|
| Sept. 4. |
1109. Account of the store in His Majesty's magazine at Fort
Charles, showing amount taken into store and expended from the
1st January to 4th September 1679. It appears that all matchlock
muskets were returned into store and snaphance muskets issued in
their place in July. Signed, Cha. Morgan. Endorsed, "Recd.
from the Commrs. of the Ordnance, 18 Dec. 1679." [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 113.] |
Sept. 9.
Windsor. |
1110. Duke of Monmouth to Lord Culpeper or officer in chief
commanding his company. He is forthwith to embark the company
of foot under his command at Gravesend or other convenient place
on board the vessels appointed to receive them in order to their
transportation to Virginia, and to be careful that the quarters of
said company be duly satisfied. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II.,
Vol. LVIII., p. 53.] |
Sept. 9.
Windsor. |
1111. Duke of Monmouth to the Commissioners for executing
the office of Master of the Ordnance. Desires they will order the
usual proportion of ammunition to be furnished to Lord Culpeper's
company of foot designed for Virginia, from 1st May last to end of
December next, and that two barrels of powder extraordinary with
ammunition in proportion be furnished to said company to carry
along with them to sea for their defence in case of any rencontre.
[Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. LVIII., p. 53.] |
Sept. 10.
Windsor. |
1112. The King to Thomas Lord Culpeper. At his earnest and
reiterated instances, and in contemplation of the condition of affairs
in Virginia, where his presence is highly necessary, His Majesty has
condescended to his speedy repair thither, notwithstanding the great
and urgent occasions the King has of his service here. He is
hereby granted full power to repair back to the King's presence as
soon as in his discretion the state of affairs in Virginia will in any
sort permit his absence, as well in person to give an exact account
of the same and continue his services to His Majesty here, as for
some short time to take care of his own private concerns, which
his constant attendance on the King has hitherto hindered him
from sufficiently providing for. After which the King will give
orders for his speedy return thither again to perfect the settlement
and welfare of that colony. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX.,
pp. 380, 381.] |
Sept. 10.
Barbadoes. |
1113. Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. The apprehensions of the French at present removed.
The fortifications being finished, this Island is the strongest in these
parts of the world; four-fifths of it are naturally fortified and
inaccessible, the other part is well fortified, and has two hundred
guns and everything necessary for defence, all at the country's
charge, with ten thousand men. Is informed of the petition of the
farmers of the 4½ per cent, to the King concerning an Act passed
to their great prejudice, upon which he comments, but is well
assured they have no reason to complain, for they have not been
hurt nor can be by it. If they complain of a good bargain, for
such they have got of the King, thinks they mistake the point.
1 p. "Recd. 28 Nov. Read 4 Dec." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 114, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 291, 292.] |
| Sept. 13. |
1114. Muster roll of Captain John Barrow's Company in Colonel
Thomas Fuller's Regiment:—1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign,
2 sergeants, 1 drummer, 50 privates, "mustered at Cabberetta."
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 115.] |
| Sept. 15. |
1115. Muster roll of Captain James Davis's company in Colonel
Thomas Fuller's regiment:—1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign,
2 sergeants, 50 privates. (Taken at Surinam.) [Col. Papers, Vol.
