William III: October 1701 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1700-2. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1937.

'William III: October 1701', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: William III, 1700-2, (London, 1937) pp. 427-436. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/will-mary/1700-2/pp427-436 [accessed 20 April 2024]

October 1701



Oct. 1. Dieren.	Warrant for a congé d'élire to the dean and chapter of Hereford, recommending Humphrey Humphreys, D.D., bishop of Bangor, to be elected to the see of Hereford, void by the death of Dr. Gilbert Ironside. [S.P.44. 150. p. 210; S.O.8. 28: S.O.3. 20, f. 221, v.]
[Oct. 2.]	"Col. Handasyd's regiment embarked for the West Indies in April, 1701. Col. Livesay's regiment set sail from Kinsale on Oct. 2, 1701. This I am very well assured of, being then on board the Bristol and landed at Jamaica with the said regiment." [Unsigned.] [S.P.32. 12. f. 219.]
Oct. 3–14. Dieren.	Warrant for a privy seal for paying £50 p. ann. to a minister, and £30 p. ann. to a schoolmaster, in Pennsylvania. (Treas. Cal. XVI, 370.) [S.O.8. 28.]
	Royal warrant to the lord-lieutenant of Ireland, to return £1728 15s. to the Ordnance office in England for arms supplied. (Treas. Cal. XVI, 370.) [S.O.1. 14. p. 391.]
	The same, to pay to Sir John Jacob so much of £295 17s. 6d. as was stopped out of the off-reckonings of his regiment incurred between April 24 last and the day of their embarkation for Holland. (Treas. Cal. XVI, 370.) [S.O.1. 14. pp. 391–2.]
	The same for a patent granting a pension of £200 to col. Montandre, in lieu of an allowance of 6s. a day. [Ibid. p. 395.]
	The same, for a pension of £500 to brigadier Peter Belcastel for 21 years. [Ibid. p. 403.]
Oct. 7. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty. The Portugal envoy acquainted me that two subjects of Portugal, pressed to serve on H.M.S. Ranelagh, desire to return home. [S.P.44. 102. p. 238.]
	The same to Mr. Dansays at Rye. Mr. Macky has sent me a letter of yours of the 30th past. As to the persons who hired a French shallop to put them ashore in England, I would have you learn where they landed. [Ibid. pp. 238–9.]
Oct. 8.	A list of messengers' bills, signed by Secretary Vernon. [S.P.44. 348. pp. 306–8.]
Oct. 10. H.M.S. Bredah.	Vice-admiral Benbow to Secretary Vernon. (fn. 1) Having received orders from Sir Geo. Rooke, admiral and commander-in-chief of H.M. fleet, dated Aug. 31st, 1701, to proceed to the westward with H.M. ships in the margent, (fn. 2) as also a squadron belonging to the States General: in the prosecution of which the particulars are, viz.:
	Sept. 2nd. In the evening we parted with Sir George Rooke, S[c]illy per judgement then bearing N.N.W., distance 12 leagues, little wind at S.S.E.; this night the wind came to the S.W., and [Sept.] 3rd blew fresh. The 3rd the wind continued at S.W., blowing hard, several of our ships split their sails. We continued our course to the W.N.W. This wind continued (from the S.S.W. to the S.W. by W.) from the 3rd to the 9th blowing very hard, which very much shattered our ships (both Dutch and English), as splitting of sails, springing and loosing of masts.
	[Sept.] 4th. The Boyne parted with us the 4th, by reason of her defects; the Canterbury the 5th, the reason unknown. The 9th moderate weather, by judgement Cape Clere distance 15 leagues. The wind at N.W. we stood to the southward, making the best of our way, which course we continued till the 18th; then, being in the latitude of 37°, Cape St. Vincent bearing E., 105 leagues, had moderate weather, the wind for the most part easterly; but nothing of moment.
