|
July 1.
Whitehall. |
745. Warrant to the Lord Chancellor. To apply the Great Seal
to a Commission, bearing this date, empowering Lieutenant-Colonel
William Stapleton, Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of
St. Christopher's, Nevis, Montserrat, and all other the Caribbee
Islands lying to Leeward, from Guadaloupe to Porto Rico, to
conclude with the French Governor in St. Christopher's a peace
and neutrality to be observed in the islands within Sir William
Stapleton's jurisdiction, and those belonging to the most Christian
King, though things should come to a rupture in Europe between
the two crowns. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. LI.,
p. 29.] |
July 1.
James City, Virginia. |
746. [William Sherwood] to [Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson].
Has given account of his severe usage since his last arrival,
occasioned by his preferring the country's grievances to the King's
Commissioners when here. Because of their good Governor's sickness His Majesty's commands are slighted and contemned by the
Green Spring faction, who still endeavour to continue their old
exactions and abuses. The bearer, Colonel Rowland Place, one of
the Council here, can give an ample account of matters. 1p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 103.] |
July 2.
|
747. Answers of William Stoughton and Peter Bulkeley to the
Inquiries delivered to them by order of the Lords of Trade
and Plantations. Information about the Government, courts of
judicature, trade and general condition of Massachusetts. The commodities of the country are furs, whale oil, masts, sent to England,
fish and slaves for Spain and other foreign ports, beef, pork, fish,
bread, flour, peas, horses, deal boards, timber, &c., for the other
plantations. The commodities yearly imported are English goods,
and other the commodities of Europe, as salt, oil, wines, fruits,
spice, iron, and from the other plantations sugar, cotton, wool, &c.
Materials for shipping such as masts are to be had and timber for
building, and tar. Estates of the planters are mean; of merchants
there are not above 12 or 14 whose estates reach to 5,000l., and not
half of these that come to 10,000l. The chief obstructions on
trade which they desire to have removed are (1) the paying duties
twice over when they export goods from the plantations, namely,
once in New England, and again in England; (2) being obliged, if
in Europe they take in any goods besides salt, to go to England
and pay duties on them there. There are no duties on goods
exported, but goods imported pay 1d. in the pound, except salt,
wool, fish, &c., which pay nothing. There are higher duties on
wine and spirits, reaching from 2s. 6d. a hogshead to 10s. a pipe;
each vessel that arrives has to pay a small duty towards the
maintenance of fortifications. In religion there is a full agreement
with the Articles of the Church of England, but the practice is
congregational: some few Presbyterians, some Anabaptists and
Quakers there are, but not in considerable number. Care is taken
by law for schools in every town, and select persons are appointed
to see that children and servants be taught to read, and to be
instructed in religion. There are 40 churches, each supplied with
one or more able ministers, and a sufficient number of scholars are
educated for the supply of all the colonies. Each town is enjoined
by law to raise a competent maintenance for their ministers, which
is done sometimes by a voluntary public contribution, sometimes by
a common tax. The poor of each town are provided for by each
town, there are no beggars or idle vagabonds. "Read. 2 July
1678." 6pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 104, and Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. LX., pp. 284–295.] |
| July 3. |
748. Petition of Richard Smith to the King. Has been for
many years lawfully seised of a small island in Narragansett Bay,
anciently called Chissawanock, now Hog Island, lying within the
New Plymouth jurisdiction. The Rhode Island Government,
consisting chiefly of Quakers and other sectaries, pretend this
island to be within their jurisdiction, and for that he will not
submit to their usurpation have committed many outrages on him,
despoiling him of his goods and chattels. Prays that letters be
sent to the Connecticut and New Plymouth Magistrates for
appointing a commission, one of each colony, for determining these
complaints, and that the Rhode Island Government be commanded
to submit to such determination. Underwritten, "Read 3 July
1678." 1p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 105.] |
| July 3. |
749. Order of the King in Council. Referring annexed
Petition to the Lords of Trade and Plantations for their report on
what they judge most fit to be done for redressing the inconveniences
complained of. Annexed, |
|
749. i. Petition of Richard Smith in behalf of himself, John
Winthrop, Esq., Josiah Winslow, William Harris, John
Viall, and others to the King. Are inhabitants of the
Narragansett country, where their ancestors settled
40 years since, in 13 Charles II., on the petition of John
Winthrop, John Mason, Samuel Willis, and others, the
said inhabitants were incorporated as the Governor and
Company of Connecticut, granting them the land in
New England, bounded on the East by Narragansett
Bay, with the adjoining Island; in 15 Charles II. John
Clark, on behalf of Benjamin Arnold, William Brenton,
and others, procured an incorporation grant by the name
of the Governor and Company of Rhode Island, and the
rest of the Colony of Providence Plantations, including
the lands formerly granted to Connecticut. The Petitioners, finding many inconveniences arising daily by
reason of a Government usurped by Rhode Island imposing
other laws and forms of government, seven years ago
sent by Richard Smith a petition from the principal
inhabitants of the Narrangansett country, praying relief
from the Rhode Island Government, but, the wars with
Holland intervening, were referred to a more convenient
time, so that they are without any settled Government.
