|
Feb. 1.
Whitehall. |
31. Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson to Sir Andrew King. His
Majesty having been pleased at the desire of His Royal Highness
to allow of the Royal African Company's proceeding to treat with
the Dutch West India Company upon a late overture they have
made, sends declaration of His Majesty's pleasure in the form His
Royal Highness approved. Encloses, |
|
31. i. His Majesty's allowance to the Royal African Company to
treat with the Dutch West India Company for the restraining interlopers and for the mutual good of both
Companies in their trade, upon the overture made on the
part of the Dutch Company by their letter of the 22nd
January instant. Whitehall, 1677, 31 Jan. Together,
1¼ pp. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. XLIII.,
pp. 130, 131.] |
Feb. 2.
On board H.M.S. "Bristol," in James River, Virginia. |
32. Sir John Berry and Colonel Francis Moryson to Secretary
Sir Joseph Williamson. Arrived within the Capes of Virginia
after a tedious passage of ten weeks and a day, and delivered all
papers to Governor Berkeley who came aboard. The rebel Bacon
is dead, his accomplices dispersed, and about twenty of the ringleaders lately executed. The poor loyal party beginning to return
to their ruined homes. James City totally burnt to the ground by
Bacon, who with his own hand set fire to the church. The small
number of soldiers already arrived quite destitute of quarters; no
place fit to receive them, much less the number that are coming after,
whereat the Governor, who believed a frigate or two would have
been sufficient, and never desired soldiers, is much amused, and the
whole people startled, and many ready to desert their plantations,
which will force them to continue the soldiers, on board till Colonel
Jeffery and the rest arrive. In praise of the Governor's conduct.
Good foundations laid of a peace with the Indians. The Assembly
summoned to meet on the 20th instant. Are about to summon
the respective counties to bring in their grievances, but as yet can
find no appearance of any, save only the great salary paid to the
members of the Assembly. The Governor much concerned about
the distribution of the forfeited estates. Can see no cause to
apprehend a long stay. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 22; also
Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 27–33.] |
|
33. The oath that Nathaniel Bacon administered to the people
of Virginia. To oppose the King's forces until Bacon acquaints
His Majesty with the state of this country and has an answer.
That the actions of the Governor and Council are illegal and
destructive to the country, but his own according to law. That his
Commission is lawful and legally obtained. To divulge anything
spoken against Bacon, and to keep his secrets. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXIX., No. 23.] |
| Feb. 2. |
34. Sir John Berry and Colonel Francis Moryson to Sir John
Werden, Secretary to the Duke of York. Similar letter to preceding, with addition similar to extract of their letter to Mr. Watkins,
and postcript: That the Governor intends to try Bland, one of the
rebels in custody, by a jury, &c., after the manner of the laws in
England, those that have already been executed having been tried
and sentenced by a Council of War. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI.,
pp. 34, 35.] |
Feb. 2.
James River. |
35. Sir John Berry and Colonel Moryson to Mr. Watkins. To
let the Secretaries of State know that, in regard Bacon is dead,
the Governor conceived it altogether improper to publish the King's
printed Proclamations, but spoke of another, wherein he intends to
exempt about eight persons not yet taken, besides those already in
custody, who are the chief of the rebels. Also that they had
advised the Governor not to suspend publishing His Majesty's
pardon. Extract. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 24.] |
| Feb. 2. |
36. Sir John Berry to Sir John Werden. The Dartmouth
arrived yesterday, having lost company of the fleet of merchant
ships in bad weather. Has received His Majesty's Instructions by
Captain Temple, but hopes to be removed hence before the sickly
months of June, July, &c. Sir W. Berkely of opinion to keep the
Deptford ketch till the arrival of His Majesty's forces and the
meeting of the Assembly. Postscript.—The Governor has upon
second thoughts issued forth this day the King's printed Pro
clamation, and has excepted 18 persons whose names or crimes
the Commissioners do not yet know. Mem.—"This P.S. was
designed to the Duke's Secretary, Sir John Werden, but remanded."
[Col. Entry Bk., No. LXXXI., pp. 36–38.] |
Feb. 3.