XLIII., No. 116.] |
| [Sept.] |
1116. Muster roll of Colonel Thomas Fuller's company in his
own regiment: Richard Matthews captain-lieutenant, 1 ensign,
2 sergeants, 1 gentleman-at-arms, 36 privates. "The above-named
soldiers are well armed and indifferently well furnished with
powder and bullets." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 117.] |
Sept. 15.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1117. Governor Lord Carlisle to the Lords of Trade and
Plantations. Your letters of 25th March, 4th April, and 31st May (see
ante, Nos. 961, 1012) were received on 26th August. Your orders
and reports on the laws and Government of Jamaica I communicated to the Council on 27th August (the Assembly then sitting to
continue the expiring Revenue Bill), and on the same day the
Council being present I commended His Majesty's letter of 31st
May and your Order and Report of same date to the Assembly,
which came to me as seasonably as they received them surprisedly,
making me the next morning the enclosed address (see ante,
No. 1105). Upon this, having passed a Bill of Impost for six
months, I prorogued them by advice of the Council until the
28th October next, hoping that in that time they would fall off
of their heat, and upon recollection better bethink themselves
of their duties and allegiance, and on my offering them again the
laws, which I purpose to do on their first meeting, better
demonstrate their obedience by consenting to them. But from
what I can learn from their leaders I find the same averseness as
formerly; they aver that they will submit to wear, but never
consent to make, chains (as they term this frame of Government)
for their posterities. I am surprised that your Lordships found
the Bills so unagreeable to what you expected for His Majesty's
approbation, considering the care that I took myself to correct
them, having had them examined at the Council Board. But on
enquiring from my Secretary I find that the Attorney-General,
upon whom I chiefly leaned, with the Chief Justice, who assured
me that in what I questioned they agreed with the laws I brought
over, had the last examination thereof. The Attorney-General is
dead within these three weeks, so that I can have no further
satisfaction, but they were unhappily the occasion of these errors,
which I did my best to avoid. I trust, therefore, that I may keep
your good opinion and escape your censure. I regret to have
incurred your displeasure for neglecting to answer thirty several
enquiries, wherein I may seem to have been more negligent than I
have been. Since my arrival I have had so many difficulties from
the untowardness of a dissatisfield people and the danger from the
French fleet, that I have had work enough to compose their fears
and encourage them to keep up and repair their fortifications, as
the enclosed copy of report from two Committees of both
Chambers will attest (see ante, No. 1111). This I do for the
security of Port Royal, though the revenue fell short of the
expense by a thousand pounds last year, having been forced to
continue martial law owing to the appearance of the French fleet
before the harbour. Since my arrival I have not let a ship go for
England without writing, but chiefly to Secretary Coventry,
thinking that your Lordships will be overburdened with trouble
from the plot. Of the thirty enquiries, some I have answered, the
numbers of horse and foot and fighting men, and our present state
with the French and the Spaniard to Secretary Coventry; details
of exports and growth of the Island to the Commissioners of
Customs every six months, and the magazine to the Master of the
Ordnance. Other answers are a making ready. |
|
In obedience to His Majesty's Orders of 29th March I issued a
proclamation inviting all his subjects home from privateering, and
prohibiting the cutting of logwood in Spanish territory. 3 pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 118, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol.
XXIX., p. 327.] |
Sept. 15.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1118. Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Coventry. Have received your letters of 4th April and 22nd May (ante, Nos. 961, 1002),
the latter, which brought with it one from the King, arriving most
seasonably on the sitting of the Assembly for containing the Bill
of Impost, which six days after would have expired. Since the
30th. August, I have been three days at the Point, and on Friday
morning went with Sir Henry Morgan to Three Rivers, some twelve
miles from the Point, and thence round the Cod of the Great
Harbour to the Rocks, where we observed the properest passes to
secure both the Point and Liquania in case of attacke by land. A
hundred more negroes are to be added to the slaves of the Point
to carry on the fortifications there. On Monday, 1st instant, Sir
Thomas Modyford died; and his son Sir Thomas is not like to
live long after him. Mr. Wright the Attorney-General died a few
days earlier. Have appointed one Roger Elletson, Esq. Their
Lordships of the Committee have charged me severely with
neglecting to answer 30 several inquiries. Some were not fit to be
answered, viz., the number of fighting men on the Island, which I
sent to you as a great secrecy not fit to be known by any but the
King and yourself. Some could not be answered but by length of
time and much charge upon general surveys and better settlements,
which are as yet in their infancy. Parishes without churches; few
people and those at a great distance one from another; registries of
christenings and burials unsettled, most families burying their dead
about their private houses. I send an account every six months
to the Commissioner of Customs, and another to the Master of the
Ordnance; from home we want a supply of gunpowder of which I
hope Sir Francis Watson will take care. The Lords' questions are
generally answered in a book called the State of Jamaica. In a
former letter I conjectured our force of listed men at 4,000 whites
and 50,000 blacks and Indians, of which last there are some in most
plantations, excellent fishermen and fowlers, and skilful with cattle.