Had sent in the late Indian war to Rhode Island for
protection, which was absolutely denied them, the
Governor being a Quaker and thinking it perhaps not
lawful either to give commission or take up arms, so that
their towns, goods, corn, and cattle was by the "salvage"
nations burnt and totally destroyed. Pray that letters
be sent to Rhode Island requiring them to forbear to
exercise authority over the Narragansett country, and
that the inhabitants of this country, with the Island, be
Qouaniquett, Hope, Patience, and Dutch Island, be
restored to the Connecticut jurisdiction. Endorsed, "Rec.
and read, 3rd of July 1678." Signed copy of same.
"Read 29 July 1678." Together, three papers. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLII., Nos. 106 I.] |
July 4.
Whitehall. |
750. Secretary Sir H. Coventry to Lieutenant-Colonel Stapleton,
Governor of the Leeward Islands. Has lately received his letters
of 18th April and 2nd May (see ante, Nos. 665, 697), and
acquainted His Majesty with their contents. He will receive a
commission under the Great Seal, with full power to treat and
conclude a peace, and he must look carefully that the French
powers be every way sufficient as his, to avoid cavils and the
danger of playing fast and loose. His Majesty approves his
proceedings, and he may rest secure of his Royal favour. To
continue his watchfulness and stand upon his guard. [Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 280.] |
| July 6. |
751. Deposition of Paul Williams. In reference to what Colonel
Edward Hill said concerning His Majesty's letter if any should
come in favour of Captain Bird, "who was a prisoner of Bacon's,
and carried about with him when Colonel Warner was plundered,
for which they have awarded a thousand pound for Bird to pay,
tho' after His Majesty's pardon." Certified copy by Governor
Jeffreys. Endorsed by Colonel Moryson, "Read 14 Dec. 1678."
Two copies. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., Nos. 107, 108.] |
| July. |
752. Petition of Sarah, widow of William Drummond, to
Governor Jeffreys and the Council of Virginia. Sets forth the
seizure of her estate by Sir William Berkeley, her petition to His
Majesty for relief, and the order thereon, and that she has
summoned Dame Frances Berkeley to this Honourable Court,
according to His Majesty's command. Prays to be restored to the
possession of her estate. Also, Account of goods carried to the
Green Spring, March 1677, amounting to 144l. 10s. Certified
copy by Hen. Hartwell, Cl. Con. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII.,
No. 109., and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 523–526.] |
| July. |
753. Petition of Sarah, widow of William Drummond, to
Governor Jeffreys and the Council of Virginia. Setting forth the
forcible entry of some twenty persons with swords and guns into
Petitioner's plantation, by order of Lady Frances Berkeley, and
the carrying away of certain Indian corn, and that Petitioner has
commenced her action against said Lady Berkeley in this Court,
Prays such damages as the Governor or an able jury shall award,
with costs. Certified copy by Hen. Hartwell, Cl. Con. 2 pp. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 110, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXXI.,
pp. 527–530.] |
July 8.