On board H.M.S. "Bristol" (James River). |
37. Interlocutory heads of such matters in conference with Sir
William Berkeley, His Majesty's Governor of Virginia, as his
Majesty's Commissioners for the affairs of Virginia conceive
necessary for His Majesty's service. Comprised under ten separate
heads relating to the providing convenient quarters and diet for
His Majesty's soldiers, storehouses for ammunition and provisions,
the proclamation about Bacon administering the oaths of allegiance,
the calling a new assembly, the submission of the whole country of
Virginia, peace with the Indians, his answer to certain heads of
inquiry, and the great salary to the members of the Assembly. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 21–26.] |
| Feb. 3. |
38. Warrant from Sir William Berkeley to the Sheriff of—County. To call a county count and there to take a report of
the inhabitants of the county, what abuses and aggreivances have
been done to them at such time as he shall receive orders from His
Majesty's Commissioners. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 45,
46.] |
Feb. 3.
Port Royal. |
39. Minutes of the Council of Jamaica. Present, John Lord
Vaughan, Governor, Sir Henry Morgan, Colonel Thomas Freeman,
Colonel Thomas Ballard, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Byndlosse,
Colonel Charles Whitfield, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Long, Colonel
Thomas Fuller John White, Esq. The Governor desired to
represent to His Majesty and the Council of Trade that the island
would take off 3,000 negroes per annum. Fees to be established
in the Admiralty and elsewhere. The public account of the
Treasury for six months to September 1676. |
| Feb. 14. |
Writs to be issued for the next assembly to meet on 9th April.
Adjourned to 26th March. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXXV., pp. 544–550.] |
Feb. 5.
Jamaica. |
40. Relation of Captain Roger Marsh and Captain William
Jaques, Commanders of His Majesty's hired sloops the Primrose
and Cold Harbour given to Governor Lord Vaughan. Account
of their convoying the turtling and fishing belonging to this island
and of being attacked by a Spanish man-of-war of their flight and
chasing the Spaniard until they lost sight of the ship. 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 25.] |
| Feb. 6. |
41. Report [of the Lords of Trade and Plantations]. Having
prepared rules for passes to all ships trading to and from England
and settled the rules to Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, and Tangier,
advise that the rules be printed. Have forbore to frame any rules
for New England, as they do not conform themselves to the laws,
but take a liberty of trading where they think fit, so that until His
Majesty comes to a better understanding touching what degrees of
dependance that government will acknowledge to His Majesty, or
that His Majesty's officers may be there received and settled, to
administer what the laws require in respect of trade suitable to the
practices in other plantations. Their Lordships have not thought
fit to offer any rules for passes in that place, but conceive it fit for
His Majesty's service that some speedy care be taken to come to a
settlement and resolution in this matter which is of so great
importance to trade. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 26;
also Col. Entry Bks., Vol. LX., p. 179, and Vol. CIV., p. 291.] |
| Feb. 6. |
42. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Their Lordships
hear Counsel in behalf of Robert Clowes referred by Order in
Council of 31st January last (see ante No. 28 I). Petitioner's patent
is read and they agree to report to His Majesty that copy of this
complaint be sent to Lord Vaughan, with their opinion "that there
appears no reason why petitioner's deputy should not be admitted
or the man continue who is put in by his Lordship and not as
deputy to the patent," but if his Lordship hath any objection to the
party presented to signify the same. |
| Feb. 12. |
That part of Clowes' petition considered to recover arrears due to
him for fees and profits, and after debate agreed to offer to His
Majesty that during the time petitioner's deputy exercised his offices
he receive all fees, but from the death of said deputy their Lordships
think nothing can be reasonably claimed from the Governor's
nominee who filled the vacancy until the presentation of another by
the patentee. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIV., pp. 293, 294, and 300,
301.] |
Feb. 6.
H.M.S. "Bristol." James River. |
43. A declaration from His Majesty's Commissioners for the
affairs of Virginia to His Majesty's loving subjects of Virginia.
Setting forth the causes of His Majesty sending Commissioners to
Virginia and inviting and requiring every inhabitant of the Colony
without exception freely and impartially to state his grievance, and
more particularly what he conceives to have been the true grounds
and original occasion of these late troubles and disorders, which
they may do in duplicate, one for the member of assembly of the
particular county and for His Majesty's Commissioners. Signed by
Sir John Berry and Colonel Francis Moryson and addressed to the
High Sheriff of James City County. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI.,
pp. 39–44.] |
| Feb. 6. |
44. Warrant by His Majesty's Commissioners for Virginia to
the Sheriffs of the several counties to dispatch away the (preceding) Declaration herewith sent, viz.: James City, Charles City,
Henrico, Isle of Wight, Nancymond, Lower Norfolk, Kiquotan
alias Elizabeth City County, Warwick, York, New Kent, Gloucester, Middlesex, Rappahanock, Lancaster, Stafford, Westmorland,
Accomack, Northampton, and Northumberland. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXXI., p. 45.] |
| Feb. ? |
45. Sir John Berry and Colonel Francis Moryson to Colonel
John Custis. Have made choice of him to communicate with all
possible expedition the above Declaration by the hands of the
Sheriffs of Accomack and Northampton to the inhabitants of said
counties as directed, and to say that their personal attendance, by
reason of distance, will be dispensed with, and that, as to the great
salary and too frequent meetings of the Assembly, the Commissioners have His Majesty's express directions for redress thereof.