I have since had lately returned to me lists of the general musters
through the Island, which few men can have escaped, the law
requiring all to be within a certain time listed at their place of
residence. The total is little above 4,000 fighting men, though we
have reputation with our neighbours for 20,000 and thus are
formidable to them; so silence in this particular is a great security.
This number of whites is one-fifth short of the proportion required
by law, viz., one white to ten blacks, which cannot well be made
up by servants that come hither, for that they make good no more
than the deaths and departures of others from the Island. It must
be by removal of families and the growth of youth here, "very
hardy and much delighted in arms," that our necessities must in
time be answered. From what I can gather from the leaders, the
Assembly will abide by their former resolutions, and on their
meeting on 28th October will not be prevailed with to pass the
laws. They will submit, they say, to wear what His Majesty shall
please to order, but they will not make chains for their posterities.
The revenue therefore, when the Revenue Bill expires six months
hence, must be kept on foot by my order and the Council's, which
will rouse great opposition. I hear that they purpose to address the
Commons-of England, who, as it is reported here, are about making
an Act to punish any levying of money but by consent of Parliament. Whether they include the Plantations I know not, but as this
may become ground of complaint against me, pray send me timely
such positive and clear orders as may justify the Council and
myself. It is not safe to refer me to Colonel Doyley's government,
for his council was elected, though some aver the contrary. The
inhabitants are in great dread of danger from the French men-ofwar in these seas. Report states that Count d'Estrées, now to
leeward, as we suppose, at Havanna, and another squadron to
windward, will rendezvous a month hence at Hispaniola. Their
hunters there have orders to have such a supply of dried provision
ready for them as shows their purpose on us or the Spaniard.
The Spaniards have lately given them a just provocation by taking
a small vessel, called a snow, with thirty men belonging to Count
d'Estrées. The same Spanish man-of-war shortly before took a
sloop belonging to Port Royal and carried the men prisoners to
Porto Bello, where the English were not only relieved with money
but by the friendship of the Bishop of Panama discharged and their
sloop delivered to them, and the thirty Frenchmen put on board her
to be transported hither; when on their application to me I furnished
them with money and a sloop to go to windward to Petit Guavos
with them. Since that a sloop of the Royal African Company has
foundered at sea upon the coast of Hispaniola with negroes. The
Agent of the Company sent to Petit Guavos and M. de Pouancay
immediately despatched a sloop with provisions to them, but
arriving too late (most of them having been fetched off by a sloop
sent from here by the Company's factors) the French sloop came down
hither with a letter to me and Sir Henry Morgan to help the master
to his freight from the Company's factors. So we and the French
are as yet very friendly. We are less well treated by the Spaniards,
who have lately taken many of our ships laden with logwood and
cacao, sparing none that they can overpower at sea. One Paul
Abney was lately taken, with his sloop and passengers, prisoners by
a Spanish man-of-war belonging to a squadron of five called the
Barlovento fleet, commanded by the Vice-Admiral of Carthagena;
and the sloop, having only cacao on board, was plundered.