Virginia. |
754. Sarah Drummond to Colonel Francis Moryson. In justice
to what he has done for the lives, liberties, and estates of the
King's subjects in Virginia, gives him a narrative of her success here
in his business, and the bad reflections upon himself and Sir John
Berry concerning same; and how His Majesty's letter about her
business was received by the Council, the Governor being sick and
absent. 3 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 111, and Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. LXXXI., pp. 533–542.] |
July 9.
Whitehall. |
755. Order of the King in Council. That copy of the Memorial
of the Ambassador of the States General of the United Provinces,
concerning the ship Asia belonging to the Dutch West India
Company, seized by Captain Watson of Phænix, and carried to
Barbadoes, be sent to Governor Atkins for his answer why
said ship and goods were not restored according to the sentence
of the High Court of Admiralty. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI.,
p. 234.] |
| July 9. |
756. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Present: Sir
Jonathan Atkins, Governor, Henry Drax, Henry Walrond, Samuel
Farmer, John Sparkes, Samuel Newton, Thomas Wardall, John
Peers, Simon Lambert, John Stanfast, and John Witham. The
Members of the Assembly elected by virtue of the new writs
presented, viz.:—
St. Thomas, Lieutenant-Colonel James Carter and John Davis,
returned by Samuel Farmer.
St. Phillips, Richard Pocock and John Beeke, returned by John
Witham.
St. John's, Colonel Christopher Codrington and Colonel Thomas
Colleton, returned by Henry Walrond.
St. George's, Rowland Bulkley and Samuel Husband, returned
by Henry Drax.
Christchurch, Richard Seawell and Major Richard Williams,
returned by Samuel Newton.
St. James's, Edward Littleton and James Walwyn, returned by
John Stanfast.
St. Andrews, Captain John Gibbs and Captain John Merrick,
returned by John Sparkes.
St. Michael's, Colonel William Bate and Colonel Richard Guy,
returned by Colonel Bate.
St. Joseph's, Colonel William Sharpe and Edward Binney,
returned by Thomas Wardall.
St. Lucy's, John Maddock and Captain Thomas Dowden,
returned by Simon Lambert.
St. Peter's, Alexander Ruddock and Major John Steart, returned
by said Ruddock. |
|
The Assembly presented Colonel Christopher Codrington for their
Speaker, to whom his Excellency desired that the Excise Act
might be revived and continued. Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI.,
pp. 298, 299.] |
| July 9. |
757. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. Return of the names
according to election for the several parishes (see previous
Abstract). The Assembly being met at the house of Paul Gwynn
in St. Michael's Town, proceeded to elect a Speaker, and Colonel
Christopher Codrington was chosen, and presented to the Governor
and Council, John Higinbotham chosen Clerk, and John Forbes,
Marshal. The oath taken by the Clerk. |
| July 10. |
The House met at the Roebuck in St. Michael's Town. Orders
and Rules for governing the Assembly in their votes, debates, and
other proceedings for the honour of the House. An Act to
revise the Act of Excise passed. The oath administered to
John Forbes, Marshal. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 314–319.] |
July 10.
Virginia. |
758. Governor Herbert Jeffreys to Colonel Francis Moryson.
Wrote him a full account of all affairs last week by Captain
Jeffreys of the Golden Fortune, and now refers him to the bearer,
Colonel Place, an eye witness of many of the particulars. Desires
he will inform himself of what he long since prophesied, what a
sad and hard game Jeffreys had, and has still to play, besides the
misery of sickness he has undergone, and is not quite rid of. 1p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 112.] |
July 15.
Whitehall. |
759. The King to the Earl of Carlisle, Governor of Jamaica.
Expected by this time to have been able to have made a more
certain judgment of the event of things, but some new difficulties have since arisen which hinder us from seeing clearly which
way things may turn, or how they will settle. His Majesty has
thought fit to signify his pleasure that Lord Carlisle continue his
watchfulness and stand upon his guard as recommended when he
was here. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., p. 281.] |
July 15.
Whitehall. |
760. The King to Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor of Barbadoes.
To the same effect as the preceding. To continue his watchfulness and stand upon his guard as formerly. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XCV., p. 282.] |
July 19.