	From the 18th to the 28th made what way we could to the westward. Between the latitude of 37° and 36° ordered our ships to lie one within the other, so that we could discover 20 leagues. The 28th made the island of St. Mary's (one of the southermost of the Western Islands); then made the signal for the flag officers, and communicated my orders, desiring their opinion how to proceed to put them in execution; which was to cruise between lat. 36° 30' and 35° 30', not more than 20 leagues to the westward of St. Mary's, and not to the eastward till better advised; likewise to send a small frigate into the shore to gain intelligence (but with all possible caution). Accordingly I sent one of our frigates to St. Michael's, and the Dutch one of theirs to St. Mary's.
	Oct. 2nd. Ours returned the 2nd October, and gave us an account they were in great apprehension of war, and that they daily expected their Brazil fleet at Traçeras, but no other news.
	The 4th the Dutch frigate joined us, and brought news from St. Mary's that on Aug. 28 past (our style) by that island the Spanish flota, 32 sail in number, and a French rear-admiral in company, were seen by a small barque of that place. This day I sent for the flag officers to consider how to proceed. It was our opinion not to put any stress on that report: the wind being easterly agreed to stand as far to the westward as the Flowres and Corves, and cruise between lat. 37° and 35°; to sail all day and lie by at night. Accordingly the 5th, in the morning, we made sail and stood to the westward.
	From Sept. 28 to Oct. 5 we have cruised between lat. 36° 30' and 35° 30'; not to the eastward of St. Mary's nor above 20 leagues to the westward; during which time nothing of moment. From the 5th to the 10th we made our way to the westward, sailing by day and lying by the night.
	[Oct.] 10. Little wind, from E. to S. This day, our time of cruising being out and not having met with any encouragement for our continuing longer, our beer in the West India ships being out and obliged to put our men to allowance of water, it was the opinion of the flag officers that we separate; and accordingly gave orders to Sir Jno. Munden to make the best of his way to England with the ships in the margent under his command, (fn. 3) as also in company with the squadron of the States General commanded by the baron Wassenaer: and myself making the best of my way as directed. (fn. 4)
	The ships bound for England are very much streightened for beer and water. [Signed] Benbow. [Endorsed] R. 1 Nov. 1701. [S.P.42. 67. No. 5a.]
Oct. 13. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty: enclosing advices of French naval preparations.
	Paris, Oct. 10, N.S. 'Tis said that orders are sent to M. de Château Renaud at Lisbon to sail to the West Indies.
	Advices from Rochefort, Sept. 24, N.S., say that all the ships in that port have been lately viewed and an estimate made of the charge of refitting them. They design to get them ready by the end of this winter.
	Advices from Brest, Oct. 4, N.S., say that an engine has been invented to bring the largest ships on shore to be refitted, just as in the Bason. [S.P.44. 102. pp. 239–42.]
Oct. 15. Whitehall.	The same to Lord Cornbury. The lords justices enquire when you design to embark for New York, thinking you should be there as soon as possible. [Ibid. p. 242.]
Oct. 18. [Whitehall.]	Post-warrant for Courtney Southwell, to Chester. [S.P.44. 387. p. 197.]
Oct. 20. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty: enclosing advices of French naval preparations.
	Paris, Oct. 17, N.S. We are still positively assured that the Count de Château Renaud has orders to follow Benbow's fleet with his squadron and 12 Portuguese men-of-war.
	Advices from Rochefort, Oct. 11, say they were refitting all the ships. Timber is very scarce in those parts and they want great quantities. They bring some from Bayonne, and a commissary has been sent into the country to fell timber by force, where he can find it. The king pays 26 and 28 sous the cubic foot to the merchants.
	Advices from Dunkirk of the 15th say the galleys lie still there, and are likely to do so, for they cannot find a conveniency for them at Antwerp. [S.P.44. 102. pp. 243–5.]
Oct. 21. The Hague.	Warrant to the privy council of Scotland to issue a proclamation adjourning Parliament from Nov. 6 to Jan. 8 next. [S.P.57. 18. pp. 47–8.]
Oct. 21. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to Sir John Houblon. I waited on the lords justices in relation to the matter we were speaking of this morning, and they directed me to write to the envoy there that he should advise the English merchants residing in Portugal not to act but in common concert, for their own and the nation's interest, and that he should discourage underhand applications to that court for particular protections. I give you early notice, that you and others may take notice of it to your correspondents by this night's post. [S.P.44. 102. pp. 245–6.]
