|
Feb. 2.
Jamaica. |
427. Considerations about the Spaniards buying negroes of the
English Royal Company, and receiving 2/3 at Jamaica and ⅓ at
Barbadoes. It is near 20 per cent. cheaper for the Assientistas to
give 110 pieces of 8 per head at Jamaica than at Curaçao. From
Jamaica negroes may be easily transported to Sta. Martha, and so
to all the ports leeward as far as La Vera Cruz, and from Barbadoes
to all the windward parts of the Continent. The Spaniards need
not fear aggrandizing Jamaica by any such contract, for the
planters there believe it would be to their prejudice; but were it
so, such a consideration comes too late, the Island being already
well fortified and peopled, and so planted that it will load 100 ships
yearly, so it is their interest to live well by a bad neighbour they
cannot remove. The English cannot give such apprehensions of
spoiling the trade as the Dutch have, for they have no slight or
counterfeit goods, or silks or linens which can be transported so
cheap viâ Jamaica or Cadiz, and it is certain such goods for 3
or 4 years have been cheaper amongst the Spaniards than at
Jamaica. Nor is it to the interest of England the vent of their
manufacture by Spain should be interrupted; but to prevent such
importations of goods the negroes might be transported in English
ships and delivered before officers that should see them immediately
dispatched. It is for the interest of England and Jamaica that the
Spaniards be preserved in possession of the countries they have in
the West Indies, and that the Franch grow not too strong on
Hispaniola; the reasons are obvious. Such a contract settled at
Jamaica would occasion a factory being there, and be a means of
more frequent advice from Europe. The ships hired for trans
portation of the negroes would awe, reduce, and punish all pirates,
and make them leave the Indies or that trade, which the Spaniards
cannot do, but at vast charge. Such a contract would make the
subjects of both Crowns have good correspondence, and make the
world see it is not for the advantage of the English to have any
other colony but Jamaica. It would also be fit the Assientistas
paid something more per head to his Catholic Majesty, which
would considerably advance the revenue. Endorsed, "Recd on the
6 Dec. 1675." 3½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 5.] |
Feb. 8.
Nevis. |
428. Governor Stapleton to the Council for Plantations. Need
not recite the often repeated grievances of these Islands bleeding
for redress, but beseeches them to consider them in this conjuncture
of peace. The Indians of Dominica have again committed murders
and rapines upon Antigua a little before Christmas last, whereupon
we empowered the Deputy Governor, Col. Philip Warner, with
6 small companies of foot, to go to Dominica to be revenged on
those heathens for their bloody and perfidious villanies, who killed
80, took some prisoners, destroyed their provisions, and carried
away most of their periagoes and canoes, as their warlike vessels
are called; his pretended brother, Indian Warner (reputed natural
son to Sir Thomas), fell amongst his fellow heathens, who, though
he had an English commission, was a great villain, and took a
French commission, which makes him suspect that these Indians
have been put on by those who made use of them in the late war.
Beseeches their Lordships to move his Majesty that they may have
some frigates as their neighbours have constantly relieved, and if
he does not destroy those heathens who have so often treacherously
spilled English blood, or at least render them incapable of assisting
their neighbours in time of war, let him be severely punished.
Must confess this design may be better effected by the Government
of Barbadoes, which is nearer and to windward, and no better
service could be performed for these inhabitants, who are forced
to watch continually for a heathen enemy, than their absolute
destruction,—a thing easily to be effected,—or at least to reduce
them to live on the main land. Endorsd, "Recd by Mr Scutt,
mercht 2 April 75. Read at the Committee, 17 June 1675."
1½ pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 6.] |
Feb. 9.
