|
| April 1. |
951. The King to the Council of Virginia. His Majesty has
received the ill-news of the death of Herbert Jeffreys, Governor of
Virginia, and has understood by their letter to Secretary Coventry
that they have received Sir Henry Chicheley as Deputy Governor
according to the King's Commission under privy seal heretofore
given to him. Well approves of this act of obedience. Is resolved
to send Thomas Lord Culpeper, Governor, by the first ships, and
His Majesty requires that all further suits relating to the late
rebellion be superseded until his arrival. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol.
LXXX., p. 304.] |
April 2.
Whitehall. |
952. The King to Sir Henry Chicheley, Deputy Governor of
Virginia. Approves of his taking upon himself the command
of the colony as Deputy Governor since the death of Lieutenant
Governor Herbert Jeffreys. Intends despatching Thomas Lord
Culpeper, Governor, by the next ships, with full instructions to
settle matters there, and requires that all further suits relating to
the late rebellion there be superseded till Lord Culpeper's arrival.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XXXIV., No. 73.] |
| April 2. |
953. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mem.—At
a Council on this day was read a paper presented by the Commissary of the Admiralty of Holland touching negroes taken off
Tobago by Captain Haddock, of the Quaker ketch. Ordered,
that the paper be sent to Sir Richard Haddock for his answer
thereto. Their Lordships, having received a paper from the Lords
Proprietors of Carolina touching the transportation of several
foreign families thither, order the opinion of the Commissioners of
Customs to be desired herein. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., p. 320.] |
| (April 2.) |
954. "The State of the business of Jamaica represented to His
Majesty in Council on the 2nd April 1679." By Lord Vaughan's
Commission the Assembly of Jamaica was empowered to make laws
for two years by the advice and consent of the Governor in Council.
His Majesty, finding the inconveniences that arose from that power
and manner of making laws, was pleased, with the advice of the
Committee of Plantations, to provide by the Earl of Carlisle's
commission that no laws should be enacted in Jamaica but such as
being framed by the Governor and Council and transmitted to His
Majesty for his royal approbation were afterwards remitted to
Jamaica and consented unto by the Assembly there according to
the usage of Ireland. And in pursuance hereof the Earl of Carlisle
carried over a body of laws which had passed the great seal of
England, which laws, upon his Lordships arrival, have been rejected
by the General Assembly, who have by an address declared that
they contained divers fundamental errors, and that the method of
passing them was impracticable. |
|
The Earl of Carlisle has signified his opinion that the distance
of the place does render the present manner of making laws
impracticable, and desires instruction to call another Assembly and
to re-enact and make what laws are fit for the place according to
the former practice but disagreeable to his own commission. He
has also transmitted the drafts of six bills, which have been
examined by the Attorney-General and by him presented to the
Committee of Plantations. The most material points in the said
Bills are:—That the Laws of England be declared to be in force in
Jamaica, which upon passing the late laws carried over by his
Lordship was thought fit to be omitted; that in the Bill of settling
the quit rents it is there declared that His Majesty has permitted
them to apply the quit rents towards the support of the Government, which declaration was formerly disapproved by the Committee;
that of the laws made by Lord Vaughan, by which the country is
at present governed, many will expire in this instant April and all
the rest in September following, without any power residing in the
Governor and Assembly to make any other than such as are already
rejected by the Assembly. This being the state of affairs in
Jamaica, His Majesty's pleasure is desired thereupon. Draft
2 pp. Endorsed, "Read in Council 2 April 1679." [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 39.] |
| April 2. |
955. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the
Lord Privy Seal. That orders may be sent to Colonel Stapleton
empowering him to take the negroes taken from Tobago by Captain
Haddock, or the proceeds of their sale, and detain them until the
questions of right to the negroes and of salvage have been
determined by the King. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 349.] |
April. 2.
Whitehall. |
956. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Sir Richard Haddock.
Respecting certain negroes taken off the island of Tobago by
Captain Haddock, late Commander of the Quaker, ketch (see ante,
Nos. 849, 863). It appears that Captain Haddock retained for
his own use some of the negroes claimed by the Admiralty of
Holland and the Lords call upon Sir Richard as one concerned
therein to show cause why the said negroes or their proceeds of
their sale may not be delivered to the Admiralty of Holland. Their
Lordships will meet about the matter on Saturday 6th April, at
which time Sir Richard's answer is expected. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XLVI., p. 348.] |
| (April 2.) |
957. Petition of William Downing to the King and Privy
Council. In substance and in most of the language identical with
the petition of 10th February (ante No. 886). Signed, Willm.