With postscript signed by Moryson to Honest Jack, assuring him
of his real friendship and that His Majesty shall know of his just
merits. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 47–49.] |
| Feb. ? |
46. Sir John Berry and Colonel Francis Moryson to Captain
Armsted, at Peancatanck in Gloster county. In case the grievances
of said county extend not to matters requiring personal proof, the
charge and trouble of attending His Majesty's Commissioners may
be spared. Also similar letter to Captain John Tiplady in York
county, who is desired to let a copy of this letter go from Sheriff
to Sheriff. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 50, 51.] |
Feb. 7.
Whitehall. |
47. Order of the King in Council. On the hearing of several
things alleged by Mason and Gorges, Petitioners on the one hand
and the Massachusetts agents on the other, coucerning their claims
to territories in New England, His Majesty referred the whole
matter to the Lords of Trade and Plantations to examine the
bounds to which each of the parties pretend, and the patents insisted on by either side, to find out how far the rights of soil and
government belong to any of them; the Lords Chief Justices of
the King's Bench and Common Pleas to give assistance. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 27, and Col. Entry Bk., No. 60,
p. 198.] |
Feb. 8/18.
Barbadoes. |
48. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. The French King has lately sent a very considerable
fleet under Mons. d'Estrees to these parts, who has taken all the
French soldiers of the islands on board his ships and a great
number of volunteers, seventeen sail. They alarmed us, and
"coasted us all night," but has reason to believe they are bound
for Tobago, where the Dutch fleet is, which has endured both want
and sickness. Has no reason to fear them. Wishes the Leeward
Isles were as secure. Mons. de Baas, the old French General, is
dead, and Mons. d'Estrees commands in America. 'Tis thought
they have some design upon Hispaniola or the Spanish fleet. 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 28; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI.,
pp. 149, 150.] |
Feb. 8.
On board the "Bristol," Newport, Newes. |
49. Sir John Berry and Colonel Francis Moryson to Governor
Sir William Berkeley. More soldiers come in and more hourly
expected. To hasten preparations for their landing, and for their
station and storehouses for the King's ammunition, provisions, &c.
Necassity of publishing the King's proclamation of grace and
pardon, that the people, who look very amazed at the Commissioners and the forces coming over, may have a right information
of the true end and occasion of it. And as no material grievance
has been yet so much as whispered against him, they advise him,
like faithful and well-meaning friends to him and good subjects to
His Majesty, not to give just occasion to merchants and traders to
complain that he obstructs trade by marking hogsheads with the
broad arrow as forfeited to the King, especially when the King
has granted full restitution of estate, &c., by express words in the
proclamation and pardon. As for disposing of delinquents' estates
in restitution to the loyal sufferers, they conceive that most fit to
be referred to His Majesty. Pray his answer in writing, as also
all future conference between them, because of his defect of hearing,
which not only denies privacy, but looks angerly by loud and
fierce speaking. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 55–60.] |
| Feb. 8 ? |
50. Colonel Francis Moryson to Governor Berkeley. Has just
come to Colonel Swann's, and begs his excuse for not waiting on
him. Is indisposed and about taking physic. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXXI., p. 61.] |
| [Feb. 8.] |
51. Account by John Rich, Commander of the Blackmore of
Dartmouth, Admiral of the Harbour of St. John's, Newfoundland,
of the number and names of ships, boats, and persons fishing in
said harbour of Newfoundland. Signed, John Rich. Endorsed,
"Rec. from Sir T. Lynch, 8 Feb. 1677." 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXIX., No. 29.] |
| Feb. 9. |
52. Governor Berkeley to Colonel Francis Moryson and Sir John
Berry. Is yet very ill. Has not marked one hogshead of tobacco,
nor does he intend to do so until he has the King's permission,
which he has written to Secretary Coventry to obtain for him. As
to providing magazines for the soldiers' victuals and ammunition,
hopes they do not think he can do impossibilities. The rebels left
him but one ox and he has borrowed six to bring wood and victuals
for 200 men now in his house. Has not left one grain of corn or
a cow to feed himself, or, God knows, five pounds in the world.