Port Royal. |
761. Minutes of Council of Jamaica. Present: Governor the
Earl of Carlisle, Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Morgan and eight
others. The oaths taken by the Governor and the Council. |
| July 20. |
Rowland Powell producing his deputation from Mr. Harris
took the oath of Secretary and Clerk of the Enrolments; William
Barber, deputy of Mr. Dereham, took the oath of Clerk of the
Patents and Registrar and Clerk of the Chancery. The Governor
acquainted the Council he had brought over divers laws engrossed
in parchment under the Great Seal of England. Here follow the
titles. Ordered that Writs be forthwith issued for an Assembly
to meet on 2nd September. [Col. Entry Bks., Vol. XXXV.,
pp. 660–662.] |
July 25.
St. John's (Antigua). |
762. Minutes of the Council of Antigua. Present: the whole
Council and Assembly. Ordered, that two of the Council and two
of the Assembly examine and return whether the Records be
sufficiently kept in order; That an Act be made for payment of
the powder and ball sent for, repairing churches, forts, and prisons,
a house to secure ammunition and the records, and for the charges
arising by the Treaty of Peace; That 250,000 lbs. of sugar of
tobacco be raised for the above charges, and that an exact account
be taken of all polls dutiable, both whites and blacks, and of the
number of acres taken up and returned by the chief officers of
every division; That a Committee of the Council and Assembly view
the records in the Register Office for information of all lands given
out, and make return before 10th September next; that Commissioners
be appointed out of the Council and Assembly to audit the Treasury
accounts for the past year, and call the collectors to account. 1p.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XXV., No. 55p. 762.] |
July 23.
St. Christopher's. |
763. Minutes of the Council of St. Christopher's. Letter lately
received by the Governor from Governor Stapleton to go forward
with the fort on Cleverley Hill. Debate concerning the 500l.
sterling given by His Majesty out of the Exchequer for the use of
said fort, but bills having come over for only 400l. to be paid in
commodities and pieces of eight at great rates, agreed that they
do not make use of any part of said money except they have the
whole; and for the gunpowder and medicaments received from
Nevis they are willing to pay in sugar on demand, Governor
Stapleton to be thus advised and requested to return said bills to
Captain William Freeman, or order Captain Crispe to receive them
in London. Ordered that Cleverley Hill fort go forward after the
bad time of the year is over; details of the work to be done; any
slave neglecting to work in his turn his master or mistress to pay
a fine of 500 lbs. of sugar. Ordered that 80 lbs. of sugar a day to
be allowed for the use of a cart with four able cattle and two
carters for carrying stores to said fort. Articles of Peace between
the English and French in St. Christopher's, consisting of eleven
articles signed by Abed. Matthew, Governor, John Estridge, John
Cooke, Roger Elrington, and Joseph Crispe. Also by Le Chevalier
de St. Laurens and five others, and by Bigott, interpreter.
Credentials of Governor Stapleton to Colonel Abednego Matthew,
Governor of St. Christopher's, to conclude a Treaty of Peace with
the Chevalier de St. Laurens. Nevis, 1678, April 23. Also similar
credentials from the Earl of Blenac, Governor of the French islands
in America, to the Chevalier de St. Laurens, to conclude a Treaty
of Peace. St. Christopher's, 1678, May 2. With the ratification
of said Articles, of Peace by Governor Stapleton and Governor the
Earl of Blenac. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXVIII., No. 69, pp. 21–26.] |
July 26.
Whitehall. |
764. Order of the Privy Council on Petition of Robert Morris,
Nicholas Prynn and John Consett for repayment of certain disbursements incurred in His Majesty's service and something of His
Royal Bounty, referring same to Lords of Trade and Plantations
for their Report. Annexed, |
|
764. i. Petition of Robert Morris Commander of the Young
Prince, Nicholas Prynn, Commander of the Richard and
Elizabeth, and John Consett, Commander of the Mary, to
the King and Privy Council. That they were commissioned by Governor Berkeley for reducing Virginia to
its due obedience to which they wholly applied themselves,
their ships, and their whole strength, and with submission,
conceive themselves to have been no small instruments in
suppressing that rebellion. Petitioners have hitherto
received no manner of reward or even payment of their
extraordinary expences. Prays for an order for their
unavoidable disbursements, and for His Majesty's Royal
Bounty in consideration of their services. The Journal
or Log of the Young Prince is abstracted in the previous
volume of this Calendar No. 1035. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLII., Nos. 113, 113 I.] |
July 28.
