmitting them to Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

New England.

Mr. Dummer and others summond.

Order'd that Mr. Jeremy Dummer [fo. 386], agent for the Massachusets Bay, be desired to attend the Board at ten of the clock on Monday morning next, and that he be acquainted that the Board will be glad if he bring with him any gentlemen of that province who may happen to be now in town, or others who are versed in the affairs of those parts. Berkeley.

January 17. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Hutcheson, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Barbadoes.

Memorial from Sir John Colleton against Mr. Colleton's being counsellor.

Mr. Tryon.

The Lord Berkeley communicated to the Board a memorial which he had received from Sir John Colleton [fo. 395], praying that Mr. John Colleton may not be of the Council of Barbadoes, which was read, and their lordships agreed to speak with Mr. Tryon thereupon to-morrow morning.

New Jersey.

New York.

Dr. Cox.

Memorial against Hunter.

Dr. Cox, with his son, Mr. Samuel Cox [fo. 401, 405], presented to their lordships a memorial containing reasons against renewing Colonel Hunter's commissions for New Jersey and New York, which their lordships agreed to take into consideration the first opportunity.

New England.

Nova Scotia.

Mr. Dummer.

Character of Colonel Vetch and Sir Charles Hobby.

Mr. Dummer attending [fo. 385, 387], as he had been desired, and being asked the character of Colonel Vetch and Sir Charles Hobby, he said that Colonel Vetch was a man of good sense, well affected to the Government, and a good soldier; that he had heard of no complaints against him, but what had been made by Colonel Nicholson, and he thought those complaints no way related to his character or courage. As to Sir Charles Hobby, he only said that he had lived some years in Jamaica, then went to New England, and afterwards had some misfortunes.

New Hampshire.

Mr. Dummer's memorial against an Act.

Mr. Dummer then presented to their lordships a memorial relating to an Act pass'd in New Hampshire [fo. 398], which their lordships agreed to take into consideration the first opportunity.

Nova Scotia.

New England.

Several merchants and others about Vetch and Hobby's characters.

Then Captain Joseph Willard, Mr. William Willard, Mr. Wainwright, Mr. Walley, Mr. Casewell, Mr. Smith, Mr. Newman and Mr. Cummings also attending, and being asked the same questions as Mr. Dummer, they said [fo. 386] that they had never heard of any complaints against Colonel Vetch, but those made by Colonel Nicholson; that Colonel Nicholson's proceedings against Mr. Vetch in New England were look'd upon to be very violent and arbitrary; for that before he had examin'd Colonel Vetch's accounts, he attach'd his estate, demanded 40,000l. security from him, and would have seized his person; that Colonel Vetch always had a very good character for integrity, sense, worth, honor and military abilities, and that no body knew North America better than he does. As for Sir Charles Hobby, they said they had heard nothing against him.

Nova Scotia.

Fishery.

Settlements and fortifications.

These gentlemen being then ask'd some questions in relation to Nova Scotia, they said that the fishery there wou'd be the best in all America, cou'd they but cure their fish on shore, which they cannot do for fear of the Indians, not having protection there; and, by being obliged to carry their fish to New England, one-half or one-third of it is spoil'd before it gets there. Mr. Cumings said that he has seen fifty sloops at a time fishing on that coast, and that unless we made some settlements with fortifications to protect that fishery, we shou'd always be in danger from the French at Cape Breton; that Nova Scotia is very proper for naval stores; that while it was in the hands of the French, they brought home yearly considerable numbers of masts.

Letter from Mr. Chamberlain.

Colonel Vetch.

A letter from Mr. John Chamberlain, giving a good character of Colonel Vetch, was read.

Reference from Mr. Stanhope.

Sir Charles Hobby's petition for the government against Vetch.

Sir Charles present.

Draught of Annapolis Royal.

A reference from Mr. Secretary Stanhope, of the 7th instant, upon the petition of Sir Charles Hobby [fo. 392, 404], praying for the government of Nova Scotia, was read; and Sir Charles attending, and being called in and ask'd several questions, he said that, if he had time given him, he cou'd prove several things against Colonel Vetch, particularly that he had used the French so ill that it had caused great disturbances in Nova Scotia; that he sent up once seventy men, unknown to him, the said Sir Charles Hobby, who was then Lieutenant Governor under Colonel Vetch, with orders to destroy the swine and poultry of the French, which so exasperated them that the said seventy men were all cut off except one; that he exacted trees from the French for repairing the fort for nothing, which was the reason the French wou'd never furnish him with them; that one Cleancourt came from Canada, and that he, the said Sir Charles Hobby, inform'd Colonel Vetch that the said Cleancourt was a spy from Canada, which Colonel Vetch so little regarded, that he sent goods along with him. Sir Charles then presented to the Board a draught of Annapolis Royal in Nova Scotia.

Colonel Vetch's defence.