Oct. 21. Treasury Chambers.	Treasury warrant dormant to cause tallies of pro or assignment to be levied for Ashburnham Toll esq. (Treas. Cal. XVI, 375.) [S.P.32. 12. ff. 220–221.]
Oct. 22. Westminster.	The lords justices of England to the dean and chapter of Hereford, recommending the election of Humphrey Humphreys, D.D., bishop of Bangor, to the bishopric of Hereford, void by the death of Dr. Gilbert Ironside. [S.O.1. 14. p. 393.]
Oct. 23. Whitehall.	By the lords justices of England: instructions for John Benbow, vice-admiral of the blue and commander-in-chief of H.M. ships in the West Indies.
	H.M., since the instructions given you by Sir George Rooke, admiral and commander-in-chief of H.M. fleet, in relation to the Spanish flota, having received further information that the French and Spanish kings have sent orders to all their governors and sea commanders in the West Indies, not to suffer the English and Dutch to have any trade or commerce in those parts, but to attack and seize their ships and treat them as enemies:
	H.M., upon so just a provocation, has thought fit to direct you not only to be upon your guard and to take the best care you can to protect the trade of H.M. subjects, and defend H.M. colonies and plantations in America, but you are likewise to improve the opportunity of the strength you have with you, by laying hold on all occasions of gaining advantage against the French and Spaniards, and attacking and seizing their ships, as well as annoying them at land and treating them as enemies in retaliation. And you are particularly to look out for the Spanish flota, or any part of them, if still in the West Indies, as likewise for the French squadron commanded by Monsr. Coetlogon, who we are informed have taken the plate on board, and if you can meet with them or any other French men-of-war, you shall use your utmost en- deavours to seize or destroy them. And, when you think any attempt at land advisable, you are to concert the same with the governors of Jamaica, Barbados, and the Leeward islands (to whom we have sent instructions to the same effect), or any of them, according to the place where such an attempt is to be made.
	You are not to impart these instructions to any other person till you find it necessary. [S.P.44. 206. pp. 9–10.]
Oct. 23. Whitehall.	Similar instructions for William Selwyn, governor of Jamaica and the territories depending thereon in America: reciting the instructions of the same date to vice-admiral Benbow: "we direct you in like manner not only to take all possible care for the defence of H.M. island under your government against any surprise or insult of the French and Spaniards, but likewise to make use of all opportunities to attack and annoy them, and treat them as enemies; and you are to give all the assistance you can to vice-admiral Benbow." [Ibid. pp. 10–12.]
	The like instructions for Ralph, Lord Grey, governor of Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominico, St. Vincent and the rest of H.M. Caribbee islands [in America] lying to windward of Guardaloupe. [Ibid. p. 12.]
	The like instructions for Christopher Codrington, governor of Nevis, St. Christophers, Montserrat, Antegoa, and the rest of H.M. Caribbee islands in America lying to leeward from Guardaloupe to the island of St. John de Porto Rico. [Ibid.]
Oct. 25. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to the Admiralty: enclosing advices of French naval preparations.
	Paris, Oct. 28, N.S. The last advices from Cadiz say that the difference between Don Pedro Navaretta, admiral of Spain, and the count d'Estrées was at last adjusted. The count is to command as captain-general; Don Pedro is to carry the flag of viceadmiral. There are only 2 Spanish men-of-war in the new scheme of the line of battle, subjoined. The Prompt is in the middle of them, as being matelot or assistant to the vice-admiral.
	"The order of battle of the confederate fleet of the two Crowns," [being a list of 25 men-of-war, with the names of commanders]. [S.P.44. 102. pp. 246–9.]
Oct. 27. Whitehall.	Caveat that no dispensation or licence pass to Sam. Hill for holding the mastership of the free school of Bruton, co. Somerset, without notice to Christ. Dighton of Elm Court, Middle Temple, gent. [S.P.44. 74. p. 12: S.P.44. 75. p. 8.]