Glad that all their transactions be in writing, which he will send
to the Secretaries of State, beginning with these two letters of the
Commissioners and his own. The proclamation shall be sent out
to-morrow, with the exceptions which he has authority from the
King to make, and thinks them necessary for His Majesty's honour
and the future peace of the country, "least too much lenity should
incline the rabble to a new rebellion." If they send him word
it is lawful to press oxen or horses for His Majesty's service he will
immediately do it. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 62–64.] |
Feb. 9.
Jamaica. |
53. News letter. Lord Vaughan intends to send to St. Jago to
expostulate with that Governor on the wrongs and injuries our
fishermen have received by a Spanish vessel fitted at the Havanna.
The Marquis de Maintenon likely to do nothing, although he has
all the French on Hispaniola and all their vessels ready for a design.
The Governor of Tortugas lately made prize of two of our vessels
and forbids trade. He expects Count d'Estrees will be there speedily
with his fleet. Cannot hear of any Dutch men-of-war at Curaçao,
one of 40 guns cruising off Hispaniola. Two French vessels lately
well beaten by a Spanish hulk in the Gulf of Mexico with the loss
of 80 men, Captain Bennet killed in the engagement. Apprehends
the loss of San Domingo, for unless the Dutch assist it will be
impossible for the Spaniards to save it. 2½ pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXIX., No. 30.] |
Feb. 10.
Green Spring (Virginia). |
54. Proclamation by Governor Sir William Berkeley of full free
and absolute pardon and indemnity of life and estate to all persons
within the colony of Virginia, since the beginning of the late horrid
rebellion, wherein Nathaniel Bacon, junior, was the chief, except to
those particularly named herein, provided such persons do, within
20 days of the date hereof, take the oath of obedience made in the
third year of King James' reign. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX.,
No. 31; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 276–286.] |
| Feb. 10. |
55. Sir John Berry and Colonel Moryson to Mr. Watkins. Have
sent forth a declaration in His Majesty's name to the people of
Virginia (see ante No. 43), who have received it with abundant
satisfaction and hearty expressions of gratitude. But though Bacon
be dead, they could heartily have wished the King's proclamation
in print, and the other instruments of His Majesty's pardon had
been published, instead of the Governor's written one, contrary to
their advice. Of above 15,000 there are not above 500 untainted
persons in this rebellion, and but few eminent sufferers that they
can hear of. Complain of the Governor for seizing the estates of
pretended delinquents without any legal power. As no one can be
a delinquent before conviction so no one can be now convicted that
was not taken before His Majesty's acts of grace. It was against
their advice that any should be excepted out of the pardon, but
those excepted by the King himself. Sir William Berkeley's
contrariety to them, the patent and the proclamation seeming to
clash in one clause as to his power he has excepted about eight
persons without naming them, which they consider fatal as putting
the whole people of the country in dread of their lives. The
Governor should no longer act as in furore Belli, but let the laws
return into their own proper channel. The people who are sullen
and obstinate must be treated as befits their condition; the evil
effects that will follow if they are not so treated. The Governor,
on second thoughts, has this day issued the printed proclamations,
but has excepted 18 persons, whose names or crimes the writers
know not. Desire all their letters, &c., may be read before the
King and Council. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 32.] |
| [Feb. 10.] |
56. "An insolent letter from the Massachusetts [Government]
to His Majesty's Commissioners upon settlement of the Province of
Maine, with warrant to the Constable of Portsmouth to disturb
the same." Also the "Commissioners' answer to the Massachusetts
letter" of 12th July 1665. Signed by Robert Carr, George Cartwright, and Samuel Mavericke. Piscataway river, 1665, July 16th,
All these papers are calendared under their proper dated in a
previous volume of this Calendar. Endorsed: "Rec. from
Mr. Mason, 10 Feb. 1676–7." 6 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX.,
No. 33.] |
Feb. 11.
Swanns Point. |
57. Colonel Moryson to Governor Berkeley. Cannot conceive
anything in their joint letter can give him the least distaste if
rightly considered, since it is no more than a friendly advice, at his
own choice to reject or embrace as his reason shall direct him.
Beseeches him to lay aside all jealousies; is very confident they
have given him no cause for them, therefore cannot but wonder
at his asking whether he may press horses or oxen for His
Majesty's service as though he had power to act nothing because
they are here. They came to vindicate not to lessen his authority.
Assurances of their right meaning towards him, and the writer's
own particular friendship to his person. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol.
LXXXI., pp. 65–67.] |
Feb. 11.