Whitehall. |
429. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
Report of Sec. Williamson that his Majesty, having lately dissolved
the Commission for the Council of Trade and Plantations, ordered
that all things depending there should be brought to a Committee
of the Council Board as formerly, and he had now brought the
papers relating to the calling away of his Majesty's subjects from
Surinam, and a Commission and Instructions forthwith to be prepared for the Commissioners going there. Draft of a Commission
to Edward Cranfield, Edward Dickenson, and Mark Brent read,
and several amendments ordered; also a Draft of Instructions, and
several alterations made, the Dutch orders to be examined, and
these Instructions to be made suitable to what the States General
give in charge to their Governor of Surinam. Mr. Pepys to bring
in an account of provisions made ready for the negroes, and a
method for their distribution, and about the course of the voyage.
1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., No. CIV., 1.] |
| (Feb. 9.) |
430. "The present Instructions (for the Commissioners for
Surinam) compared with those given to Bannister," being notes by
Sec. Williamson of differences in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th,
and 9th clauses. Endorsed, "Feb. 9," &c. 1 p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 34, No. 7.] |
| Feb. 10. |
431. Petition of Rowland Simson, late Planter in Surinam,
newly arrived in England, to the King. That petitioner, with
others of his Majesty's subjects, at the time of Maj. Bannister's
going for Jamaica, was forced to abide in Surinam, the Dutch
Governor having privately given orders that none should buy the
plantations of any English that went off; that he made ready for
the first opportunity to transport himself, but was disappointed
by the intervening of the late Dutch war; that having now sold
his plantations, petitioner freighted the Golden Lyon of Surdam
(there being no passage but by way of Holland), and laded her
with 309 hhds. of sugar worth 3,500l., all his estate in the world;
that said ship was taken by a French frigate off Scilly, 5th Dec.
last, and carried into Milford Haven, whereupon petitioner
obtained a warrant out of the High Court of Admiralty for her
arrest, which was executed by the Chief Marshal of the Port
26th Jan., and she continued under arrest till 31st, when the
captain of the French frigate turned said officer out of the ship
arrested by force, and sailed away with the prize (as is feared)
into some port of France. Prays for his Majesty's Royal letters to
the Most Christian King for restoring petitioner's goods, or for
satisfaction any way as his Majesty shall think fit. "Read Feb.
10th, '74–5. Nothing done." 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 8.] |
| Feb.? |
432. Memorandum by (Sec. Williamson) to look over letters
received from Sir Wm. Temple, and see what he says upon the
point of Zealand being to give orders or not about the business of
Surinam. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 9.] |
| Feb. 11. |
433. Order of the Committee for Trade and Plantations.
Finding mention made in the orders of the States General of the
18th Jan. last concerning the bringing off of His Majesty's
subjects, with their goods and estates, from Surinam, of an instruction to be given to the States of Zealand to cause their said intentions to be punctually observed by the Governor of Surinam;
and finding that these orders from Zealand are not yet come,
ordered, that Mr. Sec. Williamson be desired to write forthwith to
Sir W. Temple, his Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary at the
Hague, to obtain the same, and send over with all speed the
originals with authentic copies, in like manner as already obtained
from the States General, as the Committee think not fit to advise
that the Commissioners depart without, lest their whole business
should be overthrown. Draft with corrections. 2 pp. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 34, No. 10.] |
Feb. 11–12.
Whitehall. |
434. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations.