Oct. 28. Whitehall.	Ja. Vernon to col. Colyer. I writ to you some time since in behalf of Mr. Le Cloche of that island, who had made a complaint to H.M. in Council. Upon the hearing the lords of the committee were of opinion I should write to you to take no notice of what had passed, which I have no doubt you were willing to comply with: therefore I was surprised to receive a letter this day from Mr. Le Cloche, dated Southampton, the 24th inst., telling me that he had advice sent him from Jersey that you threatened his life when he should arrive. Being well satisfied of your prudence I can't give much credit to these reports. If any are fomenting his fears or your resentments they are much to be blamed, and I leave it to you to give him assurances that he may live quietly. [S.P.44. 102. p. 250.]
Oct. 30. Whitehall.	Sir C. Hedges to the postmaster-general. Having to despatch one of H.M. messengers tonight towards Holland to the earl of Marlborough, I desire you will order the director of the packet boats at Harwich to assist him. [S.P.44. 101. p. 179.]
Oct. 31. Whitehall.	Allowance of the bill of extraordinaries of Alex. Stanhope, envoy extraordinary to the States General, Sept. 27, 1700, to Sept. 27, 1701, [including] postage of letters from and to our ministers in the North, Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, £375: printed and written intelligence, £115: to poor soldiers, to whom I gave passes to England, £10: mourning for the king of Spain, £120. [S.P.44. 350. p. 189.]
Oct. 31–Nov. 3. H.M.S. Tilbury off Cadiz.	Capt. G. Delavale [to Secretary Vernon]. I arrived in Tangier Road on Sept. 30, twelve days after my departure from Plymouth. I sent an express to the Alcaid; in which I told him my orders were to deliver nothing but in exchange, as the captives came off to me. But, lest he should be pressed in the camp for want of those things he had so long expected, I had ventured to send him 200 barrels of gunpowder and 1000 gunlocks. Indeed the ship was so full of powder that we were in continual fear of her blowing up, for the people durst make no fire to dress their meat during the voyage.
	I told him we had reason to apprehend a war, and I could not say it was not actually begun in some part of the world, and that he could not show a better disposition to his Majesty's interest than by procuring the arrival of the captives as soon as possible: and that it seemed to me convenient to 'imbarg' all the vessels in his government, that there might be no notice of my arrival in Cadiz: and that I should go to sea and cruise off Cape Spartel (3 leagues west of Tangier), standing into the land every two days. If any French came into Tangier, to expect my return he should light two fires on the Cape: if the captives were arrived and no ship appeared, one: if the captives were arrived and ships also in the Bay, three: in that case he should march the captives to Lazulh [? Arzila], where I'd endeavour to take them off: and he should know my ship by my hoisting a Jack.
	After this despatch was gone I had notice that a French sitea, (fn. 5) foreseeing an imbargo, had sailed from Tetuan Bay, and passed by me in the night for Cadiz, which hastened my going to sea on Oct. 8. On [Oct.] 12 I sent my boat ashore, and received a letter which informed me a French vessel came to Tangier, the day after I sailed, upon a frivolous pretence: the Alcaid had used means to get the master into his possession, but could not.
	On [Oct.] 14 I had notice of the arrival of the captives, which was but 11 days from the departure of the Alcaid's messenger to Mequines, above 60 leagues distance, with assurances that the emperor had despatched a messenger to all the distant parts of his country where there were any English captives. This I thought a very good omen, so made the best of my way to Tangier. The Alcaid came thither in two or three days in great state, having with him 4000 foot and 100 horse. The next day according to his desire I went ashore to him.
	He assured me he had the emperor's command not only to deliver his Majesty's subjects but to do all things besides that might be obliging, and that he had very pressing inclinations of his own to serve his Majesty. But he said he had no orders to deliver the French or Spaniards, that were their mortal enemies.
	I told him, if he meant the French protestants, he knew I had made an agreement for their redemption on the same conditions with the English, and his Majesty commanded me to prefer them next to the English; and that I could wish to leave off calling them French, after his Majesty had given them his protection and they had renounced their country. That the Spaniards were but 6 or 7, and stood on another pretention, which was that of being taken under his Majesty's colours; in which case it had been always usual with his Majesty to offer them (or the subjects of any nation) the benefit of a general redemption. That being done I had no orders to press him on that head. The next day without any notice to me he sent them back in chains, and they are probably all cut to pieces. He replied he was assured the emperor would grant whatever I could ask when I came to him; that they could not tell which were of our religion, so that must be referred to my going to Mequines.