Downing. Endorsed, "April 2 1679. This petition was this day
read and ordered in Council to be referred to the Committee of
Trade and Plantations." Signed, Thomas Dolman. 1 p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 40.] |
| (April 2.) |
958. Petition of Thomas Oxford to the King and Privy Council.
Petitioner and his predecessors have owned houses and stages in
St. John's, Newfoundland, for seventy years past, but of late years
he has not been able to call anything his own through the violence
and oppression of certain West Country owners, who pretend to
privilege by the King's patent not only to take petitioner's houses
&c., but to injure his person, and have driven him and his family
to quit the place. Last year they did such damage in several
harbours that 1,500 men in the harbour of St. John's will hardly
make it good. Prays therefore for a settled government with
some great guns, ammunition, and an orthodox Minister, all of
which the people of Newfoundland are ready to maintain at their
own cost. Endorsed as the previous paper. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 41.] |
April 3.
[Montserrat.] |
959. An Act passed in the island of Montserrat on 3rd April
1679 against negroes wandering and the concealers thereof. [Col.
Entry Bks., Vol. LX., pp. 237, 238, and printed in Vol. LXV.,
pp. 34, 35.] |
April 4.
Whitehall. |
960. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. The Committee
met pursuant to Order in Council of 2nd instant to agree upon
instructions to be given to the Earl of Carlisle relating to the
present way of making laws in Jamaica. His Lordship's letter of
24th October read, and the address of the Jamaica Assembly read,
with other papers. Ordered, that a paper be prepared to combat the
objections set forth in the address against the present method of
making laws, which paper their Lordships will advise to be sent to
Lord Carlisle with directions to communicate such part of it to the
Assembly as he shall think fit, and inform them that unless they
consent to the laws transmitted thither the King will govern the
Island according to the Commission formerly given to Colonel
Doyley and others, and reduce all things to the first principles of
that Government. Mr. Secretary Coventry to acquaint Lord
Carlisle accordingly this afternoon, directing him also to continue
meanwhile the laws enacted by Lord Vaughan by proclamation or
otherwise, and to send the Act of Impost lately passed by first
opportunity. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., p. 321–323.] |
April 4.
Whitehall. |
961. Order of the King in Council on report of Lords of
Trade and Plantations. Having considered the present state,
constitution, and Government of Jamaica, pursuant to your
Majesty's order, we see no reason for altering the method of
making laws according to the usage of Ireland. We are preparing
our reasons. Meanwhile as a ship is lying in the Downs bound for
that Island, we recommend that Mr. Secretary Coventry do advise
Lord Carlisle at once of your Majesty's pleasure, and that meanwhile
the present laws enacted by Lord Vaughan be continued by proclamation or otherwise, also that Lord Carlisle send by prior
conveyance authentic copy of the lately enacted Act of impost.
Ordered that Mr. Secretary Coventry do instruct Lord Carlisle
accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 284.] |
| April 4. |
962. Secretary Coventry to Governor Lord Carlisle. Enclosing
copy of the foregoing Order in Council and recapitulating the same.
"If your Excellency should chance to cast your eye first upon the
"enclosed Order in Council the material part of my work would be
"thereby done." [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XCV., pp. 288, 289.] |
| April 4. |
963. Minute upon the seizure of certain sugar passing from the
French to the English in St. Christophers, by Jean Cloche, advocate
in the Parliament of Paris, and director of the farm of the Royal
estate of the West in the Islands of America, Nicholas Lemasle,
commissioner of the said estate in the Island of St. Christophers.
The document recounts that abovenamed went on a tour of inspection
on 1st April to see how the French marine forces fulfilled their duty
for the interruption of commerce, being specially moved thereto by
news of Dutch ships coming from St. Eustatius loaded with sugar;
that at Palmeto Point the guard showed them a mare laden with
sugar which had been stopped half-an-hour before while going into
the English quarter. This mare the said Cloche ordered to be led to
the King's office, approving the capture of the same, and declaring it
to be good in accordance with the decrees of His (French) Majesty's
Council. Follows a representation, dated 4th April, addressed to
Mons. Dupas, Judge civil and criminal in the Island of St.