Abney produced my pass to the Vice-Admiral who wiped his
breech with it and threw it at him again, converted the cargo
of the sloop to his own use, and forced him to sign a receipt of
having received money for the same (which indeed he had not) or
else not to be discharged. Abney has sworn that when on board
the Vice-Admiral he saw five other masters of ships on board, lately
taken prisoners by the Spaniards, and one of them in irons. He
brought letters from them to their relations at the Point complaining of their barbarous usage, which exasperates the people
much against the Spaniards, who at the King's pleasure might be
so easily humbled. I find on examinatiom that the Revenue this
year is above 1,100l. short of the expenditure; the account shall be
sent to their Lordships when passed by the Council. Am consequently much straitened in my condition of living, everything except
fruit being at excessive rates. What troubles me still more is the
great arrear in the pay of the two foot companies; their impatience
for the same grows greatly upon me; their necessities force them to
complain, and the poor soldier's life grows uneasy in his quarters
and occasions the death of many. The establishment for the
government being also in arrear much pinches me. I must therefore
entreat their Lordships for their good offices with the Commissioners of the Treasury in this matter. We have now 108 guns
mounted at Port Royal and but 100 barrels of powder, out of which
some must be spared for H.M.S. Hunter. Pray move the Master
of the Ordnance, to whom I have written sending full particulars.
It is very unpleasant to me to add to your many troubles and cares,
but my duty must be my excuse. "Read 15 Dec. 1679." 8 pp.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 331.] |
Sept. 15.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1119. Governor Lord Carlisle to [the Master of the Ordnance].
I enclose Captain Charles Morgan's account of stores for Jamaica
(see ante, No. 1109). We have 108 cannon mounted at Port Royal,
and 14 at Point Morant. We have but 100 barrels of powder;
other deficiencies you will see from the return which I beg you
will hasten to make good to us. The small arms damaged by
Captain Knapman I found eaten up with rust, and not worth
repairing. Field-carriages for field-pieces are also badly wanted.
Much of the powder is decayed. Copy. Recd. from the Commrs.
of Ordnance 18th December 1679. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 119, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXLX., p. 339.] |
| Sept. 15. |
1120. List of ordnance, stores of war, &c., in Jamaica. Guns
mentioned are, the cannon of 7, demi-cannon, culverin, demi-culverin,
minion, falconet, sacker, and 12-pounder. Copy. Recd. from the
Commissioner of Ordnance 18th December 1679. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 120.] |
Sept. 15.
John's, foundland. |
1121. Charles Talbot to Sir Robert Southwell. We came so late
to Newfoundland that the season for boats to adventure to the
northward was past, neither could we get any. What I could learn
in answer to the enquiries I have enclosed. Annexed, |
|
1121. i. Answers to enquiries respecting Newfoundland. (1.)
The Colony consists of about 1,700 men, women, children,
and servants. Trade in summer fishing; in winter sawing
of boards, building boats and making oars for the Adventurers. After the ships are gone they generally fish
till All Hallowtide. There is furring to the north, but
little to the southward. They observe the rules of their
charter more than the Adventurers, for they preserve their
stages, while the Adventurers people destroy theirs for
firewood for the homeward voyage. (2.) The inhabitants
are not able to subsist, and the less for want of a government
to protect them in their labours. From England they get
their bread, clothing, malt, flesh and pease, from Ireland
both provisions and clothing, from New England tobacco,
sugar, molasses, rum, flesh, bread, and flour. What relates
to the fishery comes solely from England in English ships.
(3.) They make no use of the wood except for purposes of
the fishery, and building &c.; they do their best to secure
the Adventurers' concerns which are left with them, but it
is a common practice for the Adventurers to rifle the
stages and rooms and boats to fit themselves, so I am
informed, and the fact is not denied by some of the
masters. (4.) Few of the Colony keep above three boats,
and none of them take up more room than is convenient;
far from being prejudicial the trade could not be so well
managed without them. (5.) The boat-keepers left behind
must be esteemed part of the Colony, but there are many
that pay their passages out and home, and fish the season.