From my bed expecting my fever. |
58. Governor Berkeley to Colonel Francis Moryson, His Majesty's
Commissioner for Virginia. Confesses he was troubled to be
admonished for that which was ever practised in all nations. He
knows that Colonel Jarrett (now Lord Jarrett) went to Lord
Northumberland's house and took away all his horses for the
King's service, yet that Lord, though manifestly against the King,
never bore arms nor was ever convicted. When Berkeley waited
on the King in the pursuit of Essex, the King gave orders to seize the
houses, goods, and cattle of many that had declared against him,
and Berkeley was by when Sir Richard Grenville took the house
of Lord Roberts and at least 2,000l. sterling out of it, yet that Lord
was so far from being convicted that at the King's coming into
England he was made Lord Privy Seal. Has seized no toll or
goods but in the height of the war, but hears that those who are
criminally obnoxious daily and hourly convey away their goods
and cattle. Shall ever seek and be most proud of his friendship.
His wife, who lay by him last night, sends her service, "God help
us, nothing but vocal kindness passed between us." Mem.—Colonel Jeffreys came up with Sir John Berry to Swann's Point
this day. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 68–70.] |
| Feb. 12. |
59. Governor Sir William Berkeley to Herbert Jeffreys, LieutenantGovernor of Virginia. His Majesty, having given the Governor leave
to throw himself at his feet to give an account of the condition of
the Colony, shall do so with all the haste the miserable condition
of his affairs will permit, and will gladly obey the King's commands
by leaving the Government during his absence in the LieutenantGovernor's hands. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 34.] |
| Feb. 12. |
60. Mem.—That the Commissioners went over to Green Spring
to Sir William Berkeley's house where they found the Council with
him and Colonel Jeffrey's commission &c. being read, it was put
by Sir William Berkeley to his Council whether he was immediately
to resign the Government to Colonel Jeffreys, or no ? whose result
(sic) was in the negative, and that he had this latitude by the word
conveniency to take his own convenient time of departure hence.
The Council maturely to consider whether the word conveniency
shall be meant in respect to His Majesty's service or Sir William
Berkeley's own private convenience. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI.,
p. 83.] |
| Feb. 12. |
61. The Council of Virginia to Herbert Jeffreys, LieutenantGovernor of Virginia. Have diligently read over "a commission
requiring Sir William Berkeley's return from Virginia, and appointing Herbert Jeffreys Lieutenant-Governor in his absence," and
they conceive that upon Governor Berkeley's absence from Virginia,
Jeffreys, as Lieutenant-Governor, is to execute all powers belonging
to the office of Governor; and they shall be most ready upon said
Governor's departure from Virginia to obey, assist, and advise him
according to His Majesty's command. Signed by Nathaniel Bacon,
Thomas Ballard, Joseph Bridger, and James Bray. With Mem.—That this was all the answer they would give in this affair, although
pressed to expound the word conveniency, upon which Berkeley
clung taking the latitude of that word to serve his own turn and
private interest and advantage. [Col. Entry Bk. Vol. LXXXI.,
pp. 84, 85.] |
| Feb. 13. |
62. His Majesty's Commissioners for Virginia to Governor
Berkeley. Complain of the seizure of peoples' goods by his own
servants which they will not believe to be by his knowledge or
connivance; and desire he will stop and redress such un warrantable
practices. If the same be by his own privity and directions that
he reflect with how ill a face a grievance of this nature will look
at home. This must be so necessary a caution and advice to him
as must needs deserve his serious consideration and reforming for
the future, and he must not take amiss their concernment in the
peoples' grievances which make them hereby acquaint him with
their contariety to such proceedings wherein they conceive he has
neither law, right, nor His Majesty's royal will to support him.
The bearer, Captain Tongue, can clear the particulars of their
information. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 78–80.] |
| Feb. 13. |
63. Governor Berkeley to His Majesty's Commissioners for
Virginia. Thanks for their admonition in so weighty an affair,
but truly it is beyond his knowledge. Those that have done it
when complained of shall be punished. Almost all his neighbours
had considerable shares of his goods and they have been willing to
spare some corn and hogs in lieu of what they stole. Added to
which he keeps at least thirty prisoners in his house and maintains
a guard of fifty to secure them, and this he has done this month
on the charity and benevolence of some charitable people. When
the Assembly removes these prisoners and their guard he doubts
not but he shall have credit enough to feed his own poor family.