Whitehall. |
765. The King to Herbert Jeffreys, Lieutenant Governor, and the
Council of Virginia. John Bland has represented that he has
spent a large part of his estate in settling several plantations in
Virginia which were entrusted to two of his brothers, who having
died there he sent over his son Giles Bland as his agent, but he
suffered death there, and divers persons under several pretences
have possessed themselves of the slaves, cattle and other goods
belonging to said John Bland, who being under great weakness is
necessitated to send his wife to Virginia to recover his estate.
Recommends Bland's wife to him that he administer unto her
speedy and impartial justice.' [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CIX., p. 130.] |
| July 30. |
766. Reply of William Stoughton and Peter Bulkeley to the
complaint of Randall Holden and John Greene. The matters with
which the complaint began happened about 35 years ago; were not
of age to acquaint themselves with those proceedings and can give
no particular account; believe that the complainants may be traced
in the colonies where they have dwelt from place to place as the
authors and fomenters of trouble and disquiet; Samuel Gorton (the
chief among them while he lived) was first expelled from New
Plymouth, thence removing to Rhode Island was publicly whipped
for his seditious carriage and affronting of authority; thereupon he
and Randall Holden were made to quit that island, and went to
Providence then under no settled government, but what was by
combination, where though they could not obtain the consent of the
better part to be entertained as dwellers, yet for some time forcing
an abode on them they soon broke the peace of that place also,
which forced those of Providence to petition the help of Massachusetts. The original ground of difference between them and the
Massachusetts was not anything of religion, but of a more civil
nature, for these men leaving Providence went to a place adjacent
(now called Warwick), and by a pretended purchase from an
usurping Narragansett Sachem forced themselves into the possessions
of two other Sachems, the rightful lords, who having submitted
themselves before to the Massachusetts Government craved their
interposition. The Massachusetts endeavouring to issue the matter
with the complainants in a just way of procedure, were entertained
with the most opprobrious messages and affronts; the complainants
have little reason to entitle their sufferings to their not relinquishing
the sound doctrine and Christian principles taught them in their
minority by the Church of England, as will appear on perusal of
their letters sent to the Massachusetts and the writings of that
grand heresiarch, Samuel Gorton, full of most absurd opinions,
notorious heterodoxies and some things bordering on blasphemy, so
that his book was called in by a Committee of Parliament. The
proceedings of the Massachusetts against them were, by the consent
and advice of the other colonies who took themselves jointly and
equally concerned therein, for the security of the whole, inasmuch
as the Civil War in England prevented an appeal to the King for
a more regular decision. About 1644 the complainants came into
England and made their address, not to the King, but to the
Parliament and their Committee of Lords and Commons for Foreign
Plantations, nor did their loyalty in the least hinder them from
seeking and receiving a constitution of government from the powers
then in being, in which loyalty doubtless they still held when
afterwards, Randall Holden being on the Bench, one John Gold
was fined 3l. for driuking an health to his present Majesty, and
also when these men of Warwick did with the joy of bonfires
voluntarily proclaim Richard Cromwell Protector. Answer, as to
the withdrawing of the colonies' forces from their towns in the
Indian War, that the Rhode Island Government would never yield
any joint assistance against the common enemy nor even within
their own bounds, on the main, nor garrison their own towns of
Warwick and Providence, so that if on the necessary withdrawing
of the forces to pursue the routed enemy up into the wilderness
they suffered damage, the blame must be on their own Government.
As for their last complaint in the matter of William Harris, the
judgment given and the whole powers in pursuance of the King's
commands to the colonies was since the respondent came over, yet
they and all others knew that the two gentlemen deputed by
Massachusetts to be judges were of known moderation and indifferency, not at all concerned in the controversy, and such
doubtless the rest deputed from the other colonies will appear to
have been and not professed mortal enemies as is most slanderously
and unchristianly represented. Endorsed "Rec. 30 July 1678."