These cannot be prejudicial to the Adventurers' concerns,
though when the stages are ruined by the ships' companies
I suppose the colonists make bold with the rest for firewood. (6.) The Colony and bye-boats are supplied with
brandy, wine, salt, &c., from France, Spain, and Portugal,
but only in English ships. (7.) The country is mostly
barren and cumbered with wood. Winters are so severe
and long as not to afford winter corn. In summer they
might do somewhat, but servants' wages are so excessive
that clearing ground and sowing corn would not be
profitable. It is a Colony not of husbandmen but
fishermen. (8.) New England trades with Newfoundland
for fish. It is false that the fishermen are debauched by
the Colony and forced to hire themselves for satisfaction
of their debts; but as some of the servants return yearly
to England when the summer voyage is over, they hire
others in their places, thereby gaining their passages the
year ensuing. (9.) It is supposed that the Colony own
a fourth part of the fishing boats and generally make
better voyages, but their expenses being greater they cannot
afford to sell cheaper. (10.) Those of New England fish
little on this coast, but their own fisheries increase, for
they steal fishermen every year from Newfoundland.
(11 and 12.) Referred to Captain Wright's report. (13.)
The masters are glad to have the provisions of such men
as are willing to stay with the Colony. (14.) The
Adventurers' people break up their stages, and were
beginning at St. John's when we were there, until forbidden.
In short, they offer so many abuses to the Colony that
some have removed to the French and more threaten to
do so. |
|
As to the French,— |
|
They manage the trade as we do by a colony and
fishing ships. Placentia is fortified, garrison of twenty
men; ten families of English and French and more at
other ports in the south; at least 40 ships fish on that side,
come sooner, and go for the Straits a month before us.
Northward at least 150 ships fish, according to Christopher
Martin. They sail for St. Malo and thereabout. No
information as to Colony or fortifications. They have
a great trade for beaver in Canada and Nova Scotia. As
to the present state of the fishery at large:—The trade is
prejudiced for want of government. The fishermen are
negligent and insolent. If the masters are severe the men
desert to New England. The stages are generally
destroyed; a great waste of wood and abuse to the Colony.
(2.) The island is a possession of the British Crown.
The Colony preserve it, having been settled by patent as
a colony of fishermen with liberty to build stages, houses,
or forts if they would, but not to make plantations within
six miles of the fishery places so as to preserve the woods
necessary for the fishery. (3.) If the Colony be not
allowed to follow the fishing trade, the King's Customs
will suffer, and many of his subjects be lost by removal to
the French, to which several have been driven already.
(4.) In case of war with France one ten-gun frigate might
burn all the boats and destroy the Colony. St. John's and
a few other harbours may be made impregnable. (5.) The
way to secure Newfoundland is to settle a Governor and
Government, fortify some of the choice harbours, and
maintain good garrisons which may be done at little cost
to the King. (6.) The Colony has declared its willingness
to contribute, but the Adventurers and sack ships should
contribute also, as they will profit, say, one penny per
quintal or two quintals per boat, and the sack ships to find
ammunition as in New England. (7.) The sum thus
raised will pay for fortifications and garrisons. 3 pp.
Endorsed, Recd. 13 Feb. Read 21 and 26 Feb. 1679–80.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 121, 121 i.] |
Sept. 17
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1122. Governor Lord Carlisle to Mr. Secretary Coventry.
Since mine of the 15th, Sir Henry Morgan has certain intelligence
from a master of a sloop arrived in Port Royal, that seven days
since six sail of French ships of war passed by the Isle of Ash,
whereof four very large and two of smaller rates. Undoubtedly
they come to join with the Count d'Estrées according to our first
accounts. This suiting with the time of their appointed rendezvous
much increases the fears of the people here, of whose warm
entertaining them I doubt not if our powder answer but our time
of service. 1 p. Recd. 9th Dec. Read 15th 1679. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 122, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 339.] |
| Sept. 19. |
1123. Account of the pretensions of the Proprietors of New
Jersey to pay no customs dues at New York. The Dutch while in
possession of the territory called New Netherland in America levied
10 per cent. duty on all merchandise. In 1664 when the Fort of
New Amsterdam (now New York) was surrendered to Colonel
Nicholls, the same payments were consented to, and the privileges
of the inhabitants reserved to them. Colonel Nicholls held the
post of Governor under the Duke of York (to whom the King had
granted this territory), and Colonel Lovelace after him till 1672.