Feb. 11. Sec. Williamson acquainted the Board that the points in
which the late Council of Plantations, in their report to the King
of 27th Oct. last, thought it necessary for the States General to
give positive orders to their Governor of Surinam, had been
negotiated by Sir William Temple, and satisfaction obtained in
most; that the States had sent the orders for their Governor, three
of each sort sealed up (one for each of our ships), and the translate
open and authenticated; and that his Majesty had, in the Committee of Foreign Affairs, acquiesced in the points where the
Instructions did not agree with that was demanded. Said Instructions perused, and the States' supplemental order mentioning
Mr. Brent as one of the Commissioners instead of Ferdinando
Gorges, who had withdrawn. Ordered, that the present Instructions also conform to what was given in Instruction to Capt. Baker,
who went in the Advice boat; that mention be made of the Prince
of Orange's letter granted in this behalf, but not open; that great
care be taken to obtain from Zealand a concurrence with the orders
of the States, of which these orders seem to intimate the necessity,
and that the Governor of Surinam is commissionated by them;
and that Edward Cranfield be first named in the Commission, then
Capt. Edw. Dickenson of the King's frigate, and Mark Brent last. |
|
Feb. 12. Proposal of Mr. Cranfield to call at the Madeiras to
take in wine and provisions, and then at the Cape de Verd Islands
for salt, that if the Planters of Surinam might not have a good
price for their cattle from the Dutch they might bring them away
slaughtered. Ordered, that Sir R. Southwell write to Mr. Pepys to
consult the Lords of the Admiralty of what consequence in expense
and loss of time that digression might be, the Lords having advice
that some Dutch negro ships were designed to Surinam, whose
arrival might engage the English Planters in purchasing and consequently in a stay there, which by all means was to be prevented,
there being hopes of that Colony's ruin by the coming of the
English away. Several points of the Instructions altered and
amended. Letters to be written to the several Governors of Plantations for the kind reception of these Planters. 2 pp. [Col. Entry
Book, No. CIV., 2–3.] |
| Monday. |
435. Saml. Pepys to Sir Robt. Southwell, Secretary to the Committee of Council for Plantations. Will take care to dispose of
the product he speaks of to the proper hands, if he shall command
him; and will do the like as to directing the masters how to
dispose of themselves after the Surinam work be over. Will soon
find him out to adjust this more particularly. ½ p. [Col. Papers,
Vol. 34, No. 11.] |
13 Feb.
St. James's. |
436. Sir John Werden to Gov. Andros. Has not yet received any letters from him since his arrival, news of which is
come by the Exchange news, and particularly by Mr. Delavall,
whose correspondents in the parts adjacent have found ways to
inform him of most that hath happened about the time of Andros'
arrival there. Is under some impatience to hear what sort of com
putation may be made of his future felicities in his plan which is
represented there under many different characters; most especially
would fain to know how far the public revenues are likely to
support the public charges, the effects of his late moderating the
customs; what likelihood there is of drawing more English to
inhabit there to compensate the discouragements they give the
Dutch, and whether the having obtained licences for a few ships
to go and come directly 'twixt Holland and England was heretofore
the great secret to raise the customs, and is still of that indispensable necessity (as Mr. Delavall positively asserts) as without it
the garrison cannot subsist. The customs are now rated, in
Mr. Delavall's opinion (who really is a very knowing man), not
being likely to amount to near so much as shall defray the charge
of government. P.S.—Nothing has as yet been done towards
adjusting Sir George Carteret's pretensions in new Jersey; presumes he will take care to keep all things in the same posture as
regards the Duke's prerogatives and profits as they were in his
predecessor's time till he shall hear of some alteration agreed to
there. Printed in New York Documents, III., 228–229. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. 70, p. 17.] |
Feb. 17.
Derby House. |
437. Saml. Pepys to Sir Robt. Southwell. Having endeavoured,
but without success, to wait on him, this is to tell him that he has
some days since delivered to Mr. Sec. Williamson a memorial of all
he has to trouble him with touching the provisions to be issued to
the King's subjects in their transportation from Surinam, to which
paper he will please to be referred. ½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34,
No. 12.] |
| Feb. 16–18. |
438. Minutes of the Assembly of Barbadoes. Debate on the
papers recommended by his Excellency, viz., the letter from the
Council of Plantations touching the defects of the Laws, and his
Majesty's letter about the Farmers of the 4½ per cent. |
| Feb. 17. |
His Excellency's Commission, sent for the inspection of the
Assembly, read and ordered to be entered in the Assembly Book
of Orders, as follows:—Here follows the Commission, dated at
Westminster, 24th Feby. 1673–74 (see preceding Vol., No. 1185).
An Act appointing how the testimony of persons of the Hebrew
nation shall be admitted in all Courts, read three times and passed.