Signed. 3pp. [Col. Papers Vol. XLII., No. 114.] |
| July 30. |
767. Reply of Randall Holden and John Greene, Deputies for
Warwick, to the Answer of William Stoughton and Peter Bulkley,
Agents for the Massachusetts. Had lately presented to the King
an account of the many hardships put upon them and others of
Warwick by the Massachusetts Government, to invalidate the
sentence given against them by the Deputies of the Massachusetts
and to show the incompetency for any of that Government to be
judges in their concerns, they having been from their infancy the
professed enemies of Rhode Island and having by all means sought
its ruin. A copy of the complaint was ordered by the King to be
delivered to the Massachusetts agents to make answer thereto,
who only recriminated with false and slanderous accusations, which
they delivered for truth without alleging anything of their own
knowledge or offering testimony of any witness. Whereas they
represented the Petitioners along with Samuel Gorton as vagabonds
and fomenters of disquiet, it appeared, by their own confession,
that the Massachusetts along with the Plymouth and Connecticut
Governments were the prosecutors (sic) of the Petitioners and
other loyal persons who could not submit to their new-fangled
inventions and rigid discipline and only sought to enjoy the liberty
which the late King had granted them, with quiet possession of
their lands which they had improved without the bounds of the
Massachusetts grant. If the ground of controversy be granted to
be Massachusetts laying claim to their plantation under pretence of
two petty Sachems' submission (whom the Massachusetts supported
in their disloyalty to the Narragansett Sachems), they ought to
show by what authority they had passed the bounds of their
jurisdiction and acted barbarously in arming the Indians and in
joining with them to destory the Rhode Island people, as is set
forth in the Petitioners' printed book in 1644. Which proceedings
show the Massachusetts Government not to be competent judges of
their right or in the pretences of William Harris. Matter of wonder
that these agents complain against one Gorton as a grand
heresiarch, when none have been so great heretics and schismatics
as themselves, it being notoriously known that Samuel Maverick
(since one of His Majesty's New England Commissioners), Dr. Child,
John Smith, Foreless and others, inhabitants of Boston and other
towns in the colony, on petitioning the General Court for the
liberty of the Church of England in baptizing of their children,
were imprisoned and proceeded against, so that it was the common
report that they would lose their lives, but, after much hardship,
were released on the payment of a fine of 1001. apiece. As for
Gorton's book which, they say, was called in by a Committee of the
then Parliament in the rebellion, it can receive no blemish by
disallowance of that authority. And as the agents dispute loyalty
with the Petitioners, charging them with making their address in
1644 not to the King but to the Parliament, reply that the appeal
was made to the King from the Massachusetts Court, but denied by
them saying the King had his hands full at home, and on their
going to England owing to the unnatural war could not come near
the King, and being a poor yet loyal people, oppressed by potent
and ill neighbours and reduced to the greatest extremity for
livelihood, were necessitated to seek relief where only it could be
had, so far as to return home, leaving the matter of damage for a
fitter season. As testimony of their loyalty did by a treaty with
the Narragansett Sachems—the chief of all New England—bring
them to acknowledge the King and his successors as the supreme
lords of that country; took the Act of Submission with them to
England, but, not being able to see the King, published it in their
printed book in 1644, and afterwards in 1665 gave it to the King's
Commissioners. Challenge the Massachusetts agents to show if at
any time they had brought any of the Sachems to obedience to the
King; on the contrary they had forced them to submit to their
State without any relation to the King. Dare them to instance
one act of duty or loyalty towards the King or his father since the
establishment of the colony or one act of justice done by them
against one of their own members. The King had been publicly
proclaimed at Rhode Island, as soon as the Restoration was made
known to them, with demonstrations of duty, love and loyalty by
bonfires, feasting and rejoicing. The King's Commissioners in
1665 and the King's letter in 1666 commend their loyalty and
the contrary of the Massachusetts, copies of which letters are
annexed. As for the fining of John Gold by their colony for
drinking the King's health before his return and that the present
Complainant Randal Holden sat then on the bench, it is absolutely
denied as false and scandalous, nor have they ever heard of any