The Duke granted that portion known as New Jersey to Sir
G. Carteret and Lord John Berkeley, which they enjoyed as
proprietors of the soil until 1672, when by the chance of war the
territory passed again in the hands of the Dutch, but was restored
in 1673. All this time the 10 per cent. duty continued without
interruption. In 1674 the Duke of York sent out Sir E. Andros as
Governor and lowered the duty from 10 to 5 per cent., Sir G. Carteret
dividing New Jersey with the Quakers under grant from the Duke,
as he had formerly with Lord John Berkeley, which partition was
confirmed by the Duke of York. Sir E. Andros continues to
demand five per cent. customs, which the Quakers refuse to pay.
Query: Are Sir G. Carteret and the Quakers by the grant of the
soil empowered to erect different Governments and Commonwealths
within their respective lands, or are they not like all the other
people in the territory subject to the laws enforced in New York ?
2½ pp. Endorsed, Recd. from Sir John Werden. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 123.] |
Sept. 19.
Whitehall. |
1124. Order of the King in Council. The new Government for
New Hampshire having been appointed by Royal Commission, dated
18th September 1679, Ordered, that the seal herewith sent be the
seal of the Province for all public documents, and that the portrait
of His Majesty likewise sent herewith be kept and exposed to view
in the places appointed for the meeting of the Council. 1½ pp.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXI., pp. 9, 10.] |
Sept. 19.
Whitehall. |
1125. Order of the King in Council. Upon reading letter from
Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor of Barbadoes, of 6/16 June last,
concerning the Dutch Colony of Surinam (see ante, No. 1015), he is
directed not to make any compact or agreement with the Dutch for
the Surrender of Surinam upon any account whatsoever. Draft,
with corrections, and fair copy. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 124, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 289, 290.] |
Sept. 23.
Whitehall. |
1126. Petition of the Earl and Countess of Lichfield to the King.
Pray for a lease in reversion of the farm of the duty of 4½ per cent.
of all commodities exported from Barbadoes, after the expiration of
the present lease, for 31 years, and at the same rents and covenants.
With reference to Lords of the Treasury to report what His Majesty
may fitly do. ½ p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. LV., p. 45.] |
Sept. 24.
Whitehall. |
1127. Order of the King in Council. For the addition of a
clause to Lord Culpeper's instructions, giving, in case of the absence
or death of the Governor, a seat in the Council and a power of
veto to the Secretary, and in case of the Secretary's absence the
same powers to the Major-General. 2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII.,
No. 125, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX., pp. 365, 366.] |
Sept. 24.
Whitehall. |
1128. The King to Governor Sir Jonathan Atkins. Understands
by his letter of 6/16 June last (see ante, No. 1015) that the Dutch
colony upon Surinam, being much oppressed by the Indians, are
brought to such extremity that they are ready to quit their
plantations there, and have made overtures to him for delivering
that place and people to His Majesty. These are to signify the
King's pleasure that the Governor of Barbadoes makes no compact
or agreement with the Dutch for the surrender of Surinam to His
Majesty upon any account whatsoever. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI,
pp. 290, 291.] |
Sept. 24.