They will highly oblige him by sending this answer to the
Secretaries of State. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 81, 82.] |
| Feb. 13. |
64. The Council of State of Virginia to His Majesty's Commissioners for Virginia. Return their opinions upon, with His Majesty's
commission to Colonel Jeffreys, and would have waited upon them
had not the weather unfortunately prevented that visit. Their
readiness to serve His Majesty's Commissioners in their joint or
several qualifications in which the bearer Colonel Bridger concurs.
Signed by Nathaniel Bacon, Thomas Ballard, and James Bray.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 86, 87.] |
| Feb. 14. |
65. Herbert Jeffreys to Governor Berkeley. Since he and the
Council have passed their "conjunct opinion" that Jeffreys' commission does not take place until after Berkeley's departure from
Virginia, desires speedily to know his express determination what
provision is to be made ready for the necessary reception of His
Majesty's forces under Jeffreys' command as to carts and storehouses for the ammunition, &c., belonging to the train of artillery.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 88, 89.] |
| Feb. 14. |
66. The Commissioners for Virginia to Secretary Coventry.
Refer to their last letters of the 3rd instant. The rest of the fleet
lately arrived, their interview with Governor Berkeley and the
Council at Green Spring. Their commission read; Sir W.
Berkeley left at large to interpret his own conveniency (the express
word of the Commission). His Majesty's Commission of Oyer
and Terminer to Berkeley (as then Governor) bearing date 16th
November, and subsequent to the Secretary of State's letter, has
caused the Council to decide that by virtue thereof he was
continued in, not recalled from the Government, which neither the
letters of State nor His Majesty's particular instructions, which are
quite thwarted by it, can yet possibly evince the contrary to them.
Send copies of the letters that have passed between the Governor
and themselves, and complain of the great difficulties by which
they have been surrounded in disposing of the soldiers, and that
very much still remains undone therein, by reason of the whole
country being so ruined and desolate a place, and not a house left
in all James Town to shelter them. The climate proves so severely
sharp and the ground is so covered with snow and ice that it is
almost impossible for men to subsist on shore. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXXI., pp. 90–94.] |
| Feb. 20. |
67. Twenty Acts passed at a Grand Assembly, begun at Green
Spring, the 20th day of February in the 20th (sic. should be 29th)
year of His Majesty's reign, viz.:— |
|
Of Indemnity and free pardon. Of Attainder. Inflicting pains,
penalties, and fines upon great offenders. Declaring all Acts and
Proceedings of Assembly held in June 1676 null and repealed.
For the relief of loyal persons who have suffered by the Rebellion.
Ascertaining the price of cockets. Limiting Masters' dealing with
their Servants. Limiting times of receipt and payment of public
tobaccos. Repealing Acts allowing free tythables to divers persons.
Regulating Ordinaries and the Prices of Liquors. Disposing
Amerciaments upon cast Actions. Concerning servants who were
out in Rebellion. For the laying of Parish levys. Repealing the
Act of encouragement for killing Wolves. Giving seven years to
seat Frontier Lands. Giving liberty of appeal to the Eastern shore
people. Regulating Burgesses' Expenses. For setting apart a day
of Humiliation and Thanksgiving. Of Naturalization for Garret
Johnson. For opening Courts of Judicature. 39 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXIX., No. 35; see also Col. Entry Bks., Vol. LXXXVIII.,
pp. 91–96, and Vols. LXXXIX., XC., and XCI.] |
| Feb. 20. |
68. Abstracts of the preceding twenty Acts passed at Green
Spring in Virginia, 20th February 1677. 7 pp. Two copies.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., Nos. 36, 37; also Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXX., pp. 156–164.] |
| Feb. 20. |
69. Minutes and Orders made by the Grand Assembly, begun at
Green Spring 20th February in the 29th year of the reign of King
Charles II. Certified copy by Robert Beverley, Clerk of Assembly.
16 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 38.] |
| Feb. 20. |
70. Reports made to the House of Burgesses from several
Committees read in the House and allowed and confirmed by the
House. Certified Copy by Robert Beverley. 11 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXIX., No. 39.] |
| Feb. 20. |
71. Detailed account of the orders of public charge and levy in
lbs. of tobacco made at a Grand Assembly begun at Green
Spring the 20th February 1676(7), being a list of the names
of all those who paid. Also a list of the names of those
who were ordered to be paid out of the public monies in
England. These lists comprise about 250 names, the last being
Lieutenant-Colonel John Washington and Major Isaac Allerton.