person that was fined in their colony for expressions of loyalty,
although the Massachusetts, by a formal law, made it highly
punishable to drink that health as any other. In answer to the
recriminations of the Massachusetts agents, give a few instances
of the deportment of the Massachusetts Government since the
Restoration. In 1662 the King appointing Captain Thomas
Breedon Governor of Nova Scotia and Acadie, with power to expel
the French there and to raise men in New England for that
purpose. Captain Breedon coming to Boston and showing the
commission was told by the Government that the King had no
authority over them to grant such a commission within their
jurisdiction; yet the same Government had readily obeyed the like
commission sent by that usurper Cromwell under the command of
one Sedgewick. The King's Commissioners in 1665 were not only
not permitted to act in their colony, but also in the Northern
Provinces without their patent, and the inhabitants forbidden to
obey the Commissioners, and the Commissioners themselves in a
scornful manner were trumpeted out of Boston. In 1666 several
eminent gentlemen, for petitioning the Court to obey the King's commands, were threatened with severe punishment and called factious
persons, and made incapable of any office in Government. As to
the charge that Rhode Island lent the other colonies no assistance
in the late Indian war, answer that Rhode Island and Providence
did at the request of the other colonies assist them with several
sloops well manned, when the war began in Plymouth colony, to
the utmost of their power and great damage of the enemy. But,
as for the war against the Narragansett Indians, who are the King's
subjects and have always been friendly to them, the other colonies
did not treat with Rhode Island and Providence as to the lawfulness
or necessity of that war, but proceeded, notwithstanding the King's
commands in his Letters Patent which forbade any of the Colonies
to attack the natives without the knowledge of the others. It will
appear on examination that the Massachusetts Government have
been the occasion of all those miseries that befell New England in
the late war by their barbarous usage of the poor Indians that
border on them or live within their jurisdiction, which caused them
to fly to arms to right themselves. Humbly submit that the loss
sustained by Rhode Island in that war ought to be made good by
Massachusetts, instead of the latter challenging and demanding the
King's Province and their lands as their right of conquest. As a
further proof of their loyalty beseech their Lordships to move the
King to erect a Supreme Court of Judicature over all the colonies
in New England to decide the long disputes about boundaries and
relieve the King's subjects from the oppressions of an insulting
and tyrannical Government. Pray for the renewal of the Royal
Letters of 10 April 1666; that no alteration be made as to the
bounds settled by the Commissioners in 1665 till all parties shall
have been heard; that Connecticut be ordered to restore the town
of Westerly which they had taken by force; that all sentences and
judgments given by the Massachusetts and others against the
inhabitants of Warwick be declared void, particularly the sentence
of banishment against the Petitioner, Randal Holden, done in 1643,
copy of which is annexed. Humbly beg to be suddenly dismissed
home with this mark of the King's favour, to return to their
desolate families, friends and plantations ruined and laid waste by
the late cruel war, and now raising themselves out of the ashes.
Signed "Randal Howlden" and "John Greene." 7 pp. Col.
Papers, Vol. XLII., No. 115. |
| July 30. |
768. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. On receipt
of the reference of 17th July on petition of Randall Holden and
John Green in behalf of the town of Warwick in New England,
complaining of the violence of the Massachusetts, and the unjust
proceedings of the Commissioners in awarding to William Harris,
of Patuxes, lands belonging to the Petitioners, and on His Majesty
having ordered the part referring to the Massachusetts to be
delivered to the agents to return answer thereto, the Committee
order a copy of the agents' answer to be delivered to the men of
Warwick (together with a copy of the petition of Richard Smith
and others referred by order of the same date concerning the
jurisdiction of the Narraganset't country) to reply to the objections.
Many of their Lordships do from these dissensions infer the great
necessity for some General Governor or Supreme Authority over
the colonies. Their Lordships, being moved at the desire of the
agents of Boston for leave to go home, and the debate of that
matter being entered into, Sir R. Southwell gives an account of his
report of the whole matter from the root, which, when ready, will
enable their Lordships to take final resolutions on the whole affair.