Christophers, by the same Jean Cloche. He apologises for the delay
in following up the foregoing procés verbal, which delay was caused
by the feast of Easter, but now prays for the confiscation of the
captured mare, as a severe example is wanted. The Dutch in defiance
of the King's orders are continually negotiating to carry on trade
with St. Christophers, and the factors are too ready to consent to
the ruin of their masters and correspondents. Cloche asks permission
to try and discover who is responsible for the present
passing of merchandise to the English that he may be punished
accordingly. Signed, Cloche. Follows the judgment of Mons.
Dupas ordering the confiscation of the mare and granting Cloche the
permission for which he asks. 4th April 1679. Signed by Cloche
with the name of Dupas. Added in Cloche's handwriting a
postscript, assuring Governor "Mathieu" (Abednego Matthew) that
the proceedings are legal, and that nothing therein strikes at his
authority or the inviolable union between the two nations.
To-morrow Cloche hopes to explain the whole business when he
shall have received permission from the Chevalier de St. Laurens.
French. 3 pp. Endorsed, "Judgment in French concerning the
seizure of sugars passing from the French to the English in St.
Christophers. Recd. 13th Aug. 1679." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 42.] |
| (April 4.) |
964. Translation of the foregoing, apparently made by a Frenchman, headed, Translate of a Process upon seizure of Sugar in St.
Christopher's. Recd. 13th Aug. 1679. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 43.] |
April 5.
Whitehall. |
965. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Mr. Scut and
Mr. Perrot appearing on behalf of the Newfoundland fishing ships,
Mr. Downing and Mr. Oxford on behalf of the Newfoundland people,
attended. Order in Council of 16 January 1678 read, directing the
Committee to examine and report on the business of Newfoundland.
Petitions of William Downing and Thomas Oxford likewise read,
praying that a Governor, fortifications, and a minister may be
provided for the security of the country. Thomas Oxford makes
oath that the western ships proceed on their voyages before the
time appointed by the Charter, and that in February last he met
twenty-five sail belonging to Dartmouth at sea, and having hailed
them understood they were on their way to Newfoundland. After
many discourses and arguments the Western Adventurers ask
six weeks time to prepare themselves, and to give notice of His
Majesty's orders to their correspondents. But it appearing that
this order was delivered to Mr. Rider, Recorder of Dartmouth,
twelve months past, and that these gentlemen had summons to
attend upon it by letter of 10th February last, and looking to the
necessity for despatch of the business by reason of the shipping and
convoys that are shortly going on this voyage, their Lordships
order both parties to attend on the first Saturday after Easter and
bring in such proposals as they think fit for the security of the
country and trade. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 323–325.] |
April 14.
Whitehall. |
966. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Lord Culpeper's commission prepared by the Committee is read, but it
being doubted whether the same, being only during pleasure, might
not prejudice His Lordship's former grant of the Government, which
is during life, Ordered, that Mr. Attorney-General prepare such
clauses and provisoes as may secure his Lordship's right. Lord
Culpeper's instructions read and approved. Their Lordships,
taking notice of the complaints made in Virginia of the heaviness
of taxes raised by poll, order an instruction to be prepared that
his Lordship recommend to the Assembly the finding out a more
equal and easy way for levying money. Secretary Coventry
acquaints the Committee, in reference to Robert Ayleway's petition,
that the place of auditor of Virginia had been formerly possessed by
Colonel Nathaniel Bacon and confirmed to him under His Majesty's
Sign Manual in 1675, and that Ayleway's patent ought to be void,
as obtained without a knowledge of the right already invested in
Bacon. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 325, 326.] |
April 14.
Custom House. |
967. Commissioners of Customs to Lords of the Treasury
Report on the petition of Réné Petit and Jacob Guérard. The
quantity of tobacco grown in Carolina is considerable and annually
increases, but the books of the Custom House give no clue to the
receipts for the same, for owing to the badness of the harbours in
Carolina most of the tobacco is carried in sloops and small ketches
to Virginia and New England and shipped to England from thence.
