America and West Indies: January 1659

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1860.

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'America and West Indies: January 1659', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660, (London, 1860) pp. 472-474. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol1/pp472-474 [accessed 25 April 2024]

January 1659

[Jan. 20] 62. Equitable reasons presented by Robt. Knightley and others, merchants, to the Lord Protector for the Government of Barbadoes to pay to their factors, out of the estate of Capt. Strange, the amount justly due to them. Request an order may be dispatched for that purpose. Endorsed, "Ref [erred], 20 Jan. 1659."
[Jan. 25.] 63. Petition of merchants, planters, and others concerned in the good government of St. Christopher's, to the Council of State. That certain articles of complaint against the Governor, Col. Clement Everard, may be taken into speedy consideration, and orders given for their redress. Signed by "Ph. Payne and Peter Marett, &c., on behalf of themselves and others." Annexed,
63. I. Twelve articles of complaint against Col. Clement Everard. The Dutch have been allowed to engross the trade of the island, to the discouragement of the English. Michael Austin and other planters have been compelled to sell their lands to him at his own rate. John Price, a godly minister, has been unjustly turned out of his living, and notoriously debauched persons preferred to the chief places in the magistracy and ministry. He has been guilty of acts of violence and tyranny to Major John Watkins, one of the Council, and Capt. Theodore Loveraine, commander of the militia. An expedition against the Caribbee Indians, mutually agreed upon by the governors of Nevis, Antigua, and Montserrat, "was lost and ruined" through Governor Everard breaking his engagements. The military discipline of the island is neglected, and the forts are going to ruin. Duties contrary to law are extorted. The widow of the late Governor Col. Rowland Rigge has been imprisoned and her rights unjustly detained. The estate of Mapleton, a planter, has been detained from him in spite of the verdict of a jury in his favour. He allows 60l. a year to a solicitor in London to stop all complaints from the island.
63. II. Complaint of John Jeaffreson "one of the primitive [planters of St. Christopher's]" against Governor Everard for sequestring his estate under pretence of doing right to Roger Morton, and extorting unlawful taxes and duties.
63. III. Articles of grievances exhibited by Greg. Butler against Governor Everard, enumerating many of those abstracted above, and complaining that the Governor permitted Prince Rupert to enter St. Christopher's, and is indebted to the Lord Protector 600,000 weight of tobacco, &c. Endorsed, "The petition, the sentence, appeal, and articles, as they were delivered to the Council 25 Jan. 1659. Referred 9 June 1659." These last are wanting.
1659? 64. Minute of Articles proposed by Capt. Breedon on the part of Col. Thos. Temple, Lieut. Gen. of Nova Scotia, to Lord Fienes and others, the Company of Adventures, for settling a trade in those parts; the course first designed by the adventurers not being thought convenient. The Company to advance a stock of 10,000l. Col. Temple to be allowed 500l. per annum, with other privileges, which, with those to be enjoyed by the Company, are detailed. It is desired by the Company that a treaty may be forthwith concluded with the French Ambassador, for settlement of all pretences to Nova Scotia, or, if that be refused, that the English may have power to invade the French in their possessions in that country. The French remaining at Port Royal by treaty, to submit to the government of his Highness, or quit their farms, and be transported elsewhere.
1659? 65. Another copy of the preceding.
1659? 66. Petition of Capt. Thomas Breedon, merchant, of New England, to [Richard Cromwell, Lord Protector]. Was sent over by Col. Temple, Lieut. Gen. of Nova Scotia, in December last, to represent the condition of the colony, which is threatened by the French, and particularly by Mons. Laborne and his sons. The fort of Le Have has been invaded and plundered, and many English slain in retaking it, under Mr. Wolseley. Is credibly informed that Laborne and his adherents are making preparations to renew their former attempts, whereby the English interests in Nova Scotia are in great danger, and that hundreds of the French have attempted to mutiny against the English Government there. Prays that the French Ambassador in England may be treated with, for reparation of former injuries, or at least for securing the colony in future, or that the English may be at liberty to invade the French. And that it be provided that the French at Port Royal duly submit to the English Government or quit their farms.