Colonel Vetch then attending, and being ask'd some questions in relation to the above complaints made against him, he said that as to the forementiond Cleancourt, no body whatever told him he was a spy; that he came from his habitation on the river St. John in Nova Scotia, to see his relations at Annapolis, and that when he went away he did let him have a barrel of pork for his subsistence; that in relation to the trees, he never had one from the French but it was paid for. As to the 70 men, the reason of sending them out was that he had contracted with the French for trees, which they used to send him down the river in rafts, but that the Indians used to come and cut them to peices; that he expecting some trees, and fearing least the Indians should serve him so again, he sent the said 70 men to prevent it, but that they were intercepted by a party of French from Canada, and Indians, and were all but one either taken or cut off; that he never gave any orders for killing the swine or poultry of the French, but that indeed he had given orders, in case the French shou'd refuse to furnish trees for money, to fright them into complyance by threats, and that Sir Charles Hobby, as well as the other officers of the garrison, always saw the orders before they were sent.

Persons proving Colonel Vetch's assertions.

Then Captain Blackmore, Lieutenant Erskine, Mr. Jackson, commissary of the provisions, Mr. Davis, clerk of the works, and Mr. Gerdon, surgeon of the garrison at Annapolis, attending, and being likewise examined upon the foremention'd complaint of Sir Charles Hobby, they said the same as Colonel Vetch had done, and particularly Mr. Davis, that he, as clerk of the works, had paid the French for every tree they deliver'd; that Colonel Vetch was universally belovd by all the officers and soldiers of the garrison for his humanity and good treatment of them; that on the contrary, Sir Charles had the ill will of them all, for his ill-treatment of them, and they instanced in the following particular, vizt.: a ship arrived there with provisions and liquors at a time when they were in want, and in Colonel Vetch's absence; that Sir Charles thereupon would let none of the officers stir out of the garrison to purchase any of the said provisions till he had bought them all himself, which he afterwards sold to the garrison at his own price.

Captain Blackmore.

Draught of Nova Scotia.

Captain Blackmore then presented to their lordships a new draught of Nova Scotia.

Sir Charles Hobby summond.

Ordered that Sir Charles Hobby [fo. 388, 393] be desired to attend the Board to-morrow morning.

Letter from Mr. Pringle.

Vetch's papers.

Jamaica.

Barbadoes.

Leeward Islands.

Secretaries’ patents.

A letter from Mr. Pringle, of the 13th [fo. 376], in answer to one writ him the 7th instant, relating to several letters sent by Colonel Vetch to the late ministry relating to Nova Scotia, and about bills for the secretaries’ patents for Jamaica, Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, was read.

Trade.

Spain.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Instructions for Mr. Methuen.

A letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope, in answer to that from the Lord Viscount Townshend, of the 22nd of the last month [fo. 385], relating to instructions for Mr. Methuen, appointed his Majesty's Ambassador to Spain, was sign'd.

Nova Scotia.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Vetch.

Their lordships likewise agreed the draught of a letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope [fo. 363, 394], upon the petition and case of Colonel Vetch, and order'd it to be transcribed.
Berkeley.

January 18. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Docminique.

Nova Scotia.

Sir Charles Hobby against Colonel Vetch.

Letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope on Colonel Vetch's case and petition.

Sir Charles Hobby attending [fo. 392, 403], as directed yesterday, and being ask'd whether he had anything of moment to charge Colonel Vetch with, he said that he did not doubt, if he had time and council allow'd him, but he should be able to prove several things of consequence; and being then desired to name some particular facts, he said that Colonel Vetch had levy'd contributions on the French inhabitants, contrary to the articles of capitulation, and had sent a brigantine to Minas for that purpose, which had so provok'd the French that it gave occasion to them to take up arms. To which Colonel Vetch, who was present, made answer that it was true that he had once, when the garrison was in great want, sent a brigantine to Minas for provisions; that they sent accordingly, but that when they arriv'd they were so very bad and stinking, that the garrison cou'd not use them, so that they were sent back; and he observ'd that Minas was not within the capitulation, not being within the bailieu of the fort; and he challenged Sir Charles to mention one single instance, where he had demanded contributions of any persons under the foremention'd capitulation, and he referr'd himself to several persons waiting without to justify the truth of what he had said; but Sir Charles not contradicting what Colonel Vetch had alledg'd, their lordships did not think it necessary to call them in, and Sir Charles being askd by their lordships whether he had any proof of what he had advanced, he said that he had not; but he thought that he might find something in his papers, had he time allow'd him. And their lordships then pressing him to fix upon any particular matters of fact that were of weight, for proof whereof he shou'd have sufficient time allow'd him, and he only repeating what he had already said, their lordships did not think that there appear'd anything sufficient to stop their letter to Mr. Secretary Stanhope, agreed yesterday, upon Colonel Vetch's case and petition [fo. 392], and therefore the same was accordingly sign'd.

Trade.

Mr. Martin, Inspector General.

Exports and imports to and from Spain.

Dr. Davenant's account comunicated to him for observations.