Would observe (1) that the Protestant families referred do not at
present appear to be in parts beyond the seas, in which case it
would be a good work to encourage them not to settle in Carolina,
but to be settled in England. Too many families already betake
themselves to the Plantations and Ireland to the unpeopling and
ruin of England, and this tendency should be checked rather than
encouraged. If the families are not settled in England, that is
another matter; by all means let them be encouraged. (2) The
Proprietors and not the King should bear the expense of the
undertaking. (3) The Customs on tobacco are so considerable,
twopence per pound, that it would be an injustice to other tobaccogrowing colonies to permit her to import tobacco custom free. Moreover it would lead to fraud, for the tobacco of neighbouring colonies
would be shipped in small vessels to Carolina and exported to
England as of the growth of Carolina. (4) If His Majesty do
anything for the petitioners, let him grant them a proportion of
the customs derived from the produce which they assert to be
peculiar to them,—wine, oil, and silk,—and take precautions that no
such commodities be accepted as the produce of Carolina without
proper authentication. Signed, Richard Temple, Fr. Millington,
G. Downing, Ch. Cheyne, John Upton. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 44.] |
April 14.
custom House, London. |
968. Commissioners of Customs to Commissioners of the
Treasury. In answer to your Lordships' commands of 21st March
(see ante, No. 944) respecting a proposal that the master or
merchant of every ship trading to the Leeward Islands should
carry a certain number of arms for sale therein, we report that there
is no law by which merchants and masters can be compelled so to
carry arms, but we doubt not that if His Majesty give them liberty to
ship them off for three years custom-free, in numbers not exceeding
those already suggested, and taking out a free warrant as in case of
bullion, the merchants will be most likely to be encouraged to do
what is required, and the loss to His Majesty's customs will not be
great. Signed, Richard Temple, Ch. Cheyne, Fr. Millington, John
Upton. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 45, and Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XLVI., p. 344.] |
| April 15. |
969. Journal of the Assembly of Barbadoes. Having sat three
several times by adjournment, the House according to the rules
proceeded to election of a Speaker, and Colonel Richard Guy was
chosen. Voted that any member upon breach of the rules shall not
be admitted to composition or mitigation of the penalties imposed.
Letter read from the House to Sir Peter Colleton and Colonel
Henry Drax, containing the heads of several addresses needful to
the good and benefit of the island. The letter read, of which the
following is an abstract:—As free trade cannot be obtained with
Scotland, that His Majesty be moved to license six ships yearly at
least for that trade to bring recruits of white people, the want of
whom is become an apparent hazard of the place in regard of
dangers from without and much greater from within. That it be
represented how poorly this island is supplied with negroes, how
bad and useless the sorts that are brought, and how invincible is
the trouble, slavery and attendance to the planter to procure them
after they come. Whether the Royal African Company cannot be
divided into sundry and separate stocks and jurisdictions, whereby
the advancing the trade on the coast of Africa will not receive any
disadvantage and His Majesty's revenue will be doubled. That
the Commissioners of the Customs of 4½ per cent. adopt the method
established by Lord Francis Willoughby and that the same may
be collected without the trouble they complain of and adjust the
whole matter with the Lord Treasurer. That the jurisdiction of
the Court of Admiralty in this island be regulated. To apply for
His Majesty's favour in setting a moderate custom on rum, the
native produce of this island, that they may be enabled to transport
it into England on reasonable terms, and in the room of French
brandy supply it to His Majesty's fleet and other occasions. That
laws appointed for the security of the island be not frustrated.
The same privilege in point of trade as enjoyed by Tangiers. In
order thereunto have appointed thirty butts of sugar to be consigned
to them. As they have trade to Ireland for beef, desire it for
tallow, without which they cannot work. That the Council be
desired to concur with and sign this letter. |
| April 16. |
Provision to be made for a Habeas Corpus; that fairs be
appointed. Proceedings on reviving the Act empowering a Committee for settling public accounts. The Council signifying their
dislike of some part of the letter of the Assembly to Sir Peter
Colleton and Colonel Drax, yesterday communicated to them, sent
one of their own drawing which, if the Assembly would join, they
were ready to sign. Said letter read and after debate agreed by
general consent that it pass. Then was read another letter to
said gentleman in London, expressing the entire confidence of the
Assembly in their abilities, faithfulness, and care to appear in their
behalf before His Majesty and Council and all other places they
judge needful and convenient, and sending him thirty butts of
sugar to lay out to their best advantage. Said letters were then
presented to the Council, seven of whom signed, and also Richard
Guy, Speaker of the Assembly. Ordered, that John Hallett send to
Mr. Chaplin, of London, the proceeds of arms sold by the several
Colonels and also what remains due upon his account for arms sent
for by his Excellency. Adjourned to Tuesday come seven weeks
(10th June). [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 338–346.] |
| April 16. |
970. Petition of John Van Wachtendonck, Commissary for the
States General, and William Freeman, agent for Colonel Stapleton,
Governor of the Leeward Islands. Having now agreed about the
dispute in respect of the negroes taken from Tobago by Captain
Haddock (see ante, Nos. 863, 955, 956), pray that Colonel
Stapleton may be empowered to receive all the negroes and
the proceeds of such of them as may have been sold, and to
keep them in his possession, or that the executors of Captain
Haddock give security in the London Court of Admiralty to answer
the value of the negroes detained by him when the right of them
shall have been decided by their Lordships. Signed by Wachtendonck
only. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 46, and Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XLVI., p. 346.] |
April 16.