Also account of the charges of the forts of Mattapony, James
River, Appamatix, Rappahannock, Mahixon, Susquehannah, Surrey,
and Potomac. Total levy, 1,140,939 lbs. of tobacco, of which
2,900l. 13s. 10d. was ordered to be drawn in England in payment
for 301,648 lbs. of tobacco. 8 pp. Two copies. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XXXIX., Nos. 40, 41; also Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX.,
pp. 172–179.] |
| Feb. 20. |
72. Thomas Notley, Governor of Maryland, to Lord Baltimore.
That Virginia is wholly reduced to its allegiance, and most of the
grand rebels brought in and some of them executed. That the
frigates have arrived in Virginia with a fleet of merchant men. 1 p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 42.] |
| Feb. 20. |
73. Colonel Francis Moryson to Governor Berkeley. At the desire
of the bearer, Captain Swann, though his fellow Commissioners are
both absent, acquaints him that divers people who are enjoined by
the King's proclamation to take the oath and give security for
their future good behaviour are rendered incapable by their own
defection, of procuring any of the loyal party to stand bound for
them. Desires he will advise with the Assembly upon this, being
an important part of said proclamation. When a speaker is
chosen desires to be acquainted therewith, that the Assembly may
receive from His Majesty's Commissioners an account of the occasion
of the King's sending them over. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXXI., pp. 71, 72.] |
| Feb. 20. |
74. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. Being put to the vote
the four following Acts were passed, viz.:—For securing the
possession of negroes and slaves; to enable every tenant in tail to
bar the issue in tail and all remainders and reversions; appointing
the sale in open market of effects attached for the excise, the parish
dues, or servants' wages; appointing what freeholders shall be
capable to elect at the choosing of representatives. Order upon
petition of Richard Lintott, merchant, to be allowed the duty paid
on sixteen pipes of Madeira "turned eager" and altogether unsaleable. |
| Feb. 21. |
On petition of some of the freeholders an Act empowering the
freeholders of the parish of St. Peters, All Saints, to meet and choose
a vestry of said parish was passed as was also an Act appointing
what freeholders shall be capable to elect at the choosing of
representatives for this island. Ordered that the Treasurer bring
for the inspection of this House at their next meeting all accounts
of arrears of levies and excise. The four following Acts were passed,
viz,:—Appointing the sale in open market of effects attached for
the excise parish dues or servants; to enable every tenant in tail to
bar the issue in tail and all remainders and reversions; repeal of an
Act entitled an Act for encouragement of the manufacture of this
island; and for continuance of an Act entitled a supplemental Act
to a former Act for the better ordering and governing of negroes.
Ordered that a Bill be drawn by John Witham against their next
sitting for a levy upon lands and negroes, &c., to defray the
necessary charge of our fortifications. Adjourned to 15th March.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 241–244.] |
| Feb. 21. |
75. Order of the King in Council. Referring petition of the
merchants and traders to Newfoundland in fishing voyages to Lords
of Trade and Plantations to examine the complaint and report what
they conceive is yet further to be done, His Majesty being willing to
gratify petitioners in anything that may cause the late Letters
Patent touching the fishery of Newfoundland to be made effectual
to them. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 43.] |
| Feb. 21. |
76. Governor Berkeley to Colonel Moryson. Has received his
letter by Captain Swann and will do as he required him and consult
with the Assembly, and not only with them but with the only
Commissioners. Thanks God he is so perfectly recovered that he
hopes to go for England with the first ship. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXXI., p. 73.] |
| Feb. 22. |
77. Warrant to the Attorney or Solicitor General. To prepare a
Bill for the King's signature to pass the great seal containing a
grant to Charles Herbert of the office of Clerk of the Supreme
Court of St. Jago de la Vega, Jamaica, during life, after the death
or other termination of the interest of Robert Clowes, with power to
sign writs, enter decrees, and keep records, and with all the fees and
advantages belonging to said office. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CX.,
p. 109.] |
| Feb. 23. |
78. Colonel Francis Moryson to Governor Berkeley. Must needs
say he is a little troubled to find Berkeley use this expression "I
shall do as you require me," which is a language the Colonel never
uses to his equals much less to a person of the Governor's honourable
character. Thinks it must needs be a mistake in the reading not
in the writing of his own. Conceives he has the liberty without
his fellow Commissioners to write anything that imports his
Majesty's service by way of advice. The title of Right Honourable
in no capacity belongs to Moryson, but he desires to do His Majesty
service under his true title. When his fellow Commissioners return
from placing the King's stores, they will write to the Assembly of
the occasion of their coming. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI.,
pp. 74, 75.] |
| Feb. 23. |
79. Benjamin Rozer to Lord Baltimore. That the rebellion in
Virginia is totally suppressed and a new Assembly sitting. Sir
William Berkeley hath hanged several persons since his return but
hath executed none since the arrival of Sir John Berry. That
Jeffreys, one of the Commissioners for Virginia, was not then arrived.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIX., No. 42.] |
| Feb. 24. |
80. Governor Berkeley to Colonel Francis Moryson. Thinks all
His Majesty's Commissioners of so high a quality that he writes
and styles Colonel Jeffreys and Sir John Berry Right Honourable,
who have not yet taken it ill neither does Berkeley while he is the
King's Governor. For the word require truly he knows not whether
it were desire or not. The Burgesses are not yet half met, the
northern and those of Accomack being kept back by the weather
to the Governor's great charge. "Colonel Moryson, my friend,
I would fain have you think me yours." [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXXI., pp. 76, 77.] |
Feb. 27.