St. Jago de la Vega. |
1129. Governor Lord Carlisle to Secretary Coventry. This
comes by the same ship as mine of the 17th, she having been
driven back by tornados and tempestuous weather. Having learned
the Assembly's temper by the nature of the vote, whereof I enclose
copy (see ante, No. 1098), I intend to be no more a stranger to their
proceedings but to appoint one of my own servants to be their
clerk, whereas hitherto I gratified them in their electing one of their
own. On the 22nd instant His Majesty's frigate Success, Captain
Tyte, arrived in Port Royal, and on the day before the Carlisle,
Captain Swan. The Success takes the place of the Hunter, which
I am sending to Carthagena to demand some English prisoners
taken since my arrival in this place, which I could not do if the
Success were not here to "countenance the harbour," where the
people still dread the appearance of the French fleet. 1 p. "Recd,
7th Dec., read 15th Dec. 1679." [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 126,
and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 340.] |
| Sept. 25. |
1130. Edward Randolph's receipt for the following papers from
William Blathwayt, Esq., to be delivered in New England:—Four
letters for the Governors of the four colonies, Connecticut, Rhode
Island, New Plymouth, and Massachusetts Bay, from the Committee
of Trade and Plantations, and one letter from His Majesty to the
Governor and Company of Massachusetts, dated the 24th of July
last; as also His Majesty's picture and Royal Arms, with a seal
and press, and an Order of Council for authenticating the seal; four
commissions for swearing the Governors of the colonies, and
commissions for the Government of New Hampshire; map of
Boston Harbour. Signed, Ed. Randolph. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIII., No. 127.] |
Sept. 26.
Whitehall. |
1131. Secretary Coventry to Governor Winslow. The King
has received his letter of 1st July, and commands him to
let him know they are the first letters received from him, and is
very thankful; for the present he never received, nor the letters, the
copies of which he has sent. The King is very sensible of the
dutiful respects declared in them, and assures him that his kindness
and protection will never be wanting to such of his subjects as
honestly and conscientiously declare their submission and obedience
in them. The things required in the letter are referred to the
Committee of Council; Mr. Randolph, who brings this letter, will
tell him there was no time to debate then, but he shall receive an
answer by the next opportunity. Encloses the Order in Council
upon it, asks him to receive Mr. Randolph civilly as a person the
King believeth very well of. Duplicate. 1 page, with seal. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 128.] |
Sept. 29.
Narragansett. |
1132. Richard Smith to Sir R. Southwell. Thanks him for his
kindness relating to the furthering of his petitions. Was in hopes
that Mr. Randolph would have gotten out orders on both, but
understands he hath not. It is probable Randall Holden and John
Greene, Warwick messengers, might obstruct it by giving false
information, as they have done in many other things relating to
the Narragansett country and the rest of the colonies in New
England and to Mr. William Harris, whom they have most notoriously
abused and forced a possession on his interest, and those of Rhode
Island comploys (accomplices) with them. They do now since the
coming home of those two base fellows, Holden and Greene, force
possessions on several of their lands there in the King's province at
Narragansett, notwithstanding His Majesty's letters commanding
the colonies, all of them, the contrary; which made them, the first
settlers and "ainchant" inhabitants draw up a remonstrance and
petition to the King. It was directed in a letter to Mr. William
Harris for him to deliver, but he is arrived in Narragansett before
it came, so that it lies enclosed in that letter at his landlord's, one
John Stokes, a baker, in Wentworth Street, near Spitalfields. Copy
of the letter is enclosed. Requests Southwell's favourable aspect
thereon, that the King and Council may have the sight of it and
grant an order for their release. Are now governed by men's wills,
and most of them Quakers, and of such and worse does Rhode
Island consist; they were left by the King's Commissioners as
Justices, till His Majesty's pleasure were farther known, and instead
of that they exercise their patent right. Rhode Island has lately
writ to the King begging the Narragansett country, which, if
granted, they will dispossess the inhabitants here of their rights.
If it is to be procured, wishes his Honour would get the "signoroty"
of it, which would in time be very profitable. Has requested
Squire John Lewen to take up the petition and to advise with him
as to getting it presented; if that should miscarry the enclosed is
the same. Was lately arrested at Rhode Island (a copy of their
warrant is enclosed (see ante, No. 1067), on no charge, and then
detained from Saturday to Monday in the afternoon; and then they
met the Governor and Council and drew up a charge, (1) for
presenting a petition in England tending to the subversion of their
government, (2) for denying the King's authority, (3) for charging
their court with injustice. The petition presented he (Sir R.