Ordered by his Excellency, Council, and Assembly, that the Commissioners for settling the Public Accounts order payment of
13,200 lbs. of sugar to the gunner, mate, and matrosses of Charles
Fort, for salary for 5 months from the 25th Sept. last, out of the
arrears of former levies. An Act for taking off the 80 days after
execution, for future contracts, passed without the last proviso. |
| Feb. 18. |
An Act to confirm the Lease made by John Stanfast to his Excellency, passed. Answer drawn up to the letter from the Council
of Plantations touching defects in the Laws, considered and referred to William Sharpe to perfect against the next sitting of the
Assembly. The address of the Council and Assembly to his Excellency concerning the insupportable injuries done to the Island
and other his Majesty's plantations by the Royal African Company,
read and communicated to the Council to amend if they see cause.
Adjourned to this day 5 weeks. 10½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
No. XIII., 146–156.] |
| Feb. 17. |
439. Sir Jonathan Atkins, Governor of Barbadoes, to (the
Secretary to the Council for Plantations). Has received two of his
to his great satisfaction. His promised patronage is a great obligation, and in this place he dares say they will not be ungrateful,
for he finds them very obedient to the King, and to himself so
conformable that they refuse nothing he asks. Of the Indians,
brought before his arrival from the Main by Capt. Wroth, some are
dead, but the rest shall be returned according to his Majesty's
commands, a thing designed by him before that they may keep
amity with those savages, the contrary having always been very
pernicious, especially to the smaller Leeward Islands. Doubts they
have for ever lost those people, whose friendship was so necessary
in time of war, to the great damage of the French. But by the
intemperate actings of one Warner, Lieutenant-Governor of
Antigua, by an action of the greatest inhumanity, who, from what
provocation he cannot yet tell, transported 7 companies to Dominica,
a dependent of this Government, without taking any notice of or
complaint to Atkins, Warner's brother, whom he assassinated,
having a commission from Barbadoes as Lieutenant-Governor
for the King, and being the only person in these parts that asserted
the English interest and suffered imprisonment and irons during
the war for his service to the King, and coming ashore, his halfbrother, for they had both one father, joined him with the Leeward
Indians to take account of the Windward Indians for injuries done
on Antigua; but after the action he invites him and his party to a
treat, and having made them drunk with rum, caused them all to
be massacred, not sparing his brother or little children. Encloses
the examination of the master of the sloop, who was in the whole
action, wherein he will find a very tragical but he fears a very
true story, the man being a serious and intelligent man of his
quality. Had required a reason from his superior of the affront
done to himself in his Government, but the King's honour and
interest being so much concerned, thought it more fit to present
the matter to his Majesty. Encloses, |
|
439. i. Deposition of Wm. Hamlyn, commander of the sloop
Betty, of Antigua, aged 23, before his Excellency and
Council. In December last deponent was pressed by Col.
Philip Warner, Deputy Governor of Antigua, to go with
letters to Col. Stapleton at Nevis, and on his return was
again pressed to carry 34 men in his sloop to Dominica,
in company with two ships carrying in the whole 300
men, who arrived there on Xmas Day. Said vessels
were met by Thomas Warner, Deputy Governor for his
Majesty, who understanding Col. Warner's design was the
300 men should fall upon the Windward Indians for some
injuries supposed to be done by them to him on Antigua,
agreed to assist him with 30 Indians, and ordered 30
more to attend them to carry orders. Four Windward
Indians were slain, and believes 30 at least were killed,
besides three that were drawn by a flag of truce to come
on board and there killed. After the dispute was over,
Col. Warner invited Thomas Warner and his Indians, to
the number of 60 or 70 men, women, and children, to an
entertainment of thanks, and having made them very
drunk with rum, gave a signal, and some of the English
fell upon and destroyed them. Afterwards an Indian
calling himself Thomas Warner's son came on board
Col. Warner's ship, and told him he had killed his father
and all his friends, and prayed him to cause him also to
be killed, holding his head of one side to receive a blow,
which by Col. Philip's order was given him, and he was
thrown overboard. Deponent took an Indian boy in his