	But the true reason of their being left (which I find he's not apprised of) is some notice the English had that the redemption would fall short, upon which they took a resolution to leave them out of a list that was demanded of them, whereas they ought to have given the list I left with them.
	I proposed (since it had so happened that the French were not arrived) we should proceed to make the exchange for the English. And, indeed things had so good appearance at that time that I thought it better to make no mention of the agreement; to receive the captives first, but rather to put the business on a foot of generosity. So I sent as many goods ashore as completed (with what I sent at my arrival) the redemption of 140, including the 20 that came by H.M.S. Mary, galley. The third day after my being ashore he sent off 110 English. The next day, and day after, I continued sending something, that my boats might not come empty, till he was 30 captives in my debt. I then sent to know what he resolved to do.
	He said he wanted a proportion of the present and in that respect we were but equal, and that I had only given paper security for the Moorish captives I was to deliver, and we had many tedious expostulations. I said the present was no part of the redemption; that it would certainly follow it, but was never designed to purchase it.
	After this he sent 10 captives more: but I told him plainly he had broke the confidence that was between us, and now I resolved to follow the letter of the agreement. This made him angry, and I received some little slights; and judging he thought to make advantage of my being ashore I took my opportunity to go on board on the 25th.
	He sent the chief of the two gentlemen that were in England on board to me and several other people, and complained of this unkindness in leaving him in such a manner, but in the main desired we might be friends; and that he would confess the truth, that he durst send no more till I had procured some Moors, though it were but 4 or 5: and in order to it begged I'd send the small ship to Cadiz, and then he would deliver all the English.
	This was altogether impracticable, for she had still near 500 barrels of gunpowder in her. To go myself was to leave the ship I was ordered to protect; neither durst I go into Cadiz for fear his Majesty might be affronted by the French, by some insult on his ship.
	The small vessel could not pretend to ride in the Bay of Bulls, and time is the very life of this business. So the best I was able to judge of this hard case was to leave the small ship with such orders as I thought most for his security, and go with my ship to the Bay of Bulls. Accordingly I anchored here on the 27th in a very great storm. H.M.S. Adventure was then before me, and soon after came in the Deptford, Dragon and Assistance, men-ofwar. We were all very glad to meet, for I shall be able to man the three former very well out of the captives; and, so far as their orders will permit, they design to countenance me in the business of the redemption. I have some hopes of procuring the Moors slaves, though there are very few in these parts, and then hope shall be able to give a good account of the English captives.
	I perceive the French protestants are to be kept as a bait to draw me to Mequines, and I am forced to keep the Alcaid in the opinion of my going, to gain my point for the English, which are about 70 behind: but I am afraid it will ill consist with his Majesty's service, and I am sure not at all with my mean circumstances.
	The French in Cadiz seem to be upon sailing, which occasioned our standing to sea last night.
	I had signed a truce for a year with the Alcaid, but he did not deliver the counterpart in the hurry of my coming away. I am informed they have no ships at sea.
	On the 29th an English merchantship passed by us into the bay of Cadiz, that has on board 300 barrels of gunpowder to be delivered me at Tangier as part of the redemption. He is consigned to a merchant at Cadiz, who's frighted to death that this will furnish a pretence to seize him and his effects, for which reason there is no possibility of taking it out of him. How this will happen I cannot judge, but I fear not very well for either party.
	I fear you will think this a very long letter, but I know not how to make it shorter.
	[P.S.] Bay of Bulls the 3rd [Nov.]. This is my second return to the Bay of Bulls. Being drove to sea I had no opportunity of sending what is above. I have got 3 Moorish slaves on board and 8 more are bought: but I am afraid the Spaniards, having notice of them, will stop them; which may be a great inconvenience. If they come on board I shall sail to Tangier tomorrow. [Endorsed] R. 27 Nov. [S.P.42. 67. No. 6.]
Oct.	Note for the dividend. [S.P.32. 12. f. 222.]