Southwell) had seen. About six or seven years since they came
over to Narragansett to keep court and sat in the King's province;
which he (Smith) forbade them to do, as the Commissioners had
ordered no one to exercise jurisdiction there but those appointed
by themselves, and if that order was void then Connecticut had
precedency. As for charging them with insults, did not; but might
very well, relating to one Mr. John Saffin, a very fine discreet person,
a proprietor in Narragansett country, who, for putting up an
advertisement about sale of lands there, was arrested at Rhode
Island on Sunday night. Saffin was tried at the next court in
May last by a jury, several of whom had forced possession on his
lands, and the foreman had prejudged the cause beforehand; all
which he challenged of, but could not have it granted. So he was
brought in guilty of what they have no law for, that his estate
should be forfeited to their colony and he fined 30l.; and if this be
not injustice, knows not what is. Must come to a trial before them
next October, and if they abuse him at that rate shall move to
England to have the question re-heard. Is emboldened to acquaint
Southwell with these facts, and to request so great a favour of him
by his good nature and inclination to help the wronged, and by his
commands to inform him of the affairs of the country. Here is
peace, the heathen most killed and taken; some are fled and do no
damage. A prodigious and dreadful fire has lately happened in
Boston, in which is consumed at least 200,000l.; some think it set
on fire by design by Papists, but it is not known. It broke out
between twelve and one o'clock. Are alarmed at the French fleet
in the West Indies. A great year for fruit and corn, cider in
abundance. Endorsed, "Recd. 5th March 16 79/80." 3 pp. [Col
Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 129.] |
| Sept. 30. |
1133. Minutes of the Council of Barbadoes. Ordered, that
Colonel William Bate, at the next meeting of the Council, produce
the order for delivering arms out of the public stores to the
companies called the Auxiliaries, and give an account why they
were not paid for. That writs issue for the election of an
Assembly on Monday, 20th October, the Members elected to meet
at the usual place the next day. That the Treasurer pay Samuel
Norris, gunner at the Hole Fort, five thousand pounds of Muscovado sugar for a year's salary. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI.,
p. 302.] |
| [Sept.] |
1134. [Henry Jocelyn to Sir E. Andros.] My Lord Sterling's
Nova Scotia ordered by King Charles II. to be delivered to the
French in 1633, was thus bounded; C. Breton the E. bounds, and
thence westward to Ste. Croix right against the E. end of the
Grande Munhane, and a line E. from Pascattamaguade. Captain
Walter Neale made Governor by the Council of Plymouth in 1631
of all of New England that was not granted to others; the
W. bounds began at the E. end of Boston Patent, and went E. as
far as Sta. Croix. All his time the French never claimed any land
W. of Nova Scotia, but two years after he left M. Donee was sent
by M. Commander Rasilio living at Lahane, E. from Cape Sable some
40 leagues, with a ship to discover the coast of Nova Scotia and
New England. And in Penobscot Bay in a great fog Thomas Willett
coming from Pemaquid to his house at Penobscot in a small
shallop came foul of Donee's ship. Donee took him and made him
pilot him to his house at Penobscot, and forced him to give him a
bill of sale of his land and house, but sent him away in his shallop.
Willett coming to his owners at Plymouth, they procured him a
ship of 32 guns, an Ipswich man, to go and retake Penobscot with
some land forces of their own, Captain Standish being commander
of them. In the meantime Donee had fortified himself, and planted
on a mount four or five great guns. The Plymouth forces demanding a surrender, he seemed willing upon honourable terms;
but they refusing, Donee told them they must win it before they
should enjoy it, and played his part so well (that) the great ship
and Plymouth soldiers were forced to quit the place. Endorsed,
"Sept. 79. Mr. Henry Joselin of Eastern County. For his
"Excellence Sir E. Andros, Gov. Gen. of all his Royal Highness
"territories in America." 1p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIII., No. 130.] |