Whitehall. |
971. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Petition of
John van Wachtendonck, Commissary for the States General, and
of William Freeman, Agent for Colonel Stapleton, read, and
petitioners called in, together with Sir Richard Haddock, appearing
on behalf of Captain Haddock. Their Lordships, with the concurrence and consent of Sir Richard Haddock, agreed to move His
Majesty to comply with the prayer of the petitioners. Order in
Council to carry out their Report on the same day. |
|
Three Acts for Virginia, for Revenue, Naturalization, and Oblivion
read, and, with several amendments, approved. Agreed also that
several laws made by Sir William Berkeley on 20th February 1676
be repealed, according to an instruction given to Lord Culpeper.
List of the Acts, nearly all dealing with the rebellion. His Lordship's Commission and Instructions being settled, agreed to send
the same to Secretary Coventry for transmission with all convenient
speed; also to warn the Master of the Ordnance to take care to
change the powder now in Virginia. Ordered in Council same day
and papers delivered to Secretary Coventry on 20th April. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. CV., pp. 326–328.] |
| April 16. |
972. Order of the King in Council, on the petition of Johan von
Wachtendonck, That Colonel Stapleton be ordered to take the
negroes or the proceeds of the sale of them into his possession, and
detain them until the question be settled. Letter to Governor
Stapleton accordingly. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 350–352.] |
April 16.
Whitehall. |
973. Order of the King in Council. That Lord Culpeper's
Commission and Instructions, and the Acts of Oblivion and
Naturalization be transmitted to Secretary Coventry to be
despatched with all convenient speed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX.,
p. 312.] |
April 17/27.
Barbadoes. |
974. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Lords of Trade and Plantations. Has received no commands from them for a long time, which
confirms his opinion that affairs at home are very impulsive upon
their Lordships and far more considered than these foreign dependencies which are of much less moment. Hear nothing more of
the French, but are well resolved as to their mutual defence. Not
three persons have refused to take the oath of allegiance and
supremacy except the Quakers who are in no places of trust. Has
sent all the laws in force; they are never under the seal of the
Island, but are signed by the Governor and read in every church of
the island when they pass for laws. No laws ever sent home by
any preceding Governors; he has sent home all made since he was
Governor which have lain some of them before their Lordships
more than three years and no conclusion made, to the great
confusion of the people and privilege of the country. Begs their
Lordships to solve this most important impediment. Has taken
the oath, which is recorded amongst the public records of the
island. Sir Robert Hacker, recommended to be one of the Council,
died before he was sworn, so there is still a vacancy, and Colonel
Drax is going for England, so will hardly be able to make a
Council. If the Council be under nine, the Governor may swear
one with a proviso that the King confirm him. Will get no man
to undertake it on those terms, for no man will be content to be a
mock councillor. "Rec. 11 June." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 47, and Col. Entry Bks., Vol. VI., pp. 257–260., and Vol.
CVI., p. 187.] |
April 20.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
975. Governor Lord Carlisle to Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Is heartily sorry at the occasion of their Lordships being so much
burthened with the late troubles of England that the small
grievances of Jamaica can scarce find or expect time or place for
redress. Has let pass no opportunity of keeping the state of
affairs before Secretary Coventry, and cannot forbear to remind
their Lordships that the Island, if encouraged and not neglected,
may prove a considerable advantage to the Crown, as Sir Francis
Watson can inform them at large. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 48,
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 316.] |
April 22
Barbadoes. |
976. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to William Blathwayt. Has
sent his taking the oath authenticated under the hand of the
Secretary in whose hands the records are. Enclosed,— |
|
976. i. Certificate by Edwyn Stede, Deputy Secretary, that the
oath taken by Governor Atkins, relating to encouraging
shipping and navigation, is entered in the records of the
Secretary's Office of the Island. "Rec. 11 June." [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIII., Nos. 49, 49 I., and Col. Entry Bks.,
Vol. VI., p. 260, and Vol. CVI., p. 18.] |
April 22.