Swanns Point, James City. |
81. The Commissioners for Virginia to Thomas Watkins. Upon
second thoughts, desire he will deliver Secretary Coventry's letter,
whose Province Virginia is, in the first place and advise with him
how much of its contents may be communicated to the other
ministers. The Assembly have begun to sit, and the Commissioners
have prepared a letter to acquaint them with the cause and end of
their coming which they will send with answer by next conveyance.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 95, 96.] |
Feb. 27.
Swanns Point, in James River. |
82. The Commissioners for Virginia to the Governor, the Council,
and the Speaker of the House of Burgesses at Green Spring, to be
communicated to the whole Assembly. Congratulations on their
return to their late interrupted freedom and liberties from the
force, fury, and constraint of the late wicked and ruinous rebellion.
Prayers for divine assistance in their debates and consultations.
That they search into the depths and yet hidden root and source of
the late rebellious distemper, and devise wholesome laws to prevent
the like evil consequences for the future, and effectually to staunch
and heal the fresh and bleeding wounds among them. Notify the
King's Commission and Instructions, and the Commissioners' power
and readiness to assist and advise with the Assembly, and then
speedily to return home to His Majesty fraught with those burdens
wherewith they have been oppressed and have groaned under, who
out of his royal compassion has promised a fit and speedy redress
thereof. To join their utmost endeavours with their own to
procure a peace with the neighbour Indians. Tribute to Governor
Berkeley's equitable policy and prudence, first by his successful
conquest, next by his wise and just peace formerly made with the
Indians. Remarks on the base ingratitude or nameless prodigy of
infatuation and meer madness in those who would make a breach
with or strive to extirpate the amicable Indians. Exhortations to
gain and preserve a good and just peace and correspondence with
their neighbour Indians, least God "look on while, like men devoid
of reason, religion, loyalty or humanity, we were murdering,
burning, plundering and ruining one another without remorse or
consideration." Recommend the reducing the great salary of the
members of the Assembly to such moderate rates as may render
them less grievous and burthensome to the country; His Majesty
has shown himself signally concerned therein; their opinions as to
an immediate redress under five heads, viz., the calling a new
Assembly every two years; no member to receive any salary unless
personally sitting; no accounts for liquors drunk by members at
committees, chairmen of committees to draw up their own reports
themselves; (some clerks employed having 4,000 lbs. of tobacco for
scarce 20 lines); and the abatement of the excessive rates set by
ordinary keepers about James City at Assembly times; that Acts
may be speedily considered to reform the same; recommend the
"transmuting that odius name of Informer into that more genuine
one of calling such men Conservators of the Law." Other grievances
shall be transmitted home for His Majesty's redress; those between
party and party which relate only to private interests to be left to
the Assembly. Hearty wishes that the Assembly may unite in their
endeavours to resettle this distressed country, so that a timely stop
be put to His Majesty's resolve to send a far greater force over to
effect it and that the soldiers now here may be recalled home.
19 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 97–115.] |
| Feb. ? |
83. The Commissioners for Virginia to the Council and Assembly
of Virginia. As touching His Majesty's desire for peace with the
Indians; the sole power of peace and war are only inherent to His
Majesty's royal prerogative, and it is therefore to be understood
that that part of the letter is not before the Council and Assembly
to judge or determine whether it be fit or no, but to offer their best
judgments as to what means shall safely and honourably conduce
thereto, "and no further are you to concern yourselves in this
matter." As to the salaries of the Assembly members, His Majesty's
instructions are peremptory in that particular; they must be
reduced so as to be no grievance to the country. These two articles
to be recommended particularly to the Governor as appertaining
solely to his province. 4 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI.,
pp. 116–119.] |