arms to preserve him, but the child was wounded in his
arms and afterwards killed; believes this slaughter was
by the sole direction of Col. Warner, against the consent
of his officers, several of whom he heard declare against
it. In pursuit of the Windward Indians, two or three
English were killed in fight. Said Thos. Warner being
advertized that Col. Warner designed to kill him, replied
he was better assured of his kindness and fidelity, being
his half brother. Deponent heard Col. Warner order
Cornet Saml. Winthorpe to kill Thos. Warner, who refused to do so. Col. Warner and his men being in great
distress for provisions, were provided by Thos. Warner
and his Indians with what they could. Together, 5½ pp
[Col. Papers, Vol. 34, Nos. 13, 13 I.] |
| Feb. 17. |
440. Copies of preceding letter and deposition. [Col. Entry
Bk., No. XLVI., 64–69.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall. |
441. Warrant to the Duke of Monmouth, the Earls of Oxford,
Mulgrave, and Craven, Lord Duras, Col. John Russell, Sir Philip
Howard, and Sir Charles Littleton. Whereas Col. Franciś
Lovelace, late Commander of the Fort of New York in America,
being committed to the Tower for not having defended the same,
has besought that Commissioners might be appointed to examine
him in order to clearing himself. His Majesty's pleasure is that
they or any five or more of them, taking the Judge Advocate to
attend them, examine the said Col. Lovelace concerning the
rendering of the said Fort and Colony to the Dutch in the
late war, and report to his Majesty what he has to say upon
the whole matter. 1 p. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. 28,
p. 125.] |
Feb. 22.
Whitehall. |
442. Order to the Lieutenant of the Tower to send Col. Lovelace
at such time and to such place as shall be testified under the hands
of the Duke of Monmouth, and the rest of the Lords and others
appointed to examine him. [Dom. Entry Bk., Chas. II., Vol. 28,
p. 125d.] |
Feb. 23.
Whitehall. |
443. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations. An
Order of Council of the 12th instant on petition of Mr. Hinton
proposing a Governor and regulation of the fishery at Newfoundland, read; also said petition, and several papers annexed containing
reasons for settling a Governor, and the objections against one
answered. Ordered, that all the papers be found out which were
formerly urged (sic) in this matter contrary to what was settled in
Council by order of 10th March 1670–71; that the Lord Treasurer
be desired to be present at the next meeting on Thursday morning;
and that meantime all proceedings in the Council relating to this
matter, what passed in the late Council of Plantations, and the
old regulations of 1633, be got together for their Lordships
perusal, they appearing inclined to the reasons alleged for the
necessity of a Governor. 1 p. [Col. Entry Book, No. CIV.,
3, 4.] |
Feb. 25.
Whitehall. |
444. The King to the Governor and Company of the City of
London for the Plantation of the Somers Islands, alias Bermudas.
Whereas his Majesty is informed by their petition that King
James, having granted said islands then uninhabited to them, with
power to make byelaws for their management, and that they have
planted them and maintain them at a yearly charge of many
hundred pounds, which they have no other means to defray but
by the duty of one penny per lb. on all tobaccos of the growth of
the islands, and that by the charter and laws of the Company no
member thereof ought to send or bring into or from the said islands
any goods but in the Company's magazine ships yearly sent for the
supply of the inhabitants and the bringing home the tobacco; and
whereas one Perient Trott, a member of the Company, to avoid
payment of said duties, and in contempt of the laws of the Company,
has sent several ships to said islands, and clandestinely brought
over great quantities of tobaccos, and the better to carry on his
designs has obtained his Majesty's Letters granting him liberty to
bring any goods from said islands in any ships whatsoever, by
which the rest of the trading part of the Company would be discouraged, the duties be unpaid, and they utterly disabled to support
the Company or preserve the islands, his Majesty in consideration
that said Letters were obtained by misinformation and surprize,
by these presents revokes and recalls them, and in particular those
of 17th August last, leaving said Perient Trott to be governed by
the laws of the Company. Mem.—That another letter of same
date was directed to the Governor and Council in the Somers
Islands alias Bermudas, in the same form. 2 pp. [Dom. Entry
Bk., Chas. II., Vol. 42, pp. 9–11.] |
Feb. 25.