Minutes of 8th April and the points intimated to the agents so
long since argued over, which confirm many of their Lordships in
their opinions of the necessity of a General Governor. The agents,
being called in and demanded what answer they had received from
their principals in the points intimated to them on the 27th July
and 2nd August 1677, replied that the General Court though
just rising when their letters were received in October, yet enforced
the Navigation Act; that it had since met in May for the election
of officers, but there is no full account of what they did, the smallpox having then very much interrupted their meeting. They
further said that they always expected to know the full mind of
His Majesty in all points to be finally signified unto them by their
Lordships. Being asked if they had powers to sue for a new
charter, the old one by the report of the Attorney and SolicitorGeneral by many transgressions and forfeitures having become
void, and that standing so much in need of His Majesty's clemency
they ought to be very solicitous for pardon and privileges, they
answer that they had not hitherto been acquainted that their
charter was declared void, and though they had besides coining
money exercised jurisdiction on Mr. Gorge's country, they never
put anyone to death, and till the Judges determined otherwise,
thought they had liberty so to do. Their Lordships tell them they
do not declare their charter void, but only intimate to them the
condition they are in, that they might pray of His Majesty what
their cause required, as one of their Lordships said they had, upon
kissing His Majesty's hand, promised to submit to him in all things.
As to their desiring to go home or be justified in their stay, they
are told that if they prepare a petition to that effect to His Majesty
in Council, it will be intimated to them that their stay would be
convenient to them even for their own interest. Sir R. Southwell
ordered to make haste with his report, to state therein not only the
mismanagement but the management without powers, the whole
fact from the beginning, and to collect what their Lordships had at
any time proposed for the final regulation of the matter. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 261–264.] |
July 30.
Whitehall. |
769. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. William
Blathwayt presents an article of disbursement for books and maps
bought by him at Paris. Their Lordships seem well pleased with
the collection and order that a list be made of all books, maps and
papers belonging to the Committee, and that an authentic copy be
lodged in the Council chest. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol CV., p. 266.] |
July 31.
Port Royal. |
770. Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Coventry. Arrived
on 18th and came on shore next day. His Commission solemnly
published. Called a Council, only three away, who were sick, of
the 13, but the name of Ball, one of the African corn-factors
omitted, so purposes swearing him in next Council. Writs issued
for calling an Assembly on 2nd September. This harbour much
strengthened by two new batteries, the Rupert and the Carlisle, by
the diligence of Sir Henry Morgan since Lord Vaughan left. On
expectation of war with France many privateers under French
Commissions coming in; employing them will be a difficulty unless
the trade of logwood be adjusted with the Spaniard. Proposes
trying to recover the French guns. Has ordered the two frigates
to cruize at sea 14 days. Only two of the soldiers dead, thro'
excessive drinking of water; they are very necessary for suppressing the negroes who have been lately very outrageous. Has
acquainted the Council with most of his instructions, and shall
endeavour to remove all prejudices and misunderstandings. "Read
at the Committee 6 Feb. 1679." [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp.
251–254.] |
| July. |
771. Petition of A. B. to the King. Having pitched upon a
place to the leeward of Surinam and Essequibo, called Demerara,
fitting for a plantation and place of trade which Petitioner is
willing, at his own cost, to try if he can bring to perfection,
requests His Majesty will grant his patent for establishment of
same, or at least a provisional order to prosecute the affair with
assistance from the Governors of the Leeward or Caribbee Islands,
and privilege to transport to Barbadoes and other islands the trees
and canes cut down for clearing the ground, which are specially
wanted at Barbadoes for heading staves and hoops for casks.
Annexed, |
|
771. i. [Sir Robert Southwell] to Secretary Sir Joseph Williamson.
The Lords of Trade and Plantations have perused a
proposal of a stranger not unknown to him to erect a
plantation at Demerara, but not having opportunity to
discourse with him desire he will more fully explain
himself in some necessary points, which are particularised,
and put them in Williamson's hands. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XCVII., pp. 60–62.] |