Mr. Martin, Inspector General of his Majesty's Customs, attending [fo. 366], presented to the Board an account shewing the species and quantities of the principal goods exported and imported between the kingdoms of England and Spain in seventeen years and one quarter, from Michaelmas, 1696, to Christmas, 1713; and their lordships communicated to him an account (mentiond in the minutes of the 24th August, 1714), shewing the species and quantities of goods and merchandizes, and the amount of the value imported and exported between England and Spain in three distinct years in the time of the Ryswick Peace, from Christmas, 1698, to Christmas, 1701, with a state of the said three years’ trade, and a comparison shewing the excess thereof, for his observations thereupon.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Tryon about Mr. Colleton's being of the Council.

Mr. Rowland Tryon attending [fo. 385], the memorial from Sir John Colleton, mentiond in yesterday's minutes, against Mr. Colleton's being appointed of the Council of Barbadoes, was read to him, whereupon Mr. Tryon acquainted their lordships that he had instructions from Mr. Colleton to compose that matter with Sir John.

Barbadoes.

Mr. Lowther against Skene.

Hearing put off.

Mr. Lowther, his Majesty's Governor of Barbadoes, appearing on one side, and the aforesaid Mr. Tryon, in behalf of Mr. Skene, secretary of that island, on the other, with their council, in order to the hearing appointed for this day, upon Mr. Lowther's petition relating to the office of private secretary [fo. 376] &c., to the Governor, claim'd by the said Mr. Skene; but it being too late to enter upon the same at present, both parties were directed to agree upon a day that might be suitable to them for the said hearing, and to give their lordships notice thereof.

Newfoundland.

Mr. Haynes.

Copies of complaints against Taverner.

Mr. Haynes attending, and desiring to have copies of such papers of complaint as might be in this office against Captain Taverner, ordered that he have copies thereof accordingly.
Berkeley.

January 19. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cokburne, Mr. Cooke.

New England.

Nova Scotia.

Disbanded soldiers’ memorial.

Persons summond.

A memorial from Daniel Hall and other disbanded officers &c. [fo. 362], relating to the settlement they propose in North America, together with a list of persons, which they desire may be sumon'd before this Board, to give their lordships information relating to that affair, were read. Whereupon ordered that the said persons have accordingly notice that their lordships desire to speak with them on Tuesday, the 8th of February next [fo. 412].

Nova Scotia.

Letter from Mr. Merret.

Captain Blackmore.

Memorial.

Brigantine for Nova Scotia.

A letter from Mr. Solomon Merret to the secretary, dated this day, recommending Captain Blackmore to the favour of the Board, was read, as likewise a memorial from the said Blackmore, relating to the building and imploying a brigantine to survey the coast of Nova Scotia, and Captain Blackmore attending, was desired to put his proposal in writing for building the said brigantine, in order to their lordships’ consideration thereof.

Massachusets.

New Hampshire.

Letters from Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Commissions and instructions for Mr. Burges.

Two letters from Mr. Secretary Stanhope, both dated the 14th instant [fo. 414], signifying his Majesty's having appointed Elizeus Burges, esquire, to be Governor of the provinces of the Massachusets Bay and New Hampshire, and requiring the draught of commissions and instructions to be prepared for Mr. Burges for those governments, were read. Whereupon directions were given for preparing the said draughts accordingly.

New York.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Heathcote.

Naval stores.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Stanhope, of the 15th instant, referring to the Board several letters and proposals from Mr. Caleb Heathcote, of New York [fo. 333], relating to the production of naval stores there, was read, and directions given for looking out all the papers in this office relating to that matter. Berkeley.

January 26. Present:—Lord Berkeley of Stratton, Mr. Molesworth, Mr. Cooke.

Massachusets.

New Hampshire.

Mr. Dummer's memorial against Act of New Hampshire.

Letter to Colonel Dudley.

Their lordships, taking into consideration the memorial from Mr. Dummer, agent for the Massachusets Bay [fo. 386], presented to the Board the 17th instant, relating to an Act of New Hampshire, the same was read, and a letter to Colonel Dudley, Governor of that province &c., requiring him to transmit the Act therein mention'd, was drawn up, agreed and signed.

Newfoundland.

Letter from Mr. Secretary Stanhope.

Papers relating to the state of Newfoundland.

Merchants to bring what they have to offer in writing.

A letter from Mr. Secretary Stanhope, of the 24th instant, transmitting to the Board several papers relating to Newfoundland, and requiring their lordships to take into consideration the state of that country, and report what their lordships shall judge proper for his Majesty's service there, was read. Whereupon ordered that Mr. James Campbell, agent for Colonel Moody, Mr. Archibald Cumings, Mr. Solomon Merret and Mr. James Smith [fo. 448], be desired to bring their lordships in writing, on Tuesday next, what they may have to offer upon this matter.

Trade.

Spain.

Extracts of letters.

The extracts of several letters lately received from Spain, relating to our trade, as also that of the French there, having been communicated to the Board, were read.
Berkeley.