Whitehall. |
445. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations. The
entries of what passed and was settled in the books of the late
Council of Plantations touching the Fishery of Newfoundland,
read. Order of Council thereon to be examined touching the truth
of the recital, and whether any provision was made in lieu of the
Earl Marshal's power for punishing crimes, as there directed. Two
petitions from the gentry, magistrates, merchants, and ship
owners in the west of England, read. Mr. Sec. Williamson to be
attended for a copy of the confirmation granted touching the
regulation of the fishery of Newfoundland. The Commissioners of
the Customs to be written to for some account of the product of the
Newfoundland trade, as far as they can trace it in their books. Sir R.
Southwell to write to Mr. Bertie, that some of the last captains
who sent convoys to Newfoundland be found out and spoken with,
or that those that have been secretaries to the Lord High Admiral
be spoken to for some of their journals. Resolved by their Lordships to consider of a method of having journals from all merchant
ships going long voyages; they proposed a continuation of Purchas'
History with relation to his Majesty's Plantations, but seemed to
mention some instruction given already in this matter by the Lords
of the Admiralty, and for finding out a fit person for this undertaking. Ordered, that a minute of letters be sent down to the
magistrates of Southampton, Poole, Weymouth, Melcombe Regis,
Lyme, Exeter, Dartmouth, Plymouth, East Low, Foy, Falmouth,
Bideford, Barnstaple, and Bristol, to signify his Majesty's command
for the review of all things concerning the fishery and touching a
governor in Newfoundland, and that they immediately appoint
agents, and give full information of all they think advisable in that
affair. Ordered, that a summons be sent to the merchants of the
Exchange acquainted with the Newfoundland trade to attend on
Saturday. 1½ pp. [Col. Entry Book, No. CIV., 4, 5.] |
| Feb. 25. |
446. Mem. concerning the provisions to be sent to Surinam.
Whereas provisions, to be accounted for by the respective masters,
are put on board the ships Henry and Sarah, Jo. Baker, master;
America, Roger Paxton, master; and Hercules, Simon Orton,
master, for victualling his Majesty's subjects to be transported from
Surinam to some other Colonies; and said masters are directed
before sailing from Surinam to prepare exact lists of the names of
the persons sent on board, with the day of the month each comes
on board, said lists to be attested by his Majesty's Commissioners
going thither, with their certificate of the number of persons, and
on their arrival at the plantations, before landing any of them, to
apply to the Governor of the place to appoint some person to make
lists, to be attested by said Governor, of the persons on board, and
who shall be landed, with certificate of the day each was landed; and
lastly, to give account to the Governor of any victuals remaining,
and in his presence dispose of same at public sale by inch of
candle. Moved, That as well the Commissioners as the Governors, &c., of said places, receive directions to take such accounts,
give such orders and certificates, and do all other things conformable to the preceding directions to the masters. "The 25th
of Feb. 1674(–5). Received from Mr. Sec. Williamson, and to him
sent by Mr. Pepys. Read at the Committee the 27th ditto, and
to be inserted before the last Article of the Surinam Instructions."
2 pp. [Col. Papers, Vol. 34, No. 14.] |
Feb. 27.
Whitehall. |
447. Minutes of the Committee of Trade and Plantations. The
Instructions for Surinam again read, and some amendments made,
and a private Instruction ordered for persuading the planters rather
to pass into some other of his Majesty's plantations than return
home. The touching of the Commissioners at the Cape Verd
Islands forbidden, on the report of the Lords of the Admiralty, of
its great inconvenience. Ordered that the Commission and Instructions be given to the Commissioners for perusal, that they
may represent anything they find to object to. Messrs. Gould,
Perrot, Scut, and several other merchants attended, who after
reading the papers before their Lordships were desired to discourse
their thoughts touching the business of Newfoundland. Mr. Perrot
was against any encouragement for a colony there, as a thing that
would destroy the navigation, nor did the country afford any
comfort to the inhabitants, according to a proverb in the west, "If
it were not for wood, water, and fish, Newfoundland were not
worth a rush." He affirmed that the French only inhabit one side
of the island for the beaver trade, and have a small fort for
defence against the Indians; none of our ports were fit to be
defended, except St. John's and one other, but they were sufficiently
defended by ice in the winter, and in summer by our own strength
at sea; the usual rule for manning our ships is 50 men to 100
tons; the capital vended in commodities may be 150,000l. a year;
there may be 150 ships, that each boat with five men may catch
200 quintals in a boat, and all the boats belonging to said ships
may catch 300,000 quintals, which may produce 300,000l., of which
the mariners may have one-third of the clear profit; and nothing
so much discouraged the Adventurers as the inhabitants there, who
destroyed the woods and all that is left behind, got early into the
best places for fishing, and debauched the seamen by wine and
brandy, which they all sell. Mr. Gould was for encouraging a
colony, as the only way to catch fish cheap, and undersell the
French, otherwise the trade must be ruined; and one said the
French had 600 ships fishing on the bank. Messrs. Gould and
Perrot desired to consider of the whole matter and put their
thoughts into writing. The Lords of the Admiralty to be desired
to give Instructions to the next convoy to make several necessary
inquiries into the state of that island. Information to be sent for
to St. Malo and other parts of France of the number of ships and
their tonnage that go yearly to Newfoundland, of the regulations
by which that trade is carried on, what encouragement is given
to it, what their capital is, and what advantage they make yearly
by it. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. CIV., 6, 7.] |
| Feb. 27. |
448. Sam. Pepys to Sir Robert Southwell, Secretary to the
Committee of Council for Plantations. The Navy Officers all agree
in opposing the proposition of the Surinam ships of stopping at
Cape-de-Verd Islands for salt, as it would expose his Majesty to
ten times greater charge by loss of time and expenses, than what
the cost of so much salt to be carried hence (if that be thought
advisable) will amount to: which he may please to communicate
to their Lordships in answer to their commands. 1 p. [Col.
Papers, Vol. 34, No. 15.] |
| Feb. 27. |
449. Notes in Williamson's handwriting of the evidence of
Messrs. Gould and Perrot before the Committee for Trade and
Plantations concerning the business of Newfoundland. 4 pp. See
also Williamson's note book on this subject, ante No. 405. [Col.
Papers, Vol. 34, No. 16.] |
| Feb. |
450. Four Acts and two Petitions made at a General Assembly
held at St. Maries (Maryland), the 12th day of February, in the
43rd year of the dominion of Cœcilius, &c., A.D. 1674(–75), the
titles of which are as follows:— |
|
(1.) An Act empowering the Governor and Council to levy the
charge for making war or peace with the Indians. |
|
(2.) For reviving of certain laws within this Province. |
|
Petition of John Long, of the city of London, merchant. |
|
Petition of Jacob Duhattoway, Anthony Briscoe, and Peter
Achillis, all resident and inhabiting within this Province. |
|
(3.) An Act concerning what shall be allowed to the Grand
Juries that are summoned twice a year out of the body of the
Province to attend Provincial Courts; and |
|
(4.) For payment and assessing the public charges of this
Province. |
|
Mem.—These laws passed under the great seal of this Province,
Feb. 26, 1674(–75). Philip Calvert, Canc. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LIII., pp. 285–295.] |
| Feb.—April. |
451. Three Acts, Laws of Barbadoes, passed in 1675, viz.:
(1)An Act appointing how the testimony of the Hebrew nation
shall be admitted in all Courts and causes, Feb. 17; (2) for taking
off the 80 days after execution, for future contracts, Mar. 25; and
(3) for regulating the gauge of sugar cask, April 15. Printed.
2½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., No. XV., 94–96.] |