Whitehall. |
977. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Order in
Council constituting the Committee of Trade and Plantations, to
consist of the following members: Heneage, Lord Finch, Lord
Chancellor; Anthony, Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord President of the
Council; John, Duke of Lauderdale, Secretary of State for
Scotland; James, Duke of Ormond, Lord Steward of the Household; Charles, Marquess of Winchester; Henry, Marquess of
Worcester; Henry, Earl of Arlington, Lord Chamberlain; John,
Earl of Bridgewater; Robert, Earl of Sunderland, one of His
Majesty's Secretaries of State; Arthur, Earl of Essex, First Lord of
the Treasury; Earl of Bath; Thomas, Viscount Fauconberg;
George, Viscount Halifax; Henry, Lord Bishop of London; Denzil,
Lord Hollis; William, Lord Russell; William, Lord Cavendish;
Henry Coventry, esq., one of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of
State; Sir John Ernle, knight, Chancellor of the Exchequer;
Edward Seymour, esq.; and, Henry Powle, esq.; or any three of
them. Their Lordships to meet at least once a week and report to
the King in Council from time to time. Mem.—That on the
Friday following Sir William Temple, Baronet, was added to the
Committee, as also the Lord Roberts on the 27th June 1679.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 1, 2.] |
| April 23. |
978. Report from the Commissioners of the Treasury on the
proposal made in Council on 21st March, that merchant vessels
trading to the Leeward Islands shall carry arms for sale. Enclose
the Report of the Commissioners of Customs (see ante, No. 968).
Signed, Essex, L. Hyde, J. Ernle, Ed. Dering, S. Godolphin. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 50, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI.,
p. 342.] |
|
Order in Council of same date to carry out said proposal. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 346.] |
April 29.
Whitehall. |
979. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Their Lordships met to settle the regulation between the Adventurers and
Planters of Newfoundland. Mr. Scut and other merchants appear
on behalf of the Adventurers; Mr. Downing and Mr. Oxford on
behalf of the Planters. The merchants, on being asked whether
they had received any orders from the western towns to make any
proposals for the settlement of the fishery and colony, replied that,
having acquainted their correspondents therewith, they had only
declared themselves resolved to rely upon the validity of their
charter without agreeing to any qualification whatever. Whereupon was read the Report of 15th April 1675, letter from Sir John
Berry of 12th September 1675, with Sir William Poole's answer to
heads of inquiry. Their Lordships put two questions to the
parties, (1) what prejudice the planters can do to the fishing trade ?
(2) whether Newfoundland and the fishery can be secured to
England without a colony? The merchants reply that the planters
disturb their fishery and bring provisions from New England; and
that for the security there needs no other defence in the winter
than the ice, which renders the ports inaccessible, but that in
summer possession can only be maintained by the fleet of fishing
ships that goes thither yearly under the King's convoy. Their
Lordships after debate came to no resolution hereon. Mem.—On the 12th May two copies of the heads of inquiry were sent
to Mr. Pepys to be delivered to the convoys going to Newfoundland.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 3, 4.] |
| [April 29.] |
980. Proposals of William Downing and Thomas Oxford, acting
for the inhabitants of Newfoundland, to the King and Privy
Council. St. John's is a harbour so strong by nature that 25 great
guns and 200 small arms would make it safe; more small arms
would be required to defend the Que de vide Creek, which is
important. Carbonere, in the Bay of Conception, 12 leagues from
St. John's, should be fortified with 15 great guns and 80 small
arms. Salvadje, 40 leagues north of St. John's, requires 10 great
guns and 50 small arms. Ferry Land, 13 leagues south of
St. John's, 17 great guns and 100 small arms. Formous,
16 leagues south from St. John's, 88 great guns and 60 small arms.
Which of these harbours besides St. John's shall be fortified is left
to their Lordships. A selected Government should be established to
protect the country against foreign enemies, and in particular the
French, and against the oppression of the west country owners.
The inhabitants will be willing to do their duty alike by the King
and the fishermen. Endorsed, "Recd. 29 April 1679." [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 51.